\ 
 
g ^ 
 
THE 
 
 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN AND MINSTER 
 
 . OF 
 
 BEYERIiEY, 
 
 IN THE COUNTY OF YORK, 
 
 FROM THB MOST EARLY PERIOD ; 
 
 With 
 
 THE CONVENT OF HALTEMPRISE, 
 
 the; villages OF 
 
 COTTINGHAM, LECKONFIELD, BISHOP AND CHERRY BURTON, WALKINGTON, 
 
 RISBY, SCORBURGH, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 Compiled from 
 
 Public and Private Records, and Manuscripts of undoubted authority ; 
 
 AND ILLUSTRATED BT 
 
 Nameroas Engravings on Copper, Wood, and Stone ; and other valuable Embellishments. 
 
 BY GEORGE OLIVER, 
 
 vicar of clee, in the county of LINCOLN ; domestic chaplain to the right honourable 
 
 LORD KENSINGTON; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, SCOTLAND. 
 
 l^tt)txUp : 
 
 PRINTED AND SOLD BY M. TURNER. 
 SOLD ALSO BY MESSRS. BALDWIN AND CRADOCK, LONDON; M. TURNER AND CO. HULL; 
 
 AND ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 
 
 1829. 
 
To 
 
 His Grace 
 
 EDWARD VENABLES VERNON, D. D. 
 
 Lord Archbishop of York, 
 
 Primate of England and Metropolitan, 
 
 Lord High Almoner to the King, 
 
 «&c. &c. <&c. 
 
 Principal Trustee of the Minster Church of Beterlit; 
 
 Of which superb Fabric 
 
 And of the Ecclesiastical Interests of the Town in general, 
 
 (Although the connexion of Lord and Vassal, 
 
 Which in ancient Times subsisted 
 
 Between His Grace's Predecessors and the Inhabitants of BiTBiiLir, 
 
 Has been dissolved 
 
 By the gradual introduction of more polished Institutions, 
 
 Which have infused 
 
 A fpmiT of Freedom and Civilization unknown to our remote Forifatiirs;) 
 
 He is the legitimate and attentive Guardian; 
 
 THIS WORK, 
 
 Which professes to illustrate the darker Periods of their History, 
 
 as well as to develope 
 
 The PROGRESSIVE OPERATION OF THOSE KINDLY SYSTEMS 
 
 Which redeemed the Serf from Bondage, 
 And distributed the blessings of Civil and Religious Liberty 
 With an impartial Hand, 
 Is respectfully Inscribed, 
 
 (With His Grace^s kind Permission,) 
 By His Grace's obliged, 
 
 And most devoted 
 
 Humble Servant, 
 
 GEO. OLIVER. 
 
 a2 
 
 
 2G0 
 
a 
 
 iHOti -ti) 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 " Let no man say, I'll write a duodecimo." Such was the exclamation of 
 Laurence Sterne while eng-ag-ed in a work of fancy, which had no other limit 
 than the will and pleasure of its author. But of all writers the observation will 
 most properly apply to the Topographer and the Antiquary, whose materials, like 
 a ball of snow, accumulate as they advance ; and their performances, consequently, 
 almost always exceed the limits originally prescribed. In the present instance, 
 the projected octavo has swelled into a quarto, and even with this alteration in the 
 plan, so abundant have the materials been, that in many instances it has been 
 found difficult to determine what to insert and what to reject.' I flatter myself, 
 however, that I have succeeded in condensing as much useful and interesting 
 matter into the following pages as they are capable of containing, and that such 
 documents only have been rejected as were either trivial or of no general impor- 
 tance. It is therefore to be feared that an anxiety to crowd an extended mass of 
 information w^ithin a prescribed compass, may, in some parts of the work, have 
 cramped the style or weakened the energy of the composition. Should this fault 
 be detected, it must be referred to my determination to do ample justice to the 
 essential parts of the subject, rather than to any species of carelessness or inatten- 
 tion arising from a want of interest in the undertaking ; for I have been impressed 
 with a firm conviction that the excellence of a Topographical work depends more 
 on assiduity of research and accuracy of delineation, than on the embellishments of 
 style and laboured elegance of diction. 
 
 It will be needless to add that I have encountered difficulties and disadvantages 
 which are now effectually removed, and will cease to impede the progress of any 
 future topographer or historian who may follow me in the same track. I have 
 
 ' The materials were so exceedingly diffuse, that I have been obliged, in cases of mere per- 
 sonal transfer, or conveyances of individual possessions, to be as brief as was consistent with 
 perspicuity ; otherwise two quarto volumes would scarcely have contained the astonishing mass of, 
 matter which had accumulated under my hands. 
 
Tl 
 
 cleared the way for others, and made smooth the path which has been so rugged 
 to myself. Little assistance has been derived from the previous brief accounts of 
 Beverley which are found in works on general topography ; for they all bear one 
 character, and from Leland to Baines there is little variation in the hackneyed 
 statement. The plan and execution of the present work therefore, may claim the 
 merit of originality ; and if, amidst the laborious and complicated researches which 
 have employed my most anxious attention, any important incident should have 
 escaped my notice, it can be imputed only to those ungracious obstacles which form 
 a common subject of complaint with every writer who has been engaged in works 
 of a similar nature, the fastidious retention of documents which might have contri- 
 buted their aid to rectify what is erroneous, or illustrate what is obscure. 
 
 The first topographical account of Beverley, which has been handed down to us 
 in a printed form, is contained principally in the third volume of Leland's Col- 
 lectanea, and consists of sundry loose notices and traditions which that celebrated 
 antiquary collected during his enquiries respecting the state of the Collegiate 
 church, and the minor religious houses in the reign of Henry VIII. How 
 authentic soever these desultory observations may be, they form but a very slender 
 basis on which to rest the majestic structure of its general history. Besides, they 
 are sometimes incorrect, sometimes confused, and always imperfect; and the 
 chronology having been entii*ely neglected, it is difficult to arrange the facts with 
 absolute precision. On this disjointed foundation have all succeeding accounts of 
 Beverley been raised. Genf has given us little additional matter except his col- 
 lection of epitaphs ; and what he did attempt to add to the original of Leland is 
 charged with gross inaccuracies on the one hand, and fabulous legends on the 
 other. Camden' and Drake* have furnished some original notices, but their infor- 
 mation is mostly drawn from the same source. TickelP has presented us with a 
 few facts as far as they had any connexion with his subject ; and we find in Ency- 
 clopaedias and other general works a short article on the town and church of 
 Beverley ; and the recent publication by Baines® contains a brief narrative of their 
 origin and some of their existing institutions. But in all these works we are dis- 
 appointed in our endeavours to find materials of sufficient importance for a complete 
 and extended histoiy. The " Short History of Beverley Minster," by the Rev. 
 Joseph Coltman, is almost the only publication to which the historian or antiquary 
 
 Hist. Ripon. » Britannia. ♦ Eboracam. * Hist. Hall. * Directory. 
 
Vll 
 
 can refer with sentiments of unmixed satisfaction ; and to this little pamphlet I 
 acknowledge myself indebted for much information respecting the early history of 
 the Minster Church. A dissertation relating to the disputes between Beverley and 
 Hull, authenticated by some substantial references, has been recently given to the 
 world by Mr. Frost.'^ Warburton made considerable accumulations towards a 
 History of Beverley ; but the attempt was subsequently abandoned, and his papers 
 were deposited in the noble collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne, and are now 
 in the British Museum.* Dugdale^ and Tanner'" have furnished a fertile source of 
 reference ; and the papers and documents enumerated by the latter have been of 
 essential service in directing my enquiries into a channel whence an abundance of 
 matter has flowed. I allude to the Records in the Tower, Exchequer, and other 
 public depositories, where numerous manuscripts and evidences lie scattered in a 
 detached form, a catalogue of which would extend this preface beyond its just 
 limits." Suffice it to say that they have been sedulously consulted ; and authentic 
 
 ' Notices relative to the Early Hist, of Hull, p. 119. 
 
 * They are principally contained in a thick quarto volume, and marked 896. VIII. 
 
 ^ Monasticon Anglicanum. '^ Notitia Monasticon. 
 
 " The following heads of MSS. in that one splendid national depository, the British Museum, 
 
 will be amply sufficient to shew the voluminous nature of the records which have been consulted, 
 
 when we consider that almost every public and many private libraries contain documents illustrative 
 
 of the town of Beverley. 
 
 Lansdowne MSS. 
 ?69. fo. 213. The charter of king Athelstan to the church of Saint John at Beverley, in English 
 rhyine, but in language long posterior to the time of Athelstan. « That witten all that ever beene." 
 
 446. fo. 89. Transcripts of two Saxon charters to Beverley Minster, from Edward the Con- 
 fessor and William the Conqueror. 
 
 896. VIII. A volume of printed and manuscript collections, chiefly relating to Beverley, 
 containing, Hawkesmoor's survey of Saint John's church at Beverley, A. D. 1717. The Memoirs 
 and Antiquities of Beverley, collected by Mr. Matthew Ashmole, alderman of the town. Annals 
 of Beverley, with a list of mayors. Memoranda of books and manuscripts relating to the town. 
 King's Views of Beverley. Three printed leaves, containing the History of the Minster church ; 
 from Maynard's edition of Dugdale's History of Saint Paul's. Mr. Torre's account of the Minster. 
 Trickings in pen and ink, of arms in windows, tombs, &c. in Beverley church. Index locorum, 
 collect, per G. K. R. D. 1678. Account of Saint Mary's church in Beverley. Of the foundation 
 and fate of the Collegiate church of Saint John. Rental of the revenue of the same, A. D. 1706. 
 Abstract of the grant of Edward VI. to the same. Abstract of grants from Charles II. and James 
 11. to the town. A book of tracts and evidences relating to the church of Saint John. A licence 
 to Richard Fairclough, for altering a way in the Friar Garth. Account of the monastery of 
 Beverley. A short account of the life of Saint John of Beverley, and of the antiquities there, 
 collected by Marmaduke Nelson, alderman of the town, A. D. 1710. A blazon of coats of arms 
 on the tombs and in the windows of Beverley Minster. Copy of Archbishop Thurstan's charter 
 tp the men of Beverley. Cart, antiq. R. n. 18. Copy of the charter of confirmation of Henry 
 
Vlll 
 
 copies taken of them all, as well as transcripts of numerous papers from the Aug- 
 mentation office, the Dodsworth's collection in the Bodleian library, Oxford ; the 
 
 I. Charter of Stephen, A. D. 1135. Nomina Praepositae Beverlaci. Carta Regis Edward II. 
 Carta Regis Stephani. Confirmatio Honorii Pap. circa 1125. Carta Regis Johannis. Carta 
 Regis Edw. II. Breve Regis 36 Edw. III. Plac. coram Rege apud Ebor. Term. Pasch. 16 
 Rich. II. Cantar' Joh'is Ake. Licen. Achiepiscopi. Rentale redditum et firraarum terrarum, 
 tenementorum &c. pertinen. Cantariae Rob. RoUeston clerici nuper Prepos. Eccl. B. Joh'is 
 Beverlaci. A. D. 1450. Pro Cantaria Rob'ti RoUeston. Rentali Prepositurae infra burgum Bever- 
 laci solvend. ad terminos S. Martini, pentecostes et natalis Domini. Inquis. capt. apud Beverl. 
 1407. De domo leprosorum extra Keldegate Bar. A rentali of the lands and tenements within 
 the borough of Beverley, which formerly belonged to the provosts of Saint John's church there, 
 payable at Martinmas and Christmas. Benefactors to the poor of Saint Mary's parish; Saint 
 Mary's rents, leases, &c. Ex vetusto rotulo in pergameno tempore Hen. 11° Ric. I? et Joh. ut 
 character in quo exaratur ostendit, in custodia d'ni Sedgwicke vicarij de Marflete, qui mihi (J. 
 Warburton) amice proebuit. Ordo pro ministratione in Bederna. An inventory of the books, 
 chalices, and other ornaments of the chantry chapel founded by John Ake, on the Cross Bridge 
 in Beverley. Licentia prebendarii de Fridaythorpe. Carta Henr. Maupas. The testament of 
 John de Ake. Copies and parts of wills relating to the town of Beverley. A rental of the Pro- 
 vost's lands and tenements without the borough. Taxatio prepositura Beverlaci. 6 Edw. III. A 
 list of all the persons who paid Scot and Lot in the town of Beverley, A. D. 1456. Memoranda 
 respecting the Corpus-Christi plays at Beverley. The form of the oath anciently taken by the 
 XII governors. The old oath of the burgesses. The order of the archbishop of York in relation 
 to some ill words spoken against the xii governort. A new order for the electing of the xii 
 governors, 1488. Orders of the xii governors. Articles of an order taken in the Star Chamber, 
 27 Hen. VIII. concerning the yearly election of the xii governors. Ordinance by the governors, 
 1560. Ordinances made in the mayoralty of Richard Bullock. Orders, laws, &c. made by Robert 
 Fayrer, mayor. Note concerning the timber growing in Westwood, sold to pay the town's debts. 
 The orders of the ancient company or fraternity of Minstrels in Beverley. The ordinance of the 
 young men called the iiij Yeomen in Saint Mary's parish. The ordinance, newly made, of the 
 young men called Four Yeomen in the Minster parish. Fox's Hospital. An abstract of the 
 charters in the chartulary of Beverley relating to the street called Newbiggin. Proposals for 
 
 cleaning Beverley Beck. Answers to Mr. P 's objections to Mr. W 's proposals for 
 
 cleansing Beverley Beck. Mr. Lelham's estimate for cleaning the said river. Notes by Mr. 
 Warburton respecting Beverley. Pat. 4 Hen. V. reciting Athelstan's charter to Beverley. Me- 
 moranda concerning Beverley, from Leland's Itinerary. Mr. John Burnsell's manuscript Notes 
 for additions to Camden's Britannia respecting Beverley. Extracts from some manuscript Notes 
 by the Rev. Abraham de la Prime. Act of Parliament, 18 Geo. II. for cleansing and widening 
 the creek called Beverley Beck, running into the j-iver Hull. 
 
 Harleian MSS. 
 
 368, 5. p. 5. Heads of a petition exhibited to the lord President of the northern parts by the 
 mayor and governors of Beverley, against Michael Warton, &c. 18th June. 1593. 
 
 433, 831. p. 70 b. To the governors «&:c. of the town of Beverley, 20 marks yearly till £100. 
 be paide. 
 
 560. Codex chartaceus in 4to in quo continentur . . . 1 . Collectiones de vita et miraculis 
 D. Joh'is Beverl' transcriptaB ex veteri MS. Folcardi monachi coenobii Dorobernensis. 2. Liber- 
 tates ecclesiae Sci Joh'is Beverlacensis a regibus et principibus Anglorum &c. largiter collatae et 
 usq ; in hodiernum diem usu vel consuetudinis attricione celebres obtentae ; quas magister Alu- 
 . redus vir vitae venerabilis, et prenominatae ecclesiae Sacrista, scripturarum studiosus Indagator, 
 sicut a predecessoribus suis audierat et viderat, scripto commendavit, &c. Notandum, quod Cartas 
 quae hie Anglo-Saxonice exhibentur, ab imperitissimo librario, mird depravantur. 
 
IX 
 
 Archiepiscopal Archives in the city of York, the Constable MSS. &c. relative to 
 Beverley and the surrounding villages. Added to this, a most valuable book of 
 MS. evidences has been placed in my hands by the Rev. Mr. Coltman, called " A 
 Book of the Fee of the Provost of Beverley." It contains a fund of information of 
 which I have availed myself to the uttermost, as will be seen by the great number 
 of references to it which are contained in the following pages."^ 
 
 Of an unlimited access to other sources, through the partiality and kindness of 
 private friends, I may reflect with pride and dilate with gratitude; for though I 
 have been refused assistance from sources where it might, and ought to have been 
 cheerfully conceded, yet I have the gratification of announcing the names of many 
 patrons of science, who may indulge the pleasing consciousness of having contri- 
 buted to the service of literature, of which, it is hoped, they will reap the benefits 
 and enjoy the rewards. 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hotham I beg to record my obligations for the 
 materials from which the pedigree of his lordship's ancient family has been 
 
 1394. 314. Arms in the Minster, St. Mary's, and the Guildhall. 1584, 
 
 1415. 49. and 1571. Arms and seals of the town of Beverley. 
 
 2225. 2. Prebends formerly in the Collegiate church of Beverley, with their valuation, which 
 were also in the Archbishop's gift. 
 
 4292. xvi. Codex membranaceus, continens Registrum S. Joh'is Beverlacensis, et exhibens 
 nomina petentium libertatem, i. e. Sanctuarium, S. Joh'is pro homicidiis, temporis Henrici septimi 
 et octavi nee non, (inverso ordine) Edwardi quarti. 
 
 This register contains seventy closely written folio pages. 
 
 6387. A quarto containing various notes relating to English History and Antiquities. At the 
 beginning there is a list of mayors of Doncaster, between the years 1493 and 1641 inclusive; and 
 interspersed throughout the book there is mention of several things relating to Beverley. 
 
 '2 This book is a folio, bound in calf, and appears to be a transcript from some more volumi- 
 nous work, probably the original Registers of the Provostry, as it contains a record of transactions 
 from the reign of Stephen to that of James. It is written in abbreviated latin, in the peculiar 
 manuscript of the middle ages, but with different grades of execution, some parts being beautifully 
 penned, and others so execrably written as to be almost illegible. It contains accounts of the 
 early provosts; the privileges, immunities, and jurisdiction of the court; records of suit and 
 service, homage and fealty, pleas of trespass, fines and deodands, description and transfers of 
 property, forfeitures and alienations, rents and pensions, together with some charters, and a 
 tolerably general and accurate account of the disposal of the monastic property throughout the 
 district at the Reformation. The volume consists of four separate parts or books ; the first is 
 paged to 74 ; the second commences at 1 9, and is paged very irregularly, but concludes at 108. 
 Book the third is numbered in folios as far as 22, when the regular series is interrupted by an 
 index, and a long copy of letters-patent granted by King Philip and Queen Mary to Sir Henry 
 Constable, knight ; after which, fo. 23 occurs, and the numbers are uniform to 36, when the book 
 concludes with another index, and several papers and directions to the Feodaries of the East- 
 riding. The fourth book is paged from 1 to 83, subsequently to which it is numbered in folios to 
 96, when an index interposes, and it then proceeds in pages to 146, and concludes with another 
 index. As a document of undoubted authority this volume is invaluable. 
 
 b 
 
f 
 
 compiled; and to express my thanks for the polite attention which was so promptly 
 afforded to further the purposes I had in view. From Richard Bethell, esa. of 
 Rise, I received equal satisfaction on a similar subject. 
 
 The Rev. Joseph Coltman, with that unostentatious kindness which enhances 
 obligation while it deprecates acknowledgment, voluntarily transmitted a bundle 
 of papers on the subject of Beverley; and not only freely, and without intermission, 
 assisted me with his advice, but undertook the arduous task of perusing several 
 portions of the manuscript, and gave me the benefit of his suggestions for their 
 improvement. Added to this, he entrusted me with two voluminous ancient 
 manuscripts, one of which has been already noticed; and the other, engrossed on 
 parchment and bound in oak, is "a Chartulary of the chantry of St. Catharine in 
 the Collegiate church of St. John." I have also made use of this gentleman's 
 " Short History," but I am not conscious of having purloined a single extract 
 without prompt acknowledgment. 
 
 To Thomas Hull, esq. M. D. I am indebted for the entire article on Botany, 
 (p. 516.) and some other useful documents which are acknowledged in the notes. 
 This gentleman has also done me the honour of perusing a portion of the MS. and 
 favouring me with a few hints, of which I have availed myself in the proper place. 
 I must also thank his daughter. Miss Mary Jane, for several drawings of antiquities 
 with which the work is illustrated. 
 
 The corporation of Beverley have forwarded about forty short extracts from the 
 Court Books, all in the 17th century. 
 
 Barnard Clarkson, esq. of Kirkham Abbey, has furnished me with considerable 
 information relative to the tumuli at Bishop-Burton; and has been extremely 
 liberal in the loan of books and papers, which have been of great utility. 
 
 The kind co-operation of Robert Machell, esq. has improved that portion of 
 the work which relates to Heraldry. Indeed, this gentleman is entitled to my 
 acknowledgments in more respects than one, for he has rendered much assistance 
 of too general a nature to be minutely particularized; and his conduct throughout 
 the whole progress of the work has been characterized by an anxiety to afford 
 every aid in his power. 
 
 Richard Almack, esq. of Long-Melford, Suffolk, has favoured me with some 
 valuable papers, particularly an account of the Percy family as connected with 
 the village of Leckonfield. 
 
 Francis Iveson, esq. with that honourable feeling which consults only the 
 benefit of literature, and the credit of the town in which he resides; on the very 
 
first announcement of my intention to compile this work, forwarded to me, un- 
 solicited, several documents relating- to the corporation, and also a bundle of 
 papers and evidences respecting" Watton Abbey. 
 
 I beg to return my best thanks to Charles Frost, esq. the ingenious author of 
 " Notices relative to the early History of the Town and Port of Hull," for the loan 
 of the twenty volumes of Rymer, the Rolls of Parliament, and M. Paris, all of 
 which were absolutely essential to the perfection of my history. 
 
 In this enumeration of friends and contributors to the work, I must not omit 
 the names of Thomas Thompson, esq. of Cottingham, the Rev. D. Ferguson of 
 Walkington, John Walker, esq. of Mai ton, the Rev. W. Hunter of Cherry- 
 Burton, Thomas Wharton, esq. of Hull, and Mr. English, the librarian of the 
 Hull Subscription Library, whose kindness I beg- to acknowledge. 
 
 It will be doing injustice to Mr. Willis, the corporation clerk, and Mr. Comins 
 the architect, were I to omit their names in this catalogue of gentlemen from whom 
 I have received assistance. The former examined and corrected my MS. chapter 
 on the Corporation ; and, more than once, accompanied me round the lordship, 
 and explained many local peculiarities which appeared quite familiar to him, and 
 his remarks were of essential service to me. He also communicated other infor- 
 mation for which he has my thanks. Mr. Comins cheerfully afforded every facility 
 in his power to aid my investigations in the Minster; and his son favoured me 
 with some diagrams and drawings which were of great utility. Neither must I 
 forget to notice the kindness of the churchwardens of St. Martin's and St. Mary's, 
 who cheerfully gave up their time during my researches in the registers of their 
 respective churches. 
 
 Mr. Turner, the publisher of this work, had employed his leisure during- the 
 last twenty years in making collections for a History of Beverley; and so long ago 
 as the year 1818, he placed his materials in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Watts of 
 Pockthorpe, to be arranged and digested into a regular form for publication. But 
 the subsequent illness and death of that gentleman prevented the design from being 
 carried into effect. Mr. Watts's papers fell into the possession of Mr. Iveson, and 
 were placed in my hands in 1827, together with Mr. Turner's augmented docu- 
 ments, when the design was finally committed to me. These papers contained 
 an unfinished description of the Minster, portions of which have been incorporated 
 into the second Chapter of the third Part of the present work, and a translation 
 from Alured in X Scriptores, of the seduction of a nun in the convent at Watton, 
 This I have carefully compared with the original, and with many alterations, have 
 
 b2 
 
inserted it in the proper place, I must here give Mr. Turner the credit, during* 
 the progress of the work, of being unceasingly active in his search after records 
 and useful papers; and every source from whence even the most trifling informa- 
 tion was anticipated has been ransacked with ceaseless industry; often, indeed, in 
 vain; but frequently with the most happy success. 
 
 To all my friends I return my most sincere acknowledgments. The liberal 
 manner in which their assistance was afforded, has been highly gratifying during 
 every stage of the proceedings, and has left an impression on my mind which time 
 can never efface. 
 
 The graphic department has been committed to the exclusive management of 
 Mr. Britton, who has rendered himself so deservedly celebrated by his " Architec- 
 tural Antiquities," and other equally splendid publications. 
 
 Thus have I faithfully stated the original sources from which the following 
 history was compiled ; and the extent of reading and general research which have 
 been used to embellish its pages may be estimated from the notes, references, and 
 authorities which are appended to illustrate the text. I have been careful not to 
 make any important insertion without the sanction of some respectable authority, 
 except in the most early period ; and when conjecture was of necessity used, I have 
 been uniformly directed by the corresponding circumstances of the times and the 
 voice of general history, corroborated by local appearances, and authenticated by 
 ancient remains. The undertaking was arduous, but not absolutely hopeless ; for 
 the greatest obstacles may be surmounted by patient industry and steady resolution. 
 
 Sedit, qai timuit ne non succederet : esto 
 
 Qaid ? qui pervenit, fecitne viriliter ? Atqui 
 
 Hie est, aut nusquam, quod quaerimus. Hie onus horret, 
 
 Ut parvis animis et parvo eorpore majus : 
 
 Hie subit, et perfert. Aut virtus nomem inane est, 
 
 Aut decus et pretium rect^ petit experiens vir. 
 
 HoR. Epist. XVII. 
 
 Great Grimsby, May 1st, 1829. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 His Grace the ARCHBISHOP of YORK, Patron.— /arg-c paper. 
 
 His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, K. G. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 
 
 large paper. 
 The Right Honourable Earl Spencer, K. G. F. R. S. &c. large paper. 
 The Right Honourable the Earl of Carlisle, large paper. 
 The Right Honourable the Earl of Harewood, large paper. 
 
 The Honourable and Right Reverend George, Lord Bishop of Lincoln, large paper. 
 The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Milton, F. R. S. and S. A. large paper. 
 The Right Honourable Lord Hotham. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 Alexander, E. N. Esq. Halifax. 
 
 Allen, Mr. Robert, London. 
 
 Allen, Mr. William Stephenson, London, two 
 
 copies, one large paper. 
 Almack, Richard, Esq. Long-Melford, Suffolk, 
 
 large paper. 
 Arden, John Barker, Esq. Beverley. 
 Athorpe, Colonel, Hull. 
 
 Bainton, Mr. Thomas, Arram-Hall. 
 
 Baitson, Mr. Thomas, Beverley, large paper. 
 
 Barnard, Mrs. large paper. 
 
 Barnes, Rev. William, Richmond. 
 
 Baron, G. Esq. Drewton. 
 
 Batley, Charles Harrison, Esq. M. P. London. 
 
 Bayley, Rev. Dr. Archdeacon of Stowe. 
 
 Bennison, Mr. Appleton, Hull. 
 
 Best, Rev. Francis, South-Dalton, large paper. 
 
 Beswick, Mr. Richard B. Hull. 
 
 Bethell, Richard, Esq. Rise. 
 
 Blackstone, Mr. Christopher, Beverley. 
 
 Blanchard, Mr. William, York. 
 
 Blanchard, Mr. John, Solicitor, York. 
 
 Blanchard, Mr. Wm. Stephenson, Bradford. 
 
 Bland, Mr. Samuel, Beverley. 
 
 Blumfield, Mr. S. Hull. 
 
 Borton, Francis, Esq. M. D. Malton, large 
 
 paper. 
 Bower, Henry, Esq. F. A. S. Doncaster. 
 Bower, Mr. William, Beverley. 
 Boyle, Mr. J. Hull. 
 
 Boynton, Sir Francis, Bart. Burton-Agnes. 
 Brereton, Charles, Esq. Beverley. 
 Brigham, Mr. William, Beverley, large paper. 
 Brigham & Pipes, Messrs. Beverley. 
 Britton, John, Esq. F. S. A. London, large 
 
 paper. 
 
 Broadley, J. Esq. F.S.A. F.L.&H.S. M.R. 
 
 S. L. large paper. 
 Brown, J. Esq. M. D. 
 Brown, Mr. Commissary, Beverley. 
 Buckler, J. Esq. London. 
 Burton, Henry, Esq. Hotham, large paper. 
 
 Caborn, Mr. James, Beverley. 
 
 Campbell, Mr. Knedlington. 
 
 Capes, Mr. Henry William, Manchester. 
 
 Carter, Richard, Esq. Surgeon R. N. Beverley, 
 large paper. 
 
 Catterson, Mr. George, Beverley. 
 
 Chaplin, Charles, Esq. M. P. Blankney, Lin- 
 colnshire. 
 
 Clarkson, C. Esq. F. A. S. Richmond. 
 
 Clarkson, Barnard, Esq. Kirkham-Abbey. 
 
 Clemesha, Mr. S. Jun. Liverpool, large paper. 
 
 Clifton, Mr. William, Beverley. 
 
 Clubley, Thomas, Esq. Beverley. 
 
 Cogswell, Rev. N. Keelby. 
 
 Collison, Mr. Thomas, Beverley. 
 
 CoUinson, Mr. John, Beverley. 
 
 Coltman, Rev. Joseph, Beverley, large paper. 
 
 Constable, Rev. Charles, Wassand. 
 
 Crosskill, Mr. William, Beverley. 
 
 Dargavell, Mr. William, Beverley. 
 
 Davies, Mr. Rees, Hull, ten copies. 
 
 Dixon, Rev. Thomas, Laceby, Lincolnshire. 
 
 Drake, Rev. Francis, D. D. 
 
 Duesbery, Thomas, Esq. Beverley. 
 
 Duncombe, Hon. William, M. P. 
 
 Duncum, Messrs. T. & C. Beverley. 
 
 Eccles, Rev. William, Hopton. 
 
 Edwards, Thos. Esq. Long-Melford, Suffolk. 
 
 Eglin, Joseph Esq. Hull. 
 
 EUerker, Mrs. EUerker-Abbey, Surrey. 
 
XIV 
 
 Ellison, Henry, Esq. Beverley, large paper. 
 
 Ellison, Richard, Esq. large paper. 
 
 Fenby, Miss Sarah, Liverpool. 
 
 Fenby, Mr. George, Liverpool. 
 
 Fenby, Mr. William, Liverpool. 
 
 Fenby, Mr. Joseph, Liverpool, large paper. 
 
 Fenby, Mr. Thomas, Liverpool, large paper. 
 
 Galland, Rev. Thos. M. A. Leeds, large paper. 
 Gedge, Rev. Joseph, Humberstone. 
 Gibson, Matthew Topham, Esq. Sigglesthome. 
 Gilby, Rev. John, L. L. B. Beverley, large 
 
 paper. 
 Gleadow, R. W. Esq. Hull. 
 Greame, John, Esq. Sewerby, large paper. 
 Green, George, Esq. Hornsea. 
 Greenwood, Rev. Wm. Malton, large paper. 
 Grey, Rev. Thomas, M. A. Vicar of Howden. 
 
 Hall, John, Esq. Scorburgh. 
 Hall, Mr. J. Hull. 
 Hall, Mr. Daniel, Beverley. 
 Hargrove & Co. Messrs. York, two copies. 
 Hatfield, Rev. J. Sproatley. 
 Hayes, Matthew, Esq. Pickering, large paper. 
 Hayes, Mr. Thomas, Beverley. 
 Heneage, G. F. Esq. M. P. two copies. 
 Hewson, Thomas, Esq. Croyden, Surrey. 
 Hick, Rev. David, Marske. 
 Hildyard, Rev. W. Trinity-Hall, Cambridge. 
 Hill, Richard, Esq. Thornton. 
 Hornby, William, Esq. York. 
 Hopkinson, James, Esq. Billings-Hill. 
 Hull, Thomas, Esq. M. D. Beverley, large 
 paper. 
 
 Inman, Miss, Beverley. 
 
 Issott, Mr. Joseph, Beverley. 
 
 Iveson, Francis, Esq. Beverley, large paper. 
 
 Jarratt, William, Esq. large paper. 
 
 Johnson, Mr. William Bell, Beverley. 
 
 Keighley, Mr. J. Ell and. 
 
 King, Colonel, Lincoln, large paper. 
 
 Knowsley, Edmund, Esq. Hull. 
 
 Lambert, Miss, Beverley. 
 
 Langdale, Mr. Thomas, Ripon. 
 
 Lee, Robert, Esq. Hull. 
 
 Legard, Mrs. Watton Abbey. 
 
 Legard, Mrs. Beverley. 
 
 Lockwood, John, Esq. Beverley, large paper. 
 
 Lundy, Rev. Francis, M. A. Lockington. 
 
 Lundie, Robert, Esq. Hull. 
 
 Lyceum Library, Hull. 
 
 Machell, Colonel, Beverley. 
 M'Donald, Mr. Lincoln. 
 
 Madden, F. Esq. F. A. S. F. R. S. L. Magda- 
 len Hall, Oxford. 
 
 Mathew, Col. Pentlow Hall, Essex. 
 
 Middleton, Mr. Henry, Leeds. 
 
 Moody, Rev. Robert, Beckingham, Lincoln^ 
 shire. 
 
 Moody, John, Esq. Grimsby. 
 
 Moore, Rev. G. A. M. A. Caistor. 
 
 Mullins, Mr. 
 
 Myers, Mr. John, Beverley. 
 
 Newham, Mr. Lynn, Norfolk. 
 Nornabell, Mr. Hull. 
 
 Oliver, Rev. Samuel, Kneesall, Nottingham- 
 shire, large paper. 
 O'Neill, A. J. Esq. M. P. 
 
 Parkinson, Rev. John, D. D. Ravendale,. 
 
 Lincolnshire. 
 Parker, Mr. J. Jun. Liverpool. 
 Parker, J. C. Esq. F. H. S. Hull. 
 Payley, Dr. Bishopton. 
 
 Pennyman, Sir William, Baronet, large paper. 
 Prattman, Mr. Robert, Beverley. 
 
 Ramsden, Mr. James, large paper. 
 
 Ranson, Mi'. Samuel, Jun. Liverpool. 
 
 Ranson, Mr. Thomas, Beverley. 
 
 Rankin, Rev. T. Huggate. 
 
 Richardson, Mr. William, Beverley, two copies, 
 
 one large paper. 
 Richards, Rev. George Piers, M. A. 
 Rodford «fc Stephenson, Messrs. Hull. 
 Ross, Mr. Charles, Beverley. 
 
 Sampson, Rev. George, Leven. 
 
 Sandwith, Thomas, Esq. Beverley. 
 
 Sandwith, Mr. Humphrey, Bridlington. 
 
 Sandwith, Mrs. Hull. 
 
 Sheen, Rev. J. M. A. Stanstead, Suffolk. 
 
 Shepherd, Henry John, Esq. Beverley, two 
 
 copies. 
 Sibthorpe, Rev. H. W. M. A. large paper. 
 Smith, Mr. James, Malton. 
 Smith, Mr. John^ Bingley. 
 Smith, Rev. W. Great Coates. 
 Somerscales, Mr. Charles, Hull. 
 Stephenson, Rev. Lawrence, M. A. Cambridge. 
 Stewart, John, Esq. M. P. large paper. 
 Stillingfleet, Rev. Edward, M. A. Hotham, 
 
 large paper. 
 Sumner, Mr. Gillyat, Woodmansey. 
 Swaddle, Mr. John, Woodmansey. 
 
 Taylor, Mrs. Cottingham. 
 Tennyson, Charles, Esq. M. P. F. R. S. 
 F. A. S. &c. 
 
XV 
 
 Tennyson, George, Esq. Bayons Manor, Lin- 
 colnshire. 
 
 Thompson, Mr. T. P. E. large paper. 
 
 Thompson, John Vincent, Esq. Recorder of 
 Beverley, large paper. 
 
 Tigar, Mr. Peunock, Grovehill. 
 
 Tindall, Mr. George, large paper. 
 
 Todd, Messrs. J. & G. York. 
 
 Torre, Rev. John, M. A. Catwick. 
 
 Townrow, Mr. Catherine Hall, Cambridge, 
 large paper. 
 
 Take, John Batty, Esq. Hull. 
 
 ViUiers, F. H. Esq. M. P. 
 Villiers, C. Pelham, Esq. 
 
 TFaddilove, Robert Darley, D. D. Dean of 
 
 Ripon. 
 Walker, James, Esq. Beverley. 
 Walker, John, Esq. Malton. 
 Walker, Mr. George, Beverley. 
 Walker, Mr. John, Hull. 
 Wardell, Mr. Francis, Beverley. 
 
 Watt, Richard, Esq. Bishop-BurtoQ, lar^e 
 
 paper. 
 Watt, Francis, Esq. Beverley, large paper. 
 Wasney, Rev. Richard, B. A. Newcastle. 
 Webb, Rev. John, Thornton, large paper. 
 Westerby, Captain, E. Y. Militia, Beverly, 
 
 large paper. 
 Wharton, Mr. Thomas, Hull. 
 Wilkinson, William, Esq. Thearne. 
 Williams, John, Esq. Mayor of Beverley. 
 Willis, Rear Admiral. 
 Willis, Mr. John, Beverley. 
 Willcox, Mr. John, Beverley. 
 Wilson, Thomas, Esq. York. 
 Wilson, Mr. Isaac, Hull, two copies, one large 
 
 paper. 
 Wood, C. Esq. M. P. 
 WooUey, Mr. J. Hull. 
 Wrangham, The very Rev. F. M. A. F.R.S. 
 
 Archdeacon of Clereland, large paper. 
 
 
 rW« page ii. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Dedication • iii 
 
 Preface. v 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Britons. — Ancient site of Beverley — Enquiry after the true situation of Petuaria — Druid 
 Temple at Godmanham — Tumuli at Arras — Druid's town or Drewton — Rites of the insular 
 sanctuary — Ancient British road — Authorities for placing Petuaria at Beverley — Tumuli at 
 Bishop-Burton — Origin of the name of Bever-Lac — General opinion erroneous — British 
 derivations — Mythological observances — Original planters of Britain — Pheryllt — Cymri — 
 Sanctity of the druidical character — Consecrated groves — Initiation — Consecrated lakes — 
 Mystical ceremonies and legends — Etymologies — Mythological Beaver — Corporation Seals 
 — Druids established in the wood of Deira — Ancient religious festival at Beverlac — Horrid 
 rites and ceremonies there . ..... 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Romans. — Their first appearance in Deira — Treachery of Cartismunda — Caractacus — 
 Bravery and activity of the Britons — Romans introduce the Arts — People and cultivate the 
 wood of Deira — Improve the appearance of the country — Accounts of the first Christian 
 establishment there examined — Introduction of Christianity into Britain — Doctrines of the 
 Druids compared with Christianity — The inhabitants of Deira embrace the new religion — 
 Lucius converted — His history examined — Evidences of the existence of Christianity at this 
 period — Druidism deeply planted— A church erected at Beverlac probable — Name of the 
 site of this edifice — its derivation and reference — Progress of Christianity — Errors of Pela- 
 gius — Romans forsake the island. . . . . .16 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The Saxons. — The Saxons hate both Druidism and Christianity — Seize on the kingdom — 
 Commit desperate ravages — Destroy the church in Deirwold — Abolish Christianity — Pope 
 Gregory — Is struck with the beauty of some youthful slaves from Deira — Commissions 
 Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons — Ethelbert converted — Saxon temples converted 
 into Christian churches — King Edwin convenes a solemn assembly in Deirwold, to deliberate 
 on the propriety of embracing the Christian religion — Arguments of Paulinus — successful 
 — Coiffi, the Pagan High Priest, desecrates the Temple of Thor at Godmanham — Edwin 
 baptized — The people converted by thousands, and baptized in the river Swale. . 29 
 
XVII 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PAGE 
 The Saxons. — The Saxons acquainted with the elementary principles of architecture — Christi- 
 anity flourishes in Deira — Probable that the church at Beverlac was re-edified by that 
 people — Invasion of Cadwallo and Penda — Edwin slain — Druidism restored at Beverlac by 
 Cadwallo and his Druids — Splendid rites of worship celebrated there — Excesses at these 
 festivals — Oswald patronizes the Christians — The wood of Deira polluted — John of Bever- 
 ley BORN — Acquires a high degree of reputation — Jurisdiction of the Pope — Wilfrid 
 appeals to his holiness against a decree of the synod — The Pope supports his cause, and 
 pronounces judgment in his favour — John of Beverley consecrated Bishop of Hagulstad — 
 His singular activity in that high situation — Miracles attributed to him — John elevated to 
 the archiepiscopal see of York — Visits Beverlac — Charmed with the beauty of its situation 
 — Rebuilds the church — Founds a double monastery — St. Martin's church — Style and 
 character of the buildings — Endowments — Church of St. Nicholas — This establishment 
 highly advantageous to the cause of Christianity — Origin of collegiate churches — Temporal 
 jurisdiction of the Abbots — Courts — Persevering industry of the religious orders — John 
 vacates his see, and retires to Beverley — Dies, and is buried there — Influence attached to 
 the name of John of Beverley. ...... 37 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Dines and Saxons. — The Danes — Comparative view of the Roman, Saxon, and Danish 
 
 character — Danes in the province of Deira — their ravages Monastery of St. John of 
 
 Beverley destroyed — Partially restored — Athelstan — Gives a charter to the town of Bever- 
 ley — Privilege of sanctuary to the church — This privilege illustrated — Fridstol — Origin of 
 the privilege of sanctuary — Athelstan pledges his knife at the altar of St. John — Victory 
 over the Scots — Grants to the church and town— Archbishops of York reside at Beverley — 
 Riches of St. John's tomb — Three new offices constituted in the church — Hospital of St. 
 Giles built at Beverley — St. John canonized, and his bones enshrined — Fairs established — 
 Ancient laws respecting fairs — Tower built to the Minster, and bells introduced — History of 
 bells — Minster decorated by Aldred — Character of the fabric before the Norman Conquest. 53 
 
 »art m. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Normans. — William the Conqueror resolves to reduce the power of the church — 
 Oppresses the clergy — Insurrection in the north — Quelled — The king issues an order to 
 ravage the county of York — Extraordinary judgments inflicted on the party who were 
 deputed to desecrate the Minster at Beverley — The property of this church exempted, by 
 royal proclamation, from injury — Archbishop Aldred dies — Provostship constituted — The 
 island divided among the Normans — Tenures — Inconveniences of the system — Terms in 
 Domesday explained — Property of the Archbishop of York in Beverley and the neighbour- 
 hood — Property of the canons of St. John described — Disputed claims — Observations — 
 Population of Beverley at this time — Wood of Deira— Town of Beverley, how divided and 
 occupied— Ferme — Mills — Extent. ..... 65 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Comparison of ancient and modem manners — Thurstan grants a charter to the town— Canal 
 from the river Hull, called Beverley Beck— Thurstan builds the chapel of St. Mary— His 
 privileges as the lord of the town— King Stephen's charter— Rebellion of Eustace Fitzjohn 
 
?.V111 
 
 PAGE 
 
 — his ravages, in conjunction with the Scots — Battle of Cuton-Moor — Henry Murdac, Arch- 
 bishop of York, resides at Beverley — Stephen contemplates the fortification of the town- 
 Is deterred from his purpose by a vision — Charter of Henry II. — Thomas a Becket provost 
 of Beverley — Town and Minster consumed by fire — Public offices put to sale — Fee-farm 
 rents of Beverley — Disputes in the town — Disgrace of the Archbishop — King John visits 
 Cottingham — and Beverley — View of the town and its inhabitants — Miracle there — Com- 
 mandery of St. John founded — Disputes between the Archbishop and the Canons of Bever- 
 ley — Property conveyed to the church — Provost of Beverley — Streets paved — Fines and 
 taxes — Arrangement respecting the navigation of the river Hull — Chivalry — Superiority 
 of the Beverley cloths — Charters of Henry III. , . . .82 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Injustice and extortion — Commission of enquiry — Instances of crime at Beverley — The Arch- 
 bishop grants Fegang and Byscopdynges to the burgesses — Hospital of Saint Giles assigned 
 to the priory of Wartre — Enumeration and explanation of the rights of the Archbishop in 
 Beverley — Disputes respecting private property — Charter of Edward I. — Donations to the 
 church — Taxation of Pope Nicholas — War between England and Scotland — First parlia- 
 ment or assembly of lords and commons — Standard of John of Beverley conveyed to 
 Scotland — Victory over the Scots — Hostilities renewed — Second victory — Banner replaced 
 — Edward I. visits Beverley — Grants liberties to the church — Minster restored — House of 
 the Franciscan Friars erected — Enumeration of many detached private transactions which 
 took place at Beverley about this period — The king pays a second visit to the town. 1 06 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Provost's court — House of Black Friars erected — Writ to arrest false procurators — War with 
 Scotland renewed — Commission of array — Suburbs of York burnt — Archbishop of York 
 vanquished by the Scots — Soldiers raised at Beverley — Church of Saint Mary endowed — 
 Decoration of the Minster — Commission of array — Town of Beverley reluctant to provide 
 the stipulated number of soldiers for the Scottish wars — Edward III. visits Beverley — The 
 bailiffs of Beverley pay a fine to the king to be released from the conscription — Naval 
 armament — Extensive trade of Beverley — Donations to the church — Pardon to Grithmen 
 at Beverley — Invasion of the Scots — Vanquished by the Archbishop of York — Humility of 
 the inhabitants of Beverley during the conflict. .... 122 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Motives of pious men in devoting a portion of their goods to the church — Nave of the Minster 
 erected — Endowments — Dispute between the towns of Beverley and Hull about tolls — 
 Charter of Richard II. — Comparative importance of the town of Beverley — Attack on the 
 Archbishop and his attendants by the mayor and bailiffs of Hull — The Archbishop assigns 
 Westwood to the burgesses of Beverley — Enlargement and decoration of the Minster 
 church — Sanctuary claimed — Some demagogues threaten to burn the town— The Arch- 
 bishop forcibly expels the canons from their benefices — Litigation — Canons restored — 
 Bridge at Beverley built — Ordinance for the better government of the college — Twelve 
 governors appointed by charter — Ake's chantry founded — Henry IV. favours the town — 
 Horrible punishments — Charters of Henry V. — Infamous attempt at murder — Festivals 
 ordained by royal authority on the days of John of Beverley's death and translation — 
 Charter of Henry VI. — Dispute between Beverley and South-Cave — Dispute between 
 Beverley and Hull — Henry VI. visits Beverley — Several grants of that monarch enumerated 
 — Civil war. . . , . . . . 1^6 
 
six 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 General view of the town — Dwelling-houses — Pavements — Fortifications — Parish churches — 
 Religious houses — Minster — Influence of the church — Fraternity of minstrels — Richard 
 Cockerell of Beverley attainted of high treason — Charter of Edward IV. — Trinities founded 
 — Disputes between the governors and burgesses — Ordinance of the Archbishop — Seven 
 rectors incorporated — Sanctuary claimed — Earl of Northumberland murdered by the popu- 
 lace — His splendid funeral at Beverley — Sanctuary once more claimed — Ordinances of the 
 four yeomen — Style of living in this age — Northumberland household book — Tower of St. 
 Mary's church falls — Rebuilt — Tabernacle work over the stalls in the Minster built — 
 Charter of Henry VIII. — Two fellowships founded in Saint John's college, Cambridge, for 
 the benefit of natives of Beverley. . . . . .162 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Commencement of the Reformation — Visitation of the monasteries — Income of the Collegiate 
 church — Dispute renewed between Beverley and Hull — Referred to the abbot of Meaux — 
 Decision — Dissolution of the smaller monasteries — <' The Pilgrimage of Grace" — Alleged 
 vices of the monks — General dissolution of the religious houses — Grant towards the repairs 
 of the Minster — Dispute respecting tolls between Beverley and Hull — Burgesses of Beverley 
 petition the queen — Dispute finally settled by arbitration — Charters of Elizabeth — Chantry 
 property granted to the churches at Beverley — Timber in Westwood felled — The town 
 much impoverished — Exempted from payment of certain taxes during the queen's pleasure 
 — Hurricane — The inhabitants visited by the plague — Its horrid progress — Charter of 
 Charles I. — Misapplication of church funds — Inquisition and decree. . . J 80 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Disputes between the king and parliament — Scottish war — King Charles at Beverley — Sir 
 John Hotham appointed governor of Hull — The king appears before Hull, and demands 
 admission — Is refused — Declares Hotham a traitor — The parliament sanction Hotham's 
 conduct by a vote of thanks — Violence of the parliament — Preparations for war— Charles 
 attempts to get possession of Hull by stratagem, and is assisted by a gentleman of Beverley 
 — The plan detailed — Is unsuccessful— Active operations commenced by both parties — 
 Charles places a garrison at Hull-Bridge, and stations himself at Beverley with his whole 
 court — Lays siege to Hull — Returns to Beverley — and York. . . 198 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Consternation of the inhabitants of Beverley after the king's departure — London merchants 
 arrive at Beverley, and petition for leave to sell their goods — Precautions for strengthening 
 the town — Parliamentary troops take possession of it— Sir John Hotham apprehended at 
 Beverley — Battle in the streets between the Earl of Newcastle and Sir T. Fairfax — Troops 
 of the latter routed — Royalists sack the town — Commission for a treaty of peace — Practices 
 of the independents — Trial and execution of the king — Change of measures — Pews built in 
 the Minster nave. ....... 216 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The Restoration — Purgation of the borough — Charter of Charles II. — Relics of St. John of 
 Beverley discovered — Pestilence at Beverley — Excommunications — Charter of James II. 
 — Election contest in 1685 — Costly present to St. Mary's church from the London merchants 
 — Suit between Hull and Beverley — Abdication of king James — Extensive preparations for 
 repairing and beautifying the Minster — North gable screwed up — Ornaments and decora- 
 tions — Election contests of 1722 and 1727 — Improvement of the Beck— Excommunications. 232 
 
 c2 
 
XX 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 PAGK 
 
 Accession of George III. — Drainage — Act for augmenting the revenues of the curates of the 
 Minster — War with America — Hull Dock act — Addresses and petitions — French Revolu- 
 tion — Beverley volunteers — Scarcity of corn — Attack on the king — Depredations — Act for 
 appointing an additional assistant curate — Act for lighting and watching the town — Superb 
 illumination for Peace — Illumination for queen Caroline — Coronation festival — Improve- 
 ments in the Minster — Gas works— Balloon. .... 248 
 
 IJart M3J. 
 
 TOPOGRAPHY, STATISTICS, &c. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Perambulation of the Town. — Retrospect — General description — Beck-side — Site of Saint 
 Nicholas's church — Gas works — The Minster — Hall-garth — Black Friars — Grey Friars — 
 Keldgate — Routh's hospital — Grammar School — Lairgate — Theatre — Hospital of St. Giles 
 — Independent Meeting-house — Church Methodist chapel — Catfos — Newbigging — East- 
 riding Bank— Maison-de-Dieu — Quakers' Meeting-house — Hengate — Saint Mary's church 
 
 — Norwood — Pick-hill Fairs Court of Pie-powder Assembly-rooms — News-room — 
 
 Constitutional Lodge of Free Masons — Beverley Bank — North-Bar — Cockstulepit-lane — 
 Sessions-hall — Saturday Market — Market Cross — Shambles — Corn Exchange — Lady-gate — 
 Post oflfice — Guildhall — Trinities — Wednesday Market — Ranters' Meeting-house — Min- 
 gter-inoorgate — Work-houses — Fox's hospital — Charles Warton's hospital — Sir Michael 
 Warton's hospital — Graves's Free School — Wesleyan Methodist chapel — Baptist Meeting- 
 house — Tymperon's hospital — Common pastures — Concluding remarks. . 265 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Perambulation and Description of the Minster. — Superiority of style and decoration — 
 Site — \Iaterials — Dimensions — East end — North porch — West front — South transepts — 
 Galilee — Sanctuary — General view of the interior — West door — Nave — Aisles — Sisters' 
 tomb — Font — Contrast between the east and west windows — Transept — Tomb of George 
 Percy, clerk — Ancient tomb and altar — Organ screen — Choir — East window — Stalls — 
 Tabernacle work — Pulpit — Altar sceen — Percy shrine — Colonnade — Lady-chapel — Hatch- 
 ments — Reading desk — Vestry — Fridstol — Percy chapel — Armorial bearings — Reflections. 305 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Account of St. Mary's Church. — Origin — Endowment— Church of St. Nicholas — Union of 
 the two parishes — Value of the living — Services — Description of the fabric — Exterior — In- 
 terior — Nave — Inscriptions — Font — Organ — Galleries — Tr*insept — Decayed chapel — Chan- 
 cel Monuments — Ceiling Hatchments— Stalls — Crypt — Church-yard Income of the 
 
 parish — Perambulation — Population — Plate, vestments, &c. — List of vicars. . 345 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Account of the Corporation. — Mayor — Recorder — Aldermen — Capital burgesses — Common 
 council — Town clerk — Corporation clerk — Inferior officers — Burgesses — Court of Record 
 — Courts Leet and Baron — View of Frank Pledge — Quarter Sessions — Sheriff's tourn — 
 
PAGB 
 
 Gaol — Members of parliament — Right of election — Exemption from tolls — List of charters 
 —Jurisdiction — Arms and seals — Officers of the corporation — List of representatives — List 
 of abbots — Provosts — Mayors — Recorders — Town clerks — Chamber clerks. . 366 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Donations and Bequests — Charitable institutions supported by voluntary contribution — Society 
 for promoting Christian knowledge — Clerical fund — Tract society — Bible society — Dispen- 
 sary — Lying-in charity — Bank for Savings. .... 401 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 Present state of the town — Morality — Friendly societies — Learning — Trade. . 413 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 
 Games, Amusements, and Customs. — Bull baiting — Badger baiting — Cock fighting — Corpus- 
 Christi plays — Boy bishop — Minstrels — Cucking stool — Stange — Football — Angling — Races 
 — Social amusements — Chairing a member of parliament. . . .421 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Biography. — John of Beverley — Archbishop Thomas — Archbishop Thurstan — Archbishop 
 Murdac — Alured of Beverley — Philip Ingelbert— Bishop Alcocke — Bishop Fisher — Robert 
 Ingram — Bishop Green — Lawrence Whitaker — Mary Woolstoncraft Godwin — Dr. Rey- 
 nolds — William Wilson — Richard Sissison — Thomas Clarke. . . 433 
 
 IPart $1^, 
 
 HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE ADJACENT VILLAGES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 COTTINGHAM . . . , . . . . 458 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 
 Leckonfield — (Percy Family) . . . . . . 472 
 
 CHAPTER IIL 
 
 North and South-Burton — Walkington — Risby — Scorbrough — The hamlets comprised within 
 the liberties of Beverley, viz: — Molescroft, Storkhill-cum-Sandholm, Tickton-cum-Hull- 
 Bridge, Weel, Woodmansey-cum-Beverley-Parks, Thearne, and Eske— Botany of the 
 district. ....... 488 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Abbey of Watton ....... 52O 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Abbey of Meaux or Melsa ...... 434 
 
XXll 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 A — Charter of Athelstan ...... 543 
 
 B — Sanctuary Oath - - - - - - - 544 
 
 C — Charter of Archbishop Thurstan ..... 545 
 
 D — Petition of Archbishop Bowet for the restitution of his rights, and the King's Answer 545 
 
 F — Extracts from the Northumberland Household Book ... 547 
 
 G — Proclamation of King Charles I. - - - - . 548 
 
 H — Petition to the same monarch at Beverley .... 550 
 
 I— Charter of Charles II. - - - - - - 551 
 
 K — Charter of James II. ...... 554 
 
 L_Court of Sheriff's Tourne - - - - - - 555 
 
 M — The order of the famous company or fraternity of Minstrels in Beverley . 557 
 
 N — Additions and emendations - - - - - . 55d 
 
 EMBELLISHMENTS. 
 
 1 The Minster Church - - - - .to face the title 
 
 2 Druidical ceremony of drawing the Avanc, or mythological Beaver out of the Lake xv 
 
 3 Antiquities, (Plate 1.) ..... to face page 4 
 
 4 Antiquities, (Plate 2.) - . . . .to face page 7 
 
 5 Gateway of the Franciscan Monastery ..... 64 
 
 6 Jar found in the ruins of Wattou Abbey . - - . 81 
 
 7 Ancient Cross near Bishop-Burton - - - - . 105 
 
 8 Font in St. Mary's Church - - - - - . 161 
 
 9 View of the Old Grammar School - - - - - 280 
 
 10 Sessions Hall ....... 289 
 
 11 Market Place and Cross - - - - - - 291 
 
 12 Distant view of the Minster - - • . - - - 305 
 
 13 North Transept of the Minster - - - - - 312 
 
 14 Machine for screwing up the Gable, (No. 1.) ^ 
 
 15 Ditto ditto (No. 2.) 5" ■ ■ ■ *° ^"'^ P"^^ ^^^ 
 
 16 Percy Shrine - - - . - .to face page 336 
 
 17 St. Mary's Church ...... to face page 345 
 
 18 Crypt in St. Mary's Church - . - - - - 359 
 
 19 Race Stand ... - . . 
 
 20 Cottingham Church ..... 
 
 21 Autograph of Henry, fifth Earl of Northumberland 
 
 22 Ancient Elm Tree at Bishop- Burton . - 
 
 23 Seat of R. Watt, Esq. at ditto .... 
 
 24 Bishop-Burton Church - ^ - . . . . 
 
 420 
 457 
 476 
 479 
 491 
 492 
 
XXlll 
 
 25 Walkington Church - - - 
 
 26 North-West view of Watton Abbey - . . . 
 
 27 East view of ditto - - - - - - 
 
 28 View of North- Bar 
 
 29 Pedigree to shew the connection between the Percy and Arundel Families 
 
 30 Pedigree of Heron ..... 
 
 31 Pedigree of Stuteville ..... 
 
 32 Pedigree of De Wake . - . . - 
 
 33 Pedigrees of Percy and Louvaine .... 
 
 34 Pedigree of Gee -..-.. 
 
 35 Pedigree of EUerker ..... 
 
 36 Pedigree of Hotham ..... 
 
 37 Pedigree of Warton - . . - - 
 
 38 Pedigree of Bethell , . . . . 
 
 39 Pedigree of Machell - . - . - 
 
 40 Pedigree of Bassett ..... 
 
 41 Table of the population of Beverley cum membris in the year 1821 
 
 42 Table of Curates of the Minster - - . - 
 
 43 Table of Rectors of St. Nicholas 
 
 44 Table shewing a comparative view of the number of communicants at St. Mary 
 
 and 1826 ...... 
 
 45 Table of Vicars of St. Mary's .... 
 
 46 Table of Corporation Charters .... 
 
 47 Table of Beverley Races, 1828 .... 
 
 48 Table of Rectors of Cottingham . - 
 
 49 Table of Vicars of Cottingham . . . - 
 
 50 Table of Rectors of Cherry-Burton .... 
 
 51 Table of Rectors of Walkington 
 
 52 Table of Botanical Plants ..... 
 
 s m 
 
 PAGE 
 
 504 
 529 
 530 
 564 
 335 
 340 
 459 
 462 
 481 
 496 
 508 
 509 
 515 
 533 
 562 
 564 
 271 
 274 
 347 
 1698 
 348 
 364 
 378 
 431 
 469 
 470 
 498 
 505 
 518 
 
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 
 
 OF 
 
 BEVERLiEY. 
 
 [ i I .r I I I 1 . 1 - I -- ■ ' ■ 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Jbt(^t site of Beverlej/ — Enquiry after the true situation of Petuaria — Druid 
 •^ Temple at Godmanham — Tumuli at Ari^as — Druid's Town or Drewton — Rites 
 of the insular sanctuary — Ancient British road — Authorities for placing Petuaria 
 at Beverley — Tumuli at Bishop-Burton — Origin of th£ name of Bever-Lac — 
 General opinion erroneous — British derivations — Mythological observances of 
 the druidical priesthood — Original planters of Britain — Pheryllt — Cymri — 
 Sanctity of the druidical character — Consecrated groves — Initiation — Con- 
 secrated Lakes — Mystical Ceremonies, and Legends — Etymologies of remarkable 
 names now used in Beverley — Mythological Beaver — Corporation Seals — Druids 
 established in the wood of Deira — Ancient religious Festival at Beverlac — 
 Horrid rites and ceremonies there. 
 
 The town of Beverley is situated in the East-riding of Yorkshire, a division of 
 the county which was termed by the aboriginal Britons — Dwyvawr or Deifyr,' in 
 allusion to the universal deluge, a tradition of which was preserved by the Druids ; 
 
 * Welsh Triad, in <* Jones's Ancient Relics," p. 1 1 . 
 
 B 
 
for Dwyvawr among^st these priests, was the Great Father or Pang-enetor of 
 Antiquity, or in other words, Noah. It was afterwards denominated by the 
 Saxons, Deira. The narrow promontory which terminates at the Spurn was 
 distinguished by the name of Cava Deira, Low or Hollow Deira; and because its 
 form bears some resemblance to the human nose, the syllable Ness was subse- 
 quently added either by accident or design, and it was termed Hol-deira-ness, 
 the nose of Hollow Deira, which soon became softened into its present name, 
 Holderness.* 
 
 The site of Beverley was in the deep recesses of an extensive wood called Deir- 
 wold ; and, from circumstances of vital importance to the religion of the primitive 
 inhabitants, it acquired the local appellation which it still retains of Llyn yr Avanc, 
 the Beaver Lake in the wood of Deira. 
 
 Many topographical writers, after a laborious and indefatigable research into the 
 origin and antiquity of the places which lliey propose to illustrate, have found 
 occasion to lament the want of success with which their most anxious endeavours 
 have been rewarded. Numerous are the towns in this island which had risen to 
 some considerable degree of civil, if not political importance before they were 
 known to history, or invested with the record of common tradition. To this 
 uncertainty is owing much of the darkness with which the primitive history of 
 Britain is obscured. There can be little doubt but the town of Beverley had a 
 being long before it was dignified with its present characteristic name. And when 
 this distinguishing appellation was imposed, it doubtless possessed a direct reference 
 to certain mythological rites which marked the spot as the consecrated seat of 
 ancient superstition. 
 
 Dark and dreary is the period now imder our consideration. The mists of 
 oblivion have enclosed it. A few weak and scattered rays dimly shed their illu- 
 minating beams over its surface, and are scarcely able to penetrate the dense 
 atmosphere which overshadows the bright abode of truth. By these feeble corus^ 
 cations must our enquiries be directed ; and with the aid of collateral and pre- 
 sumptive evidence they will probably enable us to pronounce, with a confidence 
 approaching almost to certainty, a decisive opinion on the primitive state of this 
 interesting spot, which to this day bears a mythological name, descriptive of the 
 mysterious rites and awful ceremonies which in times far distant were solemnized 
 within its precincts. 
 
 2 Lei. Collect, vol. iii. p. 99. Lye's Sax. Diet, in v. Holderness. 
 
8 
 
 Many opinions have been advanced respecting* the situation of the ancient 
 Petuaria, and it appears exceedingly probable that those who have placed it at 
 Beverley have the most substantial evidence to confirm their conjectures. The 
 primitive name of the district Deifyr or Dwyvawr is a sufficient testimony that it 
 was occupied by the Britons, and appropriated to commemorations of the most 
 ineffable nature, which were solemnized on this very spot, as will be proved here- 
 after. The wood was inhabited by the Druids, who adopted this situation for the 
 performance of their tremendous rites. But the most important religious stations 
 of this people were always placed under the protection of a petty prince or 
 chieftain to guard their hallowed rites from vulgar profanation. 
 
 We are furnished with sufficient evidence to prove that an ancient druid temple 
 existed at Godmanhan,^ which contained an oracle,* and consequently had its 
 regular establishment of Druids, Bards, and Eubates, who resided on the spot, or 
 in the neighbouring wood of Deira, which, from its local appellation, was im- 
 doubtedly the principal wood in this state or kingdom.* At Arras, in the imme- 
 diate vicinity of Godmanham, several tumuli have been recently opened, and the 
 contents are decidedly British. " Their form is circular, and in size generally 
 small; in some instances, indeed, so slightly elevated above the surface as to be 
 nearly indistinct ; they are numerous, and placed at no very distant intervals : each 
 contains a single skeleton, and with few exceptions, pretty entire, not mutilated, 
 nor rendered otherwise imperfect, than what the ravages of time may easily account 
 for. In every instance the bodies were interred pretty nearly on the same level, 
 whatever might have been the elevation of the tumulus ; and this may be con- 
 sidered at about two feet below the surface at the present day, invariably resting 
 on a dry bed of chalk. The position of the body, with one or two exceptions, was 
 in the direction of North and South. 
 
 " Upon the bones of the fore arm of several were found bracelets of brass, 
 variously ornamented and well executed : some were quite plain, and fastened at 
 their extremities in different ways ; in some instances, the two extremities lapped 
 over each other, and were kept together by their own elasticity ; in others, a small 
 hole was made at one extremity fitted to receive a point made at the other, like 
 
 3 Bede. Ecc. Hist. 1. ii, c. 13. -» Gibs. Camd. col. 738. 
 
 * The Kingdom of Deira comprehended Yorkshire, Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumber- 
 land, and Durham. Usher. Primord. p. 394. Gibs. Camd. col. 706. 
 
 B 2 
 
many of the key rings of the present day. In one instance, and only one, we 
 found a similar ornament round the bones of the leg", which I have now in my 
 possession. Jet ornaments, amber and brass rings, were found in several of the 
 barrows, but no coins, nor any thing bearing the slightest resemblance to weapons 
 or implements of a domestic nature. 
 
 " The most valuable curiosity found here is now in the possession of Mr. 
 Stillingfleet, discovered near to the high road, consisting of the iron rim of a 
 chariot wheel : along with this were found several brass ornaments and a chain, 
 which appear to have been appendages to the chariot or harness, though at present 
 it is difficult to explain their use. 
 
 " I have stated that, in general, the bodies were not found mutilated. There 
 may have been two or three exceptions. The bones I have now in my possession 
 afford a striking instance to that effect.* They consist of part of the oss ilium, 
 the thigh and leg bones, with the knee bent upwards, of the left side, with the 
 brass ornament round the leg ; the thigh bone of the right side is placed under the 
 leg bone of the left ; and near to these lay the bones of a left fore-arm, not belonging 
 to the same body, but apparently much younger, ornamented with a bracelet. 
 
 " The ground occupied by these tumuli, seems obviously to have been enclosed 
 by what still appear to be marks of a regular and defined boundary, and when all 
 circumstances are considered, connected with the nature and character of the 
 tumuli and their contents, as well as its situation along the line of the old Roman 
 way, it is more than probable, that it has been a burial ground attached to a 
 Romanized British settlement." ^ It was indeed an ancient place of sepulture, and 
 had been, doubtless, used for that purpose by the primitive inhabitants of this 
 island.'^ 
 
 * Vid. page 4, Fig. 7. 
 ^ Letter from Dr. Hull of Bev^erley, to Mr. Hinderwell of Scarborough. 
 ''The Rev. E. StillingjBeet and B. Clarkson, Esq. opened about two hundred barrows at 
 Arras, in the month of May, 1817, and found a variety of ornaments, which I do not hesitate to 
 pronounce British. In almost every tumulus they opened, as I am informed by Mr. Clarkson 
 himselij was found a human skeleton; some very perfect, and others in every stage of decay. 
 Some had rings of brass upon their arms ; and one had a torques of brass round the neck. A 
 great number of brass and iron ornaments were found, such as rings, brooches, &c. One tumulus 
 contained a skeleton of a horse on one side of the interment, and that of a pig on the other; and 
 near the horse were two very large bridle bits, one of fine brass, very neatly wrought, and the other 
 of iron much corroded. In the same barrow were two chariot wheels of about three feet in 
 diameter, and the rim two inches wide. The boss of a shield of iron was found by the side of on« 
 skeleton, and a string of coloured glass beads by the side of another; all of which are striking 
 indications of a British settlement. 
 
' ' "^^iiaiKMnMnHHiHaMMM 
 
 Id. 
 
 Trmi^e'^ if i/ ISu/lhn^ivrvoUl/. 
 
 S-ScTucrflil-kfid'. 
 
s 
 
 In the neighbourhood of Beverley, is a village which retains the name of Druid's 
 Town (Drewton) to this day; and near to it is a remarkable vestige of the religious 
 worship of that priesthood. This consists of a gigantic upright stone, natural or 
 artificial, which was unquestionably a primitive rock idol, placed in an open space 
 within the wood, and serving as an object of devotion to the native Britons.* 
 
 The rites of insular sanctuary were performed periodically b^ the Druids, at 
 some convenient distance from the temple, and in situations which possessed the 
 natural advantages of a river or lake in the centre of a grove of trees. And on the 
 spot where Beverley now stands, these priests found evei*y thing prepared by 
 nature for their purpose. Here were lakes and pools of water in the midst of 
 open spaces in the wood ; hills, a rivulet, and every convenience for the perform- 
 ance of their rites ; a situation which they would appropriate to themselves with 
 eager avidity, as in this part of the country no other place presented equal facilities 
 for these mysterious celebrations. Near this spot then, the petty chieftain would 
 thi-ow up his embankments, and fix his residence as the monarch of his tribe. 
 Accordingly, traces of an ancient road, supposed to be British, and certainly used 
 by the Romans, have been discovered leading from Godmanham by Beverley to 
 Patrington or Spurn. ^ Two Roman tesselated pavements have been discovered at 
 South Burton ;'° and at Swine, and other places on this line of road, several brass 
 instruments called celts have been thrown up;" a certain indication of British 
 occupancy ; for these instruments were undoubtedly used by the original population 
 
 ' The Druids did not worship idols in the human, or any other shape; because one of their 
 tenets inculcated the invisibility of the deity, and that consequently he ought to be adored without 
 being seen. But we are told that they did sometimes erect, in retired places, statues of Isis or 
 Ceridwen; Borl. Ant. Corn. p. 105; and these must have been gigantic stones, rough as when 
 taken from the quarry, the ^actrv'Xix of the eastern nations; which were ritually consecrated by 
 anointing them with oil, and investing them with peculiar and distinctive properties. Dr. Gordon 
 says, that the Irish peasants still pay these upright stones an awful respect Vid. Hutchinson Hist. 
 Cumb. vol. i. p. 243. 
 
 The first Christian missionaries found the people so deeply impressed with an idea of the 
 peculiar sanctity of this stone at Drewton, that nothing could divert them from assembling round 
 it periodically to offer up their customary devotions. They chose it therefore as the scene of their 
 own exertions in the cause of truth; and here it is said, St. Augustine boldly planted the sacred 
 emblem of Christianity, and like St. Paul, in the Areopagus, intrepidly preached the true religion 
 to idolaters from the altar of their own superstition. Hence the rock retains the name of Austin's 
 Stone unto this day. It is a stone of great magnitude, being upwards of twelve feet in height, 
 composed of grey stone, and situated on the declivity of a hill. 
 
 9 
 
 Phil. Trans, vol. xliv, p. 355. lo Drake. Ebor. p. 30. Gent. Ripon, p. 77. 
 " Thompson. Swine, p. 217. 
 
of Britain, though the precise purpose to which they were applied has not been 
 satisfactorily ascertained/^ 
 
 The natural appearance of the country, even at this distant period, indicates the 
 existence of a road in the direction here specified ; for after all the improvements 
 which the present superior knowledge of agriculture have made upon it, a distinct 
 ridge along the site of this road is still perceptible ; and the country on each side 
 remains so low, as to make it evident that, in its unimproved state, it was little 
 better than an extensive morass, partially covered with wood, and with the excep- 
 tion of a few insulated tracts slightly elevated, and of small dimensions, no part of 
 it capable of being converted into a road without incredible labour and expense ; 
 and no traces remain to induce a belief that such labour had been bestowed on any 
 part of it. Richard of Cirencester, evidently refers to Beverley when he mentions 
 Petuaria;'^ Camden confidently pronounces Beverley to be the ancient Petuaria;'* 
 and Drake, from personal investigation, appears to entertain the same opinion. 
 His words are, " Beverley has the votes of some on this account ; near which, a 
 a few years ago, was discovered in a field a curious Roman tesselated pavement, 
 which is a stronger argument in its behalf than any of the former." '^ 
 
 i^Sir Joseph Banks was of opinion that these instruments were used for the purpose of 
 hollowing out large trees into canoes, Archaeol. vol. xix, p. 102. Mr. Whittaker thinks that the 
 celt was a British battle axe; Hist. Manchest. vol. i, p. 17. 8vo. Dr. Plot pronounces it a Roman 
 instrument, and supposes it to have been a rest to support the Lituus; Hist. StafFordsh. p. 403. 
 Hearne calls it a chissel; Letter to Mr. Thoresby. Lei. Itin. Leland makes it a spearhead; 
 Collect, vol. iii, p. 7; and Borlase offers the same opinion; Ant, Corn. p. 268. It is with great 
 deference to these high authorities that I presume to offer a conjecture. The opinions of Hearne 
 and Dr. Plot appear to be the widest from the truth; those of Whittaker and Sir Joseph Banks 
 are ingenious; but those of Leland and Dr. Borlase are the most probable. I am induced to think 
 that as the celt possesses but one ear, it cannot have been intended for a battle axe, or an axe of 
 any kind. The ear could not have been used with any effect towards fastening the staff or handle 
 to the blade with a ligature, because a corresponding convenience on the opposite side would have 
 been necessary to convey the requisite security and firmness to the machinery. An axe is used for 
 cutting, but the handle of the celt being in a line with the blade, would form a most inconvenient 
 instrument to produce that effect. I conceive that the celt was intended for the upper end of a 
 banner staff, and to the ear was attached the streamer by which every war chariot was distinguished. 
 In cases of emergency, this instrument might be converted into a formidable offensive weapon, 
 and in the hands of a resolute Briton, inspirited by the din of battle, might inflict considerable 
 execution on the enemy. 
 
 13 De Situ. Brit. 1. i. c. 6. "Gough. vol. iii. p. 247. Gibs. col. 738. 
 
 '^ Drake. Ebor. p. 30. I have a very old Gazetteer or Dictionary in my possession, without 
 a title, but which appears to be at least two hundred years old, and the explanation it attaches to 
 the word Petuaria, is "Beverley in Yorkshire." This is followed by Ainsworth in his Latin 
 Dictionary, and many other authorities. 
 
Tyi-yi,1r(,A Iff Moll-mcvn/oid/ . 
 
 ^. S oTi/O/Tf lilrTi/ay . 
 
It is absolutely certain, however, that a very populous colony of Britons was 
 established on this very spot. Traces of ancient tumuli are " found widely dis- 
 persed on the whole range of wolds, extending to the neighbourhood of Malton ; 
 and though many still remain unexamined, yet from their size, form, and general 
 appearance," says Dr. Hull, " I am disposed to consider them of a similar cha- 
 racter with those we have examined in this neighbourhood. Many tumuli are 
 found on the estate of Richard Watt, esq. at Bishop-Burton, and in one field of 
 about thirty acres, we opened ten. Th©ir form was circular, but differing very 
 considerably in size, varying from ten to four feet in elevation ; and from one 
 hundred to twenty in diameter. In these we found no skeletons, no ornaments, 
 no coins. In three we found urns, in the others a mixture of bones and charcoal, 
 but no urns. Two of the urns were placed with their mouths downwards, of a 
 smaller size, and corresponding with those described by Borlase, found at Trelo- 
 warren and in Gwythian parish, Cornwall.'^ The one now in my possession, 
 which is represented in the adjoining sketch, was found placed upright, and is 
 much larger than the rest." 
 
 " In those tumuli which contained an intermixture of bones and charcoal, the 
 earth was found to feel greasy between the fingers, and to yield a faint cadaverous 
 smell. The tumulus, from which we obtained this urn, was seventy-four feet in 
 diameter, and seven feet and a half in elevation. It was placed in the centre of 
 the barrow, about four feet below the surface of the adjoining ground. It had no 
 lid or outward covering, which, I believe is generally the case ; the upper part of 
 the urn being filled with earth closely pressed, and with difficulty separated from 
 its internal surface. Uninclosed, and within eighteen inches of the urn, was found 
 a collection of bones, in larger pieces, and not so well burnt as those contained in 
 the urn, which most probably belonged to the same body; the size of the urn 
 being insufficient to contain them. These were intermixed with charcoal and 
 burnt clay in considerable fragments, and confined within a very narrow compass." '* 
 
 »6 Bori. jvnt. Corn. p. 221. 
 
 "^ Vid. page 7, Fig. 6. 
 
 '« Dr. Hull's Letter to Mr. Hinderwell. " Borlase, in his History of Cornwall, pp. 222, 223, 
 describes these urns as being sometimes filled with earth in which the roots of grass have been 
 discovered; sometimes as if cemented by strong mortar to keep out impurities, as well as the air 
 and moisture; and observes that the most ancient and effectual way was to cover the bones with 
 the fat of beasts ; the oil of which, the bones, hot from the embers, strongly imbibed, and became 
 therefore much better guarded against successive drought and moisture, than by any other method 
 
8 
 
 These are decisive evidences that this important station was a British residence ; 
 and being combined with other facts, and strengthened by circumstantial testimony, 
 will prove to demonstration that it was honoured with the presence, and hallowed 
 by the splendid services of the druidical priesthood; — as a place of ritual solemnity 
 it received the significant appellation of the Beaver-Lake of Dwyvawr, and at the 
 parochial division of the county, it very naturally retained the name of Beverlac. 
 
 This name, apparently so simple in its reference, and unequivocal in its appli- 
 cation, has been recorded by Lei and, from an uiicient manuscript, as he informs 
 us,'^ and received by succeeding topographers, in its literal sense, and adopted, 
 without examination, into their respective works, as bearing an unquestion- 
 able allusion to the sagacious animals with which, it is said, the river Hull 
 formerly abounded. And thus an invaluable evidence of the ancient state of 
 Beverley has been carelessly rejected, and much of its primitive consequence 
 overlooked, though the dusky veil in which it is shrouded from common observa- 
 tion, would have yielded to the persevering touch of antiquarian research. From 
 the etymology of this name however, corroborated by other circumstances, the 
 remote antiquity and pristine importance of the town may be rationally determined. 
 
 " It is admitted by Camden, Spelman, and other learned men, that a consider- 
 able part of the present language of Britain, is to be derived from that old one, 
 which was used by the inhabitants of this country, in common with Gaul, Germany, 
 Spain, Illyricum, and most other nations of Europe, before they were overrun by 
 the Romans. From this ancient language, call it British, Saxon, or Celtic, for 
 they were nearly the same, as they were dialects only one of the other, we may 
 derive successfully many words and phrases which would be otherwise inexpli- 
 cable."^" Bishop Percy says to the same effect, that " the hills, forests, rivers, &c. 
 of this country have generally retained their old Celtic names." '^' To this primitive 
 soiu-ce then we must look, for the derivation of the word Bever-lac. 
 
 To accomplish this desirable purpose, it will be necessary to take a brief review 
 of the superstitious rites and mythological observances by which the druidical 
 
 then known; which refers to that passage of Homer, II. 23, v. 243. where Achilles orders his 
 attendants to cover the bones of his friend Patroclus with a double coat of fat." Ibid. 
 
 '9 Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 100. Gibs. Camd. col. 743. 
 
 *" Pettingal on the Gule of August, in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 63. 
 
 21 Mall. North. Ant. Pref. xxxix. 
 
relig-ion was distinguished. The rites of druidism were not only analogous to the 
 Eleusinian mysteries/^ but they also bore a striking resemblance to every idolatrous 
 system which was practised amongst mankind.^' And this coincidence could only 
 arise from the circumstance of a common origination, which may be traced to an 
 eera prior to the dispersion from the plains of Shinar. The posterity of Gomer,** 
 migrating from the primitive settlements of the arkite ogdoad, took their first 
 station in Gaul, thence passed over into Britain, and brought with them the rites 
 of worship modelled according to the institutions of the Cabiri; for even Gomer 
 himself, who, it is thought, settled in Gaul, and became the great original of the 
 Cymry,^* or Celtae, as they were afterwards denominated, had been initiated into 
 the mysteries of these celebrated men,^® and had even assisted them in propagating 
 their errors over the eastern world, before he sought out a distinct settlement for 
 his own posterity. 
 
 The original planters of Britain are named by the bards, Pheryllt, and the first 
 British Chair or Gorsedd was established at Oxford." But they soon penetrated 
 into the northern parts of the kingdom, and under the name of Druids, flourished 
 in all the splendour of sovereign pontiffs, in their respective districts throughout 
 the country of the Brigantes, where numerous vestiges of their existence still 
 remain. 
 
 In the ineffable mysteries of this religion were involved all the science and 
 morality then known in the island,^* which, for evident purposes, were sedulously 
 
 22 strabo. 1. 4. Dion. Perierg. v. 565, 
 
 2s Bryant. Anal. vol. ii. p. 331. et passim. Dav. Druid, sec. 3. Fab. Mys. Cab. vol. ii. c. 10. 
 Maur. Ind. Ant. vol. ii. passim. Borl. Ant. Corn. b. 2. c. 22. 
 
 24 According to the Welsh Triads, the three peaceable settlers in Britain were, first the 
 Cymry, who were a colony of Asiatics, headed by Gomer, or some of his immediate descendants; — 
 secondly, the Loegrians, who were Gauls, descended, originally, from the same stock, but dege- 
 nerate, from a promiscuous intercourse with other tribes ; — and thirdly, the Bry thon or Britons, 
 led by Prydain, the son of Aedd, the Great. Under the first, our island was denominated. 
 Y Vel Ynys, or the Honey Island; under the second, Clas Meidin, or the Rocky Island; and 
 under the third Ynys Prydain, or the Beautiful Island. Vid. Turner's Anglo-Saxons, vol. i. p. 14. 
 It should seem by the above account, that the bards claimed for Britain, an epoch of population, 
 equal at the least in point of antiquity, if not anterior to that of most of its European neighbours. 
 
 ^ Cymry or Cimmerii, (^^ifAya^ot) probably from the misty atmosphere of the countries which, 
 they peopled. 
 
 2« Pausan. Baeot. p. 300. 
 
 2? Old MS. quoted by Dr. Williams. Vid. Dav. Druid, p. 215. 
 
 28 Gollut. Axiom. 33. Borl. Ant. Corn. p. 88. 
 
 C 
 
10 
 
 concealed from the vulgar with a jealousy well becoming the stern advocates 
 of bigotry and superstition. No species of knowledge was attainable except by 
 initiation, which, therefore, became a point of primary importance with every 
 individual who was ambitious of exalting himself to eminence in any station of life, 
 whether civil, military, or religious. 
 
 The worship of the Druids was of a nature that required silence, secrecy, and 
 space for contemplation. This end could be attained by no means so effectually, 
 as by placing their sacred temples in the bosom of an impervious grove of trees, 
 intersected by a labyrinth of devious and inextricable paths and windings. The 
 veneration for oaks was patriarchal ; ^^ it is not, therefore, wonderful that the early 
 Druids esteemed that tree holy, and solemnly consecrated it to one of their most 
 powerful deities. The solitude of a grove of branching oaks gave an air of mystery 
 to their proceedings, and the people were easily persuaded that it was the peculiar 
 residence of the great and terrible god, who would not fail to inflict summary 
 punishment on the profane intruder whose unhallowed feet should violate the 
 sanctuary, and unauthorized, attempt to penetrate the hidden recesses of the sacred 
 enclosure where the most holy temple was constructed. A high degree of venera- 
 tion is soon inspired, by the aid of superstition in an unlettered mind ; and it is 
 alone to this feeling that the implicit submission of the people to all the horrid 
 rites and bloody sacrifices of druidism can be reasonably referred.^" 
 
 In another part of the wood was an open space amongst the trees, containing a 
 pond or lake, where certain religious ceremonies were frequently performed; and 
 in this lake were certain islands or rafts,'' constructed for the purpose of celebrating 
 publickly, in the presence of all the people, the rites of their religion. Small float- 
 ing islands were considered peculiarly sacred by all the ancient idolaters, because 
 
 29 Gen. xviii. c. 1 , 4, 8 v. xxi. c. 33 v. 
 ^^ The description of the Massilian Grove by Lucan, which was also a place of initiation, 
 and consequently polluted with the blood of human victims, may convey some idea of the accom- 
 panying horrors which these consecrated places inspired. " He describes it as a place, gloomy, 
 damp, and scarcely penetrable; a grove in which no sylvan deity ever resided, no bird ever sang, 
 no beast ever slumbered, no gentle zephyr ever played, nor even the lightning could rend a 
 passage. It was a place of blood and horroi', abounding with altars reeking with the gore of 
 human victims, by which all the trunks of the lofty and eternal oaks which composed it, were dyed 
 of a crimson colour; a black and turbid water rolled through it in many a winding stream; no soul 
 ever entered the forlorn abode, except the priest; who, at noon and at midnight, with paleness 
 on his brow, and tremor in his step, went thither to celebrate the horrible mysteries in honour of 
 that terrific deity, whose aspect he yet dreaded, more than death, to behold." Maurice. Ind. 
 Ant. vol. vi. 
 
 »« Day. Druid, p. 190. 
 
11 
 
 they bore a striking" reference to the ark of Noah, in whose capacious woaib the 
 hero-gods were entombed during the prevalence of the diluvian waters ; and tliese 
 islands were mystically termed Beavers.^^ "Every consecrated gjoTe was a 
 copy of paradise ; every sanctified mountain or high place was a local transcript of 
 Ararat, itself geographically coincident with the garden of Eden ; every islet doubly 
 shadowed out the insular ark, and the once sea-girt top of the Armenian peak; 
 and every gloomy cavern represented the dark interior of the Noelic ship wedged 
 fast amidst the cliifs and rocks of the hill of debarkation."'^ Hence the celebrations 
 of the insular sanctuary were founded on a tradition of the general deluge, which 
 was perpetuated in the secret rites of the druidical priesthood, though perverted 
 and localized like the traditions of other nations. The legend was this. 
 
 In the time of the great god Hu, who is the same as Noah, mankind were in- 
 volved in an universal profligacy of manners. A communication was therefore 
 made from heaven that the corruptions of the world should be purified by fire and 
 water ; and that from the bursting of the Lake Llion an overwhelming flood oi 
 the latter element should proceed to deluge the earth and destroy its impure ifi*-" 
 habitants. In consequence of this revelation, a vessel was constnicted without 
 s'ails, in which were preserved a male and female of every species of animals, and 
 also a man and a woman named Dwyvawr and Dwyvach. When these were safely 
 inclosed within the womb of the vessel, a pestilential wind arose, replete with 
 poisonous ingredients, which spread devastation and death throughout the world. 
 Then followed a fiery deluge, which melted the rocks, and split the earth asunder. 
 After this the Lake Llion burst forth, which inundated the globe, and destroyed 
 the whole creation of men and animals, except the favoured few who had sought 
 protection in the sacred vessel. And thus the world was purified by fire and water 
 from the pollutions which the sins of men had accumulated upon it. When the 
 destruction was complete, the Avanc or Beaver, a symbol of the floating Ark, was 
 drawn out of the Lake by the oxen of Hu Gadarn ; Gwydion formed the rainbow as 
 an attendant on the sun, and an assurance was given to the favoured pair by whom 
 the world was destined to be re-peopled, that the Lake should burst no more.'* 
 
 32 Welsh Archaeol. vol. ii. p. 59. Dav. Celt. Research, p. 157. Mythol. Druid, pp. 142, 159. 
 
 33 Faber. Pag. Idol. b. 5. c. 7. 
 
 34 Strabo. 1. 4. Pliny. 1. 8, Ep. 20. Taliesin. Cad Goddeu. Welsh A.rch8Bol. p. 30. Casnodin. 
 Welsh Archaeol. p. 431. Trioz. Owen's Diet. v. Llion. Ibid. v. Banawg. Fab. Mys. Cab. vol. i. 
 p. 61. Dav. Celt. Res. p. 157. Bryant. Anal. vol. ii. p. 417. Bod. Ant. Corn. p. 110. Dav. 
 Druid, p. 96, 105, 142, 267, 268. 
 
 c 2 
 
12 
 
 Hence this spot, whicii was undoubtedly the consecrated scene of the diluvian 
 celebrations, terminating invariably in the actual ceremony of drawing- the floating- 
 Ark or Beaver out of the Lake, acquired the distinguishing appellation of Llyn yr 
 A vane, or the Beaver Lake.^^ 
 
 Here then we have the undoubted origin of the name of Bever-lac.'* It referred 
 to the indispensable religious ceremony of drawing the shrine or emblematical 
 Beaver out of the Lake, and placing it in security on an eminence in the sight of 
 the assembled multitude. This rite was performed near the course (Hwyiy of the 
 stream, which was hence called Hull; in honour of Kedy (Ceres)'* whence the 
 name of a street in Beverley called Ked or Keld-Gate. This female divinity 
 was also denominated Hen-wen^ (Old Lady)^^ whence perhaps, Hen-Gate and 
 Lady-Gate; and was the daughter of Llyr,'^^ whence Lair-Gate. The Ark or 
 Beaver was also named Aren or Ern,^^ whence Hurn moor; the eminence on which 
 it was placed after being drawn out of the Lake, was, in common with the ark 
 itself considered as a mystical Bedd or Pastos, whence the Bedd-ern ; but this Bedd 
 was, in reality, the Cromlech,^* covered with a flat stone, (Llegen) in which the 
 candidate for initiation into the mysteries suffered a temporary confinement by way 
 of probation,^* in a shady place; (Fylliady^ whence Leckonfield, the Cromlech in 
 the shady inclosure ; which holy place was named (7or,^^ from whence came Scor- 
 burgh, the dwelling attached to the circular sanctuary. Further, Delgwe, in the 
 same Celtic language, signified a place of gods,^* whence Delgovitia; (Londesbro',) 
 GodOf an uncovered sanctuary oi' temple,^^ and mynyddig, a hilly place,*" whence 
 Godmundingham, (Godmanham;) Aras or Ares was the solar Noah, as Ceres 
 
 8* Yid. infra, ch. iv. where these ceremonies are described. 
 
 ^^ Oy av TX ovo/xala titn, iiadoci Ka/ rx zj^xyiAxlx, Plat, in Cratylo. 
 
 '' Owen. Diet. v. Hwyl. '* Taliesin. Welsh. Archaeol. p. 67, 
 
 39 Dav. Druid, p. 430 ^^ Ibid. p. 206. 
 
 ■«' Bryant. Anal. vol. ii. p. 328. Dav. Druid, p. 193. 
 
 ^2 Vid. Signs and Symbols, by the author of this work. 
 
 ^ Lle9 gives name to many places, says Mr. Owen ; Diet. v. Lie?. 
 
 ^* Triad, 50. Welsh. Archaeol. vol. ii. p. 12. ^' Owen. Diet, in loc. 
 
 « Owen. Diet, in loc. <» Gibs. Camd. col. 738. 
 
 « Dav. Druid, p. 324. ««* Owen. Diet, in loc. 
 
13 
 
 ^Ked) was a personification of the ark," whence Arras ; and the place of tumuli 
 was Beorh, or Bwr/^ from whence we have Burton/' 
 
 Be it further remarked, in illustration of this important point, that the Beaver, 
 "under the name of Avanc, is constantly introduced into the British account of the 
 deluge ; and the drawing of him out of the Lake, is represented as a great act, which 
 was conducive to the removing of that calamity. Our ancestors seem to have re- 
 garded the Beaver as an emblem of the patriarch himself. To this symbolical 
 honour, this creature may have been promoted by a peculiarity in his natural history. 
 The patriarch had built himself a vessel or house, in which he had lived in the midst 
 of the waters ; and which had deposited that venerable personage and his family 
 safe on dry ground. So the Beaver is not only an amphibious animal, but also a 
 distinguished architect. He is said to build a house of two stories ; one of which 
 is in the water, and the other above the water, and out of the latter he has an egress 
 to dry ground. The fanciful genius of heathenism could not have demanded or 
 discovered a more happy coincidence with the history of the diluvian patriarch."^* 
 
 Here then the Druids had established themselves in all the dignity of eccle- 
 siastical pride ; the givers of laws, the arbiters of life and death. Their residence 
 was probably at Drewton, (Druid's Town) near the holy Beaver Lake ; their place 
 of initiation within the shady groves of Lle9en-fylliad, (Leckonfield) and their 
 cemetery at Beorh or Bwr, (Bur-ton) where many vestiges of this fact still remain. 
 This religious establishment was under the protection of the chief residing at 
 
 5' Fab. Mys. Cab. vol. i. p. 236. ^2 Owen's Diet, in loc. 
 ^' I have received a communication from John Walker, Esq. of Malton, in which some in- 
 genious remarks are offered on the derivation of the word Beverley,- which, though they differ 
 essentially from the view I have taken of the subject, deserve to be made public. This gentleman 
 suggests, that « the supposed origin of the name of Beverley from Beaver, is not correct ; the 
 situation of the town evidently pointing to a name derived from the striking feature of the lo- 
 cality — WATER, which would be Ever-ley, the prefix B, not being intended to change the import 
 of the name, although it may be difficult now to ascertain why it was added. The Beaver, in the 
 arms of the town, is an error similar to what occurs in other places; for instance, Hertford, which 
 has in its arms a Hart, although the ford clearly shews the origin of that name." 
 
 ** Dav. Druid, p. 267. This illustration receives some countenance, if not full corroboration, from 
 the devices inscribed on the borough seals. The oldest common seal we know of, has a figure repre- 
 senting St. John of Beverley sitting on the Fridstol, with a Beaver at his feet. What can this 
 signify, but the downfall of idolatry, and St. John, the patron of the town, trampling its ancient 
 emblem underfoot. This seal, according to the opinion of Drake, Ebor. App. cij. was introduced 
 "by Archbishop Savage, who was translated in 1501, because that prelate's arms are impaled with 
 the old arms of the See of York in one of the shields. The circumscription is Sigillum Commu- 
 NiTATis Beverlaci. The present seal is still more expressive of the foregoing theory; for here 
 the holy lake is represented by three streams of water; and the emblematical Beaver is placed on 
 the Bedd-Aren, as though he had been just drawn to land. The Legend— Sigil, Maior, Guber- 
 NAT. Et. Burgens. Vill^. Beverla. 
 
k 
 
 PetUaria, (Beverley) as that at Godmanham was defertded by the chief and his 
 tribe at Delgovitia, (Londesbro'.) Thus established and protected, the Ditiids 
 Wel'e elevated into objects of terror and superstitious veneration to the natives, 
 whose ignorance conjured up fears which had no existence but in their own 
 iHiagination ; for as these priests were really men of gf eat erudition,'* and were 
 remitted to know the secret designs of the gods ; possessing at the same time the 
 exclusive power of nominating human vi^tims,'^ the lives and liberties of the people 
 were laid prostrate at their footstool. And at those stated periods when the 
 increased moon at six days old exhibited the appearance of a crescent or lunette ; 
 in solemn guise the public rites of the great arkite festival were celebrated ; and 
 when the assembled multitutle beheld the emblematical Beaver drawn to landf^ 
 the ancient woods of Dwyvawr resounded with their acclamations and hosannas. 
 Soon however all was hushed to silence ; each devout Worshipper fell on his face 
 to the earth, when the shrine was placed in safety on the Bedd-aren, and the 
 Archdruid purged the people by a watery lustration, and scattered benedictions 
 with a profuse and liberal hand. Hence arose the marked attachment to a con- 
 secrated river or lake, which bore a striking reference, perpetuated by this 
 periodical ceremony, to the bursting of the lake by W^hich the world was inundated 
 and mankind destroyed. This veneration, which amounted to the last extremity 
 of religious dread, caused the circulation and belief of many superstitions in which 
 were involved the preternatural agency of superior beings. Hence the traditions 
 which are still prevalent in some parts of the kingdom, that secluded lakes are 
 
 ^^ Vid. Borl. Ant. Corn. c. ] 0, where are a host of autliorities in testimony of this fact. 
 
 *^ Cesar. 1. 6. c. 15. The immolation of human victims was used by the Druids for the purpose 
 of propitiating the favour, and appeasing the imaginary wrath of deities which their superstitious 
 belief had invested with a sanguinary character ; for an ancient and obscurely transmitted tradition 
 had taught them, that the blood of one man would be accepted as an atonement for the sins of 
 another. The apologists of the Druids, however, have referred the revolting custom of sacrificing 
 human victims to their strict love of justice, which was considered as adding dignity to the nature 
 of man, and peculiarly acceptable to the immortal gods. Diodorus tells us, that their principal 
 victims were captives taken in war. Diod. Sic. 1. 5. But we are furnished with other testimonies 
 equally unexceptionable, which convince us, that the Druids were not particularly delicate on 
 this subject, for as human victims were indispensable in times of pressing calamity, for the 
 purposes of augury, Tacit. Annal. 1. xiv. c. 20, they did not hesitate, on such occasions, to 
 sacrifice their own countrymen, their intimate friends, or even their wives and children. Justin. 
 1. 26. c. 2. Hence the horror with which the Romans ever regarded the druidical system of religion, 
 Sueton. in vit. Claud, and hence proceeded that revolting feeling which induced them to distinguish 
 it by the phrase, dirce immanitatis. Ibid. c. 25. 
 
 '"^ Taliesin. Mic Dinbych. Welsh Archaeol. vol. i. p. 67. 
 
u 
 
 haunted by phantoms and apparitions.** The same awe froze the blood of the 
 uninitiated in every part of the world, when they approached, by any accident, the 
 place of initiation, which was usually in some retired part of the consecrated grove ; 
 or even when they spake of the sanctuary where the mysteries were celebrated at 
 the dead hour of night. These feelings were encouraged by priests and hierophants, 
 to prevent the intrusion of profane or unworthy persons, and to keep at a distance 
 the prying curiosity of the vulgar ; whose feelings were wound up to the highest 
 pitch of agony by the Druid's arrogant boast, that from the magical influence of 
 the anguinum ovum, he possessed the power of controlling the course of nature, 
 commanding the services of the gods, and even, by the use of that potent amidet, 
 of making the deity tremble on his throne. With the impression on his mind 
 produced by these proud pretensions, what must be the dreadful situation of the 
 midnight traveller, bewildered in his way, should he unconsciously approach the 
 place of celebration, during the performance of the sacred rites ! He hears the din 
 of shrieks and bowlings, the barking of dogs,*^ and other preternatural noises, ^° for 
 which he cannot account, reverberate from mountains or hollow caverns of the 
 earth ; — now clamours bursting from the ground beneath his feet ; now gradually 
 subsiding as if floating on the distant winds ; — peals of thunder are succeeded by 
 strains of heavenly music; — and solemn silence by the cries and bowlings of 
 despair. For — 
 
 " Underneath the soil, a hundred secret paths 
 Scoop'd thro' the living rock in winding maze, 
 Lead to as many caverns dark and deep. 
 Mid which the hoary sages act their rites 
 Mysterious — rites of such strange potency. 
 As done in open day would dim the sun 
 Though throned in noontide brightness."®' 
 
 The ill-starred traveller stands aghast ; his footsteps are forcibly arrested, and he 
 retreats from the fatal ground with all the expedition he can command, at the risk 
 of perishing in the woods, from bogs, or pitfalls, or the paws of ravenous beasts. 
 
 «« Gibs. Camd. col. 645. «9 Virg. Eneid. 1. 6. v. 257. 
 
 "^ Vid. Antiquities of Free-Masonry, by the author of this work, p. 110. 
 
 ^' Mason's Caractacus. 
 
le 
 
 ©Jap. M. 
 
 TImir first appearance in Deira — Treachery of Cartismunda — Caractacus — Bravery 
 and activity of the Britons — Romans introduce the Arts — People and cultivate 
 the wood of Deira — Improve the appearance of the country — Accounts of the 
 first Christian establishment there examined — Introduction of Christianity into 
 Britain — Doctrines of the Druids compared with Christianity — The inhabitants 
 of Deira embrace the new religion — Lucius converted — His history examined — 
 Evidences of the existence of Christianity at this period — Druidism deeply 
 planted — A Church erected at Beverlac probable — Name of the site of this 
 edifice — its derivation and reference — Progress of Christianity — Errors of 
 
 Pelagius — Ronmns forsake the island. 
 
 * 
 
 Such was the state of things in this district at the period of the Roman 
 invasion. For some years that powerful people confined their ravages to the 
 southern parts of Britain, and the first mention of the Brigantes occurs during the 
 government of Ostorius Scapula, which was signalized by an act of treachery that 
 has handed down the name of Cartismunda, their abandoned queen, to the ex- 
 ecration of mankind. This wretched woman, unrestrained by feelings of delicacy, 
 or the infamy which attends a deliberate violation of faith solemnly pledged, not 
 only deserted her husband, and consigned her person to the embraces of his menial 
 servant,' but delivered up the great Caractacus, who in his adversity had sought 
 her protection and assistance against the common enemy. The warrior was led in 
 chains to Rome, and his memory is dear to every lover of his country ; while the 
 wretch who betrayed him gained a temporary protection from the Roman power, 
 and after a life addicted to every species of vice and immorality, left behind her a 
 name, stained with crime, disgrace, ajid infamy. 
 
 ' Tacit Hist. 1. 3. c. 45. 
 
IT 
 
 The Romans were wholly incapable of subduing" our valiant forefathers by force 
 of arms. If vanquished in one quarter by the superior discipline of their veteran 
 invaders, the natives of some distant province were soon found in hostile array, and 
 harassed the victorious enemy by perpetual insurrections. The dexterity of a native 
 Briton was as surprising as his undaunted bravery. If to penetrate, with fear- 
 less resolution, into the thickest ranks of the enemy, — to dash his war chariot into 
 the centre of the Roman cavaliy, — to alight in that perilous situation, and fight on 
 foot, — to expose his naked body in the midst of a phalanx cased in mail, — to regain 
 his chariot, at an emergency, by a single leap, — to run along the pole for any 
 advantage while his horse was at full speed, — to advance and retreat with equal 
 rapidity and success, — to persevere with invincible intrepidity even in the very 
 mouth of destruction, — if all this afford any proof of the united qualities of personal 
 strength, courage, and conduct, then our remote forefathers possessed these virtues 
 in their highest perfection ; for even their enemies had the candour to acknowledge 
 that the bravest and best disciplined troops have been disconcerted and put to 
 confusion by their hardy valour, their peculiar eminence in selecting the field of 
 action, their consummate adroitness in the art of ambuscade, their judicious skill 
 in stratagem and retreat, added to an intrepid and impetuous mode of attack, 
 which frequently bore down all opposition.^ 
 
 At length, however, the Romans effected by policy what they were unable to 
 accomplish by coercion. The admirable prudence of Julius Agricola, induced him 
 to try an expedient on the natives of Britain, which was attended with the most 
 complete and triumphant success. He introduced amongst them the arts and 
 manners of his own nation, and by instilling into their minds a taste for the elegan- 
 cies and luxuries of civilized life, he accomplished more in a few years than his 
 predecessors had done by arms in upwards of a century. He erected fortresses in 
 different parts of the kingdom, divided Britain from Caledonia by a line of 
 forts extending across the island, and returned to his own country satisfied that he 
 had firmly established the Roman sway in Britain. 
 
 On the northern coast of the Humber the Romans settled in great numbers. 
 They cleared the woods, drained the marshes, and built or improved all the 
 principal towns. Eboracum (York) was constituted one of the two municipal 
 towns which this island contained. The British towns of Delgovitia (Londesbro') 
 
 « Cesar. Tacitus, Dio. Nic. Herodian. Strabo. Diod. Sic. &c. &c. 
 
18 
 
 and Petuaria (Beverley) were converted into Roman stations ; they changed the 
 British trackway which led from Delgovitia to Pretorium (Patrington or Spurn) 
 by way of Godmanham and Petuaria, into a military road, and left behind them 
 many tokens of the civilization which they had introduced.^ Their ships from the 
 Humber navigated the river Hull, and Grove Hill, in the precincts of Beverley, 
 was their general landing place. 
 
 A visible change now took place in the appearance of the country ; the dark and 
 cheerless cabin of the British chief was exchanged for the Roman villa, decorated 
 with porticos and tesselated pavements, and provided with every luxury peculiar to 
 the Roman people. The land, formerly encumbered by wood and vitiated by 
 morass, was rendered fruitful by cultivation, and the face of the country was 
 suddenly changed as if by the operation of a spell. The improvement was fasci- 
 nating ; and the hardy Briton, gratified by indulgences to which he had hitherto 
 been a stranger, soon resigned himself to the entire sway of his polished conquerors, 
 and laid down his arms at the enticement of sloth and luxurious ease. In this 
 state of things the arts had room for extension, and peace was crowned with the 
 improved refinements of civil and social life. The introduction of Christianity was 
 one of the beneficial consequences that ensued, and soon we find the record of an 
 ecclesiastical edifice dedicated to this holy religion in the wood of Deira. 
 
 The date of the first establishment of Christianity at Beverley is indeed involved 
 in much obscurity. In examining the subject with all the care and attention which 
 it so justly merits, the historian finds it encumbered with many diflSculties. The 
 introduction of Christianity into Britain is placed by some writers at a very early 
 period after the crucifixion of its author. A manuscript in the British museum 
 would seem to sanction the opinion that it was introduced by Joseph of Arimathea. 
 " In the 31st year after the crucifixion," says this document, " twelve disciples of 
 St. Philip the Apostle, of whom Joseph of Arimathea was the head, came into this 
 land, and preached the doctrines of Christianity to King Aviragus, who denied 
 them. But they obtained from him this spot, (Glastonbury) with twelve hides of 
 land, whereon they erected the first church in this kingdom."* Others, who have 
 
 ' At Swine, on the above line of road, many Roman coins and other antiquities have been 
 found; Thompson's Holderness, p. 16. and coins of the same people have been found at Grove 
 Hill, and on the opposite side of the river. But the most splendid evidence of Roman occupancy 
 here, is in two rich tesselated pavements composed of red, blue, and white stones, each being about 
 an inch square, and arranged in beautiful figures, which were found about a century ago in two 
 fields at Bishop Burton. Gent's Ripon. p. 77. Drake's Ebor. p. 30. 
 
 4 Cott. MSS. Tib. A. V. fol. i. 
 
19 
 
 employed their talents in the investigation of a theory so important, confidently 
 pronounce that it was planted in this island by St. Paul himself/ under the auspices 
 of the family of Caractacus.® We cannot doubt but Christianity was known in 
 Britain at this early period, for the Claudia (Rufina) mentioned by St. Paul to 
 Timothy,'^ is said, on good authority, to have been a British lady.* Gent,® Speed,'* 
 Camden, and others," assert that the gospel was preached here by Joseph of Ari- 
 mathea in the time of Suetonius, and by Simon Zelotes in the time of Agricola ; 
 and several authors in defence of the antiquity of the British church, have shewn 
 much ingenuity in their attempts to prove that it was established here by the 
 Apostles.'^ An old manuscript, which Baronius saw in the Vatican library, 
 reports, that Lazarus, Mary Magdalen, and others being banished from Jerusalem, 
 were exposed to the mercy of the winds and waves in a vessel without tackling, 
 and being driven to Gaul, from thence passed over into Britain.'^ However this 
 may be, it is quite 'certain that the progress of Christianity in Britain was incon- 
 siderable for many years subsequently to the death of Paul, and idolatry was not 
 finally extirpated for some centuries after the Christian era. It is to be lamented 
 that so few documents remain which afford any clue to illustrate this event; and 
 we can only proceed on general principles to ascertain how it was possible for such 
 a change to be wrought in the minds of an unlettered people, as would induce 
 them to abandon their ancient and fondly cherished superstitions, and embrace a 
 strange and less splendid mode of worship. 
 
 The fundamental truth of all religion is, the being of a God. This is a truth 
 born with us. It has been acknowledged by every nation and every people, as 
 well as the Druids of Britain and Gaul,''' however they might vary in their notions 
 
 « Speed. Brit. p. 203. 
 ^ " It is a remarkable and interesting fact/' says a distinguished prelate, " that the detention of 
 the British hostag-es should have been coincident with St. Paul's residence there as a prisoner; and 
 it was not a less favourable coincidence, that they should be released from confinement in the same 
 year in which St. Paul was set at liberty. Nothing could be more convenient for St. Paul's mission 
 to the Gentiles, than the opportunity which their return must have offered him of introducing the 
 gospel into Britain ; and nothing more probable than that h^ should readily embrace such an 
 opportunity." Bp. Burgess. Serm. 1812. 
 
 ' 2 Tim. c. iv. v. 20. « Martial. 1. 4. Ep. 13. 
 
 9 Gent. York. p. 195. lo Speed. Brit. p. 202. " Cur. Disc. vol. ii. pp. 161, 167. 
 
 12 Stilling. Orig. Brit. p. 37. Hakewill. Cur. Disc. vol. ii. p. 170. 
 
 1^ Camden ut supra. 
 
 '* The Druids believed in One supreme God, who is over all, Orig. in Ezek. iv. and their 
 
 invocations were addressed to the One all-healing, or all-saving power ; Drayt. Poly-Olbion. Seld. 
 
 Annot. Hutch. Cumb. vol. 1. p. 247, though they admitted into their pantheon a numerous train 
 
 D 2 
 
20 
 
 of the worship which would be most acceptable to him.'* They held that time was 
 only an intercepted fragment of eternity ; and there are strong* grounds for believing 
 that they were also impressed with the Pythagorean notion of an endless succession 
 of worlds. They strenuously inculcated the metempsychosis,'^ and taught that the 
 soul of the wicked was degraded to the lowest point in the scale of existence as a 
 means of punishment, and that it could only regain its former rank by passing 
 through a succession of intermediate transmigrations, each gradually advancing to 
 a superior degree of perfection, until it again arrived at man, when it was subjected 
 to a new trial. If it now persevered in the practice of virtue, it was elevated by 
 imperceptible gradations, imtil absorbed into the divine essence, and prepared for 
 final and everlasting beatitude. They believed that the world had once been de- 
 stroyed by water, and would suffer a second destruction by fire."^ They taught 
 the immortality of the soul, but were ignorant of the attributes of the deity ; and 
 connected so much of improbability and fiction with the system of his worship, 
 that their knowledge and acknowledgment of One supreme God, were little more 
 than a dead letter. It was only the remnant of the patriarchal mode of worship 
 which had escaped the rage for innovation ; because every other principle had been 
 successively renounced to make way for the introduction of novel contaminations 
 more imposing and seductive, as well as conferring more extensive power on the 
 supreme order of the priesthood. Their motives for sacrificing human victims 
 sprang from an obscure tradition, which taught them to believe that man's re- 
 demption could be secured, and the anger of the gods appeased, only by the most 
 
 of inferior deities, who where considered as the authorized mediators beween God and man, and 
 guardians over terrestrial things. They invested their several deities with attributes similar to 
 those which the Greeks, and after them the Romans, had assigned to their principal gods ; and 
 placed them, by a systematic classification, in the following order, adapted to the genius and 
 peculiar character of their own mythology. The deity who possessed the endowments assigned 
 to the Grecian Mercury, was the chief god ;* for they esteemed him as the inventor of all the arts 
 and sciences; then followed Apollo, Mars, Jupiter, and Minerva. They also adored Pluto and 
 Proserpine, Bacchus and Ceres, all under British appellations ; with many inferior deities which 
 were believed to preside over the animate and inanimate creation. The Grecian Jupiter was 
 worshipped under the appellation of Don ; Mercury was termed Gwydion ab Don ; Apollo, 
 Halyn Pasgadwr or Granwyn; Bacchus or Saturn, Hu ; Ceres, Ked or Ceridwen; Proserpine, 
 Llywy ; Iris, Arianrod ; Isis, Eseye, &c. &c. 
 
 • This is Cesar's classification ; bnt Hecafaens, in Diodorus the Sicilian, says that Apollo was the principal deity of 
 the ancient Britons ; and that the circular temple of Stonehenge was erected* by his priests, the Druids, and dedicated 
 expressly to bis worship. 
 
 *« Vid. « Signs and Symbols," by the author of this work. Lect. 2. 
 
 '6 Diod. Sic. 1. 5. '^ Strabo, 1. 4. 
 
21 
 
 precious and acceptable oflferin^ ; which was eteemed to be the life-blood of man ;" 
 and hence the Druids were exceedingly lavish of human blood/^ and the most 
 trifling event was sufiicient to justify the immolation of a fellow creature.**^ 
 
 Such were a few of the leading doctrines of the druidical religion, and their 
 manifest imperfection might have some share in disposing the minds of its more 
 candid professors to embrace the dispensation of Christianity, which was calculated 
 to remove all doubts, and clearly to explain those mysterious doctrines which were 
 involved by an idolatrous worship in inextricable difficulty. The errors of this 
 false religion however, were so splendid and so fascinating, that the great mass of 
 the besotted people would not renounce them but with extreme reluctance. We 
 all know how dear to ourselves are the recollections of past events which have 
 been consecrated to our memory in the spring of life, when all was hope and joy 
 before us, and our hearts rebounded with the innocent elasticity of unoffending 
 childhood. Thus it was with the native Briton. Ancient prejudices, endeared by 
 early recollections, and confirmed by habitual use, were fondly cherished and 
 secretly indulged ; and while he formally worshipped the true God with his mouth, 
 the "glancing Hu" was in his heart; he was his "sovereign of heaven," and "god 
 of mystery."^' The priesthood, though silenced by the introduction of Christianity, 
 was not suppressed, and the Druids only waited a favourable moment to re-assert 
 their independence. They still continued secretly to instruct the people ; and even 
 practised their mysteries in darkness and seclusion, and succeeded in preserving an 
 uninterrupted hierarchy, as the occurrences which subsequently took place will 
 most clearly testify. 
 
 We are told that the inhabitants of Deira embraced Christianity at a very early 
 period after its introduction into Britain ; and to proceed on true grounds, it will 
 be necessary to examfhe with impartial attention the evidences on which this con- 
 clusion is founded. Leland says,^^ " the collegiate church of the blessed John of 
 Beverley was anciently founded in the county of York, in a certain country called 
 Deyira, to wit, in the wood of the Deyirians, in the time of Lucius, the most illus- 
 trious king of England, (then called) Brittany, the first king of the same, the son 
 of Coil, a pagan king, anointed by pope Eleutherius, the 13th after Peter, in the 
 
 '8 Cesar, 1. 6. c. 16. '^ Sammes. Brit. p. 104, 
 20 Strabo. 1. 4. Diod. Sic. 1. 5. Vid. also Sammes, Borlase, Davies, Whittaker, Smith, 
 Toland, and all the modern authors who have treated on the subject. 
 
 21 Poem of Rhys Brydydd. Owen's Diet. v. Mymrym. Dav. Druids, pp. 121, 110. 
 
 22 Ex. MS. Dom. T. Herbert. 
 
22 
 
 year of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God the Father Almighty, Creator of 
 Heaven and earth, together with Holy Ghost, according to the computation of the 
 church of England, 126." Now Coil ascended the throne of his dominions in the 
 year 126, and after a reign of fifty-four years, died at Caerbranke or York, and 
 was succeeded by his son Lucius, in the year 180;^^ and the erection of the church 
 at Beverley has been placed in A. D. 187. There can be little doubt but Lucius 
 was anxious to establish the christian religion in his division of the island, as he 
 was himself a christian, and was stimulated by the commendations of his holiness 
 at Rome. The author already cited says, "Lucius or Lucy, the sone of Coilus, 
 was made kyng of Brytons in the yere of our Lord, C. Ixxx. The whiche in all 
 actes and dedys of goodnes folowed his forefaders in suche wyse, that he of all men 
 was beloued and drad. Of this is lytell or none acte notable put in memory, ex- 
 cept that all wryters agree that this Lucius sent to Eleutherius, then pope of Rome, 
 certayne pistles or letters, prayinge hym that he and his Brytons myghte be re- 
 ceyued to the faythe of crists Churche; whereof the pope beynge very Joyous and 
 gladde, sent into Brytayne .ii. noble clerkes, named Faganus and Damianus, or 
 after some, Fugacius and Dimianus; thyse .ii. good and vertuous clerkes were 
 honourably receyued of Lucius, the whiche, by theyr good Doctryne and vertuous 
 ensamples gyuynge, conuertyd the kynge and a great parte of the Brytons. The 
 which Lucie, after the faythe thus by him receyued, by the aduice of the foresayd 
 Clerkes, and with the Instruccyons sent to theym by the foresaid pope Eleuthery, 
 Instituted and ordeyned that all or the more partie of Archeflamynys and Flamynys, 
 whiche is to meane Archebysshoppes and Bysshoppes of the Pagan lawe, whiche at 
 that daye were in nombre as wytnessyth Gaufride and other .iii. of the Arche- 
 flamynys, and .xxviii. of the Flamynys were made and ordeyned Archebysshoppes 
 and Bysshoppes of the Church of crist.^* They were also confermed of the pope ; 
 he thenne endowed theym with such landes and possessions as before tyme were 
 occupyed or gyuen to y^ Maynteynynge and vpholdynge of the pagan Rytes and 
 lawe, vsed before tyme. And the temples of Idollys thorough his lande he caused 
 to be Dedicat to Jhesu Criste and his Seyntes, and honouryd theym moche great, 
 and w* large gyfts."^^ 
 
 23 Fabyan Chron. Ed. 1811, p. 38. 
 2< Fabyan Chron. p. 38. 
 
 2' Fabyan. Chron. p. 40. The correspondence between Lucius and Eleutherius may be seen 
 in Speed ; Brit. 222, and it appears to receive some countenance from an ancient painting in the 
 
23 
 
 Thoug-h there ai'e some errors in this account, yet the main fact that a British 
 chief of the name of Lucius, did actually exist about this period, is, I believe, 
 indubitable. Indeed, Mr. Hakewell, in his discourse on this subject before the 
 society of Antiquaries,'^^ observes, " the consent of writers herein is so generall, 
 that no doubte neede be made hereof" ^^ His influence, and the extent of his 
 territorial dominions have been greatly exaggerated, yet his exertions to convert 
 the Druids may be strictly true. But though in some instances he might prove 
 successful, yet he would, doubtless, fail in general to convince the great body af 
 that haughty, yet learned, priesthood,^* that their religion was erroneous. It is clear, 
 that for many ages after the introduction of Christianity into Britain, the country 
 was divided between its followers and the idolatrous professors of the ancient super- 
 stition. And this will be evident from the destruction of some pagan monuments, 
 and the preservation of others. The early missionaries, to render the transition 
 from a false to a true worship more easy and attractive, generally converted the 
 temples dedicated to idolatrous uses into Christian churches; and thus the feelings 
 of the people were soothed by a compromise, which, in our opinion, appears to 
 have been unwarranted, if not absolutely dangerous. In all parts of the world 
 the Christian missionaries practised this expedient, long before it was established as 
 a politic axiom by Gregory .^^ But Mr. Davies infers, from this practice, that the 
 rites of druidism were, in some places, offered up to the tru^e God ; that the history 
 of a Christian bishop was frequently confounded with that of an heathen deity ; and 
 that the bards transferred to him, the mythological oxen of the votaries of Hu.'° 
 Hence, in many parts of the kingdom, our churches actually occupy the ancient 
 sites of druid temples. In these places Christianity wasjirst introduced. In other 
 situations the temples remain to this day, which is no inconsiderable proof that 
 there the influence of idolatry was of the longest duration ; there it was practised. 
 
 high south window over the choir of York cathedral, which represents the effigies of these two 
 celebrated personages standing beside each other in full proportion. Gent's York, p. 195. 
 
 26 29th November, 1604. 
 ^ Dr. Burton, Mon. Ebor. p. 6, places Lucius in the latter end of the third century; but I am 
 not satisfied with his reasoning, because it appears at variance with the best authorities. Vid. 
 Leland and Fabyan ut supra. Usher. Antiq. Brit. c. 3. Stillingf. Ant. Brit. c. 2. Bede. Eccl., 
 Hist. Savil. Fasti, an. 173. n. Bp. Jewel. Sir W. Dethick. Cur. Disc, vol ii. p. 164. 
 
 2« Borl. Ant. Corn. b. 2. c. 10. 
 
 " Ibid. p. 210, and vid. Greg. Epist. 71. Collins. Eccles. Hist. vol. i. 
 
 «o Myth. Druids, p. 140. and vid. also Faber. Myst. Cabiri. vol. ii. p. 394, where precisely tk^ 
 same train of reasoning is used. 
 
24 
 
 though with diminished influence, until Christians found it unnecessary to accom- 
 modate their religion to prevailing superstitions for the purpose of making prose- 
 lytes; and hence the massive structures were suffered to remain, when their 
 existence could no longer impede the diffusion of truth ; and the gigantic edifice 
 of Stonehenge, as well as many others in different parts of England, will continue 
 till time shall be no more, a standing monument of the effects of superstition, and 
 a beacon to future generations to avoid the rocks and quicksands of a spmious and 
 delusive worship. 
 
 There can be little doubt but Christianity prevailed to a certain extent in this 
 island, before it was finally abandoned by the Romans ; for it was denominated 
 in the third century, the first fruits of God's harvest amongst the Gentiles,^' and 
 subsequently it was said, that the inhabitants worshipped with their faces towards 
 Jerusalem,^^ and that they had erected temples and altars to the living God.^^ On 
 the other hand, we are informed by Pliny, that in the second century, the druidical 
 superstition was as prevalent in Britain as it had been before the diffusion of 
 Christianity.^* Carte assigns as a reason why the British Christians were not 
 included in any of the persecutions before the time of Dioclesian, that till then 
 there were no Christians here considerable enough to be remarked.^' Sulpitius 
 Severus, who flourished about the beginning of the fifth century, remarks,^^ that 
 Christianity advanced but slowly on this side of the Alps before his time. And we 
 learn from Bede," that the inhabitants of London did not finally give up their 
 attachment to the rites of idolatry until the year 653, when Christianity was 
 received amongst them by the conversion of Sigebert the good. The impulse 
 which originated and preserved this superstition amongst the Britons was so strong, 
 that even in contempt and violation of the edict of Claudius, which interdicted its 
 practice under heavy penalties, druidism survived every other system of idolatrous 
 worship which pervaded the continent of Europe. The idolatry of ancient Rome 
 fell in the fourth century of the Christian era; the Scandinavian superstition con- 
 tinued somewhat longer, because the bright blaze of truth did not fully illuminate 
 the snowy regions of the north until a later period ; but the professors of druidism 
 
 81 Orig. in Ezek. horn. 4. ^2 Jerom. Epit. Marcel, vidu. 
 33 Chrys. in Serm. de Pent. s^ In vit. Claud, c. 25. 
 « Hist. Engl. vol. i. p. 140. »« 1. 2. " EccI. Hist. 1. 3. c. 22. 
 
2S 
 
 were in existence, and displayed some vigour until the twelfth or fourteenth 
 century." 
 
 It is hence clear, that neither all, nor even the major part of the Archdruids and 
 Druids were converted to Christianity hy Lucius. Bede speaks much of the 
 activity of this prince, and so far he is fairly entitled to credit ; but we must 
 hesitate before we receive, with implicit ciedence, the accounts which endeavour 
 to prove the general conversion of the Britons at this early period. It is said, 
 that this island was the first Roman province that received the Christian faith by 
 a formal edict,'^ and Lucius, says Speed,^° was the first Christian king in the 
 world. We may safely admit that this monarch effected much. He constituted 
 governors over his newly converted society of Christians, and it is highly probable, 
 that he placed a bishop at Caerbranke, (York) because the fact was afterwards 
 pleaded by Archbishop Thomas, as a valid argument of the superior antiquity of 
 the see of York, during the celebrated controversy which took place in the eleventh 
 century respecting the title to the primacy.^' It requires then no very great por- 
 tion of credulity to believe that a temporary place of Christian worship should be 
 erected at the Beaver-Lake in Dwyvawr, as it was undoubtedly the uniform prac- 
 tice of the primitive Christians to place their churches and monasteries in situations 
 which had been already rendered peculiarly sacred in the opinion of the worship- 
 pers, by a formal consecration to the rites of their own superstition. And it is 
 evident that there was a church here before the time of John of Beverley, because 
 it is expressly said that he rebuilt it.*^ The edifice would probably be constructed 
 of no better materials than the timber of the grove in which it stood, with a cover- 
 ing of straw or reeds ; a building erected without expense, and well adapted to 
 those troublesome times, when the new religion, received with reluctance, would, 
 
 38 Mr. Davies asserts, that the druidlcal religion was preserved without interruption, and 
 cherished by the bards in the time of the Welsh princes down to the very latest period of their 
 political existence. Myth. Druids, pp. 25, 282. Nay, Dr. Jamieson relates a singular fact, which 
 goes to the point of proving, that the impressions of the ancient religion are not even yet obliterated 
 in the northern parts of Scotland. « Mr. Ferguson, minister of Moulin, who died about twenty 
 years ago, assured a friend, from whom I had my information, that there was in his parish an old 
 man, who, although very regular in his devotions, never addressed the Supreme Being by any 
 other title than that of Archdruid ; accounting every other derogatory to the divine majesty*" 
 Jamlesou^s Hist. Account of the Culdees, p. 29. 
 
 89 Marc. Sabell. in Ennead. 1. 5. ex Bale, vol. i. 1. 2. 
 
 ^0 Speed. Brit. p. 222. *^ Vid. Wharton. Ang. Sacr. t. 1. 
 *^ Vide infra, ch. iv. 
 
 £ 
 
26 
 
 oh the very first change of circumstances, sink under the predominating influence 
 of the ancient mode of worship. 
 
 The site of the edifice was termed the Bedd-aren/' which forms an additional 
 proof of the existence of the druidical superstition on this particular spot ; and that 
 the worship was dedicated to Hu, the arkite deity of Britain. Bedd-aren, means 
 literally, the resting place of the ark, or emblematical Beaver ; which being drawn 
 out of the Lake, during the performance of the ancient rites, was placed on this 
 eminence in triumph, amidst the anthems and exultations of the assembled 
 multitude.^* 
 
 During the reign of the Emperor Severus, the northern nations made frequent 
 inroads into South Britain, and committed their ravages on the inhabitants, now 
 growing averse to the fatigues of war, with equal insolence and impunity. The 
 emperor, though a martyr to the gout, and far past the meridian of life, deter- 
 mined to chastise the invaders in person ; and for this purpose undertook a painful 
 voyage to this island in the year 207. His energy exceeded his strength ; yet he 
 succeeded in driving the Picts and Scots back into their own country ; penetrated 
 with his victorious troops into the heart of Caledonia, reduced the natives to per- 
 fect submission, and returning to Britain, took up his residence at York, which 
 had been constituted a municipal city;''^ and as he found the native Britons so 
 
 ^' At present there is but little appearance of a hill on which the minster is situated; but I 
 have no doubt of its having been originally erected on a commanding eminence; for the most 
 undeniable proofs exist that the surrounding ground has been considerably raised. In the year 
 1812, a hedge fence was found perfect in Minster-Moorgate, at about six feet beneath the present 
 surface ; and it is reasonable to suppose that the minster yard has been lowered, because some 
 stone sarcophagi which have been recently found, were only a very few feet beneath the surface, 
 when their primitive interment would probably be at a much greater depth. 
 
 44 Welsh. Arch. vol. i. p. 79. Bryant. Anal. vol. ii. p. 328. Dav. Dru. 193, 194. Mr. Drake 
 gives a different etymology. He says, ** we need look no farther back than our Saxon ancestors 
 for the etymology of this word, which is plainly deduced from the Anglo-Saxon Beade, oratio, 
 and that from the Maeso-Gothic verb '^tXniUXtf precari, rogare. Hern or Herm is a cell or her- 
 mitage, as Potherne, Whitherne, so that it signifies no more than a cloister built and set apart 
 for a number of religious to dwell in." Drake's Ebor. p. 572. But for the reasons already 
 assigned in ch. I, I am inclined to think, that for the derivation of this word we must go back to 
 the primitive language of the country ; besides, in the time of the Anglo-Saxons, if we may believe 
 Leland, the site of Beverley minster was spoken of as a place anciently called the Beddern. 
 
 4'' Municipia were towns whose inhabitants possessed in general all the rights of Roman citizens, 
 except those which could not be enjoyed without an actual residence at Rome. They followed 
 their own laws and customs, and had the option of adopting or rejecting those of Rome. Rossini. 
 Antiq. Rom. b. 10, c. 23. ap. Hatcher. R. of Cirencest. In a word, they were in the nature of 
 corporations or enfranchised places, where the inhabitants were allowed the privilege of being 
 governed by their own laws and magistrates, while they ranked as citizens of Rome. Kennet. 
 Rom. Ant. Notit. p. 232. 
 
2t 
 
 averse to arms, he built a substantial wall from Solway Frith to the Tynemoutb, 
 for the purpose of preventing" any future incursions of the northern barbarians. 
 I'his distinguished Emperor died at York, A. B. 211. 
 
 About the year 287, Carausius usurped the regal power in Britain, and was 
 murdered at York in 293, by Alectus, according to some authorities ; while others 
 say, by Chlorus, who was sent against him. Alectus, his successor, fixed his resi- 
 dence at York, and at the end of three years was succeeded by Chlorus, who 
 allowed the Christians full liberty of conscience.*^ He also died at York, in 306. 
 His son Constantine was in this city when his father died, and he there assumed 
 the purple, which was so highly ornamented by his shining- virtues. 
 
 The peace which this island enjoyed, under the reign of Constantine, was highly 
 favourable to the interests of religion. An appointment of bishops was announced ; 
 and in the year 314, we find a deputation from Britain at the council of Aries, 
 consisting of the bishops of London, York, and Lincoln.*'^ About this time also 
 churches were erected in different parts of the country, and even the splendid fane 
 of Verulum dates its origin from the period we are now contemplating.*' All was 
 peace and harmony until about the middle of the fourth century, when scenes of 
 calamity were exhibited, which put an entire stop, for a long" continued period, to 
 the progress of our holy religion in Britain. 
 
 The empire of the world, vexed with party cabals, distracted by the clash of 
 contending interests, harassed by repeated insurrections, and threatened by hordes 
 of barbarians from different parts of its unwieldy extent, now began to totter 
 under its own weight. The island of Britain was drained of its population by 
 successive conscriptions, and its bravest inhabitants were transported to the con- 
 tinent, to fight the battles of their masters, until at length the sinews of British 
 strength were totally relaxed by the loss of its most valiant youth, and the alienation 
 of its treasures ; and at this unhappy period, Rome finally sank into comparative 
 insignificance. Unable to defend itself, it could not attend to the cries and groans 
 of the wretched islanders,*' who were exposed to the incursive ravages of their 
 more valiant neighbours, without possessing the means of defence. 
 
 To increase the calamities of this unhappy country, the newly planted religion 
 was infected with a grievous heresy, emanating from the complicated mythology 
 
 <« Ush. Ant. Brit. p. 88. ^r stillingf. Ant. Brit. p. 75. 
 " Britton. Archit. Ant. App. viii. *^ Gildas. Sect. 17. Bede. Eccl. Hist. 1. 1. c. 13. 
 
 E 2 
 
of the ancient mode of worship. Many of the native ecclesiastics sighed for the 
 fascinating" splendours of fondly cherished superstitions, as we learn from their 
 still remaining works ; and the pagan bard was often seen habited in the sacred 
 robe of a Christian priest.*" About the beginning of the fifth century, a public 
 attempt was made to blend the two religions, and Pelagius, abbot of Bangor, a 
 man of strong mind, but altogether wedded to the allurements of druidism, set out 
 on his travels, with the bold intention of propagating these principles throughout 
 Christendom. From Britain he proceeded to France, where he made many con- 
 verts, partly from the influence of his irreproachable life and conduct, and partly 
 from that innate love of novelty and innovation, which reigns predominant in the 
 human mind. Thence he passed to Rome; and afterwards travelling into Africa, 
 his doctrines underwent a rigid scrutiny before several councils, and found many 
 zealous and and able defenders, but the final decision was so unfavourable, that he 
 was publickly excommunicated by the pope. But his opinions were deeply planted, 
 particularly in Gaul and Britain ; and to their prevalence may be attributed the 
 preparation of the public mind for those dreadful adulterations which Christianity 
 sustained in this country by the successful progress of its pagan adversaries. Agri- 
 cola, a Pelagian bishop, exerted himself most strenuously to propagate his doctrines 
 in Britain f^ and subsequent occurrences will shew that he was but too successful ; 
 and for more than a century after the irruption of the Saxons, Christianity appears 
 to have been almost wholly extirpated. 
 
 The situation of the native Britons was now truly pitiable. Their country 
 was overrun by the northern barbarians, and themselves, agitated by religious 
 disputes, and weakened by political convulsions f^ addicted to luxury," and stained 
 with vice;*^ they saw before them no alternative but certain destruction, or an 
 alliance with some other power, possessed of more courage than themselves. In 
 this emergency, their leader, (dux Britannorum) Vortigern, assembling the chiefs," 
 urged the immediate necessity of adopting some plan which might tend to their 
 security; and it was agreed that a band of warriors from some foreign nation 
 should be engaged to assist them in warding off the impending danger.*^ He 
 cast his eye upon the Saxons, a people brave and ferocious, but addicted to habits 
 
 «o Dav. Druid, p. 386. 
 
 51 Collier. Eccl. Hist. vol. i. 1. 1. «« Gildas. Sect. 19. «» Bede, 1. 1. c. 14. 
 
 5^ Gildas, sect. 19. Nennius. p. 105. «5 Gildas. sect. 22. 
 
 5« Gildas. sect. 23. 
 
29 
 
 and propensities which were equally barbarous and disgusting/'' And at this very 
 point of time, a roving band of exiles from Saxony having made a descent on the 
 coast of Britain A. D. 449, with Hengist and Horsa at their head/* two chiefs 
 who deduced their descent from Odin or Woden,*' they were immediately engaged 
 by the degenerate Britons as friends and defenders.^" 
 
 ^|t Sat^nw? 
 
 T%e Saxons hate both JDruidism and Christianity — Seize on the kingdom — Commit 
 desperate ravages — Destroy the church in Deirwold — Abolish Christianity — 
 Pope Gregory — Is struck with the beauty of some youthful slaves from Deira — 
 Commissions Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons — Ethelhert converted — Saxon 
 temples converted into Christian churcJies — King Edwin convenes a solemn 
 assembly in Deirwold, to deliberate on the propriety of embracing the Christian 
 religion — Arguments of Paulinus — successful — Coiffi, the pagan High Priest, 
 desecrates the Temple of Thor at Godmanham — Edwin baptized — The people 
 converted by thousands, and baptized in the river Swale. 
 
 The Saxons were a brave and warlike people, trained to arms from boyhood, 
 and stimidated to courage, and even cruelty, by every incentive that could impress 
 a young and ardent mind. At the age of fifteen years, the youthful warrior was 
 eligible for admission into his noviciate for the profession of arms ; and such were 
 the severity and hardihood of early education, that at this age the Saxon youth 
 usually acquired all the nerve and vigour of a full grown man. 
 
 Notwithstanding the primitive barbarism of the Saxons, they are the people of 
 whom we have the greatest reason to be proud. The Romans introduced into this 
 island the arts of civilization, and the comforts of domestic life, but the Saxons did 
 
 «^ Amm. Marcel. 1. 28. c. 3. 
 58 Taliesin. Owen's Diet. v. Cw. Turn. Angl. Sax. vol. i. p. 151. 
 *9 Suorro. Sturl. Chron. Norweg. p. 4. 6° H. Hunt. p. 309. 
 
30 
 
 more. They not only gave to this kingdom sahitary laws, by which the rights and 
 liberties of its inhabitants were defined and made secure, but they laid the founda- 
 tion on which the fabric of our glorious constitution is built ; and by the union of 
 wisdom and piety they succeeded in gradually forming the minds and manners of 
 society to an intercourse of superior polish, and conducive to the best interests of 
 morality and virtue. 
 
 Previously to this consummation, however, we have to record scenes and tran- 
 sactions in which perfidy led the way to violence, and produced a sanguinaiy con- 
 flict, which almost deprived the island of its ancient population. 
 
 When the Saxons made their first descent upon the coasts, they came in the 
 character of friends. Having performed the duty for which they had been engaged, 
 and driven the Picts and Scots to their native fastnesses, they had leisure to con- 
 sider the religious and political institutions of Britain, and were soon impressed 
 with a sovereign contempt for both. The pusillanimity of the people when opposed 
 to a foreign enemy^ excited their disdain ; while the domestic quarrels and civil 
 discord which convulsed the island,^ only exposed to the perfidious ally their habitual 
 insubordination, and consequent weakness ; and if they turned to the sacred rites of 
 religion, addressed to a god of peace, it was only to be impressed with the sneer 
 of contempt. The island was divided between the Christian and the druidical 
 religions, though at this period the latter was predominant. Accustomed in their 
 own country to rich temples and superb statues of the gods,^ they were struck 
 with astonishment not unmixed with scorn, to find in Britain no appearance of an 
 image; no indication of a present deity. Neither Druids nor Christians admitted 
 statues of the Supreme Being into their temples, for on this point they held one 
 common belief, that God is invisible, and would be dishonoured by any attempt to 
 personate him in a graven image.* 
 
 The Saxons, struck with this remarkable singularity, concluded that Britain was 
 abandoned by the gods, and that hence the people were unnerved and divested of 
 natural courage. These reflections were the first germ of that bold and decisive 
 step which ultimately gave them possession of the island. Its beauty and fruitful- 
 ness excited their cupidity, and they determined to extirpate both druidism and 
 Christianity, and to plant in their stead the military superstitions of their own 
 country. 
 
 2 Gidas. Sect. 17. s Arymes Prydain Vawr. Camb. Reg. 1796, p. 554. 
 
 ^OlausMag. Hist. Septent. p. 104. Verst. Rest. c. 3. Mai. N. Ant. vol. 1. p. 127. 
 
 * Tacit, de mor. Germ. c. 9. Lucan. 1. 3. Borl. Ant. Corn. p. 105. 
 
31 
 
 Having resolved on a breach of faith, they sought not a cloak for their perfidy. 
 Hengist invited the assistance of his countrymen under the high expectation of 
 aggrandizement ; spake of the fertility of the soil, and the dissentions of the inha- 
 bitants,^ affording the means of easy conquest and abundant reward; and they 
 came over in shoals at his summons/ The tvro brothers began the quarrel by 
 complaining, that the stipulated subsidies had not been regularly paid,* and 
 threatening to discharge the account by ravaging the country.^ He invited a 
 meeting of the British chiefs at Stonehenge, and there committed that horrible 
 slavighter which has excited the universal indignation of posterity.'" The Britons 
 flew to arms, indignant at this deliberate act of treachery, and under the command 
 of Vortimer, gave the Saxons battle. Success for a time fluctuated between the 
 invaders and the rightful owners of the soil, but the former had undoubtedly the 
 advantage, for the British clans, still distracted by intestine disputes, wasted their 
 strength in their own petty quarrels, instead of firmly uniting against the common 
 foe ; and hence the Saxons, brave by nature and inured to war, cemented by union, 
 and intent on one great object, the complete subjugation of Britain, carried 
 devastation and death wherever they went. Horsa was slain in a battle at Eggles- 
 ford ; and Hengist, who is characteristically denominated by the bards, " the 
 freckled intruder," (dyvynawl vrych)" to revenge his death, proceeded with the 
 rapidity of an incensed fiend through every province in Britain,*^ burning and 
 destroying towns and villages ; slaughtering the defenceless ; sacrificing the priests 
 of druidism, and the bishops of Christianity on their own altars,'^ and spreading" 
 terror and carnage throughout the country. It was during this terrific progress 
 that he appeared with his army in Deira; the country was ravaged, the inhabitants 
 
 « Ethelwerd. 833. ^ Nennius. c. 37. « Nennius. c. 35. » Bede. 1. 1. c. 15. 
 
 »<* Aneurin. Goddodin. Welsh. Arcbaeol. vol. i, p. 1 — 14. Nennius. c. 48, 
 
 " Aneurin. Gododin. Dav. Druid, p. 359. 
 
 i« Gildas. sect. 24. Langhorne. p. 33. Usher, p. 226. Hume. vol. i. p. 21. Mr. Turner, 
 however, pronounces that Hengist never penetrated far beyond his kingdom of Kent ; and that he 
 fought no battles in any other part of the island. Anglo-Sax. vol. i. p. 167. 
 
 '3 Bede. 1. 1. e. 15. Tacitus de mor. Germ says, that this people sacrificed human victims ; 
 and Sidonius. AppoU. Ep. 6, 1. 8. adds, that they decimated their captives. Verstegan. p. 81. 
 from Crantz. Hist. Norvv. 1. 3. c. 3. speaks of a king of Norway who sacrificed two of his own sons 
 to procure a storm at sea, which might destroy the fleet of Harold, king of Denmark, wh6 
 threatened to invade his dominions. Vid. also Snorre. Sturl. 1. 1 . p. 56. Verst. Rest. p. 73. 
 Mall. N. Ant. vol. i. p. 134. and Turn. Angl. Sax. vol. iv. p. 24. 
 
put to the sword, and the Christian edifice at the Beaver-Lake, in Sylva Deirorum, 
 was reduced to ashes.'* 
 
 The Saxons having at length acquired a permanent dominion in this island, 
 their first object was to settle the national religion on the principles of the Gothic 
 superstition ; and to abolish the Celtic worship by the substitution of their own 
 gods. Thus was a new system introduced, founded indeed on the same princi- 
 ples, but embracing a different object; for whilst the votive sacrifices of the 
 Britons were addressed to Hu, the god of peace, those of the Saxons were 
 offered up to Woden, the deity of war.'* These rites were undoubtedly 
 celebrated in the wood of Deira;'^ and the Saxon religion remained in the 
 ascendant throughout the greater part of Britain for more than a century. The 
 first blow which it sustained was inflicted by Pope Gregory, surnamed the Great, 
 about the year 597. This excellent personage sustained a character of much 
 estimation, both as an ecclesiastic and a politician ; and ample justice has been 
 done to his merits, as well by his contemporaries, as by succeeding generations. 
 To his extraordinary zeal and perseverance the Anglo-Saxons were most essentially 
 indebted for their conversion from the horrible system of idol worship ; and the 
 whole tenor of his conduct, with few exceptions, was exemplary as a Christian 
 bishop, beyond that of any other Roman pontiff. He was a gentleman by birth, 
 education, and manners j being nobly descended, and the great grandson of a 
 pope."^ His distinguished talents had been improved in the best manner of the 
 times; and he devoted his earlier services to the public in a civil station, as 
 governor of Rome. In that high office, he acquitted himself with reputation and 
 applause. Early in the prime of his days he formed an irresistible bias towards 
 monastic retirement. How well calculated soever he might have been for civil 
 employments to which his inducements were more numerous and weighty, he 
 voluntarily relinquished the splendid offers of ambition, and attached himself 
 solely to the calm pursuits of learning and religion. His paternal fortune, which 
 
 " Lei. ex. MS. Dora. T. Herbert. Warburton's MSS. Lands. B. Mus. 896. viii. fo. 230. 
 Turner places the conquest of Deira and Bernicia, under Ida, in 547, and says, on the authority of 
 the Welsh Triads, that the naraes of the British sovereigns of these states were Gall, Dyvedel, 
 and Yogwnell. Angl. Sax. vol. i. p. 1 74. 
 
 '* Gr. ab. Arthur. Owen's W. Diet. v. credu. 
 
 « Bede. 1. 1. c. 13. Camd. (Gibs.) col. 738. Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 17. Alcuin. pont. et 
 sanct. Eccl. Ebor. v. 186. 
 
 ^^ Felix II. who died A. D. 492, the 47th bishop of Rome. 
 
33 
 
 was very considerable, he distributed with a liberal hand among-st his kindred, and, 
 with the small remains of his property, he built and endowed churches and monas- 
 teries. His gradations from monkish seclusion to the papal throne were few, but 
 honourable to himself, and beneficial to those who employed him.'^ 
 
 Passing- through the market place at Rome, just before his elevation to the pon- 
 tificate, he saw some Saxon children exposed for sale, according to the custom of 
 the Northumbrians,'^ and being struck with their uncommon beauty and symmetry 
 of form, he eagerly enquired the name of the country which could produce such 
 perfect specimens of the human frame. Being answered that they were Angles, 
 he exclaimed in an ecstacy, that they ought to be called angels. On a more 
 particular enquiry, he found that they came from the province of Deira. " De ira," 
 said the benevolent monk ; " they shall be called from the wrath to the mercy of 
 God. What is the name of their king?" " Ella," was the reply. " Allelujah," 
 returned Gregory, " the praise of the true God, shall henceforth be re-echoed in 
 their own land ;" and from that moment he determined to undertake, in person, a 
 mission into Britain.^" His popularity at home, however, prevented this benevo- 
 lent project from being carried into effect, though it was with much difficulty that 
 he was dissuaded from exer.nting; his intention. Being exalted to the papal throne, 
 Gregory despatched his friend Augustine on this important errand,^' by whose zeal 
 Ethelbert was soon converted to the Christian faith. His example was efficacious. 
 His subjects embraced Christianity in great numbers,^^ and Augustine was consti- 
 tuted bishop of Canterbury, and received the pallium from Gregory, with fiill 
 authority over all the churches which he should be the means of founding in 
 Britain.^^ 
 
 To render Christianity palatable to the Anglo-Saxons, Augustine was directed 
 by the pope to allow them the indulgence of some of their ancient peculiarities, by 
 incorporating into Christianity, in every practical point, the less offensive tenets of 
 their own superstition. He directed him to convert their temples into Christian 
 churches,^^ by merely destroying the idols, and consecrating the altars, that the 
 
 >8 Ex. MS. Rev. J. Watts. '^ Malms. 1. 1. c. 3. 
 
 ^ Vid. Verst. Rest. p. 141. 21 Vid. Weever. Fun. Mon. p. 62. 
 
 22 Bede. 1. I.e. 26. 23 Chron. Sax. p. 23. 
 
 24 This was not a new expedient, for it had been already practised on the first introduction of 
 Christianity into Britain ; and it is curious to observe, that in every quarter of the globe the same 
 plan has been pursued. In Mexico, the ancient pyramids were denominated by the idolatrous 
 worshippers, teocallis, or temples of the gods, and were esteemed peculiarly sacred. When 
 
34 
 
 people might enter their accustomed places of worship without suspicion, and offer 
 their vows with more confidence to the true and living God.^* And he directed 
 also, that Christian feasts should be instituted in lieu of the sacrificial festivals 
 which usually accompanied the pagan worship, and that they should be celebrated 
 in the immediate neighbourhood of the church.^® 
 
 Christianity now began to prevail throughout the southern divisions of the king- 
 dom; where, in fact, it had partially existed in a disguised form during the 
 prevalence of idolatry f and its blessings were soon communicated to Northumbria. 
 Edwin, the monarch of this province, had been educated in the principles of the 
 Saxon idolatry, and in the former part of his life evinced no traits of character that 
 appeared favourable to the cause of truth. About the beginning of the seventh 
 century he married Ethelburga, the daughter of Ethelbert, who was a sincere 
 Christian, and through her influence he was induced to embrace the true faith. 
 Her first step was a simple request, that she herself might be protected in the 
 exercise of her own religion, which was granted without reluctance ; and she im- 
 mediately appointed Paulinus, a learned ecclesiastic, to be her confessor.^* She 
 then proceeded to use arguments for the purpose of inducing her husband to 
 embrace the same religion; she enumerated all its superior advantages; she 
 pressed upon him the peculiar interest she had in his spiritual welfare ; and such 
 was her anxiety and zea], seconded and enforced by the rhetoric of Paulinus, that 
 
 Christianity was established, churches and chapels were uniformly erected in these holy places. 
 The great pyramid of Cholula had an altar on its top, dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, or the serpent 
 with green feathers. "A small chapel, surrounded with cypress, and dedicated to the Virgin de 
 los Remedios, has succeeded to the temple of the god of the air. An ecclesiastic of the Indian 
 race, celebrates mass ever}" day on the top of the antique monument. In the time of Cortez, 
 Cholula was considered as a holy city. No where existed a greater number of teocallis, of priests 
 and religious orders ; no spot displayed greater magnificence in the celebration of public worship, 
 or more austerity in its penances and fasts. Since the introduction of Christianity, the symbols of 
 a new worship have not entirely effaced the remembrance of the old. The people assemble in 
 crowds from distant quarters at the summit of the pyramid, to celebrate the festival of the virgin. 
 A mysterious dread, a religious awe, fills the soul of the Indian at the sight of this immense pile 
 of bricks, covered with shrubs and perpetual verdure." Humboldt's Researches in America, 
 vol. i. p. 98. 
 
 25 Bede. 1. I.e. SO. Collier. Eccl. Hist. vol. i. p. 73. From this custom there is one instance 
 on record of a Saxon temple in East-Anglia which contained two altars ; one for the use of the 
 Christians, and the other an altar dedicated to the pagan triad Woden — Thor — Frea. Bede. 
 1. 2. c. 15. 
 
 26 Spel. Cone. p. 89. These feasts of dedication were probably the origin of our present 
 annual country wakes or feasts. 
 
 2^ Bede. 1. 1. c. 25. 2^ H. Hunt. 1. 3. 
 
35 
 
 Edwin at length consented to take the advice of his priests and councellors on the 
 question ; and if, on mature examination, he should be satisfied with the arguments 
 advanced in favour of the new religion, he would embrace it without hesitation.^^ 
 This course was open and candid, as it placed the two systems on the foundation 
 of their respective merits, and left them to stand or fall by the truth or falsehood of 
 their pretensions. 
 
 A formal meeting was convened in the wood of Deira, the centre of the 
 idolatrous worship, and the pagan priests and ministers were invited to assist iiu 
 the deliberations. Coiffi, the high priest of Woden, was heard in behalf of the 
 Saxon worship ; and it may be supposed, that in an assembly of his own followers, 
 his words and influence would excite a general attention ; and some degree of 
 astonishment manifested itself amongst the multitude, when in giving an account 
 of his own religion, he pronounced it unprofitable and useless. On the other hand 
 appeared Paulinus, clothed in all the grace and dignity of truth, and attended by 
 many zealous Christian divines, bearing the sacred emblem of their religion.. 
 Paulinus addressed the assembly with all the solemnity of pure devotion ; he spake 
 of God's unity as opposed to the numerous divinities of the Saxon creed ; which, 
 if equally powerful, would be at constant variance as conflicting interests might 
 prompt ; and if not equally powerful, of consequence, not eflective duties f° he 
 spake of the absurdity of worshipping as a god, a mere mortal, whom their 
 ancestors had seen alive ; whose representatives were images of wood and stone, 
 and whose only merit consisted in his personal courage, which was equalled, if not 
 exceeded, by many living chiefs ; and whose banners now trampled imder foot by 
 
 29 Bede. 1. 2. c. 9. 
 
 ^^ In the first times of the Saxon monarchy, idols and visible representatives of the deity were 
 absolutely prohibited, and he was directed to be worshipped in the lonely solitude of sequestered 
 fore&ts, where he was believed to dwell invisible and in solemn silence. Tacit, de mor. Germ. 
 1. 9. c. 35. But after the irruption of Odin and his followers, numerous objects of adoration were 
 introduced, Edda. Snor. Fab. 10. and personified by statues; Verst. Rest. p. 69. to each of which 
 was assigned a particular dominion ; and hence every part of the creation was placed under the 
 protection of its peculiar divinity. Woods, houses, mountains, the elements, sun, stars, and 
 even thunder and lightning, wind and rain, were each assigned to the care of a presiding deity ; 
 who were thus unitedly or individually enabled to visit their friends with benefits, their enemies 
 with destruction. These inferior deities, considered at first only as mediators, were, in process of 
 time, invested with a fearful authority ; and as courage, valour, and superior strength were the 
 chief traits of excellence in this rude people, the first cause soon became esteemed as the god of 
 war ; and was depicted as a sanguinary being, terrible even to the good and virtuous ; clad in 
 vengeance as with a garment, and delighting in desolation and carnage, slaughter and blood. 
 Mai. N. Ant. vol. i. p. 86. 
 
 ^ 2 
 
36 
 
 the followers of the Cross in almost every other country, induced this inevitable 
 conclusion, that his aid was perfectly inefficacious, either to convey blessings, or to 
 avert misfortune ; — he spake of the extension of the paternal tie cemented by the 
 rite of Christian baptism, and enlarged on the benign nature of a religion which 
 abolishes the unnatural system of slavery to which the child was subject, by their 
 laws, to its parent; softens the human heart, ameliorates the disposition, and con- 
 verts all mankind into a universal society of friends and brothers; — -he spake of the 
 general udgment, the felicity of future reward, the dreadful misery of future 
 punishment, both of which were clearly revealed in the gospel of Christ; — con- 
 trasted the wild and ridiculous notions which they held on this awful subject, with 
 the genial tenets of Christianity ; and concluded with an eloquent appeal to their 
 reason, founded on the universal reception of Christianity, by the wisest and most 
 polished nations of the earth/^ In a word, he so successfully pleaded the cause of 
 this pure and perfect religion, that the chief priest, Coiffi, put an end to the ceremony 
 by declaring himself a convert ; and to shew his sincerity and zeal, he mounted a 
 wer horse, seized a javelin, and proceeding with the multitude in his train, to the 
 temple at Godmanham, which was then situated within the wood,^^ with a ma- 
 lediction to his god, he cast the spear so violently into the fane, that it remained 
 firmly fixed in the opposite wall." The people expected that this impious act 
 would elicit the summary vengeance of the ofiended gods, and that the intrepid 
 Coiffi would become an instant victim to their fury. But nothing of the kind 
 happened; and the assembly were impressed with a necessary conviction of the 
 impotence and nothingness of deities composed uf wood and stone ; and in the fury 
 of their newly excited zeal, levelled this magnificent'* temple with the ground, 
 and set fire to the surrounding groves.^* 
 
 This triumphant illustration of the superiority of the true religion was decisive 
 of the question. Edwin was baptized at York, on Easter day, A. D. 627.'^ This 
 event was attended with the most advantageous consequences, and Christianity now 
 
 »> Bede. 1. 2. c. 10. 1. 2. c. 13. 
 
 32 Vid. Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 17. Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 433. 
 
 3s Bede. 1. 2. c. 13. Gibs. Camb. col. 738. Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 17. 
 
 " Whittaker. Manches. vol. ii. p. 360. ss Bede. I. 2. c. 14. 
 
 3s Ing. Sax. Chron. p. 34. This is a brief and rational account of Edwin's conversion. The 
 monkish legends related by credulous authors, are too much tinctured with the superstions of the 
 times to be entitled to our belief. 
 
3t 
 
 spread rapidly throughout the whole of Edwin's dominions. Inducements of a 
 temporal nature were, doubtless, held out to the priests of idolatry, for the purpose 
 of inducing" them to embrace the Christian faith ; for Paulinus well knew that if 
 they came over, the people would immediately follow;" and even the fiery Coiffi 
 is represented as being out of humour with his own religion, because it had failed 
 to accelerate the designs of his avarice and ambition."* Whatever were the moving 
 causes however, it is certain that Christianity from this time flourished abundantly 
 in Deira. The royal example was followed with avidity by his subjects, and so 
 clamourous were the people for legitimate admission to the benefits of the Christian 
 covenant, that Paulinus was obliged to baptize the crowds of postulants in the 
 river Swale.^^ 
 
 3^ Fabyan. Chron. p. 112. ^s Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 16. 
 39 Speed. Brit. p. 313. 
 
 &^t %Mxi^m] 
 
 ^riie Saxons acquainted with the elementary principles of architecture — Christianity 
 flourishes in Deira — Probable that the church at Beverlac was re-edified by 
 that people — Invasion of Cadwallo and Penda — Edwin slain — Druidism re- 
 stored at Beverlac, by Cadwallo and his Druids — Splendid rites of worship 
 celebrated there — Excesses at these festivals — Oswald patronizes the Christians 
 — The wood of Deira polluted — John of Beverley born — Acquires a high 
 degree of reputation — Jurisdiction of the Pope — Wilfrid appeals to his holiness 
 against a decree of the synod — The pope supports his cause, and pronounces 
 Judgment in his favour — John of Beverley consecrated bishop of Hagulstad — 
 His singular activity in that high situation — Miracles attributed to him — 
 John elevated to the archiepiscopal see of York — Visits Beverlac — Charmed 
 with the beauty of its situation — Rebuilds the church — Founds a double 
 monastery — St. Martin's church — Style and character of the buildings — En- 
 
38 
 
 dowments — Church of St. Nicholas — This establishment highly advantageous to 
 the cause of Christianity — Origin of collegiate churches — Temporal jurisdiction 
 of the abbots — Courts — Persevering industry of the religious orders — John 
 vacates his see, and retires to Beverley- — Dies^ and is buried there — Influence 
 attached to the rmme of John of Beverley. 
 
 The Saxons were not wholly ignorant of the science of architecture when they 
 first invaded this country; though while every effort of their genius was profusely 
 lavished on the structures of religion, their private habitations were little superior 
 to the den of a savage beast. All the nations who used the Gothic worship, are 
 said to have erected splendid temples to the honour of their gods,' while their 
 domestic residence consisted chiefly, either of wretched huts, or burrows in the 
 earth, where they existed in a state little superior to the brutes ; and discovered no 
 animation or energy of mind, except when roused to action by the prospect of 
 some warlike expedition. In conformity with this principle, every habitation con- 
 structed in such a manner as to exclude the air, if it contained but one apartment, 
 was dignified with the name of a hall;^ if it included several rooms, it was styled 
 a palace. The account of the palace of Thor, mentioned in the poem of Grimnis, 
 and quoted in the Edda of Snorro, which is perhaps purely mythological, may be 
 considered as illustrative of their vast conceptions of a magnificent religious struc- 
 ture. "The most illustrious among the gods, is Thor. His kingdom is called 
 Thrudwanger. He possesses there a palace, in which are four hundred and forty 
 halls. It is the larger house that is known. There are five hundred and forty 
 halls in the winding palace of the god Thor ; and I believe there is no where a 
 greater fabric than this of the eldest of sons."^ 
 
 During a continuance of that happy period when Christianity flourished in 
 Northumbria, under the auspices of Edwin, the ecclesiastical establishment at the 
 Beaver-Lake, in the wood of Deira, would undoubtedly extend its influence, and 
 share in the honour of making converts to the faith of Jesus. The knowledge of 
 architecture, which the Saxons inherited from their forefathers, however limited, 
 would be much improved by the study of Roman magnificence, in the numerous 
 remains which that polished people left behind them;^ and their acquirements 
 would be displayed in the erection of religious edifices. Amongst these, it is highly 
 
 ' Olans. Mag. c. 6. ? Bede. 1. 2. c. 13. 
 
 3 Edda. Suor. Fab. 11. < Bede. 1. 5. c. 2. Gyrald. Camb. p. 14. 
 
probable, although we have no direct evidence to confirm the conjecture, that the 
 ruined fabric at the Beaver-Lake was repaired, and converted once more into a 
 place of Christian worship.'' The reluctance with which the truth had been for- 
 merly received by the people, appeared to have passed away; and the robe of 
 innocence, which, on a former occasion had been assumed with evident regret, was 
 now eagerly solicited, and worn with emotions of apparent gratitude and joy. How 
 fond of novelty is man ; and how much is he enslaved by the force of example. 
 A royal precedent now incites these barbarians to renounce their prejudices, and 
 clothe themselves in the garment of righteousness. A few years hence, when the 
 authority of the royal convert has been superseded by death, we shall find the self- 
 same people returning with renewed avidity to their ancient errors, and even 
 raising their arms against those sacred edifices, which had been the scene of their 
 public reception into the church of God. 
 
 The conversion of the king, and the spread of Christianity, soon became known 
 to his pagan neighbours; and the hated truth inflamed them with the desire of 
 vindicating the injured honour of their gods.® Penda, king of the Mercians, 
 formed a league with Cadwallo, king of Wales, though a nominal Christian, and 
 they collected their forces, and invaded Northumbria, with the avowed intention of 
 laying waste the country, and extirpating every vestige of the new religion. Edwin, 
 animated with ardent courage, in defence of his altars and the cause of his God, 
 met these infuriate invaders at Hatfield Chase, and a dreadful conflict ensued, 
 which terminated in favour of the pagan chiefs. The king was slain, and his army 
 completely routed.^ It is impossible to describe the devastation that followed this 
 victory. Fire and sword attended the course of the invading army. Neither age 
 nor sex were spared, but all who had embraced the Christian faith were singled 
 out for objects of indiscriminate slaughter.* The missionary Paulinus fled with 
 precipitation into Kent, taking with him the queen, and Elfleda, her daughter f 
 and also the consecrated vessels bestowed on the church by king Edwin.'" Num- 
 bers who professed this faith, now openly abandoned it, and with a predilection 
 for their ancient habits, joined the enemy, and lent their aid towards destroying 
 the consecrated oratories, which had many times resounded with the harmonized 
 voices of pious worshippers, while offering up to heaven the incense of a contrite 
 heart, in a celestial anthem of love and gratitude. 
 
 « Greg. Ep. 71. « Bede. 1. 2. c. 14. ^ Ibid. I. 2. c. 20. Ing. Sax. Chron. p. 35. 
 Geoffery. 1. 12. c. 9. » Fabyan. Chron. p. 112. lo Butl. Lives of the Saints. 
 
40 
 
 It is well kiiown that all the rites of the ancient British superstition, such as 
 Cadwallo and his followers practised," were performed in the open air; and it was 
 a maxim amongst them, that the deity was profaned by the rites of worship offered 
 in a building with walls and a covered roof.'^ Hence the Christian churches would 
 be amongst the first objects of druidical fury, and the edifice at Beaver-Lake, of 
 what nature soever it might be, would not escape pollution ; and the lake itself, 
 surrounded as it was, by a consecrated grove, would be again resorted to, as a 
 convenient theatre for the performance of druidical rites ; and these were accord- 
 ingly celebrated by Cadwallo and his Britons, with all the pomp and solemnity 
 of ancient times. 
 
 The daring marauders did not retire from the scene of action when they saw an 
 idolatrous prince seated on the throne, and the superstitions of polytheism exalted 
 upon the prostration of Christianity. Eanfrid, as king of Bernicia, and Osric, 
 king of Deira, the immediate successors of Edwin, had renounced Christianity; and 
 continued, during their brief reign, a systematic persecution of their former brethren 
 in the faith. In the absence of Paulinus, the district of Deira was fully abandoned 
 to the exercise of idolatrous profanations. The unconverted pagan priests, now 
 emerging from their hiding places, claimed their former dignities, and united with 
 the triumphant BritonS in celebrating the downfall of Christianity by a sacrifice of 
 thanksgiving, accompanied by the immolation of their prisoners on a desecrated 
 altar ; the bards, with the celebrated Llywarch Hen at their head, by the melody 
 of their harps, brought back the recollection of times long past ; and men's hearts, 
 always inconstant, fond of change, and wedded to the meretricious blandishments 
 of idolatry, were soothed to peace, and received joyfully the imposing rites of a 
 fascinating worship long banished from the Beaver-Lake, which charmed by its 
 magnificence, and awed by its solemnity, and its appearance of invincible decorum. 
 
 " Speed and some other writers have assured us, that Cadwallo had embraced Christianity; 
 but it is evident from the cruelties which he exercised on the professors of that religion, that he 
 was under the influence of his Druids ; and they, at this very time, made use of the following 
 language. « Trust in God that those are no Druids, who prophesy that the privilege of Dun 
 Breon will be violated." Meugant. Dun Breon was the supreme mount of c?ruic?ica^ judgment. 
 Again, Golyddan, another bard says, " Druids vaticinate — a multitude shall arrive ; from 
 Menevia to Armorica shall be in their hand : from Dernetia to Thanet shall they possess. It is 
 Merddin (Merlin) who predicts — this will come to pass.'"' Dav. Druid, p. 7. Besides, Cadwallo 
 was the intimate friend and associate of the venerable Llywarch, who was a genuine bard, and 
 strongly impregnated with a predilection for the druidical lore. 
 
 '2 Cic. de leg. 1. 2. c. 2. 
 
41 
 
 Could we penetrate through the veil which conceals past things from our view, 
 we might contemplate the scene which was exhibited at this period, on the spot 
 where the town of Beverley now stands, unconscious of the pollutions which once 
 disgraced its precincts. There, beside the Beddaren, or hill where the minster 
 is situated, stood the venerable Druid, supported by his magic wand,'^ clad in a 
 white and flowing robe, a red tiara on his head, a beard descending to his waist," 
 and his person decorated with the anguinum ovum,'^ golden chains, and amulets, 
 and rings of the same metal.'® With eyes uplifted towards heaven, the very portrait 
 of innocence and integrity, we might behold this sanguinary minister of a polluted 
 faith, and mistake him for a living pattern of every pure and perfect virtue, while 
 in his heart the evil passions of pride, cruelty, and self-importance raged uncon- 
 trolled, as the welcome attendants on such a horrible system of religion. On his 
 right hand were ranged the bards, clothed in shining robes of cerulean blue, bearing 
 their well-tuned harps, and ready at the well known signal, to raise a solemn chorus ; 
 on his left the Eubates, habited in sober green, and the aspirants in robes of inter- 
 mingled green and white and blue; while the devoted people, stricken with an 
 indescribable awe, stood trembling round at a respectful distance,"^ to witness the 
 restoration of the primitive religion of Britain, yet dreading to behold some horrid 
 sacrifice." At their head stood the chieftains, distinguished by their round bonnets. 
 
 '3 Frick. in Buloeo. p. 143. Borl. Cornw. p. 121. Toland. p. 20. The wand was an indis- 
 pensa )Ie appendage to the appearance of the Druid. It was alike the staff to support his steps in 
 long and wearisome journeys, and the agent in all his magical operations. 
 
 '* The beard was a remarkable characteristic of the druidical priesthood. It gave the Druid 
 a venerable appearance, which struck the uninitiated with awe and respect ; and the length and 
 comeliness of the beard was not a trifling qualification for the highest offices of the priesthood, 
 which were usually conferred by public election. Strabo describes the inhabitants generally as 
 being bearded like goats ! 
 
 »5 Pliny. 1. 29. c. 3. 
 
 's The ornaments of a Druid consisted of chains and rings of gold, and amber beads; the 
 magical amulets, and many little gold, amber, and ivory trinkets, each possessing some mystical 
 property, or some protecting influence, which conveyed a sacred character to the wearer, that 
 rendered his person inviolate. Great numbers of these trinkets have been discovered by our anti- 
 quaries in their researches, and by none more than by the indefatigable Sir Richard Colt Hoare, 
 Bart. 
 
 " Lucan. 1. 3. v. 402. 
 
 ** Strabo. 1. 4. Diod. Sic. p. 308. « In some places this custom was observed, which, I 
 suppose, was common to the Druids of Gaul and Britain. They made a statue or image of a man 
 in a vast proportion, whose limbs consisted of twigs, weaved together in the nature of basket- 
 ware. Thesethey filled with living men, and after that, set it on fire, and so destroyed the poor 
 creatures in smoke and flames." Sammes. Brit. p. 104. 
 
 G 
 
42 
 
 and plaided garments, and ornamented with torques,'^ or chains of gold, brass, or 
 iron. In solemn silence we might behold them waiting with breathless anxiety 
 for the moment when the augur should proclaim the will and pleasure of the deity f^ 
 then, when the victim was ceremonially placed on the fire-altar,^' we might hear a 
 simultaneous burst of harmony. The sacred hymn to Hu was, at this moment, 
 chaunted in full chorus by a thousand voices, accompanied with the bardic harps ;^* 
 and the arch of heaven resounded with the polluted harmony. The softer sex was 
 melted into enthusiastic veneration and religious awe; and even the half savage 
 barbarian, subdued by the force of superstitious feeling, involuntarily cast his war- 
 like weapons to the earth, and fell prostrate before the being whom his imagination 
 had clothed in terror, and whose vengeance he wished to deprecate, by unfeigned 
 humility and abject submission. Then was the Beaver drawn from the Lake, and 
 placed triumphantly on the Beddaren ; then followed another hymn of joyful ex- 
 ultation, in which the people joined ; and at length the assembly was dismissed 
 with prayers and benedictions, to partake of the festivities which always succeeded 
 to a public sacrifice.^^ 
 
 Such, and so captivating, were the rites of druidism ; and thus were they cele- 
 brated during the brief period of idolatrous domination, with more than pristine 
 magnificence; that early habits and propensities, which had but slept under the 
 prevalence of Christianity, might gradually develope themselves, and return with 
 full vigour to the practice of ancient superstitions. 
 
 19 A torques was found by the Rev. E. Stillingfleet and B. Clarkson, Esq. in a tumulus at 
 Arras, in the year 1817, placed on the neck of a skeleton, which was doubtless that of a British 
 chieftain. 
 
 20 Tacit. Annal. 1. 14. c. 20. 2' Pliny. 1. 16. c. 17. 
 
 22 Gododin. Song. 24. Taliesin. Mic. Dinbych. Welsh. Arch. p. 67. A translation of this 
 hymn may be found in Maurice's Hindostan, vol. ii. p. 174, from Valiancy, de Reb. Hib. 
 
 23 These festivals were usually characterized by intemperance and excess; and the people 
 being left at uncontrolled liberty to follow the dictates of inclination, seldom departed till in a 
 state of absolute inebriety. The untutored Britons were not singular in the indulgence of these 
 excesses. Even the polished Greeks practised the same enormities before the altars of their gods, 
 at the celebration of the Dionusiaca. At the approach of night, when the sacrifices were com- 
 pleted, the revellers fled into the woods, some with torches, others with cymbals, making the air 
 resound with frantic cries of Evoe ! Bacche ! Hues ! Attes ! Hues ! and the rites of religion 
 ended in drunkenness and debauch. A banquet was prepared in the temple ; at which it was 
 necessary that great quantities of wine should be consumed ; excessive drinking being esteemed an 
 irrefragable proof of superior piiety ; and to retire from a sacrifice perfectly sober, was considered 
 an indelible disgrace. This practice, however, was condemned by Plato. Speaking of the 
 abominations of the Dionusiaca, he says, that being present at the celebration of one of these 
 festivals, he saw the whole city of Athens in a state of beastly intoxication ! de leg. 1. 1. 
 
43 
 
 V 
 
 But though these and the Saxon rites were alternately celebrated with all the 
 pomp and ceremony which could be assumed to give weight and stability to poly- 
 theism, it was quite impossible that their predominancy could be of long continuance. 
 The cause of Christianity was too deeply implanted, notwithstanding this partial 
 apostacy, to fall for ever before the efforts, however strenuously employed, or highly 
 countenanced, of pagan idolatry. The tree shook, but the axe was not at its root ; 
 and therefore, as if refreshed by a temporary persecution, it was again excited to 
 action, under the genial protection of Oswald,'^* and regained a limited dominion 
 in Northumbria.^^ The priests of idolatry endeavoured to impede its progress ; and 
 such was the unsettled state of the kingdom, that each in turn obtained and en- 
 joyed the pre-eminence; but Christianity was not sufficiently reinstated to procure 
 the full restoration of her church and privileges. She again languished; and the 
 death of Oswald, who was slain in battle with Penda, gave the false religion once 
 more the advantage. Churches were polluted by altars dedicated to superstitious 
 uses, and Thor and Woden were now triumphantly substituted for the worship of 
 the true and living God; for Cadwallo had been slain in a battle fought with Os- 
 wald, near Hexham, and his Britons totally dispersed ; and with them the relics 
 of druidism finally vanished from the wood of Deira. This melancholy change 
 maintained its influence for the space of thirty years ; after which Christianity was 
 universally restored by the preaching of Wilfrid, who entered on this arduous 
 mission under the influence of Egfrid, king of Northumbria. His success was 
 abundant; he was installed archbishop of York,^® and the people joyfully embraced 
 the glad tidings of salvation. 
 
 The Beaver-Lake in the wood of Deira had been so openly polluted with the 
 abominations of idolatry, that no attempts were made to restore the Christian 
 establishment within its dreadful inclosure. The honour of this work was reserved 
 for a shining character in the history of these times; on whose merits and re- 
 splendent virtues we shall dilate with sentiments of the purest satisfaction. 
 
 John, afterwards surnamed, of Beverley, was born at Harpham,'^^ A. D. 640. 
 He was of a noble Saxon family, and his father had contributed much to prevent 
 the utter ruin of Christianity in the places where lay his territorial possessions. 
 
 24 Bede. 1. 3. c. 23. 
 2.5 Oswald set up the emblem of Christianity before his decisive battle with Cadwallo, to which 
 circumstance the victory was attributed ; and this is said by Speed to have been the first Cross that 
 was erected in Britain. Hist. Brit. p. 353. 
 
 26 Bromp. apud Dec. Script, col. 79a «' Lei. Coll. vol. iu. p. 100. 
 
 G 2 
 
44 
 
 His influence, though insufficient to avert the calamities to which his religion wasi 
 exposed, still fanned the smouldering embers, and preserved them from utter 
 extinction. His authority was frequently interposed to prevent the insolent ex- 
 pression of reproach by which his persecuted brethren were too often goaded to 
 submission ; and if he could not openly establish the rites of Christian worship in 
 all those places which had once been consecrated to the true and living God, he 
 did much towards preserving the principles of it alive in the hearts of his people, 
 and inspired them with the patient expectation of a favourable and triumphant 
 change. He educated his son in the strict principles of Christianity, and he lived 
 to be an honour to his coimtry, and a shining ornament to the religion he professed. 
 
 This great man flourished in troublesome times ; and to this circumstance, his 
 celebrity may have been, in some respects, indebted j for it is in such periods of 
 difficulty that brilliant talents have an opportunity of displaying themselves, and 
 stability of character, united with the exercise of manly virtue, do not fail to receive 
 the honourable testimony of public approbation. The church at the Beaver-Lake 
 now lay in ruins, and some extraordinary concurrence of circumstances was ne- 
 cessary to furnish the impulse for its restoration. The Saxon nobles were rapidly 
 degenerating from the hardy valour which placed this island at the disposal of their 
 forefathers, and appear to have yielded up their minds to the influence of sloth and 
 superstition. The body of ecclesiastics, from the practice of a stern self-denial, 
 strengthened by much real sanctity, gradually succeeded in impressing on the 
 minds of the people a profound veneration for their own persons -/^ and the laity 
 were at length taught to believe, that the most meritorious actions men could per- 
 form, were, reverence to the saints, monastic vows, and the building and endow- 
 ment of churches and religious houses. 
 
 Before this period the pope had no absolute jurisdiction within the realm of 
 England. An opportunity now presented itself, which his holiness did not fail to 
 improve, of investing the papal throne with the ecclesiastical sovereignty of this 
 kingdom. Wilfrid, a man deservedly eminent for his learning and piety, and 
 sedulous in the pastoral care of his flock, held the sees of York and Hexham ; and 
 this had been pronounced by a national synod, over which Theodore, archbishop of 
 Canterbury presided, too extensive an undertaking for the superintendence of a 
 single bishop. It was therefore decided, that they should henceforward form two 
 
 28 Bede. 1. 3. c. 26. 
 
45 
 
 separate dioceses. Some writers add, that Wilfrid was altogether ejected.^^ The 
 prelate however, whose great virtues were adulterated with an unbounded ambition 
 and fondness for luxury ,^'^ haughtily protested against this decision ; arraigned the 
 jurisdiction of the synod, and appealed to the pope. He contended, that his holi- 
 ness ,as the successor of St. Peter, alone possessed the supreme authority in 
 spiritual affairs over the whole Christian world; and that therefore he only had the 
 power of depriving a bishop, or suspending the exercise of the episcopal function. 
 The pope received his appeal with joy ; and as he justly saw that this precedent 
 would lay the foundation of the papal authority in England, he not only admitted 
 the question to be tried in Rome, but after having protracted the proceedings 
 during many months,^ ^ at length gave judgment in Wilfrid's favour. 
 
 During the absence of Wilfrid, the synod constituted Bosa archbishop of 
 York;^* and Eata, who was soon succeeded by John of Beverley, bishop of 
 Hagulstad or Hexham.^' Here his splendid talents had full scope for their exer- 
 cise. His severity of discipline was increased, and he laboured incessantly for the 
 conversion of that part of the population of his diocese which still remained 
 enveloped in the fatal cloud of pagan superstition. At this period, it is doubtful, 
 whether the northern parts of England were divided into parishes.^^ Every diocese 
 was in effect but an extensive parish, over which the bishop in person was the 
 
 29 Bede. 1. 4. c. 12. 
 
 so Eddius. in vil. Wilf. c. 20. si r^ of Hexham, c. 6. says, two years. 
 
 32 Bede. 1. 5. c. 12. ss Lei. Coll. vol. iii. c. 100. 
 
 34 Parishes are thought to have been first formed by archbishop Honorius, Stow. Chron. 
 p. 77. Parker. Ant. Brit. Eccl. p. 77. who flourished about 636, as a necessary appropriation of ec- 
 clesiastical duties to certain responsible pastors, to prevent those irregularities which might and did 
 arise from the interference that frequently occurred by the intrusive visits of strangers on the scene 
 of other men's labours, to the manifest injury of religion. Selden, however, on. Tithes, c. 9, thinks 
 that parishes were not formed at this time ; and, in his opinion, Blackstone seems to concur. Com. 
 vol. i. p. 1 12. In 673, Theodore, archbishop of Canterbury, convened a synod; at which, amongst 
 other regulations, this was agreed on. Nullus Episcoporum parochiam alterius invaded. And from 
 this circumstance probably arises the opinion expressed by Lingard, that to archbishop Theodore 
 belongs the merit of introducing the parochial division into the greater part of the kingdom. Vid. 
 Lingard's Ant. of the Anglo-Saxon Church, p. Q5, where is also an account of the origin of lay 
 patronage. In the first ages of Christianity, every man was at liberty to contribute his tithes to 
 what parish or church soever he pleased; Blackst. Comment, vol. i. p. 112. but this privilege 
 served as an existing means whereby any pique against the priest might be gratified by the alien- 
 ation of his income. This inconvenience therefore was obviated ; first, by the censures of the 
 council of Calcuith ; then by the famous charter of Ethelfwulf ; and most effectually by the laws 
 of Edgar, which provided, that all tithes should be paid in the parish where they arise; and that 
 any lay proprietor who should build a church on his manor, with a house of residence for the 
 clergyman, and endow it with lands and tithes, should be invested with the perpetual right of 
 advowson.. 
 
46 
 
 principal ecclesiastical overseer; and the inferior clergy residing" near him, were 
 despatched, as the occasion might require, to the different parts of his jurisdiction, 
 for the purpose of confirming the flock, and imparting to them, spiritual con- 
 solation/* Hence, it is evident, that the more remote parts of the diocese would be 
 very imperfectly supplied with religious instruction. But John of Beverley em- 
 ployed his whole time in personally visiting his churches ; and with the most laud- 
 able zeal, seconded by indefatigable attention, he conciliated the affection of his 
 pagan opposers, and brought many of them into the fold of Christianity ; and even 
 those who retained their former opinions, could not avoid feeling a respect for the 
 man who appeared so sincere in his endeavours to promote their welfare. His 
 austerity of discipline, when the subject of correction was himself; and his mild- 
 ness and engaging deportment to others, soon exalted him in the public opinion, 
 and he was regarded as a being of a superior order. Miracles, without number, 
 were attributed to his holy agency, many of which have been transmitted to us by 
 his friend and pupil — the venerable Bede." 
 
 Bosa, archbishop of York, dying probably before the restoration of Wilfrid, 
 John was selected by the synod as the most proper person to supply his place, and 
 he was solemnly consecrated by his friend Theodore in 687. This distinguished 
 preference speaks loudly of the public estimation to which his virtues had exalted 
 him; for he was neither luxurious nor ambitious; he took no part in the con- 
 temptible disputes which, at that period, agitated the Christian church f^ but on 
 the contrary, he was humble in his deportment and manner of life, and unassuming 
 in his general conduct. These were the qualities, which doubtless recommended 
 him as the best calculated to heal the bleeding wounds of the church, and cement 
 the interests of Christianity by the tie of brotherly love and cordial affection. 
 
 Soon after John's advancement to the archiepiscopal throne, Wilfrid returned in 
 triumph to his diocese, bearing in his hand the pope's credentials for reinstating 
 him in the whole of his former honours, and ecclesiastical dignities ; and denoun- 
 
 35 Warton. Ang. Sac. p. 427. nxpoi>cl<x and Atox.iJ.a-h in these times, were equivalent expressions. 
 
 3'^ Eecl. Hist. 1. 5. c. 4, 5, 6. Vid. etiam Malms, de gest. 1. 3. f. 153. et infra par. 3. c. 8. par. 4. c. 3. 
 
 38 The Christians of the present day will be astonished to hear, that all Christendom was at this 
 time distracted and rent in pieces by disunion on two questions, which were considered of such 
 vital importance, that either of the contending parties would have suffered martyrdom, rather than 
 renounce their opinion. The first,— on what day the festival of Easter should be celebrated ; and 
 the other, — in what manner the ecclesiastical tonsure should be worn ; or in other words, how a 
 priest should shave his head ! 
 
4t 
 
 cing" degradation and anathema on all who should dare to oppose them. Impressed 
 with a spirit of genuine Christian meekness, John tendered his resignation, which 
 Wilfrid was not permitted to accept, and John still continued to occupy his high 
 situation as bishop of York and Hexham until the year 705, when he resigned the 
 latter to Wilfrid on his reconciliation with the bishops.^^ 
 
 The zeal of our good archbishop now expanded itself ; and Christianity began to 
 assume a more flourishing appearance in the north, under his benign auspices. 
 He extended his visitations to every corner of the province ; superintended the 
 building and reparation of churches, and the foundation of monasteries ; and his 
 example stimulated the nobility to similar exertions. In one of these visitations he 
 came to the town of Beverlac,^*^ in the wood of Deira, a beautiful and secluded 
 spot, fitted for the holy offices of prayer and contemplation, and abounding with 
 every useful gift of a kind and bounteous providence. The sublime impressions 
 
 '^ The authorities for these events are exceedingly obscure and irreconcilable. Lingard says, 
 that Wilfrid was restored to Hexham, Lindisfarne, and York, and adds in a note, that Cuthbert 
 of Lindisfarne resigned; and if Bosaof York, and John of Hexham or Beverley did not follow 
 his example, they were deposed. Richard of Hexham, Stubbs, and some later writers, on the 
 contrary, say, that Wilfrid never again occupied the see of York. Vid. Lingard's Anglo-Saxon 
 Church, p. 177. From the Saxon Chronicle we learn, that when Wilfrid was driven from his 
 bishoprick in 678, Bosa was consecrated bishop of the Deirians, and Eada of the Bernicians; 
 and that John remained bishop of Hexham till Wilfrid was restored; when, on the death 
 of Bosa in 685, he was translated to York. Burton. Mon. Ebor. p. 20, says, that for twelve 
 years subsequently to this event, Wilfrid held the see of Leicester, having been obliged to quit 
 Northumbria, after its monarch had refused to acknowledge the authority of the papal bull. 
 In 705, he was restored to the see of Hexham and the monastery of Ripon, which he held till his 
 death in 709. The statement in the text appears to be the true one. 
 
 *° Bede terms it Inderwuda ; but it is evident, that the Anglo-Saxons had already designated it 
 by the name of Beoferlie. Vid. Camden's and Lingard's maps of Saxon England. The various 
 names of this place are subjoined. 
 
 Llyn yr Avanc — The primitive druidical name, 
 
 miir] ^^'^h Triads. 
 Petuaria — Camden, Drake, &c. 
 Sylva Deirorum ? t> j t i j 
 Deirwalde ^ Bede, Leland. 
 
 Onderwuda — Bede. 
 
 Beverlaga — Camden, Gough. 
 
 Beverlac — Alcuin. 
 
 Beoferlie — Camden, Lingard. 
 
 Beverlike — Athelstan's Charter. 
 
 Bevreli — D oraesd ay. 
 
 Beveley "^ 
 
 Beverlayeflnquis. Post. Mort. — Rot. Pat. and almost all the public records of the 
 
 Beverlac ^ kingdom, whether in the Tower, the Exchequer, or elsewhere. 
 
 Bevlay j 
 Whence Beverley, 
 
48 
 
 which spontaneously introduced themselves into the reverend prelate's mind, as his 
 eye wandered in rapture over the various scenery of this delightful place; the 
 irresistible elevation of his soul from the profuse decorations of nature up to 
 nature's God ; the simple devotion of the heart which was inspired by the scenes 
 around him, bespoke this situation as marked out by the divine hand for a monas- 
 tic retreat. The honest archbishop instantly imbibed a predilection in favour of 
 this sylvan town, which was never effaced ; and his comprehensive mind became 
 overwhelmed with an ardent desire of re-establishing the ancient Christian church, 
 and of conferring on it some peculiar marks of distinction. It has been asserted, 
 that even at this early period of his acquaintance with the town of Beverlac, he 
 contemplated it as a place suited to the retirement of his latter days, when the 
 oppressive cares and duties of his exalted situation should be too weighty for his 
 declining age; that here, in the charming solitude formed by nature, he might 
 have leisure to soothe the agitations of a busy life ; and at length, when his race 
 was run, calmly resign his soul into the hands of him who gave it. 
 
 To give every possible effect to the plan of improvement thus formed; orders 
 were immediately given for re-edifying'" the structure, which was rapidly accom- 
 plished under his own immediate inspection, for the science of architecture formed 
 an indispensable study for an Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastic. This completed, he 
 founded a monastery for black monks, and an oratory to the south of the church 
 for religious nuns, which he dedicated to St. Martin.''^ This afterwards became a 
 parish church.^' The archbishop added to the establishment seven secular priests 
 and other ministers for the service of the altar, and placed the entire establishment 
 under the superintendence of his friend and disciple Brithunus, whom he consti- 
 tuted the first abbot of Beverley." This was effected in the year 704.'" 
 
 The style and character of the buildings are unknown, and all opinions on the 
 subject must be merely conjectural. "It may suffice to refer to the ruins of the 
 conventual church at Ely, a reference of peculiar propriety, in an attempt to inves- 
 tigate the nature of the original form of our church, as they must have been nearly 
 cotemporary buildings. The church at Ely was built under the direction of Wil- 
 
 ^1 Leland says, he rebuilt the choir; Coll. vol. iii. p. 100. the undoubted inference then is, that 
 the remains of a church existed at the period of his visitation; and Dugdale and Tanner both 
 assert, that John converted the church into a monastery. Dug. Mon. vol. ii. p. 126. Tan. Notit. 
 p. 635. 
 
 42 Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 34. ^3 Gent. Ripon. p. 74. 
 " Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 34. « Bede. 1. 5. c. 5. Lei. Coll. vol. i. p. 118. 
 
49 
 
 frid, who has been already mentioned as one of the predecessors of St. John, and 
 at a very short interval from him. It was, as appears from its remains, an oblong 
 building" of two stories, with aisles on each side, but without tower or transept ; 
 divided by a cross wall into two parts, which communicated with each other by a 
 low arched opening". The pillars which supported it are alternately circular and 
 octagonal ; the arches circular, and highly ornamented with the characteristic de- 
 corations of the Saxon style. The dimensions, compared with subsequent buildings, 
 of a similar nature, are inconsiderable. The whole length of the nave being only 
 158 feet 3 inches ; of the choir, 53 feet 3 inches ; the width of the nave, 41 feet ; 
 its height 33 feet ; height of pillars in the nave, 10 feet ; in the chancel, 8 feet 4 
 inches. That the character and dimensions of the building originally raised by St. 
 John, were similar to what has been above described, we have no evidence to prove, 
 at the same time it is a very natural and rational conclusion that they were, at 
 least that they could not be very essentially different."^^ The windows were un- 
 doubtedly glazed, in imitation of a specimen recently introduced into the cathedral 
 at York, by Wilfrid."^ 
 
 The establishment being completed, the archbishop's next object was to endow 
 it with revenues competent for its maintenance and support. This was soon ac- 
 complished; and the manor of Ridinge, with the adjoining wood, were the first 
 offerings deposited on the altar of St. John. On this manor the archbishop built 
 the church of St. Nicholas.^* Circumstances soon added to the wealth of a foun- 
 dation edified and protected by the chief dignitary of the province. The wife of 
 earl Puch was attacked with a dangerous malady, and the daughter devoted herself 
 for the mother's recovery. In an age when miracles obtained a general belief, it 
 will be supposed that the supernatural aid of the archbishop would be called in, 
 celebrated as he was for the performance of miraculous cures. He had just been 
 engaged in the consecration of South-Burton church, where the earl resided, and 
 prayers and holy water were alike administered to the afflicted patient. His 
 prayers were heard, the mother recovered ; and the daughter, of course, became a 
 nun in the new establishment at Beverley, and the manor of Walkington was 
 assigned to it by the grateful thane, as a peace offering to heaven.''^ St. John 
 himself purchased lands at Middleton, Welwick, Bilton, and Patrington, and 
 
 *^ Coltman's Short Hist, of Beverley Minster, p. 27. 
 
 4^ Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 141. ^^ Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 100. 
 
 ''^ Bede. 1. 5. c. 4. Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. 
 
 H 
 
MO 
 
 gave them to the same church. His influence with the Saxon nobility appears to 
 have been unceasingly exerted in behalf of this his favourite institution. The 
 manor and advowson of North-Burton were presented to it by earl Addi ; and the 
 chapels of Leckonfield and Scorburgh were soon erected by the pious exertions of 
 the same nobleman, which, in process of time, became parish churches.''" 
 
 The most transient view of this establishment will show its advantages to the 
 cause of Christianity at this precise period of time. The newly converted Saxons 
 were many of them ignorant of its nature and design, and, wedded in their hearts 
 to ancient errors, did but feebly support the character they had assumed, and 
 remained in a state of neutral apathy, which was generally unfavourable to the 
 new faith. The villages being unfurnished with resident priests, would have their 
 religious services irregularly performed, notwithstanding the unceasing efforts of 
 the bishops and clergy ; and the inhabitants would become indiflerent to the belief 
 of Christian doctrines, and the performance of Christian duties. This evil was 
 most sensibly felt, and a partial remedy was applied by the erection of monasteries, 
 in imitation of the episcopal institutions attached to a cathedral church.''^ In the 
 immediate vicinity of these edifices, religion would be vigourously dispensed -, the 
 people would enjoy every benefit derivable from ecclesiastical activity and zeal, and 
 Christianity, in such situations, would take deep root, and flourish with so much 
 strength and vigour as to defy all the efforts of its adversaries. Such advantages 
 were too obvious to escape the penetrating eye of the zealous ecclesiastic ; and the 
 
 50 Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. Gent. Ripon. p. 74. At this time it was customary for the holy 
 sacrament of the Eucharist to be administered to the whole congregation once in every week, 
 which produced much inconvenience in such places as were attended by the numerous congrega- 
 tions which would assemble from a populous district, furnished with only one church. These 
 religious edifices had yet been erected only in places of consequence; but now, as Christianity 
 began to prevail generally throughout the island, when a parish became too thickly inhabited for 
 the magnitude of the church, accommodation was afforded to the worshippers by the erection of 
 oratories, or chapels of ease, in which the rites of divine worship were duly administered, without 
 intruding on the privileges of the mother church. It was soon found, however, that some degree 
 of confusion ensued by the introduction of this measure, to remedy which, it was at length pro- 
 vided that large and populous parishes should be subdivided, and each part placed under the 
 exclusive direction of its own responsible minister. 
 
 5' In almost every episcopal see, contiguous to the cathedral was erected a spacious building, 
 which was distinguished by the name of the episcopal monastery, and was designed for the resi- 
 dence of the bishop and his clergy. The original destination of the latter was the celebration of 
 the divine services, and the education of youth ; and that they might with less impediment attend 
 to those important duties, they were obliged to observe a particular distribution of their time, to 
 eat at the same table, to sleep in the same dormitories, and to live constantly under the eye of the 
 bishop, or in his absence, of the superior whom he had appointed. Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 62. 
 Speed. Bede. 1. 1. c. 27. Wilk. pp. 147, 293. 
 
61 
 
 idea was sug'gested of forming similar establishments, which might produce the 
 same advantages to the community, without being subjected to the immediate 
 inspection of the bishop. This was, doubtless, the origin of collegiate churches. 
 The benefits derivable from their institution were unquestionable ; and in the 
 particular instance of the establishment at Beverley, the triumph of Christianity, 
 for many miles round, was marked by the erection of many new churches and 
 chapels within a very short period from its foundation. Here, the community were 
 provided, not only with permanent ministers of religion, and consequent regularity 
 in the performance of the duties of public worship ; but also with a seminary of 
 able instructors, to educate the rising generation in the pure principles of the 
 Christian faith, and to implant systematic habits of devotion, addressed to the true 
 and only God. 
 
 In these times, the monarchs, to give effect to their religious donations, frequently 
 granted high privileges to the monastic foundations. The superior was usually 
 invested with a temporal jurisdiction, which enabled him to receive tolls on the 
 sale of merchandize, to try criminals, and to administer justice within the limits of 
 his own territories. This power, in the hands of the ecclesiastics, was generally 
 reputed to be exercised with such undistinguishing partiality, that the merchants 
 and tradesmen chose for their residence the precincts of this mild jurisdiction, 
 where they found themselves protected from the tyranny and rapacity of the great 
 landed proprietors, from whom strict justice was not to be expected, as they 
 frequently sat in judgment upon those who were accused by their own retainers. 
 This may account for the rapid increase of the town of Beverley from this period ; 
 for the establishment of religious houses, in addition to other public advantages, 
 certainly produced to the country the benefit of well cultivated lands, and a 
 civilized population. To the monks was principally owing the general improve- 
 ment which now began to display itself in every part of the country. The forests 
 were cleared, and vegetation was seen to smile upon the barren heath. The land 
 usually appropriated to the monasteries, were uncultivated tracts of wood, moor or 
 morass; but they soon became productive by the persevering industry of the monks, 
 who were the first to set an example of practical diligence and patient toil.* 
 
 St. John presided, with unprecedented success, over the see of York thirty-three 
 years three months and thirteen days; and at length, borne down by age and 
 infirmity, and disgusted with the divisions which prevailed amongst professing 
 
 * Turn. Angl. Sax. vol. iv. p. 206. 
 
 H 2 
 
Christians, he resigned his public duties to Wilfrid II. in 717 ; and, according to 
 the prevailing custom of those times, he retired to the monastery of Beverley ; and 
 after a few years spent in acts of piety and devotion, he died on the 7 th of May, 
 721, full of days, and with his memory overshadowed by the benedictions of man- 
 kind. His remains were interred in the portico of the church of his own founda- 
 tion f^ and miracles were said to be wrought at his tomb. 
 
 Though deposited in the earth, the influence of this extraordinary man was not 
 diminished. His memory was revered through successive generations ; and even 
 operated with renewed efficacy, when ages upon ages had rolled over his grave. 
 To this influence the town of Beverley is greatly indebted for many of its chartered 
 privileges ; and to the same cause its ultimate prosperity may be safely ascribed. 
 In the days of monkish superstition, mankind, from the prince to the peasant, 
 were affected with a weakness, which, while it tended to secure their devotion to 
 the ecclesiastical hierarchy, was a fertile and never-failing source of emolument. 
 Hence, an implicit veneration for the memory of saints who have departed this life 
 in all the odour of sanctity, was a&siduously inculcated ; and an invocation of their 
 aid was considered supremely eflScacious,** not only for procuring ultimate salvation, 
 but for insuring present success, or averting present calamity ; and it will soon be 
 seen how much the town of Beverley is indebted for its welfare to the influence of 
 this superstitious feeling. 
 
 •'2 Lei. Coll. vol. ill. p. 34. The portico was the usual place of interment for distinguished 
 personages at this period, for there existed a law to prevent the dead from being deposited in the 
 church. This however, was soon afterwards permitted; for innovation, once indulged, never stops 
 short till it has attained the utmost limit of its desires. The primitive mode of sepulture used by 
 heathen nations, was to convey their dead to a convenient distance from their place of residence, 
 and inter them in the fields. A law of the Twelve Tables ordained, — In urbo ne sepelito, neve 
 urito, that the bodies should neither be buried nor burnt in cities. Cic. de leg. 1. 2. The first 
 Christians followed their example in this respect, and St, Peter was buried beyond the river Tiber, 
 Hieron. de Script, c. 1. and St. Paul at the distance of three miles from the city. Ibid. c. 5. A 
 subsequent regulation was made by the emperor Theodosius, prohibiting the practice of burying 
 in towns. Cod. Theod. 1. 9. tit. 17. de Sepul. violat. leg. 6. But the places where martyrs and other 
 distinguished Christians were interred, soon becoming consecrated in the opinion of the people ; 
 altars, and afterwards churches, were erected on the spot; and monarchs, who had rendered es- 
 sential services to Christianity, were allowed to be interred in the church porch, Euseb. vit. Const. 
 I. 4. c. 71. Chrys. Hom. 26. a privilege which was soon extended to bishops and other eminent 
 ecclesiastics ; and even to laymen who had borne a good testimony to the Christian faith, either 
 by their sufferings or their liberality. Council of Nantes, can. 6. This law was violated in behalf 
 of archbishop Theodore, whose body was buried in the church, Bede. 1. 2. c. 3 ; and the custom, 
 once allowed, soon became prevalent throughout the whole kingdom. 
 
 *' The instances of this are numerous, even in private cases; I select one as a specimen. John 
 Carre, Lord Mayor of York, by his will, which was proved 20th April, 1488, commended his soul 
 to God Almighty his Saviour, to St. Mary, to St. John of Beverley, to Mary Magdalene, and to All 
 Saints. Torre's Ant. York. p. 55. 
 
^ 
 
 ^^$ ^Mnt0 upwlJ Saar«iw? 
 
 The Danes — Comparative view of the Roman, Saxon, and Danish character — 
 Danes in the province of Deira — their ravages — Monastery of St. John of 
 Beverley destroyed — Partially restored — Athelstan — Gives a charter to the 
 town of Beverley — Privilege of sanctuary to the church — This privilege 
 illustrated — Fridstol — Origin of the privilege of sanctuary — Athelstan pledges 
 his knife at the altar of St. John — Victory over the Scots — Grants to the 
 Church — and Town — Archbishops of York reside at Beverley — Riches of 
 St. John's tomb — Three new offices constituted in the church — Hospital of 
 St. Giles built at Beverley — >S'i^. John canonized, and his hmies enshrined — 
 Fairs established — Ancient laws respecting fairs — Tower built to the minster, 
 and bells introduced — History of Bells — Minster decorated by Aldred-^Cha- 
 racter of the fabric before the Norman Conquest. 
 
 The Saxon octarchy had no sooner found an union under Egbert, than a horde 
 of northern invaders appeared on the coasts of Britain in hostile array. The de- 
 generacy of the British Saxons was now at its lowest ebb, and the country was 
 soon exposed to all the horrors of indiscriminate slaughter. We have arrived at a 
 period of calamity, which cannot be contemplated, even at this distance of time, 
 but with sentiments of regret and horror. The land was deluged with blood, and 
 no corresponding benefits were produced to the community. 
 
 There are points in the Roman and Saxon character, which the historian may, 
 and must approve ; but to counterbalance the evils introduced into this country by 
 the Danes, we do not find a single redeeming virtue. Expunge the name of one 
 king from their records, and their political existence in England exhibits nothing 
 but a deformed mass of perfidy and slaughter, profligacy and crime. The Romans 
 and Saxons commenced their encroachments by the infliction of severity, and their 
 progress was marked by streams of blood; but the arts of civil and social life, 
 
u 
 
 which were subsequently introduced by each of these invaders in their turn, amply 
 compensated to the country for the injuries it had previously sustained. If they 
 destroyed public edifices, they erected others of greater magnificence ; if they over- 
 turned existing institutions, they founded others more congenial, and of a tendency 
 more beneficial. The Romans are worthy of praise for the introduction of arts 
 and civilization ; the Anglo-Saxons must be applauded, notwithstanding the un- 
 propitious impressions excited by their first appearance, for their superior genius, 
 wisdom, and piety, which laid the foundation of all our liberties, civil, religious, 
 and political. But the conduct of the Danes merits severest reprehension. Their 
 courage was cruelty; their ambition, avarice; their aggressions proceeded from 
 rapacity, and their conquests, were but another name for ruin and devastation.' 
 
 The first appearance of this band of freebooters on our shores, was about the 
 year 787 f but they did not succeed in forming a permanent establishment until 
 867, when the party divisions of the inhabitants during the inauspicious reign of 
 Ethelred, enabled the invaders to penetrate with complete success into the northern 
 districts of England, and secure to themselves the sceptre of Northumbria. During 
 their unnatural progress, "language cannot describe their devastations. It can 
 only repeat the terms plunder, murder, rape, famine, and distress. It can only 
 enumerate towns, villages, churches and monasteries, harvests and libraries, ran- 
 sacked and burnt. But by the incessant repetition, the horrors are diminished; 
 and we read, without emotion, the narration of deeds which rent the hearts of 
 thousands with anguish, and inflicted wounds on human happiness and human 
 improvement, which ages with difficulty healed."^ In the indiscriminate and uni- 
 versal dstruction which was thus inflicted on the province of Northumbria, by 
 Hubba and Hinguar, the two avenging sons of Ragnar Lodbrog, the establishment 
 of St. John of Beverley, embosomed in the wood of Deira, diffusing its blessings 
 in secret and unostentatious prodigality, like the sylvan violet, which sheds its 
 fragrance amidst silence and seclusion, was again included, its walls and battlements 
 were levelled with the ground, its books and records destroyed, its inmates wounded 
 and dispersed,^ and the establishment for the present totally annihilated.*' Amidst 
 the conflicts that ensued between the Danes and the English for political supremacy, 
 it lay neglected and in ruins until the year 870, when the marauders having aban- 
 
 1 H. Hunt. p. 347. M. West. p. 388. " Hovedon. p. 410. M. West. p. 282. 
 
 ^ Turn. Ang. Sax. vol. ii. p. 130. 
 
 4 Angl. Sacr. vol. i. p. 602. « Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. lOK 
 
6S 
 
 doned the province of Deira, which they had utterly impoverished, to commit 
 new ravages in the south, the dispersed monks, clergy, and nuns,® venturing to 
 re-assemble in their accustomed habitations, restored the buildings to a state fitted 
 for the performance of divine worship, and the residence of the monks and nuns 
 on the foundation/ In this state of insecurity and comparative uselessness it re- 
 mained* till the time of Athelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great. 
 
 This famous monarch, though a natural son,* succeeded Edward his father, to 
 the exclusion of his more legitimate brother, because of his mature age and shining 
 abilities. He received the honour of knighthood from the hand of his grandfather, 
 while yet an infant,^ ami discovered in his youthful days, unquestionable tokens of 
 bright intellect and a vigourous mind ; qualities which after wards displayed them- 
 selves with such unsullied splendour in a wise and judicious administration of 
 public affairs."' 
 
 Athelstan is styled by Alured of Beverley, " primus monarcha Anglorum." And 
 he is right. Egbert laid claim to this honourable title, but without just grounds; 
 for he did not incorporate with his own kingdom, those of Northumbria and East- 
 Anglia; and it is even doubtful whether he successfully asserted an absolute 
 supremacy over Mercia. And Alfred, highly as his virtues and his talents exalted 
 him in the estimation of mankind, was not the monarch of all England, although 
 in his fluctuating reign, the glory of the Anglo-Saxon dynasty began to shine with 
 unveiled effulgence ; because he only silenced, and did not destroy the Danish 
 power in England. It was reserved for Athelstan, the benefactor of the town of 
 
 ^ The monks of Beverley were of the order of St. Coluraba, and followers of the celebrated 
 Aidan. They are described by Bede, I. 3. c. 17, as of the most pious, patient, and charitable 
 character; as men possessed of all the practical virtue recommended by their religion. 
 
 ^ Tan. Notit. York XII. Fabyan, p. 129. says, that the monastery was not restored till many years 
 afterwards; and then " by y^ helpe of Sey)ite Dunstan in y« tymes of Edmond and Edgare, it was 
 agayne sufficiently repayryd, and so cotynued tyll y* coming of y® Normans." But I find no other 
 authority to countenance this opinion, and have therefore rejected it. 
 
 8 Vid. Ling. Ang. Sax. Ch. p. 386. Sim. Dunelm. Dec. Script. Col. 206. 
 
 * The author of the life of Athelstan in the Biographia Britannica, vol. i. p. 60, says, that 
 though his mother was only the daughter of a shepherd, she was the wife and not the concubine 
 of Edward. 
 
 9 Malmsb. de Reg. p. 49. Spelm. Life of Alf. by Hearne, p. 201. 
 
 ^^ The title of this monarch is said to have been attested by the decision of heaven. One of his 
 nobles, accused of having disputed his right to the crown, offered to prove his innocence by a 
 solemn oath in the presence of the pope ; a test, which, in those times, was deemed of such 
 supreme efficacy, that falsehood was always punished by a judicial dispensation from above. 
 Athelstan accepted the appeal. The oath was administered,. and the perjured thane was seized 
 with sudden convulsions which put an end to his life. Malmsb. 1. 2. c. 6. Hume. Engl. vol. i. 
 p. 103. 
 
56 
 
 iBeverley, to unite the whole kingdom under one head by the annihilation of the 
 Danish sovereignty, and thus become fairly entitled to the distinction of primus 
 monarcha Anglorum." 
 
 In the first year of his reign, he gave a charter of liberties to the church and 
 town of Beverley;'^ which placed it at the head of the East-riding of Yorkshire;'^ 
 conferred upon the town the privilege of exemption from all imposts and tolls of 
 stallage,'* lastage,'^ tonage,'^ wharfage,''^ keyage,'* passage,'^ and all similar exac- 
 tions, payments, and duties, by land or by water, throughout the realm of England ; 
 that they might take distresses for their debts, defend themselves from all appeals, 
 &c. ; and that no man should disturb them under pains and penalties 5 in a word, 
 he redeemed the inhabitants from a state of vassalage, and placed them in the 
 situation of free tenants. He further endowed the church with sac and soc f° and 
 thoP' and theim,'^^ and granted a perpetual college of secular canons, consisting of 
 seven priests to celebrate masses, and perform the rites of divine service in the church, 
 and endowed it with four thraves of corn for every plough in the East-riding f^ 
 with other privileges and immunities, which will be found in the charter itself.^^ 
 
 " According to White of Basingstoke, Athelstan claimed a sovereignty extending from the 
 Orcades to the Pyrenean mountains. Speed. Brit. p. 15. Dugdale produces a charter of Edgar, 
 which describes Athelstan as primus regum anglorum omnes nationes qui Britanniam incolunt 
 sibi armis subegit. Monast. vol. 1. p. 140. And again, on p. 154, the Chronicle of Tewkesbury 
 styles him Adelstani regis qui primus monarcha fuit. 
 
 12 Vid. the Charter. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 269. xii. fo. 213. 
 
 13 Riding ; from the Saxon trithin^, because the county had three divisions. 
 
 1* Money paid for erecting a stall in a fair or market. 
 
 '* A duty on goods sold by the last ; as corn, wool, herrings, &c. 
 
 1® A duty on goods sold by the ton. 
 
 i'^ Money paid for shipping or landing goods at a wharf. 
 
 18 A toll paid for loading or unloading goods at a key or wharf. 
 
 1^ A duty paid for passing over or through a river. 
 
 20 Sac and soc, means the jurisdiction of holding pleas, and imposing fines, and the right 
 which a lord possesses of exercising justice on his vassals, and compelling them to be suitors at 
 his court. Kilham. Domes. Illustr. p. 320. Bawd. Dom. Boc. Gloss, p. 18. 
 
 2' A liberty to take, as well as to be free from toll. 
 22 The prerogative of having, restraining, and judging bondmen, naifs, and villanes, with their 
 children, goods and chattels in his court. Cowel. in Kelh. Domes. Illustr. p. 349. 
 
 ^^ A thrave was sometimes twelve, and at others twenty-four sheaves ; and land for one plough 
 was about 1 60 acres ; therefore, though the privilege might be productive over such an extensive 
 tract of country, it would not fall very heavy on the land. 
 
 2^ Vid. App. A. Reasonable doubts have been entertained respecting the genuineness of this 
 charter. It might probably be proved, from internal evidence, that it was not written until times 
 long posterior to the age in which Athelstan flourished. 
 
5t 
 
 The right of sanctuary was now first vested in the church of St. John, by the 
 pious munificence of Athelstan, and a Fridstol, or chair of peace, was placed in a 
 conspicuous situation near the altar, as an emblem of protection to the refugee.'^* 
 The limits of the sanctuary, called Leuga,'^® were comprehended within the circum- 
 ference of a circle, of which the church was the centre, and whose radius was about 
 a mile." It was defined by four crosses, one of which still remains in a dilapidated 
 state. These crosses were placed on the four principal roads leading to the town. 
 One was called Molescroft cross, and stood near Leckonfield Park ; another towards 
 North-Burton ; a third towards Kinwalgraves ; and the last to the south of Beverley, 
 on the road which led to the ferry across the Humber.^^ " If a malefactor flying 
 for refuge was taken or apprehended within the crosses, the party that took or had 
 hold of him there, did forfeit two hundreth ; if he took him within the town, then 
 he forfeited ybwr hundreth j if within the walls of the churchyard, then six hundreth j 
 if within the church, then twelve hundreth ; if within the doors of the quire, then 
 eighteen hundreth, besides penance, as in case of sacrilege ; but if he presumed to 
 take him out of the stone chair near the altar, called Fridstol, or from among the 
 holy relics behind the altar, the ofience was not redeemable with any sum, but was 
 then become sine emendatione, boteles, and nothiiig but the utmost severity of the 
 ofiended church was to be expected, by a dreadful excommunication, besides what 
 the secular power would impose for the prasumptuous misdemeanor."^^ 
 
 The following inscription, which has been preserved by Camden,^° is said to 
 have been engraven on the original Fridstol. Haec sedes lapidea Freedstool 
 dicitur; i. e. Pacis Cathedra, ad quern reus fugiendo perveniens omnimodam habet 
 securitatem. This chair of peace was a full refuge and safety from the immediate 
 infliction of punishment for any crime whatsoever.^' In general it afforded pro- 
 
 25 Dugd. Monast. vol. ii. p. 128. 26 Kel. Domesday. Illustr. p. 250. 
 
 2^ The king's peace extended 3 mila, 3 furlong, 3 secera braede, 9 fote, 9 seefta munda, 9 bere 
 coma. Wilk. Leg. Ang. Sax. p. 63. 
 
 28 Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 103. 
 29 Pegge. in Archaeol. vol. viii. p. 44. « Mr. Stavely observes, and has it from his author, 
 citing Richard Prior, of Hagiilstad, that the hindreth contained eight pounds; so that the last 
 penalty was most immense, nearly as much as the weregiid for killing a crowned head in Wales ; 
 and indeed, every act of violence committed against the right of sanctuary, was esteemed a breach 
 of the churches peace, a high crime, and a species of sacrilege." Ibid. 
 
 8° Gibson, col. 738. 
 '1 A statute of Edward II, provided that " so long as the criminals be in the church, they 
 «hall be supplied with the necessaries of life, and exire libe pro obceno pondere deponendo. 
 9 Edw. II. 1315—16. Stat. i. Art. Cler. c. 10. 
 
48 
 
 tection while the nature and circumstances of the crime were investigated, which 
 the church always placed in the most favourable point of view, and while its 
 protection was continued, the culprit remained in perfect safety within the limits of 
 the sanctuary. And this course continued until the offending party was reconciled. 
 In all cases, the life of the criminal was safe at Beverley, be his crime whatever it 
 might.^^ The fugitive having taken the oath of fealty to the abbot f^ and being 
 placed in the chair of peace, might compel his adversary to accept of a pecuniary 
 compensation. And this privilege was an additional cause of the high degree of 
 respect paid in these times to the ministers of religion ; for it is thought by some,^* 
 that persons obtaining sanctuary, who had been guilty of capital crimes, received 
 their pardon on the condition of becoming slaves to the abbot, or lord of the place 
 where the privilege was claimed.^ 
 
 The peace of the kingdom being continually disturbed by the Danes who had 
 settled in Northumbria, Athelstan brought his powers upon them, and they were 
 soon dispersed. But one of their chiefs having taken refuge in Scotland, a formal 
 application was made to the king of that country to surrender the rebel to justice. 
 The refusal of Constantino brought on him the heavy vengeance of the English 
 monarch. He marched into the north with a numerous army of veteran soldiers, 
 determined to inflict a signal punishment on the man who had thus dared to set 
 his power at defiance. But amidst all his warlike preparations, Athelstan was 
 
 *2 Vid. Spel. Gloss, v. Fridstole. ^s Append. B. 
 
 3* Vid. Maseres. Ant. Engl. Pari, in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 313; 
 
 ^ The introduction of this extensive privilege into the Christian church took place about the 
 time of Constantine ; although no laws respecting its regulation exist, which are more ancient 
 than the time of Theodosius. Bingh. Orig. Eccl. vol. iii. p. 291. It had its origin in the laws of 
 Moses, who, at the divine command, appointed six cities of refuge, as a protection to the 
 involuntary homicide, against the summary vengeance of his incensed pursuers. Numb. c. 35. 
 It was used also in the times of pagan superstition. In the druidical grove some particular tree 
 was a sanctuary; Evelyn. Sylva. p. 614. and according to the authority of JefFery of Monmouth, 
 ii. c. 17. the circular temples were all sanctuaries, and also the principal roads leading to them 
 within a prescribed distance. Vid. Archaeol. vol. viii. p. 16, 17. The altars of idolatry were deco- 
 rated with horns, which were always reputed a sanctuary for crime; so that even murderers fleeing 
 for safety to the horns of the altar, esteemed themselves perfectly secure from the danger of ap- 
 prehension; for such was the sacred veneration in which the horned altar was held, that to violate 
 this sanctuary was accounted most impious, and the highest degree of sacrilege that a human being 
 could commit. The protection thus afforded, became at length so notoriously prostituted from its 
 original purpose of sheltering offenders until their crimes were legally investigated, that the temples 
 of the gods were polluted with the residence of the vilest malefactors, who remained there with 
 impunity, and set at defiance the operation of the laws. Tiberius Cesar abolished the protection 
 afforded by these sanctuaries, and confined it to the two temples of Juno and Esculapius. 
 
59 
 
 fully impressed with the certainty, that human strength and human policy are 
 unavailing if not accompanied with the blessing of heaven. In accordance, there- 
 fore, with the customs which at that period universally prevailed, he endeavoured 
 to propitiate the divine mercy by prayer and religious observances. Directing his 
 army to proceed without delay to York,* he went himself to Beverley, and with 
 humble prostration before the altar of St. John, prayed with unassumed earnestness 
 for his favour and protection. But prayers were thought to be of no efficacy unless 
 accompanied by donations commensurate with the quality of the petitioner. 
 Athelstan, however, was in too much haste to be provided with the means of doing 
 ample justice to the saint, and was therefore obliged to have recourse to a very 
 whimsical expedient. He left his knife on the altar as a pledge, vowing that if he 
 returned victorious, he would redeem it with a noble price.'^ Then taking with 
 him a consecrated standard, which had been deposited in the church," he marched 
 in full confidence against the Scots; gave them battle, and totally routed them 
 with great slaughter. And from a principle of respect and gratitude to the patron 
 saint of Beverley, to whose influence the victory was attributed, he named a village 
 near which the battle was fought, St John's Town.'* Hovedon says,'^ that he 
 compelled Constantine to do homage for his kingdom; and other historians assert, 
 with much less regard to probability, that wishing to leave some permanent mark 
 or token in that country of its subjection to his sword, he prayed to God, and St. 
 John of Beverley, for assistance, and smiting a great stone or rock, near the castle 
 of Dunbar, with his sword, he made an incision both wide and deep,^^ which, says 
 Fabyan, " in the tyme of Edwarde the thirde was there remaynynge to be sayde 
 (seen.)"^' 
 
 After this signal success, Athelstan returned to Beverley in triumph, and 
 deposited the meritorious banner in its former situation. And to redeem his 
 pledge, he founded a college of secular canons, and endowed it with lands in 
 Brandesburton and Lockington -, gave to the church his right to Horstafla, or a 
 commutation for the pasturage and forage of horses, which was paid annually 
 
 * Cressey, in his Church History, p. 832, says that Athelstan entered Beverley with his army. 
 But this is doubtless an error, as all other authorities are unanimous in their opinion that the king 
 entered the town privately, to offer his vows at the altar of St. John. Vid. Ry m. Fsed. tom. ii. p. 5&Q. 
 
 3G Dugd. Monast. vol. ii. p. 127. Rym. Faed. tom. ii. p. 5QQ. Fabyan. Chron. p. 183. 
 
 3^ Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. ss Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. s^ Hoved. p. 422. 
 
 *> Lei. Coll. vol. ii. p. 3, 4. Rym. Faed. torn. ii. p. 884. Ethelr. de Geneal. Reg. Angl. p. 357. 
 
 4' Fabyan. Chron. p. 183. 
 
 I 2 
 
throughout the whole East-riding."^ Nor did his liberality end here. To the 
 town he conveyed substantial tokens of his favour; not only by confirming his 
 former grants, but by adding new privileges, from which the inhabitants soon 
 reaped the most extensive benefits. Thus by an act of royal munificence the town 
 progressively assumed the appearance of mercantile rank. Opulent merchants 
 were induced to make Beverley their place of residence, because here they enjoyed 
 superior advantages ; and from this auspicious period we may date the rising 
 prosperity of the town. 
 
 The archbishops of York, in honour of the memory of St. John, often resided in 
 Beverley, for the convenience of paying their devotions at his tomb ; and Athelstan, 
 to encourage the observance of these religious duties, assigned the manor of 
 Beverley to the see of York ; which was henceforward held by the archbishop in 
 right of his office, until deprived of it at the general dissolution of the monasteries 
 by king Henry VIII." 
 
 The merit of the saint being now indisputably established, people flocked to his 
 tomb for assistance on the most trivial occasions, and always departed fully sensible 
 of his gracious interposition in their behalf. And, as all applications were neces- 
 sarily accompanied with presents, the saint's tomb soon became enriched by the 
 pious offerings which were so liberally showered upon it. The accumulation of 
 wealth usually produces a desire for increasing magnificence ; and this productive 
 mausoleum was now deemed worthy of being gorgeously enshrined. In 1023, 
 therefore, Alfricus Puttoc, the twenty-second archbishop of York, erected a costly 
 shrine over his holy predecessor's grave, and decorated it so highly with the superb 
 offerings of those holy devotees, who had been attracted by the fame of his mira- 
 culous performances, that it actually glittered with gold and precious stones." 
 
 The archbishops of York, who claimed the immediate patronage of the collegiate 
 church,*'' appear to have uniformly bestowed upon it all the attention which fond 
 and affectionate parents devote to a beloved child. Archbishop Puttoc constituted 
 three new officers in the church, a chancellor, a precentor, and a sacrist, who were 
 allowed to wear the canonical habit ; and converted the hall and dormitory in the 
 place anciently called the Beddern, into a house of residence for the provost. He 
 
 42 Dugd. Monast. vol. ii. p. 128. Lei. Col. vol. iii. p. 101. 
 " Willis on Cathedral Churches. Drake. Ebor. p. 544. 
 " Lei. in vit. St. John. ^^ Tan. Notit. York. XII. 
 
6t 
 
 endowed the newly appointed offices with estates at Middleton, Holm, and Friday- 
 thorpe, which he purchased for that express purpose of a wealthy man named 
 Fortius j*^ and commenced building a refectory and dormitory, which however he 
 did not live to see completed." While thus engaged in conferring benefits on the 
 church, he did not wholly neglect the interests of the town, for about this time, " a 
 hospital, dedicated to St. Giles, was founded at Beverley, by one Wulfe, belonging 
 to the archbishop of York," for the maintenance of poor and indigent people.^^ 
 
 It is with sentiments of amazement, not unmixed with regret, that we, in this 
 refined age, contemplate the absurd devotion which our remote forefathers ad- 
 dressed to the memory of holy men. Although at this distance of time, to arraign 
 the motives which produced such an excess of superstition may be esteemed invidious, 
 yet, amidst all the unaffected though mistaken piety undoubtedly possessed by some, 
 it is impossible to divest ourselves of the idea, that, in others, there was much of 
 artifice and delusion mixed up with the professed veneration for deceased mortals, 
 how high soever their character might have stood for superior virtue while living in 
 the world. To the memory of St. Johii of Beverley these useless honours were 
 abundantly multiplied. As if the distinctions already assigned to this eminent 
 man came entirely short of his transcendent merits, an expedient was now adopted 
 by which his name might be brought once more before the world, and its pretended 
 influence be magnified to the utmost extent. On the 8th day of November, 1037, 
 the remains of St. John were formally disinterred, under the authority of a papal 
 bull of John XX. in the presence of the archbishop and the chapters of York and 
 Beverley ; his bones were translated, and placed, together with his archiepiscopal 
 ring,* and the fragments of a book of the Four Gospels which were found in his 
 tomb, within the splendid shrine which had already been erected to his honour;^' 
 
 46 Lei. Coll. vol. i. p. 1 18. ^r Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 102. ^s Lei. Itin. vol. i. p. 40. 
 
 * Archaeol. vol. iv. p. 60. 
 49 Dugd. Hist. St. Paul's, p. 2. p. 55. Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 102. The ceremony of translation 
 was thus performed : — A certain indefinite number « of years after the death of the man, the 
 object of their veneration, when it might be presumed that the less solid parts of the body had 
 been reduced to dust, the monks or clergy assembled to perform the ceremony of his elevation. 
 A tent was pitched over the grave. Around it stood the great body of the attendants, chanting 
 the psalms of David : within, the superior, accompanied by the more aged of the brotherhood, 
 opened the earth, collected the bones, washed them, wrapped them carefully in silk or linen, and 
 deposited thena in the mortuary chest. With sentiments of respect, and hymns of exultation, they 
 were then carried to the place destined to receive them ; which was elevated above the pavement, 
 and decorated with appropriate ornaments. Of the shrines, the most ancient that has been 
 
62 
 
 mid he was publickly canonized at Rome, by the same pope, with much pomp and 
 ceremony, in St. Peter's church.*^ And to add further to the posthumous honour 
 of his favourite saint, the archbishop made an ordinance, that the most respectable 
 inhabitants of Beverley and the neighbourhood should follow the relics of St. John, 
 barefooted and fasting, in solemn procession throughout the town, and round 
 the extremest limits of the sanctuary, three times a year.*' 
 
 This good archbishop appears to have had a strong partiality for the town of 
 Beverley. Not content with the extensive benefits already conferred upon the 
 church, he gave his attention, during the latter part of his life, to the wants and 
 wishes of the inhabitants, respecting the general prosperity of their trade and com- 
 merce. They were not backward in suggesting the means of improvement, and 
 by his influence with king Edward the Confessor, he procured for them the privilege 
 of holding three annual fairs," which, in these times, was of the utmost importance 
 to the prosperity of the town ; for no trade of any consequence could be carried on 
 without a chartered fair, except in the burghs ; because the Saxon laws forbad the 
 transaction of any business above the amount of four-pence, but within the limits 
 of these privileged places ; and there only in the presence and under the sanction 
 of the chief magistrate, or some other responsible person.*^ The institution of fairs 
 tended to increase the means of inland communication, and conveyed the advantages 
 of mutual traffic to places which had been previously interdicted by Anglo-Saxon 
 policy. Thus, by royal munificence, the town of Beverley was invested with rights 
 and privileges, which secured to it the blessings of a free and unrestricted trade ; 
 protected and encouraged by the immunities with which it was already endowed 
 by the charter of Athelstan.*^ 
 
 described to us, contained the remains of St. Chad, the apostle of Mercia; it was built of wood, in 
 form resembling a house, and was covered with tapestry. But this was in an age of simplicity 
 and monastic poverty ; in a later period, a greater display of magnificence bespoke the greater 
 opulence of the church, and the shrines of the saints were the first objects which invited the 
 rapacity of the Danish invaders." Ling. Angl. Sax. Ch. p. 264. 
 
 «o MS. Benet. Coll. Camb. ^i Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 102. 
 
 ■'^ Ibid. These were probably the primitive marts ; for I find it asserted in '* The Curiosities 
 of Great-Britain," vol. iii. p. 332, that there were only five ancient fairs in this country dis- 
 tinguished by the name of mart; those of Beverley, Hedon, Boston, Lynn, and Gainsborough. 
 *' The word Marte seems to have no less bounds than civitas, which signifieth a whole Common- 
 wealth." Oldworth. Cur. Disc. vol. i. p. 99. 
 
 53 Wilk. Leg. Sax. p. 226. 
 ^* Sir Isaac Newton gives the following ingenious account of fairs, &c. which I think worth 
 transcribing. « Before the Phoenicians introduced the deifying of dead men, which was about the 
 
6S 
 
 An important aera in the early history of the minster church, now presents itself 
 to our consideration. The primitive churches of the Saxons were usually oblong 
 buildings, without the elevation of any one part to a greater altitude than the rest. 
 The use of towers had indeed, in some particular instances, been adopted by that 
 people, very soon after their conversion to Christianity ; but it appears clear that the 
 church of St. John, at Beverley, was not yet distinguished by that stately ornament ; 
 and consequently had no bells ; the want of which, in a town of this magnitude^ 
 would be sensibly felt by the inhabitants. Archbishop Kinsius resolved to apply a 
 remedy for the evil, by erecting a tower at the west end, and furnishing it with 
 bells.''' This was accomplished soon after his consecration; and it gave to the 
 sacred edifice a solemnity of character, and general dignity of appearance, which it 
 had never before exhibited. 
 
 The decorations of this edifice received their final improvement at the hand of 
 Aldred, the last Saxon prelate that was permitted to hold the see of York. This 
 distinguished personage finished the refectory and dormitory, which had been com- 
 menced by archbishop Puttoc. He rebuilt the choir ; decorated the whole church 
 
 time of king David, the Greeks had a council of elders in every town, for the government thereof; 
 and a place where the elders and people worshipped their god with sacrifices ; and when many of 
 these towns for their common safety united under a common council, they erected a Prytaneuni 
 in one of the towns, where the council and people met at certain times, to consult their common 
 safety, and worship their common god with sacrifices, and to buy and sell; the towns where these 
 councils met, the Greeks called J^';^o/, peoples, or communities, or corporation towns; and at length 
 when many of these 5>7/ao; for their common safety united by consent under one common council, 
 they erected a Prytaneum in one of the J»//,o< for the common council and people to meet in, and 
 to consult and worship in, and feast, and buy and sell ; and this h/A-oi they walled about for its 
 safety, and called it mv voKiv the city; and this I take to have been the origin of villages, market 
 towns, cities, common councils, vestal temples, feasts, and fairs in Europe." Newton. Chron. 
 p. 158, 174. 
 
 ^^ " The history of bells, as used in collecting a congregation to divine service, is involved in 
 some obscurity. Mr. Whittaker displays great learning in shewing that bells were in frequent 
 use among the Romans, and even probably introduced by them to the Britons during their sway 
 over this island. Their first adaptation to the uses of the Anglo-Saxon church, is not so clearly 
 to be ascertained from written testimony." Brewer. Introd. to the Beaut, of Engl, and Wales, 
 p. 263. Some say, they were introduced there by pope Leo I ; and others by Paulinus. Dr. Milner, 
 Eccles. Archit. of the Middle Ages, p. 34, observes, that the use of small bells, iiolce, in this 
 country, if we may credit William of Malmsbury, may be traced as high as the fifth century. 
 And it is clear from Bede, that even those of the larger kind, campance, such as sounded in the 
 air, and called a numerous congregation to divine service, were employed in England as early as 
 the year 680, being that in which the abbess Hilda died. Brewer, ut supra. It is clear, however, 
 that the towers of churches were not constructed solely for the use of bells, but partly to direct 
 the weary and benighted traveller to a place of human habitation ; for which benevolent purpose 
 lights were frequently burnt in them during the darkest nights. Wolst. in Act. S. Ben. p. 63 L 
 Mr. Lingard thinks, that in these times the tower was distinct from the church. 
 
 ta 
 
64 
 
 from thence to the tower with painting-; and adorned the pulpit with elegant 
 devices in gold, silver, and brass/^ He constituted the seven canons, prebendaries ; 
 and added an eighth to the number, appointing vicars for them f and incited the 
 king- to endow his new establishment with a lordship in Leven. In a word, arch- 
 bishop Aldred appears to have been as great a benefactor to Beverley, as any of 
 his predecessors. 
 
 The character of "the noble fabric,"^® as it now stood, appears to be justly described 
 by Mr. Coltman, in the pamphlet already referred to. " On the whole," says this 
 gentleman, "we may suppose that at the time of the Norman Conquest, it was an 
 oblong stone building of two stories, having a low tower at the west end, probably 
 without any transepts, divided into two parts, a nave and a choir, each having side 
 aisles, supported by massive columns of moderate height, surmounted by circular 
 arches, with thick walls, pierced by small, circular-topped windows, adorned, as 
 we may suppose, with all the usual Saxon ornaments."*^ 
 
 «6 Lei. Coll. vol. i. p. 1 18. «' Ibid. p. 337. «» ibid. vol. ii. p. 110. 
 *^ Coltman's Short History of Beverley Minster, p. 34. 
 
 .sREENWooDirn. 
 
 ^^^^5e%«^#*^j*4*ir-- ■ • 
 
65 
 
 PART II. 
 
 ©Jap* ^. 
 
 William the Conqueror resolves to reduce the power of the church — Oppresses the 
 clergy — Insurrection in the north — Quelled — The king issues an order to ravage 
 the county of York — Extraordinary judgments inflicted on the party who were 
 deputed to desecrate the minster at Beverley — The property of this church 
 exempted, by royal proclamation, from injury — Archbishop Aldred dies — 
 Provostship constituted — The island divided among the Normans — Tenures — 
 Inconveniences of the system — Terms in Domesday explained — Property of the 
 archbishop of York in Beverley and the neighbourhood — Property of the 
 canons of St. John described — Disputed claims — Observations — Population 
 of Beverley at this time — Wood of Deira — Town of Beverley, how divided 
 and occupied — Ferme — Mills — Extent, 
 
 The most authentic account which we possess of the town of Beverley, its 
 inhabitants, and the appropriation of its soil to lords and vassals, in times im- 
 mediately subsequent to the Norman Conquest, is in the record compiled by the 
 command of William the Conqueror, and now generally known by the name of 
 HBomeiStias ; which, independently of its uses to the Conqueror, "is to this day a 
 record of no small importance to the liistorian and to the antiquary, for th* light it 
 throws on the different classes of persons into which the English people were 
 divided ; the different denominations of lands, their culture and measurement ; the 
 different denominations of money, and the persons and places that enjoyed the 
 liberty of coinage; territorial jurisdictions and franchises; tenures and services; 
 
m 
 
 criminal and civil jurisdictions ; ecclesiastical and historical matters therein noticed, 
 besides many curious illustrations of ancient manners."' 
 
 From this invaluable record we learn some very important particulars respecting 
 the town of Beverley and its dependencies at the Conquest, and during the twenty 
 subsequent years. In Saxon times, the greater part of Beverley belonged to the 
 archbishop of York, and under him the canons of the collegiate church ; the latter 
 of whom held the tolls, the mills, and the fishery ; for happily the hand of power 
 did not despoil these holy men of their possessions, in common with the greater 
 portion of the religious orders, and the principal Saxon families in every other part 
 of the kingdom. This apparent partiality in favour of St. John of Beverley, pro- 
 ceeded not from any respect which the Conqueror entertained for religion generally, 
 but it was elicited solely by the effects of superstition. 
 
 To secure his conquests, this monarch resolved to harass and oppress the clergy, 
 by vexatious processes and arbitrary exactions, that the enormous influence they 
 undoubtedly possessed, might be reduced to a standard consistent with his views, 
 and subservient to the supreme authority which he himself was determined to 
 maintain over all ranks and descriptions of people. He began his system by im- 
 posing heavy fines and burdensome tallages, under colour of defraying the expenses 
 of his wars ; and at length proceeded to seize their shrines and sacred vessels f 
 issued orders to destroy some churches, and despoil others of their treasure and 
 chief ornaments;^ he alienated tithes; deprived many divines of their personal 
 liberty; and placed in the vacant bishopricks, abbacies and benefices, his own 
 followers, on whose integrity he could safely depend." The church at Beverley 
 appears to have formed an almost solitaiy exception to the general system of plunder 
 which had been instituted against the church, and was frequently executed, even 
 on the superior monasteries,' under William's own personal inspection. 
 
 In the third year of his reign, the Anglo-Saxons in the north, under the impulse 
 of a delirium, arising from the deadly injuries they had sustained, roused themselves 
 from their stupor, and determined to make one desperate effort to regain their 
 legitimate possessions by force of arms. They possessed themselves of the city of 
 York, put the governor to the sword, and massacred the whole garrison, consisting 
 of three thousand men.® But this was only a momentary burst of impotent rage. 
 
 » British Review, vol. xviii. p. 1 15. 2 Speed. Brit. p. 428. 
 
 5 Chron. Spot. p. 1 14. ^ Johnson's Eccles. Laws, vol ii. 
 
 * Alured. Bev. p. 130. ^ r. Hoved. p. 451. Mat. Par. p. 5. 
 
6t 
 
 for they were unable either to advance, or to secure the advantage they had gained. 
 The merciless conqueror of England soon reduced them to submission, and they 
 sank into their former apathy, but to endure the infliction of still greater miseries 
 and privations ; for the tyrant, that he might effectually paralyze their efforts, and 
 disable them from any future attempts of the same nature, issued his orders for 
 laying waste all the country between the Humber and the Tees/ His armies 
 covered the district, like the locusts of Egypt, and spread equal desolation and 
 dismay. William crossed the Humber to superintend the work, and to feast his 
 eyes on Saxon misery, in its most aggravated form ; and fixing his camp at about 
 seven miles distance from Beverley, despatched a commander, with a party of 
 soldiers, to destroy the church, which he saw with elevated pinnacles proudly 
 rising before him, and desolate the neighbouring villages. The country people 
 took the alarm, and fled towards Beverley, to inform the inhabitants of their danger; 
 but the soldiers were speedily in the town ; and one of them, named Thurstinus, 
 pursuing a veteran, who fled towards the church for safety, proved that no sanc- 
 tuary was a protection against the sanguinary designs of the infuriated Conqueror. 
 The Norman knight did not overtake the fugitive until he arrived within the church, 
 and there he raised his sabre to destroy him. But the insulted justice of heaven 
 interposed, to prevent the sacred edifice from being polluted with human blood. 
 The knight was immediately paralyzed, and struck with an incurable disease; 
 and in this situation was carried by his attendants to the camp. A judgment so 
 striking could not remain xinnoticed^ and it was followed by another equally 
 signal, inflicted on the commander of the party ; who, in the course of this expe- 
 dition, falling by some accident from his horse, his neck was dislocated in such 
 an extraordinary manner, that the position of his head was completely changed, 
 and his face turned backwards. The king was forcibly impressed with these 
 unexpected occurrences, and considered them as a celestial intimation that the ter- 
 ritories of St. John were under the immediate protection of heaven. He therefore 
 announced, that these possessions were from henceforth wholly exempted from the 
 general interdict pronounced against the county of York, and that in what situation 
 soever they were found, they should be preserved from violation.^ 
 
 From this time, the whole county of York lay nine years uncultivated,^ Saint 
 John's land only excepted ; so that the inhabitants were reduced to the necessity 
 
 ' Sax. Chron. p. 174. 
 « Brompt. X. Script, col. 966. Knighton, b. 2. c. 2. Fab. p. 241. edit. 1811. » Sax. Chr. p. 174. 
 
 K 2 
 
68 
 
 of subsisting on the most loathsome vermin, and endured the hardest extremities 
 of famine.^" 
 
 Archbishop Aldred, who had placed the crown on William's head, and really 
 felt a very high degree of esteem and attachment towards his person, beholding 
 the desolation of the country, and the distressed state of the church, from the effects 
 of his jealous policy, venturfid to expostulate with the tyrant, on his rigorous and 
 unjust measures. His admonition was disregarded; for the Conqueror was too 
 intent on his scheme of filling all offices of trust and influence with Normans,'^ to 
 be diverted from it by the protest of an English archbishop, whose views might 
 be dictated by the selfish considerations of interest, or the aggrandizement of his 
 own countrymen; or who might probably be actuated by the dread of personal 
 suffering, from the active measures which had been adopted to reduce the power 
 of the church, and deprive the English clergy of their possessions and influence. 
 If William had bowed in silent acquiescence to the remonstrance of the archbishop, 
 it would have been considered, in his opinion, as an open acknowledgment of that 
 very power, which he thought it his interest to curtail and destroy. But William 
 miscalculated the archbishop's motives ; they were dictated by the honest feelings of 
 humanity, for the suffering population within his own diocese, and an ardent zeal 
 for the cause of religion ; and the king's marked indifference to his reasonable 
 request, was an unexpected blow, which he did not possess sufficient strength to 
 encounter. He denounced a bitter curse against the tyrant and his descendants, 
 for such an open violation of his coronation onth, and almost immediately expired, 
 heart-broken at the prospect of the woes with which the British church was threat- 
 ened;'^ and by his death, the town of Beverley was deprived of one of its greatest 
 benefactors. 
 
 Thomas the Norman, a canon of Bayeaux, was nominated to the vacant see ; 
 and, some time afterwards, on visiting the church at Beverley, he constituted a 
 new office in favour of his nephew Thomas the younger,* on pretence that the 
 canons were involved in perpetual disputes, which could only be prevented by the 
 actual presence of an officer possessing secular authority over them ; and therefore, 
 with the king's consent, Thomas the younger was made the first provost of 
 Beverley; a dignity, which, in many instances,, has led the way to a bishoprick. 
 
 Fabyan. Chron. p. 241. >» Ingulf, p. 70. »2 Malms, de gest Pont. p. 154. 
 * Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 1. p. 56. 
 
69 
 
 A residence was erected for him on the site of the ancient Bedern, and he was 
 invested with lands and rents for his maintenance, but was restricted from either 
 voting in the chapter, or possessing a stall in the choir." 
 
 Whether we consider the Norman Conquest in its success or in its consequences, 
 it is still an event equally stupendous and unprecedented. It was effected almost 
 without a struggle. Never were such important results accomplished with so little 
 sacrifice on the part of the conquerors. The rash attempt made by a provincial 
 duke to reduce this powerful island, would in any other age have been deemed 
 preposterous, and its success contraiy to all the chances of political calculation. 
 William himself could scarcely anlicipate, or even hope for that perfect good for- 
 tune with which it was accompanied. The native inhabitants appear to have been 
 completely paralyzed by the unexpected result of the battle of Hastings ; which 
 feeling, the superior genius of William well knew how to convert to his own 
 advantage, that even the sacrifice of their liberties, their property, and innumerable 
 lives was insufficient to rouse them to any effective resistance against the tyranny 
 which trampled them underfoot, and reduced their ancient nobility to a state 
 of servile thraldom. 
 
 To confirm his authority, William on his part, adopted the most bold and 
 active measures. He expelled the English from their estates, and reserving to 
 himself about one thousand four hundred manors, divided the kingdom amongst 
 his Norman followers,'^ who held their new possessions of the king on the tenure 
 of homage and fealty and military service ; by which they were bound to attend 
 him in the field with a certain number of retainers, armed, mounted, and pro- 
 vided for a specified number of days in every year. And this was the redditus or 
 return made to the monarch for thp.ir estates in lieu of rent.'^ The lands thus ac- 
 quired and maintained, they again subdivided into knights' fees, and let them to 
 tenants on a similar tenure; and thus all the principal manors in the kingdom, 
 except those which the king had reserved to himself, were held of him by tenants 
 in capitBy or in other words, by his barons; and these consisting of about seven 
 hundred persons, were the legitimate parliament'® or council of the realm; but in 
 
 " Leland. Coll. vol. iii. p. 103. '* West's Enquiry, p. 24. 
 
 '5 Vid. Blackst. Com. vol. ii. p. 62. 
 
 '^ Some say that the word parliament does not occur until the reign of Henry II. and that 
 before that time it was usually denominated the king's court or great council; and the first was 
 held at York, 11 60. Drake, from H. Boet. Ebor. p. 93. Camden, however, thinks that this word was 
 
to 
 
 process of time, as their numbers increased to a prodigious multitude, the great 
 barons only were summoned by the king, and the others assembled at the writ of 
 the sheriff, and were placed in a separate house. This was the origin of the two 
 houses of parliament."^ 
 
 All land held of the king, by bishops, abbots or priors, was also held on 
 military service;'* and abbots who thus held by barony, or whose abbeys or monas- 
 teries were of royal foundation, possessed the unalienable right of a seat in the 
 council. But the abbot of Beverley, although possessed of twenty thousand acres 
 of land, well provided with tenants and occupiers of every description, besides the 
 advowson of churches and other property, had no claim to a seat there, because he 
 held of the archbishop of York, who, himself being a member of the council — 
 could not introduce this dignitary, who was, in fact but as one of his retainers ; 
 for it appears not to have been so much the amount or value of property, as the 
 nature of the tenure, which constituted a baronial right ; and a chief tenant in 
 capife of the king, whether ecclesiastic or layman, was undoubtedly a legitimate 
 baron.'^ Thus, if the king tallaged his barons ; they in return, to raise the money, 
 tallaged all their tenants; and if the king demanded military service, it was 
 provided for the lords by their retainers, who held of them by a tenure, somewhat 
 similar to that by which they were bound to the monarch, and who always fought 
 under their banners, and conquered or bled as they shewed them the example. 
 
 The operation of this system was such, that in every province of the kingdom, 
 the monarch had an army ready on the shortest notice to repel any attempts which 
 the native English might be disposed to make for the purpose of regaining their 
 liberties, or recovering possession of their confiscated estates. This scheme of 
 policy, though useful, and even necessary to secure to the invader the peaceable 
 
 used 16. Hen. I. Cur. Disc. vol. i. p. 304. Blackstone says, it was first applied to general assem- 
 blies of the States, under Louis. VII. in France, about the middle of the twelfth century; and that 
 the first mention of it in our statute law, is in the preamble to the statute of Westm. 1 . 3. Edw. I. 
 A. D. 1272. Com. vol. i. p. 146. Ingulphus used the word parliament for a meeting of the chapter 
 of a convent, and he died 1109. — veniens coram conventu in publico Parliamento nostro similiter 
 Juramentum praestitet, &c. 
 
 " Seld. Tit. of Hon. 2. 5. 21. Blackst. Com. Arcbb. vol. i. p. 398. 
 
 '* Maseres. Anc. Const. Pari, in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 307. 
 
 '^ Some baronies consisted of but 4 or 5000 acres, and others of 100,000 or more. The Honour 
 
 of Ey-was contained 900,000 acres. Maser. Ant. Pari, in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 334. Gale, p. 513, 
 
 asserts, that no person holding less than 40 hydes of land, could rank as a legitimate member 
 
 of the great council. And unam hydam per sexies viginta acras. Ibid. p. 472. 
 
No.. 
 
 '*'''' ^ m. pwd. 
 
 J|Q ^""^ ^ "* Fin. 
 
 Totol h.. , 
 
 process of time, as their numbers increased to a prodigi' "^''^''t extras 
 barons only were summoned by the king, and the others 
 the sheriff, and were placed in a separate house. This ^ 
 houses of parliament.'^ 
 
 All land held of the king-, by bishops, abbots or ] 
 military service;'* and abbots who thus held by barony, oi 
 teries were of royal foundation, possessed the unalienab' 
 council. But the abbot of Beverley, although possessed 
 of land, well provided with tenants and occupiers of ever 
 advowson of churches and other property, had no claim t 
 held of the archbishop of York, who, himself being a 
 could not introduce this dignitary, who was, in fact but 
 for it appears not to have been so much the amount or 
 nature of the tenure, which constituted a baronial rigb 
 capite of the king, whether ecclesiastic or layman, was 
 baron.'^ Thus, if the king tallaged his barons ; they in 
 tallaged all their tenants ; and if the king demandec 
 
 provided for the lords by their retainers, who held of th ^^^^~^^"*'«2iA-ioom-7,'66(G4436s4)4ii 
 similar to that by which they were bound to the monarch, and who always fought 
 under their banners, and conquered or bled as they shewed them the example. 
 
 The operation of this system was such, that in every province of the kingdom, 
 the monarch had an army ready on the shortest notice to repel any attempts which 
 the native English might be disposed to make for the purpose of regaining their 
 liberties, or recovering possession of their confiscated estates. This scheme of 
 policy, though useful, and even necessary to secure to the invader the peaceable 
 
 used 16. Hen. I. Cur. Disc. v-ol. i. p. 304. Blackstone says, it was first applied to general assem- 
 blies of the States, under Louis. VII. in France, about the middle of the twelfth century; and that 
 the first mention of it in our statute law, is in the preamble to the statute of Westm. 1 . 3. Edw. I. 
 A. D. 1272. Com. vol. i. p. 146. Ingulphus used the word parliament for a meeting of the chapter 
 of a convent, and he died 1109. — veniens coram conventu in publico Parliatnento nostro similiter 
 Juramentum praestitet, &c. 
 
 " Seld. Tit. of Hon. 2. 5. 21. Blackst. Com. Archb. vol. i. p. 398. 
 
 '* Maseres. Anc. Const. Pari, in Archseol. vol. i. p. 307. 
 
 '^ Some baronies consisted of but 4 or 5000 acres, and others of 100,000 or more. The Honour 
 
 of Ey-was contained 900,000 acres. Maser. Ant. Pari, in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 334. Gale, p. 513, 
 
 asserts, that no person holding less than 40 hydes of land, could rank as a legitimate member 
 
 of the great council. And unam hydam per sexies viginta acras. Ibid. p. 472. 
 
tl 
 
 possession of his dominions, yet was fatal to his posterity ; for the physical power, 
 thus inconsiderately placed at the disposal of the barons, became in a few genera- 
 tions, more than sufficient to counterbalance the authority of the crown; and so 
 early as the reign of John, absolutely erected itself into an oligarchy, which super- 
 seded and overthrew for a time, the monarchial form of government in this island. 
 
 It appears from Domesday, that the church of St. John possessed at the time 
 of this survey a very considerable extent of property, if the carucate be taken at 
 one hundred and twenty acres, as is admitted by almost all the authors who have 
 written on the subject.^'' A knight's fee was estimated at six hundred and eighty 
 acres f and the quantity of land sufficient for one plough in a year, was one 
 hundred and sixty acres.'^^ For the better understanding of this record, it may be 
 further remarked, that by a manor, was meant a certain extent of ground occupied 
 by the lord himself, or by servants for the express use of his family ; a berewick 
 meant a hamlet, or partial manorial right lying within a greater manor. The land 
 was occupied by three denominations of tenants, distinguished by the names of 
 sokemen, bordars, and villanes. The sokeman was a free man, who held his lands 
 of his lord freely on payment of rent or service ; the bordar was a free cottager, 
 who held his limited possessions on the tenure of providing the mansion of his lord 
 with a stipulated quantity of poultry, eggs, or other small produce ; and the villane 
 was a menial servant or slave, who was attached either to the soil, or to the person 
 of his lord. Each of these orders was liable to military service.^' 
 
 The archbishop of York possessed the manor of Beverley, which appears to have 
 suffered depreciation from the Norman inroads, as it was valued in king Edward's 
 
 20 Coke on Littl. Inst. 1. Blackst. Com. vol. ii. Selden's Titles of Honour, p. 622. Agard. 
 Cur. Dis. vol. i. p. 47. M. Par. Gloss, in voc. Carucata. I have in my possession an old extent 
 book belonging to the borough of Grimsby, made A. D. 1286, in which the carucate or hyde is 
 rated at 120 acres, and the bovate or oxgang at 20 acres. 
 
 2> Maser. Ant. Pari, in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 332. Coke, on Littl. Inst. 1. p. 69. The knight's 
 fee must have varied considerably; perhaps, like the oxgang and other dimensions, it was estimated 
 in proportion with the fertility of the soil. Vid. Surtees. Hist. Durh. vol. i. p. 217. Sir John 
 Dodderidge thought that a knight's fee contained 1600 acres; and Mr. Holland set it down at 
 800 acres. Cur. Disc. vol. i. p. 40, 42. Blackstone. Comment, vol. ii p. 62. says, that the knight's 
 fee was originally 12 plough lands. In the time of Edward I. it was rated at £20. a year. 
 
 22 Fabyan. 
 
 " « From a scarcity of capital, it was usual for the landlord to provide both a stock of cattle and 
 the necessary implements of agriculture for his tenant, who accounted for them at the expiration 
 of Jiis term." Surtees. Durh. vol. i. p. 224. 
 
72 
 
 time at twenty-four pounds, and at present it was worth only fourteen pounds. 
 He held also the berewicks of Skidby and Burton, which formed a part of the 
 manor of Beverley. It is, indeed, a melancholy task to record the history of this 
 period. Property of all kinds was considerably reduced in value ; and in many 
 instances the land was entirely waste, particularly in this part of the country. The 
 favour extended to the canons of Saint John, mig-ht and did convey benefits to that 
 community to a certain extent. Their possessions in the town of Beverley had 
 suffered no diminution of profit ; but the calamity was too deeply inflicted on the 
 country, for any individuals to escape without injury. A religious establishment 
 was bound to administer to the wants and distresses of others ; and it may be 
 fairly calculated that in this season of unprecedented misery and wretchedness, 
 when absolute famine raged amongst the population of Yorkshire, the canons 
 would apply the whole of their superfluities as a remedy for the evil, and regret, at 
 the same time, that it was so completely inadequate to the calls which would 
 necessarily devolve upon them. But it appears that the land of the archbishop was 
 not spared, although he was a Norman of William's own appointment. King 
 Osrick, out of the love he had to Saint John, had presented to his successors the 
 manor of Dalton,'^* but it was now reduced in value one half.^* The archbishop 
 held also, in conjunction with the canons, about three hundred and sixty acres of 
 land in Molescroft, a moiety each, with servants to keep it in cultivation. He 
 held also the following berewicks in Beverley and Holderness : — 
 
 Berewick. In Wagene (Waghen) two carucates of land, and two oxgangs to 
 be taxed. Land to one plough. Eleven villanes and two bordars have there 
 three ploughs. 
 
 Berewick. In Weld (Weel) to be taxed two carucates of land. Land to six 
 oxen. Six villanes and one bordar have there one plough. 
 
 Berewick. In Ticketone (Tickton) twelve oxgangs of land to be taxed. Land 
 to six oxen. Three villanes have there half a plough. 
 
 Berewick. In Asch (Eske) two carucates of land to be taxed. Land to one 
 plough. Six villanes and one bordar have there two ploughs. 
 
 Berewick. In Estorch (qu. Stork) one carucate of land to be taxed. Land to 
 two oxen. Two villanes have there one plough. This is not in Holderness.*^ 
 
 2< Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. «« Domesday. 
 26 Bawd wen's Dom. Boc. p. 58. 
 
1?3 
 
 The extent of the possessions which were retained by the canons of Saint John 
 of Beverley, under the archbishop of York, amounting to about twenty thousand 
 acres of land, is preserved in the following" record. 
 
 In Bevreli (Beverley) the carucate belonging to Saint John has always been 
 free from the king's tax. The canons have there in the demesne one plough and 
 eighteen villanes ; and fifteen bordars having six ploughs ; and three mills of 
 thirteen shillings; and a fishery yielding seven thousand eels. Wood pasture 
 three miles long and one and a half mile broad. The whole four miles long and 
 two and a half miles broad. Value in king Edward's time to the archbishop, 
 twenty-four pounds, at present fourteen pounds. At that time to the canons 
 twenty pounds, the same at present. 
 
 These Berewicks, Schitebi, Burtone (Skidby, Burton) belong to this manor. 
 In these are thirty-one carucates to be taxed, and there may be eighteen ploughs. 
 The canons have there in the demesne four ploughs ; and twenty villanes with six 
 ploughs ; and three knights three ploughs. 
 
 In Delton (Dalton) to be taxed twelve carucates and there may be six ploughs. 
 Archbishop Eldred held this for one manor. Saint John now has in the demesne 
 one plough ; and twelve villanes with seven ploughs. The whole one mile long and 
 a half broad. Value in king Edward's time four pounds, at present forty shillings. 
 
 In Flotemanebi (Flotmanby) the clerks of Beverley have an oxgang of land. 
 
 In Risbi (Risby) to be taxed six carucates and there may be three ploughs. It 
 is waste. 
 
 In Locheton (Lockington) to be taxed two carucates and a half, and there may 
 be two ploughs. Saint John had and has it. Value in king Edward's time ten 
 shillings, at present eight shillings. 
 
 In Ettone (Etton) eight carucates to be taxed, and there may be four ploughs. 
 This manor was and is Saint John's. Eight villanes have there five ploughs. 
 Value in king Edward's time ten shillings, at present eight shillings. 
 
 In Rageneltorn ( ) three carucates to be taxed, and there may be 
 
 two ploughs. Saint John had and has now in the demesne one plough; and 
 three villanes one plough. Value in king Edward's time ten shillings, at present 
 twelve shillings. 
 
 In Burtone (Burton) twelve carucates and six oxgangs to be taxed, and there 
 may be seven ploughs. Uluiet had one manor there. Now Saint John has in the 
 demesne three ploughs ; and twelve villanes with three ploughs. Value in king 
 Edward's time fifty shillings, at present forty shillings. 
 
u 
 
 In Molescroft three carucates to be taxed, and there may be two ploughs. One 
 moiety is the archbishop's, and the other Saint John's. Two villanes have there 
 one plough. 
 
 In Calgestorp (qu. Kellingthorp) Saint John has two oxgangs to be taxed and 
 one mill. 
 
 In Clinibicote (Kiplingcote) to be taxed two carucates and a half, and there 
 may be two ploughs. Saint John had and has it. It is waste. Chetel holds it. 
 
 In Middletun (Middleton) five carucates and six oxgangs to be taxed, and there 
 may be three ploughs. Archbishop Eldred held this for one manor. Saint John 
 has now in the demesne one plough; and eight villanes two ploughs and a half. 
 There is a church and a priest there. Value in king Edward's time forty shillings, 
 at present twenty shillings. 
 
 In Lochinfield (Leckingfield) Saint John has two oxgangs of land. 
 
 In Chelche (Kelk) with the Berewicks Ghemelinge (Gembling) Rictone 
 (Righton) are tliirteen carucates to be taxed, and there may be seven ploughs. 
 Uluiet^' held this for one manor: now Saint John has it, and it is waste, except 
 that three villanes have there one plough. Value in king Edward's time forty 
 shillings, at present twelve-pence. The whole manor one mile long and a half broad. 
 
 In Gartune (Garton) nine carucates to be taxed, and there may be five ploughs. 
 Saint John had one manor there, and Uluiet another manor. Saint John now has 
 both, and they are waste. Value in king Edward's time forty-five shillings. 
 
 In Langetorp (Langthorp) with the berewicks Roreston (Ruston) Ascheltorp 
 ( ) there are twelve carucates and a half to be taxed, and there may 
 
 ha seven ploughs. Saint John held this for one manor, and it is now waste, 
 except that one farmer pays eight shillings. 
 
 In Benedlage (Bentley) to be taxed two carucates, and one plough may till it. 
 Saint John had there one manor. It is now waste ; yet there is wood pasture 
 one mile long, and four quarentens broad. Value in king Edward's time twenty 
 shillings. 
 
 These berewicks are St. John's, and are in Holderness, South Hundred. 
 
 Berewick. In Welvuic (Welwick) four carucates of land to be taxed: and in 
 Wideton (Whitton) to be taxed two carucates of land and five oxgangs. Land 
 
 2' Ululet was a nobleman who possessed lands in Holderness, and was probably a descendant 
 of that Ulphus, who endowed the church at York, with lands and other property, and sealed his 
 endowment by drinking out of a horn, at the holy altar; which horn is still kept in the archives of 
 York cathedral. 
 
MS 
 
 to six ploughs. There is in the demesne one plough and a half, and thirty-two 
 villanes, and thirteen bordars have nine ploughs. There is a church and a priest, 
 and twenty acres of meadow. 
 
 Berewick. In Grimestone (Grimston) two carucates of land to be taxed. It 
 is waste. 
 
 Berewick. In Moneuuic ( ) two carucates of land to be taxed. 
 
 Land to two ploughs. Six villanes have there three ploughs, and they pay ten 
 shillings. 
 
 Berewick. In Otringeha (Ottringham) six carucates of land and a half to be 
 taxed. There is a church and a priest there. A certain knight farms it and pays 
 ten shillings. 
 
 Mith Hundret. (Middle Hundred.) 
 
 Berewick. In Billetone (Bilton) three carucates of land to be taxed. Land to 
 two ploughs. Thirteen villanes have there two ploughs and five oxen. 
 
 Berewick. In Santriburtone (Pidsey Burton) five carucates of land to be taxed. 
 Land to five ploughs. One knight has one plough in the demesne there. 
 
 Berewick. In Neutone (Newton) three carucates of land to be taxed. Land 
 to two ploughs. There are twenty acres of meadow. 
 
 Berewick. In Flintone (Flinton) six oxgangs of land to be taxed. Land to 
 four oxen. Three villanes and one bordar have there one plough. 
 
 Berewick. In Danetorp (Danthorp) one carucate of land to be taxed. Land 
 to one plough. There is there one bordar. 
 
 Berewick. In Withfornewiec (Withernwick) one carucate of land to be taxed. 
 Four villanes have there one plough, and twenty acres of meadow. 
 
 Berewick. In Rutba (Rudby) fifteen oxgangs of land to be taxed. Seven 
 villanes have there two ploughs. There are twelve acres of meadow. In the same 
 village two carucates of land, which Drogo took away from Saint John, and it is 
 waste. 
 
 Berewick. In Sudtone (Sutton) nine oxgangs of land to be taxed. One free 
 Man (francus homo) has there three villanes with one plough and a half. 
 
 Berewick. In Sotecote (Southcote) one carucate of land to be taxed. In 
 Dritpol (Drypool) three oxgangs, and soke upon five oxgangs. This is waste. 
 
 Nort Hundret (North Hundred.) 
 
 Berewick. In Coledun (Cowden) nine carucates of land to be taxed. Land 
 to seven ploughs. One knight has one plough there, and twelve villanes with 
 three ploughs. 
 
 L 2 
 
t6 
 
 Berewick. In Siglestome (Sigglesthome) eight carucates of land to be taxed. 
 Land to five ploughs. There is one plough in the demesne ; and fourteen villanes 
 and five bordars having six ploughs. There is a priest and a church, and sixteen 
 acres of meadow. In Rise, half a carucate of land to be taxed. It is waste. 
 
 Berewick. In Catingewieck (Catwick) one carucate of land to be taxed. One 
 knight has there one plough, and three villanes and four bordars. 
 
 Berewick. In Brantisburtone (Brandesburton) one carucate of land to be taxed. 
 One clerk has there one plough and one villane, and eight acres of meadow. 
 
 Berewick. In Leuene (Leven) six carucates of land to be taxed. Land to 
 four ploughs. There is in the demesne one plough ; and fifteen villanes and one 
 bordar with three ploughs. There is a priest and a church .'^^ 
 
 It should appear that highly as the memory of St. John was generally revered, 
 there existed some bold spirits who set his power at defiance. At the head of these 
 stood Walcher, bishop of Durham. This prelate was an artful and crafty priest, 
 of Norman extraction ; who, for a valuable premium, was constituted governor of 
 Northumberland, a situation of great trust and confidence, in these times of sus- 
 picion, jealousy, and insurrection. He was proud, covetous, and tyrannical in the 
 extreme ; and hence his administration was marked by cruelty and injustice, and 
 was consequently exceedingly oppressive and unpopular. He not only connived 
 at the exactions of his officers, but even gave a sanction to the most cruel murders, 
 and shared in the pluLuder. The Conqueror, to secure the fidelity of this haughty 
 prelate, conferred upon him an incredible number of manors, many of which were 
 situated within the county of York. In addition to these grants of royal clemency, 
 he did not hesitate to seize, with the lawless hand of violence, on any property that 
 came within his reach. He had taken and retained possession of some property 
 belonging to the canons of Beverley, which founded the subject of complaint, and 
 perhaps litigation, when the survey of Domesday was made. The account given 
 of it in that record, is as follows. " The soke of five carucates of land, and two 
 oxgangs, which the bishop of Durham claims, the jurors say justly to have lain in 
 Welton, but the canons of Beverley claim it as the gift of king William, and of 
 his confirmation. They say the same of the soke of one carucate of land in Newton, 
 which the bishop of Durham claims to Welton, because it was so in the time of 
 king Edward ; but the same clerks claim it of the king."^^ The extortions of this 
 
 28 Bawdwen. Dora. Boc. p. 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60. ^^ Ibid. p. 238. 
 
m 
 
 dignitary at length accelerated his fate. Siwolf, a Saxon nobleman of great merit 
 and amiable manners, had sought and obtained the bishop's protection against 
 the insults of his Norman countrymen ; but was basely murdered within the pre- 
 cincts of the palace. This inhospitable deed roused the Northumbrians into action. 
 They attacked the prelate and his followers, and slew him, as well as the murderers, 
 and more than a hundred of their friends. Thus perished this proud priest, the 
 victim of his own tyranny, and a rigorous example of retributive justice. 
 
 Morcar, the celebrated earl of Northumberland; held about one hundred and 
 twenty acres of land in Burton, a manor of Saint John of Beverley, and thus was 
 slightly connected with the church. He was of Danish extraction, and fought 
 under the banner of the unfortunate Harold, at Hastings, but afterwards submitted 
 to the Conqueror. The wrongs of his countrymen soon roused him into action, 
 and after an unsuccessful attempt to regain possession of their ancient liberties; 
 he once more received the king's pardon. He attempted a second insurrection, 
 which deprived him of his liberty and possessions, and it is supposed that he re- 
 mained in confinement till his death. Nigel Fossard took charge of his property 
 in Burton and Welton, but was ultimately obliged to relinquish it.^° 
 
 Drogo de Beurere had also some claims, which, it is probable, he would not be 
 able to substantiate. This nobleman was of Flemish extraction, and accompanied 
 William in his expedition against this country, with all his vassals and retainers, 
 for which service he was rewarded abundantly; for the Conqueror gave him his 
 niece in marriage, and endowed her with many noble manors; amongst which was 
 considerable property in Holdeniess. He is supposed to have been the ancestor of 
 William de Brewer, who stood so high in favour with Henry the second, Richard 
 the first, John, and Henry the third, as to be constituted a baron of the exchequer, 
 and sheriff of several counties.^* Drogo has not left behind him a character free 
 from stain. He is accused of having poisoned his wife,^^ and of claiming all the 
 church lands, which the king gave to Saint John of Beverley .^^ 
 
 Gamel, a Northumbrian nobleman, who was cruelly slain by the unprincipled 
 Tosti, at York, while engaged in petitioning the earl for a redress of grievances,^* 
 had four carucates of land in Risby, which in the time of king William, he sold to 
 archbishop Aldred. The soke of this land formerly laid to Welton ; but archbishop 
 
 3" Bawdwen. Dom. Boc. p. 237. 
 
 3' Kelh. Dom. Illustr. p. 105. '^ Gough. Camd. vol. iii. p. 248. 
 
 »3 Bawdwen. Dom. Boc. p. 243. ^* Sim. Danelm. apad. Dec. Scriptores. col. 1 92. 
 
18 
 
 Thomas had king William's writ, by which he granted the undisturbed possession 
 of that soke to Saint John of Beverley.^ ' 
 
 The observations which occur on the perusal of this record, are not numerous, 
 and relate principally to the population. We find no waste land in the lordship, 
 and comparatively little in any of its dependancies. Hence it appears that the 
 rights of Saint John were respected, during the devastations which reduced the 
 county of York to a desolate wilderness, in other places, as well as in the immediate 
 vicinity of Beverley. His churches were all spared, and generally, his property ; 
 for there appears less waste land upon his possessions, than on any which belonged 
 to other lords. As far as regards the ecclesiastical edifices, little injury was sus- 
 tained in Holderness, which is rather extraordinary ; as William, in a paroxism 
 of fury, had devoted the whole of Yorkshire to utter extermination ; and his troops 
 demolished the city of York, and many towns and villages in the county, and 
 put to the sword one hundred thousand of the inhabitants ; in some places even 
 the sacred edifices did not escape the lawless rage of the desolating army. But 
 William, from causes which have been already enumerated, not only abstained 
 from injuring the property belonging to the church of Beverley, but actually be- 
 stowed on it some substantial marks of his royal favour, by endowing it with the 
 manor of Sigglesthome.'*'' The protection afibrded to this property everywhere, is 
 evident from the record before us. In Beverley itself, the archbishop's land was 
 reduced in value more than one-third, while that of the canons remained uninjured. 
 In some instances, the value of their property had increased from the time of king 
 Edward. Thus, in Ragenelton, the value in the time of the Confessor, was ten 
 shillings, and now twelve shillings. It is true the canons had waste land at some 
 distance from their residence ; for it was not possible that their large possessions 
 should entirely escape, amidst the indiscriminate ravages of an army intent on 
 spoil ; because it would be very difficult to determine the precise boundary lines, 
 which might distinguish the exempted patrimony of Saint John. Still the churches 
 escaped, for it appears from the preceding record, that in addition to the churches 
 at Beverley, the canons possessed those of Leven, Welwick, Sigglesthorne, and 
 Middleton, which were all provided with officiating ministers, and had the divine 
 services of Christianity regularly performed. 
 
 3* Bawdwen. Dom. Boc. p. 239. 
 36 Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 103. 
 
't9 
 
 We find here also some remains of the very extensive wood of Deira, whose profits 
 were appropriated to the canons. Great quantities of wood land were distributed 
 over the whole district, which originally formed one immense and trackless forest, 
 known only to the superstitious priests of the great gods, Hu and Ceridwen. At 
 Cottingham two hundred acres of wood still remained," and prodigious masses 
 were found in other contiguous places. Much of the original woods was destroyed 
 by the jealous policy of the Romans, who employed the captive natives in the la- 
 borious occupation of clearing woods and draining marshes, (in sylvis et paludibus 
 emuiendis,) that they might be prevented from concerting schemes of insurrection 
 and revolt ; and in this state of menial servitude, they wore out their bodies and 
 enslaved their minds.^* Much more was burnt to ashes, during the indiscriminate 
 ravages of the Saxons and Danes. The wood extended, in the times of the Saxons, 
 to Godmanham ;^^ and was partially destroyed when Edwin was converted; for 
 the people not only levelled the temple of Thor with the ground, but also burned 
 the surrounding groves.*" 
 
 The town of Beverley was at this period divided into tofts, on which tenements 
 were erected, for the accommodation of merchants, tradesmen, or burgesses, and 
 the occupiers of the land. A part of the inhabitants held their houses on burgage 
 tenure, carrying on mechanical trades, under the protection of the canons, and 
 devoting a part of the profits to them as tenants at will ; others tilled the ground, 
 and occupied small cottages, yielding such rent or service as the canons might 
 
 s^ Maseres. Ant Pari, in Archeeol. vol. i. p. 326. 
 
 38 Tacit. Vit. Agric. 31 . Herod, vit. Sever. 1. 3. Vid. Dug. Imbank. p. 16. 174. 
 
 '^ Burton, in the Appendix to his Monasticon Eboracense p. 433, says, that this division of the 
 county contained several thousand acres of waste land, which formed part of the ancient forest, 
 although great quantities have been inclosed. The boundaries of this extensive forest are now 
 forgotten. 
 
 It was the opinion of Dela Pryme, that the forest extended over the whole of Hatfield Chase, 
 and that it was cleared away by the Romans; and he grounds his hypothesis on the abundant 
 remains which still exist at a certain depth beneath the surface, of trees, planks, roots, and 
 brushwood, over the whole of this district If this reasoning be sound, the woods at Beverley 
 were cleared by the same people ; for similar appearances have been exhibited in every place 
 where excavations of a sufficient depth have been made. Great quantities were found in the 
 common pastures of Swinemore and Figham, when the Beverley and Barmston drain was cut; and 
 in many other marshy places in the neighbourhood, particularly at Eske, about two and a half 
 miles from Beverley, where not only great oak trees have been taken up, generally with the roots 
 attached ; but ti-ees of a lighter description, such as hazle, and on these the nuts have been found 
 in good preservation, which shows evidently the season of the year when they were destroyed. 
 The depth at which these trees were found is usually from one to four feet. 
 
 « Ling. Angl. Sax. Ch. p. 17. 
 
80 
 
 from time to time impose. These were the villanes and slaves. The merchants 
 or burgesses, although free in their persons, still held their property as tenants at 
 will, and paid a certain duty on every article of traffic. This was the origin of 
 tolls, the amount of which was entirely at the mercy of the canons, as no fixed 
 rate was yet determined by law, for the regulation of this species of impost ; and 
 it was accordingly governed by existing circumstances. The borough of Beverley 
 having been enfranchised, its inhabitants enjoyed a species of liberty unknown in 
 other towns which did not possess the same privilege ; and therefore men who, by 
 any means, had realized a little property, would endeavour to procure a residence 
 in this town, where they were certain of protection, under the mild sway of the 
 canons f^ for it has been universally acknowledged, that in these times, the con- 
 ventual courts of justice were conducted on principles strictly honourable, and 
 uniformly applied to the protection of honest men, against the intrigues or aggression 
 of villany. The inhabitants of Beverley possessed a merchant guild,^^ and houses, 
 and had the privilege of free trade, though they still held their tenements on 
 burgage tenure. 
 
 The ferme of the town was in the canons, who paid the quit rents to the arch- 
 bishop of York. This fee-farm rent was a compensation for the usual rents, tolls, 
 fishery, and mills, the latter of which appear to have been a sort of public property, 
 as they were usually attached to the ferme, or manor ; and when the quantum of 
 rent was accurately determined, the town became from thence a free borough. 
 Tbis rent was fixed, by archbishop Thurstan, at eighteen marks annually.^^ 
 
 It was necessary, however, that this enfranchisement should be confirmed, as 
 the alterations which had been introduced by the Norman invasion, although 
 
 <i "If the villane of any lord purchased a house in a borough, and remained settled and 
 unclaimed in his burgage for a year and a day, he absolutely commenced a freeman, and had an 
 equal right with the native burgesses, to all the franchises of the borough." Whittaker. Manchest. 
 vol. i. p. 204. apud. Glanville. 1. 5. c. 5. 
 
 42 "Gilda mercatoria, or Gild merchant, is a certain liberty, or privilege, belonging to merchants, 
 to enable them to hold certain pleas within their own precincts. The word geldes, or gelhalda 
 Teutonicorum, is used for the fraternity of Esterling merchants, in London, called now the 
 Stillyard." Drake. Ebor. Append, xxxij. 
 
 43 The mark was an indeterminate sum, which varied in different ages. Some have stated it at 
 six ounces, others, at eight ounces. Vid. Turner's Ang. Sax. vol. ii. p. 127. Madox says, a mark 
 of gold was equal to six pounds, or six score shillings. The mark of silver, thirteen shillings and 
 four-pence. The besant, two shillings. Du Fresne, estimates the mark at half a pound. Gloss, 
 p. 437. Tredecim solidis et quatuor sterlingis pro qualibet marca computatis. Ubi sterlingus, 
 ejusdem valoris est cum denario Anglicano, quorum duodecim faciunt solidum. Mat. Par. Gloss, 
 in voc. Sterlingus. 
 
81 
 
 Beverley was exempted from the immediate consequences, would render the validity 
 of their Saxon charters questionable at least, if they were not altogether invalidated 
 by a change of policy and laws. 
 
 Still the power of tallaging the borough remained with the archbishop, in cases 
 which demanded an extraordinary supply; but these tallages were now in the 
 nature of subsidies to meet any emergency of the state, and could not be legally 
 imposed merely to supply the necessities of the archbishop himself. If he was tal- 
 liated by the king for his demesnes, he was then justified in calling on his tenants 
 for a proportionate supply ; and all of them, whether free or otherwise, must of 
 necessity contribute their lawful share. 
 
 Another testimony to the abundant population of Beverley remains to be noticed. 
 Before the Conquest it was customary for the people to grind their corn by hand 
 mills, and hence a public wind or water-mill was capable of supplying a moderate 
 sized district with meal and flour, sufficient for all the necessary purposes of life. 
 But Beverley was furnished with three public mills, which probably belonged to 
 the archiepiscopal demesne, and were appropriated to the town as part of the ferme 
 thereof. And three mills would be amply sufficient for a population of several 
 thousand souls. It is probable also, that Beverley contained at this period, a mo- 
 netarius, or mint, because it is said in an enumeration of the places where the 
 privilege of coining was exercised, that there was "one in every burgh."" We 
 find no mention in the preceding record, of the merchants or tradesmen who at 
 this time inhabited the town of Beverley ; although we have abundant proof that 
 business was transacted here to a very considerable extent, for the composition 
 paid to the archbishop for tolls, amounted to a large sum ; and the town is termed 
 by Bale, a city.'* 
 
 ^-^ Wilk. Leg. Ang. Sax. p. 59. *^ De Script. Brit. p. 187, 
 
 M 
 
82 
 
 ©tap. M. 
 
 Comparison of ancient and modern ^nanners — Thurstan grants a charter to the 
 town — Canal from the river Hully called Beverley Beck — Thurstan builds the 
 chapel of St. Mary — His privileges as the lord of the town — King Stephens 
 charter — Rebellion of Eustace Fitz-John — his ravages^ in conjunction with 
 the Scots — Battle of Cuton-Moor — Henry Murdac, archbishop of York, resides 
 at Beverley — Stephen contemplates the fortification of the town — Is deterred 
 from his purpose by a vision — Cliarter of Henry II. — Thomas a Becket 
 pi'ovost of Beverley — Town and minster consumed by fire — Public offices 
 put to sale — Fee-farm rents of Beverley — Disputes in the town — Disgrace of 
 the archbishop — King John visits Cottingham — and Beverley — View of the 
 town, and its inhabitants — Miracle there — Commandery of St. John founded 
 — Disputes between the archbishop and the canons of Beverley — Property 
 conveyed to tJie church — Provost of Beverley — Streets paved — Fines and 
 taxes — Arrangement respecting the navigation of the Hull — Chivalry — Supe- 
 riority of the Beverley cloths — CJmrters of Henry III. 
 
 Such were the circumstances of the town of Beverley at the latter end of the 
 eleventh century. Enfranchised by royal charters; decorated by the architectural 
 taste and munificence of succeeding metropolitans, and enjoying- all the beneficent 
 effects of a genial religion, it exhibited the appearance of an opulent and improving 
 town. In forming an opinion, however, of its magnificence, it is necessary to 
 divest the mind of all ideas of present splendour, because they will by no means 
 apply to the case of ancient times. A common modern dinner service is composed 
 of china dishes at the least, with forks, spoons, and other articles in silver ; but an 
 ancient dinner party ate with their fingers from wooden trenchers, or perhaps a 
 whole company partook of the same viands out of a common bowl. How can we, 
 of these luxurious days, form a competent idea of the banqueting halls and ladies* 
 bowers of olden time, which are described by the poet and writer of romance in 
 
m 
 
 such fascinating colours ? Our conceptions must entirely fail, from the very essential 
 difference which exists in the manners and customs of the two periods. An idea 
 of modern splendour will embrace carpeted floors, beds of cygnet down, services 
 of gold and silver plate, painted rooms, gilded cornices and stair-cases, seats and 
 sofiis of satin damask, statues and pictures, vases and rich trinkets, chandeliers of 
 olass, and chased gold and silver, with all the elegancies that wealth can purchase, 
 or luxury devise. These expensive superfluities had no existence in the times of 
 our robust forefathers. The limbs of the most delicate and high born female were 
 extended at night upon a bed of straw ; and instead of Turkey carpets, her feet in 
 the day time trod, at best, but on strewed rushes. The banqueting room, with its 
 small loop-hole windows, stone walls, rough oaken tables and benches, all dark, 
 gloomy, and cheerless, would afford to a modern taste, but a heavy picture of splen- 
 dour and magnificence. Yet it was here that the high and chivalrous spirit of our 
 ancestors was nurtured and brought to maturity ; it was here that the weaker, but 
 more lovely sex, impressed with romantic notions of honour and hardy virtue, 
 excited, by its unbounded influence, an ardour for deeds of heroic prowess, which 
 marked its superiority ; and a single nod from a high born female, would either 
 unnerve the stoutest warrior, or excite him to efforts fraught with such difficulty 
 and danger, as appeared beyond the capacity of a mortal to perform. 
 
 To form an estimate of an Anglo-Saxon town, we must reduce our ideas even from 
 this standard; for though the public buildings of that people were massive and splendid^ 
 and united the qualities of magnificence and durability, yet the common dwellings 
 were very little improved from the tent or cabin of their ancestors ; and consisted 
 of a cottage, thatched with reeds, with a fire place in the centre, and a hole in the 
 roof to let out the smoke. Some of them were composed of wicker work ; but 
 generally timber frames, filled in with lath and plaster, and thatch for the roofs, 
 constituted the chief materials in the dwellings of the English at this period.* 
 
 In the year 1109, an appointment was made which proved of essential service 
 to the town of Beverley.' Thurstan, a canon of St. Paul's, and chaplain to king 
 Henry the first, succeeded Thomas, archbishop of York, as provost of Beverley, 
 During his residence here, his comprehensive mind beheld the capabilities which 
 promised to raise the town to eminence, and he resolved to give it every encou- 
 ragement which fortune should place within his power. He conferred with the 
 
 ' Britt. Archit. Ant. vol. ii. p. 86. Fosbr. Encyc. of Antq. vol. i. p. 1 10. 
 •Prov. Regist 1. l.p. 57. 
 
 M 2 
 
M 
 
 most intelligent merchants on this interesting subject, and having informed himself 
 of every requisite v*^hich might tend to benefit the place, he laid a statement of his 
 wishes before the king, and earnestly entreated him to confer some marks of favour 
 on the inhabitants, by confirming their former charters, and granting such new 
 privileges, as might place them on an equality with other reputable mercantile 
 towns. Henry, who had only just compromised his quarrel with Anselm, the 
 primate, was willing to allay the ferment of party spirit, which raged thi'oughout 
 the country, by conferring privileges on his subjects, and therefore gave the town 
 of Beverley, as well as many other places, a charter of confirmation.^ 
 
 The time however soon arrived, when Thurstan had power in his own hands to 
 convey benefits to the town. On the death of archbishop Thomas, in 1114, he 
 was nominated to. the vacant see •/ and paid an early visit to his favourite town 
 of Beverley, now under the government of Thomas the Norman, who succeeded 
 him in the provostship. He held his court in the demesne ; and made enquiries 
 into the conduct of his officers ; into the administration of justice ; and into the 
 general state of the town, its inhabitants, trade, and morals. The result of this 
 inquisition was a charter of liberties, in which he conveyed to the men of Beverley, 
 all free customs granted to Saint John, by his predecessors. He gave them in 
 their hanshus* the same laws and privileges which the citizens of York^ enjoyed, that 
 is, throughout the realm of England, Normandy, Acquitain, Anjou, and Poictiers, 
 &c. He gave them the tolls for ever, on payment of an annual sum of eighteen 
 marks, &c. &c. as is more fully expressed in the charter itself,'^ which was con- 
 firmed by king Henry. And in 1125, pope Honorius gave a charter of confirmation 
 to the provost.* 
 
 » My authority for this charter is rather doubtful. I have neither seen the charter itself, nor 
 any authenticated copy; and the only testimony I am acquainted with, is a manuscript in my 
 possession, containing, amongst other things, the following words, "Charter of king Henry I.; 
 a confirmation of king Athelstan's charter, touching clerk of the market." 
 
 * Hoved. 271. Ex. Reg. Prspos. Bev. 1. 1. p. 57. 
 
 * "Hansa, latinized, is derived from the German, hansz, or the Belgic hans, which is, says 
 Skinner, cities or companies associated or confederated; so the hans towns in Germany still retain 
 the old name." Drake. Ebor. p. 228. 
 
 ® The citizens of York were quit of toll, lastage, wreck, pontage, passage, and enjoyed all free 
 customs in the realm of England, the duchy of Normandy, &c. and all the coasts thereof. They 
 had liberty to take distresses for their debts, to defend themselves from appeals, and no man was- 
 allowed to disturb them under a heavy penalty. 
 
 ' Vid. App. C. 8 Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 1. p. 56^ 
 
The distance of the river Hull from the town of Beverley, was more than half a 
 mile, which rendered the conveyance of goods and merchandise very tedious and 
 inconvenient. To obviate the embarrassments thus necessarily occasioned, Thurstan 
 encouraged the merchants to make a channel from the river, of sufficient depth "to 
 carry boats and barges."^ And this canal was of infinite advantage to the commerce 
 of the town. The benefits of Thurstan's administration were long visible in the 
 increasing prosperity of the town; and the holy man was much gratified in behold- 
 ing the genial effects of his endeavours to promote its welfare. He had a palace at 
 Beverley, and spent a portion of his time in that delightful retreat, where he could 
 join in the services of religion, and employ his time in distributing justice within 
 the limits of his jurisdiction, and maintaining a strict regularity and sound discipline 
 amongst the people. Nor were the canons neglected, while he conferred favours 
 on the inhabitants. He granted to them the privilege of bequeathing two-thirds of 
 their prebendal profits, for the year following their death, to their heirs, reserving 
 the remaining portion only for the repair of the church. '° In a word, no description 
 of people remained unnoticed by this excellent prelate; but all felt and acknowledged 
 the benefits which he had conferred upon them. 
 
 The increasing population of the town, now demanded a further accommodation 
 for administering the sacred services of religion; and for this purpose, the chapel 
 or oratory of Saint Mary was erected.' ' The original buildings partake equally of 
 the Norman and early English styles,'^ and were doubtless constructed about the 
 present period, before the former was altogether abandoned, or the use of the latter 
 fully established. There is little hazard in the conjecture, that this edifice owes its 
 origin to the active benevolence of Thurstan. 
 
 At this time the archbishop exercised almost regal authority, in his baronies of 
 Beverley, Ripon, Scireburn, Patrington, Otley, and Wilton, which were assigned 
 to his predecessors by king Athelstan. He had prisons and justices in these towns, 
 with full power to try, condemn, and execute criminals. King Henry, by his 
 writ, had confirmed all the previous grants, and added new liberties and privileges, 
 particularly that of infangtheof." He had returns of writs, pleas of withernam, 
 
 . » Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 47. 
 
 '0 Drake. Ebor. p. 417. 
 
 » Lansd. MSS. 896. VIII. fo. 47. '« Rickm. Engl. Arch. p. 172. 
 
 " Infansftheof. A criminal jurisdiction, by which thieves found on his territories, might be 
 punished without appeal. 
 
86 
 
 the taking of estreats by the hands of his sheriffs, for levying the king's debts upon 
 those persons who had nothing* without his liberties. He had a gallows, pillory, 
 and cucking stool in all the above named towns. He had also his own coroners 
 on each side of the river Hull, who took prises in that stream by his authority." 
 He had assize of bread and beer ; and waif and broken wreck of the sea, with 
 park and free warren, and all his land quit from suit and service.'* 
 
 On the accession of Stephen, the canons of Beverley received a corroboration of 
 their liberties, by another royal charter,'^ which confirmed the right of sanctuary, 
 and all other rights and franchises granted by former monarchs ; together with the 
 thraves of corn, and their former privilege of holding fairs ; for the new monarch 
 sought to remove the disadvantages of a defective title, by liberal concessions to 
 the people. This course was, however, only partially successful, and his bold 
 usurpation produced a bloody war, before his title to a life estate in the crown 
 could be formally acknowledged. 
 
 Eustace Fitz John, a powerful Anglo-Norman baron, who was much esteemed 
 by the late king, and consulted by him in all matters of moment, on account of 
 his consummate wisdom and excellent judgment, had been arrested by Stephen, 
 contrary to law, and detained a prisoner till he had surrendered possession of the 
 castle of Bamburg, and other places, which had been entrusted to his custody by 
 king Henry. Highly resenting such a flagrant act of arbitrary power, Eustace 
 fled into the north, and uniting his forces with those of David, king of Scotland, 
 made an irruption into Yorkshire, with the intention of revenging the insult he 
 had received, by a general ravage of that part of the kingdom. This rebellious 
 baron now entered the county at the head of a numerous army, and miserably laid 
 waste whole districts ; destroying the property of his inofl'ensive and loyal country- 
 men, as he proceeded towards York ; intending to make the castle in that city the 
 head quarters of the Scottish army. It is incredible, says Simeon of Durham,'^ 
 to relate what flagitious wickedness the army perpetrated, in their unholy career. 
 Wherever they appeared, fire and sword, plunder and desolation, marked their 
 progress. They spared neither sex nor age ; helpless infancy was alike sacrificed 
 
 " Rym. Foed. torn. iv. p. 272. '* Placit. Quo. War. in Scacc. 
 >« Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 99. and 102. b. Corp. Rec. 1. Steph. No. 1. Ex. Dade. 
 This charter is attested by Thurstan, Alexander, bishop of Lincoln, Hugh, bishop of Ely, Adelm, 
 bishop of Carlisle, Roger the chamberlain, Robert de Vere, Hugh Bigot, and others. 
 
 1^ Dec. Script, col. 250. 
 
ST 
 
 with hardy manhood and decrepid old age. The tears of the unresisting female 
 made no impression on their savage hearts ; nor was the sacred robe of the eccle- 
 siastic a protection from their cruelty. Pregnant women were ripped up, and their 
 infants cut in pieces. Maids and matrons were stripped naked, and driven into 
 Scotland as slaves. Such was the kind of warfare which Eustace Fitz John waged 
 against his countrymen and neighbours ; and at length the whole army assembled 
 and sat down before the city of York. 
 
 During these scenes, which were transacted under his own eye, archbishop 
 Thurstan, who had been constituted lieutenant of the north by Stephen, had not 
 been idle. He summoned the nobility, who all assembled with their tenants and 
 retainers, and we may reasonably conclude that the inhabitants of Beverley, his 
 own demesne, were not backward in joining the English army against the invaders. 
 The archbishop addressed the troops, and recommended them to fight bravely in 
 defence of their altars and their homes ; he recapitulated the miseries already in- 
 flicted on the northern counties ; miseries to which they themselves must inevitably 
 be subjected, should the enemy gain possession of the citadel of York. Inspirited 
 by this address, the troops marched forward to the contest with a determination to 
 conquer or die. The Scots beheld their ardour, and fearing to abide the issue of 
 a battle, retreated with the utmost precipitation; for excessive cruelty is usually 
 accompanied with pusillanimity and cowardice. 
 
 The English army pursued and overtook them at Northallerton, and a decisive 
 victory was gained at Cuton Moor over the Scots, and their king narrowly escaped 
 being taken prisoner." This was called the battle of the Standard ; for a tall 
 crucifix, composed of the mast of a ship, and decorated with many sacred banners^ 
 had been elevated on wheels, as a signal of conquest and peace ;'^ and the victory 
 was attributed to the prompt and magnanimous conduct of our archbishop ; by 
 
 '* Baker's Chron. p. 47. 
 
 '9 « King David look'd athwart the moor, 
 With Prince Henry his brave son; 
 
 And they were aware of the English host, 
 Now naerrily marching on. 
 
 Oh then calPd forth the King David, 
 
 And loudly called he — 
 *And who is here, in all my camp, 
 
 Can describe yon host to me ?' 
 
 Then came there one beside the tent. 
 
 An Englishman was he; 
 'Twas not long since from the English host, 
 
 That traiterous wight did flee. 
 
 'And what's yon glittering tower I see. 
 
 In the centre of the host?' 
 O that is the hallowed Standard, of which 
 
 The English make such boast. 
 
J 
 
 88 
 
 whose agency also, Fitz John was pardoned, on his submission to the king", and 
 allowed to retain his possessions. 
 
 The success of this expedition was so gratifying* to Stephen, that he now considered 
 himself securely placed on the throne, and began to exercise the severities which 
 were suggested by his bold and aspiring- disposition. Amongst other acts of misrule, 
 he determined to suppress the castles of the English prelates, and actually im- 
 prisoned the bishop of Lincoln until he had relinquished all his fortified places.^ 
 The clergy were alarmed, and many of them paid heavy fines for the king's favour, 
 or in other words, to be exempt from oppression. On this occasion, we find that 
 Robert, the fourth provost of Beverley, and Ralf, the archdeacon, fined to the king 
 in the enormous sum of three hundred and sixty-six pounds thirteen shillings and 
 four-pence, de dono,^^ that they might be under the king's protection, as his de- 
 mesne clerks.^* 
 
 Archbishop Thurstan growing old and infirm, found himself incapable to enter 
 into the bitter disputes which now agitated the kingdom, and therefore resigned his 
 bishoprick, A. D. 1141, and retired to a monastery. His successor, Henry Murdac, 
 was consecrated by the pope, in opposition to the wish of Stephen, but when he 
 attempted to take possession of his see, the gates of York were closed against him.^' 
 He retired to Beverley, thundered out his anathemas against all his opposers, and 
 
 A mast of a ship it is so high. 
 All bedeck'd with gold so gay; 
 
 And on its top is a holy Cross, 
 That shines as bright as day. 
 
 Around it hang the holy banners 
 
 Of many a blessed saint; 
 Saint Peter, and John of Beverley, 
 
 And Saint Wilfrid there they paint. 
 
 The aged folk around it throng, 
 With their old hairs all so grey, 
 
 And many a chieftain there bows down, 
 And so heartily doth pray. 
 
 Oh then bespake the King of Scots, 
 
 And so heavily spake he — 
 *And had I but yon holy Standard, 
 
 Right gladsome should I be. 
 
 And had I but yon holy Standard, 
 That there so high doth tower ; 
 
 I would not care for yon English host. 
 Nor all yon Chieftain's power. 
 
 O ! had I but yon holy Rood 
 That there so bright doth show; 
 
 I would not care for yon English host. 
 Nor the worst that they could do.' " 
 
 Battle of Cuton Moor. 
 
 181. 
 
 2° Malms, p. 
 
 *' Doniim was a general word, and was used with great latitude. Down to the time of Henry 
 the second if it was paid out of the knight's fees, it was denominated scutage, if out of lands which 
 were not of military tenure, it signified hidage, and if it was paid by boroughs, it was tallage. 
 Afterwards it was principally used in the latter signification. 
 
 Mag. Rot. Madox. Exch. vol. i. p. 459. 
 
 Sim. Dunelm. Drake. Ebor. p. 417. 
 
89 
 
 feid the city under an interdict. Here he remained three years, and rendered 
 essential services to the town. Fitz-John, having* some compunctions of conscience 
 for the devastations and murders to which he had been accessary, consulted with 
 the archbishop about his penances, and was directed to re-edify the monastery of 
 Watton, near Beverley, which had been destroyed by the Danes in the year 870. 
 A penance, in these times, that was considered to be an effectual atonement for 
 crimes of any magnitude. 
 
 To this monastery the archbishop was a liberal benefactor, and even after he was 
 reconciled to the king, and had entered on the peaceable possession of his see, he 
 did not forget its interests, but continued regularly to superintend the establishment. 
 
 He enjoyed his dignity about seven years, but never again attempted to enter 
 tlie city of York ; and at length died at Beverley, which had been his chief re- 
 sidence, in the year 1153.^^ He was succeeded by archbishop William, commonly 
 called Saint William of York, who gave to the town of Beverley a charter of 
 liberties in the same year, in which the privileges granted by Thurstan are esta- 
 blished, and a merchant's guild, court of pleas, &c. are assigned to the burgesses.** 
 
 The turbulence and insubordination which manifested themselves both amongst 
 the nobility and the people, during the whole of this reign, kept the vigorous mind 
 of Stephen on the alert. He neglected no means of defence which might tend to 
 his own security; and, while he tried every expedient to induce his barons and 
 clergy to place their castles in his hands, he himself erected many new fortresses 
 in the most convenient situations, throughout every part of the kingdom. The 
 town of Beverley appeared, to his penetrating genius, a most eligible situation for 
 a strongly fortified castle, and here he determined to fix a permanent military 
 garrison. The canons were alarmed, and even the archbishop, foreseeing that his 
 rights and liberties would fall a sacrifice to the unbounded licence of mercenary 
 soldiers, protected by military law — petitioned the king to desist from his purpose, 
 but without success; for Stephen's affection for the church was not equal to the 
 care he had about his own safety. Indeed, the clergy at this period, had few claims 
 on his generosity, for he had recently been deserted by the ecclesiastical interests 
 
 ^ John Hagulst. Dec. Script, col. 2S2. Drake's Ebor. p. 418. 
 
 2* Ex. MSS. penes me. Corp. Rec. No. 3. This charter is attested by William, earl of Albemarle, 
 lord of Holderness, Everarde de Ross, Robert de Stutevil, Herbert Fitz-Herbert, Gilbert de Nevil, 
 Richard de Verli, William Dapifer, Turstin the Reeve, Hyvon, abbot of Water, Simon the canon, 
 Ralph the canon, Master Alfrid the sacrister, William de Falais, Reginald Theoloner, and others. 
 
 N 
 
90 
 
 of the kingdom, and still smarted under the disgi'ace of those submissions which 
 the papal power had obliged him to make, by laying the whole realm under an 
 interdict. But though deaf to remonstrance, and callous to the feelings of kindness, 
 or the policy of conciliation, this hardy monarch was tremblingly alive to the effects 
 of superstition. He had a dream or vision, in which Saint John, the patron saint 
 of Beverley, appeared to him in pontificalibuSf and with stern looks and threatening 
 gestures, denounced summary vengeance against him and his posterity, should he 
 dare to have the temerity of polluting his peaceable establishment at Beverley, 
 with a military garrison. The effect which this dream had on the mind of Stephen, 
 who in battle would not hesitate to oppose himself, single-handed, to a whole 
 squadron, is incredible. He immediately countermanded his order for building a 
 castle at Beverley, and never again indulged a thought of infringing on the pri- 
 vileges of that sacred abode of peace and religious privacy.'^® 
 
 At the commencement of his reign, king Henry II. granted a charter of liberties 
 to the burgesses, of which the following is a copy. 
 
 Carta privilegiorum burgensibus de Beverlaco concessa. Henricus. Dei gratia, 
 j^ j3 Rex Angliae. Dux Normannise & Acquitaniae, comes Ande- 
 
 an* l^ett* $$♦ gaviae, archiepiscopis, episcopis, abbatibus, archidiaconis, decanis, 
 in Curt* Itontr* pi"aepositis, comitibus, baronibus, justiciariis, vicecomitibus & 
 
 M* 16. omnibus ministris & fidelibus suis, salutem. 
 
 Sciatis me consessisse & present! carta mea confirmasse burgensibus de Bever- 
 laco, omnes libertates & liberas consuetudines, quas Turstinus aut Willielmus 
 quondam Eborac' archiepiscopieis dederunt & concesserunt & cartis suis confima- 
 verunt, & quas Rex Henricus avus mens, eis concessit & carta sua confirmavit. 
 Quare volo & firmiter praecipio quod praedicti burgenses de Beverlaco omnes ipsas 
 libertates & liberas consuetudines, quas eis dederunt & confirmaverunt praedicti 
 Eborac' archiepiscopi, habeant & teneant bene & in pace libere, & quite, plenaire 
 integre, in theloneo & in hansus, in liberis introitibus & exitibus, in villa & extra 
 villam, in foro, in bosco & piano, in marisco & tubaria, in viis & semitis, & in 
 omnibus aliis locis sicut cartae praedictorum archiespiscoporum, Turstini & Wil- 
 lielmi scilicet testantur. 
 
 «« Lei. Coll. vol. ii. p. 364. Joh. Hagul. ap. Dec. Script, col. 278. 
 
m 
 
 Test. 
 
 R. Wt/ntonf f 
 
 G. ElyenSy \episcopis. 
 
 J. NorwicensA 
 
 G.Jilio meo (Sj* cancellario 
 
 Johanne. Jilio meo 
 
 Magistro W.Ve. Custanc 
 
 G. De Luci 
 
 R. De Glanville 
 
 Reginaldo de Curtenay 
 
 R. Bigot 
 
 Hug de Cressi 
 
 Hug de Morwic 
 
 Alano de Furnell 
 
 Roberto de Witef^ 
 
 Mich Belet 
 
 Willo Ruffo dapifero. 
 
 Apud Arundel. 
 
 The disputes between the civil and ecclesiastical powers, being" carried on 
 in England with a spirit of vindictive feeling, which was highly injurious to the 
 cause of religion, were now drawing to a crisis. Thomas a Becket, who afterwards 
 caused such troubles in the kingdom, by his unyielding obstinacy and intrepid 
 boldness, was at this period high in favour with the king, who appointed him to 
 offices of the first importance in the state, and thus cherished the dawnings of his 
 mighty ambition, which incited him to aspire to sovereign rule and authority. 
 Amongst other offices of power and trust, this celebrated man was made provost of 
 Beverley f^ but we are not possessed of documents to prove whether any transactions 
 of importance occurred during the continuance of his provostship. He passed rapidly 
 from one dignity to another, till he was placed at the head of the church, in the 
 metropolitan see of Canterbury. In this high situation, his pride and arrogance 
 accelerated his destruction, and he died a violent death at the altar's foot. 
 
 The king was no sooner delivered, by the hand of violence, from this determined 
 enemy, than he received intelligence that his own sons were in confederacy against 
 him. His great abilities were, however, always his protection. By the adoption of 
 vigorous measures, and a judicious line of policy, he finally triumphed over all his 
 enemies ; took their ally, the king of Scotland, prisoner, and compelled his rebellious 
 children to lay down their arms. The Scottish monarch was reduced to the ne- 
 cessity of submitting to the most humiliating terms, as the price of his liberty; and 
 a meeting was convened by the royal authority at York, to receive the homage of 
 king William, for his realm of Scotland. The barons, ecclesiastics, and canons of 
 
 2^ Biog. Brit. vol. i. p. 630. Ex. Reg. Pr»p. Bev. 1. 1. p. 57. 
 
 N 2 
 
92 
 
 York, Beverley, and other places, were summoned to g-ive their attendance on this 
 great occasion ; but the canons of York refused obedience to the royal summons ; 
 which so highly incensed the English monarch, that they were glad to appease 
 his wrath by paying a fine of one hundred pounds.*** 
 
 Nothing, however, could reduce these refractory young men to submission, or 
 preserve their obedience inviolate to Henry, as their monarch and their father. 
 The king, therefore, was obliged to take decisive measures for his own safety. In 
 the year 1181, an order was issued to train the whole population of Britain to the 
 use of arms, under the ostensible pretext of preparing for a crusade against the 
 infidels, whose successes in Palestine, it was said, had covered all Christendom 
 with horror and dismay. The ordinance enjoined that every possessor of one 
 knight's fee, should be provided with a coat of mail, a helmet, a shield, and a lance ; 
 and that "every knight shall have as many coats of mail, helmets, shields, and lances, 
 as he has knight's fees on his domain. Every free layman who has in chattels or 
 rent, to the value of sixteen marks, shall have the same arms as above ; and every 
 free layman having ten marks in chattels or rent, shall have an habergeon, a 
 scull cap of iron, and a lance, pike, or spear; and all burgesses, and the whole 
 community oi freemen shall have a wambais, a scull cap of iron, and a lance." *^ 
 Commissioners were sent into every county, city and borough throughout the 
 kingdom, to ascertain the number of persons able to serve, and to see that they 
 were properly equipped according to the statute. Every description of people in the 
 town of Beverley would be embraced by this ordinance ', and having received so 
 many royal favours, it is but reasonable to conclude, that they prepared with alacrity 
 to obey the mandate of their king. 
 
 While thus actively engaged in military exercises, that they might give effect to 
 the views of their sovereign, the inhabitants of Beverley were visited with a ca- 
 lamity which overwhelmed them with severe affliction. At this period, as has 
 been already noticed, the houses were mere temporary structures of wood, thatched 
 with reeds or straw ; even the city of London, according to Stowe, was principally 
 composed of buildings of this description. The inconvenience and danger of these 
 edifices, unfurnished with chimneys to let out the smoke, which usually found vent 
 by a large hole in the roof, became at length impressed on men's minds by the 
 
 28 Mag. Rot. Scac. 22. Hen. II. Madox. Exch. vol. i. p. 103. 
 29 Beringtou. Hist. Hen. II. p. 316. 
 
93 
 
 effects of fatal experience. The feast of St. Matthew the apostle, 1188, had been 
 celebrated at Beverley with the usual ceremonies ; and whether from carelessness, 
 turpitude, or intoxication, a fire broke out during* the night, which raged with such 
 violence, as to consume the whole town, tog-ether with the minster of Saint John ; 
 though every exertion was used to preserve this noble edifice from the flames.'" Si- 
 milar calamities, in different parts of the kingdom, having proceeded from the same 
 cause, a law was passed, in 1190, to enforce the construction of stone buildings, 
 which afforded a more certain security against the ravages of this devouring element. 
 London was the first to commence a system of reformation, and the example thus 
 afforded by the metropolis, was followed in every part of the kingdom, by the more 
 wealthy part of the population, though the common people still continued to reside 
 in huts of mud and thatch. About this time stone mansions were built in Beverley, 
 and occupied by families of note and consequence. 
 
 Richard, the successor of Henry, was a brave and warlike prince; and being 
 inflamed with the desire of martial fame, which could be reaped only in the plains 
 of Palestine, he resolved to lead his armies against the Saracens ; but his treasury 
 being exhausted, he had recourse to every feasible expedient to replenish it. He 
 oftered for sale all offices of trust and honour ; the situations of sheriff and justiciary 
 were disposed of to the highest bidder; and he declared that he would sell the city of 
 London, if he could find a purchaser. The corporation charters were renewed on 
 payment of heavy fines, and the borough of Beverley received from him a charter 
 of confirmation, for which doubtless he received a full compensation .'' And in 
 1195, Geoffery Plantagenet, archbishop of York, the natural son of Henry II. a 
 man of bold and turbulent disposition, though no favourite with Richard, contrived to 
 possess himself of the shrievalty of the county of York, on payment of a fine to the 
 king of 3000 marks.*^ Having by this means united the temporal and spiritual 
 authorities, Geoffery flourished with all the power and dignity of a sovereign prince, 
 in the north of England. The situation of high-sheriff was in these times an oflfiice 
 of great trust and responsibility. As the keeper of the king's peace, he was the 
 
 so Lei. Coll. vol. ii. p. 210. Stow. Chron. p. 157. Holinsh. Chron. vol. ii. p. 196. 
 " Prynne. Chron. Corp. Rec. No. 5. dated at Worms, SO Sept. 5. Rich. I. attested by S. 
 bishop of Bath, H. bishop of Coventry, Mast. Philip, and John the Provost of Duai, and Safred; 
 treasurer of Chichester, Baldwin de Betun, &c. and given by the hand of Wm. de Longcharap, 
 bishop of Ely, the chancellor. The hand writing of this charter is very fair; one seal is destroyed, 
 the other imperfect, representing the king on horseback, brandishing a sword in his right hand. 
 On the reverse, the king seated under a throne of pinnacle work. 
 
 32 Mag Rot. 10. Rich. I. 
 
94 
 
 first man in the county, and superior in rank to any nobleman therein.'^ To his 
 custody was entrusted all the royal castles and manors lying* within the bailiwick. 
 He provided the castles and fortified towns with ammunition and other necessaries, 
 and stocked and improved the royal manors ; in a word, the sherift' was the king's 
 farmer or bailiff, and the collector of all the royal rents and revenues Avithin his 
 district/* He was dignified with the title of viscount f^ and all the freeholders of 
 the county, whatever mig'ht be their rank, were obliged to give their personal 
 attendance, to swell out the magnificence of his train; and to afford weight and 
 authority to his periodical courts of justice. From this service, even the richest and 
 most powerful barons were not exempt.^^ Hence the retinue of a provincial sheriff 
 must have equalled that of a powerful monarch. Well might this ambitious prelate 
 desire to occupy a situation of such splendour and influence; and accordingly, we 
 find him exercising its powers with an authority almost amounting to despotism. 
 His rents, from the borough of Beverley, at this time amounted to the sum of £62* 
 14s. lOd. annually. For the fairs, £2. Os. Od.; for the tolls, £12. Os. Od.; and for 
 the ferme rents, customs, lands, and appurtenances, £48. 14s. lOd.^'^ 
 
 Several disputes, which existed at Beverley about this time, respecting titles to 
 property, appear to have been decided by favour, rather than by the immutable rules 
 of equity and justice. Fines and amerciaments constituted the most valuable part 
 of the royal revenue; to induce the profuse payment of them, justice was openly per- 
 verted, and decisions were principally regulated by the gross amount of the sum 
 paid by way of present into the king's treasury. The example thus set by the 
 monarch, was followed with avidity by those who held inferior offices, particularly 
 as thei/ also were the results of purchase. A dispute was determined in the court of 
 Westminster, respecting some land in the fee of Saint John of Beverley, held by 
 Robert Villiers, of that town, on the death of Humphrey Waspail.^* Walter de 
 Ou, and his brother Thomas, fined to the king in forty shillings, that a writ might 
 be issued to the provost of Beverley, directing him to deal justly with them, respecting 
 some land to which they had a claim, in Beverley, against Richard Fitzhenry and 
 Hyda his wife, and that the proceedings may not be stopped, if the rents and 
 property so claimed shall exceed the value of their fine.^^ 
 
 33 Blackst, Com. vol. i. p. 342. 
 
 "^ Blackst. Com. vol. i. p. 344. Madox. Exch. vol. i. p. 326. 
 
 3* Berrington. Hist. Hen. II. p. 110. ^^ Hume. Engl. vol. ii. p. 122. in notd. n. 
 
 " Mag, Rot. 6 Rich. I. s* Placit. Abbrev. 6 Rich. I. s^ Mag. Rot. 7 Rich. I. 
 
The unruly temper of archbishop GeofFery led him into many excesses, during 
 the king-'s absence from the country. At his return, the canons of Beverley were 
 so loud in their complaints against this prelate, that a commission was appointed 
 to hear and determine the matters in dispute between them. The archbishop's 
 men were accused of robbery, and the charge having been substantiated, the 
 commissioners ordered them to be imprisoned. The archbishop himself re- 
 fused obedience to their summons, alleging that as he was the sheriff and custos 
 of the county, it was impossible that he could be amenable to their tribunal, and 
 therefore, he would neither acknowledge their authority, submit to their judgment, 
 nor appear at their command. His contumacy was punished by a summary process. 
 The commissioners disseized him of all his manors, except Ripon. Beverley was 
 taken from him; and William de Stuteville, of Cottingham, and GeofFery Haget, 
 were appointed custodes over him, and Roger de Batvent, over his under-sheriff.*" 
 Thus were the honours of this prelate miserably faded; and being at this time 
 under a papal suspension, the king also seized his spiritualities, for the recovery 
 of which, his proud spirit submitted to the payment of a heavy fine.*' The king's 
 death did not materially improve his prospects, for John, the new monarch, 
 entertained no very favourable opinion of him; on the contrary, his possessions 
 were once more sequestered by royal authority,*^ and he was obliged to commute for 
 their restoration, by the payment of a thousand pounds, after they had been 
 alienated one whole year. 
 
 During the period of Geoffery's disgrace, Hubei-t, archbishop of Canterbury, pro- 
 ceeded to the very novel extremity of holding a council within the city of York, at 
 which, the dean and chapter of York, the provost of Beverley, and all the principal 
 canons of that church, with many other dignified ecclesiastics in the same province, 
 were summoned to be present. At this council several laws were decreed, which 
 became permanent ordinances of the church, and binding on posterity.*' 
 
 John, whose reign began in turbulence and ended in disgrace, wielded the 
 sceptre with an unsteady hand, and found the royal couch a bed of thorns. Ac- 
 cording to the custom of these times, when the monarch had no settled revenue, 
 it was usual for him to renew the borough charters at his accession, for the purpose 
 of recruiting his treasury. John followed this example ; for his title to the crown 
 was disputed, and he needed a supply, to enable him to meet and defeat the 
 
 *° Madox. Excheq. vol. i. p. 23. ■«» Drake. Ebor. p. 423. 
 <2 Ibid. p. 423. « R. Hovedon. p. 430. 
 
96 
 
 confederacy which had been formed against him in favour of his nephew Arthur. 
 At the commencement of his reign, this king, accompanied by his beautiful consort, 
 Isabella, and many of the principal barons who had embraced his cause, made a 
 progress into the north. After visiting the city of Lincoln, the royal party crossed 
 the Humber from Grimsby, and proceeding to Cottingham, were entertained with 
 great magnificence at Baynard castle, by William de Stuteville, who received 
 from this monarch in return, many important privileges. He was constituted high- 
 sheriff of this county, an office which he held at present only by substitution ; 
 obtained permission to fortify his castle, and received a charter for holding fairs 
 and markets within his domain."*^ From hence the monarch and his suite made an 
 excursion to Beverley ; and the king was so highly gratified with his reception by 
 the ecclesiastics and burgesses, that he granted to the town two charters, in which, 
 added to other privileges, the burgesses were declared free from toll of every de- 
 scription throughout England, London only excepted; for which however, they 
 paid the enormous fine of five hundred marks, and received their quietus.^* The 
 king proceeded to York, to effect a compromise with the Scottish monarch, who 
 had agreed to meet him in that city. It should appear however, that the citizens 
 were not well affected towards John, for they refused to shew him any marks of 
 honourable greeting, or to display the usual tokens of joy and congratulation at 
 his presence amongst them. The irritable monarch was so highly incensed at this 
 instance of neglect, which almost amounted to contempt, that he amerced the city 
 in the sum of one hundred pounds.^® 
 
 A subsidy had been levied by the king, to enable him to carry on the war, 
 which was generally paid, though in some parts of the country it excited mur- 
 muring and discontent. His brother Geoffery however, the refractory archbishop 
 of York, would not suffer it to be collected within his peculiar jurisdiction. He 
 forbad the king's collectors to approach his manors of Beverley and Ripon, at the 
 peril of his resentment ; which, as he possessed the power of life and death in those 
 places, was no imbecile threat. The king, enraged at his presumption, commanded 
 the sheriff to seize his lands. Geoffery replied to this proceeding, by thundering 
 
 44 Lei. Coll. vol. 1. p. 293. 
 « Mag. Rot. I. Joh. Corp. Rec. 6 A. Dated at Porchester, 18 April, I. John, and attested 
 by Geoffery Fitz-Peter, earl of Essex, and many others. The second dated two days afterwards, 
 and attested by William Marshall, earl of Pembroke, William, earl of Salisbury, and others.— 
 Marked 6 B. , 
 
 « Masr. Rot. III. Joh. 
 
m 
 
 out his anathemas and excommunications upon all who should be concerned in the 
 execution of these orders ; he directed his retainers to seize the officers, and punish 
 them by scourging ; and ultimately laid the whole province of York under an 
 interdict. But the king was not thus to be diverted from his purpose; and the 
 archbishop, after an ineffectual struggle, submitted once more to the royal authority .''' 
 These violent measures were not resorted to by the archbishop, out of respect to the 
 inhabitants of his boroughs, nor could they have a reference to a supposed incapacity 
 in the burgesses to furnish their quota of the tax, for the canons of Beverley, 
 though their church was in ruins, were very rich; nor were the merchants less 
 opulent. They had recently rebuilt the town, on a scale of great improvement ; 
 and from the extensive and successful trade which they carried on by means of the 
 river Hull, communicating as it did with the Humber, and thus affording facilities 
 for external commerce, they had attained an elevation which gave them conse- 
 quence in the eyes of their neighbours; for a wealthy English merchant, by a law 
 of Athelstan, the royal patron of Beverley, who had made three voyages by sea 
 into a foreign country, was thenceforth entitled to the rank and privileges of a 
 gentleman, or thane.^* 
 
 Imagination may carry us back to the remote period which is now under our 
 consideration ; and in the long perspective we may in fancy behold the town, how 
 large soever in extent, still uncouth and unsightly, according to our improved ideas of 
 the beauty and magnificence of domestic architecture. The houses, composed of va- 
 rious materials, some of stone, others of brick or wall-tiles, and others of humble 
 clay, all cased in a heavy frame work of timber, stretched their overhanging roofs 
 across the street, as if they frowned mutual defiance. Each upper story projecting 
 beyond the lower, brought the most lofty parts so nearly in contact, that opposite 
 neighbours were not only capable of conversing together from their upper apart- 
 ments, but might almost give the gripe of friendship across the narrow space thus left 
 vacant between them. In fancy, we may behold the worthies of ancient Beverley, 
 strutting along the darkened streets with more than Spanish gravity, arrayed in 
 costly clothing; bolstered with cushions, to hide all imperfections of shape and 
 person ; their long and curling hair dancing in the wind, and their high-peaked 
 shoes fastened to their knees with chains of gold, and ornamented with rich tassels 
 and fringes.^' A goodly sight ! Pourtraying, in the most striking colours, the change 
 
 ^^ Speed. Brit. p. 496. « Hume. Engl. vol. i. p. 107. 
 « Holliush. Chron. p. 341. Hume. Engl. vol. i. p. 307. Strutt. Man. & Cust. vol. ii. p. 87. 
 
 O 
 
98 
 
 which has taken place in the customs of this country, resulting from its graduarl 
 approaches to refinement, and its present eminence in the arts of civil and social 
 life. 
 
 About this time, an extraordinary attempt was made, arising out of the super- 
 stitions of the times, to curtail the hours of labour. A foreign ecclesiastic named 
 Eustace, abbot of Flay, in Normandy, appeared in Yorkshire, with pretended 
 divine credentials, authorizing him to put a period to all kinds of labour, from 
 three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, till the rising of the sun on Monday morning. 
 His exhortations on the subject, how gratifying soever they might be to his own 
 vanity, were not sufficiently powerful to induce the poor mechanics to forego the 
 honest profits of so many hours of labour,*" and he was obliged to have recourse 
 to the usual mode of successfully enforcing obedience to his injunctions, which 
 distinguished the ages of papal Christianity. He caused rumours to be circulated, 
 that a divine interposition had been miraculously displayed in numerous instances, 
 to give effect to the particular design of his mission. Many are the miracles which 
 were said to have announced the will and pleasure of heaven, in the summary 
 punishment of those obdurate wretches who had dared to slight or disobey the newly 
 promulged ordinance. It was pretended that a miller's corn, at Wakefield, which 
 had been ground on a Saturday evening, was changed into blood 3 that a person 
 at Nafferton, having profanely baked a cake within the interdicted hours, was 
 unable to eat it, for when broken, streams of blood issued profusely from the wound, 
 and he cast it aside with horror; and that a poor shoemaker of Beverley, pre- 
 sumptuously neglecting to lay aside his implements of trade at the prescribed hour, 
 was struck with a dead palsy, to the astonishment and terror of all the town !"" 
 
 In the year 1201, Sibylla de Valoniis gave to the knight's hospitallers of Saint 
 John of Jerusalem, the manor of the Holy Trinity, on tlie east side of Beverley, 
 with several tenements in the town, and also the manor of North-Burton, &c. it 
 became necessary therefore, that a preceptory, or commandery of the order, should 
 be established here, to take care of the rents and profits,*^ for such societies were 
 usually placed on their estates under the government of commanders, who were 
 allowed a proper maintenance out of the revenues under their care, and accounted 
 for the remainder to the grand prior in London." This order " began and took its 
 
 «o R. Hoved. p. 467. 
 *i D»ake. Ebor. p. 425. »» Tan. Notit. York. XII. 2. ^» Burt. Monast. Ebor. p. 65. 
 
90 
 
 name from an hospital, built at Jerusalem, for the use of pilgrims coming to the 
 holy land, and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. For the first business of these 
 knights was to provide for such pilgrims at that hospital, and to protect them from 
 insult and injury on the road. The order was instituted about A. D. 1092, and 
 very much favoured by Godfrey of Bullogne, and his successor, Baldwin, king of 
 Jerusalem. The brethren followed chiefly Saint Austin's rule, and wore a black 
 habit, with a white cross upon it. They soon came into England, and had a house 
 built for them in London, A. D. 1100. And from a poor aud mean beginning, 
 obtained so great wealth,^^ honours and exemptions, that their superiour here in 
 England, was the first lay baron, and had a seat among the lords in parliament, 
 and some of their privileges were extended to their tenants."*^ Such was the 
 origin of the commandery at Beverley, which was of some magnitude, and must 
 have possessed considerable influence in the domestic regulations of the town,*^ 
 
 In the year 1203, a patent was granted to the canons of Beverley, confirming 
 their right to the thraves of corn in Holderness and elsewhere, which had been 
 conveyed to them by the charter of Athelstan.*^ A few years subsequently to this 
 event, the burgesses of Beverley preferred a petition to the king, in which they 
 complained bitterly of certain illegal aggressions, committed upon them by the 
 archbishop of York. They stated that he had disseized them of their pastures and 
 tolls, which they held by charter, at an annual rent ; that he had deprived them of 
 their turbaries, fenced off" their gravel pits, and withheld from them sundry rights, 
 from the time that he had departed from Beverley to elude the royal vengeance; 
 and further, that he had proceeded to excommunicate William de Stuteville, of 
 Cottingham, the sherifi^ of Yorkshire, by bell, book, and candle, and also his 
 majesty's humble petitioners, the burgesses of Beverley.''* The king graciously 
 received their appeal, and made a progress into Yorkshire, to enquire into these 
 disorderly transactions. He spent some time with the sherifl", at his manor house 
 at Cottingham, and ultimately restored to the petitioners their former rights and 
 liberties, after they had established, to his satisfaction, the facts contained in their 
 
 ** The knights of Saint John, at first, had but one horse between two of them, but about a 
 hundred and fifty years aftw their institution, they had 19,000 manors in Christendom. 
 
 *^ Tan. Notit. pref. xv. 
 
 «« Vide, inter collect. V. cl. Roger. Dodsworth. vol. viii. p. 27, 83, 93, 118, 177, 192, 211, 215, 
 217,244,245,276,279,284,288,293, Cartas quinquaginta plus minus ineditas de terris, &c. in 
 comitat. Ebor. pertinentibus hospitali S. Joannis Jerusalem. 
 
 " Rot, Pat. 5 Joh. 58 piacit. Abbrev. 11. Job. 
 
 o 2 
 
100 
 
 memorial. And to facilitate the means of collecting their portion of com in the 
 East-riding", he gave the canons of Saint John a precept, by which they were em- 
 powered to compel the farmers to place the thraves at the barn doors, at a specified 
 time, on pain of imprisonment, that they might be led away by the servants of the 
 church, without causing any unnecessary or vexatious delays.*^ He then proceeded 
 to York, where he kept his christmas, with the lords and barons of his realm. 
 
 The perplexed affairs of this monarch had now reduced him to the extremity of 
 despair. His kingdom was under a papal interdict ; he was forsaken by many of his 
 barons, and his crown had been assigned to the king of France. He succeeded, with 
 some difficulty, in effecting a compromise with the pope, but it was attended with the 
 degradation of formally surrendering his diadem, and consenting to hold his do- 
 minions as a tributary of the holy see. The barons beheld his cowardice with disdain, 
 and entered into a combination to secure their ancient liberties, thus threatened with 
 extermination, by being subjected to the will of a foreign despot. The princely and 
 independent tenures of these nobles, afforded them ample means of putting their 
 designs in execution. They had recourse to treaty, but this proving ineffectual, 
 they appeared in arms against the unhappy monarch, and after some unimportant 
 successes in the field, they induced John to propose terms of peace. The Great 
 Charter, by which our most valuable liberties are secured, was then tendered 
 to him for signature, and five-and-twenty of the most powerful barons were ap- 
 pointed as conservators of the public liberties, with full powers to act in the name of 
 the rest. He signed the charter, and died in the succeeding year. 
 
 The custom of alienating property for the benefit of the monastic institutions, 
 was very prevalent in these ages, and we find numerous instances of it in the town 
 of Beverley. The beneficence of the donors was evidently excited by the expec- 
 tation of future reward ; and a firm belief that such donations and bequests would 
 effect much as an atonement for actual sin. These practices, in our times, would 
 be considered of doubtful benefit, and very questionable tendency. Faith in the 
 efficacy of masses for the souls of deceased persons, was, in the thirteenth century, 
 considered as the very essence of religion ; and every means were resorted to, by 
 persons of real piety, to secure to themselves the benefits resulting from the perform- 
 ance of this efficacious atonement. Thus Helen, the daughter of Josceline, formerly 
 seneschal of Beverley, gave a rent of fourteen shillings and four-pence, out of her 
 
 ^^ Corporation records, 9 A. 
 
101 
 
 lands in that town, to the priory of Wycham.^° Nicholas de M iddleton confirmed the 
 trrant of one oxgang of land in Beverley, to the monastery of Ellerton, in Spalding- 
 mere, with a toft, and Alexander the carpenter, with all his family and their cattle, 
 as his brother Richard de Middleton had held the same, which was confirmed by 
 Fulco Basset, provost of Beverley, about the year 1229. These premises were again 
 confirmed to the same monastery, in 1253, by sir William Ross, along with one 
 earucate of land in West-Cottingwith and Crossum.^' Richard of Beverley, and his 
 wife, granted to the abbey of Saint Mary, at York, all their lands, with the edifices 
 which they had in Saint Mary's gate, in the suburbs of York.^^ Maud de Barthona 
 gave land and a house in Beverley, in East-gate, in breadth from the road of East- 
 gate, to a croft called Saint John's acre, to Nun-Appleton priory, in the ainsty of 
 York.®^ John, son of John the vintner, gave a house and land in Fleming-gate, in 
 Beverley, to Rievaulx abbey .^^ Robert, the son of Robert Ingelberd, of Beverley, 
 gave all his land there, called Brackenthwaite and Storks, of the fee of Saint John 
 of Beverley, with a toft, to the priory of Bridlington; which had been confirmed to 
 the said Robert, by the chapter of Saint John of Beverley, and by king Henry, on 
 the 30th day of April, at Westminster, in the 19th year of his reign f^ and Patricius 
 de Chaurcis gave to the church the manor of Swenton/^ 
 
 Walter Gray, the archbishop of York, was high in favour with king Henry III. 
 and deservedly so, for he was a prelate of sound judgment, strict morality, and great 
 experience. He was not only enabled to resume all the privileges and immunities 
 of the see, but also to add to their number and value. In 1235, he had a charter 
 from the king, granting him the privilege oi free warren in the woods beyond his 
 park at Beverley ; and in his demesnes of Molescroft and South-Burton f by which 
 he was endowed with an exclusive power of killing game within these limits. 
 
 The provost of Beverley was an oflficer of considerable importance, for his au- 
 thority extended to the civil, as well as the ecclesiastical government of the domain, 
 under the archbishop, and in many instances it led to the primacy. We find the 
 provost of Beverley summoned to assist at the great council, held at York, by 
 Hubert, archbishop of Canterbury ;** and he was called in by king John, to present 
 the charter which that monarch granted to the borough of Boston, in the fifth year 
 
 «o Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 256. «' Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 261. 
 «2 Drake. Ebor. p. 582. ^3 Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 277. ^* Ibid. p. 359. 
 ' Ibid. p. 221 . 66 Rot. Chart. 26 Hen. III. ^' Rot. Chart. 20 Hen. III. 
 
 68 R, Hovedon. 
 
102 
 
 of his reign.^ John M aimsell, provost of Beverley, assisted as a subscribing witness 
 to the charter granted by Henry III. to the city of Yorkf'^ he procured a patent 
 to receive an aid from the knights and free tenants of the church, for the purpose 
 of liquidating the debts of the provostship f and was finally elevated to the high 
 office of keeper of his majesty's seals." 
 
 The town of Beverley was now rising rapidly to a state of considerable im- 
 provement, and comparative perfection. The merchants and canons projected the 
 general paving of the streets, and the convenience of foot passengers was the first 
 consideration. A patent was therefore obtained, for enabling them to impose a 
 toll for the accomplishment of this purpose f^ and thus a portion of the town was 
 furnished with a good and substantial footwalk on each side of the principal streets, 
 which must have afforded a great accommodation to the inhabitants. The measure 
 appeal's to have given general satisfaction ; for in the thirty-ninth year of the same 
 reign, a similar patent was granted for the same purpose,^^ which would enable 
 them to make a considerable progress in paving the footways, throughout all the 
 most frequented parts of the town. 
 
 During the whole of this reign, the king was excessively needy; which may 
 account for his severe and repeated exactions on the Jews. Nor did his own sub- 
 jects escape, for fines were imposed on the most trifling and even ridiculous 
 occasions," and tallages were levied at the king's pleasure. In the forty-sixth 
 year of his reign, he granted to the church of Saint John, at Beverley, a charter of 
 liberties, for which a heavy fine was paid.^® A few years afterwards, he issued 
 writs to the archbishop of York, and also to the sheriff, commanding each of them 
 to levy four hundred marks within their respective jurisdictions, by a given time, 
 under pain of corporal punishment, loss of goods, and royal displeasure ; and if 
 
 69 Rot. Chart. 5 Job. '^o Drake. Ebor. p. 264. '^' Rot. Pat. 18 Hen. III. 
 ^2 Rot. Pat. 33 Hen. III. Amongst the Warburton MSS. in the Lansdowne collection, we 
 find a roll, entitled, "Ordo pro ministratione Refectorii in Bederno." From this document, which 
 Mr. Waburton professedly extracted from "vetusto Rotulo in pergameno, tempore Henrici 
 secundi, Ricardi primi vel Johannes Regis, ut character in quo exaratur ostendit, in custodio D'ni 
 Sedgwike Vicarii de Marfleete qui mihi amice prsBbuit," we learn, that notwithstanding the au- 
 thority of the provost, he found some difficulty in governing this religious community. This 
 ordinance assigns the following reason for its origin. "Quoniam de ministratione refectorii p'pter 
 incuria et negligentia ministrorum ssepe inter p'posit' et canonicos querela oriebat"^" Lansd. 
 MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 132. The whole document is curious and valuable, but much too 
 long for insertion here. 
 
 ^3 Rot. Pat. 33 Hen. III. '^ Ibid 39 Hen. III. 
 » Vid. Mad. Exch. vol. i. p, 326. et passim. "« Rot. Chart. 46 Hen. III. 
 
103 
 
 they failed in the performance of this requisition, the writs went on to denounce, 
 that, "they should be so severely chastised, that others should learn by their example, 
 how dangerous it was to disobey the royal precept."" This would fall heavy on 
 the merchants and inhabitants of Beverley; but the occasion was urgent, and it 
 was therefore complied with, for the king was furnished with the stipulated sums 
 with in the time prescribed. 
 
 In 1296, an arrangement was made by the archbishop, with Johanna de 
 Stuteville, and Saerus de Sutton, in which the last named parties agreed to 
 remove the wears and fences that had been erected for the convenience of fishing, 
 so as to leave a certain breadth of the river free and unobstructed, at all times, for 
 the passing and repassing of ships, belonging to the merchants of Beverley; in 
 consideration of an annual rent of six marks, to be paid to them by the archbishop, 
 which the burgesses of Beverley agreed to reimburse;^* for during a short period 
 anterior to this agreement, the commerce of Beverley had been obstructed by the 
 encroachments of these fisheries ; an inconvenience experienced on every navigable 
 river of small dimensions throughout the kingdom/^ 
 
 The chivalrous spirit of these ages is well known; and it was sedulously en- 
 couraged by the mock contests which formed the principal amusements of the 
 nobility. On all great and extraordinary occasions, a tournament was formally 
 proclaimed; and here the aspiring warrior was furnished with an opportunity of 
 recommending himself at once to the notice of his sovereign, and the commendation 
 of his superiors, which led the way to honourable distinction and supreme command^ 
 and of exciting at the same time, the admiration and esteem of the softer sex, by 
 the display of superior strength, activity, or military skill. A splendid meeting of 
 the English and Scottish monarchs, attended by all the principal nobility of both 
 nations, had recently taken place at York, to celebrate a marriage between the 
 youthful king of Scotland, and Henry's daughter. The gallantry and magnificence 
 displayed on this occasion, are said to have been almost without precedent."* The 
 archbishop, "like a northern prince," says Drake, "shewed the greatest hospitality 
 to all. He entertained the whole company several times, insomuch, that this 
 meeting cost him four thousand marks.'"' Whether the knights hospitallers at 
 
 " Mad. Exch. vol. i. p. 356. " Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 402. fo. 23, 73, 122. 
 ^^ Vid. Barrington's Observations, p. 15. *^ Mat. Par. p. 716. 
 «» Drake. Ebor. p. 99. 
 
104 
 
 Beverley, inflamed with these exhibitions, to which, doubtless, all the inhabitants 
 of the county were spectators, had attempted^ to display their martial ardour by a 
 similar tournament, on a smaller scale, within their own domain, is not known ; 
 but some probability is attached to the conjecture, for a writ was soon afterwards 
 issued, forbidding tournaments to be held within the town and liberties of Beverley.®^ 
 It should appear that this town had been, time out of mind, a celebrated mart 
 for the sale of coloured cloths. A colony of Flemish weavers and dyers had already 
 formed an establishment, in a part of the town called after their name ; and the 
 Beverley cloths were noted for their superior fineness of texture and brilliancy of 
 colouring. In the sixth year of John's reign, the merchants had fined to the king, 
 that they might enjoy the liberty of buying and selling dyed cloth, as they used to 
 do in the time of king Henry .'^ From that period the trade had progressively 
 increased, and was now carried on on an extensive scale.*^ About the latter end of 
 the reign of king Henry III. an event took place connected with this traffic, which 
 forcibly illustrates the unbounded licence which distinguished the whole of this 
 protracted reign. Bands of robbers infested every part of the country, and property 
 ^was no where safe. The hand of violence seized on every thing within its grasp ; 
 murders were vei'y prevalent, and the weak and unprotected were a prey to the 
 strong. Amidst all this mass of moral evil, some Spanish merchants, who traded 
 to Beverley, appeared before the king, at Westminster, and complained that they 
 had been robbed on the sea coast, near Blakeneye, of a rich cargo of scarlet and 
 other cloths, which they had taken on board of their ship at Beverley, by a gang of 
 lawless depredators, three of whom they named, Walter de Huntercumb, John 
 Gurneys, and Robert Pauncefort; and humbly prayed his majesty to redress their 
 grievances. A jury was impannelled, to examine into the truth of these allegations; 
 and after a patient hearing, an order was entered for full damages f^ which appears 
 rather extraordinaiy; because, such men as were liable to serve on juries, were 
 generally in league with the plunderers, and sharers in the spoil.*® 
 
 «2 Rot. Pat. 55 Hen. III. »» Mag. Rot. 6 Job. 
 ^* The town was subsequently included in an ulnage commission. " R. coraMsit valetto suo 
 Job. Marreys oflRcium ulnagi cavenacii linee tele naparie tarn in Angl' q'm aliunde wadmell 
 heydok menedeps kerseis sayoz de Louthe worstede norwys' bib'n' & causton' & o't'm' alioz 
 sayoz & scarlettoz omni'odoz pannoz Line' Essex' Norf SufF' Kane' Stanford Bev'lAiCi Sc'e 
 Osithe Devon' & Cornub' & quicquid ad ofBcium bujusmodi uinarie p'tinet in Regno Angl' q'm 
 exV ubicumq bujusmodi pannos vendi contig'it tam, &c. tenend' ad totam vitam suam." Rot. 
 Orig. 27 Edw. III. Ro. 19. 
 
 «* Placit. Abbrev. 56 Hen. III. «« Mat. Par. p. 509. 
 
105 
 
 This monarch, whose long" reign was now drawing- to a close, gave to the town 
 of Beverley, a few months before his death, a final charter; making in the whole. 
 Jive, which he had granted to the burgesses, each having been purchased with a 
 heavy fine. The first bears date 8 January, 14 Henry III. and is a charter of 
 confirmation by inspeximus, by which, the burgesses are declared exempt from the 
 payment of tolls throughout England, and the coasts of the sea, the city of London 
 only excepted.*'^ The second has no date, and is a charter of confirmation;** the 
 third is dated 13 February, 21 Henry III.*^ and confirms the charter of king John, 
 and those of Thurstan and William, archbishops of York. The fourth, dated May 
 2nd, 47 Henry III.^° and the fifth, dated 2 June, 6Q Henry III.''' both "exempting 
 the burgesses of Beverley, for ever, from any arrests for debt within the realm, 
 provided the principal bondmen or debtors be not forthcoming; and farther de- 
 claring, that they shall not for any forfeiture or transgression of their servants, lose 
 their goods and chattels, found in the hands of the said servants, or elswhere placed 
 by them, if the said burgesses be able to challenge and to prove tliem."^^ 
 
 «' Corp. Rec. 7 B. »« Corp. Rec. 7 C. »9 Corp. Rec. 7 D. 
 
 ^ Corp. Rec. 7 E. ^i Corp. Rec. 7 G. 
 92 Corp. Rec. The first of these charters is attested by Hubert, earl of Kent, the king's 
 justiciary; William de Stuteville, and others; the second by John, bishop of Bath ; R. bishop of 
 Durham; William, bishop of Carlisle; G. March, earl of Pembroke, and Humphrey de Bohun, 
 earl of Hereford and Essex; the third by John, lord bishop of Bath; Richard, lord bishop of 
 Sarum; William, lord bishop of Carlisle, and many others; the fourth by Roger, lord bishop of 
 Coventry and Litchfield; William, lord bishop of Oxford; Roger le Bigot, earl of Norfolk, and 
 marshal of England; Humphrey de Behun, earl of Hereford and Essex; Thomas Basset, justice 
 of England; John Maunsel, provost of Beverley, and others; and the fifth, by William, lord 
 archbishop of York; Robert Burnell, archdeacon of York, and others. 
 
106 
 
 ©Jap- JEM. 
 
 Injustice and extortion — Commission of enquiry — Instances of crime at Beverley 
 — The archbishop grants Fegang and Byscopdynges to tJie burgesses — Hospital 
 of Saint Giles assigned to the prioi'y of Wartre — Enumeration and explanation 
 of the rights of the archbishop in Beverley — Disputes respecting private pro- 
 perty — Charter of Edward I. — Donations to the church — Taxation of pope 
 Nicholas — War between England and Scotland — First parliament or assembly 
 of lords and commons — Standard of John of Beverley conveyed to Scotland — 
 Victory over the Scots — Hostilities renewed — Second victory — Banner replaced 
 — Edward I visits Beverley — grants liberties to the church — Minster restored 
 — House of the Franciscan Friars erected — Enumeration of many detac/ied 
 private transactions which took place at Beverley about this period — The king 
 pays a second visit to the torvn^ 
 
 " During the preceding- reign, the revenues of the crown had been considerably 
 diminished, by tenants in capite alienating without licence; and by ecclesiastics, 
 as well as laymen, withholding from the crown, under various pretexts, its just 
 rights, and usurping the privilege of holding courts, and other jura regalia. Nu- 
 merous exactions and oppressions of the people had also been committed in this 
 reign, by the nobility and gentry claiming the rights of free chase, free warren, 
 and fishery, and demanding unconscionable tolls in fairs and markets ; and again by 
 sheriffs, escheators, and other officers and ministers of the crown, under colour of 
 law. King Edward I. who was on his return from the holy land on the death of 
 his father, did not reach England till towards the latter end of the second year of 
 his reign, and these abuses remained uncorrected till his return. One of the first 
 acts of his administration after his arrival, was to enquire into the state of the de- 
 mesnes, and of the rights and revenues of the crown, and concerning the conduct 
 
lot 
 
 of sheriffs and other officers, and ministers who had defrauded the king, and 
 grievously oppressed the people." ' 
 
 The commissioners appointed to this service, were empowered, not only to 
 enquire into, but to punish crimes and misdemeanors by fine and imprisonment ; 
 und hence, in an age of uncontrolled licence, when interest usurped the place of 
 justice, the innocent were by no means safe, for the slightest suspicion of guilt, 
 suggested by a secret enemy, was sufficient to endanger the property and personal 
 liberty of the most harmless and inoffensive person. The prisons were soon sur- 
 charged with a promiscuous assembly of innocent and guilty, and emancipation 
 from confinement was only to be procured by the payment of heavy fines. Little can 
 be said in praise of the inhabitants of Beverley during this period, for they appear to 
 have partook of the extortion and injustice which characterized these unhappy 
 times. Numerous were the complaints exhibited against them before the king's 
 commissioners, many of *which might indeed be false, but it is to be presumed 
 that many were also true. In their principal branch of trade, the sale of coloured 
 cloths, grievous complaints were made by the purchasers respecting the deficiency 
 of their measure. Before one inquest, it was stated on oath, that the burgesses of 
 Beverley purcJiased their goods and materials by a measure of extraordinary length, 
 and sold their manufactures by another measure, which was considerably shorter 
 than the proper standard; and it was sworn, that no cloth measures in use within 
 the borough, were of a sufficient length.^ On another inquest for Howdenshire, 
 it was stated, that the measure by which corn was measured in the borough of 
 Beverley, was much more capacious than that which was used in other places; 
 and that the cloth weavers there did not make their webs of a sufficient length.^ 
 It will be recollected that the burgesses of Beverley were corn buyers and cloth 
 sellers ; and therefore this complaint of the farmers, or occupiers of land, may be 
 strictly just. At a third inquest, held within the burgh of Whitby, the same com- 
 plaints against the burgesses of Beverley are reiterated. Here the complainants 
 say on oath, that the inhabitants of Beverley make their webs of doth deficient in 
 length, and purchase their corn and salt by measures which have been increased 
 in magnitude, since the last journey of the marshal, Peter de Bruys, who was 
 probably a general inspector of weights and measures.* 
 
 ' Ann. of Waverly. Introd. to Rot. Hund. 
 2 Rot. Hund. 3 Ibid. " Ibid. 
 
 P 2 
 
108 
 
 It might appear invidious to enlarge the catalogue of crime which was elicited 
 at Beverley and other places, during the course of this enquiry. A few examples, 
 however, may be selected from the mass, to shew that power, where it existed only 
 in a delegated form, was stretched to the utmost limit ; and that the licentious and 
 oppressive conduct of the great lay barons, was imitated with avidity, on a smaller 
 scale, by all, in these disorderly times, who possessed even the shadow of authority. 
 Hugh de Driffield, of Beverley, had by some means acquired possession of about 
 eighty-five acres of land, of the royal demesne, which he pretended to hold of the 
 chapter of Saint John of Beverley. Nicholas, the vicar of Hessle, had been insulted 
 by Richard Ross, of Beverley, and others ; and they imposed on the peaceable man 
 a heavy fine, as the price of his exemption from studied and habitual indignity. 
 And more than this, the burgesses had erected a new gallows' in terrorem, and 
 were in the constant practice of apprehending men under false pretences, with a 
 view, probably, of eliciting the payment of fines.^ It is needless to multiply the 
 instances of iniquity which stained this unhappy period; suffice it to add, that 
 summary punishment was inflicted on the offenders, and the face of things was 
 soon changed. Order and propriety succeeded to violence and injustice; the people 
 found themselves protected from the aggressions of their more powerful neighbours, 
 and returned cheerfully to the prosecution of their usual employment, which had 
 been suspended, if not superseded, by the arbitrary encroachments of power, 
 shrouded under the panoply of an abused authority. Turn we to subjects of more 
 gratifying interest. 
 
 In the year 1273, William Wickwane, archbishop of York, with the consent 
 of the dean and chapter, granted unto certain burgesses of Beverley by name, and 
 the commonalty there, a messuage, with the buildings, in the Market-place there, 
 called Byscopdynges ; and also a certain meadow, with arable land, known by 
 the name of Out Ings, with the appurtenances, lying between New Dyke, and 
 a pasture in the lordship of Beverley called Fegang; to hold the said property 
 to the burgesses and their successors, and the commonalty of the town, for ever, 
 on paying an annual quit rent of six shillings and eight-pence. This grant 
 further exempted the burgesses of Beverley from the payment of pannage money, 
 for the feeding of their swine, as well in the wood called Hag, as in Westwood, 
 from Michaelmas to Christmas in eveiy year, being the season when acorns, mast, 
 
 • Rot. Hund. Placit. de quo War. « Rot. Hund. 
 
109 
 
 and other fruit were in perfection ; it relinquished, on the part of the archbishop 
 and his successors, all claim to the agistment of Westwood ; provided that a certain 
 division should be made between the pasture of Westwood and the arable land, 
 and restricted the burgesses from reducing any part of Westwood to tillage. And 
 it further declares, that in future, no villane of Woodmansey, or any other villane 
 of the archbishop, should stock in common, within the pasture of Fegang/ In the 
 same year, the prior and convent of Wartre, and the burgesses of Beverley, came 
 to an agreement respecting the payment of tolls and stallage, at a fair holden at 
 Wartre ; in which the prior and convent covenant that the burgesses of Beverley 
 shall be free from toll and stallage, provided they will not disturb the peace of the 
 fair, and will be contented with such a place for their stalls, as the prior and 
 convent shall honestly mark out.* 
 
 The hospital of Saint Giles, in Beverley, was assigned, in the year 1277, by 
 Walter Giffard, archbishop of York, to the priory of Wartre, during the su- 
 perintendence of John Queldrake, the tenth prior, who maintained here a specified 
 number of poor people.^ And the prior of Wartre gave the archbishop, in lieu of 
 the advowson of this hospital, the wood called le Haye de Langwath, in the county 
 of York."' The annual income of the hospital was very limited, and scarcely 
 sufficient to support the establishment; it was therefore wisely annexed to the 
 above convent, which was capable of supporting it according to the intention of the 
 founder. It had a chantry or free chapel annexed, in which prayers were re- 
 gularly oifered for the souls of its benefactors. 
 
 Amongst the pleas of quo warranto, we find that a writ was issued against 
 John le Romaine, archbishop of York, to examine by what authority he claimed to 
 have, within the boroughs of Beverley and Hipon, infangthef and utfangthef, 
 markets and fairs, personal property, (catalla) a gallows and a gibbet, a pillory 
 and a cucking stool, judgment of fugitives and felons, wreck and waif, fines for the 
 escape of thieves, coroners for prizes, return of writs, custody of prisoners and gaol 
 delivery, pleas de frisca forcia et vetito namia, and other pleas which ought to belong 
 to the sheriff; why neither sheriff nor bailiff of the king was suffered to enter into 
 
 ' Corp. Rec. 8 B. — Ex MS. penes me. 
 Corp. Rec. 8 A. Dated the Sunday next before our Lord's Nativity, 1273. 
 » Lei. Itin. vol. i. p. 40. Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 382. Tan, Notit. p. 637. 
 '0 Rot. Pari. vol. i. p. 432. 
 
110 
 
 his two boroughs of Beverley and Ripon, to exercise the duties of his office ; why 
 the king's justices were not permitted to hold pleas, or try prisoners within the 
 liberties of these boroughs ; on what authority he claims to have a park in Beverley ; 
 and to ascertain whether, for these privileges, he has the lawful authority of the 
 king, or any of his predecessors." 
 
 To which the archbishop answered, that he claimed all these privileges by virtue 
 of his office, from charter, and ancient usage; and proceeded to give a copious 
 enumeration of all his rights and immunities, vt^ithin the boroughs of Beverley and 
 Ripon. He instituted a claim to infangthef and utfangthef ; established his right 
 to possess moveable goods and chattels within these boroughs ; claimed the privilege 
 of weekly markets at Beverley and Ripon ; in the former place, on Wednesday and 
 vSaturday, and in the latter on a Thursday; and also four annual fairs'^ at Beverley; 
 one, on the eve and day of Saint John the Baptist, and three following days; 
 another on the eve and day of Saint John of Beverley, in winter (yenie) j a third, 
 on the day of Saint John of Beverley, in May ; and the fourth, on the eve and day 
 of the ascension of our Lord. He claimed a fair at Ripon twice in the year ; on 
 the eve and day and morrow of the Invention of the Holy Cross; and on the eve 
 and day and morrow of Saint Wilfrid, after the feast of Saint Michael the arch- 
 angel. He further claimed, ah antiquOy in Beverley and Ripon, to have a gallows 
 and a gibbet, with the privilege of executing criminals without appeal to the king ; 
 and also broken wreck of the sea in the river Hull and Beverley Beck, and all 
 other property, whether living or dead, which shall be left on the shores of these 
 waters by the retiring tide. He further laid claim to the right of having, at 
 Beverley and Ripon, a pillory and cucking stool, (pillorium et tmnhellwny^ and 
 
 " Placit. de quo. War. 
 
 '2 Fairs were called by the Romans nundince, and were held every ninth day. A court of 
 justice was always open during their continuance. At these fairs new laws were rehearsed, which 
 were esteemed valid after three separate readings. Macrob. Saturnal. c. 16. A law of William I. 
 provides, that no fair or market shall be held except in cities, boroughs, castles, or other safe 
 places; and that openly, in the presence of the magistrates and people. De Emporiis. Dr. 
 Pettingall thinks, that if a fair be discontinued for some time, and gone into desuetude, it cannot 
 be revived on the prior grant without a fresh concurrence of the lord of the fee. ArchaBol. vol i. 
 p. 196. 
 
 '3 Tumbellum. Cucking or ducking stool. It is thought by some writers, that the tumbrell 
 and the ducking stool were different instruments of disgrace and punishment. In an inquisition 
 held at Grimsby, in Lincolnshire, about the year 1 273, it was complained, that Sir Walter de la 
 Lynde, had erected in the village of Laceby, a tumbrell and a thew, with which he unlawfully 
 punished the villagers. Rot. Hund. The latter of these instruments was undoubtedly a ducking 
 
Ill 
 
 fines on the escape of felons. He claimed also to have his proper coroners in both 
 boroughs, to be appointed and removed at his pleasure, and sworn to execute the 
 duties of their office faithfully ; also the returns of writs within his jurisdiction, on 
 this principle, that if, for any crime committed within the liberties of Beverley or 
 Ripon, the criminal be impleaded before the king's justices at Westminster, they 
 shall freely render to his bailiffs, a fair and true copy of the writ and process, who 
 shall hear and determine the cause in the archbishop's court at Beverley or Ripon. 
 But if the accused party, before judgment be given, shall return to the king's 
 court, and claim from the justices there to resume his defence, on a suspicion of 
 unfair dealing in the archbishop's court, it shall be granted, and if he can sub- 
 stantiate his charge of partiality or prejudice against the officers there, the plea 
 may then be finally determined in the king's court. 
 
 The archbishop further laid claim to the custody of prisoners and gaol delivery, 
 in the boroughs of Beverley and Ripon; with pleas de frisca fortia,'* et vetito 
 
 stool; what then was the former? I am inclined to think, that the tumbrell was also a machine 
 intended for the same pnrpose, though differing perhaps in some peculiarity of construction. 
 The following authorities will shew the various reasonings which have been used on this word. 
 Brand says plainly, that the word tumbrell is but another name for the ducking stool. Dr. 
 Jamieson is more particular. He says, Scot. Diet. v. cock-stule, ** Writers differ in their account 
 of the tumbrell. According to Cowel, this was a punishment anciently inflicted upon brewers 
 and bakers transgressing the laws, who were, therefore, in such a stool immerged over head and 
 ears in stercore, some stinking water. In the Burrow laws, the pillory was the punishment of 
 men ; the cockstule, of women. But I have a strong suspicion," the learned doctor adds, " that 
 Skene, in translating tumbrellum by cockstule, did not use a term exactly correspondent. For 
 cockstule, as far as we can judge from etymological affinity, seems much the same with pillory, 
 Sibbald, indeed, derives cockstule from Teutonic kolcken, ingurgitare; from kolck, gurgis 
 vorago, vortex. But Belg. kaak is a Dutch pillory, being an iron collar, fastened either to a post 
 or any other high place ; Teut. kaecke, catasta, pegma, columna in qua damnati conspiciendi et 
 deridendi proponuntur; Kilian. Suio-Gothic, Kaak, infelix lignumf ad quo alligati stant, qui vel 
 verbera patiuntur, vel alias ignominiae ergo publice ostentiu sunt. Danish. Kaag." But in 
 Beverley, the archbishop claims both a pillory and a tumbrell; and Fabyan distinctly notes the 
 difference between the one and the other. He says, Chron. A. D. 1257, that the bakers of 
 London were subjected to the punishment of the tumbrell, " for lacke of syze ;" and adds, that 
 this punishment was "contrarye to the libertyes of the citye, where before tymes they were 
 punysshed by the pyllerie;" which explains that passage in the Burrow laws, just cited, which 
 consigns men to the pillory, and women to the cuckstule or tumbrell ; and this may be further 
 illustrated, by an occurrence which took place at Grimsby, about the beginning of king John's 
 reign. A poor woman had been accused before the mayoi' of crimes which she had never com- 
 mitted, and such was the injustice that prevailed in the borough, that without either confirmation 
 or proof of guilt, she was hurried away to the tumbrell, and almost drowned. This act of arbitrary 
 power was enquired into, on a complaint made by the woman's friends, and the community of the 
 borough were fined ten marks for their injustice. Mag. Rot. 2 Joh. And this instrument, the 
 tumbrell or ducking stool remained in Grimsby down to a very recent period, and has been 
 actually used within the memory of many persons now living in the town. 
 
 '* Fresh force. Any species of violence committed within the period of forty days. 
 
112 
 
 namia,'^ and also insisted that, from his charters and ancient usage, no sheriff or 
 bailiff of the king", had power to enter either of his said boroughs, to serve sum- 
 monses, distringases, attachments, or to exercise any other office there, unless in 
 default of his own bailiffs, for the time being. He claimed free warren and free 
 chase in all his woods and demesnes ; and also the privilege of having coroners on 
 each side of the river Hull, to take prises, and to secure for his benefit, waif '^ and 
 broken wreck; and of tasting wines, and purchasing them or any other mer- 
 chandize, which shall be brought into the ports of Hull or Beverley, immediately 
 after the king's prisage,'^ and before they be exposed for sale in the market, with 
 many other privileges respecting the administration of justice, &c. within the said 
 boroughs, which it would be equally tedious and uninteresting to enumerate.'* 
 
 How consistent soever with the manners and customs of the times this may have 
 been, or necessary to restrain the turbulence of an uneducated population, it may 
 be safely pronounced, that such an extent of civil power, united with his eccle- 
 siastical influence, was far too great for a subject to possess; and though in the 
 hands of a wise and well disposed prelate, it might be beneficial, in bad hands it 
 would become noxious, and prove destructive of the liberties it was intended to 
 protect. Hence arose the frequent complaints which were instituted by the inha- 
 bitants of Beverley against successive archbishops, who had encroached on their 
 privileges, and stretched their prerogative beyond the limits prescribed to it by 
 law. The present archbishop does not appear to have been altogether exempt from 
 this censure, for though he granted an indulgence for the support of an hospital 
 dedicated to Saint Nicholas, at Beverley,'^ which had been founded in 1286,^" yet 
 he is represented by Knighton, as "a sordid hireling," and he certainly was so 
 unjust as to impose upon the inhabitants the payment of pannage money, for the 
 
 ^•' The taking of a distress, and carrying it to a place where it cannot be replevied. 
 
 16 Waifs are goods which have been stolen, and thrown away by the thief in his flight, for fear 
 of being apprehended. These are given by law to the king, as a punishment upon the owner, 
 for not himself pursuing the felon, and taking away his goods from him. Blackst. Com. vol. i. 
 p. 296. 
 
 "^ Pris^, was a word of equivocal meaning. Properly it signified capture; and in this sense 
 it was sometimes used for captures taken in war, sometimes for purveyance, impost, or captures 
 of other kinds. In the text, prisage means '' the right of taking two tuns of wine from every ship, 
 English or foreign, importing into England twenty tuns or more; one to be taken before, and the 
 other behind the mast." Blackst. Com. vol. i. p. 315. 
 
 '* Placit. de quo War. 
 
 '9 Reg. J. Romaine. Archiep. 2° Lei. Itin. vol. i. p. 40. Tan.Notit. York XII. 
 
118 
 
 feeding of their swine, in defiance of the charter of immunity, granted to them by 
 his predecessor, William Wickwane.^' 
 
 In an age when the use of coals was not common, a turbary, or privilege of 
 digging turf for fuel, constituted a valuable appendage to the possession of property. 
 The Britons were undoubtedly acquainted with the use of coal, but it was not 
 generally introduced till long after the times we are now contemplating. The 
 preservation of this right, uninvaded, was attended with some difficulty, amidst 
 the general licence which prevailed, when laws were ill understood, and justice 
 was administered with partiality. Many disputes arose at Beverley, respecting 
 the adjustment of this privilege. In the year 1288, a violent controversy arose, 
 between John de Melsa and Maria de Sutton, which produced the following cir- 
 cumstances. Melsa possessed the privilege of cutting a specified number of cart 
 loads of turf annually, in a certain district of land within the jurisdiction of the 
 provost of Beverley. Not content with the prescribed quantity, he usually exceeded 
 it to the amount which was dictated by his necessities, and consequently carried 
 off more than his just rights, to the manifest injury of Maria de Sutton, who was 
 probably the tenant in fee. This lady, finding her privileges thus encroached on, 
 year after year, determined at length to vindicate her natural rights, and authorized 
 her son to adopt the necessary means of preventing a recurrence of the aggression, 
 which in these times could only be effectually accomplished by the application of 
 physical force. He assembled his friends near the spot, and waited in ambush the 
 arrival of Melsa, with his carts and servants. They suffered him peaceably to cut 
 the turves, and load his carts ; and then issuing from their concealment in a body, 
 they made an attack upon him, seized his stores, and bore them away in triumph. 
 This was not accomplished without high words, and probably blows ; and as the 
 provost of Beverley declined to interfere, the circumstance formed the subject of 
 litigation before the king at Westminster.^^ 
 
 About this time king Edward I. granted a charter to Beverley, confirming all 
 the former privileges enjoyed by the burgesses, and containing an additional clause 
 for the improvement of the borough, and to afford the inhabitants an opportunity 
 of applying themselves more quietly to their several employments. This charter 
 provides that none of the burgesses, their heirs or successors, shall henceforth plead, 
 or be impleaded, before the king's justices without the borough, of lands or tene- 
 
 Placit. Abbrev. 16 Ed. I. ^2 piadt. Abbrev. 17 Edw. I. 
 
 a 
 
114 
 
 ments lying* within the borough; or of trespasses, covenants, or contracts, made 
 within the borough, or of any other matters whatsoever arising* there,^' except the 
 pleas of maiming and breaches of the peace, which are not allowed in this charter 
 to the court at Beverley, because they affect the honour and dignity of the crown.'^* 
 
 The minster still lay in ruins ; but as domestic peace became gradually re- 
 established in the kingdom, and property began to be placed on a firmer basis, 
 the canons and inhabitants of Beverley addressed themselves to serious thoughts of 
 restoring the venerated fabric. The more opulent afforded their aid towards 
 forming a fund for this beneficent purpose, and we find about this period many 
 rich donations to the church, which were, doubtless, intended to be employed for 
 its re-edification. In the year 1289, William Chambers alienated for this purpose, 
 to the archbishop of York, certain parcels of land in the town of Beverley, and 
 other places,^' having obtained a licence of the king for that especial purpose in 
 the preceding year.*® Johannis le Caretter assigned to the same prelate a rent of 
 2s. 6d. in Woodmansey ', William del Clay gave him eight acres of land in 
 Beverley ; and Robert presented him with a messuage, and the appurtenances, in 
 the same place.'*'^ Roger Fitzosbert also gave lands in South Ferriby-upon- 
 Humber, to the church of Saint John of Beverley.** 
 
 " In the year 1288, pope Nicholas IV. granted the tenths of all ecclesiastical 
 benefices to king Edward I. for six years, towards defraying the expenses of an 
 expedition into the Holy Land; and that they might be collected to their full 
 value, a taxation by the king's precept was begun in that year, and finished, as to 
 the province of Canterbury, in 1291, and as to that of York, in the following year; 
 the whole being under the direction of John, bishop of Winton, and Oliver, bishop 
 of Lincoln."^^ From this record, we learn the following particulars respecting the 
 church at Beverley, although it should appear from the casual occurrence of a date 
 in the valuation, that it was not completed till many years afterwards. 
 
 Ebor' Dioc\ 
 
 Tenores Rotulor' de p'ticulis antique taxac'ois honor' sp'ual'm et temp'alm Cleri 
 diocesis Ebor' penes Sc'c'm D'ni Regis hie remanenc'm sequit^ in hec. verba.^" 
 
 23 piacit. Abbrev. 18 Edw. I. 
 
 2* Piacit Abbrev. 19 Edw. I. 25 j„quis. Post. Mort. 18 Edw. I. 
 
 26 Inquis. Post. Mort. 17 Edw. I. 27 Rot. Pari. vol. i. p. 63. 18 Edw. I. 
 
 ''^ Inquis. Post. Mort, 21 Ed. I. 29 introd. to Tax. Eccl. 
 
 ^'* Collegiatar' ec'ciar' Bev'lac et Hovedon uno ec'ciar' sp'ual' Ep'i et P'oris Dunelm' in 
 
 Alvertonskyr ac ec'ciar' p'positur' Bev'l et sac'star* Ebor' ec'cie oimb' bonor' temporal' dn'i 
 
 Archiep"] Ebor'. 
 
# 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 Ebor. Sp. 
 Taxatio P'bend' Eccl'ie Beverlacen' 
 
 £. 
 
 Prebend' Sci Martini 45 
 
 Preb' Sci And' ....: 27 
 
 Preb' Sci Jacobi 26 
 
 Preb' Sci Steph' 25 
 
 Preb' Sci Mich'is 17 
 
 Preb' Sci Peter 25 
 
 Preb' Sci Marie 16 
 
 Porcio dni' Caroli de Bello Monte (vocat' See Kath')) « 
 
 alibi benefic' 3 
 
 Comm'ia Eccl. Bev' que consistit in victualibus 66 
 
 Porcio Cancel!' que consistit in vict* 6 
 
 Porcio Sacrist' que consistit in vicf 12 
 
 Porcio Cantar' que consist' in vict' alibi bnf 6 
 
 Sm\ taxac'ois Fbendar' Eccl'ie Bevl 279 13 4 
 
 Taxatio Porcionu' dec'iab'lm Cl'icor' et al' recipien' corrodia 
 
 in Bedern' Beverl'. 
 
 Porcio Rob'ti de Cruce alibi b'nficiat' 3 6 8 
 
 Johes de Exestr' possidet. 
 Istam porc'oem non fuit alibi b'nficiat' in dioc' Ebor' sexto die Octbri 
 Anno xxij''°Ileg' E' t'cij p'ut cont' in quadam c'tifica'oe Willi. Arch. 
 Ebor' hie inde f c'aque est int' bill'de t'ioMichis Anno xxiij" ejusd' Reg. 
 
 Porcio Rogi Burd' qui h'et corrod'm Aurifabri 6 13 4 
 
 Sm\ taxac'ois porcionu' in Bedern' 9 6 8 
 
 Taxacio Eccl'iar existenem in p'p'oitura Bevl' 
 cum pensionbz. 
 
 Ecclia de Middleton p't' pens' 26 
 
 Pens' ppositi Bev' in eadem 2 
 
 Ecclia de Dalton p't' pens' 16 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 1 
 
 Ecclia de Scourburgh 5 
 
 Ecclia de Leckenfield 10 
 
 Ecclia de Northburton 20 
 
 Ecclia S. Nich. Bev. p't' pens' 6 
 
 Q 2 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
s. 
 
 d. 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 116 
 
 £. 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 
 
 Ecclia de Leven p't' pens' 13 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 
 
 Ecclia de Bransburton p't' pens' 13 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 2 
 
 Ecclia de Siglestorn p't pens' 26 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 2 
 
 Ecclia de Rise 5 
 
 Ecclia de Halsam p't' pens' 10 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 1 
 
 Ecclia de Patrington p't' pens' 40 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 1 
 
 Ecclia de Wellwyk p't' pens' 26 
 
 Pens' ejusdem pposit' in eadem 3 
 
 Sm\ taxae'ois p'positure Bev' 232 19 
 
 Sm'. tot' taxae'ois p'bend' Porcionu' decimabil'm/ ^^-^ ^g ^ 
 
 in Bedern' et p'positur' Bev' ^ 
 
 Undedebeneficiis valorem £6. 13s. 4d.nonexceden'> ' ^ 
 quor' possessores non sunt alibi b'nf'.. > 
 
 To confine ourselves to mere local notices of the town of Beverley, would be 
 committing an injustice, for which it would not be easy to furnish an excuse. The 
 design of history is more general and diffusive. We shall now therefore take a 
 wider range, as the public records of the kingdom furnish us with abundant 
 materials to testify that the town and its inhabitants were honourably connected 
 with the ecclesiastical and political transactions of these eventful times. 
 
 The two independent kingdoms of England and Scotland, from their contiguity 
 and facility of access, were continually at variance. The ravages of war contributed 
 to drain both countries of their wealth, without producing any permanent advan- 
 tages to either. Thus weakened by intestine divisions, the noble island of Great- 
 Britain, intended by nature for union against foreign foes, was left exposed to the 
 attacks of every hostile invader, and frequently suffered severely from the effects 
 of indiscretion. The kings of England, sensible at length of the advantages 
 which would result from an indissoluble union of interests, endeavoured to secure 
 this point, by establishing a claim to the Scottish crown, which, according to the 
 defective policy of the times, could only be effected by the sword. The Scots, a 
 
lit 
 
 brave and hardy people, indignant at repeated aggressions, which they considered 
 equally wanton and unprovoked, resisted all the attempts of the English monarchs 
 to enslave their native land, and usually retaliated, with great severity, the injuries 
 they had suffered from hostile invasion. These proceedings kept the inhabitants 
 of the borders in a continual state of dread and insecurity. The whole strength 
 of the island was frequently summoned to decide these unnatural contests, and 
 much valuable blood was almost annually shed in the dispute. Edward I. a wise 
 and politic monarch, beheld with a steady eye, all the benefits which would 
 mutually result from a union of the two kingdoms, and resolved to accomplish it at 
 the risk of any sacrifice ; convinced, that should his endeavours be crowned with 
 success, his name would be transmitted to posterity covered with immortal glory. 
 In the year 1295, he projected the invasion of Scotland, with an army calculated 
 to bear down all opposition ; but his treasury was exhausted, and he had already 
 levied subsidies in so many questionable shapes, that he felt himself at a loss for a 
 new pretext which might sanction the imposition of any additional burden on the 
 people. He had recourse, at length, to a device which was attended with all the 
 success he could desire. Being involved in these pecuniary embarrassments, he 
 " became sensible that the most expeditious way of raising a supply, was to 
 assemble the deputies of all the boroughs ; to lay before them the necessities of the 
 state, and to require their consent to tlie demands of their sovereign. For this 
 reason he issued writs to the sheriffs, enjoining them to send to parliament, along 
 with two knights of the shire, two deputies from each borough, within their county j 
 and these, provided with sufficient powers from their community, to consent, in 
 their name, to what he and his council should require of them. As it is a most 
 equitable rule, said he, in his preamble to this writ, that what concerns all should 
 be approved of by all, and common dangers repelled by united efforts ; a noble 
 principle, which may seem to indicate a liberal mind in the king, and which laid 
 the foundation of a free and equitable government. After the election of these 
 deputies by the aldermen and common council, they gave sureties for their attend- 
 ance before the king and parliament. Their charges were respectively borne by 
 the borough which sent them; and they had so little idea of ap\3earing as legislators, 
 that no intelligence could be more disagreeable to any borough, than to find that 
 they must elect ; or to any individual, than that he was elected to a trust from 
 which no profit or honour could possibly be derived."^' To this parliament the 
 
 31 Hume. Engl. vol. ii. p. 274. 
 
118 
 
 borough of Beverley was summoned to send two representatives, who attended the 
 sessions of 1298, 1300, and 1302 ; after which, the burgesses possessed sufficient 
 influence to be relieved from the custom, until it became of less risk and greater 
 importance, about the year 1563. 
 
 Thus assisted by the voluntary benevolence of his subjects to an enormous 
 amount, for at this first parliament the barons gave him an eleventh part of their 
 annual income, the clergy a tenth, and the burgesses, with still greater liberality, 
 a seventh ; Edward raised an army of 30,000 foot, and 4000 horse ; and to make 
 security more sure, a patent was issued for bearing before the army into Scotland, 
 the famous standard of John of Beverley,^^ which, it appears, had been saved from 
 destruction when the church was in flames; a deputation, accompanied by a 
 strong party of soldiers, was duly authorized to remove the banner with all- 
 suitable solemnity, and the honour of carrying it, on this occasion, was conferred 
 on one of the vicars of Beverley, called Gilbert de Grymesby,^^ who received eight- 
 pence halfpenny per diem for his wages. The superstitious soldiers, inspirited by 
 the presence of this consecrated ensign, bore down all before them; gained the 
 victory in every conflict, and forced the Scots to accept of the most humiliating 
 terms of peace. Edward brought with him into England the palladium of Scottish 
 liberty, and returned to his metropolis in triumph, with the king of Scotland as a 
 captive in his train. 
 
 At the close of this year, the king paid a visit to lord Wake, and spent his 
 Christmas, with great gaiety, at Cottingham. 
 
 A parliament was held at York in 1298, and the Scottish nobility were sum- 
 moned to attend. They refused; and the assembly determined on a renewal of 
 hostilities, to punish their contumacious disobedience. Edward commanded the 
 people of Beverley, and of other parts of Yorkshire, to assemble at Alverton, about 
 Candlemas, with horses and arms;*^ and issued orders for a general muster of his 
 army at York, in the following April, resolving to take a signal vengeance on the 
 Scots, for their breach of faith. But this warlike people, though once defeated, 
 were not finally subdued. Their national spirit soon placed them in a condition 
 to hurl defiance at their conqueror, and the celebrated William Wallace appeared 
 in the field, at the head of a formidable army, to assert the independence of Scot- 
 land, and rescue the martial character of its inhabitants from a dishonourable 
 
 «2 Rot. Pat. 24 Edw. I. 33 Rym. Foed. torn ii. p. 732. Prynne. Ant. Const. Angl. vol. iii. p. 667 
 
 3^ Madox. Exch. vol. ii. p. 219. 
 
119 
 
 imputation. But nothing could suppress the zeal and activity of the English king. 
 His preparations were conducted on a most magnificent scale. To secure a supply 
 of soldiers, well disciplined, and prepared against any emergency, he made an 
 ordinance for arming the whole population of England, and prescribed the different 
 sorts of armour, both offensive and defensive, with which every person was expected 
 to be provided, according to his rank and substance. And that the letter of the 
 act might be strictly complied with, it was further ordered, that proper officers be 
 appointed, with powers to make search in every house, for the purpose of ascer- 
 taining whether the arms were kept in due order, and ready for service ; and to 
 make their report periodically to the justices of the peace.^^ 
 
 The dispute was again settled by a single battle, and at Falkirk the English 
 gained a complete and decisive victory. In the succeeding year, another parliament 
 was summoned at York, from whence Edward proceeded in triumph to Scotland, 
 to secure his conquests; and having finally reduced the Scottish nation to sub- 
 mission, a patent was issued for replacing the standard of Saint John, which was 
 formally deposited, by its distinguished bearer, Gilbert de Grymesby, with every 
 mark of veneration and respect, in the presence of the victorious monarch, who 
 visited Beverley for this especial purpose, in the month of November, 1299.'^ 
 
 This royal visit appears to have been of essential service to the town. Proper 
 representations were doubtless submitted by the canons, of the desolate state of 
 their church, now a heap of ruins ; and its former extent and magnificence would 
 be eagerly pointed out to this wise and prudent monarch, who probably recom- 
 mended its re-edification; for he had already granted a charter to the church, 
 confirming all its former privileges and immunities;" and given to the canons a 
 patent, enabling them to raise a volimtary contribution for this purpose,^* A re- 
 commendation from a potent monarch, in the arms of victory, has the nature of a 
 command; and great preparations were from this time made for rebuilding the 
 fabric. Donations poured in from all quarters, which, added to the accumulations 
 arising from former grants, enabled the canons to accomplish their purpose. The 
 king had also granted to them corrodies, or allowances for providing his servants 
 with meat, drink, and other necessaries, in case his visits should be repeated;" 
 which forms decisive evidence of his perfect satisfaction with the canons, and his 
 
 33 strutt. Man. & Cust. vol. ii. p. 43. ^e Rot. Pat. 29 Edw. I. 
 
 '' Rot. Chart. 25 Edw. I. « Rot Pat. 25 Edw. I. 
 
 39 Inquis. Post. Mort. 25 Edw. I. 
 
120 
 
 intention of honouring them again with his presence. The building now com- 
 menced auspiciously, and proceeding with equal rapidity and spirit, the choir was 
 soon finished, in its present style of architectural beauty ; with the exception of 
 the east window, which was probably added about the 15th century. On the 29th 
 of May, 1300, the king again entered Beverley, with a large and splendid train, 
 giving, by his presence, a new impulse to the work ; and granted a free pardon to all 
 fugitives who had taken sanctuary at Beverley, and had voluntarily followed him 
 to the Scottish wars.^° 
 
 The ecclesiastical interests at Beverley appear to have been generally benefitted 
 by the royal visit. At this time, John de Hightemede, William Liketon, and 
 Henry Weighton, gave some land, near the chapel of Saint Helen, at Beverley, 
 which adjoined the old church, to the Franciscan friars, for the purpose of erecting 
 a monastery, which was immediately commenced.^' The master and brethren of 
 Saint Giles's hospital found themselves much inconvenienced for want of a garden, 
 and a small portion of land, for the use of the establishment, and the king, in 
 council, had passed a general statute of mortmain, which precluded the possibility 
 of alienating land to these institutions, except by royal licence. The peculiarity of 
 their situation was pointed out, and the monarch graciously gave them a licence 
 for alienation; and Robert Roos de Hamlake exchanged an oxgang of land at 
 Wartre, for three acres adjoining the hospital of Saint Giles, at Beverley, which 
 he appropriated in mortmain, for the use of the establishment.^* 
 
 It is impossible to conjecture how far such kind of records as the following, may 
 be deemed interesting. They occur very frequently in the materials, and a spe- 
 cimen is purposely introduced at the conclusion of this chapter, although it is 
 evident that the omission of such private documents as do not tend to illustrate 
 any general principle, will not be esteemed a blemish in the work. Dionysius de 
 Monte Caniso held at this time, in Beverley, an annual rent of 22d. which was 
 accounted for to Adam LuUeman, for certain tenements held of the archbishop of 
 York, on the tenure of doing suit and service at his court at Beverley, twice a 
 year.*** Robert Pykering gave to the chapter of Saint John of Beverley, eight newly 
 built shops in that town.^^ A curious patent was issued in 1306, for arresting false or 
 assumed procurators,^' who had employed themselves in collecting voluntary contri- 
 
 ^0 Rot. Pat. 30 Edvv. I. ^i Lei. Itin. vol. i. p. 40. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 8. 
 « Inquis. Post. Mort. 32 Edvv. I. "^ Placit Abbrev. 33 Edw. I. 
 
 44 
 
 Inquis. Post. Mort. 34 Edw. I. ^5 Rot. Pat. 35 Edw. I. 
 
121 
 
 butions in different parts of the country, under the pretext of applying the amount 
 towards the repairs of Beverley minster; and succeeded in levying considerable 
 sums, which they converted to their own use ; a clear proof that impositions were 
 practised on the community, in these times, for fraudulent purposes; and it is 
 highly probable that the credulity of the English people was as characteristic then, 
 as it is at present. We know that open crime was much more prevalent at this 
 period of ignorance and partial civilization, when the gentry, the citizens, and 
 burgesses, had little learning of any kind,^® and the monarchs themselves scarcely 
 possessed the power of enforcing an observance of the laws, or of punishing the 
 most notorious malefactors f but it is only by such casual notices as the present, 
 that we can form a competent idea of their perfection in the more polished arts of 
 dissimulation and concealed imposture. Edward had effected much towards 
 restraining crime, by his activity and improved method of administering justice f^ 
 but still the country swarmed with restless spirits, whom no honour could bind, 
 no laws could restrain. An instance of this occurred at Beverley, which may be 
 here recorded. A notorious malefactor, named John de la More, had made his 
 escape from prison, while under sentence of death at York, and came to the town 
 of Beverley, probably for sanctuary. It should appear, however, that he was re- 
 cognized without the prescribed limits, for Thomas Jarwell, one of the vicars, with 
 two other clergymen, and a posse of the inhabitants, took him, after a desperate 
 resistance, and delivered him over to the sheriff.*^ 
 
 At the close of his long and prosperous reign, Edward once more honoured the 
 town of Beverley with his presence, and was joyfully received by its loyal and 
 grateful inhabitants. He was attended by his court, and transacted public business 
 in the town. A patent was granted to the earl of Lincoln, under the king's private 
 seal, dated Beverley, July 22nd, 1306;'° the charters of the burgesses were in- 
 spected at his court, and he subsequently confirmed all the liberties and immunities 
 which former kings had granted and conveyed.*' 
 
 -•e Aubrey MSS» in Ashra. Mus. Oxf. ^r Robertson. Scotl. b. 1. 
 
 ^8 Vid. Spelra. Gloss, v. Justiciarius. ^^ Placit. Abbrev. 1 Edw. II. 
 
 «o Rym. Faed. torn. ii. p. 1004. 
 
 5' Rot. Chart, 35 Edw. 1. Corp. Rec. 8. D. 11 Ap. 35. Edw. I. Attested by William, lord 
 bishop of Coventry and Litchfield; John, lord bishop of Carlisle; Henry de Laci, earl of Lincoln; 
 Guy de Beauchamp, earl of Warwick; John de Bretagne, earl of Richmond, and others. Given 
 by the king's own hand, at Carlisle. 
 
122 
 
 iS^Jap* J^^* 
 
 Provosfs court — House of Black Friars erected — Writ to arrest false procurators 
 ^ — War with Scotland renewed — Commission of array — Suburbs of York burnt 
 — Archbishop of York vanquisJied by the Scots — Soldiers raised at Beverley 
 — Church of Saint Mary endowed — Decoration of the Minster — Commission 
 of array — Town of Beverley reluctant to provide the stipulated number of 
 soldiers for the Scottish wars — Edward III. visits Beverley — The bailiffs of 
 Beverley pay a fine to the king to be released from the conscription — Naval 
 armament — Extensive trade of Beverley — Donations to the church — Pardon 
 to Grithmen at Beverley — Invasion of the Scots — Vanquished by the arch- 
 bishop of York — Humility of the inhabitants of Beverley during the conflict. 
 
 Edward II. succeeded his father to the throne, and found the kingdom well 
 provided with every thing necessary to maintain its pre-eminence abroad, or its 
 tranquillity at home, and had he possessed the talents and virtues of his father, 
 England would have been advanced during his reign, to the highest pinnacle of 
 glory. The late monarch, by his prudence and perseverance, had succeeded in 
 permanently uniting the principality of Wales to the crown of England ; and left 
 the preparations for reducing Scotland also, in such a favourable train, that a 
 small portion of spirit and firmness would have sufficed to accomplish this arduous 
 undertaking, which appeared so desirable for securing the peace and tranquillity 
 of the whole island. At the commencement of his reign, Edward secured the 
 alliance of France, by a marriage with Isabella, the king's daughter, and seems' 
 to have been desirous of completing the designs of his warlike father, respecting 
 the entire subjugation of Scotland. He issued precepts for raising and manning 
 a competent navy, and strengthened his funds by renewing and confirming the 
 borough charters. 
 
 In the first year of his reign, Robert le Constable, rector of Foston, appeared^ 
 in the provost's court at Beverley, before the bailiffs there, to recover possession of 
 
123 
 
 a messuage in Beverley, with the appurtenances, which had been illegally detained 
 by Herbert de Sutton.' There appears to have been at this period, instances of 
 perversion of justice in the provost's court, which, on some occasions, elicited the 
 strongest expressions of public censure. Thus, in 1309, a writ was addressed by 
 the king to the bailiffs of this court, accusing them of injustice and partiality, in 
 the decision of a litigated cause, between Richard de Seton and William de Brid- 
 deshale, respecting the possession of a cottage ; and commanding them to restore 
 the property to its rightful owner.'^ 
 
 In 1310, the king granted a charter of confirmation and inspeximus, securing 
 to the provost his right to thraves of corn throughout the East-riding.^ About this 
 time, a house of black or preaching friars, was founded in Beverley, by a person 
 named Goldsmith f and a piece of ground, to erect a house upon, was assigned to 
 them by Thomas de Holm, containing in length, 237 feet, and in breadth, 120 
 feet f and three years afterwards it was confirmed to them by royal patent.^ All 
 these grants, patents, and institutions, were calculated to confer additional weight 
 and stability on the town, now rapidly advancing to celebrity as a wealthy and 
 populous place. 
 
 At this period, the system of collecting money under false pretences, was again 
 commenced on a scale of increased magnitude, notwithstanding the statute of the 
 late reign ; and a band of impostors, who appear to have acted in concert, feigning 
 themselves to be messengers and procurators of the chapter of Saint John of 
 Beverley, made large collections of money and goods, in several parts of England, 
 Wales, and Ireland, under colour of applying the produce towards the repairs of 
 the minster. It was soon discovered, however, that their intentions were fraudulent, 
 and that the benevolence of the public was appropriated to their own use. The 
 case being laid before the king in council, letters-patent were issued to all sheriffs, 
 bailiffs, and others, strictly commanding that all such feigned procurators should 
 be arrested, and required to give an account of their pretended mission ; and that 
 all monies in their possession should be applied to the use for which it had been 
 collected .'^ 
 
 ' Rot. Origc. 1 Edw. IT. « i^id. 3 Edw. II. 
 ' Corp. Rec. Sep. 7. 4 Edw. II. 9 A. Inquis. ad quod dam. 3 Edw. II. Rot. Pat. 4 Edw. II. 
 
 '» Lei. Itin. vol. i, p. 40. 
 ^ Inquis. ad^uod dam. 2 Edw. II. « Rot. Pat. 5 Edw. II. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 7. 
 ' Rot. Pat. 4 Edw. II. Rym. Foed. torn. iii. p. 248. 
 
 R 2 
 
124 
 
 The versatile and inconstant disposition of the king-, encouraged the Scots once 
 more to revolt, and with Robert Bruce at their head, they appeared in the field, 
 and gained some advantages over the small army that was opposed to them. But 
 when they advanced towards the borders, and threatened an irruption into England* 
 the king was roused, and resolved to make a vigorous effort, and crush them by 
 a single battle. He assembled his army from all quarters ', purchased the assistance 
 of the Irish, the Welsh, and even the Flemings, who joined the English army in 
 expectation of plunder; and his united forces amounted to 100,000 fighting men. 
 He took up his quarters at Beverley for a short time, during his march into the 
 north f and while there, he granted a pass, or writ of safe conduct, to Alexander 
 Conyers, to proceed to Ireland or Scotland f and also for a ship called Saint 
 Mary Bot, to proceed from Beverley, with her crew and passengers, for Scotland.^*^ 
 All these mighty preparations, however, came to nothing, for want of activity and 
 decision on the part of the monarch; and the army, disproportionate as it was, 
 suffered the disgrace of a total defeat at Bannockburn, by a handful of Scottish 
 soldiers, under the able and judicious conduct of the brave Robert Bruce ; which 
 restored to Scotland her pristine rank and consequence as an independent kingdom. 
 The king fled to York, and called a parliament, to advise how to proceed in this 
 lamentable crisis, for Bruce had threatened to pursue him to his own metropolis. 
 Nothing could be done; the panic which had infused itself amongst his soldiers, 
 after having sustained a loss of 50,000 men in one battle," was too overwhelming 
 to permit them soon to face the victorious army, with the necessary confidence of 
 success. Bruce pursued his advantage, and penetrated into the north of England; 
 and it was famine, and not the sword, which drove him back into his native country. 
 
 In 1315, the king granted a charter to the church at Beverley, of free warren 
 in South-Dalton, North-Burton, Middleton, Lockington, Walkington, Leven, Wel- 
 wick, Wilketon, Boston, Firmer, Rydings, and Singlesham ; and also a fair at the 
 latter place.'^ In the same year, William Melton, provost of Beverley, was elevated 
 to the see of York, but did not receive consecration till two years afterwards ; and 
 the custody of the manors of Beverley and Ripon was committed by the king to 
 Simon de Driby, during the vacancy, to hold at the royal pleasure, at an annual 
 rent of £350.'^ The temporalities were restored to the archbishop immediately 
 after his consecration.'^ 
 
 » Rot. Scot. Ap. 7. 1314. ^ Hot. Scot. 7 Edw. II. '" Ibid. '' Buchanan. 
 »2 Rot. Cart. 8 Edw. II. J^ Rq^. Orig. 9 Edw. II. " Abbrev. Placit. 1 1 Edw. II. 
 
125 
 
 The king- still continued his preparations for retrieving" his losses in the north, 
 and in the year 1316, we again find him at Beverley, issuing" orders for arming" 
 the whole population of Yorkshire and Northumberland, between the ages of sixteen 
 and sixty ;'^ and appointing officers to see that his commands were carried into 
 execution.'® In 1318, he issued precepts to every city and borough throughout 
 England, commanding his officers to raise an army of foot soldiers, well armed 
 and accoutred, for an expedition into Scotland ; and the quota assigned to the town 
 of Beverley, was 30 men, which the bailiffs were ordered to raise without delay.'* 
 Early in 1319, the king again visited Beverley, from whence he issued his com- 
 mands, that the whole population of the kingdom, between the ages of twenty and 
 sixty, should be armed, to resist the threatened invasion of the Scots.'^ From hence 
 he proceeded to York, and commanded the courts to be removed thither, and the 
 judges of the King's Bench to attend.'^ He appointed commissioners for every 
 district in the county of York, to superintend the arming of all able-bodied men 
 between the two specified ages, and to determine on the different species of armour 
 offensive and defensive, which should be the best suited to each. The commissioners 
 for the borough of Beverley, were Richard de Burton and William de Rolleston.'" 
 His army being at length organized, the king marched into the nc«'th, and laid 
 siege to Berwick. 
 
 But while Edward wasted his time in preparation, Murray, the Scottish general, 
 was on the alert, and no sooner had Edward sat down before Berwick, than 
 hastily marching by another route, he penetrated to York, and burned the suburbs 
 of the city. At this period, archbishop Melton, the late provost of Beverley, " a 
 reverend, grave divine, but a young soldier, more for the indignity of the affront, 
 than any hopes of success, took up arms, and assembled such forces as he could 
 raise; composed of clergymen, monks, canons, and other spiritual men of the 
 church, with a confused heap of husbandmen, labourers, artificers, and tradesmen, 
 in all to the number of 10,000. These able soldiers had as experienced commanders^ 
 the archbishop and the bishop of Ely, lord Chancellor, being the leaders of these 
 warlike troops, much fitter to pray for the success of a battle, than to fight it. 
 This formable army, breathing nothing but revenge, followed the Scots, but they 
 did not follow the proverb, to build a bridge for a flying enemy y and overtook them 
 
 '« Rot. Scot. 7 Sep. 10 Edw. II. '« Rot. Scot. 15 Sep. 10 Edw. II. 
 
 " Rot. Scot. 12 Aug. 12 Edw. II. !« Rot. Scot. 6 Jan. 12 Edw. II. 
 
 >9 Ryley. Placit Pari. p. 564. 20 Rot. Scot. 6 Nov. 13 Edw. II. 
 
126 
 
 at Myton-upon-Swale, about eleven miles from York. The Scotch army, finding- 
 themselves pursued, drew up on the other side of the river in battalia. Then they 
 set fire to some haystacks which were upon the place ; the smoke of which, driving 
 with a brisk wind in the faces of the English as they passed the river, so blinded 
 them that they could not see the enemy ; who came down in good order upon 
 them, and without any great resistance entirely routed them. There were slain 
 and drowned of the English above 2000, some say, 4000 ; the rest, with their 
 generals, made great haste back to the city. In this conflict fell Nicholas 
 Flemming, then mayor of York, who had headed up his citizens to the battle ; 
 there were taken prisoners, sir John de Pabeham, knight, lord William Ayrmine, 
 and several others. Here was such a fall of the priesthood, that the English, says 
 Buchanan, called this fight, for a long time after, the white battle."^' 
 
 In 1322, the king, after having conciliated the barons, held a parliament at 
 York, which granted him a large subsidy to further his designs against the Scots ; 
 and his precepts issued to the sherifl's of counties and cities, and the bailiffs of 
 boroughs, to raise men, and send them, properly armed, with sufficient stores of 
 provisions to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, were couched in very peremptory terms. ^^ A 
 commission of this nature was directed to Richard Rice and William de RoUetson, 
 commanding them to raise, in every town and place within the liberties of Beverley, 
 all the effective men between the ages of sixteen and sixty, each being duly 
 arrayed according to his estate ; and being divided into companies of 100 and 20 
 respectively, to appear at York with them on an appointed day, to act against the 
 Scots.^' The projected expedition was again unsuccessful, and this ill-starred 
 monarch was once more obliged to retire into his own country, vanquished by the 
 superior activity and discipline of his hardy opponents. 
 
 In the 16th year of his reign the king gave to the burgesses of Beverley, an 
 inspeximus, establishing their right to an exemption from toll throughout the 
 realm, the city of London only excepted, and confirming the charter of Edward I.^^ 
 
 In 1324, a royal patent was granted to Robert de Scorburgh, enabling him to 
 found and endow a chantry in the chapel of Corpus Christi within his house at 
 Beverley f^ and he made a fine with the king of 100 shillings, that he might assign 
 
 «' Drake. Ebor. pi 100. 22 Madox. Excheq. vol. i. p. 383. 23 ibid. vol. ii. p. 1 11. 
 " Corp. Rec. 9 B. 4 March, 16 Edw. II. Dated at Knaresborough, and attested by Thomas 
 de Brotherton, earl of Norfolk and marshall of England; Hugh le De Spencer, the younger ; 
 Richard D'armory, steward of the king's household, and others. 
 
 25 Rot. Pat. 17 Edw. II. 
 
127 
 
 in mortmain a layman's fee in Beverley and Etton to a chaplain, for the purpose 
 of performing- the usual divine services in his newly founded institution.'^^ At this 
 time, Nicholas Cave and Christiana his wife, of Beverley, possessed a messuage, 
 a wind-mill, and eight oxgangs of land in Brantyngham and North Cave ; a 
 house, with twelve oxgangs of land, in the parish of Middleton ; and a substantial 
 messuage, with ten oxgangs of land, in Beverley and Molescroft." Richard de 
 Scorburgh held messuages and lands in Beverley and Etton for the benefit of a 
 chantry priest in Beverley, to whom the annual profits were assigned.^* And 
 David de Strabolgi, earl of Athol, and Joan, his wife, possessed property in 
 Beverley, consisting of lands, tenements, and rents.^^ 
 
 In the year 1325, an arrangement was made for endowing the church of Saint 
 Mary, and elevating it into a parochial establishment. On the 4th of May, 
 Robert de Northburgh, prebendary of the prebend of Saint Martin ; and Nicholas 
 de Siglesthorne, vicar of the chapel of Saint Mary, submitted themselves to the 
 award and decree of William de Melton, archbishop of York, concerning the 
 portion as well of the vicar as of the prebendary, and the following ordinances 
 were made binding on them and their successors. First, that the altar and chapel 
 of Saint Mary be used for the performance of the sacred services of religion for 
 ever ; that the vicar shall have the cure of souls, and be at the presentation of the 
 said prebendary, and be canonically admitted by the archbishop when the see is 
 full, and in its vacancy by the dean and chapter of York. Secondly, the vicarage 
 shall have these portions, viz : the tithes of all crofts and lands and gardens within 
 the town of Beverley, which belonged to the prebend of Saint Martin, or his 
 chapel of Saint Mary j all the customary fees for marriages and burials ; the tithe 
 of eggs, geese, ducks, fowls, pigeons, and pigs ; the tithe of wool and lamb, goats 
 and calves, and the oblations of principal festivals as far as they may be lawfully 
 claimed by the prebendary or the vicar. The prebendary and his successors were 
 also commanded to allow the vicar five marks per annum. In consideration of 
 these profits the vicar of Saint Mary was bound to provide two chaplains to 
 celebrate divine service daily, one at the altar of Saint Martin, and the other in 
 the chapel of Saint Mary ; and to be present with his priests in a regular habit in 
 all processions of the prebendal church of Beverley, whether on Sundays or 
 
 29 Rot. Orig. 17 Edw. II. " Inquis. Post. Mort. 16 Edw. II. 
 Inquis. ad quod. damn. 17 Edw. II. ^9 Inquis. Post. Mort. 1 Edw. III. 
 
128 
 
 festivals. This decree was confirmed by the king in the year 1329/° and by the 
 dean and chapter of York, 17 June, 1335." 
 
 The murder of the king-, and the accession of his son, a youth of only fourteen 
 years of age, were events which appeared favourable for a Scottish invasion ; and 
 the king of that country did not fail to take advantage of the present aspect of 
 affairs, but marched an army of 25,000 men, under the command of Murray and 
 Douglas, two experienced generals, across the border, and sat down before the 
 city of Carlisle/^ The Scots had formed a false estimate of the valour and spirit 
 of the youthful monarch ; for his character was decidedly the reverse of that of his 
 father. Brave, ardent, and indefatigable, he rejoiced in the opportunity thus 
 gratuitously afforded him of gratifying his thirst for martial glory, and displaying 
 his courage in the field. He fixed his head quarters at York, with the determina- 
 tion of raising a gallant army, and convincing the Scottish monarch of his mistake. 
 Precepts were issued throughout the kingdom to all sheriffs, bailiffs, and other 
 officers to send up men to the army without delay ; and the bailiffs of Beverley 
 were commanded, on forfeiture of body and goods, to lead, themselveSf " by day 
 and night" until they joined the army intended to act against the Scots, all the 
 able bodied men within their liberties, properly armed and provided ; and to tax 
 every person who was not able to bear arms, towards defraying the expenses of 
 those who were engaged in actual service.^^ The young king also engaged the 
 assistance of the celebrated John of Hainault, who brought over with him an army 
 of 2000 foreigners. Thus provided, Edward took the field with great alacrity, 
 hoping to bring the contest to the decision of a battle. But the Scots appear to 
 have lost their wonted courage by the vigour and activity of his proceedings, and 
 at his approach, they sounded a retreat. Edward sent the veteran Scottish 
 generals a formal challenge to meet him in the field, but this the wary Scots 
 declined, and returned by hasty marches into their own country, leaving the track 
 of their course visible by burned villages, and other marks of barbarian devastation. 
 Edward was obliged, in great chagrin, to disband his army without having had 
 an opportunity of displaying his military talent, or his personal courage in the 
 field of battle. 
 
 so Rot. Orig. 3 Edw. III. 
 
 "feEx Reg. W. Melton Archiep. Ebor. an. 13J7 to 1340. I. p. 66. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. 
 VIII.;^fo. 47. ^ ^ 
 
 »« Rym. Feed. torn. iv. p. 296. ss Rot. Scot. 1 Edw. III. 
 
129 
 
 It appears highly probable that about the year 1329, the painted windows and other 
 decorations were introduced into the choir of the minster, for a patent was now granted 
 investing certain persons with the charge and responsibility of the fabric and painted 
 windows of the church f* and these persons made a fine with the king for the con- 
 firmation of former charters;'* and a further patent was issued by the king in council, 
 confirming all the rights of the church, whether in lands or tenements, fisheries, rents, 
 or any other goods, profits or advantages whatsoever.*^ A patent was also granted 
 to the provost and canons in the next year, confirming their right to thraves of 
 corn within the wapentake of Holderness." In 1332, a charter of confirmation 
 was granted to the borough,^* for which the burgesses paid a fine to the king of two 
 marks f^ in the same year, a patent was issued for the chapter of the collegiate 
 church ;^° and Robert de Pykering, clerk, gave to the same chapter two messuages 
 and three acres of land for the benefit of one of their chaplains.^* 
 
 A dispute having arisen in Scotland respecting the lawful heir to the throne, 
 Edward Baliol, one of the competitors, secretly stipulated with the English king, 
 that on condition of establishing a secure title to the crown by his assistance, he 
 would engage to hold the kingdom of Scotland in homage. This stipulation 
 fanned the embers of the youthful Edward's love of military glory into a flame, 
 and he prepared, without hesitation, to complete the performance of his contract. 
 He issued writs for training and arming horse and foot soldiers within the northern 
 counties ; and to collect together all effective men between sixteen and sixty years 
 of age. Richard Dousyng, Adam Cupendale, and Adam Tyrwhit were appointed, 
 jointly and severally, to array and train to arms all men within the liberties of 
 Beverley; to send within three days, under the command of Adam Cupendale and 
 Adam Tyrwhit, fifty hobelars and fifty foot soldiers, whether expert archers or 
 not ; and to train all other men, within the specified ages, to be ready to march on 
 the shortest notice.''^ The king, having thus furnished himself with a small army, 
 well provided, laid siege to Berwick without delay. It should appear that the 
 expected detachment from Beverley did not join him, in obedience to his writ, 
 for Adam de Cupendale abandoned the command, and Thomas de Holm was 
 appointed in his place, to train the population of Beverley to arms f^ and he was 
 
 34 Rot. Pat. 3 Edw. III. 3., Rot. Orig. 3 Edw. III. ^e Rot. Pat. 3 Edw. III. 
 3^ Rot. Pat. 4 Edw. III. 38 Corp. Rec. 14 Dec. 6 Edw. III. 10 A. 
 39 Rot. Orig. 6 Edw. III. 10 Rot. Pat. 6 Edw. III. *^ Inquis. ad quod dam. 6 Edw. III. 
 « Rot Scot. 12 May. 7 Edw. III. "^ ibid. 2 June. 7 Edw. III. 
 
 S 
 
130 
 
 commanded to furnish the fifty horse and fifty foot soldiers from Beverley without 
 further delay, and to send them to Richmond and Northallerton, to act against the 
 Scots.^* A writ of exemption was also issued in favour of John Cupendale, 
 merchant, of Beverley, who was liberated from all military engagements, and 
 allowed to go on a voyage into foreign parts, for which he had obtained a licence 
 from the king.**' The people of Beverley appear to have been averse to meeting 
 the king's wishes on this subject, for the men were not yet sent, and Edward daily 
 expected an attack from the Scottish army to raise the siege of Berwick. Im- 
 patient of delay, he issued another writ, in which he accused the arrayers not only 
 of negligence and disobedience, but imputed their omission to peculation, and other 
 causes of a still baser nature; and threatened them with summary and signal 
 punishment, if they did not give their most earnest diligence and labour to send, 
 without further notice, the required fifty horse and fifty foot soldiers to his aid 
 against the Scots.''® This threat was decisive; the men were sent, and in the 
 month of July following, the king received the expected attack of the Scottish 
 army with great coolness and intrepidity. In this action he efi*ectually vindicated 
 the national honour, which had been tarnished by his unfortunate parent ; and the 
 Scots were entirely routed, with the loss of Douglas their leader, and 30,000 men 
 slain on the field of battle; while the English sustained a loss of only fifteen 
 persons.*^ The Scottish nobility, on this signal defeat, were reduced to the 
 galling alternative of relinquishing their possessions, or swearing fealty to the 
 English monarch. They adopted the latter ; Baliol was acknowledged king of 
 Scotland,^* and the contest between the two kingdoms appeared to be for ever 
 finished. 
 
 Edward summoned a parliament to meet him at York in the following Febru- 
 ary,*^ and on his return in May, he made a short stay at Beverley.^'' The aspect 
 of affiiirs in Scotland had been deceitful ; the nobility could not be reconciled to a 
 king imposed by their inveterate enemy, and taking an early opportunity of 
 
 « Rot. Scot. 6 June, 7 Edw. III. « Ibid. 16 June, 7 Edw. III. 
 
 ^ Rot. Scot. 19 June, 7 Edw. III. "r Knighton, col. 2559. Hollins. Chron. vol. ii. p. 600. 
 
 4* Ex. Rot. penes Camer. Rym. Feed. torn. iv. p. 590. 
 
 ^^ Drake. Ebor. p. 105. To these parliaments ladies were sometimes summoned. Meliish's 
 Observations. Archaeol. vol. i. p. 348. In the 35th of the present reign, " Mary, countesse de 
 Norif.; Alienor, countesse de Ormond; Philippa, countesse de March; Agnes, countesse de 
 Pembrook ; and Katherine, countesse de Athol, were returned to parliament." Holand. Cur. 
 Disc. vol. i. p. 307. 
 
 50 Rym. Feed. torn. iv. p. 61 1. 
 
131 
 
 diseng-ag-in^ themselves from the yoke, they succeeded in reducing Baliol to great 
 straits. Edward, on hearing of these rebellious proceedings, resolved to assist his 
 vassal ; and gave orders for re-assembling his army, intending to punish the Scots, 
 whom he termed " enemies and rebels," with the greatest severity. On the 7th of 
 November, 1334, he commanded Richard Dousyng, Adam Tyrwhit, and Adam 
 Cupendale, to furnish fifty horse and fifty foot within the liberties of Beverley, as 
 before." Another writ was received by the same commissioners, directing them 
 to lead their men to Roxburgh, with provisions for fifteen days.*^ And again, 
 shortly afterwards, they were ordered to select fifty men within the fi'anchise of 
 Beverley, and to arm and send them to join the army under the command of the 
 earl of Cornwall.^^ Edward appears to have been fully determined to muster a 
 gallant army before he commenced his meditated attack on Scotland. He now 
 directed writs to the sheriffs and bailiffs of the counties, cities, and boroughs, to 
 ascertain what assistance might be derived from their exertions, now that his 
 arrayers had collected together all the men in their power, and with them had 
 joined the main army. The bailiffs of Beverley received a command to send 
 twenty horsemen to Newcastle-upon-Tyne;^* and a very short time afterwards, 
 they were honoured by a second royal mandate, to send up twelve horsemen, 
 in addition to the former number.*^ The people of Beverley, however, were 
 unable to raise this farther supply, and therefore appeared before the king at 
 York, and tendered a fine of forty marks that they might be excused from a 
 compliance with this requisition, which they found themselves utterly incompetent 
 to fulfil; and proposing also to furnish twenty archers, well armed and trained, 
 in lieu of the prescribed number of hobelars.^^ Their petition was acceded to, and 
 the consideration paid ; and three days afterwards another writ was issued, direct- 
 ing the bailiffs of Beverley to arm thirty hobelars forthwith, and send them to 
 the city of Carlisle." 
 
 The army was now complete, and ready to march against the Scots. The 
 soldiers passed the border in high spirits, hoping to terminate the war, as before, 
 by a single engagement. But the Scottish chiefs were afraid to hazard a pitched 
 
 51 Rot. Scot. 7 Nov. 8 Edw. III. 
 
 52 Rot Scot. 15 Dec. 8 Edw. III. ^s ibid. 23 Feb. 9 Edw. III. 
 
 54 Rot. Scot. 27 Mar. 9 Edw. III. 
 
 « Rot. Scot. 1 June, 9 Edw. III. ^e jbid. 3 June, 9 Edw. III. ^r ibid. 6 June, 9 Edw. III. 
 
 s 2 
 
132 
 
 battle in the field, because they knew, by experience, the superiority of English dis- 
 cipline and English courage, led on by such a king as Edward; and therefore retreated 
 at his approach, and sought shelter in their native fastnesses ; so that Edward, after 
 ravaging the country, was obliged to return without having been able to provoke the 
 Scots to an engagement. At his retreat, however, the natives, forsaking their hiding 
 places, again made war on their sovereign, and soon acquired possession of all the 
 places they had lost during the late predatory incursion, and the king of England 
 was under the necessity once more of making an attempt to subdue this refractory 
 people. His first object was to provide for the security of the northern districts, 
 as he conjectured that the Scots would probably make an irruption into England, 
 and waste the country by way of retaliation. For this purpose, he issued a precept 
 for arming and training defensible men for the protection of those parts which 
 were most exposed to the effects of a sudden invasion; and to the bailiffs of 
 Beverley was assigned the duty of providing sixty men.''* And having received 
 information that the Scots had fitted out a navy for the purpose of harassing the 
 towns and villages on the English coast, the sea-ports were now commanded to 
 furnish ships of war to oppose them at sea ; and to this naval armament the town 
 of Beverley sent one small ship, by the command of Thomas de Holm, Thomas 
 de Rise, John de Thornton Copendale, and Walter Frost, all gentlemen of 
 Beverley.*^ Edward again made his appearance in Scotland at the head of his 
 victorious army, and his vigilance was again eluded by the artifice of retiring to 
 mountains and barren wastes ; where the Scots sheltered themselves, and set the 
 power of England at defiance. An expected war with France now diverted the 
 king's attention to other objects, and he left the Scots for the present to pursue 
 their own policy undisturbed. 
 
 In 1338, we find the English again in Scotland, to support the unpopular 
 authority of Baliol, whose throne must have been a bed of thorns, for his principal 
 nobility entertained an invincible aversion to him, arising out of his connection 
 with the English. A writ was directed in this year to Richard Dousyng, com- 
 manding him to raise within the liberties of the chapter of Beverley, three hobelars, 
 two mounted archers, and the same number of archers on foot, all well clothed, 
 armed and provided, and to convey them to the army at Perth.^** 
 
 *» Rot. Scot. 3 Oct. 10 Edw. III. «9 Rot. Scot. 18 Dec. 1 Edw. III. 
 60 Ibid. 20 Oct. 12 Edw. III. 
 
133 
 
 During" the continuance of these public transactions, the inhabitants of Beverley 
 had not been inattentive to their own private interests. Its merchants carried on 
 a considerable foreign trade ; and the burgesses, through the medium of the fairs, 
 transacted their business on advantageous terms -, both were gradually advancing 
 to opulence, and their piety prompted them to apply a portion of it in the service 
 of religion. Thus Henry de Wyghton, merchant of Beverley, made a fine of 
 forty shillings with the king, for a licence, empowering him to assign certain 
 tenements with their appurtenances in Sigglesthorne, in mortmain.^^ Richard 
 de Melton, John de Wilton, and Robert de Shireburn, all of Beverley, executors 
 of the last will and testament of Nicholas de Hugate, made a fine with the king of 
 four marks, that they might have a licence to enable them to give and assign, in 
 mortmain, one messuage with the appurtenances, in York;^^ and at the same 
 time, Gilbert of Beverley fined thirty shillings for a licence to assign over in 
 mortmain, a certain tenement with the appurtenances, in Beverley .^^ The arch- 
 bishop of York procured from the king a confirmation of his liberties in Beverley 
 and Ripon f^ William de Bradley, of Beverley, gave to a certain chantry priest in 
 that town, five messuages and 4s. Id. rent, for the use of himself and his successors 
 for ever f^ and a patent was granted for the precentor of the collegiate church.^® 
 The Percy family, about this time, assigned some property to the vicars choral of 
 the church, in consideration of which, they bound themselves by indenture to pray 
 for the soul of the lady Eleanor Percy, lately deceased.®'^ About this time an 
 opulent gentleman of this town, called Robert de Beverley, was distinguished by 
 his majesty, and promoted to a confidential situation in the suite of his queen 
 Philippa ; and when he attended her on a visit to her native country, he received 
 royal letters of protection, countersigned by the queen herself.®* 
 
 A writ was issued by royal authority in 1342, offering a full and free pardon to all 
 fugitives and felons called grithmen,®^ who have taken sanctuary at Beverley, Ripon, 
 and other places, for offences and felonies committed before the feast of the Holy 
 
 «^ Rot. Orig. 10 Edw. III. 62 Ibid. 10 Edw. III. ^^ ibid. 10 Edw. III. 
 
 " Rot. Pat. 12 Edw. III. e** Inquis. adqnod dam. 12 Edw. HI. «« Rot. Pat. 14 Edw. III. 
 
 " Ex. MSS. Dodsw. Bibl. Bodl. Oxon. Ixxiv. fol. 146. ^s Ry^. poed. torn. v. p. 57. 
 
 69 Grithmen, were persons who had taken the stool of peace or sanctuary. In the charter of 
 king Athelstan to the church of Saint Wilfrid, at Ripon, the sedes pads is called the Grithstole. 
 
 « And within yair kyrke yate 
 « At ye Stan yat Grithstole hate," 
 
134 
 
 Triaity, providing' that, at their own proper cost and charges, they voluntarily arm 
 and place themselves at the disposal and under the command of Baliol, king of 
 Scotland, to assist him in fighting his battles against the rebellious barons/^ The 
 Scottish malcontents had now chosen David Bruce as their leader, and opposed 
 his pretensions to the crown against those of Baliol. This leader formed a reso- 
 lution, suggested most probably by the French monarch, to invade and ravage the 
 northern counties of England, during Edward's absence on the continent; and 
 summoning an army of 36^000 men, well armed and trained, he entered by the 
 eastern marches, in the year 1346, intending to take possession of Durham, and 
 leaving a strong garrison in that city, to proceed along the eastern coast by Beverley 
 to York. Bruce imagined that his progress would be unimpeded while the English 
 army was in France; for he had been told that none remained in England but 
 countrymen, shepherds, infirm old men, and the clergy; the rest being all in 
 attendance on the king at the siege of Calais. To defray their expenses, the Scots 
 proposed to lay an impost of a penny for every head and foot of each inhabitant, 
 as the price of his personal safety. Fire and sword marked the course of the in- 
 vading army, and, as it penetrated rapidly towards the south, Philippa, the heroic 
 consort of king Edward, issued peremptory orders to arm the population, whether 
 laity or clergy ; which was soon accomplished, under the active superintendence of 
 William de la Zouch, archbishop of York, lord Percy, and others. A gallant 
 army was assembled before the gates of York, and the queen headed it in person. 
 The second division was commanded by the archbishop, in which were found all 
 the clergy of the diocese who were able to bear arms. Meanwhile, orders were 
 given to the remaining clergy and others, at Beverley, Hull, and other places in 
 the south, to be prepared, in the event of a defeat, with arms, and every thing 
 necessary for a reinforcement. The armies met about three leagues south of 
 Durham. The Scots did not expect the appearance of such a force, and were 
 unprepared for immediate action. Sir William Douglas, with his clansmen, 
 formed the advanced guard, and the English fell on him with great fury, and soon 
 succeeded in driving this detachment upon the main body, and took their com- 
 mander prisoner. David prepared with all expedition to revenge this affront, 
 thinking it an easy matter to conquer an army of clerks and citizens, commanded 
 by a woman and a priest, He divided his army into battallions, and amidst the 
 
 Rym. FoBd. torn. v. p. 328. Rot. Scot. 15 July, 16 Edw. III. 
 
135 
 
 deafening" clangor of trumpets and clarions, marched with his whole force to the 
 engagement. The English, fighting for their altars and their homes, entered the 
 battle with a full resolution not to survive the loss of their freedom and native 
 rights ; and rushing with intrepid boldness on the enemy, after a desperate struggle, 
 forced them to give way, and seek for safety in a precipitate flight. Now the car- 
 nage became dreadful. The English pursued them with shouts of triumph, and 
 retaliated with severity their former wanton cruelties. In this battle David Bruce 
 was taken prisoner ; the flower of the Scottish nobility were either slain or captured ; 
 about a hundred of the choicest knights in Scotland lost their lives, and upwards 
 of 20,000 men perished in the contest. On the part of the English, the victory 
 was not obtained without the sacrifice of 4,000 private men, and five esquires. 
 
 The monks of Durham, who had been reduced to such straits, that they had 
 stipulated to pay down the sum of £1,000. for their security, and that of their 
 manors and tenants, if they were not relieved within four and twenty hours, heard 
 with joy that the queen was marching an army to their relief, and mounted the 
 tower of their church to behold the battle, and to pray for the success of their 
 friends. And when they saw the Scots give way and fly before the English army, 
 showers of tears, combined with shouts of joy, simultaneously burst from them, 
 and they offered up their thanks to God by singing a full Te Deum. 
 
 While this was passing, a sing-ular scene occujTed at Beverley. The ecclesiastics 
 of this place, arming themselves in compliance with the queen's command, appeared 
 in the market-place in a body, with naked feet, as an emblem of humility, and 
 bareheaded, in token of reverential awe, each having by his side, a sword, at his 
 back a quiver of arrows, and a bow in his hand ; imploring of God and his saints, 
 that the efforts of the queen might be successfully employed, in delivering the 
 people of England from the cruel enemy who sought their destruction. 
 
 The inhabitants of Beverley, aged men, women, and children, greatly affected 
 by this pious and magnanimous act of devotion, fell on their knees, and with tears 
 of contrition, humbly besought the Almighty to aid them in this dreadful extremity 
 of affliction. After they had thus poured out their souls to the Author of every 
 good, they vowed constancy to each other in this public cause, and mutually de- 
 termined to sacrifice their lives if necessary in defence of their native land." 
 
 '^' Knight de Even. Angl. 1. 4. MS. penes me. 
 
136 
 
 (JTJap. 1^. 
 
 Motives of pious men in devoting a portion of their goods to the church — Nave 
 of the minster erected — Endowments — Dispute between the tmvns of Beverley 
 and Hull, about tolls — Charter of Richard II. — Comparative importance of 
 the town of Beverley — Attack on the archbishop and his attendants, by the 
 mayor and bailiffs of Hull — The archbishop assigns Westwood to the bur- 
 gesses of Beverley — Enlargement and decoration of the minster church — Sanc- 
 tuary claimed — Some demagogues threaten to burn the town — The archbishop 
 forcibly expels the canons from their benefices — Litigation — Canons restored — 
 Bridge at Beverley built — Ordinance for tlie better government of the college 
 — Twelve governors appointed by charter — Ake^s chantry founded — Henry 
 IV. favours the town — Horrible punishments — Charters of Henry V. — In- 
 famous attempt at murder — Festivals ordained by royal authority on the 
 days of John of Beverley'' s death and translation — Charter of Henry VI. — 
 Dispute between Beve/rley and South-Cave — Dispute between Beverley and 
 Hull — Henry VI. visits Beverley — Several grants of that monarch enumerated 
 — Civil war. 
 
 The churches and monasteries, already abounding in wealth, were, by the 
 superstitious feelings of the age, continually receiving accessions of property, which 
 was bestowed by pious men, under the impression that they were thus rendering a 
 service to God, and securing the salvation of their souls. This was a weakness, 
 but it was not an unamiable one. To convey the means of creating a respect for 
 the ministers of religion, is a certain method of making religion itself esteemed 
 and practised ; and, on the contrai-y, any portion of obloquy heaped on the minister, 
 will indirectly affect the religion he professes, and overwhelm the sacred institution 
 with neglect and contumely. The highest dignitaries of the church, as well as the 
 most potent laymen, were not exempt from the influence of this feeling, which 
 was firmly rooted in their system of faith, and pervaded all orders and descriptions 
 of men. And we should pause before we consent to pass a sweeping censure on 
 
137 
 
 these religious customs and practices, how preposterous soever they may appear to 
 our improved ideas ; because, notwithstanding- the errors of the system, it preserved 
 an uniformity in the celebration of divine worship, which we in vain look for 
 amidst the diversity of religious sects into which Christianity is at present split 
 and divided. We have no reason to conclude, although religion was deformed 
 during the period of papistical domination, with many glaring and radical defects, 
 that its professors were devoid of piety, temperance, justice, or any of the genial 
 effects of vital religion. We have no just cause to condemn the mew, because the 
 system they professed had, in many instances, degenerated from its primitive purity. 
 They had been educated in a profound veneration for certain practices, and an 
 implicit devotion for certain artinles of faith, which we of the reformed church reject; 
 but this does not constitute any legitimate proof that they were void of true Christian 
 feelings, because, while it incited them, as a work of supererogation, to endow 
 monasteries, found chantries, or bequeath provisions for priests to perform masses 
 for the welfare of their souls, it kept them steady and uniform in the habitual 
 performance of all their religious duties. Can it be believed that the man of property, 
 who devotes a portion of his possessions to secure the welfare of his soul, is a hypo- 
 crite, and unimpressed with a belief that such masses are efficacious ? We may 
 charitably hope not. His motives were, doubtless, conscientious, though prompted 
 by a mistaken view both of the spirit and doctrines of Christianity. And it savours 
 more of pharisaical pride than sober religion, to arraign the piety of individuals, 
 who have distinguished themselves by a steady adherence to a system of faith and 
 practice, which they received from their forefathers, and which appeared to be 
 invested with the high sanction of primitive observance. Our ancestors believed 
 with as much sincerity that salvation could not be obtained without a strict obser- 
 vance of the rites and ceremonies of their religion, as our modern sectarists believe 
 that they can be saved in a church without a legitimate priest. 
 
 Considerable possessions in Beverley and Holderness were held in mortmain by 
 tliese establishments, and subsequent donations and bequests were periodically 
 increasing the amount. Edward I. foresaw the evils which must ultimately result 
 from an unlimited appropriation of lands to religious institutions, which could not 
 afterwards be alienated, and endeavoured to guard against it by passing the 
 statute of mortmain. But this was either set aside by the payment of fines when 
 individuals were disposed to convey their property to the church,' or evaded by the 
 
 ' Rot. Orig. Rot. Pat. passim. 
 
 T 
 
138 
 
 invention of uses.' Added to the immense property which has already been 
 recorded as belonging* to the church of Saint John, at Beverley, and other religious 
 establishments in the same town, we find that in the year 1346, John de Etton 
 assigned to Robert de Howm and another chaplain, five oxgangs of land in Etton 
 and Beverley.* The master of the Bedern, in Beverley minster had, at this time, 
 in the deanery of Yarborough, in the county of Lincoln, a rent of five shillings.'* 
 William de Bradele, of Beverley, gave twenty shillings for a licence to convey the 
 fee simple of certain lands and tenements in Beverley, to the commissioners 
 appointed to superintend the fabric of Saint John's church, to be applied solely to 
 the purpose of keeping it in a proper state of repair f and a patent was granted to 
 the ciistodes fahriciB enabling them to hold the premises thus assigned in mortmain.* 
 And to the same effect, John de Beverley, some years afterwards, alienated by 
 licence, certain tenements in the city of York, for the benefit of a chantry priest 
 and his successors.^ Peter Newton assigned divers portions of land, and several 
 tenements in Beverley and many other places, to the convent of Watton, near 
 Beverley.* John Bradmere de Wolfreton gave to the convent of Haltemprize, 
 near Beverley, three acres of land, and thirteen acres of meadow.^ These institu- 
 tions, though they were unable to alienate, could effect exchanges of property. The 
 monks of Selby abbey had lands in Beverley, which they exchanged for lands in 
 Erdeslaw, with John de Melsa, by consent of Amicia, his wife.'" 
 
 About this time, the nave of Beverley minster was erected," in its present style of 
 decorated architecture; the distinctive peculiarities of which, as first introduced during 
 the late reign, " are large pointed windows, divided into many lights, by mullions, 
 which branch out into flowing tracery, dividing the upper part of the window into 
 circles, lunettes, &c. ; a profusion of rich and delicate ornaments, particularly in 
 the capitals of the pillars, and the introduction of corbel heads, and figures of va- 
 rious kinds. We have no building in existence constructed entirely in this style, 
 but there are very few of our cathedral or conventual edifices without large portions 
 which must be referred to this class. There are many beautiful specimens of it to 
 
 * Hume. Engl. vol. ii. p. 322. ^ inquig. Post. Mort. 20 Edward III. 
 
 * Taxat. Eccles. P. Nich. IV. « Rot Orig. 26 Edw. III. e Rot. Pat. 26 Edw. III. 
 
 ' Inquis. Post. Mort. 51 Edw. III. » ibid. 21 Edw. III. » Ibid. 20 Edw. III. 
 
 '0 Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 389. 
 " Pugin's Specimens of Gothic Architecture, vol. i. p. 16. 
 
139 
 
 be seen in almost every part of the kingdom, and particularly in the nave and west 
 front of York minster, and the nave of Beverley minster."'^ 
 
 There must have existed in this reign, a greater partiality for the clergy than some 
 authors are willing to admit," although several statutes were passed to curtail the pa- 
 pal power in England,'^ which were not calculated to increase the popularity of that 
 order of men, because we find such numerous transfers of private property in their 
 favour, which may be considered as an undoubted proof that the ministers of religion 
 were generally respected. The rights of the archbishop of York in Beverley and 
 Ripon, were confirmed during this reign ;^^ Reginald de Brunne, and another, gave 
 to the master of the fabric of Saint John, certain messuages and rents, to be appli- 
 ed to the repairs of the church;"^ and a royal patent was granted in 1354, to the 
 master of Saint Nicholas's hospital, in Beverley."^ Walter de Spaigne, clerk, and 
 another, procured a licence from the king*, to assign two oxgangs of land in Beverley 
 and Walkington, to the sisters of the house of the blessed Mary, at Kinwald- 
 graves;'* and the chapter of Saint John of Beverley, assigned to Richard de 
 Ravenser, a certain piece of land near his house ;'^ which shews that such donations 
 to religious houses were not solely confined to the laity, and that the clergy were 
 as willing to give as to receive. Another instance of the same kind occurred at 
 Beverley in the succeeding year. William de la Set, chaplain, and William Rys, 
 by royal licence, for which n fee of twelve shillings was paid, assigned to Robert 
 de Ashton, vicar of Saint Mary's church, one messuage or tenement, to be enjoyed 
 by him and his successors, vicars of the same church, for ever.^° In 1360, the 
 provost of Beverley had an exemplification, enumerating and confirming his liberties 
 within his manors of Seton, Singlesham, and Great Monwyk, all in Holderness, 
 consisting of cognizance of plea, return of writs, unclaimed goods, stray cattle , 
 wrecks of the sea, and all other things which were due to him, either by charter 
 or prescription f^ and in the succeeding year, a patent was granted, appropriating 
 to him the church of W elwick ;" and another for his appendages, with liberty to 
 enclose or till his waste lands at pleasure.** 
 
 •2 Coltman's Short Hist. p. 42. 
 
 " Vid. Cotton's Abridg. of the Records. Hume. Eng. &c. »4 25, 27, and 38 Edw. III. 
 
 '* Rot. Pat. 12 Edw. III. 'c Inquis. ad quod dam. 27 Edw. Ill 
 
 »^ Rot. Pat. 28 Edw. III. '» Inquis Post. Mort. 29 Edw. HI. 
 
 " Inquis. ad quod dam. 49 Edw. III. *« Rot. Orig. 30 Edw. III. 
 
 «' Rot. Pat. 34 Edw. III. «* Ibid. 35 Edw. III. " ibid. 35 Edw. III. MS. penes me. 
 
 T 2 
 
140 
 
 A royal charter, dated 3 July, 1365, was granted to the burgesses, containing" a 
 confirmation of the hanshus, tolls, and several other liberties.^* In the next year, 
 Robert de Beverley, canon of Saint John's church, made a fine of fifteen pounds 
 with the king for a licence, enabling him to convey in mortmain, a tenement, with 
 the appurtenances, in North-Burton and Raventhorpe, to a certain chaplain and his 
 successors for ever." And John de Beverley, canon, and another, gave this chaplain 
 forty acres of land in the same parishes, which were confirmed to him and his suc- 
 cessors by patent.'® A patent was granted in 1371, to enquire into the state of the 
 provostship,^'^ when the statutes and ordinances were examined and corrected ; and 
 in the succeeding year another patent was issued, to enable John of Ravenshere, 
 to convey to his brother, Richard of Ravenshere, canon and provost of Beverley, 
 two parts of the manor of Bentley.'^® About this time a commission of array was 
 issued to Henry de Barton, Adam de Coppendale, John Tyrwhyt, and Thomas 
 Beverley, ordering them to raise speedily, in the town of Beverley, all the defensi- 
 ble men therein, and hoblers and archers, for the safety of the town ; and to provide 
 against an invasion of the enemy .^^ A certain chaplain of the chantry in Ecton 
 church, gave one mark for confirmation of an assignment which he had received 
 from William de Doncaster, lately the rector of Rothing Plumbia, of certain tene- 
 ments in Beverley.'" Richard de Ravenshere, prebendary of the prebend of Saint 
 Martin's, gave half a mark for a licence that the canons and chapter of Saint John 
 might convey to him in mortmain, a certain piece of land, near his house, in Beck- 
 side,'' containing 180 feet in length and 40 feet in breadth, for a garden;" in 
 consideration of which, he agreed to assign to the canons other property of an 
 equal value. The exchange was confirmed by patent;'^ and after the land had 
 been conveyed to him according to law, the said Richard de Ravenshere made a 
 fine with the king of half a mark, for a confirmation of the letters-patent.^'' 
 
 The disputes which afterwards brought on a protracted litigation between the 
 towns of Beverley and Kingston-upon-HuU, appear to have commenced about 
 this period. The port of Beverley had carried on such a considerable trade, as 
 to leave an indelible mark of its foreign connexion in the name of one of its 
 
 24 Corp. Rec. 3 July, 39 Edw. III. IOC. «« Rot. Orig. 40 Edw. III. 
 
 26 Rot. Pat. 40 Edw. III. ^' Ibid. 45 Edw. III. 28 Ibid. 46 Edw. III. 
 
 «9 Corp. Rec. 12 March, 45 Edw. III. 10 D. «» Rot. Orig. 47 Edw. III. 
 
 »' Ex. Reg. Prsep. Bev. 1. 1. p. 29. 32 Rot. Orig. 49 Edw. III. ^3 Rot. Pat. 50 Edw. III. 
 
 34 Rot. Orig. 50 Edw. III. 
 
141 
 
 principal streets ; and its chartered privileges had been conceded and confirmed, 
 again and again, while the site of Kingston was but a marsh or swamp, and before 
 that prosperous town had a being. The river Hull was freely navigated by all vessels 
 belonging to the merchants of Beverley, and its productions of every kind were 
 theirs by delegation from the lord of the town, who held it by successive grants of 
 our Anglo-Saxon monarchs, ratified by charters of the Norman dynasty, which 
 swayed the sceptre of this island. Their rights in the river were never disputed ; 
 it was, as it were, their private property before the assumption of the rival port ; 
 which, as its strength and riches increased, monopolized privileges which were 
 sanctioned rather by silent acquiescence than by acknowledged right. The arch- 
 bishop of York, by virtue of his prescriptive privileges, claimed, in the new port of 
 Kingston, the right of tolls and other imposts there, as a part of his jurisdiction on 
 the river Hull ; and his claims were deemed so just and equitable by the com- 
 missioners, on several successive inquisitions, that they were uniformly allowed.'* 
 And these rights will appear to have been clearly established, from an act of 
 violence which we shall soon have to record, for truth needs not the aid of violence 
 to give it stability. At this time, it appears that the port of Hull made an 
 unsuccessful attempt to impose a rate or tax on the burgesses of Beverley, towards 
 building ships, probably for the public service of the nation ; thus indirectly 
 endeavouring to establish their superiority, and convert Beverley into a member 
 port. They stated in their petition, that the great expenses which they had 
 recently incurred had reduced them to poverty, and prayed to have the assistance 
 of the more opulent towns of York and Beverley, (les aut's bones villes du pays 
 come E v'wyk et Bev'ley.) The burgesses of Beverley appealed against the petition, 
 and letters-patent were granted, exonerating them from any such payments ; and 
 providing that neither themselves nor their successors, should be compelled, or 
 compellable, to contribute any impost towards the building or maintaining any 
 
 ^ In the pleas of Quo Warranto, we find that the archbishop, amongst other things, claimed 
 " ab antiquo here pimu tastu & p'mas empcoes de vinis & om'ibz aliis m'candisis venalibz 
 venientibz infra portu de Hull post p'sas d'ni R &c. And this claim was subsequently confirmed 
 by parliament, in two writs, the one addressed to Benedict de Fulsham, the king's butler, at 
 Kingstone-upon-Hull, dated 10th March, 1327; and the other addressed to Richard de la Pole, 
 and dated 17th July, in the same year. Rex, &c. Vobis adhuo mandamus, firmiter injungentes, 
 quod manum nostram de hujusmodi Prisis, in dicto portu de Hull, amoveatis, & praefatum W. 
 nunc archiepiscopum, prisas suas, in eodem portu, absque impedimento, habere permittatis, juxta 
 tenorem mandatorum nostrorura prasdictorum, (prout supra de Dat. 10 Mart.) Jure nostro in 
 omnibus semper salvo, volumus enim vos ind^ erga Nos exonerari. £x. Claus. 1 Edw. III. p. 2. 
 m. 18. Rym. Foed. tom iv. p. 299. 
 
142 
 
 ships, barges, or boats, with the men of King-ston-upon-Hull, at Hull; as they 
 were situated in a dry place, and at a distance from the sea.^® 
 
 At the latter end of the long and eventful reign of Edward III. an inquisition 
 was taken at Beverley, by which it appears that Thomas de Beverley, John Gis- 
 bourne, and others, held property in the town for the prior of Bridlington, and 
 that Richard de Ravenshere, and other clergymen, held in Beverley and North- 
 Burton, six messuages, two tofts, and six shillings rent, for the collegiate church." 
 And the last act of this puissant monarch's life, as far as it relates to Beverley, 
 was an inspeximus and confirmation of divers grants and immunities, by which 
 the burgesses were exempted from toll throughout all England, the city of London 
 alone excepted.^* 
 
 At the commencement of king Richard's reign, the provost of Beverley procured 
 an acknowledgment of all his rights and privileges, by a full confirmation of the 
 charter of Edward the Confessor, and all his other ancient charters ;^^ and a patent 
 was obtained by the chapter of Saint John, for imposing a toll for paving their 
 premises.^" At the same time the burgesses received a charter, establishing their 
 exemption from contributing to build ships, barges, or bateles, granted by his 
 grandfather, king Edward III. and discharging them particularly from the share 
 which they had been required to take with the town of Hull, towards building a 
 barge called Balyngenes, (a balynger) of between forty and fifty oars;'" but a 
 commission of array was issued to the towns of Beverley and Ripon, commanding 
 them to send soldiers to the army,^* 
 
 The town of Beverley had now assumed a considerable degree of importance, 
 and occupied the third or fourth rank amongst the principal towns in England. 
 While the feudal system was in its vigour, populous towns were not numerous, 
 and vassals were dispersed over the territories of the lord, for purposes which 
 might be congenial with his ambition or convenience, except in the immediate 
 vicinity of his castle, which was always the residence of numerous fierce and licen- 
 tious retainers. England, at this period, contained few towns whose population 
 exceeded 3,000 souls, and amongst these, Beverley occupied a respectable situation. 
 The city of London is rated at 35,000 souls; York, at 11,000; Bristol, 9,000; 
 
 36 Rot. Pat. 51 Edw. Til. Corp. Rec. 14 Feb. 51 Edw. III. 10 E. 
 
 3' Inquis. Post. Mort. 51 Edw. Ill ^s Corp. Rec. 14 Feb. 51 Edw. III. 10 F. 
 
 " Rot. Pat. 1 Rich. II. 40 jbid. 1 Rich. II. ^^ Corp. Rec. 11 Jan. 1 Rich. II. 11 A. 
 
 « Rymer. 1 Rich. II. 1378. 
 
143 
 
 Plymouth, 7,000; Coventry, the same; Norwich, 6,000; Lincoln, 5,000; Lynn, the 
 same number; Colchester, 4,500; Oxford, Beverley, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 
 each 4,000; Ely, Canterbury, and Bury, in Suffolk, each 3,500; and Gloucester, 
 Leicester, and Shrewsbury, each 3,000.^' Thus England had but two towns con- 
 taining" a population of more than 10,000 souls; six only with a population 
 exceeding 5,000 ; and but eighteen above 3,000. The town of Beverley was still 
 increasing, and although its trade subsequently became crippled by the supe- 
 rior local advantages enjoyed by the port of Hull, yet it never lost its distinctive 
 rank as the chief town in the East-riding of Yorkshire, but always preserved its 
 respectability of character, and kept its splendid ecclesiastical institutions from 
 sinking into oblivion. A charter was now granted to the burgesses, confirming 
 all the privileges conveyed by the numerous charters of former kings and arch- 
 bishops, dated 20 January, 1379/* 
 
 The town of Hull now began to contest the rights of Beverley on the river, which 
 its vessels had so long navigated in triumphant independence ; and the first object 
 was to nullify the archbishop*s claim to prisage, within the town and port. Some 
 suits at law were ineffectually prosecuted; and the archbishop still maintained his an- 
 cient privileges, confirmed to him, as they were, by charter and prescription. The 
 merchants had already resorted to some fraudulent practices, for the purpose of evad- 
 ing the payment of these prises. The archbishop's demand from every vessel of more 
 than twenty tons burden, was two casks of wine, one before, and the other behind 
 the mast, and each cask was redeemed by a money payment of twenty shillings.^* To 
 elude this claim, the merchants had adopted the nefarious custom of delivering 
 their cargoes in the Humber, and sending the contents into the harbour in vessels 
 of smaller dimensions; by which the archbishop was unjustly deprived of his 
 prisage." This practice had been occasionally carried on for more than half a 
 
 ^' MS. penes me, calculated from the Subsidy Roll of 51 Edw. III. 
 « Rot. Pat. 2 Rich. II. Corp. Rec. 30 Jan. 2 Rich. II. 1 1 B. 
 
 4» percipiendo de qualibet navi, deferente ultra viginti dolia vinorum, ad vendendum 
 
 in aqud praedictd, (Hull) duo dolia vini, (unum, videlicet, dolium ante mastum, et aliud retro 
 mastum) solvendo pro quolibet dolio, sic priso viginti solidos, Tenuerunt et habuerunt, &c. Ex. 
 Claus. 1 Edw. III. p. 1. m. 11. Rym. Feed. torn. iv. p. 272. 
 
 *^ It'm a nr'e Seign'r le Roi & a son Conseil monstre le dit Ercevesq d' Evrewik, q' apres 
 ce q' p' jugement dn P'lement feust mande a Botiller n're Seigneur le Roi d'oster le meyne le 
 Roi des prises de vins en le dit Haven, & de suffrer TErcevesq & ses Atournes p'ndre illoeqes 
 le prises de vins, & aucunes p' maliciouse compassement & mauvoise conspiracye fesauntz 
 desharger trois niefs charges de vins en Humbre pres de Haven de Hull, lesqueles niefs feurent 
 
144 
 
 century, and he now determined to enforce in person the restitution of his ancient 
 rights. The people of Hull, having- lost all patience, determined to obtain by 
 violence what could not be accomplished by due course of law. A favourable 
 opportunity soon occurred. The prelate being- at Hull, with his usual small com- 
 pany of attendants, to superintend the due execution of his claims, he was rudely 
 attacked by the mayor, sir Thomas Waltham, attended by his bailiiffs, John 
 Arnold and Thomas Green, and a large train of followers, in violation of the rites 
 of hospitality, and what is still more reprehensible, in defiance of the respect due 
 to the chief representative of our holy religion. The mayor commenced the attack 
 by suddenly snatching the archbishop's crosier, and striking one of his attendants 
 with it. This was the signal for a general assault, and some blood was shed in 
 the scuffle; the enraged magistrate laying about him manfully with the crosier, 
 and breaking equally the peace and the heads of his opponents. The mayor and 
 his party were summoned to appear before the king at Westminster, to answer for 
 these disorderly proceedings; and would, doubtless, receive a severe reprimand 
 at the least, if they escaped the payment of a heavy fine.^'^ 
 
 The archbishop was disposed, at this time, to be very bountiful to the inhabitants 
 of Beverley ; and bestowed on the burgesses a considerable donation, which proved 
 highly beneficial to the town. He procured from Richard, to whom he was fondly 
 attached, a licence to convey some property in mortmain, to the burgesses ;^* and 
 having obtained this indulgence, he granted, with the consent of the chapter at 
 York, all the soil and wood called Westwood, containing four hundred acres of 
 land, with the appurtenances, to Richard de Walkington, John Kelk, and others, 
 burgesses of Beverley, and all other burgesses and commonality of the town, and 
 
 frettes a Hull, & les vins qe feurent discharges des raeisme neifs feurent cariez p" div'sez 
 vesseaux deinz le Haven de Hull, & illoeqes mis a terre, & ce feust compasse a faire malici- 
 ousement pur forbarrer TErcevesq de ses prises, p' colour des paroles q' feurent en TEnqueste 
 q' feust prise sur la manere q' les p'decessours le dit Ercevesq soloient p'ndre le prises en le 
 dit haven; Cest assavoir, de chescun Niefportant vintz tonels, ou aucuns deux tonels, paiant 
 pur chescun tonel vintz souz, & pur ce fesoient il descharg' mesmes les niefs hors le haven 
 de Hull, & mener les vins en mesme le haven p' petites vesseux come desus est dit; Issint 
 q' nule de eux porta vintz toneals, & ce pur faire le dit Ercevesq perdre ses prises. Dont 
 & semble au dit Ercevesq, q' puis q' le niefs feurent frettes tan q' a Hull, & les vins menes 
 deinz le haven de Hull, q' pur tieu fraude a descharg' les niefs hors de haven ne doit 11 
 pas pMre ses prises mais ad accion a demander touz les vins come forfaitz p' defaute des 
 prises nient paiez. Et prie, &c. Pet. in Pari. 4 Edw. III. n. 24. 
 
 4^ Tickell's Hull, p. 73, 74. 
 
 4« Rot. Pat. 3 Rich. II. Corp. Rec. 4 Feb. 3 Rich. II. 11 C. 
 
145 
 
 to their successors for ever; paying to the archbishop and his successors, the annual 
 sum of one hundred shillings; at the feast of Saint Martin and Pentecost, by 
 equal half-yearly payments.*^ This grant was confirmed by the dean and chapter 
 of York, by deed, dated 4 April, 1380/° 
 
 Under circumstances so favourable to the town, the provost and canons of 
 Beverley contemplated the further enlargement and decoration of their beautiful 
 church ; and for this purpose collected the best architects and workmen that Eng- 
 land could produce. The accession of such a number of strangers into the town, 
 rendered some precautions necessary for preventing disputes and quarrels between 
 them and the inhabitants j which, in these rude times, seldom terminated without 
 bloodshed ; and an application was made to the court at Westminster, for enlarged 
 powers to preserve order and subordination amongst the work-people, by the adop- 
 tion of a summary method of inflicting punishment on delinquents. This application 
 was answered by two patents; one directed to the provost, and another to the 
 canons, investing them with full powers for keeping the peace within the boun- 
 daries of the church during the period which should be occupied in its decoration.^* 
 The work proceeded without interruption, and soon the edifice assumed its present 
 grand and magnificent appearance, equalled by few collegiate churches, and ex- 
 ceeded by none. At this time was built the north porch, and the west front, with 
 its majestic towers and battlements, and, perhaps, some of the windows in the 
 choir and east end.*^ 
 
 When the building was completed, a charter of confirmation was procured, in 
 which all its former liberties and privileges were fully recognized ; and particularly 
 its sacred right of sanctuary; which, within a very few years, afibrded its pro- 
 tection to sir John Holland, knight, half-brother to the king. This gentleman, 
 in the year 1385, had been concerned in the murder of Ralf, the son and heir of 
 Hugh, earl of Stafford. The injured father laid his complaint before the king; 
 
 '■9 Corp. Rec. 2 Ap. 3 Rich. II. 1 1 D. Dated at Beverley, and attested by Thomas Jolyf, 
 Peter de Cathewyk, sir Ralph de Hastinj^s, sir Gerard de Ufflete, sir John de Hothara, knights, 
 &c. Amand de Routhe, Edmund de Killingwyk, sir Peter de Malo Lacu the 6th, John de 
 Burton, Peter de Santon, Jno. de Cave, Rich. Ward, of Middleton, and others. A clause is 
 inserted in the grant for distress. A power of attorney, of the same date, was given by the 
 archbishop to sir John Bygod, knight, his principal steward, and William Halden, his steward 
 at Beverley, to deliver seizin of the premises to Richard Walkington and the rest. 
 
 «o Corp. Rec. 4 Ap. 3 Rich. II. HE. si Rot. Pat. 4 Rich. II. 
 
 ^2 Rickman's Eng. Archit. p. 105, 106. and vid. Par. III. c. 2. infra. 
 
146 
 
 and the crime appears to have been perpetrated under circumstances of such deli- 
 berate atrocity, that the king refused to pardon the delinquent, although he was so 
 nearly related to him by blood; and issued orders for his apprehension. The 
 knight, however, had taken sanctuary, and his person for the present was safe. 
 Great interest was made to conciliate the incensed monarch; and even his own 
 mother condescended to supplicate his forgiveness, with bended knees and showers 
 of tears. But Richard was inexorable, and this high spirited woman was so affected 
 by his refusal, that she died broken-hearted in a few days. Meanwhile the criminal 
 having placed himself, with the accustomed formalities, under Saint John's pro- 
 tection, remained in security at Beverley, until the king's anger was, in some 
 degree, appeased; and at the intercession of his uncle Clarence, Richard ultimately 
 yielded a reluctant consent to his pardon.''^ 
 
 In the insurrection fomented by Wat Tyler and Jack Straw, some inhabitants 
 of Beverley were peculiarly active. Conspicuous in every tumult, and gratified 
 with the general disorganization which now prevailed throughout the land, they 
 endeavoured to make the disaffection universal, and denounced summary vengeance 
 against all those peaceable inhabitants of Beverley and the neighbourhood, who 
 refused to sanction and assist the accomplishment of their rash and treasonable 
 designs. In a transport of ungovernable rage, the demagogues threatened to burn, 
 or otherwise demolish the tranquil dwellings of their quiet neighbours. Their 
 restless activity to aid and abet the designs of rebellion, at length brought the town 
 into disrepute with the existing government ; and in the charters of grace which 
 were subsequently granted, the inhabitants of Beverley were not only exempted 
 from the general pardon,^* but a document was issued to Thomas de Manby, alder- 
 man, Simon Cartwright and William Ithoun, chamberlains of the borough, calling 
 on them to deliver up the disturbers of the peace, under the penalty of a heavy 
 fine.** And it was not till the succeeding year that the town was finally relieved 
 from the general opprobrium of guilt; when a patent of pardon to the inhabitants 
 was graciously conceded by the king in council, on payment of eleven hundred 
 marks, with the exception of ten of the most notorious offenders, whose names were, 
 Thomas de Beverley and Richard his son, Richard de Boston, John Treylle, John 
 Materasmaker de Beverley, Thomas de Irelond, Roger Coupere, Thomas Tynell, 
 John de Holyme, and Thomas Gue, otherwise called Thomas Greue.*® 
 
 ''s Ex. MS. penes me. '^ Rot. Pari. 5 Rich. II. c. 32. 
 « Claus. 5 Rich. II. m. 19. ^^ Rot. Pat. 6 Rich. II. Corp. Rec. 11 F. 
 
14t 
 
 Alexander Nevile, archbishop of York, taking* advantage of the confusion in 
 which the late occurrences had involved the countiy -, and conceiving that the civil 
 interdict which had been pronounced against the town of Beverley would lend a 
 sanction to his avaricious designs, seized, without ceremony, on the revenues of 
 the collegiate church, plundered the vicars and other ecclesiastical dignitaries, and 
 violently expelled them from their benefices without due process, in contempt of 
 the royal authority, by which they were protected, and placed other clerks, of his 
 own appointment, in the vacant situations. The canons, thus illegally deprived of 
 the means of subsistence, fled out of the diocese, and dwelt for five years in the diocese 
 of Lincoln, under the benevolent protection of sir Richard de Ravenser. At his death, 
 they wandered from place to place as vagrants, being unprovided with any eccle- 
 siastical employment, and were reduced to the necessity of soliciting alms to supply 
 the wants of nature/'^ Their desolate condition at length prompted them to lay 
 their very singular case before the two houses of parliament, and a petition was 
 presented by John de Weton, John de Sprotlay, William Wakefield, Richard de 
 Eleghton, and Henry de Besvryk, vicars of the collegiate church at Beverley; 
 William de Garton, late a rector in the same church, and John de Bedale, chaplain 
 of the chantry founded there by the lady Isabella, formerly queen of England, 
 which stated the following facts. In the fourth year of the present reign, a dispute 
 had arisen between the archbishop and the chapter, respecting certain privileges 
 of the church, which was mutually agreed to be left to the decision of a superior 
 tribunal; and it was at length determined by the king in council, that all the 
 rights of the church should remain in precisely the same state as they were before 
 the commencement of this dispute ; and that the canons, vicars, and other eccle- 
 siastical dignitaries, should occupy and enjoy their benefices in peace and quietness, 
 in the hope that a good understanding might in future subsist between them and 
 their metropolitan. This decision was confirmed by the court at Rome ; and the 
 king directed his letters-patent to Robert Rous, gentleman of the king's chamber, 
 and Richard Hembrigg, serjeant at arms, commanding them to proceed to the 
 town of Beverley, and proclaim the determination of the council in the Market- 
 place there. To prevent the execution of this command, the archbishop assembled 
 a great multitude of people who were in his interest, some being inhabitants of 
 
 ^^ Rot. Pari. vol. iii. p. 183. Ap's qi moriance puis en cea ils ount este comevagantz 
 
 ou mendinantz, sanz B'nfices ou s" vices a lour fs g'untmeschief, et en defaut de eux pur touz 
 jours. 
 
 V 2 
 
148 
 
 Beverley, and others brought in from the neighbouring villages by his own servants 
 and retainers. With this force marshalled in the town, the prelate proceeded to 
 the place where the commissioners were preparing to publish the royal proclamation. 
 Here a most disgraceful scene was exhibited. The commissioners were commanded 
 to desist, in language made up of insulting menaces, and threats of violence ; and 
 they were too much intimidated by the strength and numbers of the party arrayed 
 against them, to proceed in the execution of their design. The archbishop then 
 deprived the petitioners, and seized on their revenues. They therefore prayed to 
 be restored to the enjoyment of their rights, pursuant to the sentence decreed by 
 the king's council, and confirmed by the court at Rome. In answer to this petition, 
 it was resolved, that a commissioi. should be appointed of sufficient power in the 
 county to reinstate the petitioners in their benefices, that divine service might be 
 regularly performed, according to the intention of the pious founders.'^ 
 
 In the 12th year of this reign, the king granted a patent for a chantry at the 
 altar of Saint Catherine, in the chapel of Saint Mary, for the soul of Thomas 
 Gervus, who died A. D. 1388;*^ and confirmed to the church at Beverley, the 
 thraves of corn and other revenues in the East-riding of Yorkshire,^'' which had 
 been originally conveyed to it by king Athelstan, and secured by the charters of 
 several successive monarchs ; but was part of the property which had so recently 
 been alienated by archbishop Alexander.''' About this time the building of a bridge 
 was projected by the merchants of Beverley, and provision was made for defraying 
 the expenses of its erection, by obtaining a patent for pontage^ or a toll payable for 
 all horses passing over it, and for all boats and other vessels passing under it.^^ 
 
 In the year 1391, Thomas Arundel, the new archbishop of York, who proved a 
 generous benefactor to all the churches and manors belonging to the see,^^ resolved 
 to digest a regular code of ordinances for the good government of the church of 
 Saint John at Beverley.^* He ordained that there should always be nine canons, a 
 precentor, a chancellor, a sacristan, and nine vicars belonging to the church, in 
 which number of canons the archbishop for the time being is always to be included 
 as one, and to possess the chief and first stall in the choir ; that if the provost- 
 ship, which is but a temporary office, when vacant, be not supplied by the canons 
 
 «8 Pet. in Pari. 7 Rich. II. A. D. 1383, and 1384. n. 25. 
 
 «9 Ex. Reg. Archiep. Ebor. p. 18J. ^o Dugd. Mon. Epit. p. 304. 
 
 6' Drake's Ebor. p. 436. s^ Rot. Pat. 14 Rich. II. «' Drake's Ebor. p. 436. 
 
 " Rot. Pat 15 Rich. II. 
 
149 
 
 within forty days, the appointment for that turn shall lapse to the archbishop and 
 his successors ; that all the members of the college, except the canons, be obliged 
 to continual residence ; that the provost for the time being pay regularly to each of 
 the canons, out of the funds of the church, the annual sum of ten pounds, by equal 
 quarterly payments ; to the precentor, ten pounds ; to the chancellor and sacristan, 
 as formerly ; to the clerks and vergers, six shillings and eight-pence each ; and to 
 the parsons, six pounds thirteen shillings and four-pence each. And further, to 
 each of the nine canons and three officers before mentioned, forty-two quarters of 
 oats yearly, and to each vicar, eight pounds per annum; that the provost shall 
 make due and punctual payment of all the sums thus assigned to the ministers, at 
 the appointed times, or within fifteen days, under pain of five marks to the churches 
 of York and Beverley .^^ And to make these statutes binding, the archbishop ob- 
 tained letters-patent in the succeeding year, for the college of Saint John; and 
 also for the vicars and the precentor.^® And in the year when this indefatigable 
 prelate was translated to Canterbury, he procured a patent for the canons of. Be- 
 verley, by which they were confirmed in possession of free-warren in Bentley and 
 Gildesdale, in the county of York, which had been granted to Richard de Bentley, 
 by charter of Edward I.^'^ In the following year, another patent was issued, con- 
 taining a full confirmation of all and singular the statutes and ordinances lately 
 made by archbishop Arundel, with the consent of the chapter, for the better 
 government of the collegiate church of Beverley.''* 
 
 At this period, the town began to assume decided marks of civil government as 
 vested in the burgesses themselves. Much inconvenience had been sustained from 
 the want of some ostensible powers, which might legally authorise a few leading 
 individuals to take upon themselves the direction of the town, to adjust differences 
 without a formal appeal to the provost, to restrain vice, to prevent or punish dis- 
 order and crime, and to administer justice within the limits of their jurisdiction. 
 An appeal was therefore made to the existing government for charters, enabling 
 a limited number of the more discreet and opulent burgesses to form themselves 
 into a society or council for the good government of the town, with the power of 
 making private ordinances for the regulation of their commerce, and for other 
 local purposes in which they were peculiarly interested. Arrangements were soon 
 
 «« Dugd. Monast. Epit. p. 30J. 
 ^ Rot. Pat. 16 Rich. II. ^r jbid. 20 Rich. II. ^8 Rot. Pat. 21 Rich. II. 
 
1^0 
 
 made to effect this salutary chang-e in the internal economy of the borough, and a 
 commission of the peace was addressed to John Markham, William Crosseby, 
 Robert Tyrwhit, Hugh Ordern, Richard Tyrwhit, Thomas Lambard, John Red- 
 ness, and Richard Beverley, empowering them to act as justices of the peace 
 within the liberties of the borough f^ and soon afterwards letters-patent were issued 
 by the king in council, constituting twelve governors within the town, who should 
 be invested with the requisite powers to restrain the prevalence of crime, and to 
 regulate, in future, the course of justice within their proper jurisdiction.^" 
 
 In 1398, John de Ake, of Beverley, merchant, died, and by his will left the 
 following bequests to the religious establishments of the town. He gave to the 
 fabric of Saint Mary, 8s. 4d. ; to the fabric of Saint John, 6s. 8d. ; to the Friars 
 Minors, 8d. on condition that they pray for the good state of his soul, and the 
 souls of all faithful people. He gave to the preaching- Friars 6s. 8d. on the same 
 condition; to the Friars Minors, 5s. on condition that they celebrate one yearly 
 mass for his soul, and the souls of all the faithful deceased ; and to the preaching 
 Friars the same sum, with the like condition attached. He gave to friar Robert 
 Grovell, 3s. 4d. ; to friar William Grovell, 3s. 4d. ; to the rector of tithes forgotten, 
 10s. ; to sir William de Scardeburgh, perpetual vicar of the chapel of Saint Mary, 
 6s. 8d. He gave all his lands and other property, in Beverley, to Eleanor, his 
 wife, to be enjoyed by her during the term of her natural life ; and after her 
 decease to be applied to the purpose of erecting and endowing a chapel or chantry 
 on the Cross-Bridge, in Beverley ; and for building and endowing a hospital for 
 twenty poor^' ; and as often as any vacancy shall occur in the number, 
 
 by death or otherwise, the twelve governors of Beverley for the time being', after 
 the death of his said wife, shall have the power of appointing a successor ; and also 
 of nominating a chaplain to perform divine service in the chantry." 
 
 It does not appear that the inhabitants of Beverley took any decided part in the 
 revolution which placed Henry IV. upon the throne of England, on the deposition 
 of his unfortunate predecessor, whose unnatural murder must have excited uni- 
 versal horror and commiseration. In 1399, Henry landed at Ravenspurne under 
 
 69 Corp. Rec. 16 June, 20 Rich. II. 1 1 G. ^o Rot. Pat. 21 Rich. II. 
 
 ^1 Hiatus in MSS. 
 
 ^2 Warb. MSS. Lansd. Coll. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 140. The chapel or chantry thus estab- 
 lished was soon amply furnished with the necessary apparatus for every celebration ; and I 
 subjoin " an abstract of an indenture made between Micho Ryse, Thomas Welton, Will. 
 
1^ 
 
 colour of recovering possession of his hereditary dukedom, which had been alienated 
 during the period of his banishment; but when he beheld his popularity, and 
 found himself surrounded by innumerable partisans who were willing to hazard 
 life and property in his cause ; when many of the principal nobility had arrayed 
 themselves under his standard, headed by the powerful earl of Northumberland; 
 he threw off the mask, and, almost without bloodshed, was placed upon the throne. 
 
 Cokerell, and the rest of the governors of Beverley; and Thomas Brown, chaplain of the 
 
 chantry chapel on the Cross Bridge in Beverley, called Saint Trinities, for the safe keeping and 
 
 restoring the books, chalices, and other ornaments of the said chapel, of which the following is 
 an inventory : — 
 
 £. s. d, 
 
 A missall de usu Ebor 4 
 
 One portiform Manuali de usu Ebor 4 
 
 The Indenture of composition and ordination of the Cantrie with St. John's Ch.^ 
 
 in Beverley, under the seal of the chapter and the common seal of the > 5 
 
 town, and of y« seals of Henry Malpas and Elene Coke 3 
 
 One calice of silver weighing 13|oz. ,. 1 16 8 
 
 One campana of the upper chapell , 10 
 
 Two pannos of linen to hang before the high altar, stained with red 3 4 
 
 Four autre cloths de panno lineo to be hung above or near the altar 5 4 
 
 Two towels laced at the ends 10 
 
 Two phiolas de stanno app 6 
 
 One auroular coopt cu panno virid. to be near the missale at time of mass 3 
 
 One aurioular panni cerei virid. vssitat. app. ad 1 
 
 One auriclar panni cerei red and coupt 4 
 
 One stole, one fanon de panno y® lining painted 1 4 
 
 One vestment sacerdotale de virid tarteryn poudr c' stellis aureis vz unii Amy*. ^ 
 
 1 auba 1 casulam 1 stolam 1 fanon in blodio curde liniat et 1 frontelln de >- 6 8 
 
 sad setta pro alter liniat cu panno linio appls. ad j 
 
 One alme vestimenta sacerdotale de albo samet cu orferays de rubro cerico et ^ 
 
 stragulis deauro vz 1 amicam 1 aubram 1 cafulam 1 stolam 1 fanona lineat>- 10 
 
 cii panno linis appls ad 3 
 
 One vestamenti sacerdotale nom' de albo bustian de napilis c' orferays de rubio^ 
 
 cerico et auro pondr viz 1 amita, 1 alban, 1 cafulam, 1 fanona, 1 stolam, > 15 8 
 
 et 1 frontella pro altero de serva ejusdem vestment apps ad J 
 
 One sacerdotal vestment, the gift of Margaret de SheflBeld, of linen cloth w^^ ^ 
 
 chekey de una anulam 1 albam, 1 cassulam, 1 stole, 1 fane et 1 frontelln >• 6 8 
 
 for the alter of St. ejusdem vestment app. ad j 
 
 One frontelln of silk wrought with a needle after the best maner 3 
 
 One frontelln of linen cloth with the head of Christ and the Twelve Apostles .... 1 4 
 
 One corpora Cass, of cloth of gold and uno nono corpora in ead. valued at .... . 2 
 
 One corpora Cass, of white velvet with molets of a bloody colour, and 1 good ? n 1 8 
 
 corpax 3 
 
 One corporax Cass, of red satyn et virid. et I corporax used valued at 1 6 
 
 One cubberd of three stages for vestments, books, and other ornaments in his > q ^ « 
 
 custody ^ 
 
 One image of St. Trinity of alabaster w^^ a tabernacle of wood painted 6 8 
 
 The image of the blessed Mary w*^ the child Jesus in her right arm, in wood, ? o 6 
 well engraved and guilded , y 
 
152 
 
 As soon as his title was acknowledged by the parliaments^ he endeavoured to con- 
 ciliate the people by grants and charters, which secured former privileges and 
 conveyed new ones. He granted a patent to the town of Beverley, which con- 
 firmed all their preceding charters, and renewed all the privileges which had been 
 hitherto conferred on the burgesses f* from whence it may be inferred that they 
 had either lent a sanction to his usurpation, or observed a strict neutrality. Yet 
 were we to argue from the nature of the civil institutions of that period, it would 
 on the other hand rather appear that they had actively opposed the designs of 
 Henry on the crown, or at the least, been decidedly averse to his succession ; 
 because they were the tenants and retainers of the archbishop of York, who, though 
 he reluctantly submitted to the king during the first few years of his reign, always 
 considered him in the light of an usurper. This prelate sustained the high repu- 
 tation of a virtuous and most exemplary man," yet, on this one point, his views 
 were uniformly hostile to the ambition of Henry ; the embers of disaffection smoul- 
 dered in his breast, and only waited some favourable circumstance to fan them 
 into a flame. 
 
 The king was not ignorant of these hostile feelings, and endeavoured by the 
 distribution of favours to soften the prelate's obduracy. He granted, in succession, 
 many royal immunities to his favourite towns of Beverley and Ripon. First he 
 presented the archbishop with an exemplification and allowance of all his liberties 
 in Beverley, Ripon, and elsewhere, on all his lands and possessions.'^^ This was 
 followed by a patent to his church at Beverley, allowing the provost there to retain 
 
 £. 
 Another figure of the Virgin Mary and her infant Jesus, well ornamented in ^ q 
 alabaster 5 
 
 One crucifix of wood, with the image of Mary and St. John the Evangelist fixt } ^ 
 
 to the wall above the alter, v/ell painted and ornamented ^ 
 
 One image portable, with the image of the dead Christ, very mean 
 
 One image of St. Anne, and the image of the blessed Virgin well sculped and ? ^ 
 
 painted y 
 
 Two little tabernacles painted and gilt with gold above the alter . . , 
 
 One P. of cloth worked with a needle, to hang before the alter on festivals .... 
 
 One Campedem, w^^ 1 Caspell Latin hanging in the chapel 
 
 One Scabella inferiore pte chapelle et 3 Scabella in the other pts of the chapell. . 
 
 Two candlesticks of iron and 1 holy water pot of lead 
 
 Warb. MSS. Lansd. Coll. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 42. 
 
 ^^ Knyghton. p. 2757. 
 
 '* Rot. Pat. 1 Henry IV. Corp. Rec. 28 Nov. 1399. 12 A. 
 
 " Walsing. Drake. Ebor. p. 438. ^^ R^t. Pat. 1 Hen. IV. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
1,53 
 
 all his privileges and immunities;" and also another for the fraternity of the 
 blessed Mary/* In the same year, an inquisition was held to determine whether 
 it would be to the damage of the king, if John de Bridlington gave to a chantry 
 priest, at Beverley, certain lands there for his better maintenance." Roger Flex, 
 clerk, gave to the chapter of Saint John, seven messuages with the appurtenances, 
 in Beverley, to provide a chaplain to celebrate divine service every day*° for his 
 soul, and those of his ancestors; which was confirmed by royal patent." And 
 about the same time letters-patent were issued to the masters of the fabric,*^ en- 
 abling them to receive a donation from Richard de Chesterfield, consisting of 
 messuages and lands in Beverley, the annual profits of which were to be applied 
 to the reparation and ornament of the church.*^ The king then granted charters 
 to the archbishop** and to the burgesses of Beverley,*^ confirming those of king 
 Athelstan and others ; and further ordaining that in future for ever, no king's 
 officer, whether marshal, steward or clerk, should enter their joint or several 
 liberties in that town, to interfere in their markets, or to interrupt by any pro- 
 ceedings whatever, their course of policy for the management of their own affairs. 
 
 But all this was ineffectual to mollify the indignation of archbishop Scrope, and 
 in the year 1405, appearing in the field at the head of an army, he was taken and 
 beheaded along with the earl marshal, sir John Lamplugh, and others f^ and the 
 king placed the custody of the city of York in the hands of commissioners, appointed 
 by himself, until he had taken ample vengeance on all the adherents of the un- 
 fortunate prelate there." Still the town of Beverley escaped punishment, which 
 renders the conjecture exceedingly probable that the inhabitants had remained 
 neutral during the struggle. 
 
 In the ninth year of his reign, this monarch granted a patent for a chantry in 
 the collegiate church of Beverley, dedicated to Saint Anne;** and another in the 
 
 " Rot. Pat. 2 Hen. IV. 
 
 ^» Rot. Pat. 2 Hen. IV. " Tnqnis. ad quod dam. 2. Hen. IV. 
 
 *° Inquis. ad quod dam. 3. Hen. IV. 
 
 «' Rot. Pat. 3 Hen. IV. 82 Ibid. 3 Hen. IV. s^ inquis. ad quod dam. 3 Hen. IV. 
 
 84 Rot. Pat. 5 Hen. IV. 
 85 Corp. Rec. 23 Aug. 1404. 12 B. Witness the king himself. Dated at Lichfield. Pat. 5. 
 Hen. IV. p. 2. m. 9. Rymer. Feed. tom. viii. p. 369. 
 
 «« Drake's Ebor. p. 107. 8^ Hollins. Chron. vol. iii. p. 38. Quarto Edit. 
 
 «« Rot. Pat. 9 Hen. IV. 
 
 W 
 
154 
 
 twelfth, for the dean (pro decano) of the same church." Robert Beverley, of 
 Beverley, gave to John, the rector of Saint Nicholas's church, an annual rent of 
 8s. arising out of property in that town; and Richard Creyk assigned to the 
 chapter of Saint John, six messuages and certain lands with the appurtenances 
 there.'" 
 
 And so ends the reign of king Henry IV. which is barren of incident, as far as 
 relates to the town of Beverley, and produced few events that deserve to be trans- 
 mitted to posterity.^' The people of England generally were, as yet, only half 
 civilized, and could bear unmoved the recurrence of sights, as well as commit 
 actions which ought to be esteemed most shocking to humanity. Who could bear, 
 in our more refined times, to behold the mangled limbs of a dismembered human 
 being publickly exposed to the gaze and insult of the multitude. Yet in the four- 
 teenth and fifteenth centuries such scenes were of common occurrence. Archbishop 
 Scrope was beheaded at the beginning of this reign, and his head was fixed on a 
 pole, and placed on the walls of the city of York, where it long remained a 
 spectacle for vulgar eyes, and a standing jest for the enemies of religion.'^ In 
 February 1407 — 8, the unfortunate earl of Northumberland suffered death, and 
 his head, white with age, being severed from his body, was sent to London, and 
 placed on the bridge, at the summit of a pole; his body was quartered, and one 
 part was placed on a gate in London, another at Lincoln, a third at Berwick- 
 upon-Tweed, and the fourth at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where they i-emained until 
 the following May.'^ A still more horrible display took place during the same 
 reign. The earl of Huntingdon, sir Thomas Blount, and sir Benedict Seley 
 were executed for treason, and their quarters were carried to London to be pub- 
 lickly exhibited. The people received them with exultation; and the procession 
 was headed by the earl of Rutland, carrying on a pole the head of lord Spencer, 
 his brother in law, which he presented in triumph to Henry, as a testimony of his 
 loyalty.^' The people that were capable of enduring such scenes as these with 
 satisfaction and delight, could have made but small progress towards civilization. 
 About this time too, the indulgence of private hatred and revenge was carried to 
 an extremity which even barbarians might be ashamed of. To seize an enemy by 
 
 89 Rot. Pat. 12 Hen. IV. 9° Inquis. ad quod dam. 11 Hen. IV. 
 
 5' Hume. Eng. vol. iii. p. 82. ^^ vValsing. Drake. Ebor. p. 107. 
 
 ®' Claus. 9 Hen. IV. Collin's Peerage, by Brydges, vol. ii. p. 265. 
 
 »* Hume. Eng. vol. iii. p. 64. 
 
166 
 
 gurprize in the dark and to cut out his tongue, or deprive him of sight, was of sucli 
 common occurrence, that an act of parliament was passed for its suppression.®* 
 
 King Henry V. in the first year of his reign, gave to the borough of Beverley 
 a charter, confirming its former liberties, and empowering the twelve governors 
 to appoint annually a president or chief governor, who should be invested with 
 the supreme authority in the borough for the current year f^ which was followed 
 in the succeeding year by letters-patent, confirming the jurisdiction of the twelve 
 governors appointed by charter of Richard II. authorizing any four, three, or two 
 of the most discreet persons amongst them to act as justice of the peace within 
 the said town and its precincts; and prohibiting the justices of the East-riding 
 from interfering with the due execution of justice as administered by these func- 
 tionaries.®'^ About the same time Richard Sutton, of Beverley, clerk, and John 
 Bilton, after an inquisition, gave to the governors and commonality of the town, 
 a certain piece of land there called Gillicroft, for ever, in aid of the funds of the 
 borough.®* 
 
 In the next year a curious circumstance occurred at Beverley, which illustrates, 
 in a striking manner, the unbridled licence of these turbulent times. John 
 Brompton, of Beverley, merchant, and collector of the quinzieme, had a free tene- 
 ment in Beverley, which was claimed by John de Hayton, and Eleanor his wife, 
 and a litigated cause ensued, which Brompton attended at York to defend ; and it 
 should appear from subsequent circumstances, that a decision was pronounced in 
 his favour. On his return from York, accompanied by a small number of at- 
 tendants, he was Maylaid by Hayton and a posse of his companions, to the number 
 of twenty-four persons, several of them being armed with bows and arrows, and 
 all masked or otherwise disguised. Their intention was, doubtless, to murder the 
 object of their resentment, as many arrows were discharged from behind the ambus- 
 cade, and one of his attendants was maimed, and himself and all the rest dangerously 
 wounded. They escaped however with life; and a petition was presented by 
 Brompton to the house of commons, stating these facts, and adding, that " the said 
 John Hayton and his accomplices, still threatened to murder the petitioner, and 
 vowed that they would take no rest until they had accomplished their design ; so 
 
 ^* Rot. Pari. 5 Hen. IV. 96 Rot. Pat. 1 Henry V. Corp. Rec. 30 June, 1414. 13 A. 
 
 »^ Rot. Pat. 2 Hen. 5. Corp. Rec. 8 Feb. 2 Hen. V. 13 B. 
 
 ^* Inquis' ad quod dam. 1 Hen. V. 
 
 W 2 
 
156 
 
 that he dare not appear in public, nor proceed in the collection of the quinzieme. 
 The petition further states, that the said petitioner had with him a considerable 
 sum of public money at the time of this horrible attack ; and that, by being" in 
 constant jeopardy of his life, his mercantile and other business must be altogether 
 suspended without the royal protection. The petitioner therefore prays, that the 
 chancellor of England, by the authority of parliament, may issue his writ to the 
 sheriff of Yorkshire, that the said John Hayton and his accomplices, be summoned 
 to appear before the chancellor on a certain specified day, to answer the above 
 charges, and to give sufficient security to keep the peace towards the said peti- 
 tioner; and if they do not appear at the appointed time, that each of them be 
 subject to a penalty to the king of one hundred marks." 
 
 To this petition the following answer was returned. " We grant a writ of Oyer 
 and Terminer in this matter to John Brompton, for the justices of assize in the 
 county of York, to proceed on record against Richard Hayton and John his son ; 
 to see that they give a reasonable and sufficient security to the said John Brompton, 
 for keeping the peace; and that they appear in chancery, by the authority of 
 parliament, to give such other security as shall be required."^** 
 
 About this time, letters-patent were issued for the chantry of the blessed Mary 
 in Beverley,' enabling the chaplain thereof to receive the benefit of a donation 
 from Nicholas Ryse, consisting of divers lands and appurtenances in that town.* 
 And Henry Bowet, then archbishop of York, granted a licence to Nicholas 
 Chamberlayne, of Beverley, draper, to assign six messuages, fourteen cottages, 
 three acres of land, and the same quantity of meadow, to the twelve governors of 
 the town and the community thereof, on the condition that they provide two 
 chaplains to celebrate divine service every day for ever, in the chapel of Saint 
 Mary, for the souls of Thomas Kelke, late a burgess of this town, and Alicia his 
 wife; and also for the souls of John de Kelke his son, and Margaret his wife.^ And 
 the same archbishop made a petition to the king, who with the consent of his parli- 
 ament, confirmed to him all the liberties of his church, with this clause; "and further 
 grants and confirms to him, that he and his officers may hold the sheriffs toum 
 within the towns of Beverley and Ripon; and there hear, and determine and 
 
 99 Rot. Pari. 3 Hen. V.— A. D. 1415. No. 22. • Rot. Pat. 2 Hen. V 
 ^ Inquis. ad quod dam. 2 Hen. V. 
 3 Ex. Reg. Hen. Bowet. Archiep. Ebor. part ii. an. 1408 to 1423. p. 184. Lansd. MSS. 
 B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 47. Inquis. ad quod dam. 2 Hen. V. 
 
161 
 
 punish all manner of felonies, as justices of the peace, notwithstanding" any liber- 
 ties granted to the town of Beverley to the contrary," all which are therein 
 abrogated, nullified, and absolutely repealed.^ And in a solemn convocation held 
 at London in the same year, it was decreed, that the seventh day of May, the day 
 of the death of Saint John of Beverley, should be annually kept holy throughout 
 England, as a perpetual memorial of that prelate's peculiar sanctity f and also the 
 feast of his translation, (25th October) on account of a popular belief that the 
 victory of Agincourt, gained on that day, was owing to the merits and intercession 
 of the saint f for Walsingham writes, that in the year 1421, after the coronation 
 of Catherine of France, at Westminster, the king and queen made a progress 
 through England to York; and from thence they went to visit the church of 
 Saint John, at Beverley. There had been a current report, widely and confidently 
 circulated throughout the kingdom, that the tomb of the saint had sweat blood all 
 the day on which that battle was fought; and Henry, a zealous Roman Catholic 
 prince, thought it his duty to make a pilgrimage to the church, and offer up his 
 grateful devotions at the holy sanctuary/ 
 
 King Henry VI. at the beginning of his eventful and most unpropitious reign, 
 gave, in imitation of his predecessors, two charters of inspeximus to the burgesses 
 of Beverley, confirming the liberties contained in archbishop Thurstan's charter, 
 and also in those of the 21 and 56 Henry III. of the latter of which, it appears 
 that no mention is made in the rolls of that period.* About this time, Robert 
 Nevile, the twenty-seventh provost of Beverley, built a tower to the bedern, where 
 now stood the provost's house f and procured letters-patent of the king, containing 
 a full confirmation of all the manors, lands, and liberties assigned to him in virtue 
 of his office, by Edward the Confessor, William I. and by a charter of the 26 
 Henry III. whether they be written in Saxon or Latin.'" In the 19th year of his 
 
 4 Rot. Pari. 3 Hen. V. A. D. 1415. No. 25, Vid. App. D. Rot. Chart. 3 «fe 4 Hen. V. 
 
 * Lynwoode. Provinc. p. 104. Godwin, de presul. p. 564. Wilk. Cone. t. iii. p. 397. Dugd. 
 Monast. vol. ii. p. 127. 
 
 6 Ex. Reg. Clyfford. Episc. Lond. fol. 72. Rym. Feed. torn. ix. p. 420. 
 ' Drake's Ebor. p. 109. » Rot Pat. 1 Hen. VI. Corp. Rec. 10 May, 1423. 14. A. 14 B. 
 
 9 Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 103. 
 10 Rot. Pat. 6 Hen. VI. At this time, as appears by an ancient compotus amongst the records 
 of the corporation, made in the year 1437, the names of the twelve governors of Beverley were, 
 Thomas Constable, William Bylton, William Spenser, Thomas Caldebeck, S. Yarbro, Thomas 
 Swanland, William Weneslay, William Trentham, John Copendale, William Bene, Stephen 
 Tilson, and Adam Oughtibrig. 
 
158 
 
 reign, the same monarch granted a patent for the chapter of the church ;" con- 
 firming a donation of three messuages which had been assigned by Thomas 
 Sproatley, in aid of the fund for keeping the church in good and substantial 
 repair.'^ In the next year the king confirmed to the archbishop all his liberties 
 contained in the charters of Edward the Confessor, William I. Henry I. and 
 Stephen, whether in Beverley, Ripon, or elsewhere.'^ 
 
 A dispute between Beverley and South-Cave now engaged the public attention. 
 It arose from a claim made by the burgesses of Beverley of exemption from toll 
 in the latter town. Legal proceedings had been resorted to during the reign 
 of Richard II. by one of the burgesses, against the collector of tolls in South- 
 Cave, for having unjustly enforced payment; and the cause had been decided in 
 favour of the plaintiff. A similar claim having been renewed at this time, the 
 governors of Beverley procured an exemplification of the former plea of trespass, 
 and verdict thereupon, between Thomas Chandler, a burgess of Beverley, and 
 Thomas Davill and John Spicer, the collectors of toll for South-Cave; in which 
 it is recorded that the jury found for Thomas Chandler, the plaintiff. This exem- 
 plification was exhibited as a decisive proof that the burgesses of Beverley were 
 legally exonerated from toll within the parish of South-Cave, and their right was 
 reluctantly admitted.'^ 
 
 Another dispute, of a still more important nature, took place about this time, 
 between the burgesses of Beverley and the men of Kingstone-upon-Hull, respecting 
 a passage for their vessels through the river Hull into the Humber, free of toll. 
 All the ancient charters of Beverley contain a clause which conveys to the burgesses 
 an exemption from wharfage, passage, keyage, &c. throughout all the towns and 
 places in England, and coasts of the sea, the city of London only excepted. And 
 in the reign of Edward I. the archbishop of York claimed, and was allowed, a juris- 
 diction in the river Hull, from ancient usage, to have wreck and waif in that river, 
 and coroners of his own appointment to collect the same ; and he further claimed 
 a right to the first tasting of wine, and of purchasing that and all other merchandize, 
 which should be exposed for sale within the port of Hull, immediately after the 
 king's prisage.'^ And the archbishop had delegated to the town of Beverley a free 
 passage of the breadth of twenty-four feet and one grain of barley, along the 
 
 " Rot. Pat. 19 Hen. VI, 12 Inquis. ad quod dam. 14 or 15 Hen. VI. 
 
 '» Rot. Pat. 20 Hen. VI. h Corp. Rec. 23 Hen. VI. 14 C. 
 
 '* Vide ut supra, p. 164, 209. 
 
159 
 
 mid-stream of the river. In defiance of such a series of evidence, the men of King- 
 stone-upon-Hull, which was now become a populous and wealthy town, detained the 
 vessels belonging to the burgesses of Beverley, and would not allow them to pass 
 without the payment of a toll, imposed without any legal warrant, and consequently 
 not capable of being recovered by a process at law. A suit however was prosecuted 
 in the star chamber, for the purpose of determining this important point. The 
 merchants of Beverley produced their charters, so well established by repeated 
 confirmations, and contended that the toll which was now attempted to be imposed 
 upon them was a direct and illegal infringement of their ancient privileges, so 
 abundantly secured by ancient usage and royal favour. The opposite party an-* 
 swered, that the present outlet to the Humber was not the river Hull; that the 
 mouth of Hull had long been warped up by the diversion of its current into Sayer 
 Creek,'^ which had been cut for the convenience of the port of Hull; and that 
 therefore, though they admitted the rights of their opponents in the waters of Hull, 
 they denied that any such rights extended to Sayer Creek, which had been con- 
 firmed to the town of Hull by royal charter. They further urged, that the words 
 of the Beverley charters referred to a passage, &c. by land, and not by water ; and 
 that therefore they were inapplicable in the present case. To this the burgesses of 
 Beverley replied, that the people of Kingstone-upon-HuU had committed a mani- 
 fest encroachment on their property by presuming to divert the current of their 
 ancient river from its accustomed course, thereby attempting to deprive them of 
 their most valuable privileges in it; — that this aggression would not have been 
 permitted, but on the equitable consideration that in promoting their own peculiar 
 interests, the men of Hull would not attempt to injure their neighbours, but would 
 allow them the privilege of free ingress and egress as formerly ; — that it was 
 absurd to argue that the words " passage, keyage, wharfage," &c. applied alone 
 to land, because the two latter must evidently refer to the water, and to that alone. 
 The contest was protracted through a long period ; and it must be concluded that 
 the town of Beverley had the advantage, for a decision was not given against 
 them, and they continued to trade as formerly, without being subject to the 
 imposition of toll.'^ 
 
 In the year 1448, king Henry VI. spent some days at the hospitable mansion 
 of Henry Percy, earl of Northumberland, son of that celebrated warrior who was 
 
 '^ Mr. Frost thinks that the drain called Sayer Creek, was cut by Saer de Sutton, so early as 
 the reign of John. Notices relative to the Early History of Hull, p. 32. 
 
 '' Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. 
 
160 
 
 sumamed Hotspur, at Leckonfield. It is needless to add that the earl was a 
 steady friend to this monarch amidst all his vicissitudes, for the page of history 
 affords the most honourable testimony to the persevering loyalty, and faithful 
 attachment of this illustrious nobleman. From thence the king visited Beverley, 
 on vt'hich town he had already conferred some substantial marks of his esteem ; 
 and he was received by the inhabitants with enthusiastic cheers, and respectful 
 greetings and salutations ; for Beverley was a loyal town, and its inhabitants 
 possessed much of that innate love for the royal authority, connected with the civil 
 and social institutions of the state, which constitutes the great characteristical trait 
 of true and obedient subjects. The king inspected the minster with all the 
 minuteness of eager curiosity; suggested improvements; rectified what he con- 
 sidered to be erroneous, and endeavoured to supply that, which in his opinion was 
 deficient ; and amongst other things, he granted a patent for the chantry of Saint 
 Catharine, enabling the chaplains to hold property in mortmain to a specified 
 amount.'* In the town he found the footways imperfect, and gave the burgesses a 
 patent, enabling them to impose a toll for ten years for the purpose of making 
 them compleat.'^ His majesty was attended on this occasion by the earl of 
 Northumberland, whom he now constituted high constable of England, with per- 
 mission either to execute the duties of that exalted office by himself, or his 
 sufficient deputy, in such manner as John Viscount Beaumont held it.^" And 
 soon after he gave the burgesses of Beverley letters-patent, specifying the tolls 
 which they might lawfully take by water ;^' and in 1454, he granted letters-patent 
 to the chantry of Corpus Christi in Beverley, enabling the chaplains to hold land 
 in mortmain.'^^ 
 
 The hostility between the houses of York and Lancaster now raged with great 
 fierceness throughout England, and the country suffered all the horrors incident 
 to civil and unnatural warfare. The nobility were divided, each party ranging 
 itself under the banners of Henry or of Edward; and the termination of the con- 
 test appeared to be distant and uncertain, from the fluctuating success of each 
 adverse party. Happily the town under our consideration, being chiefly occupied 
 by merchants and ecclesiastics, did not enter deeply into the great question which 
 
 18 Rot. Pat. 28 Hen. VI. 
 '» Rot. Pat. 28 Hen. VI. Corp. Rec. dated at Leicester, 5 May, 28 Hen. VI. 14 D. 
 20 Rot. Pat. 28 Hen. VI. Collins. Peerage, b}^ Brydges, vol. ii. p. 276. 
 2' Corp. Rec. 18 Feb. 1450. " Rot. Pat. 33 Hen. VI. 
 
161 
 
 agitated the country, nor did the inhabitants imbrue their hands in blood by active 
 operations in either hostile army. They were adherents of the house of Lancaster 
 by principle, but being of peaceable professions, with a single exception, they did 
 not draw their sword in the fray. The historian, thus relieved from the disagree- 
 able necessity of enlarging on circumstances repugnant to the best feelings of 
 humanity, enters cheerfully on a review of transactions which are more congenial 
 to the mind, and consigns to oblivion the hateful record of events, in which man 
 thirsts for his brother's blood ; where the arm of the parricide is raised against a 
 parent's life, and the nearest and dearest ties of kindred are incapable of restraining 
 the bitter expressions of deadly hate and inextinguishable animosity. Suffice it to 
 say, that two heroic earls of Northumberland perished in the contest, which at 
 length hurled the unfortunate Henry from the throne, and placed the kingdom 
 at the disposal of his opponent, who was acknowledged king under the title of 
 Edward IV. 
 
 Font m SaiTit Mary's Church, Beverley. 
 
162 
 
 (^taa)* t^3f- 
 
 General view of the town — Dwelling-homes — Pavements — Fortifications — Parish 
 churcJies — Religious houses — Minster — Influence of the church — Fraternity 
 of minstrels — Richard Cockerell, of Beverley, attainted of high treason — 
 Charter of Edward IV. — Trinities founded — Disputes bet7veen the governors 
 and burgesses — Ordinance of the archbishop — Seven rectors incorporated — 
 Sanctuary claimed — Earl of Northumberland murdered by the populace — His 
 splendid funeral at Beverley — Sanctuary once more claimed — Ordinances of 
 the four yeomen — Style of living in this age — Northumberland household book 
 — Tower of Saint Marys church falls — Rebuilt — Tabernacle work over the 
 stalls in the minster built — Charter of Henry VIII. — Two fellowships founded 
 in Saint John's college, Cambridge, for the benefit of natives of Beverley. 
 
 We have now arrived at an epoch in the history of Beverley, which it is 
 of some importance to consider minutely. The town, at this period, had at- 
 tained a point of proud pre-eminence, which it probably never afterwards exceeded. 
 It had risen by gradual but perceptible steps from the darkness of paganism, to 
 the light of Christianity; from the imperfect knowledge of Christ, which distin- 
 guished the primitive converts in the wood of Deira, to the full blaze of religious 
 splendour which it now enjoyed, under the able superintendence of an enlightened 
 priesthood, sanctioned by the immediate protection of the primate himself. Having 
 therefore attained the summit of the mountain, we will pause and enjoy the 
 enlivening prospect, and recreate ourselves by viewing the objects which surround 
 us on every side. 
 
 The town of Beverley was now completed after the best fashion of the times, 
 and contained a great proportion of good houses for the residence of the merchants 
 and principal people. During the past century, no less than twenty-one patents 
 
168 
 
 had been granted to it for paving the streets and footways/ nine others having 
 been previously conceded for the same purpose ; and as few were subsequently 
 called for, we may reasonably infer that the town was now brought to that state of 
 perfection, in this respect, as not to need any further improvement. The question 
 whether the town was surrounded by walls and fortifications has afforded matter 
 for conjecture, and has produced two opinions decidedly hostile to each other. 
 The number of streets in Beverley which still retain the cognomen of " gate," has 
 given rise to the idea that the town was regularly walled, and this appears to be 
 confirmed by the fact, that an entrance gate still remains called the North-Bar, 
 which has been undoubtedly fortified; and two others in Keld-gate and Newbegin, 
 can be remembered. And further, we are told by Verstegan that the word " Bury 
 or Borough signifieth a town having a walle or some kynd of closure about it. 
 All places that in old tyme had among our anceters the name of bourough, were 
 places one way or other fensed or fortified."^ This word is derived, says our 
 authority, from the Saxon Bijii^he, to hide or bury, because soldiers were hid 
 behind the walls from the enemy's view as securely as a corpse when it is buried 
 in the earth. And an authentic document remains, which appears to afford art 
 indubitable proof of the early existence of walls and fortifications. This document 
 is in the form of a petition to the king in council ; in which " the burgesses of 
 Beverley pray that it would please his majesty to confirm the charters which his 
 ancestors granted to them, to surround the town with a wall and a ditch ; and that 
 they may be lawfully enabled to levy on each person (residing in the town) in 
 proportion to the value of his property, a sum of money sufficient for the expenses 
 which they may incur, at present or in future, about the said inclosure, with a 
 wall and a ditch, for the improvement and security of the borough of Beverley."* 
 The answer to this petition was, " The king wishes to consult the archbishop of 
 York, and to see their charters ; and it shall afterwards be done as he shall think 
 proper."' In opposition to this reasoning, it is urged by others, that we possess 
 
 » These patents were respectively dated, 33 Hen. III. 39 Hen. III. 13 Edw. I. 30 Edw. I. 
 2 Edw. II. 14 Edw. III. 39 Edw. III. 44 Edw. III. 49 Edw. III. 1 Rich. II. 4 Rich. II. 
 8 Rich. II. 10 Rich. IF. 12 Rich. II. 1 Hen. IV. 4 Hen. IV. 8 Hen. IV. 12 Hen. IV. 
 1 Hen. V. 2 Hen. V. 4 Hen. V. 1 Hen. VI. 2 Hen. VI. 6 Hen. VI. 12 Hen. VI. 19 Hen. VI, 
 28 Hen. VI. 1 Edw. IV. 
 
 2 Verst. Rest. Dec. Int. p. 21 1. ^ Pet. in Pari. 15 and 16 Edw. II. No. 39. 
 
 ^ I subjoin the petition and response in their original language. A nostre Seign'r le Roy et a 
 son Counseil prient les Burgeys de Beverle, q'il pleyse au dit nostre Seign'r le Roy confermer 
 leg Chartres (j'il oun de ses Auncestres, jadys Roys d'Engleter', de la dite Vile de Beverlei 
 
 X2 
 
164 
 
 tolerably accurate evidence that the town of Beverley was not surrounded by any 
 defensive fortifications, and that its only security was a wide and deep ditch. As 
 an ecclesiastical town, possessing the privilege of sanctuary, it does not appear to 
 have needed any human means of defence, when, in those ages of superstition 
 and credulity, it was believed to have experienced, on so many occasions, the visible 
 interposition of heaven. William the Conqueror, by a divine impulse, afforded 
 his protection to this town, even when employed in ravaging and desolating the 
 county.'' Stephen had resolved to fortify the town, but was deterred by a supposed 
 voice from heaven.^ These may be considered as negative proofs that it was not 
 surrounded with walls. It is clear from the petition already cited, that there ex- 
 isted no walls anterior to the reign of Edward II. and we possess no subsequent 
 documents to prove that any active operations towards carrying the wishes of the 
 burgesses into effect, resulted from the petition ; for we find no mention of walls in 
 the public records of the town. In the chartulary of Beverley ,'^ frequent reference 
 is made to the " gates and dytches ;" the " Barr clyhe,'^ "West Bar dyke^^ " Fossatum 
 villae," &c. so early as the fourteenth century ', a presumptive proof that ditches and 
 gates constituted its chief defence. When Edward IV. made his second successful 
 attempt upon the crown in 1471, he landed with 2,000 followers at Ravenspurne, and 
 sent out parties in different directions to sound the inhabitants. When he found 
 that they had received orders not to lend any sanction to his pretensions, and that 
 the gates of Hull were actually closed against him, he marched through Beverley 
 to York, which also refused to receive him. Now if the town of Beverley had 
 possessed bulwarks of defence capable of resisting the approaches of Edward's 
 army, they must, in that case, be supposed to have received him favourably ; and 
 if so, he would certainly have entrenched himself here, and not have hazarded, in 
 person, an expedition to York, without possessing any evidence of their favourable 
 opinion. Leland, in his Itinerary, tells us, that in his time, " he could not perceyve 
 that ever hit was waulled, though they be certen gates of stone portcolesed for 
 
 encloer de mure et de fosse. Et qe eans puyssent lever de touz ceaus de la dite Vile de 
 Beverle, solom la quantite de chescuny benes and chateans, les despenses qe eaus ount niys ore 
 de novel, and en temps a venir mettrount, entour la dite enclostour' de mure and de fosse, en 
 amendement and en assarauns de la Vile de Beverle avauntdit. 
 
 Responsio. Le Roi vent parler a TErcevesq; d'EvVyk, and ver lour Chartres, and fere ceo 
 q' ly plerra. Rot. Pari. vol. i. p. 394. 
 
 * Vide ut supra, p. 67. ^ Vid. ut supra, p. 90. 
 
 ' Lansd. MS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 189. 
 
165 
 
 defense." In the time of the civil war, Beverley had no walls/ and is termed " an 
 open place, by no means tenable;"^ and when the marquis of Newcastle was under 
 the necessity of raising the siege of Hull, he was advised by sir William Wid- 
 drington to fortify the church and some parts of the town of Beverley, that a 
 garrison might be left there as a check upon the garrison at Hull. And during 
 the same unhappy contest, an order was issued by the corporation for the better 
 security of the town, that the ditches he cut, and the bars be kept locked and 
 guarded, from nine at night till six in the morning."' Besides, there remain no 
 vestiges of the existence of walls, either by the voice of tradition, or the discovery 
 of old foundations in any part of the town which has hitherto undergone the process 
 of excavation. Nor can we find in the patent rolls a single grant, at any period, 
 of a toll for building or repairing the walls of Beverley ; which, if such walls had 
 existed would appear rather extraordinary, favoured as the town has always been 
 by royal munificence in every other particular ; and finding the recurrence of such 
 patents frequent to all places which actually possessed the advantage of such a 
 means of defence against the attacks of external foes. 
 
 Be this as it may, the town possessed other advantages which appear of greater 
 and more vital importance to its true interests. It had a most magnificent minster, 
 and two parish churches, together with several hospitals and religious houses, 
 which conferred many essential advantages, both temporal and spiritual, on the town 
 and its inhabitants ; for these institutions were of great utility, and the monks and 
 canons employed their revenues to purposes equally honourable and praiseworthy. 
 The religious houses were indeed places of the most unbounded hospitality, and 
 thus became the conservators of benefits, for the loss of which, at the dissolution, 
 no subsequent establishment has been able fully to compensate. Authors speak in 
 terms of decided approbation of the public advantages resulting from the profuse 
 hospitality generally observed in the monastic foundations. Even Hume, who was 
 no friend to this order of men, could say, " in order to dissipate their revenues 
 and support popularity, the monks lived in a hospitable manner ; and besides the 
 poor maintained from their offals, there were many decayed gentlemen, who 
 passed their lives in travelling from convent to convent, and were entirely subsisted 
 
 8 Vid. Rushworth. Collect. June, 1643. 
 
 ^ Tick. Hull, p. 481. Memoirs of Gen. Fairfax. Edit. 1810. p. 98. 
 
 10 Corp. Rec. 13 Oct. 1642. 
 
166 
 
 at the tables of the friars."" The monasteries were in effect so many great hospi- 
 tals; most of them being compelled by their statutes to afford subsistence to a 
 certain number of poor people every day. They were likewise houses of entertain- 
 ment to all travellers. Even the nobility and gentry, when they passed from place 
 to place in distant parts of the kingdom, lodged at one religious house, and dined 
 at another, and seldom went to inns. In a word, their hospitality was such, that 
 in the priory of Norwich alone, 1500 quarters of malt, and above 800 quarters of 
 wheat, with all other things in proportion, were generally consumed every year.'^ 
 The testimonies which concur to prove the general utility of monastic institutions 
 in these times, are numerous. " They were the conservators of all the learning and 
 science in the land ; they taught each rising generation the value and uses of litera- 
 ture ; they multiplied copies of scarce and inestimable books, which, without their 
 industrious perseverance, would have been lost to the world. And in spite of all 
 the vices of the monkish orders, in spite of all the errors of their religion, there is 
 still an obligation due to them which no time can cancel. They preserved the 
 valuable remains of Grecian and Roman literature, without which, who can say 
 that Europe, at this day, would not have been involved in the shades of barbarity."'^ 
 In a cursory view of Beverley, as it existed in the fifteenth century, its beautiful 
 minster must not be overlooked. This noble edifice had been erected on a dis- 
 tinguishable, though not particularly elevated site, although the hill would overtop 
 the general level of the district much more prominently than is perceptible now, 
 after the adjacent ground has been advanced by the accumulations of so many 
 centuries. Conspicuous and massive, it met the eye from numerous remote points, 
 with impressive grandeur and unspeakable effect. Towering in native majesty 
 above the surrounding buildings, it struck the beholder with equal awe and vene- 
 ration. On a nearer approach, the elegant and unrivalled western towers ; the 
 judicious proportions observed throughout the edifice ; the excellence of its mate- 
 rials, now shining out in all their pristine beauty, and the general symmetry and 
 fine taste exhibited in its construction, must have afforded to every beholder, a 
 series of gratifying objects, seldom so happily combined. And when the admirer 
 of this pleasing display of scientific knowledge reflected on the high and glorious 
 purpose to which it had been dedicated, his thoughts would ascend spontaneously 
 to heaven, and with a heart imbued with gratitude and love, he would devoutly 
 
 " Hume. Eng. vol. iv. p. 184. »2 Tan. Notit Pref. xx. 
 J3 Berington. Hen. II. p. 632. 
 
16t 
 
 adore that holy Being who condescends to hear the petitions of his creatures, and 
 confers on them an understanding sufficient to estimate his boundless mercies ; and 
 wealth and c/enius to erect such splendid edifices to his honour, and the glory of his 
 name. 
 
 In stating this as the period of supreme prosperity, it is not meant to be insinu- 
 ated that the town never attained a subsequent celebrity. But in Roman Catholic 
 countries the influence of the church supersedes every other influence ; and in 
 towns where it shines with supreme lustre, by the existence of an extensive and 
 opulent ecclesiastical establishment, invested with jurisdiction and the exercise of 
 civil power, as was the case ai Beverley, a kind of predominance is conveyed, with 
 which mere temporal distinctions cannot compete. Like the eagle soaring in the 
 blaze of sunshine, while inferior birds shrink from the dazzling brightness of its 
 beams, the church looked down from her lofty station on the secular estates, and 
 kept them at an unapproachable distance. But soon this splendid appearance was 
 compressed within a more limited sphere of action. The rapid increase of the port 
 of Hull, by depriving Beverley of some of its merchants, circumscribed also its 
 influence, and its means of resisting the persevering encroachments of its more 
 fortunate rival ; and the haven of the more recent port, communicating immediately 
 with the Humber, oflered such superior facilities for general commerce, that the 
 foreign trade of Beverley was gradually transferred to Hull. These causes, added 
 to the shock which the dissolution of monasteries gave to the town by the aliena- 
 tion of its church property, prevented any remarkable accession, from about this 
 period, of either wealth or influence. 
 
 A fraternity of minstrels or gleemen had been established in Beverley during 
 the reign of Athelstan, and were supported by their profession in great pomp 
 for many ages after the Norman Conquest; and even now they appear to have 
 existed in honour and credit.''' The church of Saint Mary underwent a thorough 
 repair about this time, and several new decorations were added to the edifice. 
 Here the minstrels determined to leave behind them an evidence of their im- 
 portance and public spirit which could never be obliterated. They therefore erected 
 one of the columns on the north side of the church, and sculptured on its capital 
 an emblematical device which was characteristic of their profession. On this column 
 are represented four men in the minstrel's uniform, with an inscription in church 
 
 " Vid. infra, p. 3. c. 7. and Append. M. 
 
168 
 
 text, EJgg ilallor ntatie tfie ilHtanjaitgrlU^ They have in their hands the various 
 instruments of music used in these ages ; a crowth, a guitar, a treble and a bass 
 flute, a side drum and a tabor, which, being played together, would produce a 
 complete and harmonious concert, and were unquestionably the instruments em- 
 ployed for that purpose by the fraternity at Beverley. The figures are coloured, 
 and their short coats painted blue, with red stockings, yellow girdles and stocks. 
 Between the spring of all the other arches, are figures of angels holding scrolls, 
 and having inscriptions on their breasts. 
 
 In the first year of Edward's reign, Richard Cockerell, of Beverley, gentleman, 
 was attainted of high treason, for the part he had taken in the unhappy contest 
 which had deformed the conclusion of the late reign, -and his possessions were con- 
 fiscated, and conveyed by letters-patent to John Fereby, a yeoman of the crown ; 
 and in the act of Resumption, passed in the seventh year of his reign, it was pro- 
 vided, that " nothing in this act nor any other made, or to be made in the present 
 parliament, shall extend or be prejudicial in any wise to the said John Fereby, 
 of a graunte beryng date the XVIII day of Feverer, in the 11^* yere of oure 
 reigne, of all londes, tenementes, rentes, reversions, servicez, and all other pos- 
 sessions, with all their appurtenauncez in Beverley, Mylcroft, or ellsw where within 
 our coimty of York; the which late perteyned to Richard Cokerell, gentilman, 
 and the which by vertue of an acte of atteynder made in oure parlement, holden at 
 Westm' the 1 1 11^^ day of Novembr*, in the first yere of oure reigne, came to oure 
 handez, and the which atteyneth to the value of Xli. yerely, over the charges and 
 reprises ; to be had and holden to the same John for terme of his lif, by service 
 thereof due and of right accustumed in certeyn maner and fourm in the same 
 letterz patentez specified.'"* 
 
 In 1461, king Edward IV. granted to the burgesses, by charter, a full con- 
 firmation of the immunities contained in the charters of 21 and 56 of Henry 1 11;'^ 
 and about the same time the Trinities were founded in Beverley."^ The appoint- 
 ment of a limited number of governors, invested with certain exclusive powers 
 above their fellow burgesses, how necessary soever for the general welfare of the 
 town, appears to have excited some sensations of envy and dissatisfaction. Whether 
 these new authorities were stretched beyond the prescribed limit, and produced 
 oppression and tyranny, we are not informed, but the voice of slander had imputed 
 
 Rot. Pari. 7 and 8 Edw. IV. '^ Rot. Pat. 1 Edw. IV. Corp. Rec. 17 Dec. 1461. 15 A. 
 
 1*^ Burton. Mon. Ebor. p. 57. 
 
169 
 
 to them crimes of which they were not guilty. Dispute and recrimination ran at 
 length so high as to disturb the peace of the town; and the impediments to the 
 due exercise of legal authority became so numerous, that the twelve governors 
 were under the necessity of preferring an appeal to the archbishop, who took the 
 trouble of examining into the circumstances of the case ; and the following ordi- 
 nance which he made on the subject, will shew the anxiety of this worthy prelate 
 to promote the peace and welfare of the town. 
 
 George by the grace of God, Archebisshop of Yorke, Primate of Englande 
 and of the Apostolique See Legate and Chanceler &c. 
 
 To our Tennants and all the other inhabitants within the Towne of Beverley to 
 whome these our Presentes shall come to gretynge. Know ye that for the unite 
 peas and concorde betwene our righte well beloved the xij Governors of our said 
 towne and Thomas Dickson, William Dowthorpe, Adam Newmarke, William 
 Richer, Robert Alured, Robert Payn and William Taillor of the same ; we have 
 decreed and will and charge that the said Thomas and all his fellows upon paine 
 that to the contrarie liereoif may ensew, conform them to say, doo and accomplish 
 this our charge and commandment in maner and forme as foloweth that is to 
 Witt. 
 
 That the sayd Thomas Dickson and every of his felowes for there governance 
 and judging that they in tyme passed have used and done contrarie to our franchies 
 liberties and customes of the same schall in the Guilde hawles of oure said Town 
 aske the said Governors of this same forgivenesse and prey yem to be their gude 
 Maisters and frends. 
 
 And also the said Thomas Dickson and every of his Fellewes Schalle bonde in 
 several obligacons unto the said Governers that thei and everye of them schall 
 frem hensforth be of gude beryng and of gude conversacion and all within our said 
 towne according to the liberties and old privileges of the same. 
 
 Also we will and charge forsomoche as Adam Newmarke heretofore did slan- 
 derously'* and disclaimed the said Governers by which great 
 inconvenience myghte have fallen, that he in the said Guilde halle ask them for- 
 giveness and knowledge his offence and trespace in that behave ; and if the said 
 Thomas Dickson and every of his felowes do according to the premises we will 
 and charge that yen the Governors of our said towne be unto them, and every one 
 
 i» Hiatus in MS. 
 
ItOf 
 
 of them welwilling" and frendly in all that belongeth unto them and right will no 
 maters hereafter to he attempted ne spoken of for thynges done by them in tyme 
 passed. Yeben under our signite and sign manuell in our mannor of Cawood, 
 the yj. day of October, in the V. year of y* reigne of our leige lord king Edward 
 the fourth sith the conquest.'^ 
 
 In 1467, the king confirmed to this prelate, who was brother to the king-making 
 earl of Warwick that placed him on the throne, the privilege of holding prisons 
 within the boroughs of Beverley and Ripon;'^° and in the succeeding year he 
 assigned to him a messuage and a garden in Beverley, as a return for services 
 performed. This property was situated by the Beck-side, and formerly belonged 
 to sir Thomas Everingham.^' Three years afterwards the seven rectors of the 
 collegiate church were incorporated, and by charter empowered to use a common 
 seal, and to receive donations in money and land to a prescribed amount f^ and 
 soon after, being applied to by William Rilston, the executor of sir Henry Brown- 
 flet, knight, late lord of Vessey, for the performance of a daily service or mass, in the 
 choir of their church, for the soul of the deceased knight, and others ; they agreed 
 to make the required services binding on themselves and their successors for ev^er, 
 in consideration of receiving from the said William Rilston, the sum of £84. 13s. 4d. 
 of lawful English money, for the benefit of the institution. Indentures were given 
 and received, to bind the parties to the just performance of the conditions. That 
 given by the rectors is dated 21 March, 1474. It is regularly executed, and has 
 their common seal affixed, containing the impression of a bear.^^ 
 
 On the 16th of the same month, Edward marched through Beverley without 
 opposition, although it is well known that the inhabitants in general were by no 
 means favourable to the house of York, and they had received direct and positive 
 orders not to advocate his cause. But he was at the head of a formidable army of 
 10,000 men, and accompanied by Richard, duke of Gloucester, earl Rivers, sir 
 Martin de la Mere, a gentleman of Holderness, and others. He now proceeded 
 to York, with the unquestionable design of recovering possession of the throne, 
 although he openly professed the mere intention of sitting down quietly as an 
 obedient subject, in his dukedom. The citizens however refused to receive him, 
 until he had solemnly sworn true fealty to king Henry, and submission to the 
 
 '9 Warburton's MSS. Lansd. Col. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fol. 159. 
 20 Rymer. 7 Edw. IV. n. 134. 21 Rot. Pat. 8 Edvv. IV. 22 ibid, 11 Edw. IV. 
 23 Bibl. Bodl. MSS. Dodsw. 74. fo. 144. 
 
 i 
 
Ill 
 
 present government.^* In defiance of this pledge, Edward had no sooner taken 
 possession of the city, than he caused himself to be proclaimed king, and shortly 
 afterwards succeeded in making himself master of Henry's person. He now took 
 care to rid himself of all further opposition from that quarter, by the cruel murder 
 of the dethroned monarch, which is said to have been accomplished by the agency 
 of the duke of Gloucester. 
 
 During the continuance of this struggle, Richard Cockerell, of Beverley, had 
 rendered himself peculiarly obnoxious to Edward, by his inflexible attachment to 
 the house of Lancaster, and his active exertions in favour of the unfortunate Henry, 
 and had suffered the confiscation of all his goods and possessions. But when 
 Edward, by the death of his rival, found himself securely seated on the throne, 
 he made a voluntary restitution to Cockerell of all his fees and hereditaments in 
 Beverley and elsewhere.'^' 
 
 On the 13th April, 1478, the privilege of sanctuary was claimed by William 
 Salvan, esq. John Heghfield, gentleman, John Salvan, esq. George Walker, and 
 John Hunt, who had been guilty of the wilful murder of Henry Hardwycke. 
 By the institution of the sanctuary, the church was bound to take them under its 
 protection, after the oath of fealty had been administered, and the fees paid.^® 
 Another claim, of a similar nature, was made on the 23rd of May, in the same 
 year, by John Boys, of Dorham, who had committed a murder of a most atrocious 
 nature, on the body of one Baxter, a C istercian monk, belonging to the abbey of 
 Jorevaulx, in Yorkshire; but having complied with the necessary preliminary 
 forms, he was suffered to remain in safety within the consecrated liberties.^' 
 
 At the conclusion of his reign, king Edward IV. made an absolute grant to the 
 town of all tolls both by land and by water ; specifying the articles on which they 
 were payable, and the amount of each, towards maintaining the pavement of the 
 town.^* During the disastrous reign of Richard III. no records remain which 
 mention the town of Beverley, except a patent of confirmation to the burgesses f 
 but his conqueror and successor, Henry VII. in the second year of his reign, gave 
 
 26 
 
 24 Hall, Holinshead, Speed, &c. 2^ Rot. Pat. 16 Edw. IV. 
 These were 2s. 4d. each to the bailiffs, and 4d. to the clerk, for entering the name, style, 
 residence, crime, and circumstances of the case in the Sanctuary Register. This register is now 
 in the British Museum. Harl. Coll. 4292. 1. XVI. 
 
 2^ Harl. MSS. B. Mus. 4292. XVI. 2« Corp. Rec. 10 Feb. 1483. 15 C. 
 39 Rymer. 2 Rich. III. n. 121. 
 
 Y 2 
 
112 
 
 to the inhabitants an inspeximus and confirmation of all the charters granted before 
 his time, of what kind or nature soever they might be.'° 
 
 In drawing up the annals of a provincial town, little connection can be main- 
 tained betwixt the consecutive periods of its history. We necessarily pass, with 
 the swiftness of thought, to subjects of opposite tendency; for the genius of the 
 historian being fettered by his materials, if he can attain the merit of accuracy, he 
 must be content. We have now to record an event, melancholy indeed in its 
 nature, but conferring a high degree of lustre on the church of Saint John at 
 Beverley. The brave earl of Northumberland, in the year 1489, fell a victim to 
 the avarice of king Henry VII. A subsidy had been granted for carrying on the 
 war in Bretagne, which was so intolerably burdensome in the north of England, 
 that the whole district was in a flame. The earl of Northumberland, then lord 
 lieutenant, wrote to inform the king of the general discontent, and praying for 
 some remission of the tax. But nothing is so unrelenting as avarice. The king 
 answered that he would not abate a single penny. This message being delivered 
 by the earl with too little caution to tlie inflammable populace, w4io had assembled 
 in a tumultuous manner around his house, at Cockledge, near Thirske, to com- 
 plain of the grievance, it was whispered by an individual that he was the moving 
 cause of their calamity. The suggestion was transferred from one to another, 
 until it had assumed the form of absolute certainty. It spread through the crowd 
 like an electric shock ; the passions of the incensed rabble were speedily roused to 
 fury, and summary vengeance was proposed to be inflicted on one of the kindest 
 and most benevolent men of the age in which he lived. They immediately broke 
 into his house, and without either pity or remorse, cruelly murdered him and several 
 of his attendants, on the day of Saint Vitalis the martyr, April 28, 1489.^' 
 
 The melancholy end of this exemplary nobleman aflbrds a striking example of 
 the insecurity of popular favour. He was humane, generous, and just; and his 
 attention to the wants and comforts of the people was incessant and uniform. Pos- 
 sessed of unbounded hospitality, he was the protector and f^xther of his tenantry 
 and dependants. Yet the very individuals whom he had fed and cherished, raised 
 their ungrateful arms against his life, at the instigation of prejudice and mistaken 
 resentment ; and he perished from a rigid principle of honour. He disdained to 
 
 so Corp. Rec. 17 Jan. 1487. 16 H. 
 Collins. Peerage. Brydges. vol. ii. p. 301, with aathorities. 
 
1T3 
 
 betray the confidence of his sovereign, and would neither acquaint the populace 
 with his own repugnance to collect the odious tax, nor rectify the erroneous notion 
 which had gone abroad, that he was the chief adviser and abettor of it. 
 
 His remains were conveyed to Beverley for interment in the minster. The 
 procession was solemn and imposing, and its course was marked by the spontaneous 
 exhibition of unaffected grief. The villages were deserted ; and the people every 
 where left their occupations to accompany the pageant, and to see the corpse of their 
 beloved lord deposited in its final resting place. All the neighbouring communities 
 of religious, issued from their respective monasteries habited in sorrowing weeds ; 
 each individual bearing a torch, a crucifix, or some emblem of mortality in his 
 hand, to meet and precede the illustrious dead; for he had been to all of them 
 most kind and hospitable, and to 5ome, an essential benefactor. The body was at 
 length deposited, with solemn ceremony, in a chapel built for the purpose in Be- 
 verley minster; and according to the custom of those times, the nobility and gentry, 
 of every rank and station, who had been anxious to express their affection and 
 esteem, were feasted at the expense of the family; and 13,340 poor persons who 
 attended, received each a funeral dole in money. A part only of the expenses of 
 this magnificent funeral are enumerated in the reference below,^^ and these amounted 
 to £1037. 6s. 8d. equal at the least to £10,000. of our money. Seldom have princes 
 been conveyed to their graves with greater solemnity, or more evident testimonies 
 
 32 A short draught of the charge of the Buriall of our Lord and Maister (Henry Percy) Earl 
 of Northumberland : whose soule Jesu pardon. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 April 28. Furst for the balraynge, fencyno: and seoweriug of the 
 
 4. H. 7. corse, with the We])be of Lead and Chest 13 06 08 
 
 1489. Item. For the wax of the Herse, by estimation 26 13 04 
 
 Item. For the Tymber and payntiiig of the Herse 5 00 00 
 
 Item. For 400 Torches, after 2s. 8d. the pece 53 06 08 
 
 Item. For a Standart 4 00 00 
 
 Item. ForaBaner 3 06 08 
 
 Item. For his Cote armer of Soynet, betyn with his Jirms 5 00 00 
 
 Item. For 12 Baners of Sarcenet, hetyu with my Lords armys at 10s. the 
 
 pece 6 00 00 
 
 Item. For 1 00 pensells of Sarcenet, at 1 2d. the pece 5 00 00 
 
 Item. For 60 Scutchions of Buckeram betyn with my Lords armys (whole 
 
 armys) at 12d. the pece, for the chaire, herse, and church 3 00 00 
 
 Item. For 40 poor men for the bering of Torches on horseback one day 
 
 (from Wresil to Lekinfield) 1 8 miles, at 2s. a man 4 00 00 
 
 Item. For 100 men on foote, at 6d. a man a day, viz. from Lekivjield to 
 
 Beverley 1 day ; and at Beverley the day of the burial 1 day 5 00 00 
 
 Item. For the suffrages of 6 churches that will met the corse by the way, 
 
 after 13s. 4d. the Church (besides the Torches) 4 00 00 
 
114 
 
 of universal regret, for the Percys, from the extent of their territorial possessions, 
 the splendour of their virtues, and the unostentatious hospitality and benevolence 
 by which they were distinguished, were the pride and glory of the northern counties. 
 The mausoleum of this exemplary character was adorned with blazonry and 
 decorated with sculpture, canopied by an exquisite gothic roof,"'rich in statuary 
 and friezing ; and in every respect worthy to contain the ashes of a warrior noble, 
 who died in the act of yielding obedience to the mandate of his sovereign. Per- 
 manent memorials of respect, of affection, or of gratitude, industriously raised to the 
 
 £ s. d. 
 Item. For the reward to two oiBficers of armys, for their helpe and payne in 
 
 orduring the said Buriall, at ,£10. the pece for coming from London their 
 
 costs and reward 20 00 00 
 
 Item. For all maner of dues belonging to the churche where the corse shall 
 
 rest 20 00 00 
 
 Item. For 12 gownes, for Lords (after 3 yerds and dimid in a gown, at 10s. 
 
 theyerde) 21 00 00 
 
 Item. For 20 gownes for Gentlewomen (after 3 yerds in a gowne, at 5s. the 
 
 yerd) 15 00 00 
 
 Item. For 24 gownes withe hods, for Lords and Knyghts (at 10s. the yerd, 
 
 and after 5 yerds in every gowne and hode) with the Executors 60 00 00 
 
 Item. For 60 gownes with tipets for Squyers and Gentlemen (at 6s. 8d. the 
 
 yerd, and after 4 yerds in every gowne and typett) 80 00 00 
 
 Item. For 200 gownes for yeomen and Headfor (after 3s. 4d. the yerd, and 
 
 after 3 yerds in every gowne) 1 20 00 00 
 
 Item. For 160 gownes of course black, for pore folke for Torche Bearers 
 
 and outher (after 3 yerds in a gowne, and after 2s. the yerde) 42 00 00 
 
 Item. For 400 yerds of course black, for hangying the Church and the 
 
 Chapells (at 2s. the yerd) 40 00 00 
 
 Item. For 500 priests that will come to the said buriall, and if they do not, 
 
 the outher must be fulfilled the next day ; after 12d. the pece, according 
 
 to the will 25 00 00 
 
 Item. For 1000 clerks that comyth to the said Buriall, after 4d. the pece. , . . 16 13 04 
 Item. For 100 gownes for Gromes and Gentlemens servants (after 3s. 4d. the 
 
 yerd, and after 3 yerds in every gowne) 50 00 00 
 
 Item. For the dole at the said buriall, after 2d. to every pore body that 
 
 comyth the day of the buriall ; (allowing the number of the said pore folks 
 
 to be, as I presume they were on the said day of Buriall) 13340 after 2d. 
 
 the pece according to the will . . . . , 1 23 06 08 
 
 Item. For the costs and expences of meat and drinke and horse-meate, going 
 
 and comyng (viz. one day from Wresil to Lekinfeld by the space of 18 
 
 myles ; and one day from Lekinfeld to Beverley and one day tarrying at 
 
 Beverley for the Buriall ; and one day returning from Beverley to Wresil 
 
 18 myles) 266 13 04 
 
 Item. For the mortuaries, his armys, his Huishemen, his Maister of the Horse, 
 
 and all such outher things to be had of my Lords owen store in the house 
 
 Sum of all the said Charges. ... 1037 06 08 
 
i16 
 
 memory of the great and good, are a just and honourable tribute to departed worth -, 
 for thus our earthly attachments to the friends we love are embalmed in our hearts, 
 when their valued remains are deposited, with pious decorum, in the silent tomb ; 
 and thus a humble and unpresuming hope is indulged, that our affections will be 
 reunited in a more perfect state of existence, where nothing shall prevail but uni- 
 versal charity; and the pure enjoyments of uninterrupted bliss shall be equally 
 permanent and without alloy. 
 
 The sanctuary at Beverley was again claimed in the seventh year ofthe present 
 reign; which shews the prevalence of crime, and the laxity of discipline which still 
 distinguished the government of this country. John Sprot, of Barton-upon- 
 H umber, gentleman, came to Beverley in haste, "and asked the Lybertes of sant 
 Jhon of Beverley for the dethe of Jhon Welton husbandman of the same town, 
 and knawleg hym selff to be at the kyllyng of the saym Jhon w* a Dager the IS**" 
 of August."'^ 
 
 It should appear that the arts were not only encouraged, but cultivated at 
 Beverley, with no common assiduity and care. The art of printing had now been 
 introduced into England about forty years, and many obstacles impeded the 
 general establishment of printing presses ; amongst which, the enormous expense 
 attending it was not the least. In 1506, however, a printing press was erected at 
 Beverley by Hugo Goes, who lived in Hye Gate. He used for a device the letter 
 H. and a Goose, in allusion to his name.^* 
 
 The ceremonies of religion, which were customary at the high festivals, obtained, 
 as might be expected, much consideration in this town. The following ordinance 
 relative to the four yeomen attached to the churches of Saint Mary and the 
 minster, will convey a lively idea of the high attention which the inhabitants 
 bestowed on these commemorations. The church of Saint Mary set an example 
 which was soon followed by that of Saint John. " Forasmuch as in tymes past in 
 honour and worship of our blessed lady Saynt Mary and Corporis Christi of old 
 custome A Light of vij. Sergies made of wax hath been & now is founde afore our 
 
 33 Harl. MSS. B. Mus. 4292. XVT. Numerous claims of this nature were made at Beverley, 
 which are recorded in the Sanctuary Register in the British Museum ; but as this document con- 
 tains merely the name of the party, and the crime, I have not considered the insertion of a dry 
 list of names sufficiently interesting to supersede matters of greater moment; pressed as I am for 
 space to comprise a perspicuous account of every transaction of real importance connected with 
 Beverley, from the voluminous mass of materials which lies before me. 
 
 " Ex. MS. penes me. 
 
176 
 
 Lady in Saynt Mary*s Church in Beverley and Two Torches to go with the 
 worshipful Procession upon Corpus Christi day, or else upon the morning- after, by 
 Four Young men, there to be chosen called Four Yeomen, the which lite of late 
 hath like to have been wasted & layde apart for default of good order amonge the 
 young men of this parish. Therefore we, Thomas Pierson, Henry Robynson, 
 William Curtas, Richard Molett, John Lytefoote, John Norman, Chrystopher 
 Atkynson, William Dendron, William Estiby, Tamys Taylor, Richard Lupton, 
 and Robert Booth, xij. Governors of the town of Beverley, in the year of our Lord 
 God 1503, at the reasonable desire and petition of John Carritt Shoemaker, An- 
 tony Aldburgh Wever, John Rypley Brasier, and John Ranfitts Baxter, called 
 the Four Yeomen of the said parish, hath ordeyned and statuted that the said 
 Four Yeomen the second sunday next after Cross dales next for to come, and 
 all the young men of the said parish, having warning the day before, shall come 
 to a place convenient at a certain hour aforenoon by the said four yeomen to be 
 limited and assigned ; at the which place and hour the aforesaid four yeomen shall 
 set eight younge men upon the election, of which the other younge men shall 
 peacefully choose four to be and occupy the office of Four Yeomen for a hole year 
 then next following ; which four so chosen shall with all oder younge men of the 
 same parish at the afternoon of the same day take and heare the account of the 
 aforesaid four yeomen that occupied the year afore. Also it is ordeyned and sta- 
 tuted for ever that the four yeomen so chosen shall yearly set sufficient sureties for 
 the stock of money they shall receive the day of Accounte truly to delyver the said 
 stock of money and all the encrease there office that shall remaine 
 
 over the cost of the foresaid Lyghtes. Also it is ordeyned and statuted that if any 
 young man shall be chosen to the office of the Four Yeomen refuse it he shall 
 forfeit to the commonalty of Beverley, and to the said Lyghte ij s. equally to be 
 divided without any pardon." ^^ 
 
 The style of living in this age, even in the most noble families, would appear to 
 the refined ideas of the present generation barbarous in the extreme. What high 
 born lady of the nineteenth century but would turn with disgust and loathing from 
 a breakfast at seven o'clock in the morning, consisting of bread in trenchers, salt 
 mutton and beef, with copious potations of ale and wine to assist the digestion ? 
 We are apt to smile at the simple fare and early hours used by our ancestors ; but 
 
 35 Warburton's MSS. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 184. 
 
lit 
 
 it may be a question difficult to solve, whether the superior polish which we have 
 unquestionably acquired in modern times, can compensate for the fashionable vices 
 which have been gradually introduced with it. A valuable record is extant, that 
 displays in striking colours the well regulated hospitality of an old English noble- 
 man. It describes with great minuteness the manner and style of living which pre- 
 vailed in the household of Henry Algernon Percy, fifth earl of Northumberland, at 
 Leckonfield, near Beverley. This nobleman was possessed of equal munificence 
 and taste, and patronized with great liberality, learned and ingenious men. His 
 household was arranged on the principles of a royal establishment, and he lived 
 with a state and splendour little inferior to a sovereign prince. As the king had 
 his privy council, so the earl formed a council board from the principal officers of 
 his household, who were all gentlemen by birth and blood. His domestic chaplains 
 were eleven, over whom presided a doctor or bachelor of divinity ; and he had a 
 complete establishment of singing men, choristers, &c. for his chapel service;^* 
 and altogether it was one of the most splendid establishments in the kingdom. 
 The family at Lekonfield consisted, in the whole, of 166 persons ; and such was 
 the earl's mibounded hospitality, that, on an average, 57 strangers were enter- 
 tained every day, making a total of 223. The annual consumption of food, which 
 was calculated with the greatest exactness, was 250 quarters of malt, 12 quarters 
 of wheat; 647 sheep; 131 beeves; 25 hogs; 28 calves, and 40 lambs. The 
 meat was generally salted before it was used ; and to season it to the palate after 
 cooking required 160 gallons of mustard, which was the yearly allowance. Ten 
 tuns and two hogsheads of Gascony wine were provided for the service of the year. 
 The family rose at six in the morning ; at which hour the whole household assem- 
 bled in the chapel for divine service ; and at seven, the earl and his lady breakfasted 
 out of a chine of boiled beef or mutton, with a quart of ale and some wine. 
 Dinner was served up at ten, and supper at four ; and at nine in the evening all 
 the gates were closed, and the family retired to rest.^*^ 
 
 The reign of Henry VIII. commenced with the most favourable symptoms. 
 The foimer monarch had become so extremely unpopular from his united avarice 
 and severity, that the news of his death was received with as open and sensible a 
 joy amongst the people as decency would permit; and the accession and coronation 
 of his son, spread universally a declared and unfeigned satisfaction.'* In the 
 
 36 Collins. Peer. Bryd. vol. ii. p. 306. s^ North. Housh. Book. Vid App, F. 
 3* Hume. Engl. vol. iii. p. 408. 
 
178 
 
 second year of his reign the king gave an inspeximus and confirmatory charter, and 
 a general pardon to the burgesses of Beverley .^^ Two years afterwards, the inha- 
 bitants suffered a calamity as unprecedented as it was fatal to the lives of many 
 unhappy sufferers. During the performance of divine service in Saint Mary's 
 church, the upper part of the tower gave way, and fell through the roof of the 
 building with a tremendous crash. The alarm necessarily attending an occurrence 
 of this kind would excite a universal confusion, and each would provide for his 
 own safety with all possible expedition. The ruin, however, was too sudden and 
 unexpected for every one to escape, and several individuals lost their lives on the 
 occasion. The structure did not long remain in ruins, for sir Richard Rokeby and 
 others entered into a private subscription for its restoration. John Crossland and 
 Joan his wife built two pillars and a half at their own private expense, and re- 
 paired two others that were injured;^" which is recorded by the following inscription. 
 
 X%^l!^JB anil !)i0 WiMite matft tf^tn Co ^illot^ antf a p^alfe* 
 The edifice was completely repaired and fitted for the performance of divine service 
 before the year 1530. An inscription relating to this event was placed on one of 
 the pews. It is now defaced, but the following is an exact copy. 
 
 ^^^otj i&aijc mavce oft\)z 3oulj>!5 of tteiHen anti Miomm anti ^fjcltiregn 
 toSojs Botigiai bag; glagne at t^e faulgnge of tibgis (Kibncibe tibc XXIX tiag 
 of ^pncl in tte gere of oiiv Hoiti a M. VC. anti XIII'' ani) for ti^e siovilgg 
 of tibem tof)icf) ibatois bgn gooti ISemfactorjs anti iftelperis of t^e isagti ©Jercje 
 up agagne anti for all ©ibvigtian .Souleg ti)at <^oti toolti ftabe praget) for, 
 anti for t\)t ^oulejs of ^tv Bectarti Bofeijg l^nggf)t anti Hagm 3onc ti^ 
 'mitt \3)W]) S^^^ tto^ l^untiretib IJounlicg! to tf)t Ijuiltiing of tijijs ©Jurcje, 
 anil for ti&e &ou\t& of ®Btllm. I^all (STooper anti W toife;"' The roof over 
 
 the north aisle of the nave was made by William Penter,'^ who inscribed upon 
 
 it the following admonition ; 
 
 ** JHa^it in tl^y il|)ffriig lotofe (ffiotr aliottn all Effing 
 
 glnti ttitv tl&gttfe of tf^t ^e^pmiixiQ UJl^at el^all rolume of tl^e rntring*** 
 
 On the font this inscription still remains.'* ** J^rag for ti^C j30Ul£j3 Of SHgllm. 
 
 JTergtfaxe IBraper anti W SSagijijs ixii&icibe matie tl)i)^ JTont of W PP^r 
 <iroj3tcj3 1!)£ tia|) of JBarce V, ^m of our ILorti MDXXX." 
 
 ' Corp. Rec. 17 Jan. and 10 Feb. 1511. 17 A. "« Gent. Ripon. p. 81. 
 *' Gent says it fell in 1604. Ripon. p. 79. but he is evidently in error. 
 « Ex. MS. penes me. ^» Gent, Ripon, p. 81. 44 vid. p. 161. 
 
179 
 
 While the architects and workmen were employed in re-edifying this structure, 
 the canons of Saint John contemplated a new decoration for the interior of the 
 minster; and about the year 1520, they completed the beautiful tabernacle work 
 over the stalls. A back ran behind the whole length of this ornament; and a 
 canopy, extending in one continued line from east to west, overhung the pinna- 
 cles.^' This decoration gave a new and splendid appearance to the choir; and 
 though many subsequent alterations have defaced the original plan, enough remains 
 to shew the good taste and exquisite genius of the artist who thus employed his 
 talents to beautify our noble church. 
 
 In the 17th year of his reign, king Henry gave another charter to the town, in 
 which he confirmed to the burgesses their former exemptions from tolls, pontage, 
 passage, ewage, lenage, &c." 
 
 About the same time two donations were made to the town, which had for 
 their object the encouragement of learning. The indentures are still amongst the 
 records of the corporation, by which these charities were conveyed. By the first, a 
 fellowship is founded in Saint John's college, Cambridge, by "master Robert 
 Hallitreeholm, of Beverley, clerk; the founder to nominate to it during his life, 
 and after his decease, every succeeding vacancy to be filled up by the master and 
 fellows of the said college. The fellow to be a native of Beverley or its neighbour- 
 hood, to be in priest's orders when elected, or within twelve months after; and to 
 sing and say masse for the soul of the said founder, and of his father, mother, 
 brethren, sisters, ancestors, benefactors, and all christian souls. The original en- 
 dowment was £120. sterling." ^'^ The other indenture is also respecting a fellowship 
 in the same college, which was "founded by dame Johan Rokeby, and Robert 
 Creyke her son, to be called for ever their fellowship. The fellow to sing masses 
 for their souls, and the soul of sir Richard Rokeby, kn*. and of Thomas Creyke, 
 late father of the said Johan, and for all their posterity. The amount of the 
 original endowment was £170. sterling, and the fellow was to receive quarterly, 
 forty shillings."" 
 
 « Coltman's Short Hist. p. 51. *6 Corp. Rec. 7 Feb. 1526. 17 B. 
 *' Corp. Rec. 18 June, 17 Hen. VIII. No. 24. <» Ibid. 11 July, 17 Hen. VIII. No. 25. 
 
 z 2 
 
180 
 
 iSTfiap* ^M. 
 
 Commencement of the Reformation — Visitation of the monasteries — Income of the 
 collegiate church — Dispute renewed between Beverley and Hull — Referred to 
 the abbot of Meaux — Decision — Dissolution of the smaller monasteries — " The 
 Pilgrimage of Grace'^ — Alleged vices of the monks — General dissolution of 
 the religious houses — Grant towards the repairs of the minster — Dispute 
 respecting tolls betiveen Beverley and Hull — Burgesses of Beverley petition the 
 queen — Disjmte finally settled by arbitration — Charters of Elizabeth — Chantry 
 property granted to the churches at Beverley — Timber in Westwood felled — 
 The town much impoverished — Exempted from payment of certain taxes during 
 the queen's pleasure — Hurricane — The inhabitants visited by the plague — Its 
 horrid progress — Charter of Charles I. — Misapplication of church funds — 
 Inquisition and decree. 
 
 The period had now arrived when the town of Beverley was to lose its ecclesi- 
 astical distinction. The excesses which were doubtless committed by several of 
 the religious orders, were subjects of regret and scandal to the moral and virtuous 
 population of the kingdom. Whitgift, the exemplaiy abbot of Grimsby, had pro- 
 phesied, from the existence of crime and error which long-continued licence had 
 introduced into the very vitals of the Romish system of religion, that it could not 
 continue,' and it was the general opinion that some remedy must be speedily 
 applied to check the growing evil, lest religion itself should be obliterated from 
 the mind, by the contagious example of its ostensible defenders. The alleged 
 vices of the monks were at length converted into a pretext for that line of policy 
 which the king had resolved to adopt, for the purpose of enriching himself with 
 the spoils of their endowments. The first blow was given to the monastic esta- 
 blishments by Woolsey, with the consent of the pope, in 1525, when forty religious 
 
 Strype. Life of Archb. Whitgift. p. 3. 
 
181 
 
 houses were dissolved, and their revenues transferred to the foundation of Christ 
 Church College, Oxford, and a college or school at Ipswich, both established by 
 the cardinal himself. This was followed up by a requisition, addressed to the 
 abbots, priors, and others, to acknowledge the king's supremacy, as the lawful 
 head of the church within his own dominions ; by which stroke of policy he hoped 
 to ascertain the quantum of resistance which might be offered by that body of 
 men, when he should proceed to the ultimate measure of actually dissolving their 
 establishments. 
 
 Soon a general visitation of the monasteries was commanded by royal authority ; 
 and eighty-six articles of enquiry were drawn up by Richard Layton,^ and placed 
 in the hands of the commissioners, which embraced every essential point, relating 
 either to doctrine, discipline, morals, or revenue, with a general clause, empowering 
 them to demand the production of all writings, records, instruments, inventories, 
 and schedules, which might be necessary for a full investigation of the state and 
 circumstances of every religious society, of whatever description, throughout the 
 whole kingdom.' At this visitation, the collegiate society at Beverley was found 
 to consist of a provost, eight prebendaries, a chancellor, a precentor, seven rectors 
 choral,^ nine vicars choral, with many chantry priests, clerks, choristers, officers, 
 and servants.^ A most splendid establishment ; worthy of the magnificent building 
 which contained it j and both devoted to the best of all purposes, the service of the 
 true and only God. 
 
 The income of these priests and officers was proportionate with the rank and 
 dignity which they had to support. In addition to the common table of the esta- 
 blishment, the following annual sums were paid by way of stipend, which, compared 
 with the value of money at the present day, would stand as in the subjoined state- 
 ment, being on an average of five to one.^ It may be further remarked that the 
 price of provisions was still more disproportionate, for an act of parliament recently 
 passed,' had fixed the price of beef and pork at a halfpenny a pound ; veal and 
 mutton, at a halfpenny and half a farthing ; hens, a penny each, geese, twopence 
 each; butter, sixpence a stone; and cheese, eighteen-pence a stone; with all other 
 
 2 Cott. MSS. B. Mus. E. IV. 6. p. 1 1. 3 jijid. e. IV. 6. p. 13. 
 
 . These were the herefellarii referred to in the ordinances and 
 gave a Bear for their common seal. Bibl. Bodl. Dodsw. MSS. vo 
 
 » Tan. Notit. York. XII. e Vid. Folkes. Engl. Coins, p. 21 . ' 24 Hen. VIII. c. 3. 
 
 * Or parsons. These were the herefellarii referred to in the ordinances and accounts of this 
 church. They gave a Bear for their common seal. Bibl. Bodl. Dodsw. MSS. vol. Ixxiv. f. 144. 
 
182 
 
 articles in proportion. The g-eneral income of the church must have exceeded the 
 sums here specified ; for the canons possessed upwards of twenty thousand acres of 
 land, which if let only at a shilling- an acre, the average price in that age,' would 
 produce a thousand pounds a year, equal to five thousand of our money. And 
 added to this we may calculate on the emoluments arising from the provost's court, 
 wreck and waif, estrays and deodand, churches and fees, manorial rights and 
 fisheries, with other advantages necessarily resulting from the possession of all these 
 lands and rights, profits and privileges.^ 
 
 The dignitaries of York beheld the storm which was ready to burst on the 
 collegiate establishment at Beverley in common with other monastic institutions. 
 
 ' Anders. Com. vol. i. p. 374. 
 
 5 The following may be considered as a fair estimate of the comparative value of the income 
 which each ecclesiastical officer of this establishment enjoyed, without any reference to the 
 inferior clergy, or to the lay oJQBcers and servants. 
 
 The Provost ...;... 
 
 The Prebend, of Saint Michael * . . . 
 
 of Saint Peter 
 
 of Saint Martin 
 
 of Saint Catherine 
 
 of Saint Mary 
 
 of Saint Stephen , . . 
 
 of Saint Andrew 
 
 of Saint James 
 
 The Chancellor 
 
 The Precentor. 
 
 The Fabric Lands 
 
 Seven Rectors Lands in common 
 
 Do. Pension, £6. i3s. 4 d. each 
 
 Nine Vicars Lands in common 
 
 Do. Salary, £S. each 
 
 ralue 26 Hen. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Comparative Value at 
 present. 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 rf. 
 
 109 
 
 8 
 
 8\. 
 
 547 
 
 3 
 
 H 
 
 31 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 158 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 46 
 
 6 
 
 HI 
 
 231 
 
 14 
 
 9| 
 
 39 
 
 11 
 
 1 
 
 197 
 
 15 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 18 
 
 4 
 
 54 
 
 11 
 
 8 
 
 35 
 
 17 
 
 
 
 179 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 44 
 
 
 
 
 
 220 
 
 
 
 
 
 48 
 
 16 
 
 1 
 
 244 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 47 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 235 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 69 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 67 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 90 
 
 18 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 43 
 
 7 
 
 11 
 
 46 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 233 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 0| 
 
 60 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 72 
 
 
 
 
 
 360 
 
 
 
 
 
 598 
 
 8 
 
 n 
 
 2992 
 
 3 
 
 HI 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 211 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 1057 
 
 12 11 
 
 5 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 28 
 
 12 6 
 
 The minor hospitals and religious houses at Beverley, were valued as follows. 
 
 Hospital of Saint Giles . . . 
 Commandery of Saint John 
 Hospital of Saint Nicholas . 
 
 House of Gray Friars 
 
 House of Black Friars . . . 
 
 Tan. Notit. York. XII. 
 
 For an account of the numerous chantries, &c. see Part. 3. ch. 2. 
 
183 
 
 and resolved to provide against an event that appeared to threaten the extinction 
 of religion amongst the inhabitants, by securing to the church of Saint Mary the 
 regular performance of all the offices of public worship. On the 17th March, 1531, 
 therefore, the dean and chapter issued a commission to John, bishop of Sodor, to 
 reconcile and perpetually establish the church prebendal or parochial of Saint Mary, 
 in all the profits and privileges granted to its vicar by archbishop Melton.'" Two 
 years afterwards, the claims of the town of Kingstone-upon-Hull to the payment 
 of tolls on all vessels from Beverley, were once more renewed. The burgesses 
 of the latter place persisted in their right to a freedom of passage with their " shypps 
 and botts," and peremptorily refused submission to the impost. A suit at law to 
 enforce payment was carried on with great perseverance, but the merchants of 
 Beverley were too tenacious of their chartered privileges to relinquish them without 
 a struggle. At length, after much expense had been incurred by both the con- 
 tending parties, without a prospect of any speedy decision, a compromise was 
 proposed and accepted; and it was mutually agreed to refer the decision of all 
 matters in dispute to the abbot of Meaux, who ultimately published the following 
 award or agreement. " Furste, yt ys agreyd, that the inhabytaunts of Beverley 
 shall pay to the burgesses of Hull for ev'ry quater of wheat a penny, and ev'ry 
 quater of other grayne a halfepeny, that they schall carry thorowe Hull haven* 
 yf they or theyr ankers or fesh w't'in the saym, or lade w'thin the haven; and in 
 lyke case the inhabytants of Hull to pay to the burgesses of Bev'ley lyke somes 
 from Hull-Bridge to Snorome-House, if they either anker or fesh, or take away 
 corne w'thin the same."" 
 
 In the year 1536, the experiment of actual dissolution was made, and the for- 
 midable act was passed for the suppression of the lesser monasteries;'^ certain 
 injunctions having been previously laid on all the religious houses without exception, 
 to prevent any waste or embezzlement of property.'^ This measure must have 
 created an alarming sensation in Beverley, which contained several of these minor 
 establishments; because one source of its prosperity arose from the profuse 
 
 10 Ex. Reg. ^rchiep. Ebor. AR. p. 613. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 47. 
 
 " Corporation Records. 
 
 12 
 
 Hume. Engl. vol. iv. p. 150. Bishop Tanner, Notit. p. xxiii. says, this act was passed about 
 March, 1535. Dugdale, in his Worcestershire, p. 1111, edit. 1730, represents the houses of 
 parliament as packed for the purpose; but in Spelman's History of Sacrilege, p. 183, it is said 
 that the bill stuck long in the house of commons, and would not pass, till the king sent fpr the 
 commons, and told them he would have the bill pass or have some of their heads. 
 
 '3 Cott. MSS. Cleop. E. IV. 7. p. 21. 
 
184 
 
 expenditure of the revenues of its religious houses ; and it was universally believed 
 that this statute was but a preliminary step towards a general alienation of all the 
 monastic property. The town of Beverley, however, did not suffer from the operation 
 of the late act ; for its houses were not dissolved, until, by a subsequent statute, the 
 entire destruction of these foundations was finally decreed. This short respite 
 might be owing to the powerful interest of many opulent families who now resided 
 in the town. 
 
 Notwithstanding the errors of this religion, we cannot but regret the violent and 
 unworthy means which were used to suppress the monasteries. They produced dis- 
 content throughout the country, which the ejected monks, during their wanderings 
 from place to place, took pains to encourage and kindle into a flame. The 
 dissatisfaction rose to such a height in the county of York, that a dangerous 
 rebellion broke out which required a great force, and the exercise of a wise and 
 judicious policy, to subdue. One Richard Aske, esquire, possessed sufficient talent 
 and address to raise a large army of monks, friars, and people to the number of 
 40,000 men, which was plausibly denominated " The Pilgrimage of Grace;" and 
 every man took an oath not to lay down his arms until the poor, persecuted church 
 should be restored to its former situation, both with respect to doctrine, discipline, 
 and possessions. Animated with a furious zeal, which their leader knew how to 
 keep alive, they proceeded with avidity towards their purpose. Preceded by a band 
 of priests bearing crosses, and banners displaying the crucifix and the five wounds 
 of Christ, they made themselves master of Hull, York, and Pomfret castle, and 
 were joined by the archbishop of York and lord Darcy. The bailiff's of Beverley 
 also espoused their cause, and took with them a supply of men. At length, the 
 confederacy became so formidable that it made Henry tremble on his throne. 
 The duke of Norfolk was despatched against the rebels, but not being strong 
 enough to meet them in the field, he had recourse to treaty j in which, after some 
 difficulty and delay, he succeeded in dispersing the rebels and obtaining possession 
 of their principal leaders. Aske was hung in chains at York ; sir Robert Con- 
 stable, another of the insurgent commanders, was also hung in chains over 
 Beverley Gate, Hull ; the bailiff's of Beverley escaped, although they were ex- 
 empted by name in the proclamation of pardon," but lord Darcy was beheaded on 
 Tower Hill. 
 
 »* Corp. Rec. 24 July, 29 Hen. VIII. 17 C. The names of these two persons were Richard 
 Wilson, and William Woodmansie. 
 
ISS 
 
 Other insurrections followed, which seem to have had no other effect upon 
 Henry than to make him pursue his course of policy with greater caution ; and, 
 though determined to alienate the monastic property into his own coifers, he found 
 it necessary to colour his exactions with the appearance of justice. Commissioners 
 were again sent out, with full powers to ascertain the extent of crime with which 
 the religious orders stood charged ; and it must be confessed, that if only a small 
 portion of the vices contained in the reports of these inquisitors be true, a general 
 reformation was absolutely necessary for the benefit of public morals, as well as the 
 holy cause of religion. A system of concubinage was universal, said they ; and 
 " all kinds of knaveries,"" whoredoms, adulteries, sodomies, and incest were every 
 where prevalent.'* Inveterate hatred and quarrels were said to have existed within 
 the walls of these consecrated houses, amongst brethren of the same order ; and 
 the most glaring frauds and legerdemain tricks practised to secure the attachment 
 or excite the reverence of the people- A detail of these unnatural crimes and im- 
 pudent impostures created sensations of horror and disgust amongst all descriptions 
 of people, although it was suspected by many, that the visitors, under the royal 
 influence, had exaggerated every failing into a crime, merely to excite in the 
 nation a sentiment of abhorrence against the religious orders, that Henry might 
 execute his projected schemes with the greater impunity, and plunder the monks 
 of their property and possessions, without incurring the resentment of that portion 
 of the nobility in particular, whose ancestors had founded, and who were personally 
 interested in, the greater portion of these religious institutions. '^ 
 
 The Roman Catholic religion was debased with errors which called loudly for 
 reform ; but the manner in which the reformation was effected was liable to con- 
 siderable objections. The nobility and gentry began to tremble for the tenure of 
 their own possessions, on perceiving the delirious avidity with which private rights 
 were invaded, and the total absence of principle which accompanied an insatiable 
 
 »» Cotton. MSS. B. Mus. Cleopatra. E. IV. fo. 1 14, 151. '« Speed. Brit. p. 791. 
 
 "■ It must be confessed, indeed, that many vices and disorders did really exist within the walls 
 of these secluded establishments. Thus the abbot of Fountains, "wasted his woods, dilapidated 
 his house, and kept six concubines.'''' "Elizabeth Copley, a nun at Swine, was found with child by 
 a priest." Thompson's Swine, p. 67, 68. The prior of Maiden Bradley had six illegitimate 
 children. Cott. MSS. B. Mus. Cleop. E. IV. fo. 249. a. The abbot of Furness confessed, in his 
 writ of resignation, the " mysorder and evyll lifFs, both unto God and the prynce, of the brcdren 
 of his monasterie." Cott. MSS. B. Mus. Cleop. E. IV. p. 246. And the abbot of Welbeck is 
 described in MS. Asfamol. Mus. 1519. fo. 28. b. as living in a state of fornication, "by keeping 
 divers women.^^ 
 
 2 A 
 
186 
 
 thirst of riches in the person of a powerful monarch. To dissipate these unfavour- 
 able impressions, the king- granted, sold or exchanged, the abbey lands, on terms 
 the most disadvantageous to himself; gratified the borough towns by a renewal of 
 their civil liberties, and conciliated the people by promising to appropriate the 
 produce of these lands to supply the exigences of the state, and thus to relieve them 
 in future from all grievous and oppressive taxes.'* He proceeded to give his pro- 
 mised charter to the burgesses of Beverley, in 1539. It contained a confirmation 
 and exposition of the words said to be in the first charter of Athelstan ; — 
 
 ^!3 ibert map t])^nkt ox (B^^t mag ^t, 
 
 which was extended to all tenants and residents in Beverley.'^ 
 
 The Franciscan monastery at York was one of the seven custodies or wardenships 
 into which the order had been divided in England ; and under its jurisdiction were 
 the monasteries of Beverley, Doncaster, Scarborough, Boston, and Grimsby. This 
 monastery, for divers good causes, &c. with unanimous consent, &c. according to 
 the prescribed formulary, was resigned into the king's hands on the 27th of 
 November, 30 Henry VIII.'^° and of course its dependencies fell at the same time 
 with it. The house of this order at Beverley was granted to Thomas Cullpepper, 
 32 Henry VIII.*' About the same time the site of Saint Giles's hospital, with 
 the free chapel annexed to it, was granted to Thomas, earl of Rutland.^^ In 
 1542, Edward Lee, archbishop of York, by indenture, dated November 12th, 
 exchanged the manors of Beverley, Southwell, and Bishop-Burton with the 
 crown, for the dissolved priory of Marton-cum-Membris, in the county of York, 
 and other manors formerly belonging to religious houses: ;P and in the following 
 year, the site of the commandery of Saint John of Jerusalem, at Beverley, was 
 granted to William Barkeley,^* and the house of the Black Friars was given to 
 John Pope and Anthony Foster.^* Soon afterwards the king, of his especial grace, 
 not having yet determined on the destruction of the collegiate church, appointed 
 William Giles, clerk, to the prebend of Saint Michael, vacant by the death of 
 
 >8 Coke. Instit. IV. f. 44. 
 
 19 Corp. Rec. 1 May. 31 Hen. VIII. 17 F. ^o Drake. Ebor. p. 283. 
 
 " Tan. Notit. York. XII. 8. ^^ Ibid. York. XII. 3. Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. 3. p. 12. a. 
 
 23 Drake. Ebor. p. 451. «" Tan. Notit. York. XII. 2. 
 
 w Ibid. York. XII. 7. 
 
18t 
 
 William Darian, for the term of life, and invested him with its rights, profits, 
 fruits, and appurtenances.^ 
 
 The common people were not easily reconciled to the dissolution of the monas- 
 teries, by which the monks and friars, who were certainly very excellent friends to 
 the poor, lost their revenues, and with them the power of assisting their indigent 
 neighbours. Every calamity that happened to the nation for many years after this 
 period, was attributed to the outrageous insult offered to religion.^'^ 
 
 In the second year of king Edward YI. the final dissolution of the collegiate 
 establishment at Beverley took place ;^* when, the provost, having resigned his 
 office into the king's hands,*® the images were removed out of the rood loft by a 
 royal injunction ; the paintings were defaced, and their places supplied by verses 
 from scripture,^" and most of the prebendal houses were given to John Bellowe, of 
 Grimsby, and Michael Stanhope ;'' the prebendaries and other officers having 
 
 26 Rot. Pat. 38 Hen. VIII. Rym. Feed. torn. xv. p. 106. 
 
 *' The following lines were constantly in the months of the common people. 
 
 " Chill tell thee what good vellowe. 
 Before the vriers went hence, 
 A bushell of best wheate 
 Was zold vor vourteen pence. 
 And vorty egges a penny. 
 That were both good and newe ; 
 And this che zay myself have zeene, 
 And yet ich am no Jewe.'''' 
 
 Strutt. Man. and Cust. vol. iii. p. 58. 
 
 *' It must be ever lamented, that the destroyers of these venerable edifices were not contented 
 with the annihilation of every vestige which bore a reference to the superstitious observances of 
 popery ; but all the learning of the English nation, collected through many centuries, and de- 
 posited in the libraries of these institutions, was sacrificed during the exterminating impulse which 
 consigned to oblivion the systematic errors of the Romish church, and put a period to its existence 
 as a national establishment. Manuscripts, which can never be renewed, were consigned to 
 profane uses; whole ship loads were transported to the continent; history, topography, biography, 
 records, were alike bartered for a base equivalent, and petty tradesmen were furnished with 
 paper for common purposes, which was worth its weight in gold. Coll. Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 166. 
 Bale asserts, that he knew a merchant who received as many manuscripts from monastic libraries 
 for forty shillings, as would serve him for all the purposes of his business for twenty years. The 
 loss may excite our regret, but it can never be retrieved. 
 
 23 Ex libello adjuncto de Praepos. Beverlac. 
 
 50 Weever. Fun. Mon. p. 123. Burn. Hist. Ref. vol. ii. p. 268. 
 
 »i Tan. Notit. York. XII. 1. 
 
 2 A3 
 
188 
 
 retired on small pensions ;" but as a sort of compensation to the inhabitants for the 
 loss of their ecclesiastical institutions, the king- granted two charters to the town, 
 both dated on the same day ; the one being* an inspeximus and confirmation of all 
 former charters ; and the other a confirmation of Athelstan's grant, Als fre, &c." 
 
 The borough of Beverley soon began to feel the loss it had sustained in the dis- 
 solution of its ecclesiastical establishments, for it declined rapidly from the standard 
 of its former rank. Some provision, how inadequate soever, appears to have been 
 made about this time for the purpose of preventing the beautiful church of Saint 
 John from falling to decay. It was still the ornament and pride of the town, 
 and as the burgesses beheld the wreck of its institutions, they feared that time 
 would also deprive them of the fabric itself, if some means were not attempted 
 towards obtaining a permanent fund to preserve it from dilapidation. Applications 
 were made in the proper quarter, and, about the year 1552, a decree was issued 
 out of the exchequer, empowering the twelve governors of the town to receive such 
 
 ** In 1553, the following pensions remained in charge, viz. 
 
 Reginald Lee, the Provost .... 49 
 Robt. Sherwood, Chancellor . . 6 
 John Rude, Preb. of St. Stephen 19 
 
 Robert Fleye 6 
 
 John Thorgate 6 
 
 John Clayton 6 
 
 William Griggs 6 
 
 Robert Collingson ............ 6 
 
 Robert Watson. .\ /- 5 
 
 Richard Johnson i I ^ 
 
 Robert Thwyngef ^.^^^g J 5 
 John Levett . . . . / J 
 
 John Morryce . . 1 / ^ 
 
 Robert Warde .,J \ 5 
 
 Thomas Cooke 2 
 
 Peter Yole 2 
 
 I 
 1 
 I 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 L 1 
 
 Thomas Rusheby 
 John Bomfaye . . 
 Robert Ingleton 
 John Pardonne. , 
 
 George Grigges lr;uoristers-( 
 John Pickerynge r^t^oristers-^ 
 
 Leonard Tuby . . 
 William Forests . 
 John Stable .... 
 Marm. Dunkyn.. 
 
 8. d. 
 
 15 
 
 13 4 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 Thomas Butterwood 2 
 
 John Hall 2 
 
 Charles Wright. 2 
 
 James Cootes 2 
 
 Thomas Crawnsmore 2 
 
 George Goodsoppe, Minister , . 1 
 William Sysson, Incense Bearer 2 
 William Johnson ? -y" S ^ 
 
 John Stamper. ... 3 \ 
 
 Anthony Bul^eye ? j^. . . 
 Richard Bury. ... 3 
 
 Robert Babthorpe, Prebendary 21 
 Henry Brown, Prebendary . . 
 Richard Goodsoppe, Minister 
 Richard Bury, Minister. ..... 
 
 George Haslewood\ 
 Edm. Hogheson. . i Chantry 
 Geoffery Jefferson f Priests in 
 Henry Bylton. • • . T the 
 Chris. Walton . . I Coll. Ch. 
 William Cowardey 
 Robert Mote . . ~\ Chantry 
 John Thompson f Priests out 
 Richard Burton ^ of the 
 JohnTalbote ..J Coll. Ch. 
 
 " Corp. Rec. 1 Feb. 1548. 18 A. 
 
189 
 
 a portion of the rents and fermes of the office of the works at Beverley as should 
 amount to £33. 8s. lOd. towards the repairs of the minster, and also to receive the 
 profits belonging to the two late chantries of Saint John of Beverley, and Saint 
 William, founded in the church of Saint John, with an arrear of £62. 14s. 8d. 
 to be applied to the same purpose." 
 
 Respecting the bloody reign of the savage Mary the annals of our town, happily, 
 are wholly silent, with the exception of two charters, the first an inspeximus, 
 enumerating and establishing most of the preceding charters; and the other, a 
 charter confirming the tolls by land and water for ever, on payment of an annual 
 reserved rent to the crown of £5. 6s. 8d." 
 
 The glorious reign of Elizabeth we contemplate with feelings of satisfaction and 
 delight, for she confirmed to us all our religious privileges, without being subject 
 to the charge of tyranny and oppression, which stained the memory of her father. 
 At the commencement of her reign, the men of Hull had proceeded to extremities 
 against the merchants of Beverley, and actually denied to them the privilege of 
 egress from the river Hull into the Humber, by blocking up the passage at their 
 bridge, and hence their commerce was wholly suspended. In this state of affairs 
 they determined to petition her majesty's privy council for redress ; in which they 
 were seconded by other towns, which had suffered by the unprecedented step which 
 the inhabitants of Kingstone-upon-Hull had taken in obstructing the passage of 
 the river. The petition set forth, that the mayor and burgesses of Hull had closed 
 the leaf or trap of the North Bridge, erected by king Henry VIII. and that 
 thereby " no ship, crayer or keel, with mast erect, could pass through the same, to 
 the great detriment not only of the town of Beverley, but also to the hindrance of 
 any quantity of timber to be brought so near the queen's highness's pier of Hornsea, 
 by ten miles for the maintenance thereof; and also to her tenements on the Wolds, 
 barren of wood."'^ The petition was signed by many of the burgesses of Beverley ; 
 by the township of Fishlake and Hatfield, the queen's tenants ; by the townships 
 of Hornsea, Selby, and others. 
 
 This petition appears to have awakened the corporation of Hull to a sense of the 
 responsibility which they had incurred, by assuming the prerogative of inflicting 
 
 " Corp. Rec. 6 Nov. 6 Edw. VI. 18 C. Attested at Westminster, by sir Richard Sakervyle, 
 knight. 
 
 « Corp. Reo. 18 Oct. 1553. and 22 Jan. 1554. 19 A. and 19 B. 
 
 »« Corp. Rec. 20 March, 1559. 20 A. 
 
190 
 
 punishment on those whom the law had not condemned. They proposed to snhmit 
 the matter to arbitration, and a bond, with a penalty of £200. attached, was given 
 by Alexander Stockdale, mayor of Hull, and Robert Dalton and James Clarkson, 
 aldermen of that town, to the governors and keepers of the town of Beverley, 
 covenanting that they will abide by the award of the arbitrators, touching the 
 inclosing of the leaf in the middle of the North-Bridge." 
 
 The arbitrators were, Robert Constable, esq. of Hotham; Robert Wright, esq. 
 of Welwick ; Thomas Grimston, esq. of Goodmanham ; Anthony Smetheley, esq. 
 of Brantingham; and Thomas Doweman, gentleman, of Pocklington. These 
 gentlemen examined all the documents, heard all the arguments on both sides 
 of the question, and bestowed considerable pains to ascertain all the points and 
 bearings of the subject, and after due deliberation published their final award; 
 which directed, "that the mayor and burgesses of the town of Kingstone-upon- 
 Hull shall, before the 24 June next, disclose the above said bridge over the river, 
 so that the inhabitants of Beverley and their successors, and all other the inhabitants 
 adjoining the said river, may for ever pass and repass in their vessels, with their 
 masts standing, to and from Beverley ; and further ordered, that in consideration of 
 the expense of opening the said bridge, that the governors and keepers of the town 
 of Beverley, shall pay to the mayor and burgesses of Hull, the sum of £30. ; viz. 
 £15. on the 23 June, 1559, and £15. more on the 23 June, 1560.'"* And thus the 
 question of toll was finally disposed of. 
 
 After this decision the queen granted two charters to the town of Beverley, by 
 which all the liberties and privileges conveyed by any of her predecessors were 
 graciously confirmed;^' and in the 15th year of her reign, she gave the burgesses 
 another charter, which recites that, " Beverley is an ancient town, and from time 
 immemorial has enjoyed many privileges and liberties, as well by prescription as 
 by grants from divers princes;" and proceeds in due form to "incorporate the 
 town by the name of mayor, governors, and burgesses of the town of Beverley ; and 
 appoints Edward Ellerker to be the first mayor."'"' 
 
 In the year 1579, the queen granted letters-patent under the great seal of Eng- 
 land, by which her majesty assigned to the mayor, governors, and burgesses, certain 
 
 3^ Corp. Rec. 24 April, 1559. 20 B. ssibid. 12 June, 1559. 20 C. 
 
 89 Ibid. 9 Nov. 1559. 20 D. and 20 E. 
 
 « Ibid. 4 July, 1573. 20 G. This charter, which is most beautifully illuminated, is dated at 
 Goshambury. 
 
191 
 
 chantries, lands and tenements, to be applied to the sole purpose of repairing* and 
 maintaining the fabric of the minster/' with a yearly rent of £4. 13s. 4d. lately 
 paid by the churchwardens of Saint Mary's parish, to William Cawood, chantry 
 priest at the altar of Saint Catharine, in Saint Mary's church. And in 1581, an 
 exemplification of a decree was issued from the exchequer, for "the stipends of 
 £21. 6s. 8d. payable to the minister of the collegiate church, and £16. per annum 
 to an assistant in the said church, to be paid by her majesty's receiver at Michael- 
 mas and Lady-day, by equal portions.^^ By this decree, the mayor, governors, and 
 burgesses are empowered to nominate the minister and assistant on any vacancy. 
 Four years afterwards she gave to the corporation, by her letters-patent, in con- 
 sequence of a petition from sir James Crofts, knight, comptroller of her majesty's 
 household, a further donation of lands, tenements, rents, and hereditaments, in trust 
 to them and their successors, for the support of the minster church,^^ and other 
 possessions for the use of Saint Mary's.** 
 
 Notwithstanding- the munificence of this princess to the town of Beverley, the 
 affairs of the corporation were at this time in a very disordered state, and some 
 public meetings were convened to devise a plan for liquidating their debts. Several 
 proposals were made for accomplishing this desirable purpose, but none appeared 
 to promise such complete success as the removal of the timber from Westwood, 
 the sale of which would furnish them with a sum of money amply sufficient for 
 their present purposes, and leave the ground in a state eligible for improvement, 
 and better calculated for the general benefit of the town, than while covered with 
 wood. It was therefore determined, on the 31st March, 1587, by Ralph Freeman, 
 the mayor, with the consent of the governors and burgesses, " to make sale of so 
 much of the trees and wood, now growing and being in the said wood called W est- 
 wood, as by them shall be thought good and sufficient for performance of the affairs 
 and business so required; that is, to disburse and defray divers several sums of 
 money, which otherwise cannot he accomplished."''^ 
 
 ^1 Corp. Rec. 2 July, 1579. 20 I. Rs"* s'e'do Julij cone' Maiori gubernatorib*. et burgensib* 
 viir Beverlaci inter alia Cant' S'ci Willi' & Jo. in Beverlaci ac o'ia mess' ib'm Cantar' S'ce 
 Katherine Eccl'ie S'ce Marie ib'm iiij". xiij». iiij.'^ redd' ac div'ss al' redd' et terr' ib'm. Tenend' de 
 Eastgrenevv<='>. soccag' p' fidelitat' Anno xxj" Eliz. p'te nona. Ex. Reg. Preep. Bev. 1. 3. p. 18 b. 
 
 ^2 Corp. Rec. 4 June, 1581. 20 L. « Ibid. 3 Feb. 1585. 20 O. 
 ** Chancery Decree. 23. Charles J. Vid. infra, par. 3. cap. 3. 
 « Warburton's MSS. Lansd. Col. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 178. This document is signed by 
 Ralphe Freeman, mayor; John Truslove, Mich. Warton, Will. Farlery, Peter Harpham, and 
 
192 
 
 The town was now gradually sinking- to decay, and in 1599, the inhabitants 
 were incapable of paying their just proportion of the taxes necessary for carrying 
 on the business of the state. Their incapability was laid before the queen, who, 
 with her usual grace and kindness, remitted a portion of her demand, and gave 
 the mayor and governors a discharge, by which the town was relieved from the 
 payment of the sum of £321. 6s. Od. due to the crown for third, fourth, fifth and 
 sixth, fifteenths and tenths, granted to her majesty, by an act of parliament passed 
 in the 39th year of her reign, (c. xxvii.) and further exonerating the town from 
 the payment of fifteenths and tenths during the royal pleasure. This document 
 recites, that Beverley, once very rich and populous, was now become so impover- 
 ished by the translation of the staple, lately there kept, to Hull ; that four hundred 
 tenements were at this time utterly decayed and uninhabited, and that the town 
 expended the annual sum of £105. in support of the poor, besides the charge of 
 maintaining and educating eighty orphans, in knitting, spinning, and other works 
 of industry, according to the provisions of an act of parliament passed 39 Elizabeth.^^ 
 
 A long train of misfortunes appear now to have commenced, which cast a 
 baleful shade over this once flourishing town, and served to perpetuate its degra- 
 dation; yet how melancholy soever may be the task of tracing the steps of its 
 gradual decline, we are still relieved and invigorated by a distant prospect of 
 progressive improvement and renewed importance. A tremendous hurricane came 
 over the town in 1608, which did incalculable mischief. The minster being a 
 prominent object, and much exposed to its fury, received considerable damage. 
 Its superb windows were demolished, its roof stripped of the lead, and fears were 
 entertained for the safety of the fabric."'^ This calamity was succeeded by a dread 
 of the plague, which now raged in the north of England, and every precaution 
 was used to prevent the infection from being introduced into the town. An order 
 was made to exclude strangers ; and no person from the infected districts was 
 allowed to attend the fairs." All these preventive measures were without effect. 
 
 others. A prior ordinance had been agreed on "that all blown down wood which shall be found 
 in Westwood, shall be placed with the masters of Westwood for the time being, and to be sold 
 by them to the most comodity for the use of the comonalty, provided always that the fynder and 
 p'uter of the same blown down wood shall have for his paynes for every tree fourpence." Ibid. 
 Sep. 3. 1570. 
 
 « DischargCi dated 7 April, 1599. 20 Q. *^ Corp. Rec. March, 1608. 
 
 ** This order appears among the corporation records, and is to the following effect, Edw. 
 Nelthorp, mayor. « It is ordered and agreed upon by Mr. Mayor and most part of the governors 
 
193 
 
 and in the early part of the year 1610, the town was visited by this scourge of 
 heaven, which raged with such violence as to thin its population. The activity of 
 the mayor was unbounded, and this officer was allowed to adopt any measures 
 which might tend to alleviate the general distress at the expense of the corpora- 
 tion.'" Notwithstanding the unceasing exertions of all ranks of people, in the 
 month of June twenty-three interments took place in the parish of Saint Mary 
 alone, when the average number of deaths was usually but four per month. From 
 this period to November, the disease increased so rapidly as to supersede all 
 business. The shops were shut up ; the public offices, and even the churches were 
 closed, and numbers left the town. Notwithstanding these precautions, thirty- 
 two persons died in July, and were buried in Saint Mary's church-yard ; besides 
 forty others whose remains were thrown into large holes without the performance 
 of any religious ceremony.^** In August, the disease became so fatal that in the 
 parish of Saint Mary no entries are made in the registers.*' A lazaretto or pest- 
 house was erected on the ruins of the commandery of Saint John of Jerusalem, to 
 which those who were infected fled for refuge. But the dead were so numerous, that 
 they were buried in tumuli of considerable extent on the western side of the moat." 
 
 and burgesses then present that from henceforth during the continuance of this instant Cross Fair 
 (considering the great damage of the sickness in divers places of this countey) that all and every 
 the inhabitants within this town, being householders, shall in their own persons, if they be able 
 men, keep the day ward from six of the clock in the morning till nine at night; and if he be 
 unable in person himself, or that he cannot by reason of his occasions ward himself, that then he 
 shall set a suflBcient man, to be allowed by the governors of that ward or one of them; and that 
 the constables of every ward shall every morning present the watchmen that day to be appointed 
 to ward by six of the clock before the governors or one of them for that ward, to be allowed or 
 disallowed as aforesaid; and that every one offending herein to forfeit and pay 3s. 4d. to be levied 
 by distress to the town's use; or otherwise imprisoned at the discretion of Mr. Mayor and the 
 governors, or any of the justices within this town. And it is further agreed that no person or 
 persons inhabiting in the city of York or any other places infected with the plague shall be 
 aufFered to come within this town to Midsummer Fair with any wares or without, except he or 
 they be to travel through the town without wares, having a certificate." 
 
 « Corp. Rec. 15 June, 1610. «<> Saint Mary's Reg. 
 ** The street called Londoner's Street was closed by a barrier placed at each end during the 
 continuance of the plague, and the dead bodies were now conveyed in great numbers through the 
 yard, of the George and Dragon inn, and buried in tumuli in a field adjoining the outer Trinities. 
 Ex. MS. penes me. The register of Saint John exhibits the following proportion of dead within 
 that parish during the prevalence of the disease. 
 
 March, 1610, 2 burials. 
 
 April 7 
 
 May 6 
 
 June 15 
 
 July, 1610, 18 burials. 
 August .. 13 
 September 1 2 
 October . . 6 
 
 *2 Ex. MS. penes me. In the year 1825, a considerable mass of human bones was discovered 
 by Messrs. Tindalis, while excavating the west and north-west sides of the moat which surrounds 
 
 2 B 
 
194 
 
 During the whole continuance of this month the members of the corporation 
 assembled regularly in the council chamber, to devise the means of reducing the 
 calamity within more moderate limits. An order was made to prevent the total 
 desertion of the town ; and a fine of ten shillings was imposed on every individual 
 who should go, even to fairs and markets, without the mayor's especial permission; 
 and lest this measure should be insufficient to detain the fugitives, imprisonment 
 or other punishment, at the discretion of the justices, was denounced, and in some 
 cases inflicted.^^ In the same month it was ordained, that every head of a family 
 should periodically report, to the constable of his ward, the state of health in his 
 house ; and if any member of his family should be attacked by the disease, it should 
 be reported within a specified number of hours, under pain of forfeiting forty 
 shillings to the town's chest.** And another resolution was adopted at the same 
 time, empowering the mayor to expend any sums of money for the relief of the 
 sufferers, to be repaid out of the corporation purse/^ 
 
 The situation of the town at this moment must have been exceedingly appalling 
 to those who still retained their health ; but to the wretched sufferers who had 
 been attacked by the deadly malady, it was replete with horror and dismay. 
 Loathsome to themselves, and avoided by their friends, they almost hailed death as 
 a deliverer from the anguish of pain, and the mortification of disappointed hope. 
 Happily the disease was not of long continuance. It gradually diminished from 
 August till November, when it entirely ceased.''^ 
 
 In 1613, the minster was become much dilapidated ; but the town was now 
 poor, and having been recently weakened by heavy calamities, it was unable, in 
 the absence of appropriate funds, to furnish the means for its reparation. But it was 
 a noble fabric, and the people of Beverley possessed sufficient spirit to make some 
 sacrifice rather than suffer the ornament and pride of their town to sink into utter 
 ruin. At this time, the cloisters and other parts of the abbey of Watton lay in 
 ruins, and the corporation had some interest with the proprietor, which enabled 
 them to obtain a grant of the dilapidated materials for the purpose of restoring the 
 decayed parts of their own magnificent structure. Thus provided, an order was 
 passed for borrowing £100. at ten per cent, on the credit of the corporation f and 
 
 the Trinities. These were the remains of the wretched inhabitants who fell a victim to this 
 unrelenting scourge. 
 
 «3 Corp. Rec. 8 Aug. 1610. ** Ibid. 22 Aug. 1610. •" Tbid. 
 
 «6 Ex. eodem MS. Ex. Reg. Saint Mary. ^^ Corp. Rec. 1 July, 1613. 
 
195 
 
 they proceeded once more to put the minster in a state of repair convenient for the 
 exalted purposes to which it was originally designed. 
 
 King Charles I. ascended the throne in 1625, and a few years afterwards gave 
 to the corporation of Beverley, a charter of liberties which established the charter 
 of incorporation granted by queen Elizabeth, and empowered the mayor, recorder, 
 and governors to act as justices of the peace within the liberties of the town,'* for 
 previously two of the governors only had been annually elected under the charter 
 of 2 Henry V. to officiate in that capacity. The first bench consisted of Francis 
 Thorpe, esquire, recorder; Richard Waide, mayor; William Barrett, Peter Lick- 
 barrow, John Chappelow, William Legard, Arthur Fish, Nicholas Waller, William 
 Johnson, Robert Manby, Thwaites Fox, William Clarke, Thomas Clarke, and 
 John Fotherby.'' 
 
 The town had been recently divided into wards, and an order was made by the 
 corporation assigning to each governor his division of the town, and placing it 
 distinctly under his peculiar jurisdiction, " according* to the king's direction.""" 
 In the same year, a writ of quo warranto was exhibited against the town, and the 
 recorder was directed to take the proper measures for neutralizing its effects."' 
 
 In 1632, a dread of the plague appears again to have pervaded the inhabitants 
 of Beverley, and every precaution was renewed to avoid a recurrence of evils 
 which recent experience had taught them to regard with horror. The strictest 
 watch and ward was kept, and the town escaped the visitation with which many 
 places in the north of England were at this time attacked."^ 
 
 It should appear that a very gross misapplication of the funds arising from certain 
 property which had been graciously bestowed on Saint Mary's church by the late 
 queen Elizabeth, had excited a considerable sensation in the town. A formal 
 complaint was instituted, and a royal commission was issued out of the court of 
 chancery, addressed to the archbishop of York; Francis, earl of Cumberland; sir 
 Matthew Boynton, sir John Hotham, knights and baronets; sir Henry Griffith, 
 baronet; sir Thomas Metham, sir William Alford, sir Christopher Hildyard, sir 
 Michael Warton, sir Marmaduke Langdale, sir Philip Stapylton, knights ; William 
 St. Quintin, Nicholas Girlington, Francis Thorp, Richard Remington, Michael 
 Warton, Robert Cromton, Richard Pearson, Christopher Constable, esquires; 
 Ezekiel Rogers, William Chantrell, Thomas Micklethwaite, John Norton, Henry 
 
 «» Corp. Rec. 4 Dec. 1628. No. 21. ^9 ibid. eo ibid. M April, 1632. 
 «' Corp. Rec. 4 March, 1630. " ibid. 20 Jan. 1630-1. 
 
 2 B 2 
 
196 
 
 Hoyle, Rowland Aire, and William Ellis, clerks ; giving to them, or any four of 
 them, full power and authority to enquire, either by empanneling a jury or by any 
 more direct method, what lands or other property had been at any time assigned 
 to Saint Mary's church, and whether any of its possessions had been actually 
 depreciated from the existence of abuses, misdemeanors, breaches of trust, defrauds, 
 or misapplication of the funds ; and to exhibit their decree in chancery with all 
 convenient speed. 
 
 In pursuance of this commission, an inquisition was taken at Beverley, on the 
 7th January, 1633, before sir Michael Warton, knight; Michael Warton, and 
 Francis Thorp, esquires; William Chantrell, Thomas Micklethwaite, and William 
 Ellis, clerks. The jury consisted of Richard Johnson, Launcelot Keld, and John 
 Anderson, of Bishop-Burton ; William Johnson, of Cherry-Burton ; Anthony 
 Farrer, and Francis Smith, of Walkington ; Robert Johnson, of North-Cave; 
 Nathaniel Sumner and Thomas Sutton, of Riplingham ; John Hammond, Henry 
 Tindal, and Robert Johnson, of South-Cave; and Thomas Carr, of Sancton. This 
 inquest sat many times at the Hall-garth, in Beverley, which at this time was 
 used as the Sessions-house, to examine evidence, and enquire into all the matters 
 named in the commission. On a full investigation it appeared that considerable 
 property, as well in houses as in lands and rents, had been appropriated to the 
 use of Saint Mary's parish, by queen Elizabeth, and other charitable persons, 
 and the benefits of such appropriation had, in many instances, been wrongfully 
 detained and misapplied, by alderman Barret and others. The inquisition states, 
 that the jury "finde that a parcell of the garth in Wood-lane, belonging to the 
 tenement in the tenure of Jefferey Ashton, viz. 27 yards thereof in length, and the 
 whole breadth 410, hath been by the space of ten years last past, wrongfully de- 
 tained and withheld from the said tenement and use of the said church, by William 
 Barret, one of the aldermen of Beverley. And further, that the house within the 
 North-Bar, late the lands of Robert Farrer, chargeable to pay the free rent of 10s. 
 per annum, is now in the occupation of Elizabeth Winch, and that the same is 
 behind and unpaid for the space of five years last past; and that the house in 
 Burdet-midding-lane, late the lands of one — Grey, merchant, chargeable to pay 
 a free rent of 2s. per annum, is now in the occupation of Richard Webster; and 
 that the house called Stout house, in Vicar-lane, chargeable to pay a free rent of 
 2s. per annum, is now in the occupation of Charles Billips, one of the aldermen 
 of Beverley ; and that the house over again Saint Marie's church, lately the lands 
 of one Wilmote, chargeable to pay a free rent of Is. 8d. per annum, is now in the 
 
191 
 
 tenure of Alice Leake, widow ; and that the tenement without North-Barr, called 
 the Butt, chargeable to pay a free rent of sixpence per annum, is now in the occu- 
 pation of Isabell Swales ; and that the house in High-g-ate, late in the tenure of 
 James Adwick, chargeable to pay a free rent of 3s. 8d. per annum, is now in the 
 occupation of William Johnson, or his assigns ; and that the tenement in Burdet- 
 midding-lane, late the land of — Padley, chargeable to pay a free rent of Is. 6d. 
 per annum, is now in the occupation of William Coulson, baker, or his assigns. 
 And that all the forementioned free rents have been behind and unpaid by the 
 space of five years last past." ^^ 
 
 These illegal detentions, and other instances of peculation having been fully 
 investigated by the commissioners, a decree was drawn up and agreed to, which, 
 by distinctly marking the specific purposes to which the funds should be in future 
 applied, and by placing them under a responsible control, should prevent the re- 
 currence of similar encroachments. The decree provided that the churchwardens 
 should enter upon, and take possession of all the church property, whether in rents, 
 houses or lands, and grant leases for any term not exceeding twenty-one years, 
 in their own names, and those of the mayor, governors, and burgesses; that the 
 proceeds should remain in the joint custody of the senior governor, the vicar of 
 Saint Mary's church, and the churchwardens, and be disposed of as follows, after 
 paying the out-rents and reprizes incidental to the property. For the repairs of 
 the church ; for ornaments, utensils, and habilimeuts of the same ; for the salaries 
 of the sexton and other inferior officers, and for providing bread and wine for the 
 communion ; and the surplus, if any, to be paid annually to the corporation. The 
 casual receipts were directed to be reserved for ten years, as a fund to answer any 
 unexpected demand ; and afterwards to be employed yearly in the repairs of the 
 fabric. And it was provided that if the revenues should be insuflScient to defray 
 the current expenses, then the rent of the lofts in the church, which constituted 
 one of the casual receipts, were appropriated to furnishing the above elements for 
 the service of the altar. These purposes being effected, the churchwardens were 
 charged to deliver a true and explicit account of all the receipts and disbursements 
 of the preceding year, to the vicar and parishioners, at evening service on Tuesday 
 in Easter week; which account, after being examined and allowed, was to be fairly 
 transcribed on parchment, and placed amongst the other papers and evidences of 
 the parish." 
 
 " Inquisition, dated 7 Jan. 1633-4. «* Decree, confirmed 23. Feb. 1635-6. 
 
198 
 
 iartiap. vm^. 
 
 Disputes between the king and parliament — Scottish war — King Charles at Beverley 
 — Sir John Hotham appointed governor of Hull — The king appears before 
 Hull, and demands admission — Is refused — Declares Hotham a traitor — The 
 parliament sanction Hotham' s conduct by a vote of thanks — Violence of the 
 parliament — Preparations for war — Charles attempts to get possession of Hull 
 by stratagem, and is assisted by a gentleman of Beverley — The plan detailed 
 — Is unsuccessful — Active operations commenced by both parties — Charles places 
 a garrison at Hull-Bridge, and stations himself at Beverley with his whole 
 court — Lays siege to Hull — Returns to Beverley — and York. 
 
 In the fluctuating- pag-e of history the reader is often impelled by transitions 
 equally sudden and unexpected — 
 
 " From grave to gay, from lively to severe." 
 
 In the record of past events, the historian is pledged to the strictest veracity ; the 
 golden balance of truth is suspended before him, and, faithful to his trust, he can- 
 not add to, or diminish from, the materials by which its equipoise is sustained. 
 Turn we now from private to public disputes ; from the minor altercations of a 
 single parish, to the discontents and differences of a mighty nation, which shook 
 the constitution to its basis, deluged the country with blood, and ended in the 
 temporary abolition of monarchy in England. This period demands a particular 
 consideration, because the town of Beverley stands prominently forward as the 
 theatre of many interesting transactions; and its representatives in parliament 
 took an active and decided part in those scenes of blood and civil warfare which 
 have excited the astonishment and execration of mankind ; which produced the 
 violent and unnatural death of the king, and the elevation of an ambitious dema- 
 gogue to sovereign power, upon the ruins of every principle that is virtuous and 
 praiseworthy in civil and social life. 
 
199 
 
 The illegal imposition of ship money, as it was termed, constituted a great sub- 
 ject of national complaint, and formed a primary source of disagreement between 
 the king- and his people.' The disputed right of levying this tax, however, was 
 only a pretext made use of by the parliament to engage the affections of the 
 nation. The original question at issue between Charles and his parliament was, 
 whether England should be governed by a despotic monarch without any control 
 from the people by their representatives ; or whether the nation should continue to 
 enjoy the ancient form of government, transmitted through a long race of kings, 
 confirmed by Magna Charta, and administered by three distinct branches of the 
 legislature, king, lords, and commons. It was an error in Charles's education 
 that he had, unhappily, imbibed false ideas of the royal prerogative, which he 
 endeavoured to stretch to its utmost limit ; even, as it was asserted by the reformers 
 in the house of commons, to the annihilation of all the established privileges of his 
 subjects, and the absolute acquisition of despotic power. To this source may be 
 traced all the calamities which deformed the reign of this ill-fated monarch ; and 
 it was purely the fault of his education and not of his principles ; for Charles was 
 by nature a man of peace, and his bitterest enemies could not pronounce him a 
 tyrant from a disposition systematically vicious, or from habits of a depraved or 
 evil cast. Had he succeeded in the accomplishment of this design, if such were 
 really his intention, the beautiful fabric of our constitution would have been laid in 
 ruins, and the people enslaved under the domination of an absolute monarch. To 
 prevent the degradation necessarily resulting from the consequences of such a step, 
 the liberal party made a bold stand to resist the meditated attack upon the liberties 
 of the people. The designs of parliament, at this stage of the dispute, extended 
 no further than to confine the king's prerogative within its just and legal bounds, 
 and to preserve the ancient and approved form of government, which was conse- 
 crated by long experience, and conveyed by the sanction of all former kings. 
 The celebrated patriot Denzell Holies, at a subsequent period, while lamenting 
 the sanguinary encroachments of the independent party, publickly declared, that 
 " he and his, desired nothing but the settlement of the kingdom, in the honour 
 and greatness of the king, and in the happiness and safety of the people. And 
 whenever that could be obtained," he continues, " they were resolved to lay down 
 
 ' The mayor, governors, and burgesses of Beverley, and divers other places in the county of 
 York, were charged with providing two ships of 600 tons, each manned with 240 men with 
 double equipage, and furnished with munition, wages, and provisions. Rot. Pat. II Ch. i. p. 11, 
 
200 
 
 the sword, and submit to the king's sceptre of peace more willingly than they ever 
 resisted his force and power. This, I am sure, was the ultimate end of many, I 
 may say of the chiefest of those, who, at that time appeared."* 
 
 Charles, in an evil hour, determined to compel the Scottish nation, by force of 
 arms, to embrace the rites and discipline of the reformed church ; forgetting that 
 no species of zeal is more obstinate and unconquerable than religious enthusiasm. 
 An army was raised in the north for this express purpose, which the king headed 
 in person, and the town of Beverley furnished its quota of men.^ In October, his 
 majesty passed through Beverley,* and at the same time, sir John Hotham and 
 Michael Wharton, esquire, were elected burgesses to serve in parliament, to the 
 exclusion of sir Thomas Metham, who was the unsuccessful candidate f and seven 
 days afterwards, Mr. Robert Manbie and Mr. Edward Gray were directed to ride 
 to York to pay the sums assessed upon the town and its members, towards main- 
 taining the companies of sir W. Pennyman and sir T. Danbie.® The Scots, with 
 their usual policy, had adopted the principle of retaliation ; and making an irrup- 
 tion into the north of England, they soon penetrated to the very borders of 
 Yorkshire. Personal security, instead of hostile attack, was now the general con- 
 sideration ; the garrisons of York and Hull were put in a strong posture of defence, 
 and an efficient guard was placed on duty night and day at Beverley .'^ The 
 expenses of this unpopular war soon excited a spirit of insubordination that roused 
 the tiger from his lair, whose ferocious activity gained possession of the monarch's 
 person, and bathed his talons in his sacred blood. 
 
 The debates in parliament now began to bear a character, which for boldness 
 and invective had seldom before been witnessed ; and the demands increased in 
 proportion as the unfortunate monarch shewed a disinclination to compliance. 
 The inhabitants of Beverley foresaw a struggle, ending in civil commotion, and 
 
 2 Holies. Memorial. ' Corp. Rec. 7 September, 1640. 
 
 i The town was not prepared for the expenses attending this honour. " Paid at the coming of 
 his majesty into this town for officers' fees and gratuities, £47. Os. Od. Trees within and without 
 the Trinities sold to defray the same.'''' Ibid. Oct. 20. 1640. 
 
 * Ibid. 20 Oct. 1640. It should seem from the coincidence of these dates, that the king was 
 in Beverley on the day of election. 
 
 « Ibid. 27 Oct. 1640. 
 ^ ** It is ordered that whereas there is a guard kept by the troops for the safeguard of eveiy 
 inhabitant of this town ; and whereas the nights are both long and cold, and they desiring fire, 
 that they shall be allowed every night a fire to refresh them with, at the charge of every inhabi- 
 tant of this town that are thought able to be chargeable to the same." Ibid. 19 Nov. 1640. 
 
201 
 
 resolved to guard Iheir own town against its effects as far as their facilities would 
 permit; for being situated in the immediate neighbourhood of Hull, a garrison 
 town, and on the main road from thence to York, another strongly fortified place, 
 l>oth of which would be objects of consequence to each contending party, they 
 ordered, that a regular and sufficient watch should be kept during six days of the 
 week ; and watch and ward " on the Lord's day during these dangerous times."' 
 And to ensure the due execution of this order, to every governor was assigned the 
 care of his own ward on his personal responsibility, with power to enforce obe- 
 dience to his orders.^ 
 
 The boldness of parliament increasing Avith its strength and success, its remon- 
 strances became more plain and decided, and the dislike of the king to the leading 
 members was proportionably increased. In 1642, the attorney-general was in- 
 structed to prefer articles of accusation against Holies and four other principal 
 persons of his party, for " bringing and encouraging the Scottish army to invade 
 his majesty's kingdom of England." A sergeant-at-arms was despatched to the 
 house to take them into custody, but without success. This attempt was voted a 
 breach of privilege ; and a declaration was made, that it would be lawful to resist 
 any king's officer by force, who should try to attack any member of that house 
 without their own order. At length the king himself, inflamed by disappointment, 
 appeared personally in the house and demanded the accused members, who had 
 just time, from private intelligence, to escape before his majesty entered. No 
 assistance could therefore be rendered to the impatient monarch in the absence of 
 the accused, and thus overwhelmed with vexation, Charles returned to his palace 
 amidst loud and reiterated cries of " Privilege!" 
 
 This summary proceeding was immediately voted a high breach of the privilege 
 of parliament ; a great scandal to the king and his government ; a seditious act, 
 manifestly tending to the subversion of the peace; and an injury and dishonour 
 done to the five persecuted members, there being no legal charge or accusation 
 against them. And the house further declared, that there could be no vindication 
 of their privileges, unless his majesty would discover the names of those who advised 
 him to such unlawful courses. The king refused to comply with this request; 
 
 « Corp. Rec. 17 Jan. 1641-2. 
 
 ' Corp. Rec. 16 June, 1642. One of the governors having been for some time absent from the 
 town, and his ward being thus neglected, an order was made, that if "Mr. Fotherby does not 
 attend in his place as a governor, he shall be dismissed, and another appointed in his room." 
 Ibid. 
 
 2 c 
 
202 
 
 and the parliament immediately committed sir Edward Herbert, his attorney, on 
 a charge of violating the privileges of parliament. This was a strong and somewhat 
 decisive measure, but the members of the house of commons had now gone too far 
 to recede with impunity j and were therefore resolved to widen the breach, even 
 at the risk of involving the country in a civil war. The king appeared the next 
 day in the streets of the city, when the people, rendered bold by the atrocious 
 example of their superiors, surrounded his carriage, and loaded him with gross 
 insult and aggravated indignity; so that his majesty, under the dread of creating 
 a popular tumult, was reduced to the necessity of secluding himself entirely from 
 his parliament and his people. 
 
 Decisive measures were now resolved on; but it was reserved for one of the 
 representatives of the town of Beverley, to perform the first act of indignity against 
 his legitimate sovereign, as the harbinger of a fierce and bloody intestine war. Sir 
 John Hotham was deputed to take possession of the town and garrison of Hull, 
 to secure the arms and warlike stores vrhich had been deposited there to be in 
 readiness to repel any sudden irruption of the Scots. Various means were now 
 used to prejudice the inhabitants of this place ag-ainst the king, and prevent them 
 from embracing his cause if he should make any attempt upon the town ; and sir 
 John Hotham, the governor, had received peremptory orders from the parliament, 
 that " no English or any other forces shall be suffered to enter the town but those 
 already appointed to be the garrison there ; and such others as by the wisdom and 
 authority of both houses of parliament shall be advised and directed to be received 
 and kept for the better guard and defence of the town and magazines therein re- 
 maining, ybr his majesty's service and the security of the kingdom."'" This order, 
 like all the other transactions of the parliament at this unhappy period, was a 
 serpent concealed amongst roses. The magazines were directed to be secured for 
 his majesty's service ; when the real meaning was, that the governor, "at his peril," 
 should take heed that his majesty did not, by any means, get them info his pos- 
 session ; for they were intended to be used against him, in the civil conflict which 
 a certain party in the parliament had already resolved to bring upon the country. 
 
 The crisis now approached, which was to refer the disputes between the king 
 and parliament to the arbitrament of the sword. His majesty had established his 
 court in the city of York, as a place of personal security ; for here he was surrounded 
 
 'oParl. Hist. vol. x. p. 3741. 
 
203 
 
 by a loyal and affectionate population, who were prepared to devote their lives to 
 his safety, should any attempt be made upon his liberty or life ; and their fidelity 
 was openly displayed, although the parliament had stationed a secret committee 
 there, who acted as spies upon his person and conduct, and used every opportunity 
 of undermining- his popularity, by falsehood, calumny, and detraction. Many at- 
 tempts had been made by the parliament to remove the magazines from Hull to 
 London, but the upper house had hitherto possessed sufficient authority to prevent 
 it. At length however, being afraid that the king would become possessed of this 
 important fortress, the house of commons issued an order, on their own respon- 
 sibility, for such removal ; and so secretly and expeditiously was this order carried 
 into effect, that the king was unacquainted with the design, until ships were actually 
 appointed to carry the stores away. No time was now to be lost, and his friends 
 urged him to take possession of the town of Hull in person, trusting that the 
 governor would not dare to refuse admittance to his lawful monai'ch. Sir John 
 Hotham however, at this period of his political career, was strictly in the interest 
 of the parliament ; and, as one of the representatives of Beverley, he had already 
 induced the inhabitants to take the solemn vow and protestation," It appears that 
 the king thought differently, for on the 23rd of April, 1642, attended by a small 
 number of servants, and several loyal gentlemen of the county of York, the king 
 appeared before the gates of Hull, and found them closed, the bridges drawn up, 
 the soldiers under arms, and the governor on the walls, prepared to receive him as 
 an enemy.'^ To the demand made by his majesty for admittance, sir John 
 objected to the magnitude of his train. The king proposed to reduce it ; but other 
 difficulties were started as an apology for the refusal, which the governor thought 
 it his duty to persist in. In a word, sir John appeared unable to determine what 
 course to pursue on this sudden emergency; and Charles, after a long and patient 
 parley, proceeded to apprize the governor of the unhappy" consequences which 
 might result from his extraordinary conduct on the present occasion ; and entreated 
 him to consider well what he was about, as all the blood which might be shed in 
 the quarrel would rest upon his head, should he persist in the fatal determination 
 of excluding him from the town. Sir John was paralyzed. Divided between his 
 sworn allegiance to the king, and the ideas of duty, which, as he imagined, bound 
 him to obey the orders of those who had entrusted him with the command ; and 
 
 " Corp. Rec. 19 May, 1641. '^ Clar. Hist. Rebel, vol. i. p. 507. 
 
 2 c 2 
 
204 
 
 beholding, in his mind's eye, the distant spectacle of civil dissension, darkened by 
 seas of English blood, and embittered by the lamentations of widowed mothers, 
 and the cries of destitute orphans, he trembled for the calamities which as yet were 
 only in anticipation ; and, in the phrenzy of indecision, he threw himself on his 
 knees, avowed his loyalty, and imprecated the veng-eance of heaven on himself and 
 his posterity, if he intended any disrespect to his majesty by refusing him admission 
 into a town which had solemnly been entrusted to his charge by the parliament of 
 England. The king graciously afforded him time to recover from his panic ; but, 
 after considerable delay, still receiving a direct prohibition to enter the walls, he 
 caused a herald to proclaim sir John Hotham and all his adherents guilty af high- 
 treason, under the statutes of 25 Edw. III. and 11 Hen. VII. and returned to 
 Beverley for the night. '^ 
 
 The king's feelings, on that evening of mental torture, smarting under bitter re- 
 flections on the open indignity which he had received from a subject, cannot easily 
 be conceived.'^ Still he was willing, if possible, to avert the fatal consequences 
 of such an act of disloyalty and disobedience. A messenger was despatched from 
 Beverley the next day, to afford sir John Hotham another opportunity of profiting 
 by the exercise of his deliberate judgment, with a gracious offer of pardon and 
 indemnity for the past, if he was willing to preserve the peace of the kingdom by 
 admitting the king into the possession of his own garrison of Hull. Sir John 
 
 '3 Clar. Hist. Rebel, vol. i. p. 508. 
 '^ His majesty's own words may be here cited to shew his feelings on this indignity. "My 
 repulse at Hull seemed at the first view, an act of so rude disloyalty, that my greatest enemies had 
 scarce confidence enough to abet or own it. It was the first overt essay to be made, how patiently 
 I could bear the losse of my kingdoms. God knows, it afifected me more with shame and sorrow 
 for others, then with anger for my self: nor did the aflfront done to me trouble me so much as their 
 sin, which admitted no colour or excuse. I was resolved how to bear this, and much more with 
 patience. But I foresaw they could hardly contain themselves within the compasse of this one 
 unworthy act, who had eflTrontery enough to commit or countenance it. This was but the hand 
 of that cloud, which was soon after to overspread the whole kingdom, and cast all into disorder 
 and darknesse. For 'tis among the wicked maxims of bold and disloyal undertakers, that bad 
 actions must always be seconded with worse, and rather not begun then not carried on: for they 
 think the retreat more dangerous then the assault, and hate repentance more than perseverence 
 in a fault. This gave me to see clearly thro' all the pious disguises, and soft palliations of some 
 men, whose words were sometimes smoother then oyl, but now I saw they would prove very 
 swords. Against which, I having (as yet) no defence but that of a good conscience, thought it 
 my best policy, with patience to bear what I could not remedy. And in this (I thank God) I had 
 the better of Hotham, that no disdain or emotion of passion transported me, by the indignity of 
 his carriage, to do or say any thing unbecoming my self, or unsuitable to that temper which, in 
 greatest injuries, I think best becomes a Christian, as coming nearest to the great example of 
 Christ." Eikou fiagilike. Edit. 1650. p. 31. Published at the Hague. 
 
205 
 
 rejected the proposals, and thus an opportunity was for ever lost of preventing" the 
 unnatural scenes which result from civil warfare. The king returned to York, 
 whence he transmitted a message to the two houses of parliament, demanding 
 justice on the governor of Hull, and all his adherents; but the parliament had 
 resolved on war, and this occurrence was a sufficient pretext for promulgating 
 their intentions. The members of the lower house concurred in justifying the 
 conduct of sir John Hotham, as he had acted under the influence of obedience to 
 their commands; and turning the king's complaint against himself, they voted, 
 " That the declaring of sir John Hotham traitor, being a member of the house of 
 commons, is a high breach of the privilege of parliament; as well as against the 
 liberty of the subject and the law of the land." " 
 
 The parliament now began to make active preparations for war; and a small 
 band of loyal Yorkshiremen voluntarily enrolled themselves into a corps for the 
 protection of his majesty's person. These were the seeds of civil dissention, which 
 soon produced a luxurious harvest of slaughter and blood. The house of commons 
 voted an answer to the king's message respecting the treason of sir John Hotham, 
 couched in violent and indecent language, and transmitted it to Beverley, where 
 Charles then was ; by the hands of a committee, consisting of lord Howard, lord 
 Fairfax, sir Hugh Cholmeley, sir Philip Stapylton, and sir Henry Cholmeley,'* 
 with instructions to secure the town of Hull for the parliament; to prevent any 
 armament being formed in Yorkshire for the king's use; and to require of the 
 lord lieutenant and the sheriff to raise the whole county, if circumstances required 
 it, and place the force so embodied at the disposal of any person whom the parlia- 
 ment might think proper to appoint.'^ 
 
 The king's situation at this time was peculiarly delicate and distressing. He 
 had already made a concession to the people renouncing his right to levy tonnage 
 and poundage without the consent of parliament,'* and still hoped to preserve 
 inviolate the peace of the nation. For this purpose he now employed remonstrance 
 and argument to convince a party of their error, who were resolved not to be con- 
 vinced ; and who, instead of searching for the means of adjusting all existing differ- 
 ences, sought only for plausible pretexts to justify their own aggressions, and lend a 
 sanction to measures which were about to drench the country with blood. Daring 
 individuals were now planted about his majesty's person as spies upon all his 
 
 15 Rushw. Collect, vol. V. '^ Clarend. Hist. Rebel, vol. i. p. 684. 
 »^ Pari. Hist. vol. x. p. 483. i* Stat. 16. Ch. I. c. 8. 
 
206 
 
 Actions, and tboug-h he was acquainted with the desig-ns of the intruders, he was 
 averse to their apprehension, lest such an act should be construed into a commence- 
 ment of hostilities; a consummation which he contemplated with sentiments of 
 apprehension and horror ; for the parliament had passed a resolution, that whoever 
 should molest or imprison a member of either house, who was employed in its 
 service, should be deemed a disturber of the peace, and brought to summary 
 punishment.'^ 
 
 Many members of both houses, who still retained their loyalty, and foresaw the 
 approaching- storm, abandoned their seats, and flocked to the king- at York, deter- 
 mined to avenge the insults he had received, and restore to him the unsullied 
 possession of his crown and dignity. This defection of many of the wisest and 
 best senators left a dreary vacuum in the house, which alarmed and terrified the 
 reformers to such a degree, that a vote was immediately passed by the miserable 
 relicks, declaring that " as it appears that the king intends to make war against 
 the parliament, whoever shall assist him in such war, shall be accounted traitors by 
 the fundamental laws of this realm ; and that such persons ought to suffer as 
 traitors." '^^ The plausible subtlety of this resolution must appear evident. It 
 accuses the king of an intention of making war, when the parliament had actually 
 been in arms against him, at least from the period of his repulse before the gates 
 of Hull, which was an instance of direct hostility, avowed by the parliament, and 
 sanctioned as their own act and deed. From that period too, sallies had been 
 made from the garrison with armed men,'^' who burned and plundered houses, and 
 took the lives of their fellow subjects under circumstances of deliberate cruelty 
 which usually mark the progress of long and bloody wars.'^^ This point of time may 
 be accounted the commencement of the rebellion; and though Charles, from an 
 impulse of tenderness towards his subjects, hesitated to comply withthe proposal 
 of the Yorkshire nobility and gentry, who strenuously urged him to raise the 
 county and take the garrison of Hull by force,^^ yet all this while the parliament, 
 like the savage boar in the dark recesses of his native forest, were secretly em- 
 ployed in sharpening their tusks, and preparing for the work of destruction. 
 Thus, while the king at York amused himself with issuing proclamations, to 
 
 19 Pari. Hist. vol. x. 20 ibij. vol. xi. p. 116. 
 
 21 Clarend. Hist. Rebel, vol. i. p. 718. 
 
 " Remonstrance of the nobility and gentry of Yorkshire. Drake. Ebor. p. 156. 
 
 23 Drake. Ebor. p. 145. 
 
20t 
 
 induce his subjects to return to their allegiance, and prevent an effusion of blood; 
 the parliament, with other sentiments than those of peace, were assiduously 
 engaged in active operations. They seized upon the navy, and appointed the earl 
 of Warwick, lord high admiral of England; and when war was formally declared, 
 each party professed to contend for the same object; and the respective orders for 
 levying forces were expressed in the same words. The royal declaration specified, 
 that his majesty took up arms " to maintain the Protestant religion, the king's 
 just power and authority, the laws of the land, the peace of the kingdom, and the 
 privilege of parliament." The declaration of the parliament was the same, 
 withouj; any variation of words or phrases. How truly the rebels adhered to their 
 professions the sequel fully shews. 
 
 The next step taken by the parliament, was to provide the town of Hull with a 
 sufficient force to resist the attack which the king was expected to make upon it. 
 They appointed a committee to assist sir John Hotham in his defence of that 
 citadel, consisting of Mr. Peregrine Pelham, one of the members for Hull ; sir 
 William Strickland and Mr. Allured, the members for Hedon ; Mr. John Hotham, 
 the son of the governor, and representative of Scarborough ; Mr. Henry Darley, 
 member for Malton; sir William Airmyn, member for Grantham; and Mr. 
 Warton, the other representative of Beverley.^* These commissioners were in- 
 vested with full powers to keep the town of Hull, and to repel any attempt that 
 should be made to force it ; to remove or appropriate stores ; to arm the popula- 
 tion if necessary ; to use their utmost diligence to prevent forces being raised for 
 the royal cause; and to clear the parliament " from all imputations and aspersions, 
 and throw all the odium of these proceedings on the king and his party."" 
 
 Charles now began to see that his enemies were bent on his destruction ; and 
 having experienced the extreme hopelessness of argument, persuasion, and remon- 
 strance, he roused himself at length from his inaction, and determined to make an 
 attempt upon Hull. But it was now too late ; and he had forfeited by delay, and 
 an aversion to shed the blood of his subjects, the propitious moment when he 
 might successfully have carried the place ; and once in possession of its stores, all 
 the subsequent horrors would have been prevented ; for it is highly probable that 
 at that period, and under these circumstances, the parliament would have been 
 inclined to listen to terms of pacification, which might have restored Charles to 
 
 ** Parliam. Hist. vol. xi. p. 1 i 8. »« Ibid. 
 
208 
 
 his throne clothed with the legitimate authority which he had received from his 
 ancestors. Aware of the impracticability of obtaining the town by force in his 
 present weak and unprovided state, he had recourse to stratagem. Mr. Beck- 
 with, of Beverley, a gentleman warmly attached to the king's interest, had a son- 
 in-law who was a subaltern officer in Hull garrison. Measures were privately 
 concerted between this gentleman and other friends of the unfortunate monarch 
 to gain over lieutenant Fowkes to their interest ; and for this purpose, Beckwith 
 wrote an invitation to his son-in-law to spend an evening with him at his house in 
 Beverley, as he wished to communicate with him on business of the utmost impor- 
 tance. The lieutenant obtained permission to visit his father-in-law, and was 
 commanded to return to his duty the next day before two o'clock. When he 
 arrived at Mr. Beckwith's house, he was ushered into a private apartment, where 
 he found a large party of gentlemen apparently engaged in conversation of ex- 
 traordinary interest, as their countenances betrayed the utmost anxiety and intense 
 thought. That their deliberations were of a secret nature was evident from this 
 circumstance, that one of the party was concealed under a mask which covered 
 his whole face. Fowkes considered this man well, and mentally pronounced him 
 to be sir Joscelyn Percy, a known adherent of the king, and the son of Henry, 
 the eighth earl of Northumberland.^® 
 
 Mr. Fowkes was received with great cordiality by the party to which he was 
 introduced; and a conversation, which appeared to have been interrupted by the 
 entrance of the young soldier, was resumed without any apparent reference to 
 himself. The horrors attendant on domestic warfare were described by one of the 
 party in animated language ; and the delirium of the parricide was instanced as 
 one of the dreadful results, who, in a civil conflict, should be paralyzed with the 
 sickening discovery that the blood which stained his victorious weapon, had been 
 drawn from the life-veins of his parent, and that the foe whom he had just laid 
 dead at his feet, was no other than the venerated author of his own existence. 
 From general topics of this character, the conversation naturally turned to the 
 present posture of affairs in England, and the inevitable probability that such 
 scenes would soon be realized in this unhappy land; and they all united in 
 
 *^ One of the manuscripts in my possession asserts, that the gentleman in the mask was no 
 other than Charles, king of England, whose anxiety prompted him to be present incog, for the 
 purpose of directing the proceedings in a point of such moment to his future interests. I think, 
 however, that this interpretation ought to be rejected, because it is wholly unsupported by any 
 substantial evidence. 
 
209 
 
 deploring the evils which must result from the usurpation of sovereign power which 
 the parliament appeared inclined to assume. Even lieutenant Fowkes deprecated 
 any attempt to deprive the king of his legal rights ; and declared, that while he 
 possessed a sword and a hand to wield it, nothing should seduce him from his 
 sworn allegiance, nor wrest from his sacred majesty those powers and privileges 
 which his ancestors had bequeathed to him, confirmed as they were, by law and 
 ancient usage. So little, adds my authority, were even the soldiers themselves 
 acquainted with the dark designs of their crafty leaders. 
 
 This open declaration excited visible emotions of surprise in the whole party, 
 and particularly in the masked visitor. One of the company immediately explained 
 to him, with great eagerness, the outline of the present dispute between the king 
 and parliament ; that the latter had an army in pay against the king-, of which he 
 (Mr. Fowkes) formed a part ; that, unless it were prevented by some master-stroke 
 of policy, this country would soon become the theatre of war ; that, as his father- 
 in-law was an adherent of the royal party, if he himself continued in the service of 
 the parliament, their swords would be mutually pointed at each other's throats; 
 and concluded by saying, that it was in his individual power to preserve the lives 
 of thousands who would otherwise be slain in the dispute ; and by a single act of 
 obedience to the commands of a monarch, whom he had already professed his readi- 
 ness to serve, he might have the glory of tranquillizing the country by soothing all 
 its stormy passions to repose ; and be hailed by mankind as the preserver of the 
 king, and the protector of the lives, liberties, and property of his fellow countrymen, 
 as well as his dearest connexions. Mr. Fowkes enquired with great eagerness 
 by what means this happy consummation was to be effected. By the simple expe- 
 dient, said the other, of delivering up the citadel of Hull to the king ; which, with 
 the assistance of captain Lowenger, the commander of your division, may be 
 accomplished with the greatest ease. It is impossible to prescribe the exact process, 
 he added, which must depend on many local and casual circumstances ; but it may 
 be arranged between yourselves with absolute certainty of success, and on the 
 completion of the project, I am authorized to propose that the captain shall receive 
 a gratuity of £1000. and yourself £500. ; and that the same sums shall be annually 
 paid to each of you during the remainder of your lives. 
 
 Lieutenant Fowkes was not rich, and he flattered himself that he was possessed 
 of a proper feeling of attachment to the king ; he was now in his father's house, 
 surrounded by his father's most intimate friends. His sense of duty however told 
 him, thiat the proceeding to which he had been solicited to lend his aid, would, on 
 
 2 D 
 
210 
 
 his part, be little short of treason, and his conscience whispered that it must be 
 attended with infamy, should he be fortunate enough to escape condig-n punishment. 
 On the other hand, he mentally enquired, what is treason ? It is no other than an 
 offence committed against the person or dignity of the monarch; but by this act he 
 should essentially serve the monarch, and therefore, it could not be pronounced 
 treason in the strict and legitimate sense of the word. Again his ideas wandered 
 to the opposing argument; and what, thought he, will be the opinion of my as- 
 sociates and brother officers of such a dishonourable breach of trust? He was 
 puzzled and bewildered by his own thoughts; and was only roused from his ab- 
 straction by a purse of gold, as an earnest of future fortune, and advancement in his 
 profession. He at length promised to consult his superior officer, captain Lowenger, 
 and make his father-in-law acquainted with the result, but absolutely refused to 
 enter at present into any positive engagement. With this understanding they were 
 obliged to rest satisfied; and the party broke up, leaving Mr. Fowkes and his 
 father-in-law to make any further arrangements, should mature and deliberate re- 
 flections induce the soldier to enter more explicitly into their views. 
 
 The next day, lieutenant Fowkes returned to the garrison, and without delay 
 communicated the circumstances to the governor, who was the intimate friend of 
 his father-in-law, and, as he knew, not only a gentleman by birth, fortune, and 
 education, but also possessing affections well disposed towards the king's person, 
 and little desirous to see the country involved in civil war. Sir John thought this 
 proceeding somewhat extraordinary, and charged Fowkes to keep it secret from 
 every person but himself; and carry on the correspondence with Mr. Beckwith as 
 though every thing was favourable to their mutual views. 
 
 Several letters now passed between Fowkes and Beckwith, all of which were 
 inspected, and some even dictated by the governor himself; and the correspondence 
 closed with a letter from Fowkes, in which he communicated a plan, said to have 
 been agreed on between himself and captain Lowenger, for delivering the town of 
 Hull into the king's hands without the hazard of a single life. A day was named, 
 on which it was said that both these officers would be on duty; the captain at the 
 head of the main guard, and himself at the north gate ; and that, if his majesty 
 would be there with a thousand horsemen, half of them with a foot soldier mounted 
 behind each, he would be prepared to admit him; and marching straight to the 
 main guard, captain Lowenger would immediately deliver into his hands the whole 
 military strength of the town. Mr. Beckwith was rejoiced that the plot was so near 
 its completion; and promising perfect success without the existence of any risk; 
 
211 
 
 and communicated it to the king, by whose command preparations Were made for 
 carrying it into execution. This was notified to Mr. Fowkes on Monday ; and the 
 next day was appointed for the accomplishment of this most important enterprize. 
 
 Sir John Hotham now beg-an to entertain some compunction for the part he had 
 taken in this business, and foresaw that his duplicity might occasion much un- 
 necessary bloodshed. To prevent this he summoned a council of war, and laid before 
 the assembly a detailed statement of the case ; and, as he had anticipated, many of 
 the members contended strenuously for admitting the forces into the town, and 
 then, after putting every one of them to the sword, to possess themselves of the 
 king's person. But the governor protested against such a wanton effusion of blood, 
 and proposed to give his majesty notice that they were privy to his plot; and to 
 recommend him to relinquish his intention of making any attempt upon Hull, as 
 such a proceeding might be attended with fatal consequences. This course was 
 not by any means palatable to a portion of the council ; but sir John Hotham per- 
 sisted in it, and despatched his own secretary with a letter to the king, apprizing 
 him of their knowledge of his intentions. This disclosure put a period, for the 
 present, to the king's designs upon Hull, on account of its utter impractibility, in 
 the absence of arms, ammunition, and money sufficient for a regular siege.^*^ 
 
 Sir John sent an express to acquaint the parliament with the particulars of the 
 plot which had been thus frustrated;^* but they had received, from some of the 
 dissatisfied members of the council, a private account of the transaction, by which 
 so favourable an opportunity of gaining possession of the king's person was wan- 
 tonly rejected; and though they passed a vote of thanks for his conduct in this 
 affair, they also placed spies upon his actions,^* which ultimately brought him to 
 the scaffold. Beckwith was pronounced guilty of high-treason against the parlia- 
 ment, and an order was issued for his apprehension. He was taken at York, just 
 before the king departed for Nottingham, but was rescued by his majesty's orders, 
 who told the messengers that they might inform their employers that when they 
 delivered up sir John Hotham to his justice, he would deliver up Beckwith to 
 their's; and until that period he would protect him from injury.^" 
 
 "" The above account of this transaction has been drawn up from MSS. in my possession, and 
 contains a correct statement of the facts. It is somewhat differently related in Tickell's Hull, 
 p. 382—385. 
 
 28 Vid. sir John Hothara's Letter, dated 3 June, 1642. 29 ciar. Hist. Rebel, vol.i. p. 710. 
 
 ^° Vicars. Jehovah- J ireh, p. 84. 
 
 2 D 2 
 
212 
 
 The parliament now proceeded to active operations. They removed the super- 
 fluous arms and stores from Hull to London, and struck the first publick blow by 
 raising- money, levying troops, and manning the fleet. The king, in his own 
 defence, was obliged to follow their example in the best manner he could. His 
 queen retired to Holland, where she disposed of her own private jewels, as well as 
 those of the crown ; and with the money purchased a considerable quantity of arms 
 and ammunition ; which, after many hair-breadth escapes, were safely transferred 
 to the king at York. Thus relieved from his embarrassments by the aflectionate 
 solicitude of his wife, Charles felt inspirited with all the dignity of his exalted 
 rank, and proceeded with great alacrity to raise and embody regiments of horse 
 and foot for his immediate service, and soon found himself at the head of a gallant 
 army, devoted to his cause, and headed by the principal nobility and loyal gentry 
 of the kingdom. The king despatched a troop of horse into Holderness, to secure 
 a supply of stores which were on board of a vessel riding at anchor in the river 
 Humber. This troop marched through Beverley on the 2nd July, 1642, and 
 accomplished the purpose of their expedition with equal zeal and success. On the 
 same day, a company of foot soldiers called Strickland's regiment, consisting of 
 about 300 men, was commissioned to secure a strong post on the side of Beverley 
 nearest to Hull, that the town might not be subject to any sudden attack from the 
 garrison in the latter place ; as the king had now determined to fix his head quar- 
 ters at Beverley ; and the soldiers accordingly took possession of a private house at 
 Hull-Bridge, near Beverley, in the night, where they were joined by the earl of 
 Newport, the earl of Caernarvon, and several other noblemen, the high-sherifl" of 
 the county, sir Thomas Gower, being with them. This post was held for some 
 time by about 700 soldiers under the command of colonel Wyvil.^' 
 
 On the 4th of July the king removed his court to Beverley,^^ his plate and 
 plenishing being carried with him 3 took up his residence at lady Gee's house," 
 
 ^' Depositions at the trial of Charles I. 
 '2 Parliam. Hist. vol. xi. p. 256. There is a story in circulation that when Charles visited 
 Beverley minster, the old painting was pointed out to him which represents the anachronism of 
 king Athelstan presenting Saint John of Beverley with a charter, on which is inscribed the well 
 known couplet, Als fre, «fec. It is said that the king immediately confirmed these liberties by 
 exclaiming, « Even so free be." I know not on what authority this story can be authenticated. 
 
 " Depositions at the trial of Charles I. I am not able to pronounce decisively where this 
 house was situated, unless it was near the North-Bar. In a MS. possessed by the present repre- 
 sentatives of the Gee's family, containing "a note of such deeds and evidences as doe concern 
 the title of all the lands and possessions which was the inheritance of sir W. Gee, knight, late of 
 
213 
 
 with the prince and the duke of York ; and invested the earl of Lindsey with the 
 chief command of his army, which was stationed there, that he might the more 
 speedily execute his designs on the garrison at Hull, which he now determined to 
 reduce by force of arms. He appointed three or four regiments under the com- 
 mand of sir Robert Strickland, and lieutenant-colonel Buncombe, as a guard of 
 honour about his person ;^ and had likewise with him a small train of artillery. 
 His army altogether consisted but of 3000 foot and 1000 horse. 
 
 The court of this monarch, in his adversity, was more splendid than those of 
 many sovereign princes at the summit of power ; and the town of Beverley now 
 exhibited a scene which its inhabitants, doubtless, contemplated with sentiments of 
 honest pride and satisfaction. He was attended by all his faithful nobility ; " not 
 one," says Clarendon,^^ " remained at York;"'^ besides a numerous retinue of 
 private gentlemen. Whilst he remained at Beverley he received considerable ac- 
 cessions to his treasury by the voluntary gifts of his loyal subjects," which enabled 
 him to make head against the formidable power of his enemies. Before he pro- 
 ceeded to lay siege to Hull, he published a proclamation,'* explaining his views 
 
 Bishop-Burton, in the county of York, deceased," is the following entry. " The messuage and 
 land in North-Bar-Street bought of Henry Story and his wife. The indenture of bargaine and 
 saile thereof to William Gee, merchant. Dated 8 May, 24 Eliz." The large house where the 
 row of Bar houses now stand, with its gates of iron, was taken down within the last sixty years. 
 This Gee had houses also on the east-side of Wednesday-Market; in Walker-gate, Lair-gate, 
 Keld-gate, and East-gate. 
 
 ^* Depositions at the trial of Charles I. '* Clarend. Hist. Rebel, vol. i. p. 710. 
 
 56 The following is a list of the loyal nobility who formed the monarch's court at Beverley, on 
 the present occasion. The lord Keeper, duke of Richmond, marquis of Hartford, marquis of 
 Hamilton, earls of Cumberland, Bath, Southampton, Dorset, Salisbury, Carlisle, Northampton, 
 Devonshire, Clare, Westmoreland, Lindsey, Monmouth, Newcastle, Dover, Caernarvon, New- 
 port, Thanet, Huntingdon, Bristol, Rivers, Cambridge, and Berkshire; lords Mowbray, Strange, 
 Willoughby, Longaville, Rich, Andover, Fauconbridge, Lovelace, Paulet, Newark, Coventry, 
 Dunsmore, Saville, Seymore, Capeli, Paget, Mohun, Faulkland, Chandos, Gray of Ruthin, and 
 Charles Howard of Charlton; Mr. Secretary Nicholas; Lord Chief Justice Bankes; Mr. Comp- 
 troller, and Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer. Drake. Ebor. p. 150, 155. 
 
 ^'' These voluntary contributions gave such high offence to the parliament, that Charles found 
 himself under the necessity, in some instances, of issuing writs of protection. A document of 
 this kind, addressed to the vice-chancellor of Oxford, is preserved in king Charles's Works, pub- 
 lished in the same volume with Eikon Basilike, already referred to. It expresses his determination 
 "to protect and defend those who shall be persecuted for that cause, by having contributed to 
 Our defence and protection. Given at our court at Beverley, 18 July, 1642." These donations 
 however, were a source of great satisfaction to the king's friends, and a pamphlet was published 
 about this time, entitled, "Exceeding welcome News from Beverley, 1642." In Bibl, Bodl. 
 C, 13. \5. Line. 
 
 »« Vid. Append. G. 
 
214 
 
 and intentions ; and accompanied it by a message to the house, in which he en- 
 treated the members to return to their allegiance, and prevent, by their obedience 
 to the laws, the calamities attendant on a civil war. The house had already 
 passed a vote for arraying an army, and establishing the earl of Essex in the com- 
 mand, and therefore the message was answered by a contemptuous petition to the 
 king at Beverley, which had been previously drawn up, and contained a reference 
 to the usual topics which were intended to throw upon Charles the odium of the 
 war.^^ 
 
 The active and efficient preparations made for the siege, had disconcerted the 
 garrison at Hull 3 and the governor having in vain endeavoured to amuse Charles 
 with open protestations of loyalty and attachment,^" in which he was joined by all 
 the officers, who endeavoured to atone by hollow and insincere professions, for the 
 errors of disloyalty and rebellion ; Hotham at length cut through the banks of the 
 Humber, and inundated the whole surrounding country.^' This proceeding was 
 followed by a general order to strengthen the fortifications ; and every practicable 
 effort was made to sustain the expected siege ; but their best defence was the 
 element with which the flat country was inundated to a considerable depth ; for it 
 prevented the royalists from making regular approaches, or erecting batteries to 
 bombard the town/^ The governor's policy, however replete with present safety^ 
 was most injurious to the country, and ultimately to himself; the fine meadows 
 and pastures were ruined; the cattle destroyed; the means of supplying the 
 garrison with provisions circumscribed ; and all the hope of the industrious occu- 
 piers of the soil, buried beneath the salt wave. His majesty beheld the universal 
 
 39 Vid. Append. H. 
 
 ^0 A treaty is said to have subsisted at this time between sir John Hotham and the king-, for 
 the possession of Hull ; the former having stipulated, says Clarendon, to deliver up the garrison, 
 whenever the king should appear before it, on condition of receiving a full pardon for his former 
 offences. Clarend. Hist. Rebel, vol i. p. 709. But he was unable to perform his stipulation, for 
 he did not possess the confidence of his oflficers ; and even his own son viewed his conduct with 
 the eye of jealous suspicion. Ibid. vol. i. p. 710. 
 
 ^' Vicars. Jehovah-Jireh. p. 116. 
 ^2 The attempts made by the king upon Hull were pronounced by the parliament the first 
 commencement of hostilities; for in the charges afterwards exhibited against the unfortunate mo- 
 narch, it was urged, « that he the said Charles Stuart, for the accomplishment of his designs, and 
 for the protecting of himself and his adherents in his and their wicked practices, to the same ends, 
 both traitorously and maliciously levied war against the present parliament, and the people therein 
 represented. Particularly upon or about the 30th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1642, 
 at Beverley, in the county of York ; and upon or about the 30th day of July, in the year aforesaid, 
 in the county of the city of York, &c." State Trials. 8vo. edit. vol. iv. col. 1071. 
 
215 
 
 desolation with regret and sympathy, and deplored most pathetically to his council, 
 the first fruits of that dreadful harvest of affliction which his unhappy people were 
 now destined to reap. Two hundred men were incessantly employed in cutting 
 wide and deep drains to carry off the water; and others were busily engaged in 
 the work of destruction by diverting the current of fresh water with which the 
 town of Hull was supplied ; and even the mills belonging to the inhabitants were 
 burnt and destroyed/' Two forts were erected by the royalists, the one at Hessle, 
 and the other at Paul, to prevent any supplies being thrown into the town by 
 water ; and 200 horse were stationed at Barton with directions to scour the country, 
 and obstruct the communication between Lincolnshire and Hull. Notwithstanding 
 these precautionary measures, the parliament, by a prompt and decisive stratagem, 
 succeeeded in throwing a strong reinforcement into the town by water, and soon 
 convinced the monarch that they possessed the advantage over him both in discip- 
 line and numbers. Every thing being now prepared, the parliament gave the 
 signal for active operations, and the first blood that was shed in this unhappy con- 
 test, save and except a few insulated murders which had been committed by 
 Hotham's party in their sallies from the garrison of Hull, was drawn by captain 
 Pigot, a parliamentary officer, who commanded a ship of war, stationed in the 
 Humber. A vessel laden with ordnance was sent over to the coast of Lincolnshire 
 to construct a battery, which, in case of emergency, was intended to act in concert 
 with that at Paul. Captain Pigot disputed its passage, and commenced an 
 engagement in sight of the garrison. The royalists defended their charge with 
 great gallantry, though they fought under every disadvantage, determined that the 
 stores should not fall into the enemy's hands. They contended to the last ex- 
 tremity ; and at length being overpowered by their adversary's weight of metal, 
 they received a fatal broadside, the vessel sank, and every soul on board perished 
 in the water .^^ 
 
 The sword was now drawn, and the siege of Hull was prosecuted with vigour, 
 but without success. After many ineffectual attempts, the king relinquished all 
 thoughts of reducing the fortress, and returned to Beverley; but the rebels had 
 followed him by a circuitous route, and unexpectedly crossing the imperfect ditches 
 at the North-Bar, beat down the centinels, and penetrated into the very heart of 
 the town, before the royalists were aware of the pursuit. Charles was desired by 
 
 « Vicars. Jehovah-Jireh. p. 118. " Tickell. Hull. p. 436. 
 
216 
 
 his officers to take refuge in the Hall-g-arth ; and when he was placed in safety, 
 they called out the troops, and gave the rebels battle in the streets. Disappointed 
 in their design of securing the king's person, they made but a feeble resistance, 
 and soon fled with precipitation to their place of security within the walls of Hull.*'' 
 This bold proceeding excited apprehensions for the king's personal liberty, and 
 the council pressed him to retire to a place of greater strength. Having therefore 
 entrusted the protection of the town of Beverley to a single regiment, he finally 
 retreated with his court to York. 
 
 (S^i&ap. 3J3^. 
 
 Consternation of the inhabitants of Beverley after the king's departure — London 
 merchants arrive at Beverhy, and petition for leave to sell their goods — Pre- 
 cautions for strengthening the town — Porliamentary troops take possession of 
 it — Sir John Hotham appreltanded at Beverley — Battle in the streets between 
 the earl of Newcastle and sir T. Fairfax — Troops of the latter routed — 
 Royalists sack the town — Commission for a treaty of peace — Practices of the 
 independents — Trial and execution of the king — Change of measures — Pews 
 built in tlie minster nave. 
 
 The inhabitants of Beverley, thus abandoned by the army in which all their 
 hopes of protection centred, were impressed with sensations of considerable alarm, 
 under the anticipated expectation that the town would now be occupied by a de- 
 tachment of the republican troops from Hull, who were at this time employed in 
 committing barbarous ravages in the neighbourhood- All labour was suspended ; 
 anxiety deprived the people of their accustomed cheerfulness, and the authorities 
 were at a loss how to conduct themselves in this pressing extremity, divided as 
 they were in opinion respecting the merits of the dispute between the king and 
 his parliament ; though the inhabitants were yet generally loyal, and well affected 
 
 ^ Ex. MS. penes me. 
 
211 
 
 towards their lawful monarch. The town was characterized by an awful stillness, 
 yet the streets were full of people. Even women and children were silenced bj 
 their fears ; and might be seen pacing from house to house with pale cheeks, and 
 terror in their looks, to seek for consolation in the opinion of those who needed it 
 themselves. Knots of men were assembled, apparently in deep consultation, in 
 the market-places and other parts of the town ; yet little was said, and that only in 
 a mysterious and subdued tone of voice, for nothing could be certain but their 
 fears. All was darkness and uncertainty. Rumours, various and contradictory, 
 were afloat, and none knew what to receive as authentic, or what to reject as false, 
 in the midst of all this consternation, a body of London merchants entered the 
 town to claim protection, and the privilege of exposing their merchandize for sale. 
 They had been accustomed to attend the fairs at Howden, and came this year as 
 usual to dispose of their wares, but had been excluded, probably by the king's 
 party, lest they should disseminate republican principles amongst the inhabitants ; 
 for it was well known that the citizens of London were devotedly attached to the 
 parliament. They requested, therefore, of the mayor and governors of Beverley 
 permission to hold a fair within their town ; promising that if their petition was 
 granted, they would in future be regular in their attendance at the chartered fairs 
 already established in the borough. A corporate meeting was summoned by Mr. 
 Nelthorp the mayor, to determine a question of such importance to the interests of 
 the town in the present decayed state of its commerce ; and this appearance of bu- 
 siness for a time diverted the attention of the people from the calamities by which 
 they were threatened. The discussion was long and stormy, for the worst passions of 
 human nature were now afloat throughout the country, and the council chamber of 
 Beverley, on this occasion, afforded no pleasing specimen of their prevalence. The 
 royalists and republicans arranged themselves on two sides, and contended like 
 combatants at mortal arbitrament. The former argued that their charters afforded 
 no sanction for a fair at this season ; and expatiated on the inexpediency of admit- 
 ting these people who were violently opposed to the king, at a moment when the 
 eye of the royal party was upon their actions ; when a regiment under the same 
 control was in the very heart of the town, and they might be called to an account 
 for their conduct, and made to suffer an exemplary punishment. The other party 
 ridiculed their fears, and spake of the advantages which must necessarily result 
 from the introduction of such a fertile source of merchandize; and the value of 
 such a connexion as that of the London merchants. In the end interest prevailed 
 over expediency, and it was ultimately resolved that although they did not possess 
 
 2 E 
 
218 
 
 the power of holding" a fair at the present season, yet the Londoners should be 
 allowed permission to open their own shops and dispose of their merchandize in 
 the High-street, without being subject to the tolls usually paid to the corporation; 
 and that, as they were respectable merchants, no pedlar or petty chapman should 
 be allowed to compete with them on the same terms, but all other persons attend- 
 ing with goods should be subject to the tolls which were customary in the town of 
 Beverley.' 
 
 This proceeding found employment for the inhabitants, and in some degree 
 allayed the agitation which had so lately prevailed among them. The merchants 
 set out their stalls on each side of the street, and produced their goods for inspection, 
 consisting of mercery, haberdashery, cutlery, and other wares, which were offered 
 for sale on liberal terms to the country dealers.^ For a few days this novel sight 
 was pleasing; all was bustle and traffic; and a stranger would have thought he 
 had been in a land of peace and mutual confidence, so little did the inhabitants 
 appear to be affected by the circumstances of blood and warfare, which, even at this 
 moment, were passing without their gates. Soon, however, was the scene to be 
 changed for care and pain, trouble and anxiety. The wily merchants by their 
 brief connexion with the town, had augmented all the former fears of the inha- 
 bitants, by exaggerated statements of what was passing in the metropolis; by 
 magnified details of kingly aggression, and the oppressive burdens imposed by 
 arbitrary power ; and soon succeeded in conjuring up before the imagination, a 
 sanguinary and insatiable monster, under the name and shape of Charles Stuart, 
 who delighted in blood, and was only happy in the midst of slaughter and devas- 
 tation; whose design was to establish an absolute monarchy, and triumphantly 
 erect popery and the inquisition on the ruins of the Protestant establishment. 
 They gave to the king's friends the reproachful epithets of ungodly oppressors, 
 lying malignants,^ atheists,'' sons of Belial;"^ while those of the parliament were 
 complimented with the terms godly, prudent, wise, and circumspect men.^ By 
 such means the people's fears were more actively excited; indifference began to 
 assume a form of promptness and decision, and they entertained soon (many of 
 them for the first time,) a marked hostility towards his majesty's cause. 
 
 ' Corp. Rec. 16 Sept. 1642. 
 
 2 Bursell's MSS. Lansd. Coll. B. Mus- 896. VIII. fo. 273. 
 
 'Vicars. Pari. Chron. vol. i. p. 123. -« ibid. p. 396. « Ibid. p. 433. 
 
 ^ Ibid. vol. iii. p. 57. et passim. 
 
219 
 
 The fair was now over, and the town appeared desolate. Its streets, lately so 
 full of life and animation, were left solitary and forlorn. Former fears were che- 
 rished and increased by new sources of terror and alarm, so that the inhabitants 
 of Beverley had no reason to be proud of their new acquaintance ; and soon the 
 agitation of the town became universal and excessive. A death-like silence reigned, 
 for, whatever might be his feelings, each person restrained himself from any ex- 
 pression of terror, although it was visibly depicted on every cheek. The universal 
 question — what is to be done ? coidd not be accurately determined, for the town 
 was inadequately fortified; its banks and ditches out of repair; and if an army 
 appeared before it, the gates could not, in its present state, remain closed; and, 
 how repugnant soever to the views or feelings of the inhabitants, the troops must 
 be admitted, and not only maintained at their expense, but the town would be 
 subjected to the unrestrained licence of a dissipated soldiery, the privacy of domestic 
 retirement invaded, and the feelings of individuals outraged by the riots and de- 
 bauchery which always accompany the presence of a mercenary army in time of 
 civil commotion. At length the evil appeared at their very gates ; the troops from 
 Hull in their frequent sallies, had been heard in consultation about the sack of 
 their town; and, notwithstanding the impression which they had received from the 
 London merchants, the recent acts of the republican soldiers, in plundering and 
 ])urning the surrounding- villages, had given rise to terrors which dictated the 
 necessity of preparation. A corporate meeting was therefore summoned, and it 
 was unanimously determined, that wide and deep ditches should be made at the 
 west end of every lane leading to Westwood, over which, foot-bridges only should 
 be placed ; and that the three bars or gates of the town should be repaired, and 
 kept locked and guarded by the constables, from nine o'clock at night till six in 
 the morning, to prevent any surprise in the dead of night, when they would be 
 equally unprepared to treat or to resist.'^ Still the general voice of the inhabitants 
 appears at this period to have been in favour of the king, though some were 
 doubtless tainted from the effect of evil communication, for not many days before 
 the above resolution, Mr. Manby, a most zealous and uncompromising royalist, 
 was sworn into the office of chief magistrate for the ensuing year ; a situation, at 
 this period, of great trust and confidence, as the custody of the town was in his 
 hands; and he possessed much discretionary power which might be exercised either 
 
 ^Corp. Rec. 13 Oct. 1642. 
 
 2 E 2 
 
220 
 
 to the advantage or detriment of the inhabitants, in proportion as his own private 
 sentiments mig-ht chance to accord with the views of the prevailing- party. It is 
 evident, therefore, from his election that the majority thought and wished that the 
 royalists would be ultimately successful. Their calculations however were erroneous, 
 and soon the troops from Hull took possession of the town of Beverley, and it re- 
 mained theirs throughout the whole continuance of the war, and was regularly 
 garrisoned with a strong party of soldiers, as a means of strengthening and pro- 
 teciing <he town of HulL 
 
 The first great battle was fought at Edgehill, the earl of Lindsey commanding 
 the royalists, and the earl of Essex the republicans. The field was well contested, 
 and both parties claimed the victory ; but the greatest loss was sustained by the 
 king's army, for the brave earl of Lindsey lost his life in the conflict, and died 
 covered with eighteen honourable wounds. The flames of civil war now spread 
 through the land, and the two armies, as fortune gave them the pre-eminence, 
 committed their devastations and exercised their cruelties with impunity. Civil 
 war is always exterminating. Private feuds become mixed up with the public 
 dispute, and personal hatred, or thirst for revenge, produces appetites which can 
 only be satiated with blood. Property became insecure; the public taxes were 
 claimed by both contending parties ; requisitions of aid were issued, and the town 
 of Beverley was included in a royal command to fit out a ship of 800 tons for the 
 king's service, manned with 260 experienced seamen, and provided with double 
 stores.* 
 
 Beverley was now converted into a depot for prisoners ; and they were guarded 
 by the inhabitants themselves in the absence of regular troops, who were frequently 
 called away on actual service. Corporate meetings were regularly held to provide 
 against any emergency that might occur; for situated as they were between York 
 and Hull, the former possessed by the royalists, and the latter by the republicans> 
 they were subjected to the consequences of every vicissitude of both the contending 
 parties. At one of these meetings an order was made, that each Governor, ac- 
 companied by a burgess, should perambulate the town in rotation, "during the 
 continuance of these dangerous times," for the purpose of seeing that the constables 
 and guard are on duty, and preventing any collusion or plotting, which might 
 endanger the safety of the town.^ And shortly afterwards it was ordered, that the 
 
 8 Swinden's Yarmouth. » Corp. Rec. 16 Feb. 1642-3. 
 
221 
 
 sum of sixty pounds be raised by assessment on the inhabitants, and collected by 
 the aldermen in their respective wards, to be applied to the purchase of powder, 
 match, firing*, and the maintenance of prisoners, in compliance with the order of 
 the lieutenant-g-eneral; and if any person refuses to pay his just proportion of the 
 assessment, notice shall be g"iven of the deficiencies to that officer, that measures 
 may be adopted to enforce the payment. '° 
 
 Sir John Hotham at length began to tremble for the consequences of his own 
 disobedience. Much blood had already been shed, and the contest did not promise 
 a speedy termination. He formed a design therefore, of abandoning his own party, 
 and embracing the king's cause ; hoping by this step to atone, in some degree, for 
 the miseries which he had contributed to bring upon the nation. The negotiation 
 was conducted by the queen, with whom he stipulated to deliver up the garrison 
 under his command ; but his actions were inspected with too much jealousy to allow 
 him the power of accomplishing his undertaking. The attempt however was 
 made. He discharged captain Bushell from prison, who, with a party of sol- 
 diers made two several attacks upon Beverley, in the hope that the possession of 
 that town might facilitate the execution of his design ; and succeeded in forcing 
 one of the bars ; but he was ultimately beaten off" by a stronger party from within, 
 and lost his life in the struggle." These events bore evident marks of the treason- 
 able intentions of sir John Hotham, which other corresponding transactions tended 
 but too strongly to confirm, and orders were issued by the parliament for his 
 apprehension. But the unfortunate governor had received a secret intimation of 
 their design, and escaped, after a guard of soldiers had invested his house. He 
 fled with precipitation from the town on one of his fleetest horses, and left his 
 pursuers far behind, intending to take refuge in his house at Scorbro', which he 
 had previously fortified, and secured by a garrison of soldiers devoted to his 
 interest,'^ under whose protection he might have proceeded forward to York, and 
 have found safety with the royal party. Dreading however, a pursuit, he forsook the 
 public road, and fled with the utmost rapidity to Stone-Ferry ; but the boat was 
 not at its moorings, and he had no time to lose, neither would he venture to remain 
 in that exposed situation, because his person was well known to the country people, 
 and therefore he made the best of his way to Wawn. Here his malignant fortune 
 
 '0 Corp. Rec. 24 Feb. 1642-3 " Vicars. Jehovah-Jireh. p. 368., 
 12 Rushw. Coll. vol. V. p. 276. 
 
222 
 
 again prevailed. The ferry-boat had proceeded up the river with a party of plea- 
 sure, and he was once more disappointed in his hope of crossing the water. The 
 wretched fugitive was now utterly at a loss what course to pursue, conscious that 
 the tidings of his flight would soon be made public, and that escape or concealment 
 would then be equally impracticable. His sole remaining consolation was, that 
 haply the inhabitants of Beverley were yet ignorant that he had abandoned his 
 charge, and he determined to proceed thither with all possible expedition, and 
 confide himself to the honour of those friends with whom he had always held a 
 confidential intercourse as the representative of the town in parliament. 
 
 At this time the troops in Beverley were under the command of colonel Boynton, 
 and amounted to near 1000 men. Sir Matthew Boynton, his father, was invested 
 with a command in Hull garrison, and on the governor's flight, had despatched an 
 express to his son; apprizing him of the circumstance, and communicating the 
 order for his apprehension. The soldiers were drawn up in the Market-place when 
 sir John Hotham arrived ; and, on the sight of them, he felt irresolute whether it 
 would not be expedient to retrace his steps before he was recognized; but the 
 soldiers presented their arms at his appearance, as is usual to a superior officer, and 
 this manoeuvre encouraged him to ride up and place himself at their head. The 
 inferior officers, being altogether unacquainted with sir John's defection, obeyed 
 his orders to march, and he led them towards the North-Bar, considering that if 
 he should succeed in conducting them to his house at Scorbro', he should be pre- 
 pared to endure a siege of suflScient duration to cover his escape to the royal army. 
 But, alas ! for the instability of all human calculations, he had not proceeded many 
 yards before he was met by colonel Boynton, who, seizing the bridle of sir John's 
 horse without ceremony, declared him his prisoner as a traitor to the commonwealth. 
 Resistance was in vain, and sir John submitted himself implicitly to his nephew's 
 direction.'^ Still, all hope had not forsaken him, for the drowning man will en- 
 deavour to presei-ve his life by struggling with a hazel wand. In Beverley he had 
 many sincere friends on both sides of the question, and he calculated on the possi- 
 bility of escaping through some collateral street, and secreting himself under the 
 first roof which should present itself to his eye as containing an occupier in whom 
 he could confide. He knew that three of the body corporate'* were staunch royalists. 
 
 " Rushw. Collect, vol. v. p. 276. 
 " These were Mr. John Fotherby, Mr. Robert Manby, and Mr. W. Elleri)igton. 
 
223 
 
 and, under present circumstances, would doubtless afford him their protection ; 
 and the town contained many private gentlemen of the same firm and unyielding 
 principles. These reflections were the work of a moment, and he concluded that 
 the experiment was worth trying. As the party advanced through the streets, 
 Hotham suddenly struck his spurs into his horse's side, and darting down a cross 
 lane with the swiftness of an arrow, vanished from tlieir sight. By this time the 
 town was raised and the streets were full of people. When colonel Boynton saw 
 his prisoner take this precipitate step, he despatched a company of soldiers in 
 pursuit of the fugitive, and charged the populace, at their peril, to assist in his 
 capture. Poor Hotham had little chance of escape, beset as he now was, by num- 
 bers; and after some ineffectual attempts to ride through the crowds by which he 
 was soon surrounded, he was knocked off" his horse with the butt end of a musquet, 
 and Anally secured.'^ The garrison at Scorbro' was now marched to Beverley, 
 and the town was strengthened by the parliament with other additional forces.'* 
 The rescue of sir John Hotham was attempted the next day by a body of his ma- 
 jesty's forces, who invested the town of Beverley for that purpose, but were 
 lepulsed by colonel Boynton with considerable loss. Thus abandoned to his fate, 
 this miserable man was long detained in prison, and not brought to trial from a 
 deficiency of evidence to prove his guilt. At length he was tried, together with 
 his son, who was apprehended about the same time with himself, on a similar 
 charge ; and they were both found guilty, condemned to death, and executed at 
 the beginning of January, 1645."^ 
 
 England now exhibited the sad spectacle of cities beleaguered, villages plundered 
 and burnt ; and the face of the country displayed a shocking picture of waste and 
 desolation. And all this carnage and misery was produced under the semblance 
 of religious duty. The army in which Cromwell held a command, boasted (how 
 truly, let their irregularities testify) of the most perfect discipline and undisputed 
 subordination. It was pretended that drunkenness and profanity were effectually 
 restrained by the imposition of penalties. " If any man swears, say they, he 
 forfeits 12 pence; if he be drunk, he is set in the stocks, or worse; if one calls 
 the other roundhead, he is cashiered ; insomuch that the whole country where they 
 come, leap for joy of them, and come in and join them.'"* Notwithstanding this 
 
 " Ex. MS. penes me. i" Rushw. Collect, vol. v. p. 276. 
 '" Clarend. Hist. Rebel, vol. ii. p. 620. '* Special Passages. Cromwelliana. p. 5. 
 
224 
 
 boasted purity, the perpetual invasions of private property, and the violations of 
 domestic peace, which characterized equally the royal and the parliamentary 
 armies; added to other terrible calamities and privations, made thinking men of 
 both parties anxiously desirous of peace. But such unnatural divisions are not 
 suddenly allayed, and much valuable blood and treasure were expended before 
 either party would consent to lay down their arms. 
 
 Sir Thomas Fairfax was now established in the command at Beverley, with 25 
 troops of horse, and 2000 foot,'^ which had been thus streng-thened as a security 
 for Hull, whither his father had retired after his defeat at Atherton Moor. But 
 the earl of Newcastle, following in the rear of the vanquished republicans, came 
 on the town of Beverley before the roundheads were aware of his approach, and 
 attacked them furiously in the streets with a superior force. The rebel troops 
 behaved with much intrepidity, and the townsmen on each side joining in the 
 affray, many lives were lost. In one place might be seen soldiers engaged in fatal 
 fight; in another, women and children bewailing the doubtful fate of husbands or 
 parents; nearest relations arrayed on different sides; high words and hard blows 
 were heard in every quarter, when the deafening sound of ordnance ceased but for 
 a moment; and soon the streets streaming with blood, were strewed with bodies 
 wounded, dying, and dead. The royalists were victorious, and pursued the flying 
 republicans to the very gates of Hull ; and most happy was he who could find 
 protection within the walls.^° Returning to Beverley, a new scene of confusion 
 
 '9 Rushw. Collect, vol. v. p. 280. 
 
 20 General Fairfax himself gives a different account of this transaction, but I have reason to 
 believe that the brief statement in the text is correct. The gallant general acknowledges to no 
 more troops than "the horse and 600 men," while in the genuine collections of Rushworth, 
 already cited, (ut supra) we find that he had with him at Beverley, "25 troops of horse, and 
 2000 foot." Again, Fairfax estimates his loss at only three men ; now an entry in Saint 
 Mary's register records the death of 13 royalists slain in this skirmish, and it may be reasonably 
 supposed that the loss of the republicans would he much greater, owing to the disproportion of their 
 force. The vicar of Saint Mary's at this time was a staunch republican, and he might probably 
 suppress the numbers slain on the side of his own party. The account presented to us by Fairfax 
 is as follows. " The town being little, I was sent to Beverley with the horse and 600 foot ; but my 
 lord of Newcastle now looking on us as inconsiderable, was marching into Lincolnshire, &c." 
 — Memoirs of Gen. Fairfax, p. 95. Edit. Knaresborough, 1810. "The earl of Newcastle came 
 to besiege Hull. I lay at Beverley in the way of his march, and finding we were not able to 
 defend such an open place against an army, I desired orders from my father to retire back to Hull, 
 but the committee then had more mind of raising money, than to take care of the soldiers; and 
 yet these men had the greatest share in the command at this time, and would not let any orders 
 be given for our retreat; nor was it fit for us to return without order. The enemy marched with 
 his whole army towards us. Retreat we must not; keep the town we could not. So to make our 
 
224 
 
 and distress was exhibited there ; for the town was given up to plunder, and was 
 divested by the soldiers of much portable property.*' And while the inhabitants 
 lamented for the loss of their valuables/^ they attended the interment of thirteen 
 royalists, and probably many more republicans in Saint Mary's church-yard, who 
 had fallen in the late combat.'^' 
 
 These proceedings were too terrible not to alarm all good men; and the demand 
 for peace became so general throughout the country, that after much preliminary 
 argument, commissioners on both sides were formally appointed; who met at 
 Oxford, in 1644, to deliberate upon terms which might bring this unnatural war- 
 fare to a period. His majesty attended in person, and had the commissioners of 
 the parliament been invested with a real power to treat, much blood might have 
 been spared ; for the parties appeared to entertain very little difference of opinion 
 respecting the main points in dispute; and the ensuing commotions would have 
 been wholly prevented, by the restoration of the king to his rightful throne on firm 
 and constitutional principles. The treaty failed ; but its results were of some im- 
 portance ; for the views of the more violent party were now laid open; and several 
 officers in the republican army threw up their commissions, when they discovered 
 the deep laid schemes of the cabal, under whose authority they were held. The 
 
 retreat more honourable and useful, 1 drew out all the horse and dragoons towards the enemy; and 
 stood drawn up by a wood side all that night. Next morning by day, our scouts and theirs fired on 
 one another. They marched on with their whole body, which was about 4000 horse and 12000 /oo^. 
 We stood till they were come very near us ; I then drew off, having given directions before for 
 the foot to march away towards Hull, and thinking to make good the retreat with the horse. 
 The enemy with a large party came up in our rear; the lanes being narrow, we made good shift 
 with them till we got into Beverley and shut the gate, which we had scarce time to do, they being 
 so close to us. In this business we lost Major Layton, and not above two more. The enemy not 
 knowing what forces we had in the town, stayed till the rest of the army came up, which was 
 about a mile behind. This gave our foot some advantage in their retreat, it being five miles from 
 Hull, and the way on narrow banks. I sent the horse by Cottingham, a more open road, who 
 got well thither, they overtook the foot and made good their retreat, till we got to a little bridge 
 two miles from Hull, where we made a stand; the enemy followed close, our men gave them a 
 good volley of shot, which made them draw back, and they advanced no farther. So leaving a small 
 guard at the bridge we got safe to Hull." Ibid. p. 97-101. 
 
 ^^ Vicars. Pari. Chron. vol. iii. p. 30. 
 
 22 About this time, Mr. Robert Manby, the mayor, was disfranchised for going with the 
 marquis of Newcastle, and taking with him the mace, and probably the seals and other emblems 
 of authority belonging to the corporation. Corp. Rec. 
 
 23 The entry in Saint Mary's register is as follows, « Thirtene slaine men on the king's ptje 
 was buried the 30th day. (June 1643.) All our lives now at the stake; Lord deliver us for ^ 
 his sake." 
 
 2 P 
 
226 
 
 army was now re-modelled, on true republican principles, and persons invested 
 with the command, who were entirely devoted to the cause which the parliament 
 had in view. 
 
 At this time it is highly probable, that Mr. Warton, the only remaining member 
 for Beverley, returned to his allegiance; for he now resigned his situation in 
 parliament, and Messrs. John and James Nelthorp were elected to supply the 
 vacancies.'^* Mr. Warton was subsequently persecuted, and perhaps ruined by the 
 intrigues of the parliamentary party. He afterwards received the honour of knight- 
 hood from the king, but was so impoverished by the confiscation of his property^ 
 that he could scarcely maintain the rank of a gentleman. His eldest son, a 
 blooming youth of nineteen, fell at Scarborough, in defence of his sovereign. To 
 preserve the wreck of his property, he was under the necessity of compounding 
 with the commissioners of the parliament by a grievous fine ; and experienced, by 
 the total ruin of his fortune, the unrelenting severity of fanatic intolerence, and 
 revolutionary hate.^^ 
 
 In 1646, colonel Rossiter, in company with Leven and Pointz, reduced Newark, 
 and were directed to watch the motions of the Scottish army in the north, into 
 whose custody the king had voluntarily placed himself for the security of his 
 person. This act was considered by the more moderate party as a virtual termi- 
 nation of the war; and they expected, with some degree of solicitude, that the 
 monarch, entirely divested of certain protection, as his own army was now dis- 
 solved,^^ would agree to the original proposals of the parliament, and be content to 
 hold the crown of England as his predecessors had held it, and govern his subjects 
 by the wise and prudent laws which had been enacted by former monarchs for the 
 common welfare of the state. But the moderate party amongst the parliamentarians 
 
 24 Corp. Rec. 27 Sep. 1645. « Wool. Life of Warton. p. 2. 
 
 2® The corporation of Beverley now began to make arrangements for settling all their military 
 accounts on the anticipation of a speedy peace. And it was ordered, that " whereas a troop of 
 men and horses under the command of capt. Baines, were lately billeted at divers houses within 
 this town, and according to orders from the committee of York the charges were to be allowed 
 and defrayed forth of the monthly assessment payable within the borough and manor of Beverley; 
 and whereas there are now assessments gone forth for the months of April, May, and June last; 
 it is ordered this present day by the mayor, governors, and burgesses assembled, that William 
 Sherwood is nominated and appointed to demand and receive the said assessments of the col- 
 lectors therewith chargeable; and he the said William Sherwood forthwith to bring the moneys 
 into this chamber, that the said billets and charges may be discharged and satisfied, and the 
 remainder thereof to be returned according to the tenor of the said committee's order." Corp. 
 Rec. Aug. 1646. 
 
22t 
 
 had entirely lost its influence in the house, and its adherents were completely 
 disappointed in their expectations. For now a new party had arisen in the state, 
 which became an instrument in the hands of a bold and fearless desperado, to 
 elevate himself to the summit of sovereign power on the sacrifice of his master. 
 
 Cromwell began now to entertain in his own breast those ambitious views which 
 subsequently placed him on the throne ; and he hid them from the world under 
 the cloak of religion. He was a professed Independent; a sect which pervaded 
 alike the city, the country, and the camp. All ranks of society were full of its 
 professors. Soon, in every town and village the spirit of fanaticism was prevalent, 
 and superseded the chaste and sober practice of genuine religion ; and when the 
 independents perceived the superiority they had acquired over the minds of the 
 people, they threw off the mask, and adhered in practice no longer to the princi- 
 ples they had formerly professed in theory. The flame, long suppressed, now 
 burst forth with an irresistible violence that carried all before it. They openly 
 challenged the superiority, says Hume, and even menaced the church with that 
 persecution which they afterwards exercised against her with such severity. They 
 had a majority in the house, and voted the Liturgy an abomination to the godly, 
 and even prohibited the use of it under heavy penalties.'^^ They were no respec- 
 ters of persons ; and it was one of Cromwell's sayings, that if he met the king in 
 battle, he would fire a pistol in his face as readily as against any other man.''* 
 Slaughter and spoliation were preceded by long prayers ; and murder, as Holies 
 expresses it, was no sin to the visible saints.^^ Even the subversion of the altar, 
 and the murder of the king, were esteemed acts of piety and devotion to God, and 
 were accompanied by the outward forms of religion. With the bible in their 
 hands, the impious regicides brought a virtuous monarch to the block ; with a text 
 of scripture in their mouths, they overthrew the altar and the throne. 
 
 This sect, with Cromwell at its head, was now established at Whitehall; and 
 this ambitious individual, having taken possession of the king's rich beds,^*' began 
 
 . . ^.^^^ ®^ *^® populace was irritated by every practicable expedient against the church 
 and its ministers; and William, bishop of Lincoln says, in this year, " the times grow high and 
 turbulent, and no one knows <vhere the rage and madness of the people may end. I am just 
 come from Boston, «he continues," where I was used very coarsely." Vid. Thompson's Boston, 
 p. 56. And in Hull, a party of fanatic soldiers robbed the churches of the Books of Common 
 Prayer, and carrying them to the Market-place, amidst the loudest and most savage acclamations 
 of joy, the sound of trumpets, and the beating of drums, committed them to the flames ! Hadley's 
 Hull, p. 199. 
 
 2» Hume. Eng. vol. vii. p. 224. 29 Holies. Memorial. so Whitelock. Memor. p. 362. 
 
 2 F 2 
 
228 
 
 to intimate that he felt himself fully competent to govern the kingdom.^' The 
 king was the golden ball cast before the two parties, the parliament and the army, 
 and the contest grew so warm, that it was feared the nation would be again in- 
 volved in blood. But the army having the greater power, got the king into their 
 hands, notwithstanding all endeavours to prevent it;^^ and he was soon brought to 
 trial ; openly insulted in the face of his subjects ; and at length, under the sacred 
 pretence of religion and justice, was cruelly and deliberately executed, declaring, 
 with his dying breath, that he was not only innocent of committing the first act of 
 hostility against his people, but that it was never his intention to infringe or over- 
 turn their legal rights or chartered liberties." The friends of the deceased monarch 
 consoled themselves for his loss by assembling daily before his statue at the Old 
 Exchange; but the eye of the parliament was upon them, and the oppressed 
 royalists were soon deprived of this poor gratification. The statue was ordered to 
 be broken down and removed, and in its place the following inscription was 
 affixed ; 
 
 Exit Tyrannus, Regum ultimus, anno libertatis 
 Angliae Restitutae primo. Anno. Dom. 1648. Jan. 30. 
 On the elevation of Cromwell, the corporations were purged of such portion of 
 their members as were inclined to favour the restoration of monarchy; and at 
 Beverley the three gentlemen already named, Fotherby, Manby, and Ellerington, 
 had been formally displaced, and three independents, William Wilberforce, John 
 Johnson, and William Waide were placed in the vacant situations.^* The orthodox 
 ministers of the church were also ejected in 1648, and their places occupied by 
 fanatics;" and as a final blow at the establishment, the parish registers were 
 
 *' Major Huntington's Reasons. '^ Memorial of T. Fairfax. 
 
 '' Respecting this bloody transaction, even Fairfax could say, " ray afflicted and troubled 
 mind /or it, and ray earnest endeavours to prevent it, will, I hope sufficiently display ray dislike 
 and abhorrence of the fact. Meraorial. ut supra. 
 
 3* Fotherby was displaced in 1642, Manby in 1643 or 1644, and Ellerington in 1645. 
 
 '* " A sermon was preached in Saint Mary's church on Thursday after the 20th March, 1648, 
 by Mr. Oxonbridge, nominated by the committee of plundered ministers. And the sura of £40. 
 was ordered to Mr. Oxonbridge and Mr. Wilson, out of NafFerton and Skipsey, by the coramittee 
 of plundered rainisters, to be paid and retained for the use of the corporation. Mr. Wilson 
 having had satisfaction by the parishioners for his part, and Mr. Oxonbridge requiring nothing." 
 Corp. Rec. 1648. In Palmer's Nonconformist's Memorial, the following ejected rainisters are 
 mentioned. Christopher Nesse, M. A. born at North-Cave, preached at Beverley; Joseph Wilson, 
 and — Ponnoy, ministers at the same place, and Peter Clark, M. A. born at Beverley, preached 
 at Kirby-Underall. 
 
229 
 
 removed from the custody of the clergy,^® and the solemnization of matrimony was 
 committed to the hands of the civil magistrate." The usual business of the town 
 of Beverley, interrupted as it certainly must have been during- the late commotions, 
 now proceeded in its usual course ; although the inhabitants had suffered severely 
 by the heavy expenses to which they had been subjected, in furnishing men for 
 the army, and providing them with necessaries." The fairs and markets were 
 continued as usual ; and the London merchants, finding superior facilities for the 
 sale and delivery of their goods at Beverley, continued to use its fairs with ad- 
 vantage for many years, although a restrictive regulation had been made by the 
 body corporate for the protection of their townsmen, that every London merchant 
 who remained at Beverley more than twenty days after his wares had arrived at 
 Hull, should be subject to a fine of £20. a week, for any prolonged stay beyond 
 that period.^^ 
 
 The church of Saint Nicholas, it is said, was destroyed in the civil wars ; but 
 we are not furnished with any authentic document to shew at what precise period, 
 or under what circumstances the destruction was effected.''" The parishioners, 
 
 36 « Tjjg office of registering was taken from the ministers of seuall parishes and committed to 
 men chosen by y* suffrages of the parishion's on the 29th of September, 1 653, by an act of a (soe 
 called) parliament in that yeare. Soe that from that time till this you are to search one Boke, 
 wherein are the registers of Saint Johns and Saint Martins jointly till April, 1657, from which 
 time to this, the register of Saint Martins was continued in the same boke &c. — In both which 
 there have been many omissions ; because (as I suppose probably) people denied the payment to 
 the register, imposed by that foresaid parliament for that office." Ex. Reg. S. Johan. ' 
 
 ^^ The form of a marriage register, under this dispensation, was as follows : — A. B. bachelor, 
 
 and C. D. spinster, made entry of their intended marriage the day of ; whose banns 
 
 were published upon the day of ; the day of ; and the day of 
 
 instant, in the open market-place, of every of the respective days, at the hours appointed by act of 
 
 parliament, without exceptions, and were married on the day of , by , one of the 
 
 justices of the peace. A, 
 
 '* The corporation books contain numerous entries to this effect ; a few of which I subjoin. 
 " A letter to be written to Col. Bethel concerning the raising of an assessment (or the proportion 
 thereof) of £14,000. for two months." 19 Oct. 1648. « Billets for the provost marshall and 
 soldiers paid by the corporation." Ibid. " Ordered that Mr. Wilberforce and others go this day 
 to Hull for the procuring £2000. either at the Trinity House there or elsewhere, and that 4 alder- 
 men and 4 burgesses of this town will engage for the same." 12 July, 1650. « Money given to 
 widows whose husbands slayed in service." January, 1650-1. "Ordered that concerning the 
 moneys and plate lent unto sir John Hotham for the use of the public, Mr. Nelthorpe shall be 
 certified that the same will be doubled." 20 Feb. 1650-1. "John Giles, in consideration of th^ 
 soldiers kept their guard in his house eighteen nights, shall be paid ten shillings." 6 Sept. 1659. 
 
 »9 Corp. Rec. 18 Sept. 1645. 
 
 *° It is probable that the nave of the building, then in a dilapidated state, might have been taken 
 down during the siege of Hull, by the earl of Newcastle ; as materials of every kind would be then in 
 
230 
 
 altogether unprovided with the means of attending the publick worship of God, 
 made a formal application to the mayor and governors, as the trustees of Saint 
 John's church, that they might be provided with accommodations in the minster;*' 
 and represented that if the nave were fitted up with pews, its spacious area would 
 be abundantly sufficient for the inhabitants of Saint Nicholas, as well as those of 
 Saint Martin and Saint John. A corporate meeting was accordingly summoned, 
 and after mature deliberation it was determined to accede to their request, and to 
 borrow a sum of money sufficient for the erection of pews in the nave, to be repaid 
 by the sale of the seats. This resolution was carried into effect, and Mr. Ward 
 tendered £100. by way of loan, on the security of the corporation. It was therefore 
 ordered, " that the £100. borrowed of Mr. Ward towards building the seats in the 
 minster, shall be taken as for the use of this corporation ; and those men engaged 
 for the said monies unto the said Mr. Ward, shall be saved harmless by this cor- 
 poration. And that Mr. Ward, Mr. Joseph Stancliffe, Mr. Acklom, and Mr. 
 Hunter are to be overseers for the said work."*^ At the same time the corporation 
 undertook to build galleries at their own risk, though their funds were not in such 
 a flourishing state at this time as to admit of any gratuitous sacrifice, and they 
 hoped, from the numerous and urgent demand for pews, to be remunerated by 
 disposing of them to private individuals. 
 
 The pews and galleries were soon erected, and early in the year 1660, a cor- 
 poration order was made, " that Mr. Ward, Mr. Stancliffe, Mr. Acklom, and Mr. 
 Hunter, together with the ministers and churchwardens of Saint Martin's and 
 Saint John's parishes, should be empowered to sell all and every the pews which 
 are newly built in the minster, and to give an account of their actings therein to 
 this chamber."*^ And at another meeting an order was made for granting to the 
 
 requisition, to construct the forts and batteries necessary for a successful attack upon that town ; 
 for in these unhappy times the churches were not spared by either party ; and it was recom- 
 mended to the earl when he raised the siege, to fortify Beverley minster, and convert it into a 
 garrison for the protection of the town. Tickell's Hull, p. 487. The tower or steeple was 
 however left standing, for we find amongst the corporation records a licence which was granted 
 in 1693, to the mayor, aldermen, and the rest of the inhabitants of Beverley, by John, archbishop 
 of York, to take down the old steeple of Holme church, and dispose of the materials in repairing 
 the parish churches « of Saint Martin and Saint Mary," in Beverley, as the occasion should 
 require. Corp. Rec. 2 Aug. 1693. 
 
 *' The parish of Saint Nicholas was subsequently united with Saint Mary's. Vid. infra. 
 P. 3. c. lii. 
 
 " Corp. Rec. 1659. « Ibid. 27 Feb. 1659-60. 
 
231 
 
 same committee the corporation seal, to be attached to the assignment of the pews 
 so sold/* Several pews were now disposed of and regularly transferred, and some 
 of the purchasers were careful enough to proclaim the reality of their contract by 
 causing their names to be painted on the panel of the seat door."*^ The corporation 
 erected pews for the accommodation of their own members, and paid thirty pounds 
 towards the pulpit and the minister's pew, the same sum being also allowed out of 
 the parish purse '/^ and it was ordered that " when all the pews were sold, and the 
 work finished, a general account should be produced, and if there be any overplus, 
 the same should be paid back proportionably to the purchasers of the other pews."" 
 At the end of the year however, the pews were not all disposed of ; and the cor- 
 poration ordered, " that all the pews in the minster which remain unsold, be 
 nailed up forthwith."** And this formed the concluding order respecting the 
 property of these pews.*' 
 
 ** Corp. Rec. 16 May, 1660. 
 
 ** An evidence of this custom was discovered when the galleries were removed in 1826. On 
 one of the doors was legibly painted, Mary Acklom, her Pew. 
 
 « Ex. Reg. S. Johan. 1659-60. 
 
 « Corp. Rec. 12 Nov. 1660. « Ibid. 31 Jan. 1661. 
 
 *^ The minster is called a free church, and at present it is used as such, but how it became so 
 is an inquiry which it may not be easy to solve. The account given above tends to shew that it 
 must have been either from the indisposition, the inattention, or the inability of the parishioners 
 to purchase faculties, that the seats have become unappropriated, and hence by prescription, free. 
 Some faculties, I am informed, were obtained, and the property thus protected, would doubtless 
 be considered legal. By a general view of the ecclesiastical law on this subject, which is not 
 quite so clear as might be wished, I should conjecture that all pews which were originally held 
 without a faculty, though the individuals might be possessed of an indefeasible right by purchase, 
 would be maintained by possession only, and could not be alienated or transferred at pleasure ; 
 and if the families of the original purchasers should become extinct, or have waived their personal 
 right, either by secession from the establishment, or by leaving the town, the pews would become 
 vested in the minister and churchwardens, in trust for the general benefit of the parishioners ; and 
 they would possess the power of establishing any other families in the vacant seats ; or they 
 might pronounce them absolutely /ree, if suchti measure would, in their opinion, conduce more 
 to the general interests of the church. 
 
232 
 
 ®f)ap. ^. 
 
 The Restoration — Purgation of the borough — Charter of Charles II, — Relics of 
 Saint John of Beverley discovered — Pestilence at Beverley — Excommunications 
 — Charter of James II. — Election contest in 1685 — Costly present to Saint 
 Marys church from the London merchants — Suit between Hull and Beverley 
 — Abdication of king James — Extensive preparations for repairing and beau- 
 tifying the minster — North gable screwed up — Ornaments and decorations — 
 Election contests of 1722 and 1727 — Improvement of the Beck — Excom- 
 munications. 
 
 The acts of an usurper are of no interest in a local history, except they bear an 
 immediate connection with the subject under discussion. This was not the case 
 with the town of Beverley during the usurpation of Cromwell, or the brief space 
 in which his son wielded, with an unsteady hand, the sceptre of government. 
 Unequal "to the fatigues, and alive to the dangers of the lofty situation to which he 
 had been unwittingly exalted, he resigned his dignity after a sway of eight days' 
 continuance ; and a new parliament was convened, into which the secluded members 
 were subsequently admitted, and king Charles II. was soon restored to the throne 
 of his ancestors, to the great joy of the whole nation ; he was proclaimed at Beverley 
 on the 12th May, 1660, amidst the ringing of bells and other tokens of general 
 rejoicing;' and made his publick entry into London on the 29th of the same month. 
 
 The boroughs now underwent a second purgation, and the council chambers 
 were cleared, by royal authority, of all the individuals who were violently attached 
 to the republican party ; and at Beverley these appear to have had a decided ma- 
 jority on the bench. The following aldermen were removed on this occasion, 
 
 ' King Charles II. proclaimed May 12. Ten shillings given to each warden of every company, 
 to spend amongst them for the solemnization of this day. Also 10s. amongst the constables, &c. 
 —Corp. Rec. 1660. 
 
233 
 
 because they refused either to take the oaths, or subscribe to the declaration ;* 
 Josiah Acklom, William Waide, William Forge, William Coulson, Thomas 
 Hudson, Timothy Gray, and Thomas Milner ; and their places were supplied by 
 seven gentlemen of loyal principles, viz. Thomas Johnson, Thomas Clarke, George 
 Davies, Thomas Gossip, Thomas Davison, Stephen Goakman, and John Todd.' 
 Added to this change, sir Hugh Bethell declined the representation of the borough, 
 and Michael Warton was elected in his stead,* much to the credit of the inhabi- 
 tants, for he had been dreadfully persecuted, and almost ruined, by the infliction 
 of republican vengeance.* 
 
 In 1G62, the king granted a charter to the town, confirming all the officers in 
 their respective situations, and constituting them a body corporate and politic, 
 under the name of the mayor, governors, and burgesses of the town of Beverley. 
 This charter contains a code of laws for the good government of the borough; 
 recounts their rights, privileges, and immunities ; appoints a court of record to be 
 held every Monday, for the purpose of holding pleas of such things as may happen 
 within the town, with a view of frank pledge, and other privileges, on payment 
 of certain annual' quit rents to the king.^ It confirms their markets and fairs, and 
 protects them by a court of pye powder;^ and secures all their other liberties, 
 privileges, franchises, &c. by whatever names and titles they may have been con- 
 ceded, whether by letters-patent or otherwise.* 
 
 At the latter end of the year 1664, on opening a grave in the body of the 
 minster, a vault of squared freestone was discovered of about 15 feet in length and 
 2 feet in breadth, within which was a sheet of lead 4 feet long, containing some 
 ashes, beads, brass and iron nails, and other decayed funeral remains.^ On the 
 
 2 The declaration ran in this form : — « That it is not lawful, under any pretence whatever, to 
 take up arms against the king ; that they do abhor that traitorous position of taking arms by the 
 king's authority against his person, or against those commissioned by him ; that no obligation 
 lays upon them, or any other persons, from the oath commonly called The Solemn League and 
 Covenant; and that the same was in itself unlawful, and imposed upon the subjects of this realm 
 against the laws and liberties of the kingdom." 
 
 » Corp. Rec. June, 1660. ^ Ibid. 12 June, 1660. '* Wool's Life of Warton, p. 2. 
 
 ^ Vid. a copy of this charter in the Appendix. I. ^ Vid. infra, part 3. cap. 1. 
 
 « Corp. Rec. 5 Sep. 15 Ch. XL No. 22. The expenses attending this charter amounted to 
 wC401.4s. Od. 
 
 3 To this account I may add, on the authority of Mr. Warburton, Somerset Herald, that 
 "a knife and a pair of silver slippers were found also in the grave;" and this able antiquary 
 supposes, from the information of Mr. Michael, that this was the identical knife which Athelstan 
 pledged upon his altar. Lansd. MSS. 896. VIII. fo. 217. There may be some probability in 
 
 2 G 
 
234 
 
 leaden covering was an inscription'" importing" that in the year 1188, the church 
 was burnt on the nig-ht following the festival of Saint Matthew the Apostle, in the 
 month of September; and that in the year 1197, a search was instituted after the 
 relics of Saint John, when these bones were found in the eastern part of the 
 sepulchre, and deposited here, and therewith also a mixture of dust and mortar 
 was found, and also re-interred." In the same year a pestilence again raged at 
 Beverley, although every practicable expedient appears to have been resorted to 
 for the purpose of averting this dreadful calamity from the town.'^ The dead were 
 conveyed to the Trinities and buried in heaps, and the lazaretto was again in 
 requisition as a sick hospital ; and after the visitation was ended, it was strictly 
 enjoined that the pest-house should be preserved and kept in good repair, to serve 
 for a similar purpose, should the same calamity again renew its attack upon the 
 inhabitants." 
 
 this account, for it was not a very long period after Athelstan flourished that the bones of the saint 
 were taken up and enshrined; and there is nothing unnatural in the supposition, that this invalu- 
 able pledge might be deposited with them. Vide ut supra, p. 61. 
 
 10 
 
 Gent. Rippon, p. 76. 
 
 " The Latin inscription was as follows : — Anno ab incarnatione Domini MCLXXXVIII, 
 combusta fuit hsec Ecclesia in raense Septembri, insequenti nocte post festum Sancti Matthaei 
 Apostoli; Et in Ann. MCXCVII, VI. Idus Martii, facta fuit inquisitio Reliquarum Beat! 
 Johannis in hoc loco ; et inventa sunt heec Ossa in orientali parte Sepulchri, et hie recondita ; et 
 pulvis cemento mixtus ibidem et inventus, et reconditus. 
 
 ^2 Thus, in the month of June, 1637, « it was ordered, in respect of the eminent danger of 
 infection, that there shall be no public meeting within this town which may occasion a concourse 
 of people either men or women; and that upon woman's occasions, as childbearings or christen- 
 ings, and the like, there shall not be above ten persons at once, and those to be of their especial 
 friends and neighbours, without the licence of the mayor and iwo governors, whereof one to be 
 for the ward, upon pain of twenty shillings, to be forfeited by the party that causeth the meeting. 
 And that no person shall receive any goods from Hull, as linen cloths, wool, or woollen, upon 
 pain of five pounds." Corp. Rec. 12 June, 1637. In the next month all communication with 
 Hull, where the plague now raged with much violence, was wholly prohibited under heavy 
 penalties. Ibid. 25 July, 1637. By such means the visitation was at this time averted. Appre- 
 hensions were again entertained in 1645, when it was *' Ordered that whereas there is much 
 danger by reason of the plague dispersed abroad in the country, that there be a sufficient watch 
 and ward kept at the out ends of this town, to keep out vagrants and other suspected people, 
 unless they have sufficient testimonial under the hand of a man of eminencie for their travel." 
 Corp. Rec. 28 April, 1645. 
 
 '^ In a lease of so recent a date as 1751, we find the following covenant: — "And the said 
 
 Jonathan Midgley for himself, his executors, &c. doth covenant and agree that in case any 
 
 plague, pestilence, or other contagious distemper should, by divine permission be inflicted upon 
 any of the inhabitants of this town as heretofore, that then, upon any such melancholy visitation, 
 the said Jonathan Midgley shall leave, surrender, and yield up the said close and premises during 
 the continuance of such visitation, for the same use, intent and purpose, as before." 
 
235 
 
 It appears that the independent faction which brought the late monarch to the 
 scaffold, were now busily engaged throughout the kingdom in making interest to 
 gain a preponderance in the cities and boroughs ; for we find a precept addressed 
 to the high-sheriif of Yorkshire by the king in council, on this subject, which was 
 officially communicated to the mayor of Beverley ; '* and in obedience to its pro^- 
 visions, very few of those persons were admitted to any public office in the cor- 
 poration who possessed an influence during the Protectorate ; for the inhabitants in 
 general had never cordially embraced the measures of republicanism, but submitted 
 with reluctance to its imperious domination. William Coulson and William 
 Wilberforce, (ancestor of William Wilberforce, esquire, late M. P. for Yorkshire,) 
 were the only two of this party who subsequently held offices in the corporation. 
 About this time some very extensive excommunications took place in Beverley. 
 A considerable number of persons, both male and female, received sentence in 
 1667, by a writ of Richard, archbishop of York, dated 23rd October ; some of 
 whom were absolved on their repentant submission; while others, more incorrigi- 
 ble were subjected to the disgrace of public or private penance. Their crimes were 
 adultery, fornication, and incest. In 1671, another writ of excommunication was 
 issued by Robert Hitch, archdeacon of the East-riding, dated October 31, for 
 similar practices; and several penances were inflicted in 1684.'* 
 
 From the very commencement of king James's reign, his principal design 
 appears to have been the restoration of the Roman Catholic religion. To accom- 
 plish this end the more effectually, he endeavoured to place all public offices in the 
 hands of persons well affected towards papal supremacy, by procuring the sur- 
 render of all the corporation and colonial charters, and granting new ones, with 
 
 '* The writ was couched in the following decisive terms. "After our hearty comendacons. 
 His jVla*'e hating rec^ frequent informacon from seueral parts of this kingdom, that divers p'sons 
 formerly displaced by the Com" authorized for regulating Corporacons in pursuance of an Act of 
 Parliam^ and o" do without taking the Oath and Declarac5n appointed by the Statute of the 13th 
 of his Mamies Raigne Endeavour to be elected and re-admitted into the several offices of Maiores, 
 Bayliffes, Sheriffs, Aldermen, and Townesclerkes & other Offices in the respective Cittyes and 
 Burroughes of this kingdom, with design, as may be justly apprehended, to disturb the peace 
 & happyness of His Ma^i^s Government. His Ma*'e thereupon hath commanded us to pray & require 
 you to signifie his pleasure unto the Major, Bayliffes, Aldermen, or other officers in every Citty & 
 Towne Corporate within the County of Yorke ; that they do not henceforward admitt any p'son or 
 p'sons into any office whatsoever in any of their Corporacons but according to the Rules prescribed 
 in the Act of Parliament. And soe not doubting of your care herein, we bid you heartily farewell. 
 From the Court at Whitehall, the 28th day of September, 1668. Signed by the whole Council. 
 — E. MS. penes me. 
 
 " Ex. Reg. S. Johan. 
 
 2 G 2 
 
236 
 
 especial powers reserved to the crown, of confirming the appointment of all the 
 principal officers. Pursuant to this scheme, he granted a new charter to the 
 corporation of Beverley, by which they were again incorporated under the new name 
 of mayor, alderrnen, and burgesses. This charter was similar in substance to that of 
 Charles II. but it contained a proviso to this effect; " that it shall and may be 
 lawful for the king, his heirs and successors, at any time, and at all times, by 
 order in privy council, to remove from their respective offices, the mayor, recorder, 
 aldermen, and capital burgesses, common clerk, or any one or more of them, and 
 that after such removal, there shall within convenient time, others be chosen in 
 their room."'^ By this clause, the king was constituted sole master of the cor- 
 poration, and could at pleasure change the whole magistracy ;'^ and did actually 
 remove the worthy recorder, sir Edward Barnard,'** and seven of the aldermen. 
 James Moyser, esq. succeeded to the vacant recordership, and John Acklom, 
 Samuel Johnson, Thomas Clarke, John Gunbie, William Clarke, Benjamin 
 Lambert, and Edward Wilbert were appointed aldermen, in the room of William 
 Dunn, William Wilberforce, Edward Gray, John Sugden, William Coulson, 
 Edward Howson, and William Nelson, who were dismissed.'^ This proceeding 
 appears to have excited some disgust amongst the members of the body corporate; 
 for very shortly afterwards, Samuel Johnson and Thomas Clarke, two of the 
 newly appointed aldermen, resigned their gowns, and Thomas Slatter and Joshua 
 Naylor were elected to supply the vacancies.^'' 
 
 The family of the Wartons, of Beverley Parks, appears to have recovered some- 
 what from the ruinous destruction by which it was impoverished during the civil 
 war ; for in 1685, Michael Warton and sir Ralph War ton had a smart contest for 
 
 1" This charter is given in the Appendix K. 
 
 " The renewal of the charter cost the corporation £432. 13s. 4d. and three sums of £lO. 8s. Od. 
 each, were presented to Mr. Dymoke, Mr. Fotherby, and Mr. Ashmole, for their trouble in the 
 arrangements, to purchase a gold ring, with the arms of the corporation engraven thereon. Ex. 
 MS. penes me. 
 
 1* Sir E. Barnard was a scholar and a finished gentleman. His private virtues made him 
 estimable in the opinion of his acquaintance; and he is said to have been "the honour of King- 
 stone-upon-Hull, the delight of Beverley, and the ornament of the law." The reason of his 
 dismissal is not easy to be determined, for he was a man distinguished by the soundest principles 
 of honour and strict integrity. He did not long survive his removal, but died on the 19th day of 
 November, 1686, and was buried in Saint Mary's Church, where is a plain, but elegant marble 
 table to his memory. Vid. infra, part iii. cap. 3. 
 
 '9 Charter of Jas. II. Corp. Rec. 1 1 March, 1684. No. 23. ^ Corp. Rec. 1685. 
 
23t 
 
 the borough against sir John Hotham, and succeeded in throwing him out. It is 
 true, sir John complained of undue and illegal practices on the part of his oppo- 
 nents, and at the meeting of parliament instituted a petition against them, but on 
 cool reflection he deemed it wise to let the matter rest, as probably his own conduct, 
 during the heat of the contest, would not endure a rigid investigation. The petition 
 therefore was never heard.^' 
 
 The fairs at Beverley were now regularly attended by the citizens of London ; 
 and it is evident they found the traffic very advantageous, else it is scarcely to be 
 believed that they would have travelled with their wares to so great a distance 
 from home. A still further proof of the benefit which they derived from their 
 speculations in this town, is supplied by the fact, that in the year 1686, " certain 
 worthy citizens of London who of late years kept Beverley mart," entered into a 
 voluntary subscription, and made a splendid present to the church of Saint Mary ; 
 consisting of a velvet carpet, with gold and silken fringe for the communion table ; 
 a gilded common prayer book, covered with velvet, suspended by silken strings; 
 a large pulpit cloth of velvet with deep gold and silk fringe ; and a pulpit cushion 
 of velvet on both sides, with noble tassels or knobs of gold and silk interwoven at 
 each corner, and a valance of velvet fringed to correspond, to be suspended from 
 the cushion.^^ 
 
 The privilege enjoyed by the burgesses of Beverley, of passing through the river 
 Hull into the Humber, free of toll, was ever regarded by the port of Hull with a 
 jealous eye. It had the appearance of an encroachment; and men are equally apt 
 to be jealous of imaginary indignities, as though they were real. The people of 
 Beverley however, only exercised a privilege which was used by them long before 
 the town of Kingston-upon-Hull possessed a single charter of liberties. In the 
 year 1687, it was determined by the latter port to make another attempt to sub- 
 stantiate their jurisdiction over Beverley. The water bailiff was directed to seize 
 some fir deals belonging to a merchant of Beverley, which brought on a law suit, 
 but the jury once more gave a verdict in favour of the merchant.^^ 
 
 Towards the conclusion of king James's reign, the monarch again issued a writ 
 of quo warranto against the corporation ; and by an order from the king in council, 
 dated 11th June, 1688, James Moyser, esquire, was removed from the office of 
 recorder, and Thomas Alured, esquire, put into his place; aldermen Christopher 
 
 2' Oldfield. Boroughs, vol. v. p. 336. 
 " Ex. MS. peues me. " Gent. Hull, p. 184. Hadley, p. 268, 
 
238 
 
 Chappelow, John Fotherby, William Clarke, and Joshua Naylor were also dis- 
 charged, and their places supplied by John Sugden, John Thorpe, John Brigham, 
 and Thomas Milner. Four capital burgesses, named Henry Johnson, Henry 
 Thirsk, Edward Coulson, and Edward Webster were dismissed, and the vacancies 
 filled up by Edward Coulson, Peter Thompson, Richard Booth, and John Gor- 
 wood.^* These were abitrary measures -, and James was soon convinced that they 
 were calculated to alienate the affections of his people ; for the Prince of Orange 
 was now on the seas, and the country looked up to him for a redress of their grie- 
 vances, and the firm establishment of the Protestant religion in these dominions. 
 The feeble attempt of James to make atonement for his errors by issuing a pro- 
 clamation, in which he revoked the writs of quo warranto, and pronounced his 
 former charters valid where new ones had not been granted, was now too late; 
 and he abdicated the throne and privately departed out of the kingdom, which 
 placed the crown on William's head without a struggle.''^ 
 
 Some regiments of Danish soldiers having landed at Hull, for the service of the 
 new monarch, they marched to Beverley, and the sick, as well as the ammunition 
 and ordnance were forwarded at the expense of the corporation.'^^ During their 
 short stay two young men, belonging to one of the regiments, having had a quarrel 
 on the passage, which could not be decided on board the vessel, sought the first 
 
 " Corp. Rec. 1688. 
 
 ^^ The charter of Beverley had been surrendered, enrolled, and recorded, as is mentioned in 
 the proclamation above referred to ; and while the corporation, amidst the various and discordant 
 rumours which agitated the country, were in anxious expectation of its renewal, the town clerk 
 received the following letter, which shews the unsettled state of affairs, and the general hostility 
 which every where prevailed against the exiled monarch. " To Mr. Christ. Tadman, — Sir, The 
 stupendious and surprizing news of the last night's revolucon has putt a stop to the proceedings of 
 renewing the Corporacons. For last night, or rather this morning, about 4 a clock the king went 
 away privately down the river with no other company but y® L*} Chancello! Sir Edw^ Hales and 
 the L**. Dunbarton. 'Tis thought they have gone for France. But that which is as strange is, to 
 see the peace and tranquility y* hitherto continues in this great city. I had proceeded no further 
 then only to draw up the long Ch. of Beverley in the same terms with that of Ch'- II. But it 
 cannot go on now, any more than the Parliam* Elecions, for that I am informed the writts are 
 most of them witheld, and none given out but where the sheriffs have already taken out their 
 patent, which are not above a quarter of the whole number, I am Yr very humble Servant, 
 S. Gwillyn. N. B. The Queen and Prince of Wales went away the night before." Ex. MS. 
 penes me. 
 
 26 " Mr. Maior incurred the sum of £14. Is. Id. in conveying sick Danish soldiers, and ammu- 
 nition waggons, lately landed in Hull. Ordered to be paid." Corp. Rec. 16 Dec. 1689. 
 
239 
 
 opportunity of a private meeting", to settle their difference by the sword ; and their 
 fate is recorded in a doggrel epitaph still remaining in Saint Mary's church-yard ; — 
 
 " Here two young Danish souldiers lie, 
 The one in quarrell chanc'd to die ; 
 The other's head — by their own law. 
 With sword was sever'd at one blow." " 
 
 It was now nearly a century since the minster had undergone any substantial 
 repairs ; and from the magnitude of the edifice, and the absence of funds sufficiently 
 productive, it had become so much dilapidated about the commencement of the 
 eighteenth century, that its restoration was despaired of. The windows were shat- 
 tered, the roof decayed, the gutters, battlements, and other parts perishing from 
 neglect, and the whole transept was an absolute ruin. The north gable had fallen 
 away from the building, as it appeared, irretrievably ; for the upper part overhung 
 the foundation, at least three feet and a half; and fears were entertained that it 
 would speedily fall, and involve the choir and other connected and dependent 
 parts in its own destruction. At this time (1706) sir Charles Hothara and John 
 Moyser, esquire, were the representatives for Beverley ; the latter of whom, happily 
 for the town, was an adept in the science of architecture. His active mind con- 
 templated the ruinous state of this once magnificent fabric, and he determined that 
 it should be restored to its former splendour. He proposed a general subscription 
 for this purpose, and set the example by placing the sum of £ — . against his own 
 name. While thus benevolently engaged, the term of his parliamentary deputation 
 expired, and he was succeeded by sir Michael Warton, who subscribed £500. 
 towards the repairs of the minster. These noble examples were followed with 
 avidity by others who regretted the decay of their magnificent church, and by 
 means of a brief and private collections, the funds became adequate to the purpose 
 of repairing and beautifying the structure. Mr. Hawkesmoor, a London architect, 
 was employed to survey the building, and make an estimate of the expense ; and 
 he pronounced that it would cost £3,500. to restore it to its pristine beauty and 
 perfection. Sir Charles Hotham and sir Michael Warton, the members, together 
 with the mayor and aldermen of Beverley, petitioned the king to allow them the 
 
 ^ In the register of Saint Mary's parish are the following entries. 1689. Dec. 16. Daniel 
 Straker a Danish trooper buried. — Dec. 23. Johannes Frederick Bellow (beheaded for killing 
 the other) buried. 
 
240 
 
 privileg-e of using- the materials of the decayed monastery of Saint Mary at York ; 
 and a licence was granted, enabling- them to pull down and carry away such ma- 
 terials as might be necessary for their purpose, during the period of three years. 
 Accordingly, a great quantity of stone was removed to Beverley by water,'^* and 
 the projected improvements were commenced with spirit, and carried on with 
 assiduity.^^ 
 
 During the progress of the work sir Michael Warton died, and bequeathed by 
 will the sum of £4,000. as a fund to keep the minster in perpetual repair ; and 
 named as the trustees, the archbishop with the dean and chapter of York, and the 
 mayor and recorder of Beverley ; and his executor, sir Michael Newton, was di- 
 rected by a decree in chancery, to pay the interest of this sum at five per cent, to the 
 churchwardens of Saint Martin's parish, until the same could be eligibly vested in 
 the purchase of lands of inheritance.^'* This increase of means gave a new impulse to 
 
 28 Drake. Ebor, p. 577. 
 
 *9 In the year 1714, a grievous murrain amongst the cattle occasioned considerable losses in 
 the town and neighbourhood of Beverley. The stock on the common pastures suiFered severely; 
 and a small portion of land was fenced off, to separate the cattle that were infected from the 
 rest, that the distemper might be prevented from spreading. In this murrain 5418 cows died, 
 and 439 calves. Ex. Reg. S. Johan. 
 
 30 Sir M. Warton left, in addition to this sum of £4000. to the minster, the further legacies 
 of £1000. to the hospital in Beverley founded by his father, and £500. to the charity school, with 
 which sums certain estates were purchased in Dalby, Partney, and other parishes in the county of 
 Lincoln; and it was enacted, 46 Geo. III. that <' the whole clear rents, issues, and profits 
 thereof, after deducting the necessary costs and charges relating to the said trust, should be 
 divided into 21 equal parts and shares; and two of such parts or shares thereof should be applied 
 for the said charity school, and three other of such parts or shares thereof applied for the said 
 hospital, and the remaining sixteen parts or shares applied for keeping the said minster in perpe- 
 tual good repair." From these estates, and the chantries assigned to the minster by queen 
 Elizabeth, a considerable saving was subsequently made, and the trustees were enabled to vest 
 further sums in the purchase of other property. With this surplus another estate was purchased 
 at Dalby and Dexthorpe, in the county of Lincoln, for £630. ; £760. was vested in the Beverley 
 turnpike; £300. in the Alford turnpike; and in 1806, there remained in the hands of the 
 receivers £331. 14s. 9|d. the sum of £204. lis. Od. remaining on mortgage of the premises at 
 Partney. Act, 46 Geo. III. And the property which had accrued to this church by the donation 
 of the chantries, lands, tenements, and rents comprized in queen Elizabeth's letters-patent was as 
 follows : — 25 tenements in Minster-Moorgate ; 5 tenements in Fleming-gate ; 1 close near Saint 
 Nicholas's church ; 5 tenements and 1 coach-house in Keld-gate ; 1 close in Paradise ; 1 1 
 tenements and 1 close in East-gate; 7 closes in Grove-hill lane; 3 tenements in North-Bar- 
 within ; 5 tenements in High-gate ; 2 tenements, a garden, and closes in Beckside ; 1 close at 
 Etton ; a tenement at Crossgarths ; a tenement inNewbegin; closes in Lurk-lane ; 2 tenements 
 and a close in Back-street ; a tenement in Well-lane ; 3 tenements in Lair-gate ; stables in 
 Corporation yard ; 2 tenements in Saturday-market; 2 tenements in North-Bar-without ; a close 
 in Osier-yard; a house and close; a bathing-house; and the house formerly occupied by the 
 head master of the grammar school. Act, 46 Geo. III. for the curates of the minster. 
 
241 
 
 the work, and many expensive decorations were added, which, from the false taste 
 which prevailed at that period, have some of them been since removed as super- 
 fluous deformities. The task of reinstating the north gable in its true perpendicular 
 was the most arduous and difficult, but it was accomplished by an ingenious device 
 of Mr. Thornton, of York, who invented a machine with which he screwed up 
 this ponderous wall, and replaced it in its true situation.^' The floor was taken up, 
 and a new one laid in its present ornamental form ; during the process of which 
 operation, the bones of Saint John were taken up, and replaced in an arched vault, 
 immediately beneath the second rose in the groining of the roof, at the east end of 
 the nave. The following inscription was added to the former one,'* engraven on 
 a sheet of lead. " The same relics having been dug up, were replaced and 
 honoured with an arched vault of brickwork, the 25th March, 1726, when the 
 tesselated pavement of this church was first laid."" At this time also the nave 
 was completely fitted up with new pews, a pulpit and galleries for the perform- 
 ance of divine service, and all the plans of Mr. Moyser, both for ornament and 
 utility, were carried into full effect. "These plans, unfortunately, were to be 
 executed at a time when there was little reason to expect, that in the construction 
 of the proposed embellishments and additions, any attention would be exerted to 
 make them harmonize with the building in which they were to be placed. Our 
 ancestors, it has been well observed by an author in the Archaeologia, in the former 
 part of the last century, and in that before it, despising gothic architecture, and 
 blind to all its beauties, neglected, rather than destroyed, the remains of it in 
 
 " Vid. infra, part III. ch. ii. Thornton was a clever man, but rather tenacious of his powers. 
 We are told by the editor of Dr. Stukeley's Letters, Bibliotheca Topogr. vol. i. p. 186, that "he 
 had frequently heard from the late Mr. Samuel Buck, who died August 17th, 1779, aged 83, the 
 following anecdote relative to this undertaking. Being at Beverley at the time they were screwing 
 up the gable, he observed that one of the screws had given way ; and though his silence might 
 have been attended with the most fatal consequences, Mr. Thornton received his information with 
 manifest disgust, as if offended at the accidental failure of his skill." Thornton died at York, 
 and was buried in Saint Olave's church. On the south side of the altar is a mural monument 
 erected to the memory of this artist. The sculpture is within an ellipse of black stone, and the 
 shield bearing the inscription is supported by cherubs. A skull and cross bones decorate the 
 base, and the whole is surmounted by an urn and flame. Immediately over the inscription is a 
 shield, bearing, az. a chevron or. inter two compasses and a sphere. In chief ar. three flowers. 
 The inscription : — Near this place lies the body of William Thornton, joiner and architect, who 
 departed this life September 23, 1721, aged 51 years. 
 
 32 Vide ut supra, p. 234. 
 
 3' The original inscription is in latin, and is here subjoined. Reliquiae eadem effbssae et ibidem 
 recompositsB Fornice Lateritio dignabantur XXV. die Mensis Martij Anno Domini MDCCXXVJ. 
 quando et tesselatum £cclesia hujus Pavimentum primo fuit instratum. 
 
 2 H 
 
242 
 
 England. They built up Grecian altars and altar pieces, and galleries, in gothic 
 churches and chapels; and these strange improper things of their erection and 
 invention seem to have been the only objects of their admiration/^ These obser- 
 vations are general, but so exactly descriptive of vs^hat took place in our minster, 
 at the time in question, that we might almost feel disposed to think they had a 
 particular reference to it. Every thing was formed on Grecian models ; the galleries 
 were supported by doric pillars, and a dome with doric triglyphs. Before the old 
 altar screen was placed a wooden one of Grecian work, on which stood eight 
 beautiful corinthian pillars, supporting a splendid triumphal arch, surmounted by 
 a magnificent gilded eagle. The pulpit, the reading-desk, the cover for the font, 
 all made at the same time, were all in the same taste ; and by way of climax of 
 absurdity, an entrance screen into the choir was erected, in which the Grecian 
 and pointed styles were mixed together, and a kind of non-descript monster was 
 produced, referable to no species of architecture."^* 
 
 While these peaceful improvements were in progress, the town was occasionally 
 agitated by the intemperate disputes and political cabals of an electioneering con- 
 test. In 1722, sir Michael Warton having retired from the representation of 
 the borough by reason of bad health, his nephew, Michael Newton, esquire, was 
 recommended to the burgesses as his successor. The election however, was violently 
 contested by Ellerker Bradshaw, esquire, who tried every means to ingratiate 
 himself with the electors, but was unable to secure a majority of votes, for on the 
 day of election the numbers were, for Michael Newton, esquire, 552 ; sir Charles 
 Hotham, 493; and Ellerker Bradshaw, esquire, 353. As the former stood too 
 high numerically, to be easily unseated, Mr. Bradshaw petitioned the house of 
 commons against the return of the latter; and complained that sir Charles Hotham 
 was not a burgess, and therefore incompetent to represent the borough in par- 
 liament ; that he was guilty of treating ; that he had used threats and other undue 
 and illegal practices, to influence the votes of the burgesses, &c. ; but the petition 
 was withdrawn, and no report was made upon iV^ 
 
 At the following election, in 1727, Mr. Bradshaw was more successful, after a 
 contest of unusual obstinacy and perseverance. It would be well, were it possible 
 
 " Kerrich, Observ. on Goth. Archit. Archaeol. vol xvi. p. 299. 
 
 " Coltman's Short Hist, of Beverley Minster, p. 53, 54. 
 
 '6 Oldfield. Boroughs, vol. v. p. 336. 
 
243 
 
 to add, that the means used to ensure success were strictly honourable and praise- 
 worthy, and conformable equally to the dictates of morality and the constitution 
 of the country. Unhappily this was not the case ; and the credit of the borough 
 would be less liable to impeachment, if the records which remain of this venal 
 election could be wholly expunged ; for this was the famous contest which origi- 
 nated the statute against bribery, 2 Geo. II." The historian however, must relate 
 occurrences as they actually took place, for he can neither add to, nor diminish 
 from the records of truth. A petition was preferred against the return of Mr. 
 Bradshaw, which brought on a full investigation before the house of commons; 
 and such a scene of gross corruption was elicited, that although the return was not 
 disturbed, the legislature found themselves under the necessity, for the honour of 
 the house, and in vindication of public morals, to provide against a recurrence of 
 such practices by a formal statute; and a bill was passed, entitled, "An act for 
 the more effectually preventing bribery and corruption in the elections of members 
 to serve in parliament;" and the preamble states, that "whereas it is found by 
 experience that the laws already in being have not been sufficient to prevent 
 corrupt and illegal practices, &c." 
 
 The town had now, in some degree, recovered from its former depression, and 
 the inhabitants were determined to make a spirited attempt to restore its facilities 
 for external traffic. The canal or beck, during the decayed state of the place, had 
 imperceptibly warped up, and could not be kept open for want of a sufficient fund 
 to defray the necessary expenses thereof; the staiths were out of repair, and abso- 
 lutely useless ; and the roads leading from the town to the river Hull, were in so 
 ruinous a condition, that carriages could not pass upon them without extreme 
 danger; to the great decay of the trade and impoverishment of the town. It is 
 true, the corporation, with a laudable anxiety for the public welfare, had expended 
 periodically for many years, considerable sums out of their own private revenues, 
 in cleansing the river, and repairing the staiths and roads, but at length their 
 income was so much reduced that they were unable to continue the work they had 
 so benevolently begun ; and it had become absolutely necessary for the purposes of 
 commerce, that the beck should be made wider and deeper, and a permanent fund 
 created for keeping it in perpetual repair.'* 
 
 Many plans were proposed and rejected ; and at length, John Warburton, esq. 
 Somerset Herald, a man well versed in such speculations, was desired to give his 
 
 »^ Oldfield. Boroughs, vol. v. p. 337. ^s Act for cleansing Beverley Beck, fo. 1. 
 
 2 H 2 
 
244 
 
 attention to the subject ; who delivered, for the consideration of the town, as an 
 effectual means of renewing- all the desired advantages, the following " Proposals 
 for cleaning and keeping clean Beverley beck from the head of the harbour to the 
 foot of the low mill race on both sides, and deepening it three feet and a half. 
 First, that an engine boat be built after the manner of those used in Holland and 
 Flanders, to draw up the weeds that now hold together the mud, and stop the soil 
 and dirt that is washed into the harbour of the said river at the time of land floods, 
 £10. Os. Od. The expense of men and horses in working the said boat, £10. Os. Od. 
 Secondly, it is proposed that one lock or pair of floodgates be erected on the upper 
 side of the great bridge, and that the sides of the key be raised by battlements, in 
 order to make a more capacious basin for collecting water into at times of flood, 
 which by being flushed out again at low water, will wash away and dissolve all 
 that loose ousey matter which cements, holds together, and obstructs the flux 
 and reflux of the tides and fresh water floods, and if not timely prevented, muist 
 inevitably occasion the said river to overflow its banks whensoever the spring tides 
 and land floods shall oppose each other ; and thereby may occasion the loss of some 
 hundred acres of ground which lies contiguous to the said river, and particularly 
 the town's pasture named Figham ; and will no ways prejudice sir M. Warton's 
 low mill, or the navigation of the river Hull, £60. Os. Od. Thirdly, that one pair 
 of floodgates be placed on the upper side of the little bridge, at the head of the 
 harbour ; and that a reservoir or basin be made proportionably thereunto, in order 
 to keep water in, to be flushed out as occasion may require, to scour and keep 
 clean the space between the two bridges: the charge will be £10. Os. Od. For 
 cutting, cleaning, and planting willows by the sides of the river, to secure and 
 prevent them being washed down for the time to come, £20. Os. Od. Fourthly, it 
 is proposed that Holm church beck, which now runs by Holm church into the 
 canal, be brought in at the head of the canal ; and that such of the town ditches 
 which now run into Walker beck be cleaned and kept open, in order to bring^' 
 
 Fifthly, that the charge for cleaning the said beck be 
 
 collected by voluntary contribution ; and that the names of the chief benefactors," 
 
 39 j]3^ ]yjs^ pauca desunt. 
 
 *° In 1699, the Beck was cleaned out, as is above reconamended, by subscription, and the 
 following is an account of the several sums collected on the occasion. Christopher Thompson 
 being the mayor : — 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Sir Michael Warton 30 
 
245 
 
 with the sums they give, be recorded on a table to be set up in the Gild-haul of 
 this corporation/'" 
 
 To these proposals the following- objections were made. " Mr. W. proposes 
 to place a pair of floodgates to stop the water in until it is low in the other parts 
 of the beck, and then to let the water suddenly out of that reservoir to drive the 
 sludge out of the way below ; the sludge having been first loosened by other 
 means. This would be an easy and cheap way of cleansing and keeping clean 
 the beck, if it would but answer in practice, but I am afraid it will miscarry for 
 the reasons following. The flowing and ebbing of the tides in the river Hull is 
 but very slow on account of that river being so narrow, and the great distance 
 from the Humber, and the free passage it hath many miles beyond Beverley beck. 
 This causes the water to take a long time rising to a small plum height, and 
 Beverley beck must be the same time rising to the same height, which being so 
 short causes the water to move so slowly that its motion can do little or nothing to 
 carry out any sludge, &c. for cleansing the same by the tides. Suppose the water 
 in the reservoir were pen'd up to a yard above the surface of the water below it on 
 the other side of the bridge ; it is evident that the beck below the High-bridge is 
 near eighteen times as long as that between the bridges, and consequently, if all 
 that water were laid on the surface of the water below the bridge, it would but 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Sir Ralph Warton 10 
 
 Mr. Ralph Warton 10 
 
 Mr. Charles Warton 5 
 
 Saturday Market Ward 14 4 5 
 
 Within North-Bar 11 13 
 
 Beckside and Flemingate 2 14 6 
 
 Without North-Bar 2 13 6 
 
 Toll-Gavel Ward 5 13 6 
 
 Norwood, &c 6 13 
 
 Wednesday Market 6 9 6 
 
 Keldgate and Newbigging Wards 6 11 6 
 
 Borrowed of Mr. Sanders 50 
 
 — E. Robinson, for wood sold him. ... 10 
 
 £ 171 12 11 
 
 Total Disbursements 1 97 1 6 
 
 Total Receipts 171 12 11 
 
 Paid more than received 25 8 
 
 <' Warburton's MSS. Lansd. Coll. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 190, 195, 197. 
 
^46 
 
 raise that water one-eighteenth part of a yard, and that is no more than two inches; 
 and if the water in the reservoir was raised two yards higher than the water in the 
 beck below, it would raise the other only four inches ; and what can four inches of 
 water do towards carrying away sludge? Where the water is above one yard 
 deep, I think it will prove but a very slow motion as seems very plain, if it be 
 considered that the whole body of water in the beck must move together, for it 
 will not roll over the water like an ager."^^ 
 
 These preliminary disquisitions paved the way for improvement ; estimates were 
 at length agreed to,^' and in 1727, an act was passed for cleansing, deepening, and 
 widening the beck ; for repairing the staiths and amending the roads ; and that 
 these purposes might be effectually accomplished, the mayor, aldermen, and 
 burgesses were empowered to levy certain tolls for the remuneration of those who 
 might advance money for the works; and when they were repaid, to serve as a 
 perpetual fund for keeping them in a state proper for the purposes of general 
 traffic. The duties allowed by this act, being found, by experience, insufficient, 
 application was made to parliament in 1745, for an increased toll, which might 
 enable the corporation to prevent the works from falling once more into a state of 
 ruin; and an advance was allowed to be made in a certain proportion as prescribed 
 in a schedule appended to the act. A clause was inserted, empowering the justices 
 of the peace to compel the owners or occupiers of houses or land contiguous to the 
 streets to keep clean their frontage, and to remove all accumulations of filth and 
 dirt, which might otherwise be conveyed into the beck, and thus tend to impede 
 the navigation. 
 
 ^'^ Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 1 93. 
 
 ^* Mr. Lelham's estimate was as follows : — - 
 
 £. s. d. 
 For dressing Beverley Beck on both sides, and deepening it 3 feet^ 
 
 2 inches at the bottom; the length thereof is 1353 yards, or 246 >- 369 12 
 
 roods, at about £1 . 8s. per rood of 1 6 1 feet 3 
 
 For jettying the banks with piles and brushwood 50 
 
 For a lighter to take the rubbish away in 40 
 
 For making a finn to the said lighter for deepening the beck, if the ^ 35 n 
 
 water cannot be turned another way 3 
 
 3,000 yards of paving, at 12d. per yard 150 
 
 
 
 A bridge over the mill damm, with three arches 28 
 
 Total, £. 672 12 
 -T/f The annual charge for keeping it clean, &c. £8. Os. Od. 
 
241 
 
 In this century, numerous sentences of excommunication were pronounced 
 against individuals residing in Beverley, and penances were performed both in the 
 minster and Saint Mary's church ;^* which tend either to arraign the morality of 
 the town, or to exhibit a fixed determination on the part of the parish officers, to 
 prevent, by signal punishment, the commission of crimes which were calculated 
 to outrage public feeling, and overturn that principle of order and decorum which 
 forms the great barrier of civil and social virtue. How far the application of this 
 remedy, provided by the discipline of the church, might be effectual to promote 
 this salutary purpose, it may be somewhat difficult to pronounce ; certain it is, that 
 the prevention of crime is infinitely preferable to its punishment; and the labours of 
 the nineteenth century are uniformly and assiduously directed to the means of pre- 
 vention, by instilling proper principles into the plastic mind of youth, that the 
 ripening man may be prepared for the practice of virtue, by being instructed how 
 to trace the line of demarcation between right and wrong with unerring precision; 
 and justly to estimate the nature of that future punishment which will assuredly be 
 awarded to the commission of crime, and of the eternal reward which must inevit- 
 ably result from a course of piety and virtue, enforced by the devout practice of 
 our most holy religion. 
 
 <♦ I have selected the following instances of this punishment out of the numerous lists con- 
 tained in the vestry minutes and registers of Saint John and Saint Mary. In the united parishes 
 of Saint John and Saint Martin, no less than 143 were either excommunicated or did penance 
 between the years 1709 and 1766. The number was also great in the other two parishes. Their 
 offences may be estimated from the following extracts taken out of Saint Mary's records. 
 
 1 726, Sept. Joseph North and Mary his wife ; Thomas Newmarch and Mary his wife, and 
 John Blardon and Jane his wife, were presented for anti-nuptial forni- 
 cation. 
 
 1726, Nov. 2. Thomas Day and Ann his now wife, of the parish of Saint Nicholas, were pre- 
 sented for the same crime. 
 
 1743, Dec. 4. Sarah Ayre performed public penance for fornication with Stephen Gray. 
 Dec. 1 1 . Stephen Gray performed public penance for fornication with Sarah Ayre. 
 
 1744, Nov. 4. John Ayre performed public penance for adultery with Mary Sagg. 
 
 1747, Ap. 26. Richard Burton performed public penance for fornication with Ann Wright. 
 Decree signed April 23. 
 At the archdeacon's visitation was presented p. churchwardens of Saint Mary's, 
 Mary Holmes, for fornication, she having borne twin bastard children, 
 the father unknown. 
 
 1750. Susannah Hopkin did penance for incest with Thomas Hopkin, her son-in-law. 
 
 1750. Joan Wilkinson and Jane Lyon, spinsters, were presented for fornication with 
 
 John Plaister, on the 9th October, 1750, at Plaxton. 
 
248 
 
 CTfiap* yjf* 
 
 Accession of George HI. — Drainage — Act for augmenting the revenues of the 
 curates of the minster — War with America — Hull dock act — Addresses and 
 petitions — French revolution — Beverley volunteers — Scarcity of corn — Attack 
 on the king — Depredations — Act for appointing an additional assistant curate 
 — Act for lighting and watching the town — Superb illumination for peace — 
 Illumination for queen Caroline — Coronation festival — Improvements in the 
 minster — Gas works — Balloon. 
 
 The accession of George III. to the throne of England was at a point of time 
 peculiarly felicitous. The arms of Great-Britain were successful in every quarter 
 of the g-lobe ; and her navy swept the seas with triumphant dignity, asserting its 
 milimited sway on its native element, and exacting obedience and submission from 
 all the nations upon earth. This supremacy soon produced a general peace, which 
 was celebrated at Beverley with every demonstration of joy; and a loyal address 
 was voted to his majesty by the corporation, which was presefited by lord 
 Egremont, and received by the king in the most gracious manner.* 
 
 ' To the king's most excellent majesty. The humble address of the mayor, aldermen, and 
 burgesses of Beverley, in the county of York. 
 
 We, your Majesty's ever loyal subjects, the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Beverley, in 
 the county of York, beg leave to approach your royal presence with our most sincere congratu- 
 lations on the happy return of peace, an event most desirable in its own nature, and peculiarly 
 interesting to a commercial nation. 
 
 Your majesty's wisdom, which the most flattering series of good fortune could not mislead, 
 sensible that the tide of military glory is ever the most dangerous when it is the most rapid, 
 stopped the desolating hand of war, and restored to your subjects, and in its consequences to all 
 Europe, the blessings of peace ; — blessings which to us are the more dear, because we have seen 
 the great ends of the war fully accomplished, the injuries which these kingdoms have received 
 from foreign powers vindicated, their ability to annoy us hereafter circumscribed, our colonies 
 protected, and a vast territory added to the British empire. 
 
 These are real glories which no time can efface, no faction obscure : the fame resulting from 
 military achievments, however splendid and magnificent, is nevertheless accompanied with cala- 
 mity and terror. But during this more happy period the liberal attainments of science, the copious 
 
249 
 
 The inhabitants of Beverley and the surrounding district, now that the country 
 was relieved from the expenses and vicissitudes of an extensive continental war, 
 began to direct their thoughts towards the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and the 
 improvement of the soil. The low lands in the vicinity of Beverley appear to have 
 been always subject to inundation, and consequently of little comparative value, 
 until by the modern system of drainage they have been brought into a regular and 
 systematic course of cultivation. And this is not the only benefit which has been 
 conveyed to the inhabitants by the exercise of this system; it has fertilized the 
 soil ; it has given to the community much land which had hitherto been of little 
 service ; and, which is of still greater importance in a physical point of view, it 
 has banished those epidemic diseases which were generated by the constant exha- 
 lations proceeding from the stagnant waters and morasses by which the town of 
 Beverley was surrounded. 
 
 • In times far remote, the country had been subject to violent and sudden floods, 
 proceeding from a rush of waters from the Wolds, the consequences of a rainy 
 season, which frequently broke the banks of the river Hull, and covered the low 
 lands to a considerable depth, so that people were obliged to use boats for the 
 purpose of attending Beverley market. To remedy these inconveniences, frequent 
 commissions'^ were issued to examine and repair the banks and sewers. Notwith- 
 standing every precaution the evil was of perpetual recurrence, and in 1763 — 4, 
 
 advantages of commerce, and all the amiable arts of peace will flourish under the protection of a 
 prince of virtues too exalted to derive his fame from any other source than the true happiness of 
 his people. 
 
 Given under our common seal the 17th June, 1763. 
 « « In the 26 Edw. III. John Sutton of Holdernesse, Tho. de Seton, Will, de Skipwyth, and 
 John de Wilton were appointed to view the banks, &c. upon the coast of Humbre, betwixt the 
 towns of Hesele and Ravensere ; and also upon the coast of Hull betwixt Beverley and Kingstone- 
 upon-Hull." Pat. 26 Edw. III. Some time afterwards, « Sir Simon de Heselardton, knt. Roger 
 de Fulthorp, Thomas de Beverlee, and Walter de Ruddestone, were appointed to view and 
 repair the banks, &c. in the towns of Lokyngton, Watton, Scorburgh, Kilingwyk, and Besewyk ; 
 which, by the descent of the fresh waters from the Woldes into the river of Hull, were broken." 
 Pat. 47 Edw. III. « So also in the following reign, a commission was issued to sir John de St. 
 Quintin, knt. John de Lokton, Will, de Holme, Robert Sturemy, Hugh de Arderne, and Will. 
 Hundegate, for those upon the river of Hull, and parts adjacent, from the towns of Killingwyk, 
 Scoreburgh, Watton, Besewyk, Lokyngton, and Rotsee, to the towns of Ake, Eske, Erughome, 
 and the manor of Berghe." Pat. 10 Rich. II. And subsequently a commission was directed to 
 « Lawrence de Allerthorp, clerk. Will. Gascoigne, Rob*- Tirwhit, Will. Newsome, Will. Hund- 
 gate. Rich, de Beverley, and William Wandesforde, for the banks of the river of Hull, and 
 parts adjacent, from Etton, Lockyngtone, Scorburghe, Ake, and Berghe, to Beswyk, Wattone, 
 Hotone, Craunsewyke, and Skerne." Pat. 1 Hen. IV. Dugdale on Imbank. and Drain, pp. 131, 
 132, 133. 
 
 2 I 
 
260 
 
 after a stormy winter, the banks of the Hull were broken, and the turnpike road from 
 Whitecross to Beverley stood four feet deep in water for a considerable length of 
 time. An act of parliament was procured to enable the proprietors of land to drain 
 the level ; and this was fully accomplished by means of the Holderness drainage, 
 at an expense of between fifty and sixty thousand pounds.^ 
 
 Nor were the interests of religion neglected amidst the anxiety which was now 
 displayed for agricultural improvements. An act of parliament was procured, 6 
 Geo. III. intituled, "An act for vesting certain estates in the county of Lincoln 
 in trustees, and to enable them to appropriate the rents and profits thereof; and 
 also certain sums of money, subject to the trusts declared by the will of sir Michael 
 Warton, knight, deceased, for the augmentation of the revenues of the curacies of the 
 late collegiate church of Saint John in Beverley, in the county of York, and for 
 erecting an organ in the said church, and for other purposes therein mentioned." 
 Under the provisions of this act, several improvements were made in the internal 
 economy of the minster, which were alike calculated to promote the benefit of the 
 curates and their parishioners ; and an organ was erected upon the screen which 
 separates the transept from the choir, by Snetzler, at an expense of near £800. 
 
 The disorders in North- America, which ultimately involved this country in war, 
 having commenced, his majesty issued a proclamation in 1775, declaring those 
 colonies to be in a state of open rebellion, which was published at Beverley with 
 all the accustomed formalities ; and a full meeting of the corporation being subse- 
 quently convened; a loyal address to his majesty was unanimously voted, in which 
 they declared their " abhorrence of the present unnatural rebellion in some of the 
 colonies in North-America, as well as of those factious and evil minded men both 
 at home and abroad, by whose means the same hath been, and still is principally 
 promoted and abetted;" and professed themselves incompetent to express their 
 "detestation of all those societies or sets of men, who, contrary to the allegiance 
 they owe and have sworn to his majesty, are now, by their inflammatory letters 
 and publications, in a most daring manner, sowing the seeds of sedition amongst 
 their fellow subjects, and thereby endeavouring, as much as in them lies, to involve 
 us at home as well as abroad, in all the calamities of a civil war."* 
 
 An act having passed, 14 Geo. III. enabling the Hull dock company to lay a 
 duty on all vessels having ingress or egress to or from the docks, they proceeded to 
 
 3 Strickland. Agricult. p. 194. 
 * Given under the common seal of the corporation, 27 Sep. 1775. 
 
251 
 
 impose certain rates upon vessels from Beverley and other places on the river Hull, 
 which did not enter the haven, but only passed the North-Bridge. This was, in 
 effect a revival of the ancient dispute ; for the burgesses of Beverley claimed the inde- 
 feasible right of a free passage into the Humber, without payment of any duty or 
 impost whatsoever, as secured to them by charter, prescription, and legal award f 
 and a new dock act having subsequently become necessary, they petitioned the 
 house of commons for relief.* 
 
 The ratification of the definitive treaty of peace between Great-Britain, France, 
 and America, was signed in 1783; an event which produced an address to the 
 throne from the corporation of Beverley, who expressed the warmest sentiments of 
 gratitude and congratulation for the humane and just measures which his majesty 
 
 * Vid. nt supra, p. 1 90. 
 
 * To the honourable the commons of Great Britain in parliam*. assembled. 
 
 The humble petition of the gentlemen, merchants, dealers and tradesmen of Beverley, in the 
 East-riding of the county of York, and the neighbourhood thereof, whose names are 
 hereunto subscribed, Sheweth — 
 
 That your petitioners observe by the votes that a bill is depending in this honourable house 
 for &c. (Here the title of the Hull Dock Bill was inserted.) That the river Hull is an ancient 
 navigable river, and by the said act proposed in the 14th year of his present majesty's reign, there 
 are payable and paid to the dock company thereby constituted certain rates or duties for certain 
 ships and vessels coming into or going out of the harbour, basin or dock, within the port of 
 Kingstone-upon-Hull, as in the said act is particularly mentioned and described. 
 
 That some of the ships and vessels which may have occasion to use the said river Hull, up to 
 or near to the said town of Beverley and other places above the town of Kingston-upon-Hull, 
 may not have occasion to use the said basin, dock, quay or wharf, or any quay or wharf whatso- 
 ever in the said harbour or haven called Hull haven, lying between the river Humber and the 
 bridge at Kingston-upon-Hull, called Hull North Bridge. That as such ships and vessels have 
 an incontestible right to pass through the said harbour or haven, your petitioners conceive it to 
 be a hardship on them, and a grievous burden on the trade and commerce of the said town of 
 Beverley, and other places lying above the said Hull North Bridge, that ships and vessels only 
 passing through the said harbour or haven as aforesaid should be charged with and compelled to 
 pay the same rates and duties as are imposed on ships and vessels actually using the said basin or 
 dock, quay or wharf. 
 
 Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that provision may be made in the said bill for 
 exempting from the payment of the said rates and duties imposed under the said act of the 1 4th 
 year of his present majesty's reign, all such ships and vessels as shall come or go coastwise 
 from or to any port or place whatsoever in Great Britain to or from any place in or up the river 
 Hull, or any other river, cut, stream or canal which now falls, or shall at any time hereafter fall 
 into the same river, and which shall not come into or go out of the said basin or dock, or use the 
 same or any quay which now adjoins, or shall at any time hereafter adjoin thereunto, or any quay 
 within the Humber, commonly called Hull Haven, lying between the river Humber and the 
 bridge at Kingston-upon-Hull, called Hull North Bridge, or that your petitioners may have such 
 other relief in the premises as to this honourable house shall seem meet. 
 
 And your petitioners shall ever pray. 
 
 2l2 
 
252 
 
 had pursued in terminating" a long and expensive war, and restoring" to his subjects 
 the blessings of peace/ This was followed in 1784, by another, in which his ma- 
 jesty is thanked for the dismissal of his ministers, " whose principles and conduct," 
 says the address, "were ill suited to obtain the confidence, or answer the just 
 expectations of the public, at this arduous juncture;"* and a third in 1786, of 
 congratulation on his escape from the desperate attempt made by Margaret Nich- 
 olson upon his life.^ The subject of slave emancipation having now become popular, 
 a petition from the corporation and inhabitants of Beverley was presented to the 
 house of commons in 1788, recommending the abolition of "a traffic so disgraceful 
 to a free country, and to promote among those who are already in a state of servitude 
 such means of instruction as may contribute to their civilization and future hap- 
 piness ;" '° and in 1789, the joy for his majesty's recovery from the dangerous malady 
 by which he had been attacked, produced an address of congratulation to the 
 throne;" and another to the queen, on the same happy event.' ^ 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the French revolution once more lighted the torch of war, 
 and it soon blazed, with horrible coruscations, throughout the whole continent of 
 Europe. The place of hostile contention was not confined to any one country, but 
 the sword of the warrior was unsheathed in every kingdom, and even this island 
 was threatened with invasion. In 1793, England heard the first menace of an 
 attack upon her shores ; and three years afterwards preparations were made by the 
 French, on a very extensive scale, for that purpose. They constructed rafts and 
 flat-bottomed boats without number, and assembled a well-appointed army of 
 veterans, on the sea coast opposite Britain, which was pompously denominated, 
 "The army of England." Though all these mighty preparations were calculated 
 rather to alarm the weak than to intimidate the brave, yet the ministry thought it 
 necessary to put the nation in a posture of defence. Circular letters had been 
 directed to the lords-lieutenant of the several counties in England so early as the 
 year 1794, apprizing them that his majesty would graciously accept the services of 
 any temporary corps of cavalry or infantry, which should voluntarily associate to 
 sei*ve near their own homes, and protect their own property from the designs of 
 an invading foe. This resolution was no sooner made publick, than one spirit 
 
 '^ Corp. Rec. 7 April, 23 Geo. III. 
 
 8 Corp. Rec. 16 Feb. 24 Geo. III. » Ibid. 26 Geo. III. 
 
 '" Records of Hull, 1788. " Corp. Rec. 30 Mar. 29 Geo. III. 
 
 »2 Corp. Rec. 29 Geo. III. 
 
253 
 
 appeared to animate the whole nation ; and rich and poor vied with each other in 
 protestations of loyalty to their king, resolving to hazard their lives in defence of 
 the constitution. The whole population of England vv^as soon in arms; and the 
 inhabitants of Beverley were amongst the first to stand forward in defence of the 
 country. At the very earliest notice that the services of the inhabitants, in a military 
 capacity, would be acceptable to the government, a numerous corps of volunteers 
 w^as embodied; and on Christmas-day, 1794, they appeared for the first time 
 clothed and accoutred, and made a very respectable and martial display. They 
 mustered in the Market-place, and proceeded in order to Saint Mary's church, 
 where an appropriate sermon vv^as preached by the Rev. Robert Rigby, the vicar ; 
 and from this time they made a rapid progress in acquiring a competent know^ledge 
 of military tactics. When the experiment of invasion was really contemplated, the 
 Beverley volunteers had attained a high state of discipline ; and were fully prepared 
 to act in concert with the regular army, as an efficient part of a disposable force, 
 to repel any attempt which might be made on the rights or liberties of the king or 
 his people.'^ 
 
 War in itself is a dreadful calamity and a scourge ; but its difficulties and pri- 
 vations to the inhabitants of this country, were now increased by another divine 
 visitation, which heightened the miseries of the labouring classes, and in some 
 districts drove them to desperation and consequent outrage, fomented, as the pas- 
 sions of the suffering people were, by the poison of sedition and discontent, actively 
 disseminated throughout the country by corresponding societies, and the advocates 
 of anarchy and revolution. A scarcity of corn prevailed during the year 1795, to 
 such an alarming extent as almost to threaten absolute famine; and the prices 
 advanced so high as to place the most necessary article of provision beyond the 
 reach of working people. To the honour of humanity, however, be it said, that the 
 more opulent used every possible exertion to neutralize the calamity, and to avert 
 the evils with which poverty and indigence were at this time assailed ; and the town 
 of Beverley afforded a conspicuous example of such benevolence. At the quarter 
 
 1^ The first officers of this corps were Col. Cruger, Christopher Machell, esq. capt. — Langton, 
 esq. captain, and Moses Green, serjeant. It was considered a circumstance highly honourable 
 to the town of Beverley, that this corps was superior in numbers to what was furnished by 
 the port of Hull ; and it is said that a very spirited letter had been addressed to the inhabitants 
 of the latter place, inciting them to imitate the example of this patriotic town. Hull Advertiser. 
 
^ 
 
 254 
 
 sessions held in June, a regulation was made to prevent forestalling*, or other pecu- 
 lation in these eventful times ; and it was ordered that all grain should be bought 
 and sold by the Winchester measure only. And a subscription was entered into 
 for the purpose of purchasing corn, and selling it to the poor at such prices as 
 should enable them to procure a supply necessary for the consumption of their re- 
 spective families, and the amount was very considerable. The right honourable 
 lord Yarborough gave fifty guineas ; John Wharton, esquire, fifty pounds ; Richard 
 Watt, esquire, of Bishop-Burton, ten guineas ; and other names were added by the 
 more wealthy inhabitants of Beverley and the neighbourhood for smaller sums, 
 which enabled the committee effectually to relieve their indigent neighbours from 
 the embarrassments which had been caused by a defective harvest, and a consequent 
 scarcity of provisions. 
 
 The dissentions of the country, however, had attained an alarming crisis, and 
 insurrections were every where apprehended. The most daring insults were 
 offered to the king as he proceeded through St. James's Park to open the parlia- 
 ment, both by inflammatory speeches, and actual hostility. Stones and other 
 missiles were thrown at the carriage, several of which struck it with considerable 
 violence; and on his return the attacks were renewed with such persevering 
 rancour, that after his majesty had quitted the state coach, it was completely 
 demolished by the infuriate populace. Such a wanton outrage, committed on the 
 person of the sovereign, roused the well affected portion of the community to a 
 sense of duty. On the 4th of November, copies of the king's ploclamation relative 
 to these outrages were submitted to parliament, and ordered to lie on the table. 
 Addresses to his majesty poured in from all quarters ; and at a full meeting of the 
 corporation of Beverley, in the Guild-hall, it was agreed, nem. dis. to forward an 
 address to the throne on the daring insult which had been offered to his majesty's 
 person on his way to and from the parliament house.'^ And the next day his 
 royal highness Prince William of Gloucester honoured the corporation with his 
 company to breakfast. He was entertained in the council chamber, and after 
 breakfast the freedom of the borough was voted to him by the corporation, and 
 presented by Robert Osborne, esq. the recorder, which his royal highnes was 
 pleased most graciously to receive.'' 
 
 Meanwhile disorder and insubordination progressively advanced, until personal 
 property became insecure ; for the illiterate people, having the pernicious doctrines 
 
 " Corp. Rec. 5 Nov. 1795. '^ Ibid. 6 Nov. 1795. 
 
255 
 
 of" unalienable right and natural equality continually sounding in their ears from 
 demagogues charged with the subversion of peace and social order, soon became 
 impressed with the actual belief that the indefeasible rights of man authorized them 
 to seize with a strong and lawless hand, those goods which appeared to be super- 
 fluous to their more opulent neighbours; and hence robberies became frequent, 
 and delinquency was increased beyond all former precedent. The year 1796, was 
 pregnant with these evils at Beverley to an alarming extent. Many persons were 
 plundered on the highway when leaving the markets. Shops out of number were 
 feloniously broke open ; and though the magistrates were exceedingly active, their 
 authority appears to have been disregarded, if not openly and successfully defied. 
 Mr. Wilson, of Beverley, was robbed on his return from Hull. Mr. Hunsley's 
 shop was robbed ; but an example was occasionally made ; and a felon of the name 
 of T. Raper, was sentenced to a seven years transportation for having committed a 
 robbery at Beverley. These disorders passed away as the film of error and decep- 
 tion was removed from the eye; and the good sense of Englishmen returning 
 after a temporary mania of delusion and violence, every thing resumed its former 
 aspect of peace and tranquillity throughout the country. 
 
 At the latter end of the year, a dispute arose in the parish of Saint Mary*s 
 respecting the means of raising men for the army and navy, pursuant to the pro- 
 visions of an act of parliament. At a vestry meeting an order was made, em- 
 powering the churchwardens to offer a bounty of forty guineas each to volunteers 
 who were willing to enter into his majesty's service.'^ This order appears to have 
 created some unfavourable sensation in the minds of the parishioners, for another 
 vestry was convened soon afterwards, at which the vestry clerk was ordered to 
 draw up a case for the opinion of counsel, whether the assessment now laid for 
 advancing bounties to volunteers in his majesty's navy be strictly legal; and it was 
 further resolved that an appeal be made at the next general quarter sessions for 
 the peace on account of such rate."^ Soon however the dispute was settled, the 
 latter order rescinded, and the original resolutions confirmed.'^ 
 
 The income of the curate and assistant at the minster being much too limited 
 for the sphere of life in which they were placed ; an act of parliament was obtained 
 " for appointing new trustees of certain estates in the county of Lincoln ; and for 
 
 '« Vestry Minutes, 28 Nov. 1796. 
 " Vestry Minutes, Dec. 1796. •» Ibid. 4 Jan. 1797. 
 
256 
 
 authorizing the application of part of the rents and profits thereof, and of other 
 estates towards the augmentation of the stipends of the curates of the late collegiate 
 church of Saint John of Beverley, in the county of York; and for appointing 
 another assistant curate of the said church." '^ By the provisions of this act, the 
 trustees were empowered to augment the salaries of each curate, by such propor- 
 tionate payments out of the trust funds, as should make their income respectable, 
 and constitute a proper remuneration for the arduous and incessant duties of their 
 office.^" 
 
 In 1808, a project was formed for lighting, watching, and regulating the town, 
 that the uniform march of civilization, which was conveying its benefits to other 
 opulent places, might also be visible here ; and nothing is a more unequivocal 
 symptom of the improvements of modern times than the universal impulse which 
 has pervaded all classes of society, for the introduction of lamps into the streets to 
 facilitate the pursuits of business or convenience when the sun has withdrawn his 
 light, and to prevent the disorders which so frequently arise under the veil of 
 darkness. For this purpose an act was obtained, to enable certain commissioners 
 therein appointed, of whom the mayor, recorder, and aldermen form, ex officio, a 
 part, to levy a rate upon the inhabitants for the above purposes, which rate was 
 restricted to a maximum of two shillings in the pound per annum.'^' From this 
 time the town exhibited a new and imposing appearance ; and many of the noc- 
 turnal disorders which were not of unfrequent occurrence before this salutary 
 regulation, were now entirely suppressed. 
 
 The decisive victories which reflected such lasting glory on the British arms, and 
 destroyed all the aspiring hopes of Buonaparte, by placing his capital at the disposal 
 of the combined powers, and condemning him to perpetual exile, were followed by 
 
 19 Title of Act, 1806. 
 
 ^^ By this act it was provided, « that from and after the appointment of the said additional 
 assistant curate, divine service shall be performed in the said late collegiate church or minster of 
 Beverley twice every day in the year; and- the said two assistant curates shall by turns read 
 the morning and evening prayers according to the form prescribed in the book of Common 
 Prayer used by the church of England ; and they shall likewise perform all the occasional duty 
 of or belonging to the said church or minster ; and the performance of the services aforesaid, by 
 the said two assistant curates, shall be under the immediate inspection and regulation of the said 
 curate or minister; and the said curate or minister shall preach in the said church or minster one 
 sermon in the morning, and another sermon in the afternoon of every Sunday in the year ; and 
 also one sermon on such other days whereon sermons have been by the said curate or minister 
 usually heretofore preached." 
 
 »• Stat. 48 Geo. III. 1808. 
 
261 
 
 a general peace. This happy event, as may be supposed, after the long period of 
 privation and suffering which the people of England had submitted to endure, 
 rather than witness the degradation of her flag, was received with every testimony 
 of congratulation and joy. The proclamation was accompanied, throughout the 
 country, with the splendour of a public festival; and the superb illuminations 
 which graced each town and village in the land, served to shew the unanimity of 
 sentiment which pervaded every bosom. The inhabitants of Beverley displayed 
 their loyalty by an undisguised demonstration of their principles. On the 30th 
 May, 1814, a numerous party of gentlemen dined together at the Tiger inn to 
 celebrate the birth-day of Mr. Pitt, by whose system of politics the war was brought 
 to such a happy termination, where the feelings and sentiments of the assembly were 
 exhibited by loyal toasts and constitutional orations ; and Tuesday, the 28th of 
 June, was devoted to the solemn business of proclaiming peace. Ringing of 
 bells and other symptoms of rejoicing commenced at an early hour 3 and before 
 mid-day the following procession was arranged at the Guild-hall : — 
 
 Twenty-four Constables with Banners. 
 
 Band of Music. 
 
 The Mayor, Aldermen, capital Burgesses, &c. 
 
 The principal Inhabitants of the Town and Neighbourhood. 
 
 The Tradesmen and other Inhabitants. 
 
 Brethren of the Constitutional Lodge of Free-Masons, No. 554. 
 
 Benefit Societies. 
 
 Society of Odd Fellows. 
 
 This procession made its first stand at the cross in Wednesday Market, where 
 the proclamation was formally made amidst the reiterated cheering of the people ; 
 it then moved forward to the Saturday Market-place, where it was received with a 
 royal salute from eight guns, and peace was again proclaimed at the cross. After 
 proceeding through the North-Bar to the extremity of the town, the assembly 
 returned to the Saturday Market-place, and sung the national anthem of GoD 
 SAVE THE King in full chorus; separating until the hour of dinner with loud 
 acclamations. The day concluded with a superb illumination, the most striking 
 feature of which was the Market cross. The columns were adorned with spiral 
 wreaths of brilliant lamps, interspersed with laurel, olive, and evergreens, the 
 emblems of victory and permanent peace, and the urns were decorated with ele- 
 gant festoons of small lamps tinted with every variety of colour. The whole wa;s 
 
 2 K 
 
26S 
 
 surmounted with a splendid crown of glory composed of variegated lamps, which 
 were arranged with such taste and delicacy as to produce an effect equally striking 
 and sublime. The cross, thus arrayed in its habiliments of variegated flame, 
 exhibited the appearance of some rich palace of fairy land, which had been de- 
 corated with pearls and diamonds by an invisible agency, for the reception of a 
 beloved princess of more than mortal beauty and accomplishments.^' On the 4th 
 of July, a meeting of the corporation was convened for the purpose of placing the 
 feelings and sentiments of the town more permanently on record; and it was 
 unanimously agreed to present a dutiful address to his royal highness the Prince 
 
 *2 On this memorable occasion, the following well-executed transparencies and devices excited 
 public attention. The mayor displayed, in variegated lamps, a magnificent G. R. crowned ; and a 
 transparency, in which, as the chief magistrate, he displayed the arms of the corporation, with 
 the words perseverance, and true blue. The windows of general Vyse were ornamented 
 with wreaths of variegated lamps and stars, amidst which appeared the crowned G. R. in flame i 
 and a similar device was conspicuous in the windows of sir William Pennyman, general Garth, 
 Mr. P. Hunsley, Mr. Tigar, Mr. Muschamp, Mr. H. Johnson, Mr. Ferraby, Mr. Bland, and Mr. 
 Norris, the latter gentleman having added the word peace. The whole length of Mr. Walker's 
 front wall was illuminated with a zigzag line of lamps, and a triumphal arch, dedicated to peace 
 and loyalty, blazed over his entrance gate. The house of Mrs. Sterne exhibited great taste and 
 delicacy. The whole surface of the front door was occupied by a fine transparency ; the windows 
 were decorated with Grecian arches ; and the G. R. and crown were introduced with great effect. 
 Colonel Machell exhibited many appropriate transparencies and mottos, brilliantly intermixed with 
 lamps and diamonds, both at his house and the bank. W. Beverley, esquire, had the words 
 William Pitt, and a splendid star. Dr. Brown had a transparency with E. R. P. A. in lamps. 
 Mr. Duesbery's house was elegantly festooned with lamps, and the word peace; to which he 
 added, with much judgment, a transparency of the duke of Wellington. Mr. Lockwood's win- 
 dows were ornamented with Grecian arches in variegated lamps; Mr. S. Hall had P. P. in lamps; 
 Mr. Carrick, the word peace, with a transparency; Mr. Ramsey the same word, and Mr. P. 
 Gordon, G. P. R. ; Mr. Brigham, peace, in a double row of lamps, the letters six feet long, 
 surmounted by a brilliant star. The Tiger inn was festooned with lamps, and the transparency 
 displayed, "John Bull himself again " ; and the Cross Keys had "John Bull in his element," and 
 "Long live Wellington," in lamps; the Blue Boar had a ludicrous transparency of Napoleon's 
 journey to Elba; and the Hall Garth, peace. Mr Joseph Hall had his windows festooned with 
 diamonds, and a transparency with the following device : — On the right was a figure of Britannia, 
 attending to the earnest prayer of an African slave, who was placed in the centre of the picture, 
 while the genii of France, on the left, appeared to cement his chains. Britannia thus speaks : — 
 
 Let union every nation join. 
 Of every clime from pole to pole ; 
 No more the sable slave shall groan. 
 Since he's, like us, a human soul. 
 
 The post-oflfice had a splendfd appearance, ornamented, as it was, with two brilliant transpa- 
 rencies. First, the dove and olive branch, with the motto, "Peace to all nations." Second, 
 Britannia seated on a rock, with her usual emblems, the lion and cornucopia, crowning the duke 
 of Wellington with laurel ; in another part of the picture was a naked figure bearing a scroll, 
 with the names of Badajos, Salamanca, Madrid, &c. and in the back ground were seen ships 
 in full sail, as emblems of commerce, &c. &c. About half after twelve, a balloon ascended at 
 the North-Bar. 
 
259 
 
 •Reg-ent on this auspicious event.'^' At the same court, it was also resolved to for- 
 ward a petition to the legislature praying- for the abolition of the slave trade.** 
 
 Another display of the same nature, but on a very different occasion, followed a 
 few years afterwards. It is unnecessary here to detail the state of feeling" exhibited 
 in this country at the time when the bill of pains and penalties against the late 
 unhappy queen Caroline was pending" in the house of lords. Suffice it to say, 
 that the general excitation was never equalled except under circumstances of actual 
 rebellion. The question was agitated throughout the land with a violence which 
 led to ill-will and hatred, and often to acts of open hostility amongst all orders and 
 descriptions of men. The press, that mighty engine, by which states and empires 
 may be upheld or overthrown, was actively employed on both sides, and, inde- 
 pendently of the periodical journals, pamphlets were multiplied with ostentatious 
 profusion ; hot blood produced hard words ; the language was distorted to produce 
 vituperative epithets and contumelious expressions ; while public morals were 
 assailed, and domestic feeling outraged by imputations and disclosures at once 
 revolting and indecent. The number of addresses which were presented to this 
 unfortunate woman is incredible; and the splendour and processional pomp by 
 which they were accompanied, afforded to them a degree of popularity which their 
 intrinsic merits failed to command ; and when the bill of pains and penalties was 
 finally abandoned, the nation was shook to its centre with acclamations and re- 
 joicings, in which the town of Beverley bore its part, and displayed a satisfaction 
 at the result, which it is doubtful whether the inhabitants really felt, by getting up 
 an illumination, which, though inferior in point of splendour to its magnificent 
 
 ^^ The following is a copy of this address : — 
 
 To his royal highness George, prince of Wales, regent of the United Kingdom of Great- 
 Britain and Ireland. The dutiful address of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the town of 
 Beverley, in the county of York, in common council assembled. 
 
 May it please your Royal Highness. We, his majesty's loyal subjects, the mayor, aldermen, and 
 burgesses of the town of Beverley, in the county of York^ in common council assembled, beg 
 leave to present to your royal highness our heartfelt congratulations at the restoration of a glorious 
 and honourable peace. 
 
 We have viewed with wonder and gratitude, the wisdom, firmness, and vigorous exertions of 
 your royal highness, your council, and your forces, both by sea and land ; and the pre-eminent 
 services of your brave and faithful allies, in conducting and bringing to a happy termination the 
 most arduous contest for the deliverance of Europe from the greatest tyranny that ever visited the 
 civilized world. May your royal highness long live, and may you be repaid by the affection and 
 prosperity of a loyal and happy people, and by the esteem and admiration of surrounding nations. 
 
 Given under our common seal at Beverley aforesaid, the 4th day of July, in the 54th year of 
 his majesty's reign. 
 
 2* Corp. Rec.4 July, 1814. 
 
 2 K 2 
 
260 
 
 predecessor, is said to have been almost general. Some gentlemen, however, dis- 
 daining to sanction a measure which was so decidedly at variance with their own 
 opinions, refused to gratify the predominant cupidity of the mob, so far as to 
 exhibit publickly such decisive tokens of a feeling which they could not entertain ; 
 and it was anticipated that their firmness in this particular would be productive 
 of some disturbances. The judicious measures adopted by the magistrates to 
 prevent the occurrence of any acts of lawless violence, were, however, attended 
 with success, and only two windows were broken during the continuance of the 
 illumination. But after the candles were withdrawn, and darkness had interposed 
 her veil to favour the designs of a few heartless desperadoes j they sallied forth 
 when the peace officers had retired to rest, and demolished the windows of almost 
 every person who had discountenanced the evening's display. 
 
 The coronation of George IV. was appointed to be solemnized on the 19th of 
 July, 1821, and the inhabitants of Beverley were determined to have a splendid 
 fete in its honour on the same day. A publick meeting was summoned at the 
 Guild-hall on the 13th, to consider on the propriety of entering into a subscription 
 for the purpose of enabling the poor to unite in the rejoicings of that occasion, and 
 it was unanimously determined that a fund should be immediately raised for the 
 purpose; when G. L. Fox, esquire, one of the representatives, contributed fifty 
 guineas, the corporation, ten guineas, S. Hall, esquire, the mayor, and several 
 other gentlemen, five guineas each; and sundry smaller sums were advanced, 
 amounting altogether to more than two hundred pounds. The day was ushered 
 in by the ringing of bells in both churches ; and coronation cakes were distributed 
 at the minster to upwards of 2,000 children. At twelve o'clock the authorities and 
 gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood met in great numbers at the Guild-hall • 
 and after some preliminary arrangements, a procession was formed of the corpo- 
 ration and other public bodies, attended by the inhabitants, who uniformly displayed 
 the utmost readiness to do honour to the auspicious occasion ; and the gay party 
 proceeded to Saint Mary's church in the following order : — 
 
 Persons bearing appropriate Banners. 
 
 Band of Music. 
 
 The Members of the Corporation. 
 
 The Gentry, Clergy, and Inhabitants. 
 
 The Brethren of the Constitutional Lodge of Freemasons, No. 554» 
 
 Benefit Societies. 
 
261 
 
 Divine service commenced at one o'clock, and a sermon adapted to the solemnity 
 was delivered by the Rev. R. Rigby, the vicar; after which, the procession ad- 
 vanced from the west door of the church up the east side of North-Bar-Street as 
 far as the New Walk, and returned down the west side of the same street to the 
 cross in Wednesday Market, whence it proceeded to the Guild-hall. Here the 
 assembly dispersed for the present, after performing" in full and solemn chorus the 
 national anthem of God save the King. At three o'clock dinner was served 
 up at the different inns and public houses to two thousand persons, the expense of 
 which was defrayed from the subscription fund, each person being allowed one 
 quart of ale; and an elegant dinner was provided at the Beverley-Arms, at the 
 expense of the corporation, to which the principal gentlemen of the town were 
 invited f^ nor were the ladies unwilling to testify their loyalty on this occasion, but 
 cheerfully did honovir to the ceremonies by appearing with joyous countenances in 
 their gayest attire at a brilliant assembly in the evening, which terminated the 
 rejoicings with harmony and spirit. 
 
 The property of the minster having sustained a considerable increase, it had 
 been resolved by the trustees of the fund, to engage some competent person as a 
 permanent architect and overseer, that the improvements of the fabric which were 
 in contemplation, might be carried on by gradual steps, and in one uniform style 
 of workmanship and decoration, without the disgusting varieties which occur by 
 successive repairs under the direction of different and perhaps inefficient artists; 
 and in the year 1813, Mr. Comins, a pupil of Shute of York, was engaged for this 
 purpose. Under his management, the deformity exhibited in the Corinthian altar 
 screen was cleared away, and the church promised to display marks of its pristine 
 beauty and chaste decoration. Considerable progress was also made in the restora- 
 tion of the ancient screen which had been basely disfigured, and in many parts 
 destroyed by the barbarous devastations of former ages.^® But it was reserved for 
 Thomas Hull, esq. M. D. to give the finishing stroke to the absurd ornaments of 
 modern interpolation; and during the mayoralty of that gentleman in 1823, he 
 
 25 The following were amongst the many loyal and constitutional toasts which were drank at 
 this dinner: — Our gracious sovereign king Geo. IV. and may he long live to reign over a loyal 
 and free people. Duke of York and the army. Lord Melville and the navy. The archbishop 
 of Canterbury and clergy of the realm. The lord chancellor, the judges and sages of the law. 
 Lord Liverpool and the king's ministers, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 26 The execution of this screen is a fine specimen of the art of sculpture in the present day, 
 and does infinite credit to the acquirements of Mr. Comins ; whose masterly performances in the 
 restoration of the exterior, are also conspicuous in various other parts of the building. 
 
262 
 
 determined to effect a complete reformation by taking" down and removing- the 
 Grecian pews and galleries in the nave, and fitting- up the choir for divine service 
 with pews of uniform appearance ; that one style, in unison with the chaste beauties 
 of Eng-lish architecture, mig-ht be preserved throughout the whole building. 
 
 In an English building of purity and excellence like Beverley minster, the 
 introduction of such Grecian anomalies as were perceptible in the altar screen and 
 the galleries, the pulpit and every other arrangement in the nave, as well as the 
 selection and appropriation of this part of the fabric for divine service at a time 
 when the population was less considerable than at present, reflect a want of judg- 
 ment in our predecessors, which can only be attributed to the defective taste of the 
 age in which they lived. It remained for those, whose improved ideas and ma- 
 tured experience had convinced them of the impropriety of such absurdities, to 
 enquire into, and endeavour to ascertain the expediency and practicability of 
 translating the service from the nave into the choir. If this could be accomplished, 
 no further obstacle would interpose to prevent the removal of the galleries and 
 other unsightly incumbrances ; and the necessity of such a measure was apparent 
 from the existence of many complaints, not only of the great coldness incident to 
 such an open situation as the nave, but also from the difficulty which many of the 
 congregation experienced of hearing and seeing the officiating minister during the 
 performance of divine service, which alone would have been of sufficient importance 
 to justify the change. The subject was taken into consideration in the above year, 
 and followed up with great industry through the exertions of Dr. Hull, to whose 
 activity, zeal, and perseverance the public are indebted for the correct and valu- 
 able improvements which have been recently made in this mag'nificent edifice. 
 The information obtained by an accurate survey and admeasurement of the choir 
 was communicated to the corporation at a council meeting, and was received with 
 an unanimity of sentiment and feeling rarely met with in a corporate body ; the 
 only doubt at present entertained by a few individuals, being confined to the prac- 
 ticability of providing sufficient accommodation. 
 
 The able designs, however, of Mr. Fowler, of Winterton, accompanied by clear 
 and faithful specifications, supported and established, as they were, by those of 
 Messrs. Rickman and Hutchinson, removed all difficulties now existing; but 
 other obstacles were at length suggested, which had a tendency to impede and 
 embarrass, though they did not eventually frustrate the design. As the minster 
 was considered a free church, a popular clamour was excited amongst the parish- 
 ioners, and a petition on the subject was forwarded to the archbishop of York. A 
 
263 
 
 cotporate meeting was once more summoned, and it was resolved that a deputation 
 from their body, consisting" of the mayor, as one of the trustees under the will of 
 sir Michael Warton, and four aldermen, should wait on the archbishop and the 
 dean and chapter of York, who are also trustees under the same will, and submit 
 the plans and specifications for their inspection and approval. This meeting took 
 place on the 27th of August, 1824, at the deanery in York ; and on the 9th of 
 September following, the archbishop, the dean and chapter, and the corporation 
 again met at the minster, when it was finally agreed that the proposed alterations 
 should be made. On the 6th of December, an order was formally issued by the 
 corporation for the work to proceed without delay f but it was not till the 30th of 
 July, 1826, that the choir was opened for divine service, and it was found to be 
 more than amply sufficient for the congregation, notwithstanding the constant 
 attendance of many individuals from the adjoining parishes.^* 
 
 In 1824, the commissioners under an act of parliament obtained in 1808, for 
 the better watching, lighting, and improving the town, contracted with Mr. Malam 
 to light the streets with coal gas for twenty-one years, at the rate of £400. per an- 
 num, which was agreed to be paid out of the rate laid by the commissioners for that 
 purpose; and Mr. Malam, in consequence of this contract, built very extensive 
 gas-works at a considerable expense, and the streets were first lighted with this 
 material in the month of December in that year. It was subsequently doubted, 
 however, whether the act of 1808 would legally authorize the commissioners to 
 light the town with gas ; but to secure Mr. Malam, who had now incurred the 
 principal expense, and to relieve themselves from any responsibility, they deter- 
 mined to apply to parliament for permission to extend the powers of the act, and to 
 confirm the agreement with Mr. Malam. An act was therefore passed for that 
 purpose in 1825 ; and it was enacted, " that it shall and may be lawful for the said 
 
 2^ Corp. Rec. 6 Dec. 1824. 
 
 28 The completion of this work, executed throughout in a style conformable with the general 
 character of the edifice, and calculated, in every respect to fulfil the proposed intentions of those 
 who projected its introduction, reflects the highest credit on the good taste, judgment, and 
 liberality of the trustees; and the public must feel that much is due to Mr. Fowler for the 
 accuracy of his designs, the chaste and uniform harmony in the arrangements, and the excellence 
 displayed in the execution of the whole. The only remaining decoration which may be con- 
 sidered objectionable is the organ screen; and surely a more inappropriate introduction in 
 an English church was scarcely ever witnessed ; yet while we contemplate, with such satisfaction, 
 what has already been accomplished, we do not despair of seeing this screen removed to make 
 way for another more consistent with the style of the building, and more suitable to the 
 solemnity of the place. 
 
264 
 
 commissioners by and out of the monies authorized to be raised by the said recited 
 act or this act, from time to time to cause the streets, lanes, and other public 
 passages and places in the said town and liberties of Beverley, to be lighted with 
 gas or oil or any other material, at such times of the year and in such manner as 
 they may think proper; and to enter into any contract or contracts with any person 
 or persons, company or corporation, for lighting the same, and for furnishing 
 pipes, lamps, lamp irons, lamp posts, and all other things necessary for that pur- 
 pose, in such manner, for such periods of time, and upon such terms and conditions 
 
 as the said commissioners shall think proper And they are hereby authorized 
 
 and empowered, &c. to erect or purchase gasometers, &c. and to purchase or rent 
 or take on lease for years any messuages and buildings, &c. within the town of 
 Beverley which they may think proper." ^' They were further empowered by this 
 act to break up the soil and pavement of the streets for laying pipes, with consent 
 of the corporation; to let out lights to individuals; to repair the footways, to water 
 the streets, and many other useful purposes. In the succeeding year, these works 
 were appropriated to the purpose of inflating a balloon for an aeronautic expedi- 
 tion; and on the 25th May, 1826, Mr. Brown made a splendid ascent from Mr. 
 Thompson's yard.^^ 
 
 Thus having brought down the annals of Beverley to the period when this 
 history was commenced; it only remains for the author to add, that the materials 
 have been collated and embodied with care and fidelity ; and if he shall have been 
 fortunate enough to have attained the merit of accuracy without being unusually 
 tedious, he shall esteem his toil more than repaid. 
 
 29 Act 6 Geo. IV. p. 4. 
 '<> The balloon took a south westerly direction, and Mr. Brown descended with some degree 
 of violence on the moors between Crowle and Thorne, and received some injury in the spine. 
 Being conveyed to the latter town he was bled, which gave him immediate relief, and he was able 
 to proceed in a post chaise to Sheffield to fulfil another engagement of a similar nature. 
 
26S 
 
 PART III. 
 
 jtaJI^Jfe^^ ^i5* 
 
 GT^ap* ^^ 
 
 PERAMBULATION OF THE TOWN. 
 
 Restrospect — General description — Beck-side — Site of Saint Nicholas's church — 
 Gas- Works — The Minster — Hall-garth — Black-Friars — Grey-Friars — KeM- 
 gate — Mouth's Hospital — Grammar School — Lair-gate — Theatre — Hospital of 
 Saint Giles — Independent Meeting-house — Church Methodist chapel — Catfos — 
 Newhigging — East-riding Bank — Maison-de-Dieu — Quakers' Meeting-house — 
 Hen-gate — Saint Mary's church — Norrvood — Pick-hill — Fairs — Court of Pie- 
 powder — Assembly-rooms — News-room — Constitutional Lodge of Free-masons — 
 
 Beverley Bank North-Bar Cockstulepit-lane — -Sessions-hall — -Saturday- 
 
 m,arket — Market Cross — Shambles — Corn Exchange — Lady-gate — Post-office — 
 Guild-hall — Trinities — Wediiesday-market — Ranters' Meeting-house — Minster- 
 moor-gate — Work-houses — Fox's hospital — Charles Warton's hospital — Sir M. 
 
 Warton's hospital Graves's Free School Wesley an Methodist chapel — 
 
 Baptist Meeting-house — Tymperon's hospital — Common Pastures — Concluding 
 remarks. 
 
 In the preceding' chapters we have traced the town of Beverley from its pri- 
 mitive foundation through all the grades of its eventful history ; we have seen how 
 it gradually emerged from darkness into light, and have marked its progressive 
 steps from ignorance to intelligence, and from slavery and oppression to the enjoy- 
 ment of liberty, civilization, and opulence. We have beheld, as in a dark and 
 uncertain vision, its first state, which was a grove of ancient oaks, the polluted 
 seat of bloody rites, and revolting superstitions, situated amidst morasses which 
 
 2 L 
 
m 
 
 were often overwhelmed by temporary inundations. Then followed some tokens of 
 social intercourse by the erection of a few huts at a short and convenient distance 
 from the Beaver-Lake, to form a British town ; and in the second century of our 
 era the wood was partially cleared to afford space for a more extended residence, 
 and a Christian church elevated its modest head, (a striking emblem of humility) 
 amidst the surrounding foliage. The Saxon spoilers desecrated this unostentatious 
 fane ; but their sons restored it with increasing beauty, under the pious sanction 
 of a patron saint. It now assumed the form of a dignified ecclesiastical establish- 
 ment endowed with privileges and emoluments by royal clemency ; and the groves 
 which formerly rang with the impious yellings of idolatry, now resounded with the 
 exalted melody of a pure and benignant worship. The town increased. The dead 
 solitude of the primitive grove was changed into a glowing scene of activity and 
 life ; and an augmented population gave cheerfulness and animation to the prospect. 
 Succeeding monarchs endowed the rising colony with municipal honours and im- 
 munities, civil and ecclesiastical; and in process of time the Beaver-Lake was 
 converted into a thickly inhabited borough, enriched by commerce, enlightened by 
 religion, and decorated with edifices of more than common magnificence and 
 sublimity. Kings, peers, and prelates have equally contributed to its prosperity 
 and renown, by their presence, their countenance, and active patronage ; and one 
 unfortunate monarch found a refuge within its precincts, which was denied by 
 other towns of greater security and strength, when a band of daring regicides 
 thirsted for his blood. Every stage of its fortunes has been delineated with fidelity 
 and care, and the detail is authenticated by the laboured accuracy of minute re- 
 search. Its fluctuations have not been carelessly passed over ; and the merits or 
 defects of its most distinguished inhabitants have been touched with a bold and 
 impartial hand. The ancient glories of its ecclesiastical supremacy have been 
 swept away, but the remains of its noble and independent institutions are far from 
 being inconsiderable or devoid of interest. The local record of its present state 
 affords many objects to excite the admiration of the topographer and the antiquary ; 
 and the judicious policy which guards and regulates its many benevolent establish- 
 ments, gives it a proud pre-eminence in the annals of provincial fame. 
 
 The town of Beverley, which, in the reign of queen Anne, gave the title of 
 marquis to Charles Douglas, duke of Queensbury and Dover, and now gives that 
 of earl to Algernon Percy Lord Louvaine, is situated in the midst of an extensive 
 and well-wooded plain in the East-riding of Yorkshire, about nine miles N. N. W. 
 
26t 
 
 of Hull ; thirty miles E. by S. of York; and 182 miles N. of London. Its length 
 is considerable, being about a mile and a half from the beck to the toll-bar, which 
 forms the terminating point on the north ; but then Fleming-gate, which occupies 
 nearly half a mile of that distance, is only a single meagre street without a col- 
 lateral branch ; and the street called Beck-side partakes of the same singularity, if 
 we except the offset which leads to the coal-yards. The streets are, many of them, 
 narrow, the characteristic of an ancient town, except the North-Bar-street, which 
 is spacious and noble ; and Norwood, where the fairs are held. Lair-gate and 
 Walker-gate are not indeed particularly confined, but they are irregularly furnished 
 with buildings, and some portion of both is vacant. Several respectable houses, 
 however, are found in these streets which relieve the attention and furnish symp- 
 toms of an opulent population. Some of the bye-streets are extremely narrow; 
 Silvester-lane, Dog-and-Duck lane, Minster-Moor-gate, and even that respectable 
 residence Newbigging are much confined. Yet Dr. Hull's house stands extremely 
 well at the end of Newbigging, as does that of Mr. Bower at the extremity of Hen- 
 gate ; the houses in both market places have open and airy situations, which are 
 conducive to health ; and the North-Bar house is far from being unpleasantly dis- 
 posed. Several of the insulated mansions enjoy all the advantages of a country 
 situation, united with the benefit of the social institutions which characterize a 
 populous and respectable town. Of these sir William Pennyman's, Mr. Ellison's, 
 Mr. Walker's, and the vicarage are specimens. Mr. Beverley's house and premises 
 are an ornament to Norwood, as is the house of Mr. Robert Machell to the North- 
 Bar-Street without. Mr. Duesbery's residence is rather shaded by Saint Mary's 
 church, but the noble appearance of that massive and superb edifice amply com- 
 pensates for any inconvenience which may be experienced by its immediate 
 vicinity. The same may be said of the rectory, which is the residence of the Rev. 
 Mr. Coltman. The prospect of the minster from the front windows of this house 
 is rich, solemn, and inspiring. No part of the town is too thickly crowded with a 
 dense mass of population ; and this circumstance, added to the remarkable cleanli- 
 ness of the streets, may be a reason why the town is so exempt from the influence 
 of epidemic disease; and from the state of order and regularity by which it is dis- 
 tinguished, it will be believed that destructive fires, which, in former times, when 
 houses were constructed of slight patches of brickwork merely filling up the inter- 
 stices of wooden frames, or still more simply of mud and thatch, were so terrible 
 to the inhabitants, are of rare occurrence. Every precaution is used to prevent 
 
 2 l2 
 
268 
 
 this calamity/ and ample provision is made for its suppression in case of any 
 unforeseen accident, in the establishment of a night watch to communicate the 
 alarm ; and four fire engines, with every requisite apparatus, to lend their aid 
 towards extinguishing the flames. The houses are principally built of brick, and 
 here and there may be seen a mutilated stone animal or broken statue, which 
 serve as frail memorials to remind us of the decorations of ancient times.* Vestiges 
 of antiquity are indeed of frequent occurrence in Beverley, independently of the 
 superb specimens exhibited in the two churches. The spacious moats which sur- 
 round Paradise and the Trinities ; the wall and gateways of the Grey Friars ; the 
 
 ' In an act for lighting-, watcliing, &c. passed 6 Geo. IV. it is enacted, that if any person 
 wilfully or negligently suffer any chimney in the town of Beverley to be set on fire, he shall be 
 subject to a fine, not exceeding five pounds. 
 
 ^ It is remarkable how the lapse of time, and the changes, personal, physical, and local, which 
 a few ages do not fail to effect in the topography of any ancient town, should have swept away 
 every recollection, not only of the particular situations of principal places in ancient Beverley, 
 but even of many of its primitive and most distinguishing appellations. Some of its streets and 
 highways have changed their names, and others are entirely defaced ; the grass grows where 
 markets were held, the scene of traffic and speculation is now a solitary pasture for cattle, and 
 the "busy hum of men," with all the passions which are excited by human wishes or human 
 turpitude, is now changed for the bleating of sheep and the lowing of oxen. Thus, in the reign 
 of Edw. III. a market is described a& being situated in a "comun' via," which ran from the end 
 of Minster-moor-gate "usque Eccl'ia S'ci Egidij." Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 2. p. 56. b. The 
 precise situation of this lane is now unknown, but it is evidently in cultivation, and probably 
 extended across the premises of Mr. Walker. The recollection of many other ancient places is 
 entirely swept away by the stream of time. The names frequently occur of Bowbrigg-lane, Smithill, 
 Wood-lane, East-gate, Saint John's-acre, Brackenthwaite, Fryth-dyke, Ryngand-lane, Brathwell, 
 Brydalmyding-lane, Schomarket-lane, Stikhill, Rossel, Aldegate, (vid. Lansd. MSS. 896. VIII. 
 Inquis. Ch. I.; Compotus of Saint John's church, dated 1446. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 1, p. 24, 26, — 
 1. 2. p. 57 a, 92; Compotus of the Corp. dated 1437, &c.) to few of which can a local situation be 
 absolutely assigned. With the following ancient names I may, perchance, be somewhat more 
 successful ; but even here, much must evidently be left to conjecture. Aldeford was the name of 
 a ward, for which constables were appointed so early as 55 Hen. III. " Constabular' Northwood 
 et Aldeford, Simon de Kelke, et Petrus de Marcbgraff." Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1. p. 34. A stream 
 of water formerly ran from Westwood by the side of Pickhill-lane, and crossing the junction of 
 Hen-gate and Norwood, penetrated through the town. At this junction was a ford termed Aldeford, 
 and at the end of Walker-gate a bridge was thrown over it, which was called Cross-bridge, and 
 here John de Ake built his chapel. In the compotus of Simon Sprotley, collector of rents &c. for 
 the church of Saint John, 24 Hen. VI. we find Thos. Tyrwhitt charged for a croft in Hellegarths. 
 Now Hellegarth-lane evidently proceeded from, or was attached to, the cemetry of some religious 
 establishment, for Helle signifies sepulchrum, and is derived from helan, to cover or conceal, and 
 therefore properly expresses the grave, that common covering or concealment of mankind. Vid. 
 Farmer's Worship of Human Spirits, p. 366. In a more extended sense it signifies the invisible 
 world of departed spirits, whether good or bad, whence the Hela of the Goths, and the £/.ysium 
 of classical antiquity. Fab. Pag. Idol. vol. i. p. 377. Accordingly, Hellegarth-lane is supposed 
 to have proceeded from the Friars, in a line parallel with Fleming-gate, and ending at a place 
 formerly called Cockpit-hill, which now forms the commencement of the street called Beck-side. 
 The Prebend's Garth, Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 3. p. 21 b. which was situated "infra scit' nup' dom* 
 
269 
 
 North-Bar, (alas ! how mutilated by modern improvements) and the remains of the 
 town ditch, are no inconsiderable specimens of the labours of our forefathers. 
 
 The present extent of the town and lordship may be denoted by the following 
 statement. The parish of Saint Nicholas contains 635 acres 3 roods ; that of Saint 
 Mary, 95 acres 3 roods; and the parish of Saint Martin, 259 acres 1 rood. In 
 addition to this admeasurement, the common pastures are very extensive. West- 
 wood contains 504 acres; Hurn, 110 acres; Figham, 297 acres; and Swinemoor, 
 263 acres ; making- a g-eneral total of 2164 acres 3 roods ; exclusive of the parish of 
 Saint John of Beverley, which comprehends a district of several miles in compass, 
 and includes the surrounding- hamlets of Molescroft, Storkhill-cum-Sandholm, 
 
 Sacrist' Eccl' Collegiat," was probably on the north side of the east end of the minster, part of 
 which still belongs to the crown ; some think that the prebendal houses and the Hall-garth were 
 situated all together. fVhinsgate was a road leading from Keld-gate-bar to Cottingham, through 
 Beverley-Parks. Stapillaplegarth is mentioned in the provost's books, 1. 2. p. 56 b, and was in 
 Hen-gate ; Pottergate occurs in the same document, p. 57 a, and was in Ridings, on the road to 
 Grovall. Galley-lane, or Gallows-lane, the site of the old gallows, was a lane leading to the 
 west, from Molescroft toll-bar. In the compotus of Simon Sprotley, above cited, mention is made 
 of a tenement "juxta torrentem in vico de Mylneheck.'''' This was at Grovall, where the provost 
 had an excellent water mill. Saint Gilnige, Ex. Reg. Praep. I. ii. p. 57 a, and Seyntgelicroft, Compot. 
 1437, are two names for the paddock called Saint Giles' Croft, now in the occupation of Dr. Hull ; 
 and Spawcroft, Ex. Reg. Preep. 1. 2. p. 57 a, is the adjoining close. Nethrig, Compot. ut supra, 
 was in Figham ; and certain parcels of ground denominated Brathwell, Calfiands, and Peaselands, 
 Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 2. p. 57 b, were in Beverley-Parks. Several capital messuages are named, the 
 respective sites of which it would be difficult to point out with unerring certainty. " Ellerker's 
 House situaf in vel p'p'e le Wednesday M'kett," Ibid. 1. 2. p. 91 ; another "vocaf Chamellef s 
 House'''' in Minster-moor-gate, Ibid. p. 92; a third "vocaf Owinsmarshall,'''' Ibid. p. 56 a; and 
 a fourth, called Stanley Place, Ibid. p. 5Q b. The latter was occupied by the Stanleys in the 
 reign of Edw. I. and was probably erected by that family so early as the reign of John. Ibid. 1. 1 . 
 p. 28. (Vid. the article Pickhill, in the present chapter.) At the end of Keld-gate was an old 
 fortified bar, and beyond that stood a hospital for lepers. In the compotus, dated 1437, we find 
 the following entry, « Domus leprosori extra Keldgate Bar." I find no other mention of it in 
 any document which I have examined. A hospital or Guild-hall was situated without the North- 
 Bar, dedicated to the blessed Virgin, having a guild under the direction of an alderman. In the 
 same compotus it is thus mentioned. « R' de xiij^- p' de Alder'no et Sen' Gilde b'e Mar' Virg' 
 Bev'laci, p'ten' ex orient p'te harr. hor'' et dom' elemosynar' de nono edificat' annoz ad e." It was 
 in existence in Leland's time, for he says, Itin. vol. i. p. 49. "There is an hospital yet standing 
 without the North-Bargate, of the foundation of two merchantmen, Akeborow and Hogekin. 
 As I remember there is an image of our Lady over this hospital gate." Such are the changes 
 which distinguish all ancient towns, although it is probable that Beverley has experienced less of 
 these vicissitudes than many others of more modern construction. And thus it is also with the 
 inhabitants. One generation rises up ; and falls, only to be succeeded by another. Ancient 
 families, which formerly graced the town, are vanished and extinct; and others are introduced to 
 supply their places, which in their turn must give way to successors, leaving nothing behind but 
 their virtues to recommend them to the notice and applause of posterity. 
 
 Quicquid sub iervk est in apricum proferet aetas, 
 Defodiet condetque nitentia. Hor. Ep. vi. 1. i 
 
2tO 
 
 Tickton- cum -Hull -Bridge, Woodmansey- cum -Beverley -Parks, Thearne, and 
 Eske. 
 
 The adjacent country affords all the facilities both for pleasure and emolument 
 that can be desired by the gentleman or the man of business. Recent improve- 
 ments have furnished a series of excellent roads, those evident tokens of civilization 
 and refinement.' The land is in a high state of cultivation, and generally speaking, 
 most productive ; the country affords game and fish in great abundance, and the 
 genial salubrity of the air conveys to the situation all the blessings of health and 
 longevity. The scenery around has a charm for the stranger's eye ; and in every 
 situation, a fertile and well-wooded district affords to the passing spectator those 
 ever-varying changes of sylvan scenery which impart unmixed gratification and 
 delight to a contemplative mind. The town itself, at a distance, appears as if em- 
 bosomed in a wood, and if the visitor place himself about the centre of the most 
 elevated part of Westwood, his soul will be attuned to harmony by the magnificence 
 of the prospect which is displayed in rich luxuriance before him. 
 
 The principal streets are well paved, and present an appearance of neatness and 
 cleanliness which cannot fail to attract the stranger's attention on his first entry 
 into the town. Of late years the population has sustained a progressive increase. 
 In 1801, the town and liberties of Beverley contained 6001 souls; in 1811, they 
 
 5 In the year 1741, measures were taken to improve the road from Beverley to Hull; and it 
 was agreed between the corporations of both towns, that an act of parliament should be applied 
 for by the representatives of each borough, to convert this road into a turnpike. The act was 
 procured ; and the powers thereof extended by another statute in 1764 ; yet still within the memory 
 of many persons now living, the roads from Beverley to Hull were so bad in the winter season, 
 that it was impossible for wheel-carriages to traverse them, and all goods were conveyed from one 
 town to the other by means of pack-horses. A rope was stretched across the road for a toll-bar, 
 at which a penny was demanded for passage. The road was narrow, and the adjoining pastures 
 on each side, being frequently inundated, it exhibited the doubtful appearance of an elevated 
 bank in the sea ; and in many places, where the path was less prominent, it became overflowed 
 with water, sometimes for a considerable length ; and white rods were placed at convenient dis- 
 tances, as fragile beacons to direct the passenger's devious footsteps while he travelled over the 
 dangerous and uncertain ground, through the expanse of waters, lest he slould mistake the 
 pathway, and be lost amidst the surrounding floods. In the 17th century, the road to Hull was 
 more commodious by way of Cottingham. Mem. of Gen. Fairfax. Edit. Knaresbro'. 1810. p. 101. 
 
271 
 
 had increased to 6731; and in 1821, the return was 7464 souls.'* Formerly the 
 town contained one collegiate church, dedicated to Saint John, and two parish 
 churches dedicated to Saint Martin and Saint Nicholas, with numerous chantries 
 and chapels both public and private ; all of which are gone to decay except the 
 minster, which is used for the purposes of divine worship by the parishes of Saint 
 John and Saint Martin ; and Saint Mary's chapel, which has been converted into 
 a parish church, endowed with a portion of the profits originally bestowed on Saint 
 Martin, and used by the parishioners of Saint Mary and Saint Nicholas. The 
 structures are highly ornamental, they add a grace and dignity to the town, and 
 forcibly remind the visitor of the splendid observances of those times when the 
 ecclesiastical establishments of this country were in the plenitude of their power. 
 
 These concise observations will prepare the stranger for a regular perambulation 
 of the town ; and we will now conduct him through every street, introduce him to 
 every institution, describe every public edifice, and particularize every locality with 
 a degree of minuteness which will not fail to make him intimately acquainted with 
 the manners and customs, the privileges and immunities, the peculiar observances, 
 and even the names and popular superstitions of the inhabitants. 
 
 On entering the town from Hull we first encounter the coal-yards, warehouses, 
 and wharfs, by the Beck-side.* Passing these, we take a view of the site of Saint 
 
 * The return of 1821 was as follows 
 
 Parish or Plac*. 
 
 Inhabited 
 Houses. 
 
 By how 
 
 many 
 
 Families 
 
 occupied. 
 
 Houses 
 
 novr 
 
 Building. 
 
 other 
 Houses 
 uninhabi- 
 ted. 
 
 Families 
 
 chiefly 
 employed 
 
 in 
 Agricul- 
 ture. 
 
 In Trade, 
 Manufac- 
 tures, 
 and 
 Handicraft 
 
 other 
 Families. 
 
 Males. 
 
 Females. 
 
 Total 
 
 of 
 
 Persons. 
 
 Saint Mary 
 
 646 
 668 
 124 
 
 52 
 
 22 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 15 
 
 684 
 758 
 125 
 
 53 
 
 22 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 15 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 40 
 
 30 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 52 
 96 
 48 
 
 41 
 
 13 
 
 20 
 
 9 
 
 15 
 14 
 
 418 
 266 
 
 47 
 
 11 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 214 
 
 396 
 
 50 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 1484 
 
 1334 
 
 266 
 
 145 
 
 58 
 
 50 
 
 31 
 
 56 
 48 
 
 1730 
 
 1603 
 
 311 
 
 131 
 
 52 
 51 
 
 17 
 
 55 
 42 
 
 3214 
 
 2937 
 
 577 
 
 276 
 
 110 
 101 
 
 48 
 
 HI 
 
 90 
 
 Saint Martin 
 
 Saint Nicholas . . 
 
 Beverley-Parks, 
 cum- Woodman- 
 sey 
 
 I 
 
 Ticton-cum-HuU 
 
 Bridge 
 
 Weel.... 
 
 Storkhill-cum- 
 Sandholm .... 
 Molescroft .... 
 
 } 
 
 Thearne 
 
 Total 
 
 1580 
 
 1 1710 
 
 2 
 
 83 
 
 308 
 
 752 
 
 670 
 
 3472 
 
 3992 
 
 7464 
 
 * The beck is probably referred to in the pleas of quo warranto, taken in the early part of 
 Edward I. reign ; and the archbishop claims wreck there as well as in the river Hull. Clamat 
 
212 
 
 Nicholas's church, which lies due north of the road, at the distance of about forty 
 yards, and is now used as an osiery. Not a vestige remains of this once celebrated 
 pile, erected by the munificence, and displaying the architectural taste of our 
 patron Saint John of Beverley, who probably anticipated that the massive structure 
 would set at defiance the rude assaults of time. An awful lesson to mankind. 
 The proudest structures must bend; the most solid edifices must crumble to decay. 
 What then is man in the hand of Him who guides and directs the vast machine of 
 nature? To-day he is all nerve and vigour; his sun shines bright, his friends are 
 numerous and kind, his sinews are braced by health, and he looks forward to a 
 long succession of happy years amidst the smiles and caresses of those whom his 
 heart holds most dear. A single day perhaps is sufficient to dissipate the enchant- 
 ing prospect, and destroy all his exhilarating hopes and cheering expectations. 
 An unforeseen accident, or an incurable disease lays him on the bed of suffering, 
 and, like the massive structure of Saint Nicholas, his material body sinks to its 
 primitive elements, while the immortal spirit takes its reluctant flight into the 
 imexplored regions of eternal space.^ 
 
 eciam ab antique wreccura in hac forma videl't apud Beverlacu uhi p''vu hrachiu maris, &c. which 
 may probably bear a reference to the cut mentioned by Leland, vol. iii. p. 34. Utuntur Bevero- 
 lacensis hrachio, ex Hulla flumine derivato, quo merces commode importent et exportent ; because 
 the archbishop claims in another part of the same record, h're Coronatores p'pios in eadem aqua 
 (Hull) & p'eos pl'tare om'ia pl'ta que ad Coronam p'tinet pl'tanda de rebus & fortunis inf* p'dcam 
 aqam accidentibz & em'gentibz t'm. How far the phrase hrachium maris may refer to an artificial 
 canal is indeed doubtful : but our ancestors were sometimes rather loose in their appropriation of 
 words. Thus Baro was used sometimes for a noble baron, and at others for a private person ; 
 the words charta, scriptura, libellus, litera, epistola, syngrapha, chirographum, &c. were equally 
 used for a charter ; the river Humber was termed, the sea ; Lei. Itin. p. 54, and Beverley, in a 
 few instances, is called a city. Bale de Script. Brit. p. 107. Be this as it may, the Beck 
 is mentioned about the year 1360, "in Rot. A° E. III. xxxiiij*? seisit fu'it in man' d'm iij 
 acr' prati apud le Beke, &c." Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. I. p. 28. And again in the same docu- 
 ment ten years afterwards; Item in Rot. A° Rx. E. 3. xliiij seis^. 1 messuag' juxta /e JSeA-e in 
 Bev'lay recu'pat' p' dnu Ric'm Ravenser p'positur' verss' Willi' til' Robt'. de Rolleston p' br'e & 
 cessav'it, &c. Ibid. p. 29. and also in a patent granted by king Edward IV. to George Nevile, 
 archbishop of York. Rex. concessit Georgio Arch. Ebor. unum messuag' and unum gardinum 
 in Beverl' in vico vocat' Bekeside nuper Thomae Everingham Mil' per servic' debit'. Rot. Pat. 
 1 Edw. IV. This was the site of an ancient water mill, called Ragbrook mill ; occupied 
 38 Ed. III. by John Brompton, and yielding an annual rent of 12d. to the provost. Ex. Reg. 
 Praepos. Bev. 1. 2. p. 55. b. 
 
 ^ This church was also termed Holm church, Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 103; but surely not from 
 one Ralph Holm, a merchant, as we are gravely told by Mr. Bursall. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. 
 VIII. fo. 273. Holm was a Saxon word for a verdant place surrounded by water; and was 
 doubtless the name of this eminence, (for such it was in the early ages to which we refer,) before 
 the church was erected. It would be curious to ascertain its design or use in British times, as it 
 certainly partook of a reference to the superstitions of that people, connected with this, in 
 common with many other eminences in the neighbourhood of Beverley. 
 
2t3 
 
 Near this spot stand those extensive and useful buildings 
 
 THE GAS-WORKS, 
 
 one of the striking instances of modern improvement in scientific knowledge which 
 would paralyze our forefathers with astonishment, perhaps with terror, could they 
 rise from their graves and contemplate the successful ingenuity of their children. 
 These works were erected by Mr. Malam in 1824, under an agreement with the 
 commissioners of an act passed in the year 1808, for watching, lighting, and im- 
 proving the town of Beverley, which was confirmed by the commissioners of an 
 act passed for a similar purpose in the following year.'^ The expense of the whole 
 establishment amounted to 7 or £8,000. The town, the shops, and many private 
 houses are illuminated nightly during the winter season with this inflammable 
 material, which is discharged from a gasometer containing 18,000 cubit feet. 
 Having passed through Fleming-gate,* which is nearly half a mile in length, 
 
 THE MINSTER 
 
 bursts upon us in all the eflulgence of decorative masonry. Here we spontaneously 
 pause to take a deliberate view of the lovely scene ; and if it possess the additional 
 charm of novelty, the mind of the observer is inspired with sentiments and feelings, 
 which, however they may affect, cannot be explained. They are so mixed up with 
 ideas of the beautiful and sublime, both with respect to the building itself, as an 
 effort of human skill and science, and the glorious purpose to which such a superb 
 display of taste and elegance has been devoted, that the entranced spectator will 
 gaze and wonder and admire, long before the vision will become sufficiently 
 familiar to allow him leisure to reduce his thoughts to language. 
 
 Tectum augustum, ingens, centum sublime columnis, 
 
 Urbe fuit summa.^ 
 The patronage of the minster church is vested in the mayor, aldermen, and 
 capital burgesses. The clergy at present officiating within its walls are, the Rev. 
 Joseph Coltman, A. M. who was appointed assistant curate on the 18th August, 
 
 ^ Vid. supra, p. 263. 
 ^ This street is mentioned in a charter of conveyance to Rivaulx abbey in the reign of king 
 John, Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 359 ; and was so named from the Flemish merchants or Esterlings 
 who fixed their residence here in these early times ; and rendered the town famous for the excel-, 
 lence of its coloured cloths. 
 
 9iEn.i. VII.v. 170. 
 
 2 M 
 
274 
 
 1806; and principal curate of the perpetual curacy, December 6, 1813; the Rev. 
 James Eyre, L. L. B. who was nominated assistant curate on the 7th March, 1814, 
 and the Rev. William Hildyard, A. M. who received his appointment as assistant 
 curate 7th July, 1817.'° 
 
 The value in the king's books is £31. 6s. 8d.'^ The duties are numerous and 
 comprehensive. Divine service is performed twice on every day in the week, and on 
 Sunday two sermons are added, and a sermon on certain saints' days. In the 
 north tower of the west end are eight bells to summon the congregation to divine 
 service, and one in the south tower for funerals. 
 
 ^^ The following is the most accurate list of curates and assistants I have been able to procure. 
 
 NAMES OF CURATES. DATE. 
 
 NAMES OF ASSISTANT CURATES. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 William Richardson 
 
 Thomas Whincop 
 
 Mr. Crashaw 
 
 1580 
 1583 
 1599 
 1605 
 1610 
 1613 
 1632 
 1646 
 1660 
 
 1671 
 1681 
 1683 
 1692 
 1703 
 1708 
 1716 
 1750 
 1779 
 1807 
 1813 
 
 1608 
 1623 
 1625 
 
 Thomas Pegswick . 
 
 Joseph W ilson . . , 
 
 1646 
 
 Humphrey Sainthill 
 
 Mr. Maskall 
 
 Francis Sherwood 
 
 John Forge , 
 
 Edward Saunders 
 
 Robert Lambert 
 
 
 Mr. Bindes 
 
 
 Thomas Bzabes 
 
 1660 
 
 Richard Rhodes 
 
 1670 
 
 James Burney 
 
 1671 
 
 Mr. Oxonbride 
 
 1714 
 
 Humphrey Sanishill 
 
 Mr. Garthwaite 
 
 Joseph Lambert 
 
 William Morrell 
 
 Thomas Stainton 
 
 John Harrison 
 
 1730 
 1751 
 1752 
 
 Stephen Clarke 
 
 Francis Sherwood 
 
 William Cookson . . * 
 
 James Graves 
 
 1760 
 
 William Davies 
 
 1766 
 
 Elias Forge 
 
 1769 
 
 Thomas Clarke 
 
 George Ferreman 
 
 William Norton • • • • 
 
 George Berkeley, Deputy 
 Joshua Brookes, Deputy . , 
 James Bollon, Deputy .... 
 Thos. Rogers Owen, Deputy 
 Bethell Robinson,' Deputy 
 John J ackson 
 
 1779 
 
 Robert Steele 
 
 1785 
 
 Mr. Mease 
 
 1786 
 
 Thomas Lewthwaite 
 
 James Graves 
 
 1787 
 
 John J ackson 
 
 1792 
 
 Joseph Coltman 
 
 1796 
 1803 
 
 ASSISTANT CURATES. 
 
 Joseph Coltman 
 
 R. Barker 
 
 1806 
 1811 
 
 Marm. Kitching 
 
 Mr. Sympson 
 
 Thomas Clarke 
 
 George Inman 
 
 1811 
 
 Robert Ramsey ......•••. 
 
 1813 
 
 William Woodhall 
 
 James Eyre ••• 
 
 1813 
 
 Mr. Pomroy 
 
 Christopher Nesse 
 
 1814 
 
 William Hildyard „ 
 
 1817 
 
 " Cler. Guide, p. 17. A rental of the revenues of the minster for the year 1706, may be 
 found amongst the Landsdowne MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 13. 
 
275 
 
 The population of Saint Martin's parish taken from the census of 1821, is 2937 
 souls; being- an increase of 298 since 1811; and the population of the hamlets 
 which form the parish of Saint John, is 736 persons. The number of marriages, 
 births, and burials which have been entered in the minster registers, for the last 
 twelve years, is stated in the following table. 
 
 YEAR. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 1815 
 
 26 
 
 128 
 
 84 
 
 1816 
 
 24 
 
 128 
 
 111 
 
 1817 
 
 16 
 
 123 
 
 108 
 
 1818 
 
 24 
 
 122 
 
 99 
 
 1819 
 
 30 
 
 119 
 
 105 
 
 1820 
 
 30 
 
 154 
 
 91 • 
 
 1821 
 
 22 
 
 107 
 
 88 
 
 1822 
 
 39 
 
 132 
 
 91 
 
 1823 
 
 25 
 
 134 
 
 78 
 
 1824 
 
 28 
 
 111 
 
 108 
 
 1825 
 
 31 
 
 140 
 
 101 
 
 1826 
 
 30 
 
 148 
 
 119 
 
 Adjoining the Minster-yard, towards the south west, stands the ancient manor- 
 house for Beverley Water-towns, called the 
 
 HALL GARTH, 
 
 which is now converted into an inn, and distinguished by the sign of Admiral 
 Duncan. An old tradition makes this the residence of Saint John of Beverley. 
 A court of record was formerly held here every Monday, called the Provost's 
 court, or the court of the Beddern, where causes might be tried for any sum 
 arising within its liberties, which were very extensive, including upwards of a 
 hundred towns, villages, and hamlets in the East-riding. It possessed also a 
 criminal jurisdiction, but that had not recently been exercised. Here was the 
 original gaol, which was usually situated within the manorial precincts.*^ The 
 building is the property of Richard Dixon, esquire, who is lord of the manor of 
 Beverley Water-towns, including the extensive domain of Saint John ; and here 
 the manorial courts are still held. 
 
 '2 It is said, but I cannot tell on what authority, that this prison is within the jurisdiction of 
 Saint Peter at York. I am also informed that there is a low room, in the George and Dragon 
 inn, divided by a beam in the ceiling, one half of which is within the same jurisdiction; and that 
 debtors have been known, within the memory of man, to take refuge here and bid defiance to 
 their creditors. 
 
 2 M 2 
 
2t6 
 
 Eastward of the minster is a field known by the name of " The Friars," which 
 was probably the site of the Black Friars' monastery.'^ Adjoining this, is another 
 piece of gromid called Paradise, near which a great number of antiquities have 
 been dug up, where was probably the hospital of Saint Nicholas.'^ And in Chan- 
 try-lane, near this place, is an ancient building, with grounds inclosed by a brick 
 wall, and ornamented gateways, (one of which is represented on page 64,) and a 
 moat, one branch of which has been conveyed underneath the house, supposed to 
 have been the monastery of Grey or Franciscan Friars;'^ a conjecture which is 
 grounded on substantial evidence, for the house of this order was suffered to remain 
 after all the rest had been demolished.'® 
 
 Diverging hence towards the south-west, we enter Keld-gate."' On the right 
 hand or north side of this street is situated 
 
 ROUTH'S HOSPITAL 
 
 for poor widows. This foundation was endowed by the will of Ann Routh, of 
 
 '5 The house of Black Friars, in Beverley, occurs, says Tanner, as early as A. D. 1311. It 
 is, however, mentioned somewhat earlier in the Provost's Register. It'm in Rot' A" D'ni 
 M CCC iiij pl'ita p' bre' de Reef ten' &c. inter VVillu fir Anselm de Harpham vs's Prior fratrii 
 p'dicator Bev'lac' de uno mess 'q'd clam' tenere de p'po'itura p' reddit' un' denar.' Ex. Reg. 
 Praep. Bev. 1. 1. p. 33. It is said to have been founded by a person of the name of Goldsmith. 
 Lei. Itin. vol. i. p. 40. The site was granted 36 Hen. VIII. to John Pope and Anthony Foster. 
 Tan. Notit. York. XII. 7. Rx xxvij Marcij cone' Johem Pope et Antho Foster scit' nup' priorat' fr'm 
 predicator in vill' Beverlaic' Ashegarthe and Pondegarthe et 4 p't un' bovat 'ter' in Golden 
 magna tenend' in lib'o burgag'. A° H. 8. 36? p'te prima. Ex. Reg. Pr«p. Bev. 1. 3. p. 15. b. 
 
 '4 « An hospital dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was by the Black Friars, but now decayed," 
 says Leland. Itin. vol. i. p. 40. It was as old as 1286, when the archbishop of York granted an 
 indulgence for its support. Reg. Joh. Romaine, Archiep. It continued till the time of 
 Hen. VIII. when its yearly revenue was valued at £5. 14s. 6d. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 4. It 
 stands in the king's books at £5. Os. lOd. Bacon. Lib. Reg. p. 1 144. 
 
 '* William Liketon and Henry Weighton, in A. D. 1297, gave some ground near the chapel 
 of Saint Ellen to the Franciscan Friars whereon to build them an house, which falling to decay 
 they removed to another house given to them by sir John Hotham. It was granted to Thomas 
 Culpepper, 32 Hen. VIII. Tan Notit. York. XII. 8. 
 
 J^ Rex cone' Thome' Culpepper int' aP Scit' fr'm minor' voc' le Grey Friars infra villa 
 Beverlac', tenend' de dno Rege in capite p' servic' mil. A° xxxii ° H. 8. 2"''.'' pte Ex. Reg. Praep. 
 Bev. 1. 3. p. 29. b. ^ f f J 
 
 Rex concessit Licenc' Rad'o Sadler mil' aliend domii et scitQ dudu frater minor, voc' le Graye 
 Fryers infra villam de Beverlac' : Anno xxxiv H. 8. p'te quarta. Ibid. 1. 4. p. 96. a. 
 
 Rex cone* Licen' Edw" Nay lor aliend' omii de scit' vocat' le Grey Friers in Bev'ley et om' de 
 dom' p'ti'n diet' scit' Robt° Browne et her' &c. A? xxxvj H. 8. pte 2? Ibid. 1. 4. p. 8. 
 
 Rgna cone' Lie' lo. East al Rad'o Lausbye scit' mon' de Grey Friers in Bev'ley 2° Maij 
 38 Eliz. Ibid. 1. 4. p. 33. 
 
 "^ Keld-gate is frequently mentioned in the Registers of the Provostry, with precisely the same 
 orthography which it still retains. 14 Edw. III. on the 12th of February, appeared at the 
 
211 
 
 Beverley, dated 6th October, 1721, in which she bequeathed a certain part of her 
 property to its support for ever. The mayor, aldermen, and the minister of Saint 
 John's church were appointed joint trustees to manage the funds, to nominate such 
 widows as frequent the church to be partakers of the charity, and to execute the 
 general provisions of the will. The inmates of this hospital are clothed with purple 
 coloured woollen gowns, each being decorated with a silver badge, on which are 
 engraven the name of the testatrix, and the day and year of her death. The 
 present rental of the estates held by the corporation as trustees under this will, 
 amounts to nearly six hundred guineas per annum ; and the number of widows 
 in the institution is thirty-two. They are allowed a residence in the hospital, and 
 have a sufficient quantity of coals provided by the trustees, with a weekly stipend 
 of five shillings each.'* On the same side is situated the 
 
 GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 
 
 which is under the superintendence of the corporation. The first mention of an 
 establishment of this kind in Beverley is in the fifteenth century, where it is said 
 that bishops Alcock and Fisher received the first rudiments of their education; and 
 it was probably in the collegiate church. The present school is mentioned in the 
 reign of queen Elizabeth, and is said to have been founded, but not endowed, by 
 her brother and predecessor king Edward VI. It has been enriched by the 
 bequests of many benevolent individuals, and several privileges have been con- 
 veyed to it at different periods, which give it consequence in the publick estimation. 
 In 1626, Mrs. Margaret Darcy left by will a small sum of money to be lent to 
 
 provost's court an unmarried woman, named Matilda, and accused Alan Pavy of making use of 
 " verbis contumeliosis in vico de Keldgate in Bev'lay, vocando ip'am raeretricem : and deinde 
 ip'am p'cussit cu quodam baculo, hoc fecit injuste, «&:c." Ibid. 1. 1. p. 50. 
 
 '* The following regulations are in use at this hospital : — It is ordered that each widow shall 
 reside in the room assigned to her within the hospital ; — that she must attend divine service in the 
 church, without some reasonable cause to the contrary, twice a day, on all Sundays and holidays, 
 in the gown provided by the trustees, with the silver badge attached thereto ; — that no widow 
 shall have any inmate, except a female relation or friend; and then only in case of severe indis- 
 position or great infirmity, to be certified by the apothecary of the hospital ; — that no spirituous 
 liquors shall, on any account, be introduced into the hospital, unless upon the recommendation 
 of the apothecary ; — that one of the two nurses shall reside on the ground floor, and the other on 
 the floor above ; that the matron shall, once a month, make a report to the mayor of the conduct 
 of the widows, as to their observance of the rules ; — that any widow refusing to conform to the 
 rules, shall be dismissed ; — that if the matron shall be remiss or negligent of her duty, the extra 
 allowance of matron shall be withdrawn ; and that the apothecary shall, once a month, make a 
 written report to the mayor of the state of the hospital, and the health of the widows. 
 
278 
 
 poor labourers, and the interest applied to the support of a student at the university, 
 sent, of course, from this school. In 1578, we find Robert Brokelbanck the 
 master of this school ; and in 1638, Richard Barritt was elected the usher in the 
 room of one Francis Sherwood. In 1645, Mr. Robert Steele was appointed the 
 head master at an annual salary of £20.'^ And in the same year, Mr. Cook or 
 Goth or Cox was appointed to the ushership with a salary of £13. 6s. 8d. a year.^° 
 The master's situation does not appear to have been very desirable at this period ; 
 whether from the narrowness of the stipend, or from the disturbed state of the 
 country, or both, it may be hard to determine. Mr. Steele held it but four years, 
 and the difficulty of procuring a successor may be inferred from the circumstance 
 of an invitation having been sent to a Mr. Hesse or Nesse to request his acceptance 
 of the head mastership of the free school;^' which he either rejected or very soon 
 resigned, for in less than two years afterwards Mr. Thomas Foley agreed with the 
 corporation to conduct the school for a remuneration of forty marks per annum, 
 and to pay his own usher.^^ 
 
 In the year 1652, Dr. Metcalfe bequeathed to the head master the annual sum 
 of ten pounds ; and also founded his exhibition for three students at the university, 
 to be elected out of the scholars born and educated at Beverley ; to every one of the 
 three poor scholars the sum of £6. 13s. 4d. annually, on the following conditions. 
 " The said three poor scholars to be appointed and approved from time to time, by 
 the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Beverley, and by the lecturer and school- 
 master; and the said maintenance to be continued until the time that the said 
 poor scholars shall have taken the degree of master of arts, if they so long continue 
 students in the university, and upon condition that they take the said degree at 
 the due time, within eight years after their admission into the university ."^^ This 
 bequest was followed up by another from Mrs. Margaret Farrar in the year 1669, 
 who left forty shillings a year " for the schooling* of a boy, the child of some honest 
 pe son ar.d inhabitant of the said town to be chosen by the mayor and aldermen. 
 And the residue of the rents and profits to be kept for the benefit of such boy, if 
 he shall be capable and fit for the university, who shall have the said whole residue 
 of the rents and profits towards his maintenance there for seven years, if he shall 
 not, in the mean time, get better preferment. And if such boy, by the master of 
 
 Corp. Rec. Oct. 1645. 2" Ujjd, ^eh. 1645-6. «' Ibid. 26 July, 1649. ^^ ibid. Feb. 1651-2. 
 
 2» Extract from Dr. Metcalfe's will. 
 
279 
 
 the school, shall not be thought capable and fit to make a scholar fit to be sent to 
 the university, another shall be chosen in his place, and have the same allowance."^* 
 In 1670, Dr. Lacy left a sum of money to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, 
 " to pay yearly to two scholars that are or shall be born in the town of Beverley, 
 and educated in the free school there, and from thence sent to the university of 
 Cambridge, and entered students in Saint John's college there, the sum of £8. 
 each, until they go out masters of arts, within eight years after their admission ; 
 and so successively to two such scholars, as shall be sent from the said free school 
 for ever."^* And in 1681, Mr. William Coates, by his will, founded another ex- 
 hibition of £6. to be annually paid to a poor scholar sent from the free school at 
 Beverley to the university of Cambridge, to continue until he has taken the degree 
 of master of arts. 
 
 In 1660, we find the Rev. Francis Sherwood, at the head of the grammar school; 
 and in the same year he was appointed assistant curate of the minster .^^ He was 
 succeeded in 1669 by Mr. John Forge, who was elected head master in that year ; 
 and it was agreed that the sons of freemen, paying to the poor, should not be 
 charged less than two shillings a quarter each for their education. In 1674, 
 Joseph Lambert, A. M. was elected the head master with a salary of £20. a year, 
 in addition to Dr. Metcalfe's exhibition of £10." In 1716, the Rev. Samuel 
 Johnson was appointed to the head mastership;^* which he held only four years, 
 and was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Jefierson f^ and the Rev. William Leake 
 was appointed usher,^° being the last person nominated by the corporation to that 
 office. The remaining masters are not numerous. 
 
 Rev. John Clarke, appointed Feb. 24, 1735. 
 
 Rev. William Ward Ap. 22, 1751. 
 
 Rev. George Croft Dec. 5, 1768. 
 
 Rev. John Jackson Sep. 4, 1786. 
 
 Rev. W. H. Neale Feb. 8, 1808. 
 
 Rev. F. Gwynne Dec. 18, 1815. 
 
 Rev. J. Orman May 13, 1816. 
 
 Rev. G. P. Richards July 17, 1820. 
 
 2* Extract from Mrs. Farrar's will. ^s Extract from Dr. Lacy's will. 
 2« Ex. Regist. S. Johan. ^r Corp. Rec. 7 May, 1674. 28 ibid. 7 Jan. 1716. 
 29 Corp. Rec. 13 Jan. 1720. so ibia. 6 Feb. 1720. 
 
280 
 
 The old school is accurately represented in the annexed engraving-. 
 
 The school room is an appropriate building with a house for the master attached. 
 It stood formerly in the minster yard, but this situation being- found inconvenient, 
 it was taken down and removed dm-ing the mayoralty of Mr. Ramsay, in 1815, 
 to its present situation. The head master receives a salary of £70. a year from the 
 corporation; £20. from the representatives of the borough, and £10. from Dr. 
 Metcalfe's exhibition, with the house and garden at a nominal rent; and each free 
 scholar pays forty shillings per annum for classical instruction, and an additional 
 two guineas a year for writing and arithmetic. The children who are not free 
 pay such sums for their education as the master may think proper to charge. 
 
 Attached to the school is a tolerably good library of useful classical books, which 
 has long been accumulating by successive donations; and in 1824, the trustees 
 entered into some resolutions for their preservation, which appear to have been 
 necessary, and are certainly judicious.^' 
 
 One of the turnpike roads, connected with Keld-gate, leads to Cave, another to 
 Cottingham, which takes a direction towards the south; and to the north lies 
 Lair-gate, a long street, which contains, first, the 
 
 THEATRE. 
 
 The first building which was appropriated to the exclusive purpose of theatrical 
 performances that can be remembered in Beverley, was situated in Walker-gate, 
 near the Methodist chapel. Being found too small and incommodious, it was 
 
 31 Corp. Rec. 2 Feb. 1824. 
 
281 
 
 abandoned, and the present neat building erected at the beginning of the present 
 century .^^ 
 
 A narrow lane leads westerly past the theatre through Saint Gileses croft," to 
 the mill in Westwood; and near this place'^ stood the hospital of Saint Giles." 
 Near the theatre, in Lair-gate, we perceive before us the 
 
 INDEPENDENT MEETING-HOUSE, 
 
 which was originally erected in the year 1704, on a site purchased by the sect of 
 Protestant dissenters called Presbyterians ; and the building was formally dedicated 
 and appropriated to the use of that sect for ever, and conveyed to trustees for this 
 especial purpose. In 1711, Robert Stephenson bequeathed a tenement, a windmill, 
 
 3* The first theatrical exhibitions in this country consisted of pieces dramatized from the sacred 
 volume, or from the sufferings of the primitive martyrs; and they were termed Miracles. They 
 were usually performed in the churches, and the actors were the priests. The most ancient piece 
 of this nature with which we are acquainted, was the production of Geoffery, abbot of Sainf 
 Albans, about the year 1110, and was called St. Catherine. The actors were habited in the 
 sacred vestments of the abbey. Some of these early performances continued for several days, 
 particularly if the subject was the Creation, or any other equally comprehensive; and they were 
 usually honoured with the patronage and personal attendance of the royal family. Tbis custom 
 was not peculiar to the English nation, but was practised throughout Europe. Boyle. Diet. voc. 
 Dassouci. A piece, called the Mystery of the Old Testament, was performed at Paris in the 
 fifteenth century; and the Mystery of the Passion was represented at Angers, and afterwards 
 printed by Philip de Noir in 1532. Notes to Rabelais, vol. ii. p. 146. " Notwithstanding the 
 seriousness of the subjects that constituted these mysteries, it seems clear that they were not ex- 
 hibited without a portion of pantomimical fun to make them palatable to the vulgar taste. 
 Beelzebub seems to have been the principal comic actor, assisted by his merry troop of under 
 devils ; who, with variety of noises, strange gestures, and contortions of the body, excited the 
 laughter of the populace." Strutt. Sports, p. 118. 
 
 ^^ In the time of Thomas Rulande, prior of Wartre, the croft of Saint Giles was alienated to 
 the corporation of Beverley for the sum of sixty pounds sterling. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 285. 
 
 34 The building was evidently situated in a field opposite the west end of Grayburn-lane ; and 
 its foundations, with other vestiges of antiquity, have recently been discovered by Dr. Hull. 
 
 35 This hospital was founded by one Wulfe before the Conquest; it belonged to the arch- 
 bishops of York, until Walter Giffiird alienated it to the prior of Wartre, Lei. Itin. vol. i. p. 40, 
 in exchange for a wood called le Haye de Langwath. Rot. Pari. vol. i. p. 432. This prelate 
 subjected the master and brethren of Saint Giles to the prior in 1277; and he maintained here at 
 the time of the dissolution five poor people. Its yearly income, 26 Hen. VIII. was valued at 
 £8. The site, with the free chapel thereunto adjoining, was granted, says Tanner, 32 Hen. VIII. 
 to Thomas, earl of Rutland. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 3. There appears, however, to be a small 
 error in the above extract from bishop Tanner ; the following entry in the Provost's Register 
 makes the transfer to have taken place, 28 Hen. VIII. Rex sc'do Septerab"r cone' Thome' 
 Comit' Rutr totam scit' fund' nup' domus sive hospit' S'ci Egidij in Beverlaco ac lib'am Cappel' 
 S'ci Egidij ib'm ac EccPiam Campal' ejusdem priorat' ac Eccl'iam d'ci nup' hospital' S'ci Egidij 
 Ac o'ia mess' domos grang' ortos pomar, ter et solum tam infra quam extra ceptum et circuict' 
 eorumdena Tenend' in capite, &c. A? xxviij H. 8. p'te s'c'do. Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 
 
 2 N 
 
282 
 
 and a close of meadow land to the congregation, to be applied towards the mainte- 
 nance of the preacher. In 1743, a tenement, with garden ground and other 
 conveniences, adjoining the meeting-house, was purchased for his residence ; and 
 ten years afterwards, three acres of land at Bromfleet were added to the establish- 
 ment for the minister's benefit. In process of time, however, the number of 
 Presbyterians having decreased so very considerably in Beverley, that a sufficient 
 congregation could not be sustained, the property was assigned to the present 
 possessors; and Mark Bell, by his will bearing date the 23rd November, 1789, 
 bequeathed £276. Is. 3d. in the 3 per cent, consols, for the use of the minister 
 for the time being. The annual income derived at present from this bequest is 
 £8. 5s. 8d. In the year 1800, the meeting-house was rebuilt on a more modern 
 principle, and the number of members is about 120. A short distance from this, 
 at the corner of an obscure lane, called Laundress-lane, stands the 
 
 CHURCH METHODIST CHAPEL, 
 
 which was erected in the year 1826. The present preacher is Mr. Hillaby. 
 
 On the opposite side of the street, and somewhat nearer to the Market-place, is 
 Graburn-lane, formerly called Catfos^^ lane; and in Lair-gate, at the corner of 
 Newbigging," stands the East-riding bank, the firm of which is Robert Bower, 
 
 3. p. 12. a. — The accounts we possess of subsequent transfers, &c. are rather imperfect and 
 unsatisfactory, but I insert them as they may be useful to some enquirers. Rg"* p'don Rad' 
 Lausbye qui A" 24 El : atq' de R: Grey et Kater' ux: Man' de S*. Gyles in Bev'ley. 25 Ju. 26 
 Eliz. Ibid. 1. 4. p. 33. — Pardon Rad'o Lausbye quia convenit cu Ingleby Daniel! ad usus de 
 Capit' Mess' vocaf S"* Gyles in Bev'ley 20 No : p' fine iij " . 17 James. Ibid. 1. 4. p. 89. Rex 
 concessit Licenc' Rad'o Lausbye mil' alienand' Capital' Mess' vocaf S"* Giles in p'ochia S<^! 
 Joh'is Beverlaci novu Joh'i Wandesford 1'^° April p' fine vi". viij'' 20 James. Ibid. 1. 4. p. 91. a, 
 
 '^ The learned Mr. Faber says, in his elaborate work on the Origin of Pagan Idolatry, vol. i. 
 p. 400, that it has been often justly remarked that the old Celtic names of rivers, mountains, &c. 
 very generally remain throughout England, though the present inhabitants are Saxons. Thus the 
 name of Catfos was probably imposed, as many of the peculiar appellations in Beverley appear 
 to have been, from the rites and ceremonies practised by the primitive occupiers of the soil. The 
 memory of these observances is lost and swept away by the overwhelming stream of time; but the 
 names survive to direct posterity in their search after the situations which have been distinguished 
 by British residence. These rites were periodically performed in honour of Ked, Ket or Ceridwen, 
 the ancient magna mater of this island, or her emblem the ark of Noah. Now Catfos would be 
 derived either from Ket-fos, the ditch of Ceridwen ; Ket-fou, the cave, or Ket-voe, the lake of 
 the same female divinity; in each case the reference is equally direct and satisfactory. And it 
 may be further observed, that the Celtic fds, the Cornish v6s, the Roman fossa, and the French 
 fosse, are synonymous. 
 
 ^^ The street called Newbigging was in ancient times occupied by the principal inhabitants 
 of Beverley. It is repeatedly named in the Registers of the Provostry, so early as the reign of 
 
283 
 
 Thomas Duesbery, John Hall, Robert Bower, jun. Henry William Hutton, and 
 James Hall. They draw on Curries, Raikes, and Co. Cornhill, London. Here 
 also are situate the buildings called 
 
 MAI SON-DE-DIE U, 
 
 which accommodate twenty-two poor families and individuals, who are permitted 
 by the corporation to occupy these tenements rent-free. They have no regular 
 allowance or stipend, but are casually assisted out of the numerous funds of bene- 
 volence which have been bequeathed and appropriated by charitable individuals 
 for the benefit of honest indigence in the town of Beverley. 
 
 Henry III. ; and we possess the following information respecting transfers of property, &c. in it, 
 which may possess sufficient interest to merit insertion here. It Is extracted from the Lansdowne 
 Collection in the British Museum, 896 Part VIII. fo. 189; and is headed "An abstract of the 
 charters in the Cartulary of Beverley, relating to the street called New Biggin. 
 
 Thomas Tyrwhite son of Richard de Tyrwhite merchant of Beverley grants to John de Kyllin 
 and Agnes his wife his manentibus in Beverley in the street called Newbiggin at the annual 
 rent of xij'* payable at the feast of Pentecost and Saint Martin in winter: dated at Beverley 1348. 
 Witness Walter Frost, Adam de Tyrwhite Thorn: Frost Richard de Lesed Thom : Leante Thos. 
 Clerk and others. 
 
 In the year 1380, the above mentioned Agnes dyed, leaving her soul to Almighty God, Saint 
 Mary and all Saints, and her body in the cloister of the convent of the Fryers Minor in Beverley; 
 and left the following legacies. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 To the fabric of Saint Peter's York 1 
 
 To the fabric of Saint John's Beverley 1 
 
 To the fabric of the chapell of Saint Maries in Beverley 1 
 
 To the same chapel for the expences of the funeral 5 
 
 To the Vicar of Saint Maries 1 
 
 To the parish Chaplain of the same chapell 1 
 
 To John her son a lead furnace with all her furniture ; and to William de Scofer her house in 
 Newbiggin near to the Barr Dyke, on the outer side thereof to the west. 
 
 Richard de Bryne and Agnes former wife of William Scofer, executor of the last will and 
 testament of the said William, do give, and by this charter confirme to John Walde of Hedon, 
 John de Benningholme Chaplaine, and Thomas de Lowthorpe of Beverley, one messuage lying 
 on the north side the way called Newbiggin in the occupation of Catherine Hurabercott, lying on 
 the east of the lands of Thomas de Etton and the north of the gate and dytche called Barre Dyke, 
 and on the out part to the west, to have and to hold the same of the fee of the chapter. Witness 
 Rich. Fox, John de Walkyngton mercer Rob. de Colton Will, de Tilton Will. Maliarde and 
 others. Dated at Beverley, in the second jear of the reign of K. R. 2nd. 
 
 John Walde of Hedon, John de Bennyngholme chaplain Thos. de Lowthorpe of Beverley 
 mercer and Margaret his heire, do assign one Messuage and its appurtenances on the north side 
 of the way called Newbigging, lying on the north side of the lands of Catharine Humbercott to 
 the west of the lands of Thomas de Etton, and on the east part of the foss called Barr Dyke, to 
 have and to hold the same of the Chapter fee. Witness Will™ Byrde and others, and dated at 
 Beverley 2nd Sept^- A. D. 1399. 
 
 Carta Robti Skipwith facti John Brydlington. 
 
 2n2 
 
284 
 
 Leaving" Saturday market-place on the right hand, we enter Wood-lane, which 
 forms nearly a right angle with the end of Lair-gate. This street furnishes little 
 either to admire or condemn. At the end of it however, in a secluded situation, 
 stands the plain and neat 
 
 QUAKERS' MEETING-HOUSE, 
 
 which is a modern brick building, used by the society of Friends for the purpose 
 of publick worship. It is now almost deserted, for the congregation, which was 
 formerly kept together by the joint exertions of Joseph Dickinson and Christopher 
 Geldart, two singularly upright and sincere men of this persuasion, dwindled away 
 imperceptibly after their decease ; and at present ^very few of this sect remain in 
 Beverley or the neighbourhood. 
 
 Returning through Wood-lane in a direct line, we enter Hen-gate,^* at the 
 corner of which stands, in dignified majesty, the edifice of Saint Mary's church, 
 which presents to our notice so many objects of interest and attention, that a subse- 
 quent chapter will be entirely devoted to its illustration.^^ At the end of Hen-gate, 
 
 Robt. Skipwith of Beverley grants to Dn John Brydlington vicar of Beverley and John Melton 
 Barker, one Messuage and its appurtenances, lying on the north side of the way called New- 
 beggin, (bounded as before.) Dated at Beverley 12th day of March in the 4th year of the reign 
 of K. Hen. 4th. 
 
 Carta Robti Skipwith fac. Rico Crake &c. 
 Robert Skipwith of Beverley mercer Grants &c. to Richard Crake, Thomas Wyatt and William; 
 Ryall Clerks one messuage and its appurtenances being on the north side of the street called 
 Newbegging, on the north side of the lands of Kate Humbercott, to the south of the West Barr, 
 and east of the land of Adam Tyrwhite, to hold the same of the Fee of the chapter. Dated at 
 Beverley 12th day of August 1450. 
 
 Obligacio Robti Skipwith, et Thontte Skipwith fact' relaxatio Emme Gainthorpe fact Rico Crake 
 et alias. 
 
 Emma de Gainthorpe cozen and heir to John de Kyllin grants to Richard Crake, Thomas 
 Wyatt and William Ryall chaplain, all her right to one messuage in Newbiggin formerly the 
 property of John de Kyllin. Witness, William de Rolletston, Nicholas de Ryse, Stephen Copan- 
 dale, Thos. son of John de Holm and others. Dated at Beverley 5th day of September, 1 450. 
 
 Thomas Kelke fecit fidel't p' uno Mess' in que manet in Newbygging q"? quond' Rad'us de 
 ClyfFe et postea Rad'us de Haytfield p.' reddit viij"? p' an»'. Ex. Reg. Preep.. Bev. 1. I . p. 36. 
 
 '8 We find this street called Thengaite in the 1 6th century ; Vid. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus.. 
 896. VIII. fo. 169 ; although at a much earlier period it was distinguished by its present correct 
 appellation. Rentale Beverlaci. 1 Hen. IV. De hered Adae Copendale p' uno Ten' in HengaU 
 quond' Willi'm Goldsmith postea Ric'i Carvyle. iiii« iiii'! Ex. Reg. Pra-pos. Bev. I. 1. p. 26. et 
 Vid. 1. 2. p. 56. b. ^ J J J ^ ^ 
 
 39 At the east end of this church was a lane formerly called Dead Lane, from the circumstance- 
 of its being the usual way of carrying a corpse to be interred, and is thus named in the inquisition, 
 respecting Saint Mary's property, taken in the reign of king Charles I. 
 
2^5 
 
 in Norwood, is the seat of William Beverley, esquire, lord of the manor of Beverley 
 chapter, which includes the hamlet of Molescroft and the adjoining parts within 
 the liberties. From hence a road towards the north west leads to Arram ; and at 
 the distance of about a quarter of a mile, passes Pickhill, the site of a moated 
 building-, which some have conjectured to be Stanley Place, the residence of the 
 Copandales,*" a distinguished family, which flourished at Beverley in the fourteenth 
 century. It is indeed highly probable that this mansion was situated either here 
 or at Norwood, and I am inclined to give the preference to the latter, because it is 
 pronounced to be in the town of Beverley ; and the following entry in the Provosfjs 
 Register appears under the head of Hen-gate. De Joh'e Downham introiatu ab 
 alta via usque Staineley Place, nup' Ade de Copindayle.^' And again in the same 
 book,^' Nicholas Waller is said to have died seized of tribu' clausur' et un' magn* 
 Camp' vocat Staneleyfields jacen* ex p'te boreal' cujusd' alte vie vocat' Norwood 
 Highway. And still more pointedly under the head of " Norwood in Beverley," 
 subsequently to the extinction of the Copandales, John Downham is brought into 
 charge for Stanley Place and Stanley lands, with a garden, near the mill." 
 
 *° It may not be uninteresting to insert here a brief account of this family, which gave a lustre 
 to the town of Beverley in these early times. The first mention of them which I have been able to 
 find, is in the person of Adam Copandale, who did suit and service at the Provost's Court, 3 Edw. 
 III. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1. p. 8. 1. 2. p. 32, though there is reason to believe that the family was 
 resident in Beverley long before that period. On the 1 2 May, 1333, this individual was appointed 
 a commissioner, by the king's writ, to raise 50 horse and 50 foot soldiers ; fully armed and ap- 
 pointed, within the liberties of Beverley, to join the army against the Scots. Rot. Scot. 
 7 Edw. III. This commission being found diflRcult to execute, he resigned his oflBce on the 2nd 
 June following. On the 16th of the same month, John Copandale, merchant, of Beverley, ob- 
 tained the king's exemption from the array, and a licence to go abroad for mercantile purposes. 
 Ibid. 7 Edw. III. Adam Copandale was re-appointed on the 17th November, 1334, to the duty 
 of arraying men for the Scottish wars; and again to the same effect on the 15th December and 
 23rd February following, elisours de cynquant hora'es a pie en la fraunchise de Bev'le. Ibid. 
 9 Edw. III. On the 18th December, 1336, John de Thornton de Copandale, the father of the 
 above Adam, Reg. Preep. 1. 1 . p. 22, was appointed a commissioner, by royal authority, to super- 
 intend the construction of a barge at Beverley, and other ships of a larger size at other seaports 
 for the Scottish wars; Rot. Scot. 10 Ed. III. and on the 2nd May, 1338, the same person was 
 entrusted with the duty of raising and training a body of archers in Beverley, and the East-riding, 
 which he had a commission to lead against the Scots. Ibid. 12 Edw. III. These brief notices, 
 which have been extended as far as my limits will allow, are sufficient to shew the consequence 
 of the family, and the extent of confidence which was reposed in its members by their sovereign. 
 A branch of the family resided at Beverley in the reign of Henry VI. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1 . p. 60. 
 
 « Ibid. 1. 2. p. 56. b. « Ibid. p. 9 1 . 
 
 *^ Ibid. p. 57. a. This windmill was in Norwood, and was at this time in the occupation of 
 Hichard Burton. Ibid. p. 57. a. 
 
2S6 
 
 At Norwood is a spacious opening or square, where the annual fairs are held.^* 
 An improvement was projected in 1825, and the fairs, by a public ordinance of 
 the corporation, were removed to the road side leading to Hull-Bridge, which was 
 considered a more commodious situation, and better calculated to accommodate the 
 agriculturist and the general dealer. The experiment however failed ; and on 
 symptoms of dissatisfaction being visibly displayed by all the parties from whom 
 the fairs received their chief support, they were restored in the following year to 
 the usual place. These fairs are in high reputation throughout the kingdom for 
 cattle. They are held four times in the year ; viz. on the Thursday before the 25th 
 February; Holy Thursday; the 5th of July; and on the 5th of November. The 
 principal markets for cattle are held on the 5th April, Wednesday before the 12th 
 May; Wednesday before the 14th September; and Wednesday after the 25th 
 December. At these fairs the corporation possess the privilege, by the charter 
 of Charles II. of holding a court of pie-powder, to determine local disputes.*' 
 Besides these, there are several publick markets for cattle held fortnightly, which 
 are much frequented. From Norwood the road leads to Bridlington.*^ Near to 
 Mr. Beverley's house are the 
 
 ASSEMBLY-ROOMS, 
 
 which were erected by subscription and opened in the year 1763. In these rooms 
 dancing assemblies are held six times during the winter season, and card meetings 
 every Tuesday. The usual subscriptions are, for gentlemen, a guinea and a half; 
 and for ladies, a guinea. 
 
 Having amused ourselves with viewing the elegancies and conveniences of these 
 
 ^* The fairs were originally under the jurisdiction of the archbishop of York, and are thus 
 enumerated amongst his claims in the pleas of quo warranto, in the reign of Edw. I. Et Archiep' 
 clam' eciam ab antiquo feriam apud Beverlac' quaP p' annQ semel videl't, in vigil' et die S'c'i 
 Joh'es B'pt'i et p' tres dies s'quentes, et alias in vigilia et in dies S'c'i Joh'es de Beverlaco in 
 yeme, et tertio in die S'ci Joh'es de Beverloco in mayo, et quarto in vigil' etdie Ascenc'o'es D'ni 
 et p' septem dies sequentes. Placit. de quo War. Edw. I. 
 
 ** Corp. Rec. 5 Sep. 15 Ch. II. No. 22. To every fair is of right pertaining a court of pye- 
 powder. Rot. Pari. 17 Edw. IV. This is a court held during the continuance of a fair, and no 
 longer, to determine such disputes, and punish such misdemeanours as may have arisen on the 
 spot ; that merchants and others, coming from a distance, might have the advantage of summary 
 justice, in case they should be defrauded by the country people who attended the fair. Such 
 rustics being denominated in these times pied-poudreux, or dusty feet, to distinguish them from 
 their superiors. 
 
 <6 This road is termed in the Provost's Register, 1, 2. p. 91, "alte via vocal' Norwood 
 highway." 
 
281 
 
 rooms, we pass into North-Bar-street within," and visit the 
 
 NEWS-ROOM, 
 
 which is situated nearly opposite to Saint Mary's church. This establishment is 
 supported by the subscriptions of about twenty-five members, who are elected by 
 ballot, and pay each into the treasurer's hands the sum of twenty-five shillings 
 annually. This entitles them to the privilege of the room, in which are the Sun, 
 Globe and Traveller, and Courier, daily papers; and the Observer, John Bull, 
 Hull Advertiser, and Leeds Mercury, weekly. Near to this is the Tiger-inn, a 
 good establishment, and ably conducted by Mr. Charles Greenwood. In a spacious 
 room in this house, the brethren of the 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL LODGE 
 
 of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 554, hold their periodical meetings. This lodge 
 was established on the 8th of March, 1793 ; and the brethren hold their meetings 
 on the first Friday in every month. In the present extension of the masonic system, 
 we find this lodge in a most flourishing state ; and several persons of great re- 
 spectability are enrolled amongst its members. To enlarge on the subject of free- 
 masonry here, would be equally misplaced and unnecessary. Suffice it to say, that 
 freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by 
 symbols ; its disquisitions embrace, at the least, all the essential points of natural 
 religion; and like the angelic messengers who announced to mankind the most 
 important event the world ever beheld, it proclaims, " Glory to God ; Peace on 
 earth ; Good-will to men."^* 
 
 On the opposite side of the way is the Beverley bank; the firm of Machell, 
 Pease, & Liddell, who draw on sir R. C. Glynn, Mills, Halifax, Glynn, & Co. 67, 
 Lombard-street. Adjoining Saint Mary's church are situated the extensive and 
 
 4^^ In the month of August, 1827, as some workmen were digging in the foundations of an old 
 house which had been taken down, belonging to H. Ellison, esquire, in this street, they found 
 several human skeletons at the depth of about seven feet from the present surface, imbedded in 
 gravel. It is supposed that the ground has been advanced three feet, therefore the bodies to 
 which they belonged would have been interred originally at the depth of four feet beneath the 
 floor of the house under which they lay. They were not found all together, but at a distance of 
 three or four feet asunder ; and some of the bones were uncommonly large. 
 
 ** The curious reader who wishes for information on this interesting subject, may consult the 
 Antiquities of Freemasonry; the Star in the East; and Signs and Symbols; all published by the 
 author of this work. 
 
288 
 
 valuable premises of Henry Ellison, esquire.^^ And at the termination of the 
 street is the 
 
 NORTH-BAR, 
 
 an edifice which is undoubtedly of some antiquity, although few traces of early 
 architecture are visible, except an incision under the archway, in which it appears 
 probable that a portcullis has been suspended. Such marks may have formerly 
 existed, but a coating- of plaister and whitewash with which the whole erection has 
 been covered, at no very distant period of time, has wholly defaced and obliterated 
 every vestige by which its age might probably have been determined. The follow- 
 ing arms, however, still remain upon the bar. 
 
 Or, a chevron, az. charged with a martlet between two pheons of 
 
 the first Warton, 
 
 Impaled with 
 
 Sable, 3 swords in pile, points in base, pummel, or. — Powlet, with 
 
 a squirrel as the crest of Warton.*" 
 
 *^ In the year 1800, Mr. Ellison, in order to enlarge his premises, and procure a site for 
 erecting a splendid mansion, and laying out extensive gardens and pleasure grounds, entered into an 
 agreement with the churchwardens of Saint Mary's parish for a lease of four tenements in North- 
 Bar-street within, belonging to the church, at an annual rent, which stood in front of his land, 
 and prevented a commodious access from that street to his intended premises. These tenements 
 he was permitted to take down, and convert the space thus left vacant to his own use for the term 
 of twenty-one years, with this express condition to prevent the church charities from sustaining 
 any injury, that at the expiration of the lease, Mr, Ellison shauld erect tenements on the same 
 site, which would produce an annual rent of £52. A private understanding, however, appears to 
 have subsisted between the parties, although not specified in the lease, that Mr. Ellison would be 
 allowed the privilege of renewal, on the sara^ conditions, and so continue during his own 
 pleasure. But public officers, who are exchanged periodically, do not possess the power of 
 binding their successors to approve or confirm their unexecuted plans ; and accordingly Mr. 
 Ellison found the churchwardens of 1 822 unwilling to sanction what their predecessors in office 
 had indirectly pledged themselves to perform ; and he was consequently subjected to the prospect 
 of much inconvenience from the conditions of his contract ; but at length an arrangement was 
 effected in 1827, under the provisions of an act for exchanging charity lands, in which the above 
 property has been confirmed to Mr. Ellison and his heirs and assigns for ever, in consideration of 
 about thirty acres of land in Cherry-Burton field, which have been assigned to the church of 
 Saint Mary, as a full and equally valuable equivalent. 
 
 *° It should appear that in early times, these bars were not used exclusively for the purposes 
 of strength and security, but served also for other convenient uses connected with the income of 
 the corporation. At the end of almost every principal street leading into the common pastures, 
 was placed a bar, at which tolls of pannage for the depasturing of cattle were periodically paid 
 by the burgesses. This is clearly stated in the following extract from the Compotus Roll of 1437. 
 
289 
 
 Passing through the bar we come to the North-bar dyke, in a lane formerly called 
 Cockstulepit-lane, which was of old a pool of terror and evil omen to the termagant 
 and shrew, for here stood the far-famed ducking-stool, erected originally by the 
 archbishop of York,*' for the disgrace and punishment of dishonest tradesmen, but 
 time out of mind applied to the more humiliating purpose of imposing a check on 
 that unruly member, the tongue of a peevish wife/^ At the extremity of the town, 
 on the Malton road, stand a mass of buildings which have been recently erected 
 for a house of correction and 
 
 SESSIONS-HALL, 
 
 which are highly ornamental to that particular entrance into the town/' Here 
 the quarter sessions of the peace for the East-riding are held, and justice is im- 
 partially administered by a highly respectable bench of magistrates, consisting of 
 R. Bethell, esquire, chairman ; lord Macdonald, sir H. M. M. Vavasour, bart. W. 
 Beverley, R. M. Beverley, J. Brown, J. Broadley, H. Broadley, R. Denison, 
 
 R painagij 
 Etde viijii xj« iiij'^ p' de Ric' Richemond et Will' Marton Collecf painagij ad barr' bor' (North- 
 Bar) hoc a° infra comp' ut pz' p' p'cell inde p'bat. 
 Et de xj» x^ p' de Will' Cave Collect' painagij in Norwood, hoc anuo &c. 
 Et de xjs iv** p'de Joha' Carethorp Collect' painag' ad p' Newbiggyng bar hoc anno &c. 
 Et de ix* viijd p'^g j^qj^i Kytchin Collect' painag 'ad Keldegate bar hoc anno &c. 
 
 •^' Archiep' &c. clam 'eciam ab antiquo furcas et gibettu, pilloriu et tumbrellu &c. Placit de 
 quo. War. Edw. I. 
 
 *2 Vid. ut supra, p. 110. 
 
 •^3 At the quarter sessions for the East-riding, holden at Beverley, the 19th day of April, 1814, 
 the following resolution was unanimously agreed to. " Resolved, that it is the opinion of the 
 court, that Mr. Charles Watson the architect, has shewn great skill and attention in planning and 
 superintending the building of the sessions-house and gaol for this riding ; and that the treasurer 
 be and he is hereby directed to present Mr. Watson, with the sum of one hundred guineas, as a 
 mark of their approbation of his conduct." 
 
 20 
 
290 
 
 R. Denison, jun. E. Denison, J. S. Eg-ginton, M. Foulis, Y. Greame, C. Grimston, 
 R. Hill, H. Hudson, A. Maister, S. W. Nicoll, G. Palmes, J. R. Pease, H, 
 Preston, P. Saltmarshe, G. Strickland, G. Schonswar, D. Sykes, P. B. Thompson, 
 J. Wharton, esquires; W. H. E. Bentinck, T. F. Foord Bowes, J. Coltman, C. 
 Constable, R. Croft, W. Canning, D. Ferguson, J. Gilby, W. R. Gilby, F. Ken- 
 dall, W. Parker, T. C. R. Read, G. Sampson, C. Sykes, and R. Sykes, clerks. 
 
 The house of correction is judiciously regulated. The prisoners enjoy the ad- 
 vantage of religious instruction, which in their unhappy situation, must be found 
 of essential importance. The wards are furnished with religious books. Prayers 
 are read every day by the governor, and the prisoners are visited three times a 
 week by the chaplain, who performs divine service and preaches to them every 
 Sunday. Added to this, the holy sacrament is administered quarterly, on the 
 Sunday previous to the sessions, to such individuals as feel disposed to avail them- 
 selves of its blessings ; thus affording the penitent offender an opportunity of making 
 his peace with God, while his crimes are visited with punishment for the violated 
 laws of man ; those mild laws which he has renounced and defied by wilful depre- 
 dation, or a wanton encroachment on the property or privileges of his neighbour. 
 
 In the year 1810, the total number of prisoners committed within the year was 
 151 ; of which 14 were felons ; the greatest number confined at any one time in that 
 year was 39, of whom 5 were felons. Since that period, a regular and alarming 
 increase has taken place. In 1827, the number of prisoners within the year was 
 405, of whom 49 were felons ; and the greatest number confined at one time, 82. 
 The greatest number ever confined at one time, including children, 121. 
 
 Opposite to the sessions-hall is a beautiful walk of chesnut trees, which form a 
 shady promenade, used by the inhabitants on Sundays and other days of leisure. 
 Returning thence, we enter the Saturday market-place,** which is a spacious open- 
 ing in the street, containing an area of four acres. Near the north end stands 
 
 THE MARKET CROSS, 
 
 a massive erection, supported by eight columns, each consisting of one entire stone; 
 and constructed at the expense of sir Michael Warton and sir Charles Hotham, 
 in the year 1714. It was repaired in 1769, at the expense of the corporation. 
 
 ** Archiep' &c. claim' eciam abantiquo m'catu apud Beverlacu sing'lis sept* is p' dies M'curia 
 & Sabb'to (Wednesday and Saturday.) Piacit. de quo War. E. I. 
 
291 
 
 William Leake, esq. being the mayor. A more ancient cross** formerly occupied 
 this situation, which was built in a massive style of architecture, and so spacious 
 that carriages passed through it. Being in a state of decay, and altogether incom- 
 modious and unsafe, it was taken down by the two public spirited individuals 
 already mentioned, and the present cross substituted in its place, ornamented with 
 the following coats of arms. 
 
 1 . England and France, quarterly. 
 
 2. Arg, 4 bars az. and a canton, gules. In the centre the bloody hand . . Hothatn. 
 
 3. Or, a chevron az. charged with a martlet inter two pheons of the first. . Warton. 
 
 4. Barry wavee. A & B. on a chief B. a beaver statant regardant, or.,. . Town of Beverley. 
 
 The butchers' Shambles'^^ stand in the north east angle of the Market-place.*' 
 They were rebuilt in the year 1752, at the expense of the corporation, Jonathan 
 
 ^^ This cross occupied a conspicuous situation in the Market-place, where it was placed to 
 remind the vendor that his religion recommended and enforced uprightness and fair dealing ; and 
 was thus intended as a visible restraint, to dissipate any secret intention which might arise in his 
 bosom of taking an improper advantage of the weakness or inexperience of his customer. 
 
 •'6 A narrow street runs from these Shambles into Walker-gate, called Silvester-lane, inhabited 
 principally by persons in an inferior condition of life ; it was sometimes denominated Silverless- 
 lane ; and by that name it is mentioned in the inquisition respecting Saint Mary's property, taken 
 in the reign of king Charles I. 
 
 ^^ Many years ago, before the Market-place was heightened and paved in its present form, it 
 was subject to inundations, which occasioned much inconvenience and loss to those who supplied 
 
 2 o 2 
 
292 
 
 Midg-ley, esquire, being" the mayor. The buildings are roomy and commodious, but 
 proving too large for the business which was transacted within them, the south 
 end was converted, in the year 1825, to the purposes of a corn exchange. This 
 measure has been found of great advantage to the town ; and is an accommodation 
 to the corn merchants and agriculturists, who are thus provided with suitable con- 
 veniences which enable them to transact their business in any extremity of the 
 weather. The fish shambles is a commodious building, devoted exclusively to the 
 sale of the finny tribe, and is situated at the north end of the shambles.** 
 
 The market commences at mid-day by the signal of a small bell, which is rung^ 
 by the deputy market keeper. Its principal staple is corn ; but other articles 
 which constitute the weekly consumption of the town are exposed for sale in great 
 abundance. On the east side of the Market-place are the Butter-dings,*^ where 
 the produce of the dairy is placed. A profusion of fruit, vegetables, farm-yard and 
 other produce, &c. is arranged methodically on such a plan as affords free access 
 to the purchasers ; and the carriers' carts are placed together on one side of the 
 Market-place.^° The market is tolerably well supplied with fish, principally from 
 the sea. Cod, haddock, ling, scate, turbot, crabs, lobsters, herrings, eels, smelts 
 and shrimps, are the principal varieties; and fresh water fish are but seldom 
 to be had. The quantity of corn transferred at Beverley market is usually pro- 
 digious, standing as the town does, in the midst of an extensive corn country, 
 and possessing facilities for communication with every part of the kingdom ; but 
 during the stagnation of trade in this article consequent on the present state of 
 
 the market with articles of general consumption. At this period wool was produced for sale in 
 packs, which sometimes were floated, and occasionally carried away by the rapidity of the current. 
 At the bottom end of the Market-place was a deep ditch, which extended almost across it from 
 east to west. On the south stood the pillory, and near it a public-house, in front of which was 
 a handsome row of trees. 
 
 *» A small passage near the fish Shambles was formerly denominated Burdet-midding-lane, 
 and under that appellation it is frequently referred to in the inquisition already referred to about 
 Saint Mary's property. 
 
 •'® This situation was anciently called Byseopdynges, and was originally granted to the burgesses 
 by William Wykham, archbishop of York. Corp. Rec. 1279. 8 B. It is mentioned in a com- 
 potus of the twelve governors, dated 1437, a copy of which is in my possession, as chargeable 
 with an annual rent. 
 
 ^° The numerous carriers who attend this market are a great convenience to the town, and 
 olfer facilities for an extended communication with every part of this and the adjoining counties. 
 The number of common carriers who attend weekly is about fifty, besides four regular carriers 
 to Hull and York. They arrive at Beverley every Saturday in time for the market, and depart 
 at 3 o'clock in the afternoon in winter, and 4 o'clock in summer. 
 
293 
 
 feeling which agitates the political world on that great question, the sales have 
 been considerably reduced. On the 20th day of March, 1827, the quantities sold 
 and average prices were as follows, according to the statute measure. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Wheat 1111 quarters, average price 2 17 3 
 
 Oats.... 120 quarters 1 10 7 
 
 Barley 52 quarters 2 2 3 
 
 Beans 66 quarters 2 13 5 
 
 The tolls demanded by the corporation are as follows : — 
 
 For every waggon or cart entering the market, four-pence ; — for every led horse, 
 a penny ; — for every beast, a halfpenny ; — for every score of sheep, twopence ; — 
 for every pig, a farthing ; — for every stall or stand, a halfpenny ; — and for every 
 bushel of corn brought into the market for sale, one pint. At markets and fairs 
 the following tolls are paid by the purchaser ; for every horse, three-pence ; — for 
 every beast, a penny ; — for every pig, at fairs, a penny ; and at market, a half- 
 penny ; — for every score of sheep, four-pence ; and for every stall or stand, a penny. 
 At the east end of the Market-place^' is the ancient street called Lady-gate,*'^ 
 which extends from the southern extremity of the butchers* shambles to Hen- 
 gate,^^ crossing the south west end of Silvester-lane at right angles. Having 
 passed through the Market-place, and observed every thing worthy of notice, we 
 enter the Toll-Gavel or toll ground, where formerly was a stump cross, against 
 which tolls were taken, and butter, eggs, and poultry were exposed for sale. In 
 this street is situated the 
 
 POST-OFFICE, 
 
 which is conducted by Mr. John Gardham, the post-master. The letters from 
 London arrive at half after five in the evening, and the mail takes the return 
 letters at half after five in the morning. The mails from York arrive at eleven in 
 
 6' In the month of April, 1826, some excavations being made under the floor of Mr. W. 
 Stephenson's shop in the Market-place, six Rose nobles, and a gold coin of Edw. III. were dis- 
 covered in good preservation. They are still in his possession. 
 
 «2 Lady-gate is mentioned in 1592, in the Register of the Provostry, 1. 3. p. 16 b. "Reg"? &c. 
 cone' Ed'ro Downinge et Rogero Raut. claus' past' jac' in BevT, tenemt in Lady-gate, &c."' 
 
 ^3 In Hen-gate, near the end of Lady-gate, was Stapleapple-garth, mentioned in the same 
 register as belonging to the family of Copandales. Rental' p'positur' &c, Hengate. De Thorn' 
 Copindayle pro un ten'to jux* Stapillapplegarth &c. lb. 1. 2. p. ^6 b, 
 
294 
 
 the morning and eleven in the evening, and are despatched in return at half after 
 one and half after four in the afternoon. From Hull there are also two daily 
 mails; one arrives at half after one in the afternoon, and leaves at eleven in the 
 morning; the other arrives at half after five in the evening, and departs at half 
 after five in the morning." In this street is a room used as a place of worship by 
 the Sandemanians, and the Irish Church Methodists. The number of members 
 in both is small. They each however, contrive to maintain one preacher, Mr. 
 William Skinn; and Mr. M^Conckie. 
 
 Near this spot was an ancient lane called Friar-garth.®^ We now enter a spacious 
 court called Register-square, where is situated the 
 
 GUILD-HALL, 
 
 in which the meetings of the corporation are held.®^ A court of record is also held 
 in these chambers every Monday by charter, for the trial of civil causes; as are 
 also the general quarter sessions of the peace for the town and liberties, at the 
 
 ^* Regular accommodations are famished to the inhabitants of this town for an expeditious 
 correspondence with any part of England; for, added to the London, York, and Hull mails, 
 there are no less than nine coaches continually running from Beverley to Hull and Scarborough, 
 whence the communication with any part of the United Kingdom is direct and uninterrupted. 
 
 TABLE OF MAILS. 
 
 PLACES. 
 
 HOUR OF DEPARTURE. 
 
 HOUR OF ARRIVAL. 
 
 First mail to York, Weighton, Pock- } 
 lington, and Boroughbridge. ... 3 
 
 Second mail to ditto ditto 
 
 First mail to Hull 
 
 i after 1, P. M. 
 
 J after 4, P. M. 
 
 11, A.M. 
 
 i after 5, A. M. 
 
 1 after 5, P. M. 
 
 11, A.M. 
 
 11, P.M. 
 
 i after 1, P. M. 
 
 1 after 5, P.M. 
 
 4, A. M. 
 
 Second mail to Hull and London . . 
 
 Mail to Bridlington, Scarborough,^ 
 Whitby, Malton, Driffield, and^ 
 Sledmere S 
 
 
 ^ Amongst the Warburton MSS. in the British Museum, Lansd. Coll. 896. VIII. fo. 76, is a 
 copy of a licence, empowering Richard Fairclough to alter a way in Friar-Garth. 
 
 ^« The ancient Guild-hall was a spacious building, open from end to end like a barn, and built 
 with broad and thin bricks, without any ornament, except the archbishop's distinguishing symbol, 
 the Cross-Keys, over the door. Here all the corporate meetings were held. 
 
295 
 
 usual quarterly periods; and a court-leet and baron, and sheriff^s tourne." A 
 court of requests is held here monthly, for the recovery of debts not exceeding five 
 pounds. In this court-yard is also situated the office for registering wills and 
 deeds within this division of the county, which was established in the year 1708;^* 
 and Beverley is the only borough in the kingdom which enjoys this privilege. 
 H. W. Maister, esquire, registrar; Mr. A. Atkinson, deputy. 
 
 Travelling still towards the east we pass through Butcher-row, which will lead 
 to the 
 
 TRINITIES, 
 
 where formerly stood a preceptory, or more properly, a commandery of knights of 
 the order of Saint John of Jerusalem, dedicated to the Holy Trinity .^^ The pro- 
 perty belonging to this institution in Beverley, consisting of the inner and outer 
 Trinities, the former of which is inclosed by an ancient moat, was granted at the 
 dissolution to William Barkeley ; and after passing through a few hands it became 
 vested in the corporation of Beverley so early as the reign of Queen Elizabeth.^" 
 
 ^' Warburton. MSS. Vid. infra, cap. iv. for an account of these courts. ^® Stat. 6 Anne. c. 35. 
 
 ^^ Sybilla de Valonlis, A. D. 1201, gave to the knights-hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem, 
 the manor of the Holy Trinity, on the east side of this town, with many tenements, and the manor 
 of North-Burton, &c. whereupon a preceptory of that order was established at Beverley ; which 
 had lands belonging to it, 26 Hen. VIII. valued at £164. 10s. Od. according to Dugdale; £167. 
 10s. Od. according to Speed; £211. 10s. 7d. according to Le Neve's MS. Valor. The site was 
 granted to William Berkeley, 36 Hen. VIII. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 2. 
 
 ^° The documents in my possession which illustrate the transfer of this property, are in number 
 twelve, and to the following purport. 
 
 1. A patent from king Henry VIII. assigning to William Barkeley the house, site, and property 
 
 of the preceptory of the Holy Trinity in Beverley, lately belonging to the knights of the 
 order of Saint John of Jerusalem in England; to hold the same in capite, by the service of 
 one twentieth part of a knight's fee. 36 Hen. VIII. Ex. Reg. Prsepos. Bev. 1. 3. p. 21 a. 
 
 2. A licence from the crown, empowering William Barkeley to alienate the site and house of the 
 
 Holy Trinity, and a close called Ashgarth, to Robert Heneage and his heirs. 36 Hen. VIII. 
 pt« 2° Ibid. I. 4. p. 9. 
 The deed from Heneage to Constable, as a connecting link, is wanting. 
 
 3. A licence authorizing dame Jane Constable to alienate the house and site of the preceptory at 
 
 Beverley, to her son Ralph Constable and his heirs. 5 Edw. VI. p*5 secunda. Ibid. I. 4. 
 p. 93. a. 
 
 4. A licence of alienation from the crown, to Ralph Constable, of Burton-Constable, esquire, to 
 
 assign the house and site to William Pudsey. 2 Eliz. pte quint. Ibid. 1. 4. p. 94. a. 
 
 5. Another licence to the same person, empowering him to dispose of his pomarium called the 
 
 Great Orchard, belonging to the late preceptory of Saint John, to Robert Clerke and John 
 Simpson. 3 Eliz. p'te decimo tert. Ibid. I. 4. p. 94. b. 
 
 6. Another royal licence, authorizing the same person to sell to William Payler the site of the, 
 
 manor or preceptory. 1 8 Eliz. Corp. Ilec. 20 F. 
 
296 ' 
 
 A lazaretto, or pest-house, was erected here during the plague of 1610, as a place 
 of refuge for the sick ; and the bodies of the dead were interred under tumuli of an 
 enormous size, on the west side of the moat, called the outer Trinities. During the 
 operation of digging and trenching the ground a few years ago, for the purpose of 
 forming a nursery, many antiquities were discovered, from amongst which a few 
 have been selected, that were considered of sufficient importance to merit an en- 
 graved illustration. These consist of some antique spurs,^' which were worn by 
 the knights of this establishment ; a leaden sigillum^'^ which had been appended to 
 a papal bull ; and an image of the virgin.^* Several interments in single graves 
 were discovered at the same time, and a stone sarcophagus, without any peculiarity 
 of construction ; all at a very considerable depth from the surface. The innery and 
 a considerable portion of the outer Trinities, at present comprise a part of the 
 extensive gardens and nurseries of Messrs. George and William Tindall, which, 
 with the adjoining grounds, form an amusing promenade to the respectable inha- 
 bitants of the town, who are privileged to walk there by special permission. The 
 magnitude of these nurseries, as far as concerns spade cultivation, is perhaps not 
 exceeded by any in the kingdom -, and for neatness, management, and produce, 
 cannot easily be surpassed. The varied and uninterrupted views of that solemn 
 yet splendid edifice, the minster, form a very distinguishing feature in every part 
 
 7. A licence to Robert Gierke and John Simpson, empowering them to sell the Great Orchard, 
 
 and a piece of arable and pasture land called Ashgarth, lately belonging to the preceptory 
 of the Holy Trinity. 21 Eliz. Corp. Rec. 20 K. 
 
 8. A licence to William Payler, the recorder of Beverley, to alienate to Peter Harpham, mayor, 
 
 and the twelve governors by name, the site of the manor or preceptory, with a messuage 
 within the moat ; and also the Great Orchard and Ashgarth close. 26 Eliz. 1 Sept. Ex. 
 Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 4. p. 33 b. Corp. Rec. 20 M. 
 
 9. A deed of bargain and sale of the above property, from William Payler to Peter Harpham, 
 
 mayor, and the governors and burgesses of Beverley. 27 Eliz. 5th May. Corp. Rec. 20 N. 
 
 1 0. A chirograph of a fine levied between William Payler and the mayor and governors of the 
 town of Beverley, of a messuage, garden and orchard, and five acres of meadow and five of 
 pasture, as above conveyed. 29 Eliz. Corp. Rec. 20 P. 
 
 1 1 . A licence from queen Elizabeth, authorizing Ralph Freeman and others, to assign over all 
 the above property to Robert Grey, the then mayor, and others, the governors and burgesses 
 of Beverley. 44 Eliz. 1 Mar. Ex. Reg. Prsepos. Bev. 1. 4. p. 33. Corp. Rec. 20 R. 
 
 12. A licence to Hugh Carr and others, enabling them to alienate to Robert and John Robinson, 
 
 a close of meadow or pasture, called Great Trinity Close, containing ten acres. 44 Eliz. 
 Ibid. 1. 4. p. 33. 
 '' Vid. Fig. 1, 2, 3. From the peculiarities exhibited in the shape and construction of 
 these spurs, and the diflTerence in their form and size, they may be safely ascribed either to 
 various eras, or to the different ranks of the knights who inhabited this mansion. 
 " Vid. page 4. Fig. 5. '^ Vid. page 4. Fig. 4. 
 
291 
 
 of these grounds ; and contribute, in no slight degree, to the attraction and enjoy- 
 ment of the visitors/* ♦ 
 
 This part of the lordship was called, before the Conquest, the manor of Rydinges, 
 and was assigned by Saint John to the church." It retained the same name in 
 the fourteenth century ,^^ and at present is denominated " The Riding Fields."" 
 
 Still further to the east is Grove-hill, anciently called Grovall" or Groveale," 
 which is reputed to have been the landing place of the Romans, when they forced 
 their vessels up the river Hull to penetrate into this part of the province of Deira.®** 
 A chantry was formerly in existence here, and the chaplain had a house and six 
 acres of meadow land in Stork field.*' Subsequently a water-mill was erected here 
 at a place called Mylne Beck, which belonged to the provost of Beverley f'^ and 
 at present the colour manufactory of Mr. Tigar stands at Grove-hill, which is 
 worked by a powerful steam engine. 
 
 ''^ On a part of these extensive and beautiful gardens stood the mansion of sir Charles Hotham, 
 bart. erected about the middle of the last century. The following anecdote is related of the 
 baronet, during his residence here. An itinerant preacher was holding forth in front of the house, 
 and sir Charles being observed to throw up the sash and listen attentively to his discourse, was 
 severely rebuked by an impudent fellow amongst the mob, who asked him how he could bear to 
 listen to a man who turned his back, as the preacher did, of such a magnificent church as that ? 
 pointing to the minster. Sir Charles made no answer, but closed the window and retired. The 
 house was subsequently sold to Thomas Wrightson, raiF-merchant, who took it down and sold 
 the materials. 
 
 « Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 100. '^ Ex. Reg. Prapos. Bev. temp. Hen. IV. 1. 1. p. 2Q. 
 
 ''^ Near this place is the site of two ancient mills, mentioned 38 Edw. III. one belonging to 
 the knights of Saint John, and the other to Walter Frost. Ibid. 1. 2. p. 57. a. Several ancient 
 streets and places in this neighbourhood are wholly lost and buried amidst the rubbish of time. 
 Pottergate, Palmer Croft, Ferry Croft, and others are named in the following record, the sites of 
 which no person is at this time able to point out with absolute and unerring certainty. De her' 
 Willi' Froste pro uno Crofto voc' Palmer Crofte cu un molend' quond' Avicie Froste antea 
 Walter Palmer jux^ Ridings de Rob'to Tirwhitt pro quatuor selion' terr' modo prat' jacen' sup' 
 orient de PoWgaite usq ; Fossat man' de Grovill que aliquando fuit Ric'i de Wrangill postea 
 Roger de Faucobridge de prior de Wartre sive magistr domus Set Egidij pro prat' voc' St. Gilnige 
 p'tin dom' S'ci Egidij. — De magistro frater domus S'ci Nich'i pro Scit' diet' hospital' iij'^ r' Mart' 
 de Pentec' pro un crofto voc' Ferry Crofte ad fine orient Gardin' domus S'ci Trinitafs et jacet int' 
 via qu'itur de diet' hospit' Sanct' Trinitats' usque Grovall de p'te austral' et un croft' diet' p'posit' 
 p'tin' man'io Ss de Ridings de her' mag'r Spike pro no' dom ex opporto dom' Ss de fratribz predi- 
 catoribz pro uno ten'to ten'de dno. Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 2. p. 57. a. 
 
 ■8 Ex. Reg. Prsep. Bev. 1. J. p. 26. " Ibid. p. 28. 
 
 *o As a confirmation of this tradition, some Roman coins and other antiquities have, at different 
 times, been dug up at this place. 
 
 8» Reg. Prsep. I. 2. p. 57. a. ^^ ibid. 1. 1. p. 49. 
 
 2p 
 
298 
 
 Returning to the Wednesday Market/^ we find a small cross, which was erected 
 at the expense of Henry Jarratt, esquire, great uncle to the present mayor of Hull. 
 And here also is the 
 
 RANTERS' MEETING-HOUSE, 
 
 which was built in the year 1825, at an expense of £700. The names of the 
 present preachers are Mr. J. Nelson, Mr Cornforth, and Mr. Smith, and the society 
 contains about 56 members. Proceeding through High-gate,^* we again find our- 
 selves in the front of the minster church ; and turning towards the west we pass 
 through Minster-Moorgate,** which is the very seat of charity, the fairest attribute of 
 heaven, and contains no less than five beneficent foundations. First we encounter the 
 
 WORK-HOUSE, 
 
 which is situated on the south side of the street. In former times, the poor, the 
 maimed, the halt, and the blind, had no settled means of subsistence; and were 
 
 8' A branch of the family of Ellerker resided in Wednesday Market ; uno messuag' vocat 
 Ellerker's house situat' in vel p'pe le Wednesday m'kett. Ibid. 1. 2. p. 9J. 
 
 ** This was formerly called Londoners' street, because here the London merchants exposed 
 their goods for sale at the annual fairs. 
 
 8* Moorgate, probably from the alluvion of moor earth on which the street was erected. Vid. 
 Nicholson's Journal, vol. iii. p. 285. Only a very few years ago, a hedge fence was found firmly 
 fixed in the moor earth at the depth of six feet from the present surface, and may have been hid in 
 this place even from Saxon times, for these early possessors of the soil separated their estates by 
 hedge fences and ditches; Wilk. Leg. Angl. Sax. p. 4. ; and there is good reason to believe that 
 this part of the town was inhabited before the Norman Conquest. This street was called a venella, 
 so early as the reign of Edward II. Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. I. p. 26; as was also that part of 
 Lair-gate which adjoins the west end of it, as appears from the following record. Rentale Bever- 
 laci, 1 Hen. IV. De capella'n Cant' S'ce Katherine provid' placea cu p'tin in Minster Mooregaite 
 in longitudine a com'un' via usq; ad com'un' gutter' ville et in latitudine com'un' venelle (Lair- 
 gate) que it' a pred' via usque Eccl'ia S'ci Egidij ex p'te una et terr' Joh'es de Luda de p'te altera 
 ut patet in quad' Charta Lawrence' de Clifford. Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 2. p. 56. b. In still 
 earlier times the street now called Minster-Moorgate extending from Lair-gate to the minster, 
 appears to have been known under three distinct appellations. That part adjoining the minster 
 was alone distinguished by its present name. The remaining part of the street was a venella ; 
 the centre had the appellation of Fishmarket Moorgate, and the end adjoining Lair-gate that of 
 Market-Moorgate. Thus 55 Hen. III. Roger de Northumberland and Elias Caretter were ap- 
 pointed constables for Minster-Moorgate and Fishmarket Moorgate. Ex. Reg. ut supra. 1. 1. 
 p. 34. And in the Provost's Rental, made in the early part of the ensuing century, we find both 
 tenements and gardens brought into charge in Market-Moorgate, near Lair-gate. Ibid. 1. 2. 
 p. 56. b. Three contiguous streets are called venella> in the old rentals and registers, Moorgate, 
 Lair-gate, and Ringadd Lane, the latter of which is described as a "venella voc' Ringaddlane de 
 priorat' de Warter; Ibid. 1. 2. p. 56. b. and was doubtless the same as that already mentioned in 
 this note as leading from Lair-gate to the hospital of Saint Giles. 
 
299 
 
 accordingly compelled to the only alternative of perishing for want, or soliciting 
 the aid of their more opulent fellow Christians. The halls of the nobility were 
 indeed seats of hospitality, but they were thinly strewed throughout the land ; and 
 the monasteries were the only certain source where indigence could be supplied 
 with the necessaries of life. When this fountain of benevolence was closed by the 
 dissolution, the poor were thrown on their own energies for support, and if their 
 solicitations were ineffectual to supply the calls of nature ; in the frenzy of disap- 
 pointment they took with a violent hand those gifts which they could easily persuade 
 themselves, were unjustly withheld. Hence robberies became so frequent that 
 during the latter part of Henry the Eighth's reign, it is said that nearly a hundred 
 thousand executions took place.^^ The loud and unceasing complaints of the 
 suffering community at length reached the ears of the legislature ; and in the reign 
 of Elizabeth, the outline of those laws was framed by which every parish is bound 
 to provide for its own poor. The strong and healthy beggar was thus compelled 
 to maintain himself by labour ; and those, who from infirmity or any other cause, 
 did not possess powers for active employment were consigned to the care of their 
 respective parishes, and overseers were appointed to discriminate between the idle 
 and the infirm. The erection of appropriate buildings for the retreat of age and 
 wretchedness followed, and in the year 1725, the inhabitants of Beverley, having 
 become sensible of the great benefit of these institutions, came to the resolution, 
 pursuant to the powers of an act of parliament, to build a house which might be 
 capable of receiving their poor; and at a general meeting of the whole town, held 
 in the Guild-hall, 24 April, 1726, a series of resolutions was agreed upon, and a 
 house was built capable of containing a hundred persons, which was opened at 
 midsummer 1727 ; notice having been given to the poor that the weekly allowances 
 would cease at that period, and that such as were unable to maintain themselves 
 and families, must apply to the governors of the workhouse, to be by them pro- 
 vided for.*^ 
 
 *^ Harrison. Descr. of Brit. b. ii. c. I 1. 
 
 " This measure does not appear to have been popular amongst the poor ; but it produced the 
 very beneficial effect of distinguishing the real from pretended objects of charity. Before the 
 house was opened, 1 1 6 paupers received parochial relief, and the number that entered it at first, 
 was only eight persons, and never exceeded twenty-six during the whole of the succeeding winter, 
 though all kinds of provisions were excessively dear, and the season very sickly ; and the extraor- 
 dinary expenses of the parishes, such as payments to bed-rid persons, sick families, and other 
 occasional demands of that nature, did not exceed twelve or thirteen shillings a week at any time, 
 
 2 P 2 
 
300 
 
 The governor of the work-house containing" the poor of the united parishes of 
 Saint Martin and Saint John, has with the paupers, an allowance of eighteen- 
 pence a head per week for their sustenance, and a salary of thirty pounds a year 
 for his own time and labour ; and the governor of the work-house of Saint Mary 
 and Saint Nicholas receives half a crown a week with each pauper. The inmates 
 of both these houses are constantly employed in works of industry adapted to their 
 age, strength, and capacity; the children attend the national school till they attain 
 the age of ten years, and are afterwards employed in labour, with the exception 
 of two hours a day, which are regularly devoted to their instruction. They are 
 then apprenticed to useful trades. The lazy and vicious are punished by confine- 
 ment, or alteration of diet; and if this prove ineffectual, the interference of a 
 magistrate will inflict a heavier punishment. The industrious, but unfortunate 
 poor, on the contrary, are accommodated with the best apartments and superior 
 attention. Thus good order and regularity are encouraged, and the establishments 
 are kept in an uniform system of decency and subordination. Added to this, 
 religious instruction is dispensed amongst the paupers with steady effect; prayers 
 are read morning and evening by the governors, and the paupers are taken every 
 Sunday to their respective parish churches. In a word, the general regulations 
 are exceedingly judicious ; and the conduct of these establishments is highly credit- 
 able to the town. On the other side of the way is 
 
 FOX'S HOSPITAL. 
 
 This benevolent foundation was established in the year 1636, by Mr. Thwaits Fox, 
 an alderman of Beverley. He gave this house and the appurtenances, by deed of 
 feoffment, together with a rent charge of ten pounds a year, arising out of lands 
 in Arnold and Coniston in the county of York, to certain trustees, towards pro- 
 viding an asylum for four destitute, aged widows, who should be natives of 
 Beverley, and have been resident in the town with an unblemished reputation for 
 twenty years prior to the time of their appointment to the benefit of the charity ; 
 and have actually received a weekly allowance from the parish for, at least, the two 
 preceding years. The widows thus qualified and appointed were to enjoy the 
 
 and frequently amounted to no more than six or seven ; while it was thought, that if the house 
 had not been opened the overseers would not have had less than 200 paupers on their hands; and 
 in all probability the rates must, in that particular year, have doubled their usual amount. Vid. 
 An Account of Workhouses ; pub. by Downing, 1732. 2 Edit. p. 1 65. 
 
301 . 
 
 privilege for life, except they should forfeit it by being convicted of drunkenness, 
 scolding, felony, or any other notorious offence ; in vt^hich case it is directed that 
 expulsion shall immediately ensue, and a successor be elected within six days of 
 such example. The present trustees are William Beverley, and T. Duesbery, 
 esquires. The widows receive four shillings a week each, with a new gown every 
 two years, and an annual allowance of coals. The next house of charity we arrive 
 at, is 
 
 CHARLES WARTON'S HOSPITAL. 
 
 The funds of this establishment arise out of lands at Killingraves Grange. It was 
 also instituted for the comfort of poor widows in their declining years ; and is at 
 present under the judicious management of the Rev. C. Constable, Rev. John 
 Gilby, Rev. Joseph C oilman, H. W. Hutton, esquire, and the Rev. W. R. Gilby, 
 and the number has been increased to fourteen, who receive a weekly stipend of 
 five shillings each, an annual supply of coals, a gown and petticoat, and five 
 shillings instead of a pair of stays. The widows are appointed to the benefit of this 
 charity by the trustees at a general meeting. The annual income amounts to 
 about £350. which enables the trustees ta extend the limits of their charity by 
 placing out every year several poor boys apprentice, with each of whom they give 
 a premium of £4. which is paid to the respective masters by two instalments.'* 
 Adjoining this institution stands 
 
 SIR MICHAEL WARTON'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 which is under the able direction of the archbishop of York, and the mayor and 
 recorder of Beverley. Within its walls are accommodations for the reception of 
 six poor widows, who are each allowed three shillings a week, with an annual 
 gown, and a supply of coals. In this street is situated 
 
 GRAVES'S FREE SCHOOL, 
 
 an establishment founded originally by the Rev. James Graves, who bequeathed 
 in the year 1807, £2,400. in the 5 per cents, for the support of schools in the 
 parish of Saint Martin. A temporary room was for a short time used under the 
 
 ** The MS. which lies before me closes its notice of this establishment with the following 
 remark on the conduct of the trustees, which I have much pleasure in transcribing. " The re- 
 spectable trustees of this charity deserve well of the public for their unwearied attention to the 
 management of its funds, and their continued exertions for the general improvement of the 
 charity." 
 
302 
 
 provisions of this will; but great inconveniences having arisen from a want of 
 accommodation, the old theatre was purchased in 1814, and fitted up as a school 
 room for the purposes of this charity ; but the school was subsequently removed to 
 Minster-Moorgate for boys, and to the minster-yard for girls. At the present time 
 a hundred boys, and the same number of girls, receive gratuitous instruction daily, 
 and enjoy the full benefit of the donor's munificent bequest. The annual income 
 arising from the investment, is now about £120. 
 
 Returning to the Wednesday Market, we now pass through Butcher-row into 
 Walker-gate,*^ where we meet with the 
 
 WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL, 
 
 which was erected for the purpose of religious worship in 1825, at an expense of 
 £1,270. It is calculated to contain 700 persons. The number of members, how- 
 ever, at present, amounts only to 182. Messrs. Hutton and Parker are the 
 preachers. In the same street is the 
 
 BAPTIST CHAPEL. 
 
 This is a commodious building, erected in 1808, and cost £600. The present 
 minister is Mr. J. Charlton, and the number of members about 70.^° At the corner 
 of Dog-and-Duck lane in this street stands 
 
 TYMPERON'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 an establishment for the support of poor persons, founded under the will of Mr. 
 
 *^ This street is mentioned in an ordinance made by the governors of Beverley in 1 560, which 
 provides that "vrhereas the sessers of Walker gaite and Thengaite have sundrie tymes sessed and 
 taxed one close in old Newbigginge, and once a stable door openynge of Bowbrigge layne, both 
 in the occupation of John Harrison, common clerke, therefore we Matthew Garbrey, Richard 
 Fews, Richard Greenhop, Richard Bell, Thomas Stettrington, Edward Stoute, John Adamson, 
 Adam Spence, Robert Farer, Thomas Green, and Robert Holmes, the governors and keepers of 
 this town of Beverley ,this Xth day of November, in the yere of our Lord 1560, after trew know- 
 ledge had and perceived in the premises, do by these presents cleverlye acqwyte, exonerate and 
 discharge the said John and his successors and assignes, for ever, from paying any manner of tax 
 or other demands for the sayde close and stable dore or any or either of them to and with the 
 sayde wardes of Walkergaite and Hengaite at any time hereafter, and moreover we the said 
 governors doo discharge all other grounds within Old Newbigginge from paying of any maner of 
 taxes to or with the sayde wardes of Walkergaite and Hengaite at any time hereafter." Lansd. 
 MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 169. 
 
 9° Near the end of Walker-gate was anciently situated the Cross Bridge, on which John de 
 Ake built and endowed a chapel or chantry, and dedicated it to the Holy Trinity. Warb. MSS. 
 B. Mus. Lansd. Coll. ut supra, fo. 140. 
 
303 
 
 William Tymperon of Beverley, which was proved 12th March, 1729. The 
 income by which this institution is maintained arises out of estates in the parish of 
 Aldborough, in Holderness, and amounts to about £250. a year. The ministers of 
 Saint John and Saint Mary, in Beverley, and the minister of Aldborough, are the 
 trustees. The hospital was endowed for the benefit of six poor persons of either 
 sex ; two of whom were originally chosen from the parish of Aldborough, two from 
 the parish of Saint Mary, and two from that of Saint John ; but by an order of 
 the court of chancery, the benefit of the charity has been extended to four ad- 
 ditional objects ; hence there are at present ten poor persons who receive six shil- 
 lings a week each, with coals, and a certain quantity of clothing. Seven of them 
 reside in the hospital, at Beverley, and three in a house built for their accommoda- 
 tion at Aldborough. Five are appointed by the vicar of Saint Mary ; three by the 
 vicar of Aldborough ; and two by the curate of the minster. The only qualification is 
 that they be poor persons residing in his parish who has the privilege of appointing. 
 The inhabitants of Beverley enjoy the advantage of three extensive common 
 pastures, containing together nearly 1200 acres; Westwood,®' including the Hurn; 
 Figham, including a place called Lund; and Swinemoor.^^ They had formerly 
 the privilege of stocking another pasture called the Hag, which lay contiguous to 
 Westwood and Queengate, but it has long been inclosed, and the right of the 
 burgesses compensated for by a grant of some land which lies " ridge and furi'ow'* 
 upon Westwood-low-Green. Westwood was formerly part of the domain of the 
 archbishop of York, who held with it an estate in Bishop-Burton, called Killing- 
 woldgraves. The common of Westwood is therefore stocked jointly by the free 
 burgesses of Beverley, and by the tenants of Killingwoldgraves. In Figham, 
 none but free burgesses have a right to graze their cattle ; but in Swinemoor cer- 
 tain copyhold tenants of Beverley Water-Towns enjoy the privilege of stocking to 
 a prescribed extent, in common with the burgesses of Beverley .^^ 
 
 ^1 Leland mentions the pretty rivulet which ran through Westwood. Habent etiam ad volup- 
 tatem tenuera rivulum ex Westwodde defluentem. Lei. Collect, vol. iii. p. 34. 
 
 ^2 In Swinemoor is a kind of spa, which was formerly reputed " to be a great dryer," as Camden's 
 annotator expresses it, « if taken inwardly, and washed in, dries scorbutic scurf and all sorts of 
 scabs; and also very much helps the king's evil." Gibson. Camd. Col. 744. Mr. Warburton says, 
 that it is impregnated with steel ; and to increase its virtues was dedicated to Saint John of Beverley. 
 Lansd. MSS. 896. VIII. fo. 217 ; and Mr. Bursell adds with Camden, "that it is a spa three yards 
 wide, and if taken inwardly is a great dryer, &c. though it cannot be judged by its taste whether 
 it contains any mineral or not." Ibid. fo. 274. At present it has no celebrity for any such virtues ; 
 and is used only as a bath, possessing the property of extreme coldness. 
 
 ^' From an unanswered case amongst the Corporation Records.. 
 
304 
 
 Having" thus completed a minute perambulation of the town, our reflections will 
 naturally be directed to its moral, civil, and relig-ious construction. Here we find 
 a competent provision, not merely for personal protection, but for the absolute 
 comfort and enjoyment of every rank into which society is divided and sub-divided 
 by general courtesy or individual pride. First, two spacious edifices dedicated to 
 the worship of the Creator stand pre-eminently conspicuous; in one of which the 
 services of religion are daily performed ; and in both, the practice of pure and 
 fervent devotion elevates the soul to celestial contemplations. But tolerant in all 
 its views, an attendance on the national worship is not coercively enforced by the 
 established church, and every individual is left to the exercise of his own discretion, 
 whether he will conform, or whether he will dissent. Hence we find in Beverley 
 several structures, devoted exclusively to religious purposes, which are not in 
 alliance with the establishment, each adapted to the strength and character of its 
 own particular system of faith and practice. Next, the civil welfare of the inhabi- 
 tants is strictly guarded by the existence of halls of justice, prisons, and a resident 
 magistracy, armed with authority to punish the idle and dishonest members of the 
 community, to reward the industrious, and to protect the innocent and unwary 
 against the effects of violence, fraud or oppression. Establishments for the in- 
 struction of youth of every class exist here in full perfection. The sons of the more 
 opulent and respectable inhabitants are prepared at the grammar school for the 
 honours of our learned universities ; and at the national and other charity schools 
 the children of humbler parents are instructed in those duties so necessary for their 
 station in life ; honesty, sobriety, industry, and the fear of God. The grades of 
 society are accurately defined, and each rank enjoys its own peculiar amusements 
 and pursuits, without being subject to interruption from any other class ; and while 
 the wealthy members of the community indulge in gratifications which are inspired 
 by a refined taste and enlightened judgment, the poor and indigent are liberally 
 supplied with every comfort which their situation in life demands, from the muni- 
 ficent bequests and noble institutions with which the town abounds ; and public as 
 well as domestic happiness is distributed with an equal hand, each individual en- 
 joying the quantum which his situation in life, whether humble or exalted, most 
 particularly requires. On the whole, Beverley exhibits no inconsiderable specimen 
 of a well-governed, independent, and improving provincial town» 
 
80^ 
 
 (S^tap* ^1^* 
 
 PERAMBULATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE MINSTER. 
 
 Superiority of style and decoration — Site — Materials — Dimensions — East end — 
 North porch — -West front — South transepts — Galilee — Sanctuary — General 
 view of the interior — West door — Nave — Aisles — Sisters' tomb — Font — Contrast 
 between the east and west windows — Transept — Tomb of George Percy, 
 clerk — Ancient tomb and altar — Organ screen — Choir — East window — Stalls 
 — Tabernacle work — Pulpit — Altar screen — Percy shrine — Colonnade — Lady- 
 chapel — Hatchments — Reading desk — Vestry -^ — Frwstol — Percy chapel — 
 Armorial bearings — Refections. 
 
 The minster at Beverley has been classed by many of our most learned and 
 indefatigable architects and antiquaries in no inferior rank amongst those stu- 
 pendous edifices' which have been devoted, by the pious munificence of our 
 
 ' Drayton, in his Poly-Olbion, (song 28) calls it " a gorgeous fane," and makes the imperso- 
 nated East-riding thus express herself: — 
 
 " Beverley whose beauties so delight 
 
 The fair enamour'd flood, (river Hull) as ravish'd with the sight. 
 
 That she could ever stay, that gorgeous fane (^the minster) to view." &c. 
 
 2 a 
 
306 
 
 forefathers, to the sacred purposes of religion. A middle station has not unaptly 
 been assigned to it, between the chaste proportions and feminine splendour 
 of Lincoln cathedral; and the massive grandeur, and masculine firmness and 
 dignity of that at York. Intrinsically beautiful however, from its delicate simpli- 
 city of design, and masterly display of architectural decoration, Beverley minster 
 will not suffer by any comparison, whether considered in the excellency of its 
 parts, or the uniform harmony of the whole. Mr. Britton, an acute observer, and 
 a competent judge, pronounces it " a most stately and complete structure, worthy 
 to be a cathedral, and ranking amongst the finest of that class." ^ And another 
 eminent architect, while speaking of its detached parts, says, that some of them are 
 nnequalled.^ 
 
 Extended as this lofty edifice appears, with an expanse of wall capable of sup- 
 porting the immense mass of building which is placed upon it ; the grand and 
 capacious design has been contrived and executed with such a display of superior 
 science, that its appearance exhibits an elegant picture of lightness, united with 
 unyielding firmness and imperishable durability. Nor is it destitute of appropriate 
 decorations ; though it must be confessed, that its ornaments have been scattered 
 with a more sparing hand than is usual in buildings of the same class. In this 
 respect, it is in perfect accordance with the purest style of the several ages in 
 which it was erected. The whole of its component parts, relatively considered, 
 exhibit a pleasing specimen of that wonderful art and contrivance by which 
 Christian architects have manifested their great practical knowledge of geometry, 
 in a style of building apparently fantastic, amusing the imagination of the spectator 
 by its singular decorations, while the constituent parts are disposed to such ad- 
 vantage, as to form one beautiful, dignified, and harmonious whole. If we trace 
 the variety of this singular application of geometrical properties throughout the 
 complicated operations of this majestic edifice, the union of strength and beauty 
 will be found complete. An ample base is first marked out, to secure the per- 
 manent stability of the fabric; and instead of a line of dead wall, massive and 
 unsightly, all the'^parts of its elevation are subdivided into light branches and 
 abutments, so contrived as to counteract the effect of its perforations; while an 
 abundance of arch-work and tracery is so elegantly disposed and intersected, as to 
 partake equally of the circle and the triangle in their powers and in their graces ; 
 
 2 Archit. Antiq. vol. v. p. 228, 3 Rickman. Engl. Archit. p. 106. 
 
301 
 
 thus reciprocally uniting their aid to support and to decorate the intended 
 building-. 
 
 Even in the construction of the pillars, necessarily massive for conveying 
 strength to sustain their vast altitude, the gloomy effect of an unvaried pile of 
 stone is entirely avoided, by the clustered columns which adorn their prominent 
 surface. No part of the edifice exhibits the ungraceful appearance of what is 
 called dead wall. The spacious windows which occupy the greatest extent of the 
 extremities and sides of the edifice, are constructed on a principle which affords 
 a firmness and grandeur equal to the more solid parts; and the imagination is 
 diverted from the disgusting effect which an unbroken surface would produce upon 
 it, by the scientific and uniform disposal of niches, intersecting arches, projecting 
 outlines, carved ornaments, and variegated mouldings. In these particulars, and 
 others to be noticed, we may perceive a remarkable conti-ast to the whole principle 
 and style of Grecian and Roman temples, which were generally massive and dark, 
 oblong in form, with plain and solid walls ; almost every part constructed on the 
 principle of straight lines; and except some entablature, their chief beauty consisted 
 of pillars with ornamental capitals, as supporters to the roof, while the demi-gloom 
 of a cavern pervaded the whole interior. 
 
 There can exist no comparison between the science exhibited in the construction 
 of religious edifices by Christian and by heathen architects. The semblance of a 
 grove, with a noble avenue of lofty trees, has been rather fancifully, but not unaptly, 
 traced throughout the "long drawn aisles" of majestic Christian churches and 
 cathedrals ; and when placed within the west door of Beverley minster, the idea 
 will reign prevalent in the mind, and may be carried on even in the subordinate 
 tracery of its magnificent windows; while in the appearance of most heathen 
 temples, (always excepting the portico or colonnade) the mass conveys no idea in 
 accordance with nature in any of her elegant productions. It would, however, be 
 an indication of vicious taste to withhold a just tribute of praise to the grandeur 
 and beauty displayed in some of the sacred edifices constructed by the Greeks and 
 Romans ; yet, if we except the Parthenon, the temple of Diana at Ephesus, the 
 temple of Concord, the stupendous pantheon at Rome, and some others, the 
 boasted magnificence of Italy and Greece united, could produce few entire temples 
 which were comparable with Beverley minster. 
 
 Without entering more minutely into such a comparison than is consistent with 
 a general illustration of the building under our notice, it may be observed, that 
 notwithstanding the acknowledged splendour of the Grecian columns,, pilasters, 
 
 2 Q 2 
 
308 
 
 and porticos, many of which were almost sublime, they could scarcely be repeated 
 in the same building without impairing-, if not destroying-, the intended effect ; a 
 disadvantage for which they possessed no adequate remedy. But in the English 
 style of architecture, as exhibited in the minster at Beverley, the ingenious artist 
 may tastefully repeat his decorations with almost unlimited profusion. Here, all 
 is variety, all is harmony. The dull and weary effect of a continuous line is 
 avoided by the introduction of light arcades, composed of pointed arches, and 
 ornamented with trefoils, quatrefoils, devices, and all the varieties of enriched 
 mouldings repeated in different stories with new and increased effect, until the 
 building is raised to a sublime height, equal, if not superior, to any work produced 
 by a heathen architect. In its columns the style of Christian architecture infinitely 
 surpasses every other, both in the qualities of dimensions and strength. The vast 
 but requisite mass of stone placed at the principal points of English erections, and 
 especially in the piers employed to sustain the central tower of Beverley minster, 
 is so tastefully grooved and subdivided on its surface, as to form elegant groups of 
 slender columns, rising to an inconceivable height ; and from their upper termina- 
 tion, the vast design is continued by the ingenious expedient of springing new 
 arches in various directions. This system at once conveys the united idea of light- 
 ness and stability, and affords a degree of strength equal to the intended pressure. 
 In a word, the multiplicity of arch- work which forms and supports the roof, fills 
 up, at the same time, the intervening spaces ornamentally ; thus combining the most 
 exquisite richness of decoration, with a strength and durability which time itself 
 can scarcely shake or moulder to decay. 
 
 On the exterior of these venerable edifices, a variety of ornamental pinnacles, 
 pannellings, niches, and mouldings are usually introduced by the expert architect, 
 to break and destroy the injudicious effect of a continued sameness of straight line 
 or blank wall ; and a multiplicity of flying buttresses are so disposed, as to leave it 
 apparently doubtful whether the artist had most in view, a fanciful ornament or 
 real utility, when his actual design was to form a happy combination of both. It 
 may be doubtful whether the same quantity of materials could, by any exertion of 
 talent or genius, be combined within the same dimensions with equal grace and 
 lightness in appearance, or permanent strength in real effect, as in the chaste 
 construction of our minster. Let its age, the nature of its materials, and the 
 graceful effect of its extraordinary combinations be considered ; let it be examined 
 with critical exactness in all its parts, and then viewed as a connected whole, and 
 what early prejudices soever may have been imbibed in favour of Grecian archi- 
 
309 
 
 lecture, they must yield to a superior feeling of admiration and respect for the 
 taste and execution of the Christian architect; and produce a conviction that this 
 style, beyond all others, is the most suitable for the construction of temples ap- 
 propriated to the worship of that Great Being-, by whose all-powerful word the 
 heavens themselves were made ; who laid the foundations of the earth, and was the 
 Supreme Architect who planned and constructed the spacious universe and all that 
 it contains.* 
 
 Beverley minster is erected on a firm bed of indurated clay, which lies about 
 five feet beneath the present surface of the ground. " The earliest parts of the 
 building may be dated shortly after the year 1188. The architecture of these parts 
 resembles that of Salisbury cathedral, exhibiting a plain and simple style ; the 
 plan is also similar, having a double transept, the roofs are also vaulted with stone ; 
 and the columns, like those in that cathedral, the standard example of the earliest 
 variety of the pointed style, are neatly wrought with clustered shafts and capitals, 
 composed of plain mouldings without foliage. The nave is more modern than the 
 choir and transepts ; and the western front, which was the work of the fifteenth 
 
 * I am not insensible that the above observations, as well as others which will occasionally arise 
 respecting the combinations of the heathen with the Christian styles of architecture, which are 
 exhibited in some parts of this beautiful church, are mere matters of opinion and taste, and may 
 therefore be called into question by those who differ from me on these points. Mr. Knight, in his 
 analytical enquiry into the principles of Taste, pronounces such a sense of " propriety or congruity" 
 to be entirely artificial, and acquired by an habitual association of ideas. " That style of architecture," 
 says he, " which we call cathedral, or monastic-gothic, is manifestly a corruption of the sacred 
 architecture of the Greeks and Romans, by a mixture of the Moorish and Saracenesque, which is 
 formed out of a combination of the Egyptian, Persian, and Hindoo. It may easily be traced 
 through all its variations, from the church of Santa Sophia, at Constantinople, and the cathedral 
 of Moutreale, near Palermo, the one of the sixth, and the other of the eighth century, down to 
 King's Chapel at Cambridge, the last and most perfect of this kind of buildings." page 165. "In 
 the pictures of Claude and Caspar, we perpetually see a mixture of Grecian and Gothic architecture 
 employed with the happiest effect in the same building, and no critic has ever yet objected to the incon- 
 gruity of it ; for as the temples, tombs, and palaces of the Greeks and Romans in Italy were fortified 
 with towers and battlements by the Goths and Lombards in the middle ages, such combinations 
 have been naturalized in that country ; and are therefore perfectly in harmony with the scenery ; 
 and so far from interrupting the chain of ideas, that they lead it on and extend it in the pleasantest 
 manner, through different ages and successive revolutions, in tastes, arts, and sciences. Perhaps 
 we are becoming too rigid in rejecting such combinations in the buildings of our own country, 
 &c."; page 160. Still I contend for a consistent uniformity, which, in the hands of an expert 
 Christian architect, will produce an effect unknown even amidst the splendid works of Greece and 
 Rome. And the author above cited virtually makes this concession. " The ornaments of the 
 monastic-gothic," says he, " consist of indiscriminate imitations of almost every kind of plant and 
 animal, scattered with licentious profusion, and without any pre-established rule or general prin- 
 ciple; but often with just taste and feeling as to the effect to be produced. No part of the interior of 
 King's Chapel is unornamented ; and though the ornaments, considered with reference to parts 
 only, often appear crowded, capricious, and unmeaning, yet the effect of the whole together is more 
 rich, grand, light, and airy, than that of any other building known, either ancient or modern.^'' p. 167. 
 
310 
 
 century, appears to have been scarcely completed when the change in religion put 
 a period to ecclesiastical magnificence. The great baronial family of Percy, who 
 had a castle near Beverley, were liberal benefactors to this church, which contains 
 some beautiful tombs for persons of that house, and to them may be ascribed many 
 of its enrichments."* 
 
 The materials of which the nave is built were procured from the quarries at 
 Bramham-moor, near Tadcaster, and are supposed to have been presented to the 
 church by the family of Vavasour; and Mr. Comins is now employed in restoring 
 the decayed parts with the same stone, drawn from this inexhaustible source. It 
 is a beautiful close-grained freestone, in colour nearly approaching to white; and 
 composed of this material, highly decorated with the chisel, the nave, when first 
 erected, must have been splendid beyond description ; although the antiquary will 
 prefer the fine russet hue in which time has clothed the whole exterior, as it conveys 
 a more grave and venerable appearance to the fabric, and spreads the shade of anti- 
 quity over its battlements and towers. The choir and transepts are built of stone 
 from the quarries of Newbald.® 
 
 The general dimensions of the building are as follows. Length from east to 
 west, 334 feet 3 inches; breadth of the nave and side aisles, 64 feet 4 inches; 
 
 * Britton. Arch. Ant. vol. v. p. 288. 
 ^ In the year 1721, the building underwent a complete repair, and many new decorations were 
 introduced from the designs of John Moyser, esquire, who had formerly represented the borough 
 in parliament. The taste of this gentleman, to whom great praise is due for his indefatigable 
 perseverance in restoring the decayed parts of the building, was not, unfortunately, in accordance 
 with the general character of the edifice. Having imbibed a predilection for the Grecian style of 
 architecture combined with early English, which, indeed, was the prevailing error of the age in 
 which he lived, he erected the central tower of Beverley minster, and blended, with the legitimate 
 decorations of pure English character, a profusion of ornaments copied from the designs of classical 
 antiquity, chaste indeed, and elegant, but utterly anomalous and at variance with the primitive 
 taste of those truly English architects, who, at different periods had contributed their aid towards 
 the composition of this noble pile of building. On the summit of the tower he placed a cupola^ 
 or vast circular " leaden bonnet," crowned M'ith a gilded ball : 
 
 " A leaden dome intrusive to the sight. 
 
 On sumptuous arches bears its oval height; 
 
 A gilded globe placed high with artful skill. 
 
 Seems to the distant view a golden Pill." — Dr. Garth. 
 At this time also the nave was fitted up with pews, and new galleries were erected, supported 
 by Grecian pillars of the Doric order, and adorned with triglyphs. A Grecian organ screen, and 
 an altar screen of the same school were constructed at a prodigious expense, the latter consisting 
 of a triumphal arch, supported by four pair of Corinthian pillars, and surmounted by an eagle, 
 the emblem of Saint John, curiously carved and magnificently gilded. The reading-desk and the 
 pulpit were of the same taste, and here the eagle was repeated. " Nothing can be more disgusting," 
 says Murphy, in his History of Batalha Abbey, "to every admirer of antiquity, or indeed to anj 
 
311 
 
 length, of the great transept, 169 feet j breadth of the transept and side aisles, 69 
 feet J leng-th of the choir, 46 feet ; breadth of the choir, 26 feet 7 inches ; height 
 of the nave, 66 feet 6 inches ; height of the choir aisles, 33 feet 3 inches ; height 
 of the central tower, 107 feet; height of the west towers, 200 feet; height of the 
 west window, 41 feet ; breadth of the same, 21 feet 8 inches ; height of the east 
 window, 48 feet 8 inches ; breadth of the same, 21 feet 10 inches/ 
 
 The stranger who approaches Beverley from Hull finds his curiosity strongly 
 excited by the interesting appearance which the south-east view of the minster, 
 flanked by its beautiful western towers, most strikingly displays.® On entering 
 the suburbs of the town, a close and distinct view of the east end attracts the eye, 
 and by its unaffected grandeur and fine preservation, prepossesses the mind with 
 ideas which are almost sublime. " The original elevation of this front may be 
 supposed to have been lighted by tall narrow windows, similar to those of the 
 transept; the buttresses and pinnacles at the angles retaining their original cha- 
 racter in the same style. The principal window was evidently copied from that at 
 York, which was built in the early part of the fifteenth century. The chief mullions 
 are strengthened by parallel ones on the inside, which bear a small gallery, con- 
 nected with the transom, which divides the lights into two portions. A similar 
 expedient was practised at York, where the window has two transoms with interior 
 galleries. The skill of the architects of these structures, in combining great du- 
 rability and strength with the utmost lightness of effect, cannot but excite our 
 
 man of the least taste, than this jumble of Grecian work, patched up in the most striking parts of 
 a Gothic (Christian) structure." The good taste of the present trustees for keeping the minster 
 in repair, has recently removed all these offensive objects, except the organ screen ; and it may 
 be hoped that the period is not far distant when even that also shall be obliterated, and a more 
 consistent decoration substituted in its place. When the cupola was taken down, an inscription 
 in red chalk was found in the centre of the ball, containing the name of the artificer, and the date 
 of the year when it was erected. The Grecian galleries, &c. are mostly taken down, and the 
 choir and small south transept are fitted up with pews for the use of the congregation. 
 
 '^ In the proportions of ecclesiastical buildings, the height was generally considered to be equal 
 to the breadth of the body and side aisles; the height of the tower about the same as the length of 
 the transept ; that length corresponding with half the length of the whole fabric ; the side aisles 
 were half the breadth and height of the nave; Willis. Hist, Abb. vol. ii. Pref. VIII. and the 
 breadth was about one-fifth of the length. These comparative dimensions correspond very nearly 
 with those of Beverley minster. 
 
 ^ I quote from Evelyn's Memoirs a paragraph which will shew the stranger's opinion almost 
 two centuries ago. "18th August, 1654. We went to Beverley, a large towne with 2 stately 
 churches, Saint John's and Saint Maries, not much inferior to the best of our cathedrals. Here a 
 very old woman shew'd us the monuments, and being above 100 years old, spake y« language of 
 queen Marie's dales, in whose time she was born ; she was widow of a sexton who had belonged 
 to ye church an hundred yeares." 
 
312 
 
 admiration; and their boldness in introducing new embellishments into the works 
 of their predecessors, is astonishing."^ 
 
 The principal window in this front is tall, and divided into two stages by an 
 ornamented transom, above which is a profusion of rich perpendicular tracery ; the 
 whole surmounted by an elegant ogee, decorated with crockets, and terminating 
 in a superb finial. The window has nine lights. The upper part of this front, 
 including the gable, is lightened in its effect by an abundance of trefoil and qua- 
 trefoil pannelling, having a line of quatrefoil ornaments at the base, the pannelling 
 being' repeated on the turrets which boldly project from the angles ; and these, 
 crowned by lofty cones, rise above the terminating finial of the gable. On the two 
 buttresses where the arch of the window springs its curve are figures of king 
 Athelstan and Saint John of Beverley, placed under tabernacles, but from their 
 diminutive size the efiect intended to be produced by their introduction here, is 
 much diminished by the distance. 
 
 Passing the north end of the transept, which is here represented ; 
 
 3 Britton. Arch. Ant. vol. v. p. 230. 
 

 
 i^r 10 
 
313 
 
 and which, at the beginning" of the last century, had fallen away four feet beyond 
 its base, and was replaced by the ingenuity of Mr. Thornton ;'° not without noticing 
 the beautiful parapet, decorated with a double row of rose ornaments, the stranger 
 arrives at the great north porch, which, as a pannelled front, is described by 
 Rickman to be unequalled. " The door has a double canopy, the inner an ogee, 
 and the outer a triangle, with beautiful crockets and tracery ; and is flanked by 
 fine buttresses breaking into niches, and the space above the canopy to the cornice 
 is pannelled; the battlement is composed of rich niches, and the buttresses crowned 
 by a group of four pinnacles." " In one of the buttresses of the north tower is 
 observed a standing figure with flowing drapery, which escaped the rage of pu- 
 ritanical predominancy, and remains as a specimen of the taste and execution of 
 the sculptor. It is said to be a figure of some member of the Vavasour family, 
 who is supposed to have given the free use of his stone quarries at Tadcaster, 
 towards the building of this part of the church. 
 
 Passing forward through the minster yard,'^ which is rather spacious on the 
 west, the visitor is struck with the extraordinary beauty of the west front, which is 
 
 '° Vid. ut supra, p. 241. The annexed copper-plate engravings, as well as the following 
 explanations, have been taken from the designs and illustrations published by Mr. Thornton 
 himself. The first plate contains a view of the north gable of the great transept, which had actu- 
 ally fallen away four feet from its perpendicular, and was replaced by means of the frame work 
 here described. The second plate contains a section of the trusses and buildings. The method 
 used to produce this herculean effect may be ascertained by a description of the machinery. A. A. 
 The beams or bases of the trusses. B. B. The upright posts next the face of the building. C. C. 
 Principals of the trusses. D. D. Braces. E. E. Binders let into the beams. F. F. Strutts from 
 the binders to the building. G. G. Planks to receive the strutts. H. H. The jacks to raise the 
 trusses. 1. 1. Screws to assist in moving the trusses. K. K. Bases for the jacks to work on. 
 L. L. Punchins to support the lower beams. M. M. Timbers to stop the front from going beyond 
 its place. N. N. A frame to stop the inner trusses when the front came to its place. O. O. Wedges 
 to ease the trusses down with. P. P. The wall which was taken down to give room for getting 
 the front back to its original situation. When the trusses were fixed on both sides, the wall was 
 cut to the centre at Q. level with the base of the trusses, that it might give way upon raising the 
 whole machinery, and so come into its place ; being in the mean time supported by several wedges, 
 which were gradually taken out as the building came back into its place. 
 
 " Rickman. Engl. Archit. p. 106. 
 '2 The following ridiculous story about the supernatural virtues of this consecrated cemetry, is 
 very gravely recited by Cressy, in his Church History, p. 565, " I will onley adde what William 
 of Malmesbury relates as a thing usually performed and generally acknowledged by the inhabitants 
 of Beverley, in testimony of the sanctity of their glorious patron ; which is, that the fiercest bulls 
 being haled with many strong ropes by the force and sweat of severall lusty men, assoon as they 
 are brought into his churchyard immediately lose all their fury and fierceness, and become gentle 
 as lambes, so that they are there left to their freedom to sport themselves, whereas before with 
 their feet and horns they endangered all that came near them." 
 
 2r 
 
314 
 
 esteemed by competent judges, to be one of the finest instances which this country 
 can produce of the perpendicular style. " What the west front of York is to the 
 decorated style, this is to the perpendicular, with this addition, that in this front 
 nothing- but one style is seen, all is harmonious. Like York minster, it consists 
 of a very large west window to the nave, and two towers for the end of the aisles, 
 the window is of nine lights, and the tower windows of three lights. The windows 
 of the tower correspond in range nearly with those of the aisles and clerestory 
 windows of the nave; the upper windows of the tower are belfry windows. Each 
 tower has four large and eight small pinnacles, and a very beautiful battlement. 
 The whole front is pannelled, and the buttresses, which have a very bold projection, 
 are ornamented with various tiers of niche-work, of excellent composition, and 
 most delicate execution. The doors are uncommonly rich, and have the hanging 
 feathered ornament. The canopy of the great centre door runs up above the sill 
 of the window, and stands free in the centre light with a very fine effect. The 
 gable has a real tympanum which is filled with fine tracery.'"' 
 
 A pavement of smooth stones has been recently discovered in the minster yard, 
 on the south side of the west end of the church, which is firmly placed on the solid 
 clay, and appears to give some countenance to the supposition, that the ancient 
 building, which was destroyed by fire, in 1188, was either of greater extent than the 
 present church, or occupied a somewhat different site. This pavement might be a 
 part of the floor of the crypt, on which it is probable the former edifice was built, for 
 vestiges of a more ancient building remain on the south side of the adjoining tower, 
 which are placed on a basis exhibiting the appearance of the dwarfish columns 
 and ponderous arches which usually characterize these subterranean apartments.'* 
 
 To describe minutely all the transcendent beauties which are constellated in this 
 distinguished edifice, with all the technicality of architectural precision, w^ould be 
 tedious to the general reader ; yet, a copious outline may be equally acceptable and 
 useful; and this, added to the accompanying embellishments, will convey an 
 adequate idea of its merits, as a superb specimen of the various styles of English 
 
 " Rickman. Engl. Archit. p. 105. 
 
 '* Mr. Comins has taken the pains to excavate down to the base of these columns, and he pro- 
 nounces them to be the pillars of a crypt. Mitchell, the sexton, seldom opens a grave in this 
 quarter of the churchyard, but some of these smooth stones turn up. I have seen many specimens. 
 They are square and thin, of a white colour, and close-grained ; but the actual extent of the 
 pavement has not been ascertained. 
 
31^ 
 
 architecture. We will conduct the strang-er therefore round the minster, and before 
 we pass the sacred threshold to survey the beauties of the interior, we will point out 
 to his notice, the peculiarities of the south end of the two transepts. " The com- 
 pleteness, the regularity, and the fine proportions of the elevation of the south front 
 of the larger transept, make it worthy of minute examination; such an example of 
 the style of the thirteenth century being very rarely to be met with." •" It consists 
 of four stages besides the gable. The lower compartment has a double pointed 
 door, surmounted by a semicircular arch, with lateral pointed arcades. The second 
 stage has three tall and noble lancet windows, and the third the same, except that 
 here the centre one is rather taller than its two lateral companions, and the upper 
 stage has a fine ornamented rose window, of large dimensions, and containing ten 
 lights, flanked by tall niches with oylets; and in the gable is a vertical slit window 
 which penetrates to its highest angle. The buttresses which bound this central 
 part of the transept are slender and elegant, the lower compartments, containing 
 niches, which are trefoil headed and canopied by triangles, and the upper crowned 
 with pannelled pinnacles, surmounted by cones, rising somewhat higher than the 
 apex of the gable. The end of the aisles has each a corresponding lancet window, 
 over which are circular lights, so judiciously disposed, as to display, in a most 
 striking manner, the exquisite judgment and refined taste of the skilful architect, 
 by whom this portion of the building was designed. The south end of the small 
 transept is of three stages, each containing two lancet windows; the lower tier 
 surmounted by an arcade of eight acute pointed arches, supported by cylinders ; 
 over the second tier is a circular window of four lights, surrounded by the toothed 
 ornament, and flanked by quatrefoils, three on each side, two and one ; and over 
 the upper tier is a small lancet window, in the centre of the gable. On each side 
 are strong buttresses, pannelled and crowned with cones. The parapet is open 
 and trifoliated. 
 
 The visitor once more passes the east end, and enters the edifice by the north 
 porch, over which he is shown a small chamber, where in ancient times, the porter 
 of the convent had his bed, that he might be ready to attend to the call of claimants 
 for the privilege of sanctuary, whose crimes deterred them from approaching the 
 sacred chair of peace by the light of day. With trembling hand the refugee 
 touched a small bell, which was suspended at the entrance of the porch, and 
 
 « Britton. Arch. Ant. vol. v. p. 229. 
 
 2 R 2 
 
316 
 
 anxiously awaited an answer to his summons. When admitted into the g-alilee,** 
 he might remain in safety for the night; and in the morning a chapter was as- 
 sembled, to hear and record the details of his case.'^ The sanctuary oath was then 
 administered, and having deposited the customary fee for registering the circum- 
 stances of his crime, he was seated in the fridstol, and permitted to remain within 
 the precincts, until he was favoured with an opportunity of compromising with his 
 adversary ;'* or, in case of murder, with the surviving relations and friends of the 
 unhappy sufferer."' 
 
 '^ The galilee was " a small gallery or balcony open towards the nave of a conventual church, 
 from which visitors, or the family of the abbot, with whose residence it communicated, might view 
 processions. Here also the female relatives of the monks were permitted to have interviews 
 with them. From this last circumstance. Dr. Milner explains the origin and derivation of the 
 appellation. On a woman's applying for leave to see a monk, her relation, she was answered in 
 the words of scripture ; " he goeth before you into Galilee, there you shall see him." Britton. 
 Archit. Ant. vol. v. Append, xlii. " Every Sunday a sermon was preached in the galilee, from one 
 to three in the afternoon; previous to which, at twelve, the great bell of the galilee tolled three 
 quarters of an hour, and rung the fourth quarter till one o'clock, that the people might have 
 warning to come and hear the word of God preached." Fosbr. Monach. vol. ii. p. 115. 
 
 "^ The places of sanctuary, in process of time having been much abused and diverted from 
 their original purpose, to serve as a protection to villany against the honest portion of the com- 
 munity, became objects of general scandal and complaint. " Debtors took refuge there," says 
 Stowe, in his quaint style, " and bid their creditors go whistle ; men's wives ran thither with their 
 husband's plate, and said that they dare not abide with their husbands for beating them ; thieves 
 brought thither their stolen goods and lived thereon ; there they devised robberies ;" &c. &c. In 
 the 21st year of the reign of Henry VIII. an act was passed to restrain this unbounded licence, 
 which provided that any felon or murderer taking sanctuary subsequently to the passing of the 
 act, " immediately after his confession and before his abjuracion shall be marked with an bote 
 yron upon the brawne of the thombe of the right hande with the signe of an A, to the entent he 
 may the better be knowen amonge the kinge's subjectes that he was abjured. And all mayres, 
 &c. shall be attendant at the dew execution thereof as they will answer at the pari Is to the kynge, 
 and than to gyv hym his abjuracion, &c." 21 Hen. VIII. c. 2. In the next year another statute 
 ordained that abjured persons should remain in sanctuary on pain of death for quitting the same ; 
 and that sanctuary men committing offences shall forfeit the benefit of sanctuary. 22 Hen. VIII. 
 c. 14. This was followed up by an act which provided that sanctuary should not be allowed in 
 cases of high treason; 26 Hen. VIII. cap. 13.; and another, which decreed that sanctuary men 
 should not be allowed the use of weapons; that they should wear badges in the day time when 
 abroad, and they were not allowed to be out of sanctuary at night. 27 Hen. VIII. c. 19. Soon 
 were the number of these privileged places restricted to eight, of which York was one, and they 
 did not afford protection to persons guilty of deadly crimes; 32 Hen. VIII. c. 12. and in a few 
 years the sanctuaries were entirely abolished. 
 
 '* By the laws of Ina, A. D. 693, any person guilty of a capital crime taking refuge in a church, 
 his life shall be spared, on condition that he makes recompence to the friends of the deceased, 
 according to justice and equity; and if one who had merely incurred the punishment of stripes 
 should take such refuge, his punishment should be suspended. 
 
 '3 At the commencement of the reign of Edward I. the archbishop of York claimed the privi- 
 lege of sanctuary for his churches of Beverley and Ripon. Die' q'd ip'e clam' ab antiq° q'd si 
 
31t 
 
 To take an advantageous view of the interior of this superb edifice, the stranger 
 should seat himself in one of the niches, which are disposed to the south of the 
 great west door, and near the western pilasters of the tower. Here he may deli- 
 berately survey the many noble and interesting objects which present themselves to 
 his notice, in fine perspective. Here he may at leisure contemplate the multiplicity 
 of its parts, and the sublimity of its construction. Here he may enjoy a com- 
 manding and satisfactory view of the pillars and arches, and internal scenery of 
 the building. In this diagonal view, the disparity of the north arches and windows 
 is lost in the perspective; and collectively the effect will be so striking, that 
 pleasure and astonishment will contend for the superiority in his enraptured mind. 
 Let it be considered, that the spectator now visits this noble edifice for the first 
 time; that he is seated alone, on one of the stone seats in the situation already 
 pointed out, and views with abstracted attention the scene before him. To describe 
 the effect it would produce must unavoidably tend to do it injustice. It must be 
 experienced to be felt and understood, for he is now within the sacred walls of one 
 of those grand churches, which, as Warton observes, are of wonderful mechanism, 
 constructed on principles of inexplicable architecture, and possessing a tendency 
 to impress the soul with sensations of awe and religious veneration. 
 
 In contemplating the long perspective of the nave, with its slender columns, 
 and ceiling groined and ribbed with stone, the spectator may fancy himself within 
 a superb avenue of lofty trees, whose upper branches are elegantly intertwined in 
 an endless variety of complicated combinations. He views the grand design with 
 increasing attention, and soon becomes imbued with other sentiments than those of 
 mere admiration of the building, as a superb specimen of the almost unlimited 
 extent to which the exertions of human science may be carried. Worldly consi- 
 derations are rapidly swept away, to make room for ideas of greater solemnity. 
 The solemn echo which reverberates the lightest footstep, and with hollow murmurs 
 repeats the softest sound; the dead and awful silence which succeeds; the unusual 
 splendour of the extended prospect; the striking solemnity which surrounds him, 
 all combine, with indescribable harmony, to melt his soul into that feeling of devo- 
 tion, which irresistibly stamps on his excited mind the great idea of a present 
 
 aliquis homicidia venerit infra banlucd apud Beverlacu v'l apud Rypoun et cognov'it se comississe 
 homicidiu &c. ball'i ip'ius Arch' accepto ab ip'o sacro sc'dm consuetudinem, &c. ip'm recipiut &c. 
 et remanebit infra lib'tatem p'd'cam set si suspic'o sit de eo de alio malef'co &c. fit de eo sicut 
 supMus d'cm est aliis captis et imp' sonatis in p'dca lib'tate &c. et alios raalef 'tores n' alio modo 
 clam' eos recettare &c. 
 
318 
 
 God. His enraptured thoughts, thus spontaneously elevated to celestial contem- 
 plations, proceed from one conception to another of still increasing- sublimity, till 
 the spell is broken, perhaps, by the distant thunder of some closing door, and he 
 starts from his pleasing trance, to pursue the more sensual amusement of examining 
 the scenes before him. 
 
 There exists a pleasing analogy between certain appearances in nature, and the 
 curious and complicated perspective in ecclesiastical architecture. We muse with 
 sentiments of unmixed pleasure and satisfaction, on the effect of those grand 
 avenues, which have been formed by art, amidst the stately groves that surround 
 the ancient mansions of our nobility ; and we are agreeably surprized, at observing 
 the mimic resemblance of these scenes in the interior of magnificent Christian 
 edifices, where, as if by magic power, an immensity of wrought stone assumes the 
 likeness and venerable gloom of a vast and shaded avenue of trees.*^" This similarity 
 is beautifully described by sir Walter Scott : — 
 
 *' The moon on the east oriel shone, 
 Through slender shafts of shapely stone. 
 
 By foliaged tracery combined ; 
 Thou wouldst have thought some fairy's hand, 
 'Twixt poplars straight the osier wand 
 
 In many a freakish knot had twined ; 
 Then fram'd a spell when the work was done, 
 And chang'd the willow-wreaths to stone." ^i 
 
 Such will be the spectator's sentiments, while endeavouring to form an estimate 
 of the admirable scene exhibited in the construction of Beverley minster ; and he 
 will soon be sensible, that in order to do justice to the undertaking, it would be 
 necessary to possess, not only the plans, details, and elucidations, but also the 
 scientific knowledge and vast conceptions of those superior architects who originally 
 contrived to blend, without disorder or confusion, so many detached parts in one 
 grand, magnificent, and beautiful assemblage. 
 
 The spacious entrance door, at the west end, is flanked on each side by an 
 arcade, with canopies supported by cylinders. The door itself is of oak, and de- 
 corated with specimens of extremely bold and tasteful carving, apparently of the 
 
 Vid. sir James Hall's Essay on the origin, history, and principles of Gothic architecture. 
 ** Scott's Lay of the last Minstrel, canto ii. v. 1 1. 
 
319 
 
 same age as the Grecian work already mentioned. It is divided into eight com- 
 partments, surmounted by a profusion of elegant flower embroidery, carved in 
 volutes, the centres terminating in well executed figures of angels blowing 
 trumpets. In the four upper compartments, which are canopied by pointed arches, 
 are placed the four evangelists, and the corresponding squares beneath, are deco- 
 rated with their legitimate symbols, the cherubic figures of a man, an ox, a lion, 
 and an eagle.^^ The window above has nine lights, ornamented with perpendicular 
 tracery, and headed with cinquefoil arches. 
 
 The nave consists of three stories, the lower containing pointed arches, with 
 archivolt mouldings springing from lofty clustered columns. The second story, 
 or triforium, is an extended arcade, composed of plain pointed arches, curiously 
 placed behind higher arches trefoil, ornamented with rose mouldings ; and above 
 the capital of the lower pillars, and within the span of the trefoil arch, quatrefoils 
 are introduced with pleasing effect, their points being flowered, while the toothed 
 ornament is used in the recesses. The upper, or clerestory, has windows with 
 pointed arches and tracery, supported on each side by small lancets, tastily disposed, 
 and decorated with the ball flower ornament.^^ " The rich tracery and sculptured 
 details which became fashionable in the 14th century, are here, superadded to the 
 simple outlines displayed in other parts. Many of these enriched members may 
 find a parallel in the nave of the mother church at York, with which Beverley 
 minster was always intimately connected ; and the ruined choir of Howden col- 
 legiate church has also many details still more closely resembling these." ^* 
 
 The aisles of the nave contain large windows, with acute pointed arches, and 
 ornamented with flowing tracery. Beneath the windows is a tier of ogee arches, 
 supported by small marble cylinders, the niches being tabernacled and surrounded 
 by crockets, with grotesque figures, sculptured at the junction of the mouldings ; 
 but at present much dilapidated. These cylinders are ingeniously contrived to 
 convey an idea of elegant lightness, where a vast bulk of solid material appears to 
 be placed upon them. The capitals of most of these columns are corresponding 
 
 22 A copious elucidation of these sublime emblems may be found in a work called " Signs 
 AND Symbols,'" recently published by the author of this History. 
 
 2' The bones of Saint John of Beverley have been deposited at the east end of the nave, im- 
 mediately underneath that part of the pavement which is perpendicular with the second rose in the 
 groining of the roof. 
 
 «< Britton. Arch. Ant. vol. v. p. 230. 
 
320 
 
 cariatides, representing choral musicians and angels devoutly playing on violins, 
 bagpipes, hautboys, guitars, the rebec or crovrd, and the serpent, for a deep and 
 sonorous bass, which was used for accompanying and filling up the vocal parts of 
 the choir service, before the use of the organ became general in our cathedral and 
 collegiate churches. This kind of ornament appears to have been in high esteem 
 amongst the architects at Beverley, for it is repeated above the capitals on either 
 side of the body of the nave, near the west door ; and also in the Lady-chapel im- 
 mediately over the monuments of the Wartons and the Pennymans.''* 
 
 In the south aisle of the nave^^ are the remains of a sepulchral monument, which 
 is said to perpetuate the memory of two maiden ladies, who are feigned to have 
 made a voluntary grant of a large extent of pasture ground in Beverley, as common 
 right to the burgesses at large. It is even added that these benevolent females 
 were members of the family of earl Puch or Puca, who resided at Bishop-Burton, 
 and in whose household Saint John of Beverley is said to have effected a mi- 
 racalous cure." This conjecture is not entitled to credit.^* The altar tomb is in 
 the early decorated st^^le of architecture, and may have been erected about the 
 
 25 The following arms were visible in the minster at the visitation of the norroy king at arms, 
 in 1584, though I cannot ascertain in what particular part. 
 
 1. Quarterly. 1 and 4. -SaiZe a Bend A. double collised floree. 
 
 2 and 3. Three Escallops. Gules. 
 Impaling. Fert. 3 Bends Gules, over all a chevron Ermine. Kelke. 
 
 2. A. 3 heads Sable in chief B. a lion passant A. 
 
 Harl. MSS. B. Mus. 1394-57. 
 
 26 In the south aisle of the nave are two stone coffins, of very ancient date, which have been 
 recently found at the east end of the south side of the building. One was taken up in the month 
 of December, 1816, and contained the bones of a male and a female. Others have been found 
 during the present year (1827) but the difficulty of extracting them entire is so great, that the 
 sexton generally leaves them in the ground, or takes them out in broken fragments. From the 
 specimens exhibited in the nave, it should appear that this mode of sepulture was used at Beverley 
 for a considerable period of time, for the two sarcophagi are evidently the workmanship of different 
 ages. These receptacles for the dead were used in Saxon times for kings, ecclesiastics, and 
 opulent nobles. Bede. 1. 4. c. iv. Kings were usually buried in linen, and the clergy in the 
 habiliments of their office. Ibid. c. xix. 
 
 2^ Vid. infra. Par. IV. c. iii. 
 2* Indeed there is no truth whatever in this tale. The pastures of Hum and Westwood were 
 conveyed to the burgesses by a grant from Alexander Neville, archbishop of York, in the reign 
 of Richard II. ; Corp. Rec. 1 1 D. reserving to himself and successors the right of a lime-kiln, 
 with the privilege of drift and redrift, through the various ways and places heretofore used, and 
 the payment of one hundred shillings per annum. These rights descended, by a subsequent grant 
 frorn the crown to the lord of the manor for the time being, to whom the payment of one hundred 
 shillings per annum is still macje by the corporation. 
 
321 
 
 commencement of the reign of Edward III. It is a chaste and highly finished 
 specimen of that period, and contains the pointed arch, with square turrets 
 or pinnacles rising from buttresses richly ornamented with crockets and finials. 
 The canopy is groined. The flat stone which covers the tomb is a massive slab of 
 purbeck marble, uninscribed.^^ 
 
 The baptismal font is also in this aisle. The chief recommendation to the notice 
 of the visitor which this font possesses, is, its antiquity; being, most probably, 
 quite as old as the first building of the church. It is composed of a large bason, 
 in shape the frustum of a sphere, hollowed out of an entire agate of a dark colour, 
 and thickly charged with an intricate mass of shells and other petrified substances, 
 the inside being protected by a coating of lead. Its diameter is 3 feet 8 inches ; 
 height of the bason 13 inches ; height of the pedestal the same, and height of the 
 base 8 inches.'" Over it is suspended a massive cone of richly carved oak, highly 
 decorated with a combination of figures and flowers tastefully disposed in wreaths 
 and festoons, of the same age as the carvings on the west door. 
 
 The nave is supported by ten noble pillars on each side ; and the central tower 
 by four massive piers of fine construction, each being formed by four large and 
 
 29 It may be here remarked, as applicable to many of these ancient monuments, that there were 
 few, if any, inscribed tombs from the Conquest to the reign of Edward III. except for monarchs and 
 the chief nobility. Lefhullier, on Sepul. Mon. in Archaeol. vol. i. p. 239. The classification of 
 tombs and monumental effigies has been attempted by Maurice Johnson, the founder of the Spalding 
 Literary Society, and after him by Mr. Gough, who have arranged them under eight different 
 heads : — 
 
 1 . Coffin-shaped stones, prismatic and plain at top. 
 
 2. Prismatic and carved at the top, with crosses plain and jBeury ; — A. D. 1160. 
 
 3. Tables, on which are effigies or sculpture; — to A. D. 1226. 
 
 4. Tombs with festoons or arches over them. This class was succeeded by more lofty tombs, 
 with arches, crockets, finials, pinnacles, &c. 
 
 5. Tombs in chapel burial places. These consisted mostly of open screens with doors, altar 
 monuments, piscinas, niches, &c. 
 
 6. Tombs inlaid with brass, both representing figures of the deceased, and inscriptions eithei" in 
 cameo or intaglio. These are mostly of the 14th century. 
 
 7. Against the wall ; chieflly since the Reformation. 
 
 8. Detached buildings ; as domes, obelisks, columns, and equestrian statues. 
 
 Vid. Britton. Arch. Ant. vol. v. Append, xxiii. 
 3° There are two distinct and hostile opinions respecting the antiquity of this font. One gen- 
 tleman, in a letter to me, expresses himself as follows. " I very much doubt whether this font is 
 of any great antiquity. The pedestal on which it stands is the only part which to my eye possesses 
 the appearance of antiquity, and that by no means decidedly so. It is to be observed likewise, 
 that till lately, there was in the workshop a font evidently of ancient workmanship, which probably 
 was displaced when the present font was substituted. The old font was sold to Mr. Croft, and is, 
 I believe, in Rowley church." Another friend says, "I consider the font all of a piece, and very 
 ancient. I am inclined to believe that it is certainly Saxon." 
 
 2s 
 
322 
 
 four small shafts placed alternately, and erected on an octagonal base 2 feet 
 2i inches in altitude.^' 
 
 The curious visitor should now place himself on the central black stone in the 
 middle space beneath the tower ; and in this situation he will enjoy a still more 
 general and commanding prospect of the interior, embracing alternately the whole 
 extent of the nave, the greater transept, and the choir. In taking a deliberate 
 view of this extensive scene of admirable workmanship, he is forcibly struck with 
 the very perceptible contrast between the beauty and attraction exhibited in the 
 east and the painful glare of the west window. The former by its mild beams of 
 intercepted light soothes his soul to rapture, and infuses into his bosom an inde- 
 scribable sensation of pleasure and delight ; while the stately west window in all 
 the pride of architectural decoration, overwhelms him by its shadowy lustre and 
 unvaried whiteness. But turning by an involuntary motion to the east, his eye re- 
 poses with satisfaction on the exuberant colours and enriched featherings of this 
 superb specimen of Christian workmanship." 
 
 The transept is composed of three stories like the nave, and the plainness of its 
 windows, devoid of the rich tracery exhibited in the nave, marks decisively the 
 difference of style which prevailed in the ages when the parts of this church were 
 respectively erected. The irregularity which may be traced in the size and pro- 
 portions of the north transept windows, may be attributed to the repairs, which, at 
 different periods, this part of the fabric has undergone. Those in the south are of 
 greater regularity. The transept is supported by eight arches on each side ; and 
 the aisles contain some valuable specimens of ancient sculpture which ought to be 
 carefully preserved. In the east aisle of the north transept stands an altar tomb on 
 which is placed a recumbent figure in the attitude of prayer. The sides of the 
 tomb are pannelled, the pannels being canopied with pointed arches and tracery, 
 and the buttresses decorated with crockets and finials. The pediment is plain, and 
 the slab purfled with rose ornaments. The figure is clothed in a flowing robe 
 embellished profusely with shields. His alb is fringed as well as his maniple; and 
 
 " The monuments in the nave are two ; one in the south aisle to the memory of the Rev. F. 
 Gwynne, head master of the grammar school, 1816; and the other to Margaret Stow, 1815, 
 against the north porch door. 
 
 ^2 1 should strongly recommend to the trustees of this magnificent fabric, if funds could be 
 raised for the purpose, to introduce stained glass into this noble west window, which, if disposed 
 with taste and elegance, would add much to the beauty of the interior, and convey to it a new and 
 lasting claim on the admiration of the beholders. 
 
323 
 
 over his chesible, in front, falls a rich scarf or pall. The head is placed on a 
 double cushion and supported by cherubs ; the feet on a lion. It is the effigies of 
 Georg-e Percy, a clergyman and canon of Beverley ;'* and had a place originally 
 amongst the other monuments of this noble family ; but has been removed by some 
 accident to its present situation, during the repairs of the church. It is supposed 
 to have been dignified by a canopy. The arms on this monument are as follows. 
 Under the left ear of the figure. 
 
 1. A bend inter two roses. 
 
 2. Three lions passant guardant. 
 
 On the wrist. 
 
 3. A chevron, with a bird in base. 
 
 4. A bend.'* 
 
 Down the middle of the robe. 
 
 5. Three legs armed proper conjoined in fess at the upper part of the thigh ; 
 flexed in the triangle, garnished and spurred.*' 
 
 6. A maunch.*^ 
 
 7. A bend engrailed cottised, with a crescent, or something too much defaced 
 to be distinguished with any certainty. 
 
 8. Cheque. — Warren,^^ 
 
 9. Three lions passant guardant — over all a label of three points.'* 
 
 8' "George Percy, sixth son of Henry, second earl of Northumberland, was born at Leckon- 
 field, on Saint Sampson's day, anno 1424. He was a clergyman, yet he does not appear to have 
 attained any other preferment but to a prebend in the collegiate church of Beverley. Collins, by 
 Brydges, vol. ii. p. 282. 
 
 34 Anciently, Peter de Malo Lacu or Mauley, bore. Or, a bend Sable. He was summoned to 
 parliament, temp. Edw. III. In Drake's Eboracum, this coat is on a son of Poynings, A. D. 1461, 
 quartered with Fitz-Payne, and impaled with Brabant and Lucy. 
 
 35 On the accession of Henry IV. Henry Percy had a grant of the Isle of Man, to hold by 
 carrying the Lancaster sword, worn by the king when he landed at Ravenspurne, before him at the 
 coronation. Rot. Pat. 1 Hen. IV. m 35. 
 
 36 Topaz, a maunch ruby, belonged to the family of Hastings, and is quartered by the right 
 honourable the earl of Kent. « Katharine Percy, second daughter of Henry, second earl of North- 
 umberland, was born at Leckonfield, May 18, 1423. She married Edmund, lord Grey, of Ruthin, 
 who was advanced to the dignity oi earl of Kent, in the fourth year of king Edward IV." Collins, 
 ut supra. 
 
 3'^ Henry de Percy married Eleanor Plantagenet, daughter of John, earl of Warren and Surrey ; 
 circa, 1250. He died in 1272, leaving three sons. Ex. Reg. de Lewes. 
 
 38 The lady Mary Plantagenet, daughter of the earl of Lancaster, married Henry, third lord 
 Percy, of Alnwick, at her father's castle of Tutbury, in Staffordshire, A. D. 1334, when she was 
 only 14 years of age. She died 1st September, 1362, leaving issue two sons, one of whom was 
 Henry, first earl of Northumberland. 
 
 2s2 
 
324 
 
 On the bottom of the robe. 
 
 10. A lion rampant. — Brabant. ^^ 
 
 11. A fess inter three Boar's heads couped. 
 
 Between the legs. 
 
 12. A chevron between three escallops.^" 
 
 13. Fretty, the field charged with fleur-de-lis, impaled with three lions passant 
 guardant, in chief three fleur-de-lis.^* 
 
 On the right side. 
 
 14. Barry of three, chief charged with three roundels.*^ 
 
 15. Defaced. 
 
 16. A cronal in bend with three mourns.^^ 
 
 17. Defaced. 
 
 18. A fess between three inverted chevrons. 
 
 In the same aisle is another tomb, also uninscribed, with an ancient figure laid 
 supine upon it, having a venerable beard, its hands elevated towards heaven, and 
 supported by two recumbent angels much defaced. Near this stands the ruins of 
 a votive altar, formerly inlaid with brass or some more precious metal ; but now. 
 
 '^ Agnes de Percy, in whom were vested the honours of the family, was married to Josceline 
 of Louvain, brother of queen Adelicia, second wife of king Henry I.; who were both the issue 
 of Godfrey Barbatus, duke of Nether-Lorrain, and count of Brabant and Louvain, descended 
 lineally from the ancient dukes or counts of Hainault, and from the second race of kings of France 
 sprung from the emperor Charlemange. All the ancient writers have delivered, that the lady 
 Agnes, being heiress to so great an estate, would only consent to marry Josceline, upon condition 
 that he should either adopt the name or arms of Percy ; and that he, consulting with the queen, 
 his sister, chose to assume the name of Percy, which was ever after borne by his descendants ; 
 but retained his own paternal arms, or, a lion rampant azure ; which are generally styled by our 
 English heralds, the old arms of Brabant, which they say were afterwards changed for those now 
 borne for that duchy, viz. sahle^ a lion rampant, or."' Collins, by Brydges, vol. ii. p. 226. 
 
 ^° Gules a chevron argent inter three escallops. I find this coat in Guillim's Heraldry, impaled 
 for D'Acres, with Broad Lumceford. 
 
 ^' The first is found in the fifth place of the arms of the right honourable Thomas Leonard, 
 earl of Sussex, and lord D'Acres of Gilesland. Guillim's Heraldry, fo. 39. Coat. 66. Achievement 
 of Earls. 
 
 ^2 The arms of lord Wake, which are also on stone in the nave of York cathedral. — Lord John 
 Wake was summoned at the meeting of the northern barons with lord Henry Percy, 1298. Edw. I. 
 At the confirmation of the Magna Charta and the Charta de Foresta, he had his castle at Cotting- 
 ham. His successor destroyed this castle, to prevent the visit of Henry VIIL to his wife. Vid. 
 infra. Par. IV. c. 1. Arms of Wake. Or, two bars gules, in chiefs torteauxes. On a figure in 
 Drake's Ebor. p. 306. Margaretta Percy has Percy and Lucy quarterly impaled with the above. 
 
 ^^ The robe falls over and covers half this coat. 
 
325 
 
 alas! exhibiting" the marks of revolutionary avarice;*^ for the ornamental work has 
 all been torn away, and nothing- remains to tell the tale of its former magnificence." 
 
 ^* During the unhappy dissentions which deformed the reign of our first Charles, the puritanical 
 party having resolved to carry their superiority to extremities, as a preliminary step they moved 
 a resolution in 1641, to send commissioners throughout the country, for the purpose of defacing 
 and removing all images, pictures, and relics of idolatry from places of public worship. This 
 was carried; Journals of the Commons, Jan. 23, 1641 ; and a^bill was brought in and passed; 
 Journals of the Lords, August 26, 1643; but with this proviso, that all such removals should be 
 carefully made, and the breaches thereby occasioned should be repaired at the same time; and 
 that no such demolition should be extended to the monuments of the dead. No notice, however, 
 was taken of this saving clause, but with misguided zeal the sacred structures of religion were 
 violated, the magnificent painted windows destroyed, the tombs and altars defaced, by being 
 divested of their rich ornaments of brass and still more precious metal ; and in the prevailing tran- 
 sport of religious zeal, the fabrics themselves were dilapidated, and subjected to the barbarian 
 outrages of reforming bigotry and fanatical superstition. During these unholy ravages, the minster 
 at Beverley suffered severely, its rich decorations were taken away, and the injury inflicted by 
 blind zealots, under the sacred pretext of religion, can never be repaired. 
 
 ^^ The monuments and inscribed stones in the transept are very numerous. On the east side 
 of the door of the north transept is the following inscription: — 
 
 To the memory of Lancelot Machell, lieutenant in the Royal Engineers; the third 
 son of Christopher and Ann Machell. He was killed in the trenches at St. Sebastian, in Spain, 
 after the unsuccessful attack upon that place on the 25th of July, 1813, in the 21st year of his 
 age ; esteemed and respected in his public and private character. 
 
 " The three officers of the engineers employed to conduct the different parts of the columns of 
 attack, behaved admirably, but suffered severely. Captain Lewis lost his leg ; lieutenant Jones 
 was wounded and taken, and lieutenant Machell, on his return, was killed in the trenches." 
 
 Lieut.-Gen. Sir T. Graham's Report, 26th July. 
 
 Another in the east aisle of the north transept deserves notice. 
 
 In memory of Francis Best, esquire, whose exemplary conduct in private life, in the 
 several domestic and social duties of husband, father, friend, and benefactor ; and whose faithful 
 and upright discharge of the public and useful duties of a magistrate, having acted in the com- 
 mission of the peace more than forty years in the East-riding of this county ; have endeared his 
 memory ; and rendered his death a public and much lamented loss, though at the advanced age 
 of fourscore years. 
 
 Form'd as he was on nature's purest plan, 
 Grac'd with each virtue that ennobles man , 
 When genuine truth, simplicity, and ease. 
 Displayed their every charm and power to please : 
 Who tempering justice by the laws of heav'n, 
 Sav'd where he could to be himself forgiven. 
 Lent sure to teach and to delight mankind. 
 He's gone his real home and bliss to find. 
 Spare then the falling tear and needless sigh ; 
 When life is goodness, 'tis a gain to die. 
 
 He died at Beverley, in this county, Feb. 21, 1779, and was interred in a private vault on his 
 estate at Emswell, near Little- Driffield. 
 
 Within the same vault are deposited the remains of Rosamund his wife, who died at Bath, 6th 
 March, 1787, aged 86 years. 
 
826 
 
 Over the door of the south transept is an emblematical painting on wood, not 
 particularly creditable to the taste, ingenuity or antiquarian knowledge of the 
 artist ; representing two figures, a king and a priest, the former being intended for 
 Athelstan, who is in the act of presenting a charter to the church of Saint John, 
 personifi^ed in the figure of the great saint himself ; and containing these words : 
 
 ^l& ^tt make $ ^f)t 
 
 ^0 f)tvi mag tibgnfee or C^sJ mag mt. 
 
 The organ screen is a beautiful specimen of the Grecian style of architecture 
 with English decorations; but lamentably misplaced amidst such a profusion of 
 pure English ornament as is here presented to the view. It was built under the 
 direction of Mr. Moyser, in 1731. The entrance into the choir is made to consist 
 of a Corinthian archway supported by pillars of the same order, the inner part of 
 the arch being decorated with roses. On the north side of this archway is a niche 
 with an ornamented and embattled canopy, flanked by two pinnacles with crockets 
 and finials springing from buttresses, and placed above the niche as a second stage. 
 Within the niche, upon a pedestal stands a warrior as large as life, armed after 
 the fashion of a Roman knight, with a drawn sword in his right hand, and a 
 charter in his left. This figure, which is another representation of Athelstan, is 
 entirely a creature of the artist's fancy, formed without taste, judgment, or con- 
 sistent effect. But it is finely contrasted by an excellent cast of an ecclesiastical 
 personage, which is placed in a niche on the south side, having a book and a 
 crosier, and appearing to be in the act of bestowing the episcopal benediction with 
 much solemnity and dignity of expression. This figure is intended to represent the 
 
 Other monuments there are in the transept to the following persons. North Transept, East 
 aisle. — Joseph Cam, 1825, and Priscilla his wife, 1817; James Edmonds, esq. 1776; Rev. G.J. 
 Edmonds, 1804; Maria Edmonds, 1797; Elizabeth Lowthorp, 1811; Oliver de Lancy, 1785; 
 Henry Watkins, 1777, and Ann his wife, 1787 ; John Silversides, 1807, and Nancy his wife, 1819 ; 
 Nicholas Wight, 1773; Rev. W. Morrell, 1749. fVest aisle.— Ehenezer Robertson, 1825; John 
 Ditmas, 1825; captain John Green, 1823; Francis Iveson, 1825; Richard Farrant, on brass; 
 William Taylor, 1706, and Margaret his wife, 1744; Robert Norris, 1816; Robert Jennings, esq. 
 1804. South Transept, East aisle. — Major-Gen. Foord Bowes; William Wilson, 1816; Richard 
 Fox, esq. 1823; Richard Milner, gent. 1776, and Elizabeth his wife, 1757; Elizabeth Hewitt, 
 1824 ; Robert Burton, 1737 ; John Jarratt, esq. 1754, and Sarah his wife, 1757 ; Thomas Harrison, 
 1772; Alexander Shaw, M. D. 1820; John Bowman, esq. 1799; Anne Atkinson, 1819; William 
 Gee, 1790; Mrs. Anne Routh, 1722. ^^e«« ai*/e.—Yarburg Constable, of Wassand, esq. 1731, 
 Faith his daughter, 1732, and Rosamund his wife, 1756; Marmaduke Constable, esq. 1762, and 
 Mary his wife, 1752; Leonard Bellamy, esq. 1766; Thomas Oxtoby, 1817; Mary Luck, 1727 j 
 Charles Robinson and Sarah his wife, 1794. 
 
321 
 
 patron saint of the minster ; and is supposed to have been taken from a graceful 
 and admirably expressed model, representing pope Gregory at the moment of re- 
 garding an angelic messenger which was said to have appeared to him from the 
 summit of Adrian's tomb, during a sorrowful procession of the much afflicted 
 people of Rome, who sought by acts of humility and mortification to appease the 
 wrath of heaven, and avert a heavy calamity with which they had been visited. 
 The whole of this figure, whether in air, expression, or drapery, would form an 
 excellent study for grace and solemn dignity. But when we observe the figure of 
 a Roman pontiff with a venerable beard, substituted for a Saxon archbishop, whose 
 order obliged him to be closely shaven, however we may admire the execution, we 
 cannot but condemn the false taste of the artist, under whose superintendence so 
 much absurdity has been accomplished.^^ 
 
 The archway is surmounted by a high central cluster of three cherubs, supported 
 by two sitting angels, the one handling a harp, and the other blowing a trumpet. 
 Upon this foundation an organ was erected, by Snetzler, in the year 1767, at an 
 expense of nearly £800. ;^'^ which was improved in 1824, by the addition of pedals 
 and a new bellows, under the direction of Ward, of York. On each side of the 
 organ screen are prominent pointed archways, which form an entrance into the 
 aisles of the choir behind the ielevated pews which have been erected at the back of 
 the ancient stalls. 
 
 The choir is deservedly admired for its superb carved and perforated ornaments, 
 in the best style of the grandest of our English cathedrals ; for its stately monu- 
 ments, its variegated marble floor, its stalls and altar screen, and its magnificent 
 east window, on which was beautifully delineated the Saviour, his twelve apostles, 
 and several eminent saints ; and und^r the central battlement, on the south side, 
 
 *^ And yet Mr. Collins, the artist who produced these figures, was a clever man. His models 
 of animals were well managed, and his rural subjects, which he was fond of introducing, were 
 generally executed with much taste and feeling. He was a native, either of Driffield or of some 
 village in its immediate neighbourhood ; but for want of patronage, he passed his days in obscurity 
 and wretchedness, and was frequently reduced to absolute indigence. The two statues above 
 described, were cast by him in moulds, said to be formed for the purpose from two ancient figures 
 of Athelstan and Saint John, which were removed to France at the dissolution. The moulds were 
 afterwards destroyed. They are composed of a mixed metal, covered with a coating of plaister. 
 The tale of the two originals, however, is without authority, and may safely be pronounced 
 fabulous. 
 
 *' Snetzler's estimate, exclusive of the case, was £650 ; but like all other estimates, it fell short 
 of the real charge, although he stipulated that for this sum it should be « executed, completed, 
 and erected in the best workmanlike manner." His bill was £716. 15s. 10|d. 
 
328 
 
 were two spaces filled the legendary history of Saint Martin/' There are at present 
 many deficiencies in these paintings, but the venerable effect of the window has 
 been preserved, by placing a general collection of the fragments in an uniform 
 manner, so as to give it the appearance, at least, of a connected subject. 
 
 The stalls are forty-two in number, and do not exhibit any difference in point of 
 elevation or embellishment to distinguish the superior dignitaries, except in a single 
 instance. The first stall on the right hand of the entrance from the nave exhibits 
 marks of superior decoration, as if intended for the chief person in the establishment; 
 and when we recollect that the archbishop of York had " the first" stall in this 
 choir,^' we immediately pronounce that this was the primate's seat. The canopy is 
 finished with turrets instead of pinnacles; the tracery of the back pannels is of 
 infinitely greater richness and more minute execution; and the buttresses are orna- 
 mented with the well sculptured heads of a king and a bishop. The seats are of an 
 equal altitude, and turn on a moveable pivot, so that they may be raised or let down 
 at pleasure like the leaf of a table; and the under part of each, which is visible when 
 the seat is turned up, contains some allegorical design, curiously carved, and 
 forming altogether a record, the key to which is irrecoverably lost. These carvings 
 are unequal in point of merit, both as regards design and execution, yet some of 
 them are above contempt. They may perhaps have been the work of some of the 
 residentaries,'" as an artist describes himself on the 17th stall from the east end on 
 the north side, as Clericus et Faher; and if this conjecture be correct, each design 
 might contain some sly allusion either direct or implied, to the habits or propensi- 
 ties of the person then in possession of the stall on which it was placed. The 
 ornaments with which this stall is decorated, consist of a central group representing 
 a gentleman in the hunting dress of a person of distinction, with a hawk upon his 
 fist, and attended by servants and dogs. On each side is a circle containing a 
 single figure ; the one, a dog gnawing a bone ; the other, a cock of the true game 
 breed, trimmed ready for battle. Hence we may conclude, that the Rev. John 
 Wake was a branch of a noble family, and attached to the sports of the field and 
 
 *^ These absurd fables may be found in Gent. Ripon, p. 90. 
 
 "9 Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. I. 1. p. 57. Dugd. Monast. Epit. p. 305. Rot Pat. 21 Rich. II. The 
 archbishop, after Thurstan's time, was always one of the canons, and presided when present. 
 Extract from the archdeacon's book. East-riding. 
 
 ^ It was no degradation, in these early times, for a clergyman to practise the mechanical arts. 
 A law of Edgar ordained, that « every priest, to increase knowledge, shall diligently learn some 
 handicraft." Wilk. Leg. Ang. Sax. p. 83. 
 
329 
 
 other domestic recreations, as well as the more sedentary pursuits, either of his 
 sacred profession, or the amusement of decorating* oaken benches with caricature 
 embellishments. v^<i 
 
 The dresses of some of the figures under these seats serve to exemplify the fashions 
 of the times, and may thus afford employment to those who possess leisure and in- 
 clination to investigate this ample subject. The rural designs appear to have had 
 the greatest pains bestowed on them, and are therefore the most tastefully executed. 
 Some are grotesque and even ridiculous; amongst these may be instanced, the 
 exhibition of a shrew who has merited distinction by her superior powers of elo- 
 quence, and the facility she possesses of adapting tropes and figures of rhetoric to 
 every occasion and circumstance of common life. Her husband has placed her in 
 a wheelbarrow, and appears to be conveying her post haste to the ducking-stool.*' 
 
 ^' In viewing all the decorations of this church, generally magnificent and sublime, but some- 
 times, as is the case with these ornaments, puerile and trifling, our ideas naturally revert to the 
 establishment which was devoted to the daily services of religion within its walls, during the period 
 of its greatest splendour. This establishment was numerous and important, and consisted of a 
 provost, who did not however possess a stall in the choir, eight prebendaries, a chancellor, a pre- 
 centor, seven rectors choral, nine vicars choral, with the usual retinue of clerks, choristers, officers, 
 and servants ; besides the chantry priests, who did not form an indispensable part of the general 
 establishment, but constituted casual appendages to the church; and their several duties were 
 confined to one exclusive object, the solemnization of masses for the souls of the founder and his 
 relatives; for which service they held a life estate in the lands and other property with which 
 their charities were respectively endowed. They were bound, however, to pay canonical obedience 
 to the provost, in common with the established residentiaries. Obedientia licitz et canonicz man- 
 datz omn' p'sonar' vicar' capellanor' cantiar' po'chionaP annual diurn' celeb'nt infra o's Ecclesias 
 capellas cantias orator, infra diet' feod' et lib'tat' prepositur' infra vill' Bev'lac' et ext^ ac omn' 
 Cl'icos p'ochional' &c. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1. p. 2. The number of chantry priests attached to the 
 minster church cannot now be ascertained with absolute precision. We possess records which 
 mention fifteen of these institutions, and there were probably many others of which no account 
 remains ; and it is remarkable that some of them had more than one priest appointed to officiate 
 at each altar. Nor were the chantries confined to the mother church ; they abounded in chapels, 
 monasteries, and private houses ; and in the whole, the liberties of Beverley contained, at the 
 least, thirty endowed altars, at which masses were daily performed. 
 
 The chantries in the collegiate church were fifteen. 
 
 1 . Saint Michael's chantry. Gent. Ripon, p. 78. 
 
 2. Corpus Christi chantry. Ibid. 
 
 3. Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. Ibid. 
 
 4. Saint Peter's chantry. Compotus of Simon Sprotley. 24 Hen. VI. 
 
 5. Saint James's chantry. Gent. Ripon, p. 78. 
 
 6. Grant's chantry. Ibid. 
 
 7. Saint Catherine's chantry. Rot. Pat. 9 Henry IV. Ex. Reg. Prsep. 1. 1. p. 26. At the 
 dissolution, William Cowarde, the incumbent of this chantry, had a pension for life of £4. 4s. Od. 
 Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 290. In the same record, five other chantry priests are mentioned as 
 having had pensions allowed them at the same time, in lieu of their endowments in the collegiate 
 church, but the respective altars are not named. George Haslewood, £5. Os. Od. Edmund Hogeson, 
 
 2 T 
 
330 
 
 She appears disinclined to receive the threatened elevation with patience, for rage 
 and fiiry are not only strongly depicted in her countenance, but strikingly illustrated 
 by the act of tearing off her husband's wig. A more tranquil figure of a woman 
 milking her cow is particularly simple, natural, and well designed. Underneath 
 the twelfth stall from the entrance into the choir on the north side, in the centre is 
 a shield with a bar radiated between three martlets, two and one, and supported 
 by a falcon on the dexter side, and a fox on the sinister ; and within one of the 
 accompanying circles is placed a falcon with its bells, in the act of striking its 
 prey, and within the other, a dove with this inscription, ^tttta 5123^UUtltU€ '^^tt 
 ISoCtOrijS ^f)tm\XXmi tuiUJ? ^CCleiSiac^ 1520. This date shews the time when 
 the stalls were erected. Several other coats are here found, particularly the fourth 
 and seventh on the south, for Whyte, a fess between three weights, with this 
 
 £6. Os. Od. Geoffery Jefferson, £5. Os. Od. Henry Bilton, £4. Os. lid. and Christopher Walton, 
 £2. 18s. 8d. Ibid. p. 268. Others are described as ministers, who might probably be found offi- 
 ciating at the remaining altars, as they also had pensions allowed them. 
 
 8. Chantry of Saint John the Baptist. Rot. Pat. 28 Hen. VI. 
 
 9. Saint Trinities, founded by William Tyrwhytt. Rot. Pat. 20 Hen. VI. 
 10. Saint Anne's chantry. Rot. Pat. 9 Hen. IV. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1. p. 26. 
 U. Chantry of Saint John of Beverley. Excheq. Decree. Corp. Rec. 18 C. 
 
 12. Chantry of Saint William. Ibid. The above two chantries were granted to the mayor and 
 burgesses, 21 Eliz. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 3. p. 18 b. 
 
 13. Chantrj' founded by Stephen Wilton. Rot, Pat. 33 Hen. VI. 
 
 14. Chantry of Saint Christopher. Compotus of Simon Sprotley. 24 Hen. VI. 
 
 15. Queen's chantry, founded by Isabella, wife of Edw. II. Pet. in Pari. 7 Rich. II. 
 
 The chantries in the chapel of Saint Mary were three, and I introduce them here in preference 
 to any other place, that the article may be complete in itself, and exhibit at one view the number 
 of these institutions which the town of Beverley contained. 
 
 16. Chantry of Saint Michael. Gent. Ripon, p. 78. 
 
 17. Gervus's chantry. Ex. Reg. Archiep. Ebor. part II. p. 185. 
 
 18. Saint Catherine's chantry. Granted to the mayor and burgesses, 21 Eliz. Ex. Reg. Praep. 
 1. 3. p. 18 b. on condition that a pension of £4. 13s. 4d. should be paid to William Cawood, the 
 present incumbent. Corp. Rec. 20 I. 
 
 Distributed throughout the liberties were twelve chantries. 
 
 19. The chantry of the Blessed Virgin in the chapel of Molescroft. Rot. Pat. 2 Hen. V. Ex. 
 Reg. Praep. 1. 2. p. 78. b. At the dissolution, Robert Mote, the incumbent, had an annuity of 
 £4. lis. 8d. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 289. 
 
 20. Chantry of the Blessed Virgin in the chapel of Thearne. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 2. p. 57 a. 
 
 21. Chantry of the Blessed Virgin in Saint Nicholas's church. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 290. 
 At the dissolution, John Thompson, the incumbent, had a pension of £6. Os. Od. Ibid. 
 
 22. Saint James's chantry at Hull-Bridge. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 2. p. 57 a. Robert Busbye, the 
 incumbent, had a pension of £4. lis. Od. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 292. 
 
 23. Chapel of Saint Ellen, near the Grey Friars. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 8. 
 
 24. Kelk's chantry. Ex. Reg. H. Bowet, Arch. Ebor. p. 184. Corp. Rec. 3 July, 1421. Richard 
 Benson and John Talbote, the incumbents, were allowed a pension of £5. Os. Od. each at the 
 dissolution. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 290. 
 
 25. Rosse's chantry. Inq. ad quod dam. 2 Hen. V. 
 
331 
 
 inscription, 5I2a;iUmi tempore cancellarii 5I2a:256t Jujujsf (&ctit&i^, and having 
 
 two supporters carrying weights ; and the twelfth for Donington quarterly, 1 and 
 4, three pales in pale couped in chief with three roundlets in chief. 2 and 3, a 
 chevron between mullets ; and supported on the dexter side by an eagle, and on 
 the sinister by a stag collared, seated on a cask to which he is chained ; with this 
 
 inscription, ^vma iJBagtgitii Ei^ome Hongngton cantarii f)u\m tctXt^m^ 
 
 Some of the grotesque figures and ornaments appear to be satirical, while others 
 evidently convey a serious moral. One represents a boar hunt, a man disciplining a 
 monkey, and a muzzled bear teaching a monkey to play on the bagpipes; another 
 is a satirical representation of a bear playing on the same instrument to a choir of 
 young pigs as singers; and on a third is depicted a bird like a goose, with the head 
 of a man appearing at its breast.'^ 
 
 26. Corpus Christi chantry, founded A. D. 1323, by Robert de Scorburgb, in his own house in 
 Beverley. Rot. Pat. 17 Edw. II. 
 
 27. Saint Nicholas or La Frere chantry. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 268. Granted 3 Edw. VI. 
 to Michael Stanhope and John Bellowe. Ex. Reg. Preep. 1. 3. p. 17 a. 
 
 28. Of Saint Egidius, in the hospital of Saint Giles. Tan. Notit. York. XII. 3. 
 
 29. Chantry of Saint Trinities, founded A. D. 1398, by John de Ake, on the Cross- Bridge, at 
 Beverley. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 140. 
 
 SO. Willis gives a chantry, dedicated to the A'^irgin, in the manor of the Hall-Garth, which was 
 probably at Beverley. Hist Abb. vol. ii. p. 293. The incumbent, John Ligbtfoot, had a pension 
 of £2. 3s. 2d. Ibid. 
 
 There was also in Beverley a chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas ; Archdeacon's Book, East- 
 riding; which was erected during the reign of Athelstan; Lei. Itin. vol. iii. p. 102, but I am in- 
 clined to think that it was demolished long before the Reformation. 
 
 The priests of these chantries, together with the establishment of the collegiate church, the 
 rector of Saint Nicholas, and the vicar of Saint Mary, if they were not prebendaries, would form 
 an aggregate of more than sixty persons who were set apart for the services of religion, for it has 
 been already observed that several of the chantries had more than one priest to each. The clergy 
 belonging to the collegiate establishment mostly resided in the prebendal houses, the rectories, 
 and other dwellings, which were placed for that purpose within the precincts of the church, and 
 performed the customary religious services in hebdomadal rotation, assisted by the choristers, 
 and attended by the inferior officers of the church. 
 
 •'2 These figures are, many of them, copied from the tricks of the ancient joculators. " One 
 great part of this profession was the teaching of bears, apes, horses, dogs, and other animals to 
 imitate the actions of men ; to tumble, to dance, and to perform a variety of tricks contrary to 
 their nature; and sometimes the joculator learned himself to counterfeit the gestures and articu- 
 lations of brutes." Strutt's Sports, p. 182. A variety of these delineations may be found in MS. 
 books of prayers and religious tracts in the British Museum, the Bodleian, the King's library, and 
 other places. In a MS. book in the Bodleian library, dated 1344, is a figure similar to our double 
 feced goose. It is the resemblance of a stag which was produced at some public place of amuse- 
 ment, with a human face seen through an aperture at the breast. " I doubt not," says Strutt, 
 Sports, p. 1 90 ; but a person was chosen to play this part with a face susceptible of much grimace, 
 which he had an opportunity of setting forth to great advantage, with a certainty of commanding 
 the plaudits of his beholders. It was also possible to heighten the whimsical appearance of 
 
 2 T 2 
 
332 
 
 The tabernacle work over the stalls is a very happy specimen of the excellence 
 to which the perpendicular style of architecture may be carried. The canopies are 
 supported by slender and delicate pillars springing- from the projecting- elbows of 
 the uppermost row of stalls. These canopies consist of an intricate mass of carved 
 work representing- highly finished models of projecting windows, intermixed with 
 a clustered grove of pinnacles, and adorned with a profusion of crockets and finials, 
 all in the chastest style of the age. Even the carvings which are placed behind, 
 and almost out of sight, have neither been neglected nor finished in a slovenly 
 manner, but every part will bear the test of the most minute inspection. The 
 innumerable perforations are judiciously designed, and executed with taste and 
 exactness, and the tracery is as accurately described behind the pinnacles as in 
 those parts which are most exposed to the view. " Till very lately, a back ran 
 behind the whole length of the tabernacle work, and a canopy, extending in one 
 continued line from east to west, overhung the pinnacles. They were both origi- 
 nal parts of the work. In the progress of the alterations now going on, the 
 removal of the former became necessary ; and the effect has been very good, in 
 exhibiting more clearly the elegant and delicate tabernacle work. Something, 
 however, still is wanting to relieve the plainness of the back part of the work, 
 which was never intended for exposure ; and some persons, perhaps, will be dis- 
 posed to regret the canopy, as an ornament not common in such a situation, and 
 giving to the choir a peculiar and distinctive character."*^ 
 
 The choir is now fitted up with seats for the congregation ; and with the addition 
 of the south small transept,** and the aisles of the choir, affords ample room for the 
 
 this disguise by a motion communicated to the head, a trick the man might easily enough perform 
 by putting one of his arms into the hollow of its neck, which probably was made pliable for that 
 purpose." 
 
 ** Coltman's Short History, p. 51. 
 
 ^* On one of the pillars of the choir, leading to the south small transept, is a brass plate, with 
 the following beautiful epitaph, which it would be inexcusable to omit. 
 
 In obitum sanctissimae, integerrimae, ac verenobilis Feminae Thomasinae Geae, uxoris nupe? 
 Gulielmi Geij, Armigeri Epitaphium. 
 
 Mole sub hac lapidum recubanti carmina libo 
 J- Maluit heu vivae reddere musa vicem, 
 
 Quae hospitijs inopes sacrasque amplexa cohortes 
 Jam bibit oeternas nobilis hospes aquas. 
 Hac triplici superum rector mercede beauit 
 Justitia, vita non pereunte, throno. 
 Praetulerat pietate facem quae matribus omneis 
 Nunc sibi perpetuam prceferat aura facem. 
 
333 
 
 accommodation of all the parishioners. A new pulpit designed and executed by 
 Mr. Fowler, of Winterton, has been recently introduced. It is an octagon of two 
 stages ; the lower being pannelled with cinquefoil pointed arches, the upper 
 with crocketed pediments, each triangle having a superb purfled finial, inclosing 
 a pannelled imitation of pointed windows with flowing tracery, the spandrills 
 being filled in with the rose ornament in square compartments to correspond with 
 the altar screen. The buttresses terminate in pinnacles with crockets and finials ; 
 and the canopy is ornamented with an ogee battlement, similar to that which sur- 
 mounts the altar screen. The whole has an imposing appearance, but the effect 
 would probably be increased if it were placed at a greater elevation. It is dis- 
 posed at present at the east end of the centre aisle, immediately fronting the 
 principal entrance from the nave. The altar table" is a plain slab of veined 
 marble, supported by three trefoil arches in front, and two on each side; the 
 spandrills plain and the points of the arches terminating in roses. 
 
 The altar screen is a most beautiful specimen of the decorated style of architec- 
 ture, recently erected under the superintendence of Mr. Comins, and is an exact 
 renewal of the old screen which was constructed in the reign of Edward III. and 
 defaced by the reforming zeal of the puritanical faction under Cromwell, which 
 regarded statues and ornamental decorations as so many idols to wean the heart 
 from God. "It is so full of ornament, and that ornament so minute, that few 
 
 Membra licet placidum carpant in pulvere somnum 
 
 Attamen oeterni spiritus ora videt 
 
 Expe^tatq; diem dum commutatio fiat 
 
 Corruptum et granum sit recidiva seges. 
 Aliud de eadem hexasticon. 
 
 Siccine filiolas privant genetrice maritum 
 
 Conjuge, sic matrem sors inopina ferit? 
 
 Siccine caniciem tristi mors dira parenti 
 
 Fert, aufert vitam dum truculenta suam ? 
 
 Siccine cognatos, sic charos, ludit amicos 
 
 Praeproperd, vitam non miserata breuem ? 
 Aluid de eadem. 
 
 Tflf/x<a»ae a ^tvn si jungas verbula graece 
 
 Dispensatricem vox sonat innocuam. 
 
 Fida viro conjux dilecto hera blanda ministris, 
 
 HsBC quicunq ; legis, nomen et omen habes. 
 Obijt vicesimo tertio die mensis Decembris, Anno 
 Verbi incarnati millesimo quin-gentesimo 
 Nonagesirao nono, Anno vero aetatis suee 
 vicesimo nono. 
 
 ^* The altar table was presented to the church by John Moyser, esquire, about the year 1717; 
 
334 
 
 modern chimney pieces would require equal delicacy of execution."^® The design 
 contains two stages, each flanked by clustered buttresses, the lower compartment 
 being divided into twenty-four niches, the twelve centre ones narrower in dimension 
 than the six on either side. The pediments are crocketed, and the spandrills em- 
 bossed with lozenge, having an open battlement flanked by pinnacles springing 
 from buttresses ornamented with foliage and grotesque figures. The pedestals 
 have similar ornaments. In the second stage the niches are canopies, the points 
 terminating with devices, and crowned with an open battlement. " The back 
 part of this screen is approachable from the Lady Chapel, and exhibits a most 
 excellent piece of rich groining with very fine bosses ; and there has been 
 some remarkably fine and intricate tracery in the arches, but it has been cut 
 away to put in some poor, modern monumental tables, fifty years ago and up- 
 wards. The whole of this screen is so excellent and so near the eye, that it forms, 
 perhaps, the best school in England for decorated details."*^ Over it is the 
 ancient rood loft to which the stranger is conducted by a stone stair case, much 
 worn. 
 
 To the north of the altar table stands that superbly ornamented monument, com- 
 monly called THE Percy Shrine,** which appears, by the uniform consent of 
 the most part of those who have investigated the subject, to have been erected in 
 honour of the lady Idonea, daughter of Robert, lord Clifford, and the wife of 
 
 «6 Rickman. Engl. Arch. p. 171. *^ Ibid. 
 
 "'* In this part of the church, as we are told by Leland, was another monument, erected at a 
 somewhat more early period than the one under our consideration, to the memory of the lady 
 Eleanor Percy. Conjecture has been busy to ascertain which of the lady Percys this was. Mr. 
 Coltman, whose opinions are entitled to respect, thinks that she was the wife of Henry, first lord 
 Percy of Alnwick, who died A. D. 1315. Short Hist. p. 64. The following document, dated 
 1336, makes this conjecture extremely probable. Hec indentura testatur q'd nos vicarie chori 
 eccl'ie. S'ci Joh'is Bev'laci tenemur & p' p'ntes eflBcaciter obligamur executoribz dn'e Alianore 
 de p'cy nup' defuncte ad celebrandii in p'ptuu obitum d'ce d'ne semel in anno singlis annis die 
 viz*- quo dc'a dna viara vniu'sis carnis fuerat ingressa, n^non ad soluend' cuilibz cano'ico d'ce 
 eccl'ie, in obitu dc'e dne cii fieri contigerit p'senti duodecim denar\ Ifm cuilibz vicario chori 
 memorati, si p'sens fuerit in pleno servitio d'ci obitus duodecim denar\ It'm cuilibz cli'co de sex 
 cli'cis de Bersillo, qui capettus fuerit & missam p' ai'a d'ce dne die obitus sui celebrauerit in toto 
 seruisio d'ci obitus interfuerit sex denar' ac ceteris cl'icis &c. dat. Kal. Maii. 1336. Bibl. Bodl. 
 MSS. Dodsw. 74. fo. 14 b. "This lady was lineally descended from queen Adelicia, sister of 
 Josceline de Louvain ; Vid. infra Pars. IV. ch. ii. for queen Adelicia married to her second hus- 
 band William de Albaney, I. earl of Arundel, and had by him issue, William de Albaney, second 
 earl of Arundel; who had a daughter Isabel, wife of John Fitzallan, lord of Clun. The offspring 
 of this marriage, John Fitzallan, who was in right of his mother earl of Arundel, left a son John, 
 who also was earl of Arundel, and he was father of this Eleanor, lady Percy. Collin's Peerage, 
 by Brydges, vol. ii. p. 240. in nota. o. 
 
335 
 
 Henry, second lord Percy, of Alnwick. This shrine has been termed " the first of 
 models of ancient monuments, wherein every effort that sculpture and masonry 
 could combine, are displayed in one great excellence. Here the divine forms of 
 heavenly beings shine resplendent before us. The excessive admiration excited by 
 this national honour cannot be described; and we have only to observe, that it was 
 executed in the zenith of our pointed arched style's highest glory, the glorious days 
 of Edward III."^« 
 
 It consists of a most magnificent groined canopy of freestone, containing a pedi- 
 ment with a double feathered ogee arch, terminating in a finial composed of vine 
 leaf ornaments. The spandrills of the pediment are charged with angels bearing 
 censers. Within the pediment is a rich arch bordered and terminating in a 
 bouquet, and formed of three demiquatrefoils ; the spandrills contain the figures of 
 a king and queen, supposed to represent Edward III,^° and Philippa; and that of 
 
 The following table marks the descent. 
 William de Albini=Maud, d. of Roger Bigot. 
 
 William, first Earl=Adelicia, the widow Nigel. 
 of Arundel. of King Henry I. 
 
 Oliver. 
 
 — 1 
 Oliva. 
 
 William, 2nd Earl =j= Maud, d. of James 
 of Arundel. St. Hilary. 
 
 I I I 
 
 Godfrey. Two 
 
 Sons. 
 
 Alicia=John, Earl Oliva. Agatha, 
 of Ewe. 
 
 William, Hugh, Isabel, for her=John Fitz- Nichola 
 
 ob. S. P ob. S. P. purparty had 
 the castle of 
 Arundel. 
 
 Alan, lord married 
 of Clun. Roger 
 
 de Som- 
 ery. 
 
 Cecily mar- 
 ried R. de Mon- 
 talt. 
 
 Mabel mar- 
 ried R. de 
 Tatshall. 
 
 John Fitz-Alan, earl of Arundel=Maud, d. of Roese de Verdun. 
 
 John, 2nd earl = Isabella de Mortimer. 
 
 Richard, 3rd earl Eleanor Fitz-Alan = Henry, 1st lord Percy of Alnwick. 
 
 In a compotus of Bolton abbey, dated 1317, an entry appears of £6. received by the canons from 
 this Eleanor Percy for celebrating masses for the soul of her brother. Recept' d'na de Percy ad 
 celebrand. pro a'i'a Ric' de Arundel, £VI. 
 
 ** Gentleman's Magazine, Feb. 1799. 
 
 "0 The tomb has been recently inspected in the presence of two magistrates, and amongst 
 other things, a small silver coin of Edward III. was found, which is a collateral proof that the 
 shrine was erected during his reign. 
 
336 
 
 a lady habited in a most splendid manner. On the north side of the arch are four 
 knights with shields, 
 
 Or, a lion rampant, az. Percy, Three times repeated. 
 
 The field diapered, cheque or and az, a fess gules. — Clifford.^^ And on the 
 south side of the arch, are three knights with shields. 
 
 Cheque or and az. — Warren. 
 
 Gules, a lion rampant, or. — Fitzallan. 
 
 Quarterly, England and France, the fields diapered. 
 
 Sable, a chief. Azure. 
 In the inside of these spandrills are carved angels, hovering ; and in the lesser 
 spandrills are seraphim with six wings playing on instruments, and four others at 
 the points of the demiquatrefoils. Both canopies are richly crocketed ; the finial 
 of the upper is tall and magnificent ; the lower is a corbel, on which is placed a 
 fine figure of the Redeemer in the attitude of benediction, having his head encir- 
 cled with a wreath to represent the crown of thorns. Towards this figure a lady 
 appears to be rising from a sheet suspended by two angels placed on corbels behind 
 the crockets, about the middle of the upper canopy ; which corbels are supported 
 by grotesque devices. " The figure of the Deity,^^ repeated on the south side of 
 the finial or terminating bouquet, has the right hand in the attitude of benediction 
 on the head, and iiolds in his left the elevated hands of the lady to whom this 
 monument belongs, and who is held in a sheet resting on his knees by angels on 
 each side. The seven figures of knights in the spandrills on each side are of the 
 most finished workmanship, the attitude elegant and expressive, and might serve 
 as patterns of the armour of the times. Two of them are furnished with lances, 
 and one with a drawn sword ; the others have the swords sheathed and hanging 
 down ; all have gorgets, shoes, sleeves, and the back part of the cuisses of mail ; 
 the fronts plated. The form and furniture of each helmet is different, and the 
 vizors of all lifted up. The eighth of these figures is a lady in the full habit of the 
 times, her coeffeure open at the sides, but the veil of it flowing, and gathered at 
 the top of the head into a high fleur-de-lis, a neckerchief close round her neck, a 
 high breasted gown, with long light sleeves, and close gathered at her feet, and 
 
 ®' The presence of these arms makes it clear that the tomb was erected for the lady Idonea, 
 daughter of lord Clifford, and not for Eleanor, who died before any connexion subsisted with the 
 Clifford family. 
 
 •. ^2 Gough uses this expression, but the figure is evidently intended to represent the Second 
 Person of the sacred Trinity. 
 
TfOM. OILIVESS UnSTOKy OJf BKVERUEY, &;• . 
 
 ■WriLBarQett a«lj 
 
 ■W.Deeble ft-. 
 
 
 Sryfrl^i' . TubUshrd hv 2f .Turner ^ Miu/ l,19Z9. 
 
331 
 
 over it a mantle fastened with strings to a jewel on the breast. The shield in her 
 hand is mere diaper work, with a cheque and a chief, az."^^ All the small mould- 
 ings are filled with the ball ornament, and the whole is in tolerable preservation. 
 A tomb, which formerly had a place assigned to it under this superb canopy, con- 
 tained the effigies of a lady extended at length, under a single canopy with finials, 
 and round it fourteen shields of brass, which had been stolen before the tomb was 
 removed.^* It is worthy of observation, that in all the variety of figures and cha- 
 racters represented in the ornamental parts of this elegant specimen of ancient 
 sculpture, a varied expression of sorrow and concern is depicted on every countenance; 
 
 *' Gough. Sepul. Mon. vol. ii. p. 310. 
 ^* I have received the following communication from Dr. Hull on this tomb, who was one of 
 the magistrates in whose presence it was opened in the year 1825, and it is too valuable to be 
 lost, " The tomb which has been removed was a tomb upon a tomb ; the original tomb is that 
 which now appears, and it is more than probable that the first interment, if any, is below the 
 floor, and immediately under the tomb, and the black marble tomb was introduced at a subse- 
 quent period, in consequence of a second interment. The probable truth of this opinion seems 
 strongly supported by the two following facts. First, it appears admitted by all writers on this 
 subject, that the Percy Shrine was erected either to the memory of the lady Idonea, wife of the 
 second lord Percy, of Alnwick, or of Eleanor, wife of Henry the first lord Percy. Now it 
 is evident, that the body found under the tomb which has been removed could not have been that 
 of either, unless, indeed, she had been married at an unusually early part of her life, the skull, 
 the arm and leg bones not exceeding in magnitude those of a person of 12 or 14 years of age. 
 Secondly, it is quite clear that the original tomb was an altar tomb, the appendages still remain- 
 ing in a mutilated state which were used for the purposes required in the performance of those 
 ceremonies necessary in praying for the soul of the deceased. Had the upper tomb been con- 
 sidered indispensable to give a true character to the shrine, it is scarcely possible that it could 
 have been made subservient to such a purpose ; it is therefore much more probable that it was an 
 introduction rendered necessary by a subsequent interment, and formed no part of the original 
 design. Besides, when the shrine is viewed from the north transept, it appears in its true charac- 
 ter, and every part seems perfect ; the upper tomb being, as I suppose it was, placed there to 
 protect the ashes contained in the shallow habitation beneath. The coffin was not hollowed out 
 of a single stone, but formed by the hands of a mason, and jointed with mortar. It was 6 feet 
 6 inches long, 1 foot 6 inches wide, and only 16 inches deep. The body had been closely 
 enveloped from head to foot in sheet lead, so intimately indeed as to convey the impression 
 of every inequality of surface, and was inclosed in a wood coffin decorated with ornaments pro- 
 bably of some value. The cemetery had been previously violated, and in the work of plunder 
 the body had been disturbed from its first position, and was found thrown carelessly together in 
 the middle of the coffin, the head and shoulders remaining in their case of lead." Collins, 
 Peerage, by Brydges, vol. ii. p. 300, pronounces this tomb to be the burial place of Maud, 
 daughter of William Herbert, first earl of Pembroke, the wife of Henry, fourth earl of Northum- 
 berland, who was slain in a popular insurrection at Cockledge, Vid. ut supra, p. 172; and says, 
 justly, that it is " one of the most beautiful sepulchral monuments in the kingdom." Dugdale 
 has a memorandum, that the grave of this lady in the said church of Beverley being on some 
 occasion opened, 15th September, 1678, near two hundred years after her death, " her body was 
 found in a fair coffin of stone, embalmed, and covered with cloth of gold ; and on her feet slip- 
 pers embroidered with silke, and therewith a wax lampe, a candle, and plate candlestick." MS. 
 Additions to his Baronage, in the Library of the Dean and Chapter at Worcester. 
 
 2 V 
 
338 
 
 that while the fine taste of the spectator is furnished with ample scope for full 
 arid complete g-ratification, his feelings may be melted into the softer emotions of 
 tenderness and grief. 
 
 A well preserved domestic character has been conspicuously introduced at the 
 end of the upper part of the canopy, on which it may be necessary to offer a few 
 remarks. He was named the Disdain; (Sax. Dish-Thane, the master of the dish,) 
 and was properly the house steward; an officer of great importance in ancient noble 
 families and religious communities ; and sometimes, as in the present instance, he 
 was honoured with some distinguishing mark of posthumous remembrance, as a 
 reward for his fidelity and attachment to his lord. The dress of this figure forms 
 a record of the domestic habit of those times ; and his large knife, partly a badge 
 of his office, reminds us of the SJieffield tJiwitile, which was worn generally in 
 England at that period by almost the whole population, and was considered, both 
 with respect to use and ornament, as an indispensable appendage.^^ 
 
 In the north aisle of the choir^" is a small colonnade of black marble pillars, 
 between which and the wall are a number of lateral stone steps ascending and 
 
 ^* Even ladies in ancient times wore, suspended from the waist, a knife with an ornamented 
 sheath. During the nuptial ceremony, it was customary for the bridegroom, before he departed 
 from the altar, to present the bride with a purse, as a token that their interests were now indis- 
 solubly united ; and to this was frequently added a knife in an embroidered sheath ; for the lady 
 considered the knife and wedding ring as equally significant emblems of her union. 
 
 ^^ The following monuments are in the choir. On one of the columns in the north aisle is a 
 hatchment, vairee argent and azure ; a chief gules ; adjoining which is a mural tablet with this 
 inscription ; the word Resurgam being inscribed on a flag stone beneath. 
 
 Whate'er I did believe, whatever I taught. 
 Whatever he did for me who mankind bought; 
 Whate'er I purchased by the good fight fought. 
 In faith, in life, in word, in deed, and thought, 
 Whatever remains now I am hither brought, 
 Resurgam of them all is the full draught ; 
 Whate'er is preach'd, and is not this, is nought ; 
 Who preaches this, receive him as you ought. 
 
 Reader, learn well but this short text of me ; 
 
 Tho' I be dead yet still I preach to thee. 
 
 In the same awZe.— Thomas Gorwood, 1801 ; William Gorwood, 1794, and Mary his wife, 1796; 
 Thomas Bentley, 1810; Ann Harrison, 1805; John Craven, 1795, and Mary his wife, 1802; 
 Jeremiah Shadwell, 1780; Thomas Thompson Wainwright, 1817; Captain Henry Law, 1787; 
 John Hoggard, esq. 1807; Ann Hoggard, 1805; Bridget Robarts, 1795; Thomas Leuthwaite, 
 1779; Rev. Robert Ramsay, 1817; Robert Ramsay, esq. 1822; Thomas Muggles, 1810; 
 William Roxby, 1744. North end of small transept.— Sir Charles Hotham, 1722; Rev. John 
 Jackson, 1813, and Mary Caroline his wife, 1811 ; Walter Strickland, esq. 1780; William Strick- 
 land, esq. 1788; Martha, widow of the Rev. G. Sinclair, 1820; Jane Mackerell. In the south 
 aw/e.— Thomas Halitreholme, 1484; William White, 1497; Rev. G. Ferretnan, 1823; Mary 
 
339 
 
 descending, which com^municated with some buildings which have entirely vanished 
 before the ravages of time." On the north and south side of the choir, adjoining 
 the stalls, and opening into the aisles, two ornamented screens of oak with well 
 carved arches and pinnacles, have been recently placed by direction of the trustees/' 
 who judiciously removed them from their former situation at the entrance of the 
 south small transept, and at the south opening into the Lady Chapel. They may 
 probably be of the same date with the tabernacle work over the stalls, and perhaps 
 somewhat more ancient. They are however highly ornamental in their present 
 situation, and contribute their aid to the general richness of appearance exhibited 
 in the choir.^^ 
 
 Ferreman, 1803; W. Hunter, esq. 1797; Mary Anne Hunter, 1819; Rev. Robert Dobson, 1811, 
 and Betty his wife, 1814 ; William Dawson, 1804, and Margaret his wife, 1810; Richard Eccles, 
 1801; Sarah the wife of the Rev. Bethell Robinson, 1810; Elizabeth Smith, 1785; Rev. James 
 Graves, 1807; Mary Barber, 1795; Leonard Footty, 1791; Ann Footty, 1777; Rebecca New- 
 ton, 1768; Thomas Wrightson, 1781. On a stone in the floor, near the entrance of the south 
 small transept the following. i^0, of ^"^ Ct^^Vitit ptag fOt V^ ^OUlC Of SMUUlll* 00111* 
 
 tvme li|)00l^op of mavitm antr pvetenXfuvv of tf^i^ cjurct^ ^^ ^^« ^°"*^ ^^^^ 
 
 transept. — William Child, esq. 1803. 
 
 ^^ It is traditionally asserted that these steps communicated with the shrine of Saint John of 
 Beverley, which was erected by archbishop Puttoc. Vid. ut supra, p. 60. This conjecture can 
 have no foundation in fact, for the shrine would certainly be destroyed with the rest of the building 
 in the fire of 1 1 88 ; and had it been subsequently rebuilt, it would either have been in existence 
 at the present day, or its demolition at the reformation would have been of sufficient importance 
 to have attracted the notice of Leland, who, however, mentions no shrine as being in existence 
 in his day ; though he gives a copious account of its first erection. Besides, the bones of Saint 
 John were not deposited here, but in the nave ; it is therefore scarcely probable that the shrine 
 was renewed at the re-edification of the church. It was the presence of these bones in the times 
 of superstition, that exalted the shrine of Saint John to eminence ; for they were regarded as holy 
 relics, and were endowed with the reputed power of working miracles. For instance ; " as 
 Athelstan was on his way to Scotland," says the author of his life in the Biogr. Brit. vol. i. p. 61 ; 
 « the king, meeting with many pilgrims who had been at the shrine of Saint John of Beverley, and 
 had there, as they said, been cured of lameness, blindness, and other diseases, he thereupon, 
 ordering his army to march on, went himself in pilgrimage to the same shrine;" procumbensque 
 in oratione in ecclesid coram altari in praesentid reliquiarum venerandi confessoris, devoto animo, 
 prolixius orabat, «&c. &c. Rym. Feed. tom. ii. p. 5Q&. After this, it is well known, he beat the 
 Scots, and performed other wondrous feats. The steps above mentioned probably led to dormi- 
 tories for the use of the sanctuary men, and were pulled down when the privilege of sanctuary 
 was abolished. A circular doorway beneath the centre of this colonnade leads to a room which is 
 now used as a tool house by the workmen employed about the church. 
 
 ^^ I cannot resist the impulse of expressing my perfect conviction, that the acknowledgments 
 of the town of Beverley are justly due to the trustees for their laudable zeal, jointly and severally, 
 not merely to promote the welfare of the town as members of the corporation, but for the uniform 
 exertions they have used to restore and maintain this noble fabric, of which they are the legal and 
 attentive guardians. 
 
 ®^ Mr. Coltman thinks that these oak screens are much older than the tabernacle work. They 
 were removed at the recommendation of Dr. Hull, and there is reason to believe that their 
 present situation is the one in which they were originally placed. 
 
 2v2 
 
340 
 
 In the Lady Chapel are two hatchments which are thus emblazoned, the former 
 for Heron, the latter for Hildyard. 
 
 Gules a chevron between three herons, arg Heron. 
 
 Impaling 
 
 Or a fess inter three crescents ^wZes Boynton. 
 
 With this inscription. " Here lies the body of John Heron, esq. who departed 
 this life, the 18th Aug. Anno Domini, 1678."''* 
 
 Sable three mullets or pierced of the field Hildyard. 
 
 Impaling" 
 
 Arg. a chevron inter three hammers sable Hammerton. 
 
 With this inscription. " The escutcheon of captain Robert Hildyard, second son 
 of sir Robert Hildyard of Patrington, com. York. He married one of the coheirs 
 of Gervase Hammerton of Aucbrough, in the county of Lincoln, esquire. He was 
 buried here on the 9th day of June, Anno Domini, 1685." 
 
 The south entrance into the Lady Chapel is decorated with stalls and a canopy, 
 in front of which is placed a reading desk, facing the south small transept, which 
 is used for the daily services of the church. These stalls, which are of the same 
 date with those in the choir, were originally five in number, and placed at the 
 south east extremity of this transept, but their former use is not certainly known.'' 
 The present recess being too confined to admit the whole, one of them has been 
 
 '^o The connexion of Heron of Bookenfield with the Beverley families may be thus exhibited, 
 from a pedigree taken at the visition of Northumberland, by sir William Dugdale. 
 Elizabeth, 3rd. d. of Sir Matt.=John Heron, Esq. of Bookinfield=Jane, d. of William Spink 
 Boynton, Bart. Vid. hatchm* I eet. 52. 1666. ob. 18 Aug. 1 678. of Great Driffield. 
 
 Sir John Hotham=Cath. Heron=Jno. Moyser of=Mary Eyre Geo. Dawney= Elizabeth 
 
 Bart. 1st husband 
 S. P. 
 
 Beverley, Esq. 1st wife eld. son of Vis- eet. 6 Aug. 27 
 2nd husband count Downe 1665. S. P. 
 
 Constantia Moyser= James Gee of Elizabeth Catherine == William Burton 
 
 ob. 1740. Monu- I Bishop Burton Frances 
 
 ment in Saint 
 Mary's church j 
 
 Rev. Richard Gee, of=Hannah Waines, Robert Burton,=Miss Fawcitt, Wm. Burton, 
 
 Hotham House. — sis. of Mrs. Sterne of Hotham hall, sister of Mrs. who built Ho- 
 
 Monument in Saint of Beverley. Bu- S. P. Best. tham hall. ob. 
 
 Mary's church, Be- ried in St. Mary's coelebs. 
 verley. 1 826. ob. 85. 
 
 ^^ These stalls were probably intended for the mayor and some members of the corporation, 
 
 as there was a place for the mace. I am persuaded that they were formerly in the nave, and 
 
341 
 
 cut away, and four only remain. The Lady Chapel is a roomy apartment, in 
 length 37 feet 9 inches, and 28 feet 4 inches in breadth/^ 
 
 A portion of the north small transept has been converted into a vestry. Here 
 the records of the parish are preserved, and also the communion plate" and vest- 
 ments under the care of the ministers and churchwardens. In this vestry are six 
 shields painted on the ceiling", containing the following arms. 
 
 1. Az. a bend arg. over all a label of three points. 
 
 2. An eagle displayed. (No tinctures given.) 
 
 3. Parted persaltire, az. and gules, over all a cross botonee arg. enlarged in base. 
 
 4. Quarterly. 1 and 4. quarterly. 1 and 4. arg. 3 lozenges in fess gul. 2 and 3. 
 OTf an eagle displayed, az. 
 
 2 and 3. Gules a saltire arg. over all a label gobonated arg. and az. 
 6. Quarterly. 1 and 4. Az. 3 fleur-de-lis, arg. 
 
 2 and 3. Gules 3 pass, lions guardant. (The colours faded.) 
 6. Quarterly. 1 and 4. Gules, a fess inter 6 cross crosslets arg. 
 
 2 and 3. Chequee arg. and az. over all a chevron in base, ermine. 
 At the entrance of the vestry stands a chair with a semicircular back, shaped out of 
 a single stone, which is said to have been the primitive Fridstol. This conjecture 
 
 removed into the situation they lately occupied in the south chapel when the nave was pewed ; at 
 which tinae also this part of the small transept was fitted up with pews, and used for prayers 
 during the week. 
 
 " The Lady Chapel contains several monuments to the memory of the Wartons and Penny- 
 mans ; besides the two escutcheons for John Heron, esq. and captain Robert Hildyard. The 
 monuments as follows. Michael Warton, 1655, aged 82 ; John Warton, 1656, aged 6 ; honour- 
 able Susanna Warton, 1682, aged ; Michael Warton, 1688, aged &5; sir Michael Warton, 
 1725, aged 23; Thomas Pennyman, esq. 1759, aged 60; sir Warton Pennyman Warton, 1770, 
 aged 69. 
 
 These monuments have made a sad wreck of the ornamental details of this part of the build- 
 ing ; suflBcient indeed to call for the interference of the trustees, and to justify the regulations 
 recently made to prevent future dilapidations. On the 1 5 November, 1813, some regulations were 
 made respecting burials; in the following year it was determined that no monument in the 
 minster should be inclosed with palisades, or any similar protection. Corp. Rec. 1 Aug. 1814. 
 
 's The plate belonging to the minster church at present consists of a silver flagon which will 
 bold a gallon, presented by Susanna, the daughter of Stephen Clarke, who died 19 February, 
 1702, aged Q&. A chalice containing about a pint in measure, supposed to have been presented 
 to the church so early as the beginning of the 14th century. Another silver chalice, holding 
 about a pint and a half; and a very large silver paten, both given by Ann, the daughter of 
 Robert Cartwright, alderman of Beverley, and wife of Richard Wilson, late mayor of Kingstone- 
 upon-Hull, 1666. Another chalice of silver holding about half a pint. — Circa. 1300. Another 
 antique and very curiously embossed silver-gilt chalice, measuring not more than a quarter of %, 
 pint, for the use of the priests, when the cup wag withheld from the laity. 
 
342 
 
 however is without foundation.^* The primitive chair was inscribed, but this 
 exhibits little appearance of having ever been subjected to the engraver's tool. It 
 has been placed here, most probably, since the dissolution ; for the abolition of the 
 privilege of sanctuary would doubtless involve the destruction of its protecting 
 emblem. 
 
 The north part of the small transept was formerly appropriated as a place of 
 interment for the noble family of Percy, and an altar is said to have been erected 
 in a chapel there, at which masses of requiem were performed for deceased mem- 
 bers of that house. During the reign of Henry VII. another chapel was erected 
 as a mausoleum for the unfortunate Percy, fourth earl of Northumberland, who 
 was murdered by the populace at Cockledge. It has been described by Leland 
 and others as singularly splendid, and adorned with a multiplicity of noble carved 
 work, and canopied arches. Nothing now remains of its former magnificence but 
 an altar tomb, the sides of which are divided into compartments; the buttresses 
 being ornamented with crests and armorial devices. The niches formerly contained 
 pieces of statuary, which are now wholly removed. The word Esperance, the 
 motto of the family, is inscribed on the wall above, and a date (1494) on the floor 
 below. The armorial bearings with which the tomb is decorated are as follows. 
 
 On the west end. 
 
 1. Five fusils in fess Percy. 
 
 2. Two buckles conjoined in fess. 
 Percy. 
 
 3. A crescent on a square field." 
 
 4. Three fishes hauriant... Lucy. 
 
 5. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 '^* An old book on topography in my possession, without a title pag«, says, " the freed stool 
 at Beverley has a well of water behind it; and it was brought from Dunbar in Scotland;" 
 evidently alluding to the legend of Athelstan's cutting the stone with his sword, and thus con- 
 fusing two distinct incidents. This legend has been already mentioned ; it may therefore be curious 
 to have the legitimate account which was published under the sanction of the court at Rome. I 
 subjoin it verbatim without comment. " Jamque revertens per loca marina, juxta Dombar, vidit 
 scopulos prominere. Astitit, taliaque suspirans, eloquia protulit, dicens. 'Si Deus, interveniente 
 beato Johanney michi aliquod signum evidens facere permitteret, quatinus tarn succedentes, quam 
 praesentes congnoscere possent Scotos Anglorum Regno jure subjugari (utpote devictam ab Adel- 
 stano Rege, sibique, suisque successoribus, tributum omni tempore debere persolvere) non 
 inmerito illi devote gratias agerem' ; et extrahens gladium de vaginA, percussit in cilicera, quee 
 adeo penetrabilis, Dei virtute agente, fuit gladio, quasi e^dem hord lapis butirum esset, vel mollis 
 glarea; qui lapis, ad ictum gladii, ita cavatur, ut mensura ulnae longitudini possit coaptari; et 
 usque ad praBsentem diem, evidens signum patet, quod Scotti, ab Anglis devicti ac subjugati, 
 monimento tali evidenter cunctis adeuntibus demonstrante." Rym. Feed. tom. ii. p. 566. 
 
 " On a seal of Henry Percy, earl of Northumberland, 1397, he is represented with his shield 
 placed before him, and holding in his left hand a lance with a pennon affixed to it, charged witi» 
 a crescent. 
 
343 
 
 On the south side. 
 
 6. A crescent Percy. 
 
 7. Three bars, over all a bend.^^ 
 
 8. Three piles in pile . Guy Bryan." 
 
 9. Defaced. 
 
 10. The buckles or shackle bolts. 
 Percy. 
 
 11. The crescent Percy. 
 
 12. Three fishes hauriant Jjucy. 
 
 13. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 On the east end. 
 
 14. Three piles in pile. Guy Bryan. 
 
 15. Barry of 3. over all a bend. 
 Poynings. 
 
 16. Five fusils in fess Percy. 
 
 17. Three fishes hauriant Imcy. 
 
 1 8. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 On the north side. 
 
 19. Shacklebelts in fess Percy. 
 
 20. Barry of 3. over all a bend. 
 Poynings. 
 
 21. Three piles in pile. Guy Bryan. 
 
 22. Five fusils in fess Percy. 
 
 23. Shacklebolts in fess Percy. 
 
 24. A crescent Percy. 
 
 25. Three fishes hauriant .... JLacy. 
 
 26. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 27. A crescent Percy. 
 
 The following arms are carved in stone round the vt^indow. 
 
 7. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 8. Quarterly Percy and Lucy. 
 
 9. Five fusils in fess. ........ Percy. 
 
 10. A crescent on a square shield. 
 Percy. 
 
 11. Quarterly Percy smd Lucy. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. Three piles in pile BryanJ^ 
 
 3. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 4. Illegible. 
 
 5. A lion rampant Brabant. 
 
 6. Quarterly. 1 and 4. a lion rampant. 
 2 and 3. Three fishes hauriant.'^^ 
 
 And the following arms are painted in the window. 
 
 Quarterly. 1 quarter, quarterly. 1 and 4. Or, a lion rampant azure Brabant. 
 
 2 and 3. Gul. 3 pikes hauriant, Arg Lucy. 
 
 4 Quarter. Azure. 5 fusils in fess, Or Percy. 
 
 2 Quarter. Barry of 6, Or and vert, over all a bend. Gul... Poynings, 
 
 3 Quarter. Argent, a hendazure Mawley. 
 
 '" Henry Percy, third earl of Northumberland, was summoned to parliament as baron Poynings, 
 14 December, 1446. 
 
 " And also as baron Bryan, 1446. This coat came in 1444. 
 
 ^8 Or, three piles azure, was worn by sir Guy Bryan, knight, one of the most noble knights of 
 the most honourable order of the garter, in the time of king Edw. III. 
 
 '■• "About 8 Rich. II. Henry, first earl of Northumberland, having married to his second wife 
 Maud, sister and heir to Anthony lord Lucy, he joined with her in settling the castle and honour 
 
344 
 
 Over all a scutcheon of pretence. Az. 5 fusils in fess, Or Percy. 
 
 Impaling. Parted per pale Gul. and Az. 3 lions rampant, Ar Pembroke. 
 
 Such are the memorials which have been industriously erected to enshrine the 
 ashes and consecrate the memory of the illustrious dead; and they are indeed a just 
 and honourable tribute to departed worth. Surely their tombs have been hallowed 
 by posterity ; marked out as the symbols of peace, and protected as the shrines of 
 virtue. Alas, no ! After a long- succession of unaccountable and indecent ravages 
 had almost cancelled the magnificence of this costly and sumptuous burial place, 
 the sepulchre itself was violated so recently as the year 1793.^'' How painful is the 
 sensation, when we reflect that no character, no dignity or rank, even in the highest 
 gradations of civil society, is of sufficient weight to awe the callous mind of ignorance 
 and brutality, or to protect the sacred ashes of the great and good from the rude 
 invasion of licentious insolence." And it is a degrading fact, that gorgeous mau- 
 soleums and splendid sepulchres have often served as beacons to excite the cupidity 
 and provoke the ravages of sordid avarice intent on plunder; hoarding for a while 
 the embalmed ashes of the dead, to become the future objects of indignity and 
 violation. 
 
 of Cockermouth, with a large proportion besides, of her great inheritance, upon himself and her, 
 and the heirs male of their two bodies, upon condition that he the said Henry, and the heirs male 
 of his body, should bear the arms of Percy, viz. Or, a Hon rampant, azure, quarterly with the 
 arms of Lucy, viz. Gules, three Lucies, argent, in all shields, banners, ensigns, and coats of arms 
 whatsoever, where, and whensoever there should be occasion of bearing, and showing forth their 
 own paternal arms." Collins, vol. ii. p. 256. 
 
 80 In the above year, the sexton, assisted by other persons, had the audacity to open and ran- 
 sack this sacred vault, together with that of the lady Idonea Percy, in the hope, doubtless, of 
 finding a hoard of concealed treasure. Being disappointed in their expectations, they scattered 
 the contents with savage rudeness, and wantonly bowled the skulls along the floor. It is even 
 said that some of the bones were carried off, and that one man, more daring than the rest, ob- 
 tained a finger joint from earl Percy's hand, which he procured to be tipped with silver and used 
 for a tobacco stopper ! ! ! 
 
 *i By the laws of Plato, it was decreed, that persons guilty of violating the sepulchres of the 
 dead, should be punished by banishment, condemnation to the mines, loss of members, or even 
 death, according to the atrocity of the act, or the character of the place where the crime was 
 committed. 
 
345 
 
 iKf)ap. $M. 
 
 ACCOUNT OF SAINT MARY'S CHURCH. 
 
 Origin — Endowment — Church of Saint Nicholas — Union of the two parishes — 
 Value of the living — Services — Description of the fabric — Exterior — Interior 
 — Nave — Inscriptions — Font — Organ — Galleries — Transept — Decayed Chapel 
 — Chancel — Monuments — Ceiling — Hatchments — Stalls — Crypt — Church-yard 
 — Income of the parish — Perambulation — Population — Plate, vestments, 5fc. 
 List of vicars. 
 
 This venerable structure is supposed to have owed its first existence to archbishop 
 Thurstan, who renewed a ruined chapel, which, it is said, had been built in Saxon 
 times,' and erected this edifice as an oratory or chapel of ease, that the increasing 
 population of the town might be furnished with the means of celebrating with 
 becoming decency and regularity the holy services of religion. Several chantries 
 were subsequently founded at its altar f and a corrody was conveyed to it by 
 William de Buttiler, in 1297.^ In this state it remained till the year 1325,'' when 
 the archbishop of York granted by charter to the vicar of the altar of Saint Martin, 
 and the chapel of Saint Mary, all such tithes as were due to the prebend of Saint 
 Martin, within the town of Beverley ; that is to say, the tithes of crofts, orchards 
 and gardens, fees at marriages, churchings and burials, eggs, geese, ducks, chick- 
 ens, dove-cotes, pigs, wool, and lamb, white goats, calves, and all oblations; and 
 also an annual stipend of five marks, payable half-yearly, by equal portions out of 
 the said prebend ', on condition that the said vicar did laudable service at the altar 
 of Saint Martin in the church of Saint John, and also in the chapel of Saint 
 
 ' Registry of the Archdeaconry of the East-riding. Leland. Itin. vol. iii. p. 102. 
 '^ Vid. ut supra, p. 329. a Inquis. post. mort. 25 Edw. I. ^ Vid. p. 127. supra. 
 
 2 w 
 
346 
 
 Mary, at all times hereafter/ Four years afterwards the "Custodes fabricse et 
 luminaris" made a fine of four marks with the king for a confirmation of this 
 charter, and it received the royal approbation accordingly.® And in 1357, a dwel- 
 ling-house was assigned to it for the residence of the vicar/ This arrangement 
 continued until the dissolution in the reign of Edward VI. at which time the said 
 prebend, with all its profits and privileges, in common with the remaining prebends 
 of the same church, and the chapel of Saint Mary, became vested in the crown ; 
 and hence the vicarage of Saint Mary hath become a regular crown living, and 
 the presentation is in the king. The profits were restored to the vicar for an annual 
 rent of £11. Os. Od. which is now paid to lord Somers; but the vicar does not 
 receive the tithes of closes, garths, pigs, cows, and Easter offerings in the parish 
 of Saint Martin, but has in lieu thereof a pension from the crown of £3. 6s. Od. 
 annually.^ 
 
 The church of Saint Nicholas was erected by John of Beverley before the Nor- 
 man Conquest, and continued a parochial establishment, though in a regularly 
 declining state, until the building fell, or was demolished during the rage of 
 revolutionary war in the unhappy reign of Charles the martyr. Few were the 
 donations to this church in comparison with the magnificent endowments with 
 which even some of the chapels and chantries were honoured ; and it should appear 
 that the establishment did not enjoy the reputation by which many other religious 
 institutions were distinguished and enriched. At a visitation so early as the reign 
 of Henry IV. it appears that not only the fabric was dilapidated, but the vestments 
 and decorations were in a disreputable state f and it continued on the decline until 
 the parishioners were left without an established place of worship. In the 17th 
 Charles II. it was provided by an act of the legislature, that any city or town 
 
 « Ex. Reg. W. Melton. Archiep. Ebor. i. p. 66. « Rot. Orig. 3 Edw. III. Ro. 21. 
 
 " Rob'tds de Ashton vicar' eccl'ie b'e Marie de BevI' dat 12". p' lie' h'nd q'd Will'us de la Set 
 capellanus et Will'us de Rys unfi mess' in Bev'l' dare possint p'fato Rob'to h'end sibi et success' 
 suis vicar' Eccl' p'dce inh'itac'oe sua imp'p'm. Rot. Orig. 30 Edw. III. Ro. 28. 
 
 * Terrier in Saint Mary's Registry. The following entry occurs in the Provost's book, but it 
 is expressed in too general terms for us to determine whether it refers to this or either of the other 
 parishes. Rg"* xx^ Januar' cone' Jo. Farnham inter alia dechn' in div'ss Clauss' in Beverlaci 
 tenend' de Eastgrenewich soccag' anno, xviij. Eliz. pt. viij. E. Reg. Prsep. 1. 3. p. 18. a. 
 
 » Visitaco' f'ca in eccl'ia Sc'i Nich'i Bev'lac' vicesimo die Jul' A? Dom' M.CCCC. cap*, infra 
 script' Will'us Crofte, Joh'es Whyte, Thomas Whyte, Will'us Tyler, Ad'de Rypon, Joh'es 
 Dowsyng, Joh'es Northfolk, Peter Whyte, Marmaduc' Duket, Willm Batfeld, Joh'em del Cole, 
 Joh'em Cookwebster, Qui dicunt q'd deficit principale Vestimentu i calix, i capa, ij Surpelic', unu 
 
34t 
 
 corporate, having" a mayor, aldermen, and justices of the peace by charter or com- 
 mission, desirous of the union of two or more churches or parishes which lay 
 contiguous to each other, should be empowered, with the consent of the bishop of 
 the diocese, and the patrons of the churches, to unite them in one foundation ; the 
 bishop appointing at which of them divine service should be performed, and which 
 should be the church presentative ; and after such an order made according to law, the 
 said parishes should remain for ever united. Under this act, the rectory of Saint 
 Nicholas, formerly in the patronage of the archbishop,'" was united to the vicarage 
 of Saint Mary in 1667," under the sanction of archbishop Sterne, with royal 
 licence, and by consent of the corporation and inhabitants ; and the parishioners 
 were directed to repair henceforward to the church of Saint Mary, and be considered 
 under the pastoral care of the vicar."' 
 
 gMale in defect' p'och\ Item dicunt q'd reddit in Minstermorgate in quo Joh'es Tykhill inh'itat, 
 p'tinet ad p'och' S'cl Nich'i. It'm die' q'd reddit in Minstermorgate in quibus inhabitant p'centor & 
 Sacrista cii t'entis eorund' in ead' via p'tinent ad eand' p'och S'ci Nich'i unde pet' inhabitant in 
 eisd' tentis compellis ad rat' porci'es emendat' eccl'ie & ornament Sc'i Nich'i. Ex. Reg. Preepos. 
 Bev. I. 1. p. 53. 
 
 '0 Ex. Reg. S Mar. 
 
 " The following catalogue of rectors, up to the period of this union, has been extracted from 
 Torre's Peculiars, p. 195. in the library of the cathedral at York. 
 
 TEMP. INSTIT. 
 
 RECTORfiS ECCL'E. 
 
 PATRONI. 
 
 VACAT. 
 
 Mentioned 1410. 
 
 ,3 Nov. 1474... 
 
 14 Aug. 1574.. 
 16 Mar. 1581 .. 
 24 May, 1591 .. 
 27 May, 1613.. 
 14 Dec^U616.. 
 12 Mar. 1617... 
 1 Mar. 1639... 
 
 Dns John 
 
 Dns Will. Hundesley P^I 
 
 Dns Sym. Baxter P^F. . . .... 
 
 Dns Alexander Bradshawe P^J 
 Dns Xtpher Fewell CI. M. A. 
 Xtpher Parkinson CI. ...... 
 
 Joh. Bardon CI 
 
 Hugo Denner CI 
 
 Edw. Todd CI. M. A 
 
 Edw. Todd CI. M. A 
 
 Nic. Osgodby CI 
 
 Archiep. Ebor. 
 ijdem 
 ijdem 
 
 Eliz. Reg» 
 
 Ead em 
 
 Eadem 
 
 Jac. Rex 
 
 Idem 
 
 Idem 
 
 C. I. Rex 
 
 p' Resig. 
 p' Resig. 
 p' Mort. 
 p' Resig. 
 p' Mort. 
 p' Mort. 
 p' Resig. 
 
 p' Mort. 
 
 The first name in the above list is not mentioned by Torre, but occurs in the record of Inquis. ad 
 quod dam. 11 Hen. IV. as receiving a donation of 8s. annual rent from Richard Beverley of 
 Beverley. 
 
 *2 The act of union contains the following clause. " And the parishioners of Saint Nicholas 
 shall thereunto pay all their tithes, oblations, obventions, and other ecclesiastical rights yearly, 
 to the rector or minister of this church of Saint Maries, and also contribute to the needful repairs 
 
 2 W 2 
 
348 
 
 The present value of the living- of Saint Mary in the king's books is £14. 2s. 8d.'' 
 and the rev. W. R. Gilby is the incumbent, who was instituted to the vicarage 
 in the year 1823. This gentleman resides in the vicarage-house, and is assisted in 
 the performance of his duties by the rev. G. B. Ely the, the curate. The regular 
 services of the church are, a full duty every Sunday morning, and prayers only in 
 the afternoon, with a monthly sacrament,'* but the parishes being too populous to 
 be satisfied with the second imperfect service, have appointed a lecturer to preach 
 a sermon every Sunday afternoon, who is remunerated principally by voluntary 
 subscription. The rev. J. Eyre, L. L. B. at present holds this office. An evening 
 
 of the same with the rest of its parishioners. Ordaining, notwithstanding, that these rectories or 
 parish churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Mary, as to all other contributions, burdens, privileges, 
 liberties, parochial rights, and also to the nomination and election of churchwardens do remain 
 separately in the same state as before this union." Warb. MSS. Lansd. Coll. B. Mus. 896. VIII. 
 fo. 47. 
 
 " Cler. Guide, p. 17. 
 
 '^ The following comparative table of the number of communicants in this church in 1 698 and 
 1826, is curious. 
 
 In 1698 and 1699. 
 
 June 12 
 
 July 3 
 
 Aug. 7 
 
 Sept. 4 
 
 Oct. 2 
 
 Dec. 6 
 
 Dec. 25 
 
 Feb. 5 
 
 Mar. 5 
 
 Apr. 7. G. F. 
 Apr. 9. E. S. 
 
 AMOUNT OF 11 
 SACRAMENTS. 
 
 NO. OF COM-; 
 MUNICANTSI 
 
 90 
 24 
 43 
 
 48 
 46 
 57 
 
 148 
 47 
 48 
 72 
 
 130 
 
 753 
 69 
 
 AMODNT 
 OFOFFERINOS. 
 
 £. 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 H 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 51 
 
 17 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 14 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 6| 
 
 4 
 
 m 
 
 14 12 
 
 n 
 
 I 9. 
 
 In 1826. 
 
 Jan. 1 
 
 75 
 
 Jan. 29 
 
 56 
 
 Feb. 26 
 
 69 
 
 Mar. 24. G. F. 
 
 97 
 
 Mar. 26. E. S. 
 
 132 
 
 Apr. 30 
 
 May 21 
 
 June 25 .... 
 
 78 
 82 
 
 72 
 
 July 30 
 
 79 
 
 Aug. 27 
 
 Sept. 24 
 
 Oct. 29 
 
 68 
 78 
 84 
 
 Nov. 26 
 
 62 
 
 Dec. 25 
 
 102 
 
 Dec. 31 
 
 105 
 
 AMOUNT OP 15 
 SACRAMENTS. 
 
 NO. OP COM- 
 MUNICANTS 
 
 239 
 83 
 
 AMOUNT 
 OF OFFERINGS. 
 
 £. 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 3 
 1 
 1 
 I 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 4 
 2 
 
 s. 
 
 19 
 9 
 
 10 
 4 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 15 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 
 17 
 3 
 9 
 
 
 d. 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 H 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 6i 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 25 15 
 4 
 
 1 14 
 
349 
 
 lecture is also delivered, and divine service is performed on Wednesdays, Fridays, 
 and certain saint's days, but no sermon is preached on these occasions. 
 
 The fabric consists of a spacious nave, with two aisles fitted up with pews and 
 galleries for divine service, a transept, and a choir or chancel with aisles. Its 
 dimensions are, leng-th of the nave, 100 feet ; breadth of the nave and side aisles, 
 61 feet 3 inches ; length of the chancel from the gates to the altar, 76 feet ; breadth 
 of the central aisle of the chancel, 25 feet ; breadth of the south aisle of the chancel, 
 14 feet 10 inches, and of the north aisle, 17 feet 10 inches; height of the nave, 
 from the pavement to the underside of the roof, 48 feet ; height of the tower, 99 
 feet ; square of the tower, 32 feet. 
 
 In attempting a formal description of this massive edifice, we must premise 
 that it is much to be regretted that time, aided by neglect, has committed great 
 depredations on its exterior; many of its parts are become so much dilapidated 
 that it is difficult to trace their distinctive character. The building consists of a 
 mixture of styles,'* which together produce some curious combinations ; part of its 
 members are Saxon or Norman, and part early, decorated, and perpendicular 
 English; and these so strangely mixed and blended by successive repairs and 
 restorations, as to occasion a series of most unique appearances in the architecture 
 of the fabric. 
 
 The west front is composed of a Norman and early English doorway, which 
 has been richly moulded, and the hanging feathering; over which is a very fine 
 window divided into seven lights by elegant mullions, and consisting of three 
 stories, the upper breaking into a rich profusion of perpendicular tracery. The 
 buttresses are surmounted by two lofty octagonal turrets, beautifully pierced and 
 embattled, which give a singularly grand and picturesque character to the building*. 
 The western extremities of the nave aisles are ornamented with crocketed pinnacles. 
 
 The porch at the west end of the south front opens with an ogee arch ornamented 
 with masks and flowers and quatrefoils alternately, but all miserably decayed. 
 Over it is a defaced sun-dial, a sad memento, which seems to indicate that the 
 time is past tor its restoration. The parts however of this once magnificent door- 
 way may yet be distinguished ; but if suffered to remain much longer without 
 -repair, they will assuredly become a final prey to the ravages of that ruthless de- 
 stroyer. Here the buttresses terminate in crocketed pinnacles, which are continued 
 
 '* The general plan of the church is however decidedly in the Norman style, which was «a 
 long cross with two turrets at the west end." Vid. Britton's Ant. vol. v. p. 144. 
 
3.50 
 
 throughout the whole leng-th of the nave, the upper story of which consists of six 
 windows and six pinnacles placed alternately ; and this arrangement yields a rich- 
 ness to the general appearance which cannot fail to strike the most superficial 
 observer. The aisle of the nave is curiously finished, the one part having an open 
 and the other a plain battlement. The entrance into the south transept has a door 
 with an ogee, surmounting an archway, which is a mixture of Norman with early 
 English, ornamented originally with masks and flowers, but all now defaced and 
 gone to ruin and decay; even the mullions of the windows are much dilapidated. 
 The transept has an open battlement; — not so the aisles, which are surmounted 
 by a plain parapet. The battlements of the chancel are in good preservation ; and 
 here, as in the transept, the parapet of the aisles is without ornament. 
 
 The east end contains a noble window, divided into four lights, and consisting 
 of three stages, with perpendicular tracery and good featherings. The buttresses 
 of this front are very massive, and terminate in crocketed cones. The east end of 
 the north aisle has two stories, the upper is supposed to have been a dormitory, 
 but is now used as a room for the Sunday school. The south aisle has but one story* 
 
 In the north front, the transept door is an ogee, decorated with trefoils, and a 
 quatrefoil in the centre; the ogee is in good preservation, but the pointed arch 
 displays an appearance of broken masks and shapeless flowers. The east side or 
 aisle of the transept, is now converted into a vestry, with a double window. 
 
 The tower is very massive, and placed in the centre of the building. It has 
 pointed arch windows, with tracery, and is surmounted by sixteen picturesque 
 pinnacles with crockets and finials. It contains six harmonious bells, with a 
 clock and chimes ; the latter announce the hours of four, eight, and twelve. 
 
 The interior of the fabric displays some more decided marks of preservation. 
 On entering the nave the spectator is struck with the imposing appearance of the 
 west window, its fine mullions and transoms, and rich hanging feathering; its 
 seven compartments and three stories, with the grotesque figures of the corbels 
 which support its arches. The nave has two stories, and is supported by six arches 
 on each side, the recess being filled in by a noble quatrefoil, large enough to 
 occupy the vacancy, and together afford to the upper story a light and elegant 
 appearance.'® The windows in this story consist of two divisions, each containing 
 
 '^ The following coats of arms were found in this church at the visitation of 1584, by the Norroy 
 king-at-arms. 
 
 1. Quarterly. 1 Quarter destroyed. 4. A. 2 bends Masculy sable. 
 
 2 and 3. Sable, a rose inter an orle of cross Florees, Or. 
 
3^1 
 
 three lights, separated by slender mullions, and the tracery sparingly introduced. 
 The corbels on the pillars which support the north side of the nave, are angels 
 with scrolls in their hands, charged with inscriptions, which are repeated at the 
 back of the columns, some of which are too much defaced to be legible. On the 
 first half pillar in front is inscribed ^laj); and behind the same, (Bt SoJaUTt^ 
 \>XOXi& tiXXSi; on the second, in front, ^ttll f)t^ iD^te tUfttlC tf)t^; and behind, 
 3ottj3 CTrOJEIlaB iUlctcatOrijS ; on the front of the third, ^0 i^gUorgf atttj a 
 l^aUfe; and behind, H^X^tZ pvo anitttaiJXlJcf. This is the complete inscription, 
 and will read thus when properly connected. 
 
 In front. 
 
 Behind, 
 
 Johis Croslay Mecatoris et Johanne uxor eius 
 
 Orate pro animabus. 
 
 The fourth pillar in front bears this inscription, W^t$i tO JP^Uorgl ntatie gUti ; 
 
 on the back, ^igtaVUttt .... arum . . . m ; on the front of the fifth, WC^ft^St^ 
 
 C!Br03> retoavl) tJaglTt. The inscription on the back of this pillar is wholly illegible ; 
 
 the following letters only can be distinctly traced, and these may probably have 
 
 been mistaken, Hz P ntgaU .... These pillars, 
 
 however, appear to contain a complete inscription, which runs thus ; 
 These to Pyllors made Gud WyfFys 
 God Reward thaym. 
 The sixth pillar is charged with the following notification ; ^ jgg l^gUOV malie 
 
 tit JW^gniEitvellsi ; and behind, d^t^tz pxo attimatuiS |^ij3t^riorum ; and the 
 
 upper front or capital is ornamented with the effigies of five minstrels, bearing in 
 their hands instruments of music, and characteristically drest in the fashion of the 
 times, with short blue coats, red stockings, and yellow girdles and stocks. Their 
 instruments are a treble flute, a guittern, a bass flute, a crowth, and a tabor or 
 side drum, which together produced a sonorous and pleasant harmony. There is 
 little doubt but these figures are correct portraits of the five brethren of the guild,'^ 
 which had incurred the expense of constructing this pillar. 
 
 2. Vert, a cross, or, in the first quarter. A lady robed and crowned, or, seiant on a seat 
 with four legs, with a child in her arms. Probably the Virgin Mary. 
 
 3. A chevron Gules inter 3 trefoils erased. B. — Visitation Books, B. Mus. Harl. 1394.55.. 
 
 •'^ Vid. infra, cap. 7. et App. M. ,(. p* ^£''1[ j 
 
352 
 
 On some old carved wood work, which is placed at the south east end of the 
 nave, is the remains of an inscription, which is so much defaced that its purport 
 cannot now be made out, and we are obliged to be indebted to the industry of 
 others for its preservation. ^Oll ftabC lltatce Of tf)t ^0\ii^9i Of tf)e iJHm 
 
 anil Wiomm anli ©fteltircsn to^o^ ISotiBjs; toa^ jslagne at tf)e faiUgns 
 of t!)sg; CTJercfje tlje XXIX tiag of ^pciil in t\)t acre of our HorU 
 a M. vc. anil Xlll anli for t^e jsouljig of tfiem toibici^ ibaUjis hgn gooti 
 ISmtfactorg anli Jelpcrjs of t!)c gagli ®!)ercl)e up agagne anti for all 
 Q^f^miidin ^oulc^ tjat Q^o^ fcoolti ifaijc pra^eli for, ant) for tjc ^oulej? 
 of 3ix laecibarl) Bofeljg Unggjt anti !iat)m 3one Jiis toife 'mf)icf) galje 
 ttJjo l^unlirett ^lonntiejs to ti)t Ijuiltiing of tW C^f)urcibe, anti for tje 
 0oulej3 of SSatllm* l^all ©ooper anti W toife." 
 
 At the west end of the nave is placed a FONT of ornamental workmanship, which 
 is better illustrated by an embellishment on page 161, than by the most elaborate 
 description. Around its rim is the following petitionary inscription, ^^ra^f for 
 
 tje !E(oulej3 of ^SEgllm* aFneffaxe Uraper anti Jija; Wi^\)i^ toojicibe matie ti)|i!3 
 jTont of t)i<3 pper H^om^ tje Ma^ of ilBarce V. ^txz of our Horti 
 
 MDXXX. At the east end of the nave is the spacious old rood loft, and now 
 contains the organ, which was built by Donaldson, of York, and placed there in 
 the year 1792; Mr. Lambert being the first organist by the appointment of the 
 subscribers. The cost of the organ was £311. 8s. Od. which was raised by voluntary 
 subscription.'® 
 
 The church enjoys the convenience of roomy and substantial galleries, which are 
 capable of containing a great number of people. The first erection of a gallery for 
 the accommodation of the parishioners took place in 1616 f° and this was placed 
 over the north aisle of the nave. The seats were repaired, and the church gene- 
 rally adorned about the year 1636;^' and again in 1726, when an addition was 
 made to the loft by a general vestry order.^^ In 1754, this erection being found 
 incommodious, was ordered to be entirely removed, and two new galleries erected 
 over the north and south aisles of the nave, which might be distinguished by an 
 equal regard to uniformity, and to the general style of architecture which prevails 
 throughout the fabric.'^^ A little more than thirty years afterwards, these erections 
 
 '8 Ex. MS. penes me. '^ Vestry Min. Book, 28 Mar. 1792. 
 20 Ibid. 6 Oct. 1754. «• Chancery Decree, 1 1 Ch. I. 
 
 22 
 
 Vestry Min. Book, no date. ^a ibid. 6 Oct. 1754. 
 
353 
 
 were again found inadequate to the increasing* necessities of the congregation ; and 
 a faculty passed the seal of the archbishop's court, empowering the churchwardens 
 to enlarge both the lofts, and to remunerate themselves by letting the pews ; apr 
 propriating the annual income thus in future obtained, to the general purposes of 
 the parish.'^* 
 
 The ceiling of the nave is panelled with square compartments, which are uni- 
 formly painted of an azure colour, and ornamented with stars of gold." 
 
 Proceeding forwards to the south transept, we find a decayed chapel with a 
 painted ceiling somewhat defaced. This sacred oratory, as we are assured by 
 Gent,''^ was once converted into a blacksmith's shop; and the spot dedicated by 
 the pious zeal of our forefathers to repose and silent contemplation, was desecrated 
 by the sound of hammers and anvils, and polluted with the forging of instruments 
 of iron.^*^ An accident which had almost proved fatal to the church, soon put a 
 period to this profane use of a consecrated house of prayer ; for the flames of the 
 forge communicating with some wood work which had been unnoticed, set the 
 church on fire and threatened to consume the fabric. The fire-places and chimneys 
 still remain, but the room is used only as a depository for all the useless lumber of 
 the church. The ceiling is divided into eight compartments, in which portraits 
 are painted bearing scrolls with the following invocations. The portrait of Saint 
 John has this inscription on his scroll, ^^nttt SJ^iiattlliS 2Saj3tiSte OXU ptO 
 now. A figure of the virgin bears, V^iX^O M^XiV, ^be i^latia, ^tUtm 
 
 plena, ISominus tecum* <ectt mtilla MominU fiat miU secuntJum Fer- 
 
 llUm tUUm* The scroll about the figure of Saint John the Evangelist is charged 
 
 with this inscription, ^aitcte SJoJannes (iBbattflelista, ora pro nol&fs* Pacem 
 
 h0U& tre lieata, is affixed to the portrait of a king; and Haulje Ciela COllOtata, 
 to that of a queen. The figure of Saint John of Beverley has ^aUCte S^JaitneS, 
 
 ^* The annual income arising from the lofts is now about o£30. 
 
 2* The roof of the grand temple at Luxore in upper Egypt, was, according to Pococke, orna- 
 mented in like manner, with gold stars on a sky coloured ground ; as was also the ceiling of the 
 stately portico of Achmounain in the Thebais. Savary's Letters on Egypt, vol. i. p. 451. The 
 monuments which ornament the nave are few, and commemorate the following persons. John 
 Staincliffe, alderman, 1661; Charles Warton, 1714; Wilfrey Constable, esquire, 1720; Richard 
 Grayburn, 1720; Richard Grayburn, 1724; and James Grayburn, 1725. On the floor at the east 
 end is this inscription. I^tap fOt »* 0OtDle Of l^OfiattC fitttton tattliet tDl&iCt^ ^V^^ T 
 
 XX trap of ittlp a* titti M" ccccc^ xxxv" antr for r ^oim of dtiatevmt U^ luife 
 anH V'' cUltiev* 
 
 2« Hist. Ripon, p. 81. 2^ Vid. Exod. 20 c. 25 v. 1 Kings, 6 c. 7 v. Ps. 74. 6 v. 
 
 2 X 
 
354 
 
 OVA |)tO ttdfiiS* And the eighth is probably the portrait of archbishop Thurstan 
 in his provost's habit; because there are reasons for believing that this church was 
 founded or re-endowed at his instigation, and by his assistance; and consequently the 
 relation which he bears to it is the same as that of archbishop John to the minster.^* 
 
 The chancel is spacious and full of monuments, the most imposing of which are 
 those of the Wartons, and that erected to the memory of sir Edward Barnard, the 
 recorder of Beverley.^^ 
 
 The tall and massive mural monuments of the Wartons are placed in the south 
 aisle and protected by an iron palisade. The inscriptions are as follows. Here 
 lieth the body of sir Ralph Warton, of this parish, knight, younger son of Miles 
 Warton, esquire, and grandson of sir Michael Warton, of Beverley-Park, who 
 departed this life Dec. 6, 1700. The adjoining monument bears this legend. 
 Here lieth the body of Ralph Warton, of Beverley, esquire, third son of Michael 
 Warton, late of Beverley, esquire, by the honourable Susannah his wife, daughter 
 of the right honourable lord Paulet. He was born on the 11th day of July, in 
 
 28 In the transept we find tablets erected to the memory of Thomas Acklom, of Dringhoe, esq. 
 1764; Joseph Armistead, esquire, 1794; Joseph Bell, esquire, 1782; William and Ann Ellis; 
 Margaret Ewbank, 1770; Dr. John Johnson, 1739; John Lockwood, esquire, 1827; Eliza Mason, 
 1762; Rev. Charles Myers, 1780; Henry Myers, 1792; Margaret Midgley; Jonathan Midgley; 
 1746; Robert Nelson, 1734; Marraaduke Nelson, 1776; Robert Robinson, esquire, 1816; Rev. 
 Robert Rigby, 1823; Suckling Spendlove, 1777; Thomas Terry, 1804; Ann Wilberforce, 1720; 
 and William Wilson, 1816; but no inscriptions remarkable for their singularity or elegance. 
 
 2^ The inscription on the tablet of the latter is so truly descriptive of his eminent qualifications 
 both as a lawyer and a Christian, that its omission would be inexcusable. 
 
 Meraoria justi in benedictionibus. Prov. Cap. 10. v. 7. 
 Sub hoc Mar more tumulatur, 
 
 Edvardvs Barnard Miles, 
 Kingstoniae super Hull Decus; 
 Beverlaci Amor; 
 Legis ornamentum ; 
 
 Maritus charissimus ., 
 
 Pater indulgentissimus; 
 
 Filius humilimus; 
 
 Frater amantissimus; 
 
 Amicus maxime fidelis ; 
 
 Vicinus magnifice benignus; 
 
 Consiliarius eximie peritus; 
 
 Cujus virtutem Doctrinam Eloquentiam, et 
 
 Sagacitatem dictis metiri non liceat. 
 
 Dicat posteritas 
 Obiit die 19°.Novemb. Anno Salutis 1686. ^tatis, 65. 
 
the year of our Lord 1656, and dy'd on the 22nd of March, in the year of our 
 Lord 1708-9.'° 
 
 The ceiling- of the chancel is decorated with paintings which represent the por- 
 traits of forty kings of England, beginning with the fabulous Brutus, and ending 
 with Edward IV.; at the end of whose reign therefore it may be reasonably 
 conjectured that these designs were made. The order in which they are placed is 
 confused and irregular j the inscriptions however are subjoined in chronological 
 order. 
 
 1. Rex Brutus, regnavit 15 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 2. Rex Logrim, regnavit 57 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 3. Rex Ebranke, regnavit 25 annis, apud Malmesbury jacet. 
 
 4. Rex Regbard, regnavit 25 an. 5 mens, apud Litchfieldiam jacet. 
 
 ^° Let the spectator recline himself against one of the pillars at the entrance of this spacious 
 chancel, dedicated to the highest and most sublime service which the creature can render to his 
 Creator; let him cast his eyes on the altar of commemoration which stands before him; let him 
 review the numerous emblems of mortality which are arranged in such profusion on every side; 
 let him consider in what a vast assembly of the dead he stands, and he will need no monitor to 
 direct the course of his reflections. But let him cherish the ideas as they arise, and in what 
 temper of mind soever he may have entered this sacred repository, there is little doubt but he will 
 leave it with impressions calculated to make him wiser and better. The following numerous 
 company of both sexes is here deposited, who sleep together in peace, however they may have 
 been agitated while living with any of the evil passions to which our degenerate nature is subject. 
 Nothing will now rouse them from "their lowly bed" but the shout of the archangel, and the sound 
 of the eternal trumpet summoning them to judgment. Mural monuments. — Mary Anlaby, 1719; 
 Sir E. Barnard, 1686; Henry Barnard, M. D. 1769; Levyns Boldero Barnard, 1 783 ; Mary Boldero, 
 1753; Adriana Boynton, 1785; Frances Boynton, 1720; Robert Cheney, esquire, 1820, John 
 Fleming, 1815; George Garth, 1819; Rev. R. Gee, 1815; Capt. Lovelace Gylby, 1745; Margt. 
 Gylby, 1720; George Holgate, esquire, 1728; Catherine Holgate, 1731; Elizabeth Hudson, 1798; 
 Rev. Joseph Kellet, 1653; Constantia Moysor, 1749; Ralph Pennyman, esquire, 1768; Bridget 
 Pennyman, 1744; Joseph Smith, esquire, 1782; Mary Sterne, 1818; Walter Strickland, 1730; 
 MaryTerritt, 1805; William Tesseyman, 1819; John Tindall, 1799; Jane Tindall, 1822; Rev. 
 W. Ward, 1768; Sir Ralph Warton, 1700; Ralph Warton, esquire, 1708-9; Thomas Woods, 
 1711. On iAe ^oor.— Peter Acklom, esquire, 1804; Mary Beverley, 1805; Ann Bethell, 1823; 
 Ellis Boyes, 1784; Cornelius Courtney, 1773; Margaret Jesse Courtney, 1813; John Courtney, 
 esquire, 1756; Elizabeth Courtney, 1770; John Courtney, esquire, 1806; Mary Courtney, 1805; 
 William Creyk, esquire, 1762; Bridget Creyk, 1737; Elizabeth Dickson, 1803; Ann Feather- 
 stone, 1789; Ralph Featherstone, 1764; John Foster, M. D. 1805; Margaret Gylby^ 1790; 
 Constance Gee, 1749; Angusta Hart, 1799; Ann Kirkus, 1815; John Kirkus, 1822; Rev. 
 William Key, 1744; Benjamin Lambert, 1731; Ann Lambert, 1741; William Lister, esquire, 
 1761; Sutton Lister, esquire, 1719; William Leeson, esquire, 1766; John Myers, 1794; 
 Christopher Northend, 1730; Robert Robertson, 1801; James Stourton, esquire, 1780; Joshua 
 Sampson, 1781; Joshua Sampson, M. D. 1792; Abraham Sperin, esquire, 1775; Mary Truby, 
 1770; William Tesseyman, 1811 ; Eleanor Tesseyman, 1819; Ann Wride, 1779; Anthony Wells, 
 1715; William Wilson, 1816; Thomas Woods, 1781; Elizabeth Ward, and Elizabeth Young, 
 1801. 
 
 2X2 
 
356 
 
 5. Rex Eglarus, re^navit 24 annis, apud Wintoniam jacet. 
 Q. Rex Achbelardus, regnavit 7 annis, apud Winburne jacet. 
 
 7. Rex Knowdus, regnavit 6 annis, apud Londinum jacet. 
 
 8. Rex Ludbrac, regnavit 31 annis, apud Elbsford jacet. 
 
 9. Rex Ethel wulf, regnavit 20 annis, apud Eboracum jacet. 
 
 10. Rex Ethelred, regnavit 9 annis, apud Winburne jacet. 
 
 11. Rex Edmund, regnavit 3 annis, apud Edmundi Burgum jacet. 
 
 12. Rex Alfredus, regnavit 29 annis, apud Londinum jacet. 
 
 13. Rex Edvrardus, regnavit 24 annis, apud Wintoniam jacet. 
 
 14. Rex Athelstan, regnavit 15 annis, apud Malmsbury jacet. 
 
 15. Rex Edmundus, regnavit 6 annis, apud Glasconiam jacet. 
 
 16. Rex Edredus, regnavit 10 annis, apud Cantuariam jacet. 
 
 17. Rex Edgar, regnavit 19 annis, apud Glasconiam jacet. 
 
 18. Rex Edwardus, regnavit 16 annis, apud Wintoniam jacet. 
 
 19. Rex Edwardus sec. regnavit 23 annis, apud Westmonaster' jacet. 
 
 20. Rex Canute regnavit 15 annis, apud Dunelmensem jacet. 
 
 21. Rex Harold regnavit 4 annis, apud Londinum jacet. 
 
 22. Rex Hardecanute, regnavit 2 an. 4 mens, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 23. Rex Edwardus regnavit 23 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 24. Rex Harold sec. regnavit 9 menses, apud Waltham jacet. 
 
 25. Rex Will. Conquestor, regnavit 21 annis, obiit Roan, apud Caen jacet. 
 
 26. Rex Willielmus Ruphus, regnavit 13 annis, apud Wintoniam jacet. 
 
 27. Rex Henricus pri. regnavit 35 annis, apud Readingum jacet. 
 
 28. Rex Stephanus, regnavit 19 annis, apud Feversham jacet. 
 
 29. Rex Henricus sec. regnavit 35 annis, apud Fount Evrard* jacet. 
 
 30. Ecce Ricardus pri. Rex Anglorum, miles regis angelorum. 
 
 31. Rex Johannes, regnavit 18 annis, apud Vigorniam sepelitur. 
 
 32. Rex Henricus tert. regnavit 56 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 33. Rex Edwardus pri. regnavit 35 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 34. Rex Edwardus sec. regnavit 19 annis, apud Glocestriam jacet. 
 
 35. Rex Edwardus tert. regnavit 51 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 36. Rex Ricardus sec. regnavit 22 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 37. Rex Henricus quart, regnavit 14 annis, apud Cantuarium jacet. 
 
 38. Rex Henricus quint, regnavit 9 annis, apud Westmonasterium jacet. 
 
 39. Rex Henricus sext. regnavit 38 annis, apud Windsoriam jacet. 
 
 40. Rex Edwardus quart, regnavit 22 annis, apud Windsoriam jacet. 
 
351 
 
 Gee. 
 
 These hatchments, &c. still remain in the chancel. 
 
 C Azure, 6 lions rampant, arg. a canton, ermine. Impaled with arg. 
 Cheney, -l a bend sable, charged with 3 boar's heads caboshed, or, inter 
 
 ^ 3 martlets sable. 
 
 ( Sable, a chevron, arg. charg-ed with 3 talbot's heads erased sable 
 
 < coll*^ or. inter 3 birds arg. membered and beaked or. Impaled with 
 
 V parted per fess embattled gules and az. 3 suns in glory or. 
 
 C Or, a bend inter 2 bull's heads passant, couped sable. Over all an 
 HoLGATE. < escutcheon of pretence. Sable 6 escallops or. which is his wife's 
 
 ^ coat ; Catherine, daughter of John Estofte, of Estofte, esq. 
 
 C Gules, a sword in bend, pomel in base, or. blade proper. 
 
 i Over all an escutcheon of pretence. 
 
 ^ Chiles a lion passant, or. — Waines. 
 Garth. Or, 2 lions passant amongst 4 crosses fitchee sable. 
 
 ^ 1 and 4 quarterly. 1 and 4 arg. a bear rampant, sable. 
 
 2 and 3 parted per pale a saltier or and az. 
 
 Barnard, i counterchanged. 
 
 2 and 3. Arg. a bend sable charged with 3 Escallops arg. 
 Impaled with. Or, a chevron az. charged with 3 horses heads 
 c erased, arg. inter 3 ^ears gules. 
 Quarterly. 1. Arg. a stag's head caboshed sable, in chief a cross, sable. 
 
 2. Arg. a sword in bend proper, pomel in base, or. 
 
 3. Arg. a chevron inter 3 etoils sable. 
 
 4. Az. a lion passant guardant or, a chief arg. 
 Over all an escutcheon of pretence. 
 
 1. Ruby on a bend between 6 cross crosslets fitchee. Pearl an 
 escutcheon topaz, charged with a demi-lion pierced through the 
 mouth with an arrow within a double tressure counter floree of 
 the first. 
 
 2. Rubg 3 lions passant guardant topaz, a label of 3 pts. 
 
 3. Cheque topaz and sapphire. 
 
 4. Rubg a lion rampant topaz. 
 The whole impaled with 
 
 ^Az. a chevron ermine inter 3 spear heads, arg. 
 On each side of the chancel aisles adjoining the wall at the east end, are four- 
 teen oaken stalls without canopies, the seats being ornamented with carved shields 
 
358 
 
 and grotesque fig-ures and devices similar to those in the minster. The ceiling" 
 above these stalls in the north aisle is groined ; but at the west end of the same 
 aisle the ceiling is divided into square compartments, and painted blue with 
 golden stars; whilst along one of the centre oaken divisions runs the following 
 admonition. 
 
 ifWaptt In t1D» ivftpm lolJDf^ €rOtf a iioton all Ctsttg 
 
 ^ntr tntv Cl&finfee at tlD^ tegmttmg atolDat $rlDan column off tl^e entfv^g* 
 
 On the north side of the chancel is a small chapel which contains three monuments; 
 one to the memory of John Greathead, 1765; another for Ann Greathead, 1739; 
 and a third for Sarah Greathead, 1792. 
 
 Underneath the church is a crypt,^' simply groined with circular arches, and 
 originally supported, as is conjectured, by nine pillars or more ; but a part of it 
 has been evidently walled up in times comparatively modern, so that only three 
 pillars are now distinctly visible. It has two windows, one of which is closed up. 
 It contains a good deal of old lumber, amongst which are many detached skulls 
 and human bones. 
 
 To what base uses may we return, Horatio.^* 
 
 ^' Crypts were probably designed for sanctuaries; and perhaps in troublesome periods used for 
 hiding places. But the true design is involved in some obscurity. Fosbrooke asserts, that crypts 
 were used " for clandestine drinking, feasting, and things of that kind" during the prevalence of 
 monachism. Monach. vol. ii. p. 109. For this purpose however they would prove but incon- 
 venient and uncomfortable places. It is certain that in a very early period of the world, a thousand 
 years before the Christian era, such subterraneous excavations were made beneath the altars of 
 religious edifices, commeuciug probably with the temple at Jerusalem. And Mr. Faber, Pag. 
 Idol. vol. iii. p. 295. says that crypts appear to be no unambiguous imitations of these sacred 
 caverns." 
 
 32 Hamlet, Act v. 
 
a^o 
 
 Crypt qfSatnt Mary''s, Beverley, 
 
 The situation of the church-yard" is scarcely so much elevated as the adjoining 
 ground ; and hence it was formerly exposed to encroachments, and liable to inun- 
 dations which impeded the progress of interment, and its utility as a public 
 cemetery was almost superseded. About the middle of the last century these 
 inconveniences had become so highly distressing as to render some improvements 
 absolutely necessary; and several meetings were held to devise a remedy. At 
 length it was ordered at a public vestry, that " the church-yard on the east side of 
 the church be repaired, improved, and fenced, to make the same more convenient 
 for burying the dead, and to preserve it from such nuisances as it was too much 
 exposed to.'"^ Another heavy calamity was at this time consequent on the present 
 state of the church-yard. The floor of the church itself, being situated beneath 
 the level of the church-yard, was visited with frequent inundations ; for the surplus 
 of water penetrating into the fabric, occasioned a perpetual dampness equally 
 injurious to the building and to the health of the parishioners. A committee was 
 therefore appointed to superintend the improvements, with full powers to borrow 
 money, if necessary, to carry the intended alterations into full effect, and to prevent 
 
 ^3 The area of the church-yard inclosure is about an acre; the church occupies about 1 rood 
 25 perches, and the actual church-yard, 2 roods 1 5 perches. 
 
 3^ Vestry Min. Book, 14 May, 1758. 
 
360 
 
 the consequences which appeared to threaten the very existence of the edifice/^ 
 The reparations - thus commenced, have been continued with various degrees of 
 energy down to a recent period; and in the present century an order has been 
 made for the construction of a sufficient drain and spouting to carry off the water 
 " which injures the floor of the church." ^^ Much has been done to preserve this 
 valuable fabric from dilapidation ; but it is only just to add that much remains to 
 do; and from the rapid improvement in the parish funds, we may reasonably 
 anticipate that at no far distant period, the venerable structure will be restored to 
 its former magnificence, and stand proudly pre-eminent in all its primitive richness 
 of decoration. 
 
 The income of Saint Mary's parish, arising from the noble benefactions and 
 bequests of queen Elizabeth^'^ and other benevolent individuals, consisting of lands, 
 tenements, and other property, is directed by a decree under the hands and seals 
 of the commissioners appointed in the year 1634, to be appropriated, after paying 
 all quit rents and reprizes attached to any part of the property, to the purposes of 
 adorning the fabric and keeping it in repair ; paying the salaries due to the servants 
 
 35 Vestry Min. Book, 29 Feb. 1764. se ibij. 22 Feb. 1809. 
 
 ^' Queen Elizabeth, by letters-patent under the great seal of England, bearing date 23rd Feb. 
 in the 27th year of her reign, did, among other things, give and grant to the mayor, governors, 
 and burgesses of Beverley and their successors, divers lands, tenements, and hereditaments in 
 Beverley and elsewhere, for the common use and benefit of the parish church of Saint Mary. 
 The property in Beverley, which had principally belonged to the dissolved chantries, consisted of 
 two tenements and two garths in Wood-lane ; three tenements, two garths, and two free rents in 
 North-bar-without; five tenements, four garths, and one free rent in North -bar-within; three free 
 rents in Burdett-raidding-lane; five tenements, five garths, and one free rent in Vicar-lane; three 
 tenements, three garths, and five closes in Keld-gate; eleven tenements and chambers, one garth, 
 and one free rent in Saint Mary's church-yard ; one tenement, one garth, and one free rent in 
 High-gate; two tenements and one garth in Lady-gate; two tenements and two garths in Toll- 
 gavel ; six tenements and three garths in Hen-gate ; two tenements in Waltham-lane ; one tene- 
 ment and one garth in Walker-gate; one tenement and one garth in the Shambles; four 
 tenements, one garth, and one close in Norwood ; one tenement in Smithill ; three tenements, 
 two garths, and one close in Butcher-row; one garth in Silverless-lane; two tenements and two 
 garths in Fleming-gate ; four tenements, three garths, and one close in Newbiggin ; two tene- 
 ments, two garths, and two closes in Lair-gate ; two tenements and two garths, with no specified 
 situation; a garden in Pickhill-lane, and three acres of land in Molescroft field; making a general 
 total of sixty tenements, forty-three garths, ten small closes, nine free rents, one garden and 
 three acres of land; besides property in other places, if the following document, dated in the 
 same month and year, but on a different day, refer to the same transaction. R^* tercio Febr' 
 Cone' Maior' Gubernator' et Bergen' vill' de Beverley diu'ss ter' clauss' et tenem^ in Beverley, 
 Woodmansey, Thurne, Hullbrigge, Sandholm, Storke, Swyne, Tictonwold et Norwood, ac decim' 
 de Ledston et cxl" acr' ter' et xlo acr' prat' que fuer' p'cell' Priorat' S'ci Jo : Appl'i et Evan- 
 gelist' in Pontefracte tenend' ce Eastgrenew^'^ soccag' Anno xxvij° Elizabeth© p'te prima. Ex. 
 Reg. Prajpos. Bev. 1. 3. p. 20 a. 
 
361 
 
 of the church, and providing bread and wine for the communion ; and the church- 
 wardens are therein directed to pay over the annual surplus to the mayor and cor- 
 poration for the time being.'^ The rents have hitherto been totally inadequate to 
 these purposes, as the parishes have no church rate; and the two-fold consequence has 
 therefore arisen, that the church has fallen to decay, and the parishes have become 
 involved in debt. In 1823, Mr. Lockwood proposed a scheme for liquidating 
 these debts, and at the same time making such a permanent provision for the 
 future as should secure to the church a certain annual income, which would effec- 
 tually prevent a recurrence of the evil.*^ The project was rejected, because the 
 leases were now rapidly falling in, and the income of the parish promised within 
 a short period to become very considerable, without resorting to an artificial remedy. 
 Previously to the year 1813, the yearly receipts did not amount to £60.; they have 
 already increased to £650. ; and after Martinmas, 1828, the annual income of the 
 
 3^ Chancery Decree. 
 
 '9 Mr. Lockwood proposed to obtain an act of parliament, enabling the parish to raise a per- 
 manent fund by disposing of the whole property ; and his reasoning was as follows. " The estate 
 granted by the crown consists chiefly of buildings, intermixed with the freehold property of many 
 of the inhabitants ; and as the lessees of the church can only hold for twenty-one years certain, 
 and at the full and fair amiual value, there is no prospect of any improvement in property so 
 circumstanced ; but was it to be sold, the owners of the buildings connected with it, would in 
 general be willing purchasers ; in which case they would be induced to improve it, and that ulti- 
 mately would be an advantage to the town. And in order to obtain the full value on a sale, a 
 previous valuation might be made by some competent person, from which there should not be 
 any deduction. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 The annual value of the property may be taken at £736. which 7 j^ -^20 
 
 at 20 years' purchase would be 3 ' 
 
 Suppose the act of parliament to cost 525 
 
 To pay the debts now owing 779 
 
 Mr. Bennison's estimate of the repairs of the church in 1809, was f „ OOO 
 
 about £1,200. but to make every thing complete, say 5 ' 
 
 A sum to be laid out in the purchase and consecration of an addi- 7 .^q q q 
 
 tional burying ground, which is become absolutely necessary 5 3 7Q4 n 
 
 Then there would remain £ 11,016 
 
 This sum of £11,016. if laid out in the purchase of freehold lands, or in the funds, till an 
 eligible purchase could be met with, might produce an income, without deduction, of £440. 
 which might be regularly received by the churchwardens, and appropriated by them from time 
 to time as occasion might require." 
 
 2 Y 
 
362 
 
 parish devoted to the church of Saint Mary will be increased to £800.'"' This will 
 enable the churchwardens to carry on the repairs with spirit, and give effect and 
 permanency to the original designs of those expert architects who placed the edifice 
 in its present imposing situation, adorned it with elegance and grandeur as one 
 of the most striking ornaments which graced and decorated the town. 
 
 The custom of perambulating the boundaries of this parish is annually observed 
 with all due solemnity. It is of very high antiquity, and supposed to have been 
 derived from the heathen, who held an annual feast in the month of February, 
 which was denominated Terminalia, because at this period the boundary stones 
 which marked the local division of land were crowned with garlands, and a solemn 
 offering made thereon in honour of the god Terminus,*' who was feigned to pre- 
 side over these boimdaries, punishing with his severest vengeance all unjust 
 aggressions on each other's property. The custom of perambulation was strenu- 
 ously enforced in Roman Catholic times; and the priest of every parish was 
 enjoined annually to assemble the congregation in Rogation week, and passing 
 from one boundary stone to another, to read over each the formal litanies and 
 services prescribed for that purpose j and the same practice was continued after the 
 Reformation, only the language was changed from Latin to English.*' 
 
 ^0 The annual increase from 1813 is stated as follows. 
 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 1813 
 
 55 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 1821 
 
 445 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1814 
 
 82 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 1822 
 
 495 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1815 
 
 102 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 1823 
 
 569 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1816 
 
 116 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 1824 
 
 569 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1817 
 
 167 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 1825 
 
 637 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1818 
 
 225 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1826 
 
 653 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1819 
 
 229 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1827 
 
 725 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1820 
 
 308 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1828 
 
 800 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 Out of this income the following annual fee-farm and other rents are payable. 
 
 £. 
 
 To the trustees of Beverley minster 4 
 
 To the heirs of John Hookman, esq 
 
 To John Tempest, esq. and others 4 
 
 To the lord of the manor of Beverley Water-Towns. . 1 
 
 ^' Termine, sive lapis, sive eo desertus in agro 
 Stipes ab antiquis tu quoque nomen habes. 
 
 Ovid. Fast. 2. 
 
 *2 In the articles of enquiry for the diocese of Chichester, 1637, is the following query. « Dotb 
 your minister yeerely in Rogation weeke, for the knowing and distinguishing of the bounds of 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 
 
863 
 
 In the due observance of this ceremony, the churchwardens of Saint Mary*s 
 parish, accompanied by many of the inhabitants, proceed on Rogation Monday 
 formally round the confines of the parish, pausing- a short time at each boundary 
 mark, as a renewed and undisputed evidence of possession j and to impress parti- 
 cular points on the recollection of the junior part of the assembly, some small coin 
 is thrown up for a scramble amongst the boys at the most important boundary 
 stones; and as an additional stimulus to their industry and recollection, a small 
 pecuniary reward is presented to the boy who first discovers each succeeding limit. 
 The perambulation being concluded, the individuals who attended the procession 
 are regaled at the church with bread and ale ; and small presents in money are 
 distributed amongst the more indigent part of the assembly ; a shilling each is 
 presented to the poor debtors confined in the gaol; and the ceremony concludes 
 with a dinner for the churchwardens, for which a certain sum is allowed from the 
 parish purse." 
 
 The population of the two parishes of Saint Mary and Saint Nicholas,^^ taken 
 from the return of 1821, is 3791 persons, being an increase of 395 souls within 
 the preceding ten years. 
 
 Table of marriages, baptisms, and burials. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 1813 
 
 37 
 
 90 
 
 44 
 
 1820 
 
 20 
 
 99 
 
 41 
 
 1814 
 
 24 
 
 121 
 
 41 
 
 1821 
 
 16 
 
 97 
 
 44 
 
 1815 
 
 21 
 
 108 
 
 68 
 
 1822 
 
 21 
 
 117 
 
 39 
 
 1816 
 
 23 
 
 114 
 
 44 
 
 1823 
 
 22 
 
 107 
 
 49 
 
 1817 
 
 26 
 
 115 
 
 45 
 
 1824 
 
 28 
 
 122 
 
 59 
 
 1818 
 
 17 
 
 108 
 
 43 
 
 1825 
 
 28 
 
 115 
 
 58 
 
 1819 
 
 27 
 
 114 
 
 50 
 
 1826 
 
 37 
 
 99 
 
 57 
 
 parishes, and for obtaining God's blessing upon the fruits of the ground, walke the perambulation, 
 and say or sing, in English, the Gospells, Epistles, Litanie, and other devout prayers ; together 
 with the 103 and 104 psalms?" Brand. Pop. Ant. vol. i. p. 173. in notd g. Edit. 1813. 
 
 *^ In the vestry accompt book the entries of these expenses vary. In 1 733, the dinner cost a 
 guinea ; and bread and ale for the boys 12s. At present the expenses are about 50s. 
 
 ^* The property of the church in plate, vestments, &c. is as follows. 
 
 An organ by Donaldson, erected in the year 1792. 
 
 Six bells, a clock and chimes. 
 
 A Baskerville's Bible, folio, the gift of W. Wilberforce, 1763, gilt and elegantly bound; and 
 a Baskett's Common Prayer, 1 766, bound to correspond. 
 
 A crimson velvet carpet, with gold and silver fringe, for the altar table. 
 
 A large pulpit cloth of black velvet, with deep gold and silk fringe. 
 
 A pulpit cushion of crimson velvet, with noble tassels at each corner, composed of gold and 
 silk curiously interwoven, and a valance of velvet fringed uniformly, to hang underneath the 
 
 2y2 
 
364 
 
 
 Close catalogue of the vicars 
 
 of Saint Mary's. 
 
 
 TEMP. INSTIT. 
 
 VICARIJ ECCL'E. 
 
 PATROM. 
 
 VACAT. 
 
 Kal. Feb. 1302. 
 
 Dns Rog"' de Woodham, Pbr. 
 
 Praeposit' Bev' 
 
 
 Id. Mar. 1319. 
 
 Dns Nic. de Siggleston Pbr.''^ 
 
 Prb. alt S.Martin 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 Aug. 1349. 
 
 Dns Geo. Pocklington Cap. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 Sep. 1349. 
 
 Dns Rob. de Aston Cap."' 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 Aug-. 1362. 
 
 Dns Petr de Esyngton Cap. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 Mar. 1373. 
 
 Dns Tho. de Lowthorp Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 
 1394. 
 
 Dns Wm. de Scardeburgh"^ 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 1403. 
 
 Dns Job. de Brydlington''* 
 
 ijdem 
 
 
 21 Mar. 1414. 
 
 Mr. Petr. de Irford Diac 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 
 Dns Rob. Rux*' 
 
 ijdem 
 
 
 cushion. The above three articles were presented to the church of Saint Mary in 1686, by "certain 
 worthy citizens of London, who have of late years kept Beverley mart; procured at their joint 
 cost." 
 
 Four linen surplices. 
 
 A large flagon of silver, weighing 98 oz. 15 dwts. with this inscription; the gift of sir Ralph 
 Warton, knt. to the parish of St. Maries in Beverley. Anno Domino. 1696. 
 
 Two silver chalices with covers, purchased in 1644. 
 
 A silver paten or salver for the sacrament, weighing 1 6 oz. 1 1 dwts. the gift of Charles Warton, 
 esquire, 1701. 
 
 A silver spoon, marked Saint Mary's, 1714. 
 
 A large brass candlestick of twelve branches, presented by Mr. Samuel Robinson, one of the 
 churchwardens in 1701, and suspended on Easter eve. 
 
 One other brass candlestick to correspond, presented in 1725, by Mr. William Grayburn, 
 alderman. 
 
 An iron chest for registers ; and several wooden chests. 
 
 ^* In his time the chapel of Saint Mary was endowed with all the privileges of a parochial 
 establishment. Ex. Reg. W. Melt. Arch. Ebor. I. p. 66. Vid. sup. p. 127. 
 
 ^^ A vicarage house was assigned to this church during the incumbency of Aston. Rot. Orig. 
 30 Edw. III. ro. 28. 
 
 4^ In John de Ake's will we find this vicar mentioned, A. D. 1398, in the following terms. 
 "I give my soul to Almighty God, and the blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints in heaven, and 
 my body to be buried in the chapel of the Virgin Mary in Beverley. Item, I give to the fabric of 
 the said chapel viij^. iiij4 Item, I give to sir William de Scardeburgh, perpetual vicar of the 
 aforesaid chapel vj» viij<J &c. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. viij. fo. 140. 
 
 ^^ John de Brydlington does not occur in Torre's list, but is mentioned in the Lansdowne 
 MS. 896. VIII. fo. 189. as the purchaser of a house on the north side of Newbigging belonging 
 to Robert Skipwith. 
 
 ^^ In the year 1477, Robert Fisher, of Beverley, the father of the celebrated bishop Fisher, 
 bequeathed « vjs- viijd. to Dn's Robert Ruz, vicar of the church of the blessed Mary Virgin." 
 Nich. Test. Vetust. vol. i. p. 340. Mr. Rux is omitted in Torre's list. 
 
365 
 
 TEMP. INSTIT. 
 
 VICARIJ ECCL'e. 
 
 PATRONI. 
 
 VACAT. 
 
 Aug. 1426. 
 
 Dns Will. Yrforth Pbr. 
 
 Prb. alt S.Martin 
 
 
 Dec. 1438. 
 
 Dns Will. Lowe Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 Feb. 1453. 
 
 Mr. John Ingleby Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 Dec. 1461. 
 
 Dns Robt. Kyrke Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Morf 
 
 Mar. 1499. 
 
 Dns Will. Burhede Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 
 Mar. 1521. 
 
 Dns Nic. Rokeby Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 Mar. 1524. 
 
 Dns Tho. Barneby Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 
 
 Dns Jac. Burley Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 20 Mar. 1528. 
 
 Dns Tho. Russell Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 4 Mar. 1535. 
 
 Dns Will. Rawlandson Pbr. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 Junij 1569. 
 
 Dns Alex. Bradshawe CI. 
 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 24 Apr. 1575. 
 
 Geo. Kitchyn CI. M. A. 
 
 Eliz.Reg"'*- 
 
 p' Resig' 
 
 Nov. 1578. 
 
 Tho. Utye CI. 
 
 Eadem. 
 
 p'Mort' 
 
 Nov. 1608. 
 
 Will. Ellys CI. M. A. 
 
 Jac. Rex. 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 22 July 1637.^' 
 
 Nic. Osgodby CI. M. A. 
 Jos. Killet Cl.^' 
 
 Ch. I. Rex. 
 
 p* Mort' 
 
 18 Feb. 1667. 
 
 Tho. Parker CI. 
 
 Ch. II. Rex. 
 
 p' Cession' 
 
 8 May 1672. 
 
 Joh. Brereton Cl.*^ M. A. 
 
 idem 
 
 p' Resig'^^ 
 
 1726. 
 
 Samuel Johnson 
 
 Geo. I. Rex. 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 1767. 
 
 Francis Drake D. D. 
 
 Geo. III. Rex. 
 
 
 1791. 
 
 Robert Rigby 
 
 idem 
 
 p' Mort' 
 
 1823. 
 
 W. R. Gilby M. A. 
 
 Geo. IV. Rex. 
 
 
 *<> In 1637, Nicholas Pierson occurs in Saint Mary's Register as the incumbent. Probably he 
 was the sequestrator during the period which intervened between the death of Ellys and the 
 appointment of Osgodby. 
 
 *' Joseph Killet died in 1653, as appears by his tomb in Saint Mary's church, 
 omitted in Torre's catalogue. 
 
 He is also 
 
 ** At a meeting of the corporation, 19th April, 1689, some disputes having arisen with Mr.. 
 Brereton, he formally resigned the living. Corp. Rec. 
 
 *3 Torre's Peculiars, p. 175. 
 
366 
 
 ©Jap. 351^. 
 
 Account of the corporation — Mai/or — Recorder — Aldermen — Capital Imrrjesses — 
 Common council — Town clerk — Corporation clerk — Inferior officers — Burgesses 
 — Court of record — Courts leet and haron — View of frank pledge — Quarter 
 sessions — Sheriff's tourn — Gaol — 3Iemhers of parliament — Right of election — 
 Exemption from tolls — List of charters — Jiirisdiction — Anns and seals — Offi- 
 cers of the corporation — List of representatives — List of abbots — Provosts — 
 Mayors — Recorders — Town clerks — Chamber clerks. 
 
 The town of Beverley, as we have already seen, was a place of g-reat importance, 
 and elevated into a borough long before the Conquest of England by William the 
 Norman. Its privileges have been conceded and confirmed, and the number and 
 nature of its immunities increased by direct charter and grant from almost every 
 monarch who has swayed the British sceptre, beginning with Athelstan and ending 
 with the unfortunate James ; and from thence to the present time by salutary laws 
 both general and particular. The corporation, as it is at present constituted, con- 
 sists of a mayor, a recorder, twelve aldermen, thirteen capital burgesses, and an 
 indefinite number of freemen ; attended by the usual borough officers, viz. a 
 common and corporation clerk, sergeants at mace, beadles, and constables. 
 
 The chief officer is the mayor,' who is annually elected by the burgesses at large 
 on the Monday next before Michaelmas day, and takes the oaths on the third week 
 
 ' Formerly the abbot, and after him the provost was invested with the chief civil authority in 
 the town; but subsequently to the dissolution, when the latter office was abolished, the sole 
 power became vested in the mayor. This title is of singular honour and reputation, and derived, 
 as is supposed, from the most ancient language known in the world. " The ancient inhabitants of 
 Franconia or Frankenland, from whom the Frenchmen are descended, and their neighbours the 
 old Saxons, of whome the Englishmen have their originall, being people of Germanie (as Berosus 
 saith) and descended of the old Hebrews, have retained manie Hebrue words, either from the 
 beginning, or else borrowed them abroad in other regions which they conquered, passing by 
 force of armes through a great part of the world. For no doubt, by conversation with those 
 people whom they subdued, they brought home into their own countrie and toong manie borrowed 
 words, so that their language hath no small store of them fetched out of sundrie strange toongs. 
 
36t 
 
 subsequently to such election." He and the aldermen jointly nominate twenty- 
 six persons, from whom the freemen at large select thirteen to be capital burgesses, 
 who, together with the aldermen, form his council for the year. On the same day 
 are chosen the common clerk, sergeants, constables, and other inferior officers 
 whose situations are annual. After the mayor elect has taken the oaths, he is 
 competent, with the assistance of his council, to make laws and ordinances for the 
 government of the town; with power to levy fines or inflict corporal punishment 
 for acts of disobedience or violations of the laws. If an alderman elected to the 
 office of mayor refuse to act, he is liable to fine and disfranchisement, and if he 
 absent himself after having received notice of his election, " he may be fined any 
 sum not exceeding fifty pounds, to be recovered by distraint or any other lawful 
 way, for the use of the said town, and immediately be excluded from being a 
 member of the said town, losing all his privileges, and shall never be admitted 
 again. And if the mayor absent himself, then the last preceding mayor shall ex- 
 ecute the said office till another be chosen, which shall be within one month."' 
 Should the mayor be sick, or under the absolute necessity of absenting himself 
 from the town, for any determinate period, on special business of his own, he is 
 authorized by charter to depute one of the aldermen to officiate for him, and his 
 deputy having first taken the usual oaths, is competent to perform any duty apper- 
 taining to the situation of chief magistrate, during the sickness or absence of the 
 mayor. This officer, however, cannot leave his official duties in the hands of a 
 deputy, by quitting the town for any lengthened period, without permission from 
 the bench.^ If the mayor happen to die within his year, or be removed by royal 
 
 Now among other old words remaining in their toong, this word Mar was one, which in Hebrue 
 signifies Dominus, that is to say lord, but pronounced now somewhat corruptlie, Mair. So, as 
 it is to be supposed, hereof it came to passe that the head officer and lieutenant to the prince, as 
 well in London as in other cities and townes of the realme, are called by the name of Motor ; 
 though in the cities of London and Yorke, for an augmentation of honour, by an antient custom, 
 through ignorance what the title of maior doth signifie, they have an addition, and are instituted 
 by the name of Lord Maior, when maior simply pronounced of itself signifieth no lesse than Lord, 
 without any such addition." Hollinsh. Chron. vol. ii. p. 298. Quarto edit. 
 
 2 Charter of James II. » Charter of Charles II. 
 
 ■* The following brief account of the ancient duties of the mayor and governors, and the 
 etiquette which they were obliged to observe in their official capacity, will not be unacceptable. 
 The mayor and governors usually assembled in the Guild-hall, and appointed three of their 
 number as candidates for the mayoralty, on the day before the feast of Saint Michael ; one of 
 whom was elected by the burgesses at large as the chief magistrate for the ensuing year. The 
 fine for refusing to act in the capacity of mayor was ten pounds ; and any burgess declining the 
 office of a governor after being regularly elected to that office, incurred a penalty of five pounds. 
 
368 
 
 authority, the burg-esses are bound to elect a successor within four days after such 
 demise or removal, who must continue in office during the remainder of the year. 
 
 The mayor for the time being is a justice of the peace, escheator, clerk of the 
 market, and coroner within the town and liberties; so that the authority of the 
 clerk of the market for the king's household is wholly superseded within the limits 
 of this jurisdiction, except his majesty be present in person. 
 
 1 The recorder is not an annual officer. His qualifications, according to the char- 
 ter of Charles II. are, that he be "a honest, discreet, and skilful man in the laws" 
 of his country in general, and of the corporation of Beverley in particular ; and 
 
 This was in the 1 6th century. No person was compellable to serve the oflRce of mayor for two 
 successive years, or within the period of five intervening years; nor more than three times during 
 his life. The mayor was bound to give two public dinners during his year ; one on the day he 
 took the oaths, and the other on the day when his successor was chosen. He was directed to 
 wear, under a penalty of ten shillings for each omission, on all public days, a gown with a face 
 of fur and a tippet of velvet. These days were ; the day he took the oaths, " the fair day, called 
 Saint John's day in winter; all saint's days, Christmas day, Easter day, rogation Sunday and 
 Monday, Pentecost, Ascension day. Trinity Sunday, Midsummer day, and other times convenient, 
 at the discretion of the mayor for the worship of the town ; and that every person who has been 
 mayor, shall wear his gown and tippet of velvet on the same days." He was under the necessity 
 of proceeding from his own house to the minster church, attended by two governors, habited as 
 above, on every Sunday and holiday, under a penalty of ten-pence for every omission, not having 
 a reasonable excuse ; and the same penalty attached to a governor refusing attention to his sum- 
 mons. He provided the principal sergeant and other officers with meat and drink, for which and 
 other expences he was allowed an annual salary of thirty pounds. It was ordained, that the 
 mayor, during his mayoralty, shall not resort to any tippling house, except on particular business. 
 The heavy penalties attached to this misdemeanour, serve to convince us that it was the prevailing 
 practice of these times. To keep up the dignity of the office, the mayor never appeared in public, 
 or even walked into the town, without his gown, and the accompanying ceremonial of a sergeant 
 bearing the mace before him ; nor could a governor be seen abroad ungowned without subjecting 
 himself to a penalty of twelve-pence ; and this gown is described as " a brown blew faced with 
 budge,'''' which was a fur somewhat resembling ermine. Two of the governors, and four of the 
 most substantial burgesses were annually appointed as overseers of the woods, and for the sale of 
 all manner of timber, &c. and they were also masters of all the common pastures during their 
 official year. Disobedience to the statutes and ordinances of the twelve governors, subjected the 
 offender to a heavy penalty ; and abusive or scurrilous language used by a burgess to or of a 
 governor, subjected him to disfranchisement; and even if any burgess chanced to hear any 
 disrespectful words spoken of a governor, and omitted to disclose them to the legal authorities 
 within one week, he was liable to a fine of ten shillings to be levied by distress. Warb. MSS. 
 Lansd. Coll. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 171. A. D. 1576. The mayor and governors themselves 
 were equally subject to heavy punishment for misconduct; and it was the duty of every new 
 mayor, on his own personal responsibility, to call before him his predecessor in office together 
 with the governors, within 20 days after he has been sworn, and examine whether he has executed 
 his office with impartiality ; and if he be found guilty of any dereliction of duty to lay on him a 
 penalty of ten pounds to be applied to the town's use. If a governor had misconducted himself, 
 he was to be fined at the discretion of the court ; and a fine of three shillings and four-pence each 
 on such of the justices as did not attend in their places at the quarter sessions. Warb. MSS. ut 
 supra, fo. 176. 
 
369 
 
 his duty is, to attend the meetings of the council on grave and extraordinary occa.- 
 sions which demand the presence of a legal adviser. He is bound to be present at 
 the quarter sessions when criminals are arraigned before juries ; and in the council 
 chamber when acts of parliament are to be explained, which affect any error or 
 dispute that may arise within the borough or its jurisdiction; when legal opinions 
 are to be given ; when the privileges of the corporation are infringed ; when ad- 
 dresses to the throne, or petitions to parliament on great public occurrences, or 
 private demands may be required for the credit or benefit of the town ; or in any 
 other case where the mayor may deem his assistance necessary. 
 
 The alderman' at Beverley is a superior officer,® elected for life from amongst 
 
 * The title of alderman was anciently applied to the chief nobility. " Ealdop, so written in the 
 Saxon language, is properly an elder or senior, but an Ealdopman, which we now call an alder- 
 man, was such, in effect, amongst our ancestors, as was Tribunus Plehis with the Romans ; i. e. 
 one that had chief jurisdiction among the commons, as being a maintainor of their rights and 
 liberties." Versteg. Rest. Dec. Int. p. 326. 
 
 ^ This officer was originally named a governor, and first annually appointed under a charter 
 of Richard II. 1398. Rot. Pat. 21 Rich. II. The following regulations respecting the annual 
 appointment of the twelve governors, made A. D. 1488, may be both curious and interesting. 
 "All manner of men present and for to come knawe pat inso muey as itt is founde in wrytyngs in 
 aide constitutyons of the elecyons of xij keepers or governors of the towne of Beverley Itt has 
 been usyd of late the eleccyon to be made in forme and wrytten pat is for to say that the xij which 
 has been governors or keepers of the towne in the yere next joyng before the yest of Saynt Mare 
 shall geder to geder and compare and then and there shall be publisshyed and namy'd xij of the 
 new men of the 36 so that none so named had been in pat offys of two yeres then next afore passyd 
 And also other xij that had been in the offys aforetymes paste, and also other vj worchypfull and 
 lamouse burgessys of whome none of theme had been in y^ offys aforetyme. And so the foresayd 
 xxiiij and those vj adyd to and novrmered make full mowmer of xxx burgessys of the towne thereof 
 whome xij governors or keepers of the sayde towne schuld be elect and chosyn. And for als 
 mych as itt is consydered by the hole body of the sayde towne that the foresayd nowmer of xxx 
 persons is to large to be had of the eleccyon for the worchyp and honesty of the sayd towne. 
 Therefor it is ordayned and statute in the yere of our Lord God 1488 by the xij governors, that 
 is to say, Robert Whyte, John Armstronge, Elias Cass, Thomas Bullock, John Thompson, 
 Edward Johnson, Henry Watts, William Grebye, Philip Owsby, William Curtase, Robert Smith, 
 and John Wryght, by the assent and consent of the other two bynks, and also by the assent and 
 consent of all the aldermen of the sayde towne with all ther bredren that the eleccyon fra now 
 forward schall be made of xviij persons, pat is for to say, pat the xij governors of the towne whych 
 hatt had rewyll for the yere next goyng before the feast of Seynt Marc the Evangelyst in the 
 presence of the bugessys thereto waryned afore and to whome it shall please to be assysting in 
 the Guyldhall in the foresayd fest of Seynt Marc shall geder to geder and shall compare and then 
 and there shall be publyshyd and namyd xij of the foresaid xxxvj as pat none of them so namyd 
 ahall have been in pat offys of other two yeres then next afore passyd and also other vj worchypfull 
 and famous burgessys taken thro' the town at the pleasure of the said xij governors and so of 
 those foresayd xij of other \j added to and nowmered wyth them pat is xviij burgessys of the towne 
 thereof whome xij governors or keepers of the sayd towne shall be elect and chosyn, whyche xij 
 so elect and sworne, or at the lese vj of them ys some may not be there present shall have full power 
 of levynd rents and assessyngs in the sayd towne to rayse and also confyrm and statute, to keep 
 And haulde all rebel Is and gainsayers after there discrecyon, to chastys and punysh, and when 
 
 2 z 
 
370 
 
 the most respectable burgesses, and eligible to be a justice of the peace and to 
 serve the office of mayor. 
 
 neede shall be ordynance and statute wyth the consent of the body of the towne of new for to ordane 
 and sett. And if itt happyn pat any of the foresade xxxvj dye, be syke, be defamyd, be fallyn to 
 poverty, or in any other wyse be febyle so that he be found insuffycient, then in hys stede to fulfil 
 the nowmer schall be namyd another sufFycyent Burgyss in y^ sayd towne wheresoever he shall 
 toe founde by all the towne. And whosoever breks this eleccyon from hence forth and be founde 
 a rebell agaynst thys ordynance and statute whych it may be lawfully proved agynst hym schall 
 forfeit to the comonyaltie x'^ without any pardon and hys body to pryson and itt to be levyd and 
 raysed by dysstresse. Also itt is ordayned and statute by the foresayde xij governors of the assent 
 ^ad consent of the two bynks, and also by assent and consent of all the aldermen and the bredyn 
 that be in castele and clothyng that the foresayd xij for tyme being shall go yerely in processyon 
 on Corpus Christi day or on the morn aftyr as it schall happyn afore all the aldermen, and every 
 man of the other two bynks to go with there aldei'men of there occupatyon in ther clothynge 
 belongying to ther broderhode, and yf there be any broder of any of the aforesyde crafts that be 
 founde rebel! here agyne shall forfeit to the commonalty xx'* wythout any pardon. 
 
 Ss Primo y« xij governors. 
 
 Alder of March ants 
 Alder of Drapers 
 Alder of Bowchers 
 Alder of Wrights 
 Alder of Smyths 
 Alder of Taylers 
 Alder of Tylers 
 Aider of Shoemakers 
 Alder of Lyttsters 
 Alder of Barkers 
 
 Alder of Weavers 
 Alder of Walkers 
 Alder of Glovers 
 Alder of Bowers 
 Cowper Fletchers 
 Alder of Watermen 
 Alder of Potters 
 Alder of Barbers 
 Alder of Hatts and Capps 
 Alder of Saddylers. 
 
 Warb. MSS. Lansd. Coll. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. J 63. 
 
 The above regulations continued in force during the period of 137 years; until "an order was 
 taken in the Star chamber the last day of November, 27 Hen. VIII. by the lords of hys most 
 hon^i^ counseyl concernyng the yerely eleccyon of the xij governors, and for the good order and 
 peace within the town. Fyrst, it is ordayned and ordered that the eleccyon of the 12 governors 
 made of Saynt Marc's day shall be frustrate and void ; and that upon the vigile of Saint Thomas 
 the Apostle next comyng the tenents and inhabitants of the sayd towne whych have or ought to 
 have interest in y^ eleccyon of the same towne shall assemble themselves at the place accustomed 
 and come before the officer or officers of the archbishop of York for a new eleccyon of the xij 
 governors peasablie to be mayd ; and then and there shall elect xij newe governors for the goode 
 order and rouell of the sayde towne whych xij governors shall contynewe governors from that 
 tyme of eleccon unto Saint Mark's daye folowynge. And that those persons that were elected 
 governors at Saynt Mark's daye last past shall mayke there trew and just accompte before Saynt 
 Mark's daye next coming to the twelve governors which shall be elected on the said vigill of 
 Saynt Thomas. It is ordered also that noo person that is governor in the said towne shall be 
 governor in the next yere following, nor governor ij yeres together, and that the governors being 
 elected for one yere shall allways for ever maike ther trew accompte after ther yere endyth to the 
 newe governors that shall electe within vj months after ther yere endyth. Item. It ys also 
 ordered that no person dwellynge or inhabitynge out of the same towne shall be electe or chosen 
 at any tyme to be one of the sayde governors nor iutromyt or meddle withe the eleccyon of the 
 xij governors, the officers of the archbishop of York only excepte. Item. Itt is ordered that no 
 g entleman nowe dwellynge oute of the sayde towne whych from henceforth shall purchase or bye 
 any tenement or lands within y« sayde towne of Beverley shall be hereafter electe or chosen any 
 
3tl 
 
 The common council consists of the aldermen and capital burg-esses, who are 
 "always assistant to the mayor for the time being." Some obscurity attends the 
 orig-in of this body within the boroug-h of Beverley. It is evident that some kind 
 of a council for the management of public affairs must have existed from the date of 
 its very earliest charters ; but the nature and appointment of this council must be 
 left to conjecture in the absence of written evidence. At the first construction oS 
 the borough, the abbot, and after him the provost, was the chief officer, and he was 
 assisted by his bailiffs and the canons, who together formed his private council. 
 The appointment of twelve governors with competent powers, by kingltichard II. 
 would supersede, in a certain degree, the secular authority of the provost within 
 the jurisdiction of the borough; and the chief governor, would always call in the 
 assistance of his eleven brethren as an authoritative and legitimate council. A 
 formal common council is mentioned in an ordinance of Edward Lee, archbishop 
 of York, dated at the castle of Cawood, 13 January, 1535, for electing twenty- 
 four burgesses, who with the twelve governors are to form the common council of 
 the town of Beverley;* and by the charter of Charles II. the aldermen and 
 thirteen capital burgesses are legally recognized as the mayor's common council;^ 
 which was confirmed by James II.'° For the annual appointment of the capital 
 burgesses the charter provides that " the mayor elect, and the governors of the 
 said town, or in the absence of the mayor elect, the last mayor, or the major part 
 of them, may yearly on the Monday next before Michaelmas day, chuse twenty- 
 six of the best and most discreet burgesses and commonalty of the said town, 
 whose names they shall present to the rest of the burgesses and commonalty of the 
 town aforesaid then to be present, who shall out of the twenty-six accept and 
 
 ofthexij governors. Item. Yt is ordered that neither sir Raff Ellaker nor one Gwyne Ogle 
 sone in lawe to the said sir RafF shall be at any time hereafter electe or chosen any of the sayde 
 xij. governors within the sayde towne. Item. Yt is ordered that the archbishop of Yorke for the 
 tyme beynge shall have the order rewell of the sayde towne of Beverley in lyke maner and forme 
 of his predecessors archbishops of Yorke have before time had." Warb. MSS. ut supra, fo. 167. 
 
 ^ In Domesday we find that many boroughs had a body distinct from, and superior to, the com- 
 monalty, which was probably the secret council of the chief person, whomsoever he might be. In 
 Lincoln, Stamford, and other places, Lagemen occur, as distinct from burgesses. These were an 
 order of men, recognized in the laws of king Edward the Confessor. In both towns the number 
 of XII. only is mentioned; so that they probably answered to the twelve Judices Civitates of 
 Chester; and the twelve Lahmen mentioned in the Senatus Consultum de Monticolis Walliae.. 
 Vid. Gen. Introd, to Domesday, p. xv. 
 
 « Corp. Rec. 26 Hen. VIII. 17 E. 
 
 ^ Corp, Rec. 5th Sep. 15 Ch. II. No. 22. '<> Ibid. 1 1 March, 1 James II. No. 23.. 
 
 2z 2 
 
312 
 
 name thirteen, who shall be the capital burgesses for one whole year next ensuing, 
 and shall take their corporal oaths before the mayor and governors aforesaid."" 
 
 The town clerk is an annual officer elected together with the mayor ; as is also 
 the corporation clerk who is not a chartered officer; but was first appointed in the 
 16th century, to take custody of the records, and to attend the private meetings of 
 the corporation. He is appointed by the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgesses. 
 The inferior officers of the corporation are, two sergeants at mace; a mace bearer; 
 a common cryer; a pinder, and a beadle. The magistrates also annually appoint 
 18 constables. 
 
 The number of the common burgesses is indefinite, at present it is about four- 
 teen hundred. Their assistance is not called in, except at the choice of a mayor, 
 or representatives in parliament ; for they are considered as yielding an implicit 
 consent to every act of the chamber, through the medium of their delegates, the 
 aldermen and capital burgesses who are there assembled. The freedom of the 
 borough is conferred by birth, servitude, or redemption, under certain regulations 
 which were agreed on at a meeting of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses in 
 common council assembled at the Guild-hall, on Monday, August 2nd, 1813. 
 
 The council meet every Monday for general purposes. Here the business of the 
 corporation is transacted ; admissions to the freedom of the borough effected ; and 
 a court of record is held before the mayor and justices on the same day in which 
 pleas are taken of such things as happen within the town; treason, murder, and 
 felony only excepted. The profits of this court belong to the corporation.'^ 
 
 *i In this number of thirteen aldermen and thirteen capital burgesses, by whom all questions 
 relative to the corporation are decided, it appears somewhat sing'ulur that no provision is made in 
 the charters for a casting vote in case of an equality of numbers on any contested point. While I 
 am writing this chapter, T hear that the bench is placed in a curious dilemma for want of the 
 power of decision under such circumstances. On the 26th of April, 1828, the members of the 
 bench assembled to electa head master of the grammar school, in the room of the rev. G. P. 
 Richards, resigned. The candidates were the rev. Z. S. Warren, M. A. second master of Oakham 
 school, and the rev. W. L. Stephenson, M. A. one of the Beverley Fellows of St, John's college, 
 Cambridge. The bench was equally divided; the mayor, ten aldermen, and two capital burgesses 
 being in favour of the former ; and the remaining two aldermen, with eleven of the capital bur- 
 gesses gave their voices for the latter ; and thus, in the absence of a provision for a casting vote, 
 the question will probably occasion much discord in the borough, and at length be referred to a 
 superior court for ultimate decision. 
 
 '2 The most important court which the town of Beverley possessed in ancient times was the 
 Court of the Bedern, or Provost's court, which extended over a wide district comprising more 
 than a hundred parishes, and possessing " jurisdicto' plena temporal et sp'ual eozdem ac torius 
 famil' cum eisdem resident' et com'orant' sup' et infra mansiones eozdem et tenent suoz infra diet' 
 p'positura." Ex. Reg. Prepos. 1. 1. p. 3. The use of this court is now wholly superseded by the 
 
373 
 
 A court leet'* and baron'* is also held by the corporation, under regulations 
 specified in an indenture dated November 5, 1536,'^ between Edmund Lee, arch- 
 bishop of York of the one part; and Robert Creyke, esquire, John Wright, 
 gentleman, and other burgesses of the other part, which was confirmed and es- 
 tablished by king Henry VIII. '^ The business transacted at this court embraces 
 all matters and offences which such courts usually take cognizance of. Its use 
 for the correction of nuisances, &c. has been much superseded in consequence of 
 tiie more summary remedies afforded by recent acts of parliament. 
 
 civil courts of the corporation. Its power and privileges are enunaerated in a MS. " Booke of the 
 Fee of the Provoste of Beverley," in my possession. The suitors at this court, 25 Ed. I. were, 
 
 Petrus LyolfF 
 
 Simon B urges 
 
 Willus Leveneth 
 
 Willus ad eccPia de Midilton 
 
 Petrus de Crancewyk 
 
 Johannes Ward 
 
 Ranulph Nevill 
 
 Amand de Routh Chr. 
 
 RobtQs de Hilton Chr. 
 
 Adam de Everyngham 
 
 Thomas de Flynton 
 
 Walter Martyn 
 
 Alanus de Roston 
 
 Thomas de Hotham 
 Joh'es Cameys 
 Ric. Funceys 
 Jordan de S'ca Barbara 
 Johes de Cane de Dalton 
 Willus A.bell 
 Alex, de Welwyk 
 Roger de Woodhall 
 Simon de Hugate 
 Walter de Haytfeld 
 Henricus Levenyng 
 Joh'es de Melsa 
 Joh'es Frevyll 
 
 Radlis Ryplyngham 
 
 Adam Drake 
 
 Willus Hardye 
 
 Joh'es de Whithton 
 
 Nig. Funceys de Lockington 
 
 Ricus de Burton 
 
 Robertus Sotheby de Seton 
 
 Sayerus de Sutton 
 
 Willus de Bilton 
 
 Jacobus Tothe 
 
 Rob'tus Breton 
 
 Roger' de Dalton 
 
 Willus de Roos p attorn 
 
 And 49 Edw. III. the suitors were as follows. 
 
 Thos. de Roos de Hamlak Chr. 
 Thomas de Sutton Chr. 
 Joh'es de Meaux Chr. 
 Simon de Heslorton Chr. 
 Joh'es de Hotham Chr. 
 Willus de Erghom Chr. 
 
 Amand de Routh 
 
 Hered' Dni Willi de Dalton 
 
 Willus Cudy 
 
 Villaf de Etton 
 
 VillaV de Walkington 
 
 Thomas Gurneys de Etton 
 
 Joh'es Raghell de Lockington 
 Joh'es Gryme 
 
 S. de Royneton de Lockington 
 Joh'es de Burton de Rysby 
 Ricus atte Hall 
 
 '» The leet is an ancient and important court with a primitive jurisdiction extending to the 
 cognizance and punishment of crimes and misdemeanours. The jurors are bound to enquire into 
 disorders and offences, and not merely to act on information. It is a court of great utility, though 
 its duties being superseded by others, it is now held only as a matter of form, and considered as 
 being virtually obsolete. 
 
 " The court baron was established by king Alfred. Blackst. Com. vol. iv. p. 41 1. The lords 
 of manors or barons held courts in their own jurisdiction, which hence received and retained the 
 name. The word baron was formerly of very equivocal signification, and sometimes was used for 
 persons of a comparatively mean condition as well as for persons of rank. Thus the men, or 
 burgesses of a town or burgh, were sometimes styled, the barons of such a town. Madox. 
 Excheq. vol. i. p. 1 98. 
 
 »* Corp. Rec. 28 Hen. VIII. 17 G. »« Ibid. 34 Hen. VIII. 17 H. 
 
3t4 
 
 The charters provide that "twice in the vear, upon such days as they shall think 
 fit, the corporation shall have a view of all che frank pledges'' of all the inhabitants 
 of the said town, within the Guild-hall of the said town.'"* The business of this 
 court is now merely nominal, for the times are past which rendered its institution 
 necessary to preserve the peace and good order of the town. 
 
 In the Guild-hall the mayor, recorder, and aldermen hold their sessions quarterly 
 for the town and liberties of Beverley, viz. on Monday in the first whole week 
 after the Epiphany; on the Monday after Easter week; on the Monday after the 
 day of Thomas a Becket; and on the Monday after the feast of Saint Michael; at 
 which, as justices of the peace they are competent to enquire into and punish all 
 offences committed within their jurisdiction, except treason, felony, murder, or any 
 other crime which affects the life of the accused party. 
 
 Here also is held the court of sheriff's tourn.'^ At this court the justices possess 
 a power of enquiring into, but not of punishing, all manner of treasons, coining, 
 uttering of base money, and burglaries ; for it was instituted as a means of pre- 
 serving regularity and order; to protect the honest and industrious, to punish 
 the idle and disorderly, and to prevent the unwary from being imposed on by the 
 designing and unprincipled villain.^" Little attention is paid to this court at the 
 present day. It is generally held however along with the court leet, and some 
 trifling fine is levied on the inhabitants for non-appearance. 
 
 The corporation are allowed by charter to have a " gaol or prison of their own, 
 for the custody of all manner of prisonei*s, and that the mayor for the time being 
 
 ^^ Frank pledge^ in Saxon times, was a lord of the manor, with security to the government of 
 the country in those unquiet days for the peace of his district, and the good behaviour of his 
 tenants, retainers, and servants. He held his courts periodically for the trial of offences com- 
 mitted within his jurisdiction, as he was responsible to the king for their pievention or punishment. 
 Hence his court was denominated the view of frank pledge ; which name it still retains. 
 
 '* Chart. Ch. II. ut supra. 
 
 '^ This court originally appertained to the archbishop. It is mentioned, amongst other things^, 
 in a specification of his rights and privileges in Beverley and Ripon. Rot. Pari. 3 Hen. V. 1415. 
 No. 25. Et q' toutz les Archevesqes d' Everwyk serroient illoeqes desoutz le Roy, maintenours 
 et protectours, issint q' nully ascune poaire illoeqes exerceroit forsq ; les ditz Archevesqes; p' 
 force des quelles articles, les Predecessours du dit suppliant, de temps dount memorie ne court 
 et devaunt, ount en a Beverley et Rypon, Tourne de Viscount et tout ceo q' a celle apportient &c. 
 In the Appendix, D. is a translation of the entire document. 
 
 *• Vid. Append. L. 
 
375 
 
 shall be keeper of the gaol.^' That they by the mayor shall have assize of wine, 
 bread, ale, fuel, and wood, within the said town and the precincts of the same ; 
 and also power of fining- and amercing" offenders in the abuse of weights and mea- 
 sures," and that all victuallers, &c. shall be under the government of the mayor. 
 That they shall not be put with foreigners in any assizes, juries, attaints, or 
 inquisitions, arising* without the jurisdiction of the said town, unless it concern 
 the king, his heirs or successors. That they shall have the goods and chattels of 
 felons, persons outlawed and condemned ; and deodand, &c. within the said town 
 and liberties f^ with return of all writs, precepts, bills, and warrants arising within 
 the said town and liberties, and the execution of them by the may or .'^^ 
 
 The borough sends two members to parliament. Writs were issued to the bailiffs 
 of Beverley by king Edward I.; and the borough sent up deputies at the expense 
 of the town to all the parliaments of that monarch, but made no other return, 
 although it received summonses in the reign of Edward III. until the 5 Elizabeth 
 when the privilege was renewed.^^ The elections, as the borough is entirely free, 
 and under the influence of no preponderating interest, are usually contested with 
 great severity. " The right of election is in the freemen of the town, who acquire 
 this right by birth, servitude or purchase. First, a freeman's son, if born within the 
 liberties of the town, but not otherwise, is entitled to his freedom when of the age 
 of twenty one-years. Secondly, an apprentice for seven years to a freeman residing 
 within the borough but not otherwise, upon the expiration of that term, is admitted, 
 
 *' This is also a relic of the feudal power exercised by the archbishop. In the pleas of quo 
 warranto, the archbishop " clam' eciam ab antiquo eustodiam pisonu in utag villa. (Beverley and 
 Ripon.) Clam' eciam ab antiquo delib''ac''oem gaole fac'e s'b hac forma de illis qui capti sunt in 
 lib'tate sua ad sectam cu manuop'e et eciam de captis in lib'tate p'dca p' suspic'oe lat ocinii v'l 
 al'tius malef'ti sive f'c'm fuit in lib'tate v'l ex^ du tam' sit indictat^ se velit pon'e sup' ho'ies ville 
 et tuc judicabit"^ in cur' archiep'i sc'dm vered'cm jur' &c. Et si vie' mandav'it ball'io ipius archiep'i 
 &c. q'd aliquis com'orans in una p'd'caz duaz villaz indictat^ v'l appellate fuit de aliquo malef'co 
 forinseco &c. ba'lls ille no ad mandatu Vic' immo assumens suspic'o'em ex hujusmodi mandate 
 ip'm capit et ad delib'ac'oem gaole fit de eo sicut sup'ius d'cm est. Et eciam cu balli' h'eant 
 suspico'em mali de aliquo iuvento infra lib'tatem &c. ip'm capiiit and ad delib'ac'oem g'ole fit de 
 eo^sic' s'ri' d'cm est." 
 
 22 The provost possessed the privilege and authority granted above. He had " assisaz panis 
 et cervisie ; p'baton pondez, mensuraz, busshell, virge &c. which he held as clerk of the market. 
 Ex. Reg. Praepos. 1. 1. p. 4. 
 
 2' Another relic of feudal power. " Archiep' clam' eciam ab antiq° catalla fugitioz andfeloniu 
 dampnatoz in curia sua in villis p'd'cis inventa infra lib'tates suas p'd'cas &c. Placit. de quo. 
 War. Edw. I. 
 
 24 Chart. Ch. II. ut supra. «^ Willis. Notit. Pari. p. 69. 
 
376 
 
 to his freedom, on paying a fine of forty shillings. Thirdly, several persons are 
 admitted to their freedom by purchase, at the discretion of the body corporate."** 
 
 The burgesses being by charter exempt from the payment of tolls in all parts of 
 England except the city of London, it was usual in former times, before the 
 introduction of the present comprehensive system of transacting business through 
 the medium of commissioned agents and travelling bagmen, and when every 
 merchant travelled on his own account, and exposed his wares for sale in fairs and 
 markets, for a burgess of Beverley to bear about with him on these mercantile 
 expeditions a formal certificate of his freedom, and a general specification of his 
 exemption from all imposts and local duties to which a stranger was subject, who 
 carried with him his stock of goods for publick sale." This certificate was authen- 
 ticated under the hand and seal of the mayor. *^ Similar certificates were formely 
 
 26 Oldf. Hist. Bor. Edit. 1794. vol. ii. p. 282. 
 
 2^^ This privilege appears to have been regarded with extreme jealousy in the neighbouring 
 fairs and markets, and its validity was often questioned. So early as the fourteenth century, the 
 collectors of toll for South-Cave refused to permit Thomas Chandler, a burgess of Beverley, to 
 expose his goods for sale within their district without payment of the usual impost. An action at 
 law was the consequence, and the privilege was fully established by the verdict of a jury. From 
 an exemplification amongst the corporation records, dated 26 Hen. VI. marked 14 C. In 1599, 
 William Methara refused to pay a demand made by the toll-collectors of Beverley, of four-pence 
 for every horse laden with merchandize, which he had purchased at the cross fair, and carried 
 away from thence ; and a verdict of recovery was entered against him for the amount. From 
 another exemplification dated 8 Ch. 1. and marked 18 D. Other disputes ensued, which always 
 had the same termination. The certificate was disallowed at Lincoln ; Corp. Rec. 23 Oct. 1 600 ; 
 and again at Barnsley; Ibid. May, 161 1 ; in both cases the claimant was protected in his rights by 
 a jury of his country. About the same time a suit was commenced against Francis Richardson, a 
 burgess and collector of the tolls at Beverley, for demanding and taking toll of a person from 
 North-Froddingham. The disputes with the town of Hull have been constant and unremitted ; 
 sometimes about toll in the markets; Corp. Rec. 1686; at others for passing the North-Bridge, 
 &c. Ibid. 1701. In October, 1756, tolls were demanded by the collector of tolls at Hull, from 
 all non-resident burgesses of Beverley. The corporation of the latter place protested against the 
 demand ; and the recorder of Hull was directed to reply to the protest; but the rights of the bur- 
 gesses were founded on too firm a basis to yield to any power which was inferior to that by which 
 its charters were originally conceded, and the repeated attempts to infringe their privileges only 
 served to corroborate them ; and furnish decisive evidence that the burgesses of Beverley have a 
 right to impose toll in their own markets, and are exempt from the payment of it in the markets 
 of other towns. 
 
 2* The following is a copy of this certificate of exemption from toll. 
 
 Town of Beverley, in the county of York — To wit. 
 
 To all persons to whom these presents shall come. Walter Wride, esquire, mayor of the 
 said town of Beverley sendeth greeting. Know ye that king Athelstan of famous memory did 
 grant, and also king Henry I. did grant and confirm to the men of the said town of Beverley, and 
 afterwards to them by the name of governors or keepers and burgesses of Beverley, an exemption 
 from all manner of impost, toll, tallage, stallage, tonage, lastage, pickage, wharfage, and of and 
 from all and every the like exactions, payments, and duties throughout and in all places what- 
 
3Tt 
 
 issued out of the Provosf s court for the protection of the inhabitants of Saint 
 John's parish, who did not enjoy the freedom of the boroug-h ; and these were 
 authenticated under the seal of the court, and signed by the clerk. 
 
 Few towns in England have had greater distinction conferred on them by royal 
 clemency than the town of Beverley. From Athelstan to James II. scarcely a 
 monarch has occupied the throne of England without honouring the inhabitants 
 with some substantial tokens of regard. In general, charters have been multiplied 
 with a lavish partiality, and the rights and privileges of the burgesses, ecclesiastical 
 as well as civil, have been confirmed from time to time by kings and prelates; 
 both striving by munificent grants and donations to exalt the town to pre-eminence 
 as the head of the East-riding of Yorkshire. These invaluable documents are 
 sixty in number (besides volumes of patents and licences to the town for private 
 purposes) as will appear by the subjoined list. 
 
 No. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 / By whom granted. 
 
 Mark of Reference 
 
 amongst the 
 
 Corporation Records. 
 
 Day and Month. 
 
 Year. 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 
 No date 
 No date 
 No date 
 No date 
 No date 
 No date 
 
 925 
 1136 
 
 Athelstan. 
 
 Edward the Confessor. 
 
 William I. 
 
 Archbishop Thurstan. 
 
 1 Stephen. 
 
 Henry II.^^ 
 
 No. 2. 
 1. 
 4 A. 
 
 soever by land and sea within and all their dominion of England and Wales ; which said grants 
 were confirmed by all or most of the succeeding kings and queens to the time of queen Elizabeth, 
 who confirmed the same to them by the name of mayor, governors, and burgesses of Beverley ; 
 which said several grants have been also confirmed by all or most of the kings and queens of this 
 realm till this time as by many and sundry charters under their great seals more at large may 
 
 appear. These are therefore to certify that S. J. , nurseryman and chymist, is a 
 
 burgess of the said town of Beverley, and is thereby discharged of and from all and every the 
 said exactions, payments, and duties. In testimony whereof the said mayor hath hereunto sub- 
 scribed his name, and caused the common seal of the said town used in this behalf to be affixed 
 the eleventh day of December, in the eighth year of the reign of our most gracious sovereign lord 
 George the Third, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, king, defender of 
 the Faith, and so forth. 
 
 Signed, 
 
 Walter 
 
 Wride, mayor. 
 
 ^ There are some reasons for believing that this is a charter of king Henry I. 
 
 3 A 
 
378 
 
 
 DATE. 
 
 
 
 Mark of Reference 
 
 No. 
 
 
 
 By whom granted. 
 
 amongst the 
 Corporation Records. 
 
 
 Day and Month. 
 
 Year. 
 
 
 7 
 
 No date 
 
 
 Archbishop William. 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 8 
 
 No date 
 
 
 Henry II. 
 
 4 B. 
 
 9 
 
 30th September 
 
 1193 
 
 5 Richard I. 
 
 5 R. 1. 
 
 10 
 
 18th April 
 
 1199 
 
 1 John. 
 
 6 A. 
 
 11 
 
 20th April 
 
 1199 
 
 1 John. 
 
 6B. 
 
 12 
 
 8th January- 
 
 1230 
 
 14 Henry III. 
 
 7 B. 
 
 13 
 
 No date 
 
 
 Henry III. 
 
 7C. 
 
 14 
 
 13th February 
 
 1237 
 
 21 Henry III. 
 
 7 D. 
 
 15 
 
 2nd May 
 
 1263 
 
 47 Henry III. 
 
 7 E. 
 
 16 
 
 2nd June 
 
 1272 
 
 56 Henry III. 
 
 7G. 
 
 17 
 
 No date 
 
 J 283 
 
 Archbishop Wykham 
 
 8B. 
 
 18 
 
 No date 
 
 1284 
 
 Dean and Chapter of York. 
 
 8 C. 
 
 19 
 
 11th April 
 
 1307 
 
 35 Edward I. 
 
 8D. 
 
 20 
 
 7th September 
 
 1310 
 
 4 Edward II. 
 
 9 A. 
 
 21 
 
 4th March 
 
 1323 
 
 16 Edward II. 
 
 9 B. 
 
 22 
 
 14th December 
 
 1332 
 
 6 Edward III. 
 
 10 A. 
 
 23 
 
 16th April 
 
 1347 
 
 21 Edward III. 
 
 10 B. 
 
 24 
 
 3rd July 
 
 1365 
 
 39 Edward III. 
 
 10 C. 
 
 25 
 
 14th February 
 
 1377 
 
 51 Edward III. 
 
 10 E. 
 
 26 
 
 14th February 
 
 1377 
 
 51 Edward III. 
 
 10 F. 
 
 27 
 
 11th January 
 
 1378 
 
 1 Richard II. 
 
 11 A. 
 
 28 
 
 30th January 
 
 1379 
 
 2 Richard II. 
 
 11 B. 
 
 29 
 
 4th February 
 
 1380 
 
 3 Richard II. 
 
 11 C. 
 
 30 
 
 2nd April 
 
 1380 
 
 Archbishop Alexander. 
 
 11 D. 
 
 31 
 
 4th April 
 
 1380 
 
 Dean and Chapter of York. 
 
 11 E. 
 
 32 
 
 18th October 
 
 1382 
 
 6 Richard II. 
 
 11 F. 
 
 33 
 
 16th June 
 
 1397 
 
 20 Richard II. 
 
 11 G. 
 
 34 
 
 28th November 
 
 1399 
 
 1 Henry IV. 
 
 12 A. 
 
 35 
 
 23rd August 
 
 1404 
 
 5 Henry IV. 
 
 12 B. 
 
 36 
 
 30th June 
 
 1413 
 
 1 Henry V. 
 
 13 A. 
 
 37 
 
 8th February 
 
 1415 
 
 2 Henry V. 
 
 13 B. 
 
 38 
 
 10th May 
 
 1423 
 
 1 Henry VI. 
 
 14 A. 
 
 39 
 
 15th May 
 
 1423 
 
 1 Henry VI. 
 
 14 B. 
 
 40 
 
 5th May 
 
 1450 
 
 28 Henry VI. 
 
 14 D. 
 
 41 
 
 17th December 
 
 1461 
 
 1 Edward IV. 
 
 15 A. 
 
 42 
 
 10th February 
 
 1483 
 
 22 Edward IV. 
 
 15 C. 
 
 43 
 
 17th January 
 
 1487 
 
 2 Henry VII. 
 
 16 H. 
 
 44 
 
 10th February 
 
 1511 
 
 2 Henry VIII. 
 
 17 A. 
 
 45 
 
 7th February 
 
 1526 
 
 17 Henry VIII. 
 
 17 B. 
 
 46 
 
 1st May 
 
 1539 
 
 31 Henry VIII. 
 
 17 F. 
 
 47 
 
 27th February 
 
 1543 
 
 34 Henry VIII. 
 
 17 H. 
 
 48 
 
 1st February 
 
 1548 
 
 2 Edward VI. 
 
 18 A. 
 
 49 
 
 1st February 
 
 1548 
 
 2 Edward VI. 
 
 18 B. 
 
 50 
 
 18th October 
 
 1554 
 
 1 & 2 Philip & Mary 
 
 19 A. 
 
 51 
 
 22nd January 
 
 1555 
 
 1 & 2 Philip & Mary 
 
 19 B. 
 
 52 
 
 9th November 
 
 1559 
 
 1 Elizabeth. 
 
 20 D. 
 
 53 
 
 9th November 
 
 1559 
 
 1 Elizabeth. 
 
 20 E. 
 
 54 
 
 4tb July 
 
 1573 
 
 15 Elizabeth. 
 
 20 G. 
 
319 
 
 No. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 By whom granted. 
 
 Mark of Reference 
 
 amongst the 
 
 Corporation Records. 
 
 Bay and Month. 
 
 Year. 
 
 55 
 56 
 51 
 58 
 59 
 60 
 
 2nd July 
 3rd February 
 
 7th April. 
 4th December 
 5th September 
 
 nth March 
 
 1579 
 1585 
 1599 
 1628 
 1662 
 1684 
 
 21 Elizabeth. 
 27 Elizabeth. 
 41 Elizabeth. 
 4 Charles I. 
 15 Charles II. 
 1 James II. 
 
 20 I. 
 20 O. 
 20 Q. 
 21. 
 22. 
 23. 
 
 The jurisdiction of the body corporate extends over six townships, besides the 
 borough itself, viz. Molescroft, Stork-cum-Sandholm, Tickton-cum-HuU-bridge, 
 Weel, Woodmansey-cum-Beverley-Parks, and Thearne; forming together the 
 extensive parish of Saint John. Richard Dixon, esquire, is lord of the manor of 
 Beverley Water-Towns, comprising the five latter f^ and Wm. Beverley, esquire, 
 is lord of the manor of Beverley chapter, which includes Molescroft and the ad- 
 joining parts within the liberties. 
 
 The arms and seals of the corporation exhibit six varieties. The oldest, according 
 to Drake,^' is emblazoned with the figure of Saint John of Beverley seated on the 
 fridstol, and trampling on the ancient emblem of the town, the beaver. Over his 
 head is a canopy of tabernacle work, and on one of the shields the arms of arch- 
 bishop Savage are impaled with the old arms of the see of York. This prelate 
 was translated in 1501. The borough must necessarily have been possessed of 
 seals more ancient than this ; and accordingly at the visitation of the Norroy king- 
 at-arms in 1585, the representations of four different specimens of arms and seals 
 
 30 The manor, &c. is thus described in the Abstract of Title published on the recent sale of 
 lord Yarborougb's estates. « The manors of Beverley and Beverley Water-Towns with the 
 appurtenances, and 120 messuages, 5 dove-houses, 95 gardens, 2000 acres of land, 800 acres of 
 meadow, 800 acres of pasture, 1 acres of furze and heath, 20 acres of wood, the annual rents of 
 £50. ; common of pasture for all manner of cattle, common of Turbary, common of Estovers, 
 free fishing, free warren, liberty of foldage, courts-leet, courts-baron, and other courts, perqui- 
 sites, and profits of courts, view of frahk pledge, and all that to view of frank pledge doth belong, 
 heriots, fines, amerciaments, goods and chattels of felons and fugitives, felons of themselves and 
 outlawed persons, deodands, waifs, estrays, rents, services, royalties, jurisdictions, franchises, 
 liberties, easements, profits, commodities, emoluments, and hereditaments, with the appurtenances 
 in Beverley, Beverley-Parks, Ticton, Weel, Woodmansey, Thearne, Hull-bridge, Stork, Sand- 
 holm, Waughen, and Cottingham, and in the parishes of Saint John and Saint Mary in Beverley, 
 Waughen, and Cottingham." 
 
 2' Ebor. Append, cij. 
 
 3 a2 
 
380 
 
 were found in the Guild-hall, some of which would be the primitive bearings of 
 the town ; although it is impossible, at this distance of time, to pronounce accu- 
 rately on the order of precedence. They all, however, bear the beaver, and are 
 therefore legitimate ensigns of the town of Beverley. 
 First. Quarterly. 1 and 4. An eagle displayed. 
 2 and 3. Barry wavee. 
 A beaver statant regardant in chief. 
 Second. A seal. In the centre a beaver passant, surrounded with branched 
 ornaments, with a legend, Sigillum Burgensium Beverlaci. 
 Third. Or. a beaver displayed, arg. winged. 
 Fourth. Barry wavee. A & B. 
 
 On a chief B. a beaver statant regardant, or. 
 
 The present seal of the corporation is, 
 Arg. Three waves sable. 
 On a chief sahUf a beaver statant regardant, arg.^^ 
 The officers of the corporation for the present year are as follows : — 
 
 Members of PARiiiAMENT, 
 
 John Stewart, esquire. — Charles Harrison Batley, esquire. 
 
 Recorder. — John Vincent Thompson, esquire. 
 
 Mayor. — ^John Williams, esquire. 
 
 Aldermen. 
 
 Thomas Clubley, esquire. 
 Marmaduke Hewitt, esquire. 
 Thomas Duesbery, esquire. 
 William Beverley, esquire. 
 Samuel Hall, esquire. 
 John Hall, esquire. 
 
 Thomas Hull, M. D. esquire. 
 Henry William Maister, esquire. 
 Henry John Shepherd, esquire. 
 Frederick Robertson, esquire. 
 Francis Iveson, esquire. 
 John Barker Arden, esquire. 
 
 '2 It is said that the motto, Uhi libertaSf ibi putrid, was formerly used ; on what authority I 
 know uot. 
 
 At the same visitation the following arms were found in the Guild-hall: — 
 
 First. B. a fess, or, inter three human heads caboshed, or. 
 
 Second. A. three hawk's heads, sable, beaked, or. 
 
 Third. Quarterly. 1 and 4. sable, a bend double cottised floree. A. 
 2 and 3. A. three escallops. Gules. 
 
 Fourth. A. a pale B. charged with a human head caboshed, or, inter two pierced ronndlets, 
 or, over all a bendlet sinister, gules. Being the arms of Richard Wilson, third mayor of 
 Beverley, 1575. 
 
asi 
 
 CAPiTAii Burgesses. 
 
 Mr. John Muschamp 
 Mr. James Thompson 
 Mr. William Richardson 
 Mr. John Barber 
 Mr. William Harland 
 Mr. Thomas Brigham 
 Mr. Matthew Burkinshaw 
 
 Capt. John Terry 
 
 Mr. John Sugdon 
 
 Mr. Robert Walker 
 
 Mr. John Walker 
 
 Mr. Richard Jameson, jun. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Bentley 
 
 Common Clerk. — William Bower, esquire. 
 Corporation Clerk. — Mr. John Willis. 
 
 %i»t Of 0ltmhtx& Of l^arliammt. 
 
 It has been already observed that the borough of Beverley sent up deputies to 
 all the parliaments of Edward I.; and made no other return,'' though the bailiffs 
 received three summonses in the succeeding reign, until the time of queen Elizabeth, 
 from whom the borough received a charter of incorporation. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 Nicholas Bacon, esq. — Robert Hall, esq. 
 Edward Ellerker, esq. — Thomas Leighton, esq. 
 Richard Topcliffe, esq. — Thomas Eglionby, esq. 
 John Stanhope, esq. — Robert Wrote, esq. 
 George Purefoy, jun. esq. — Michael Warton, esq. 
 Lancelot Alford, esq. — John Truslove, esq. 
 Edward Alford, esq — John Mansfield, esq. 
 Thomas Crompton, esq. — Edward Alford, esq. 
 Ralph Swaine, gent. — Edward Francis, esq. 
 
 n. Reg 
 
 5 
 
 A. Bom. 
 
 1563. 
 
 13 
 
 1571. 
 
 14 
 
 1572. 
 
 27 
 
 1565. 
 
 28 
 
 1586. 
 
 31 
 
 1588. 
 
 35 
 
 1592. 
 
 39 
 
 1597. 
 
 43 
 
 1601. 
 
 '* The return of deputies to parliament was a heavy tax upon the boronghs, when, by a statate 
 of Richard II. they were obliged to allow each representative two shillings a day, with all ex- 
 penses incurred in going up and returning home. In the reign of Henry VI. eleven shillings a 
 day was the usual fee during their attendance on parliament; Rot. Pari. 8 Hen. VI. C. 41. and 
 therefore the borough of Beverley may be esteemed fortunate in being exempted from such 
 a burdensome duty. 
 
382 
 
 James I. 
 
 Alan Percy, esq. — William Gee, esq.'* 
 Walter Covert, knight. 
 
 Christopher Hildyard, knt. — Edmund Scot, esq. 
 Sir Francis Fane, knt. (in whose place) sir Henry Carey, knt. 
 Edmund Scot, esq. 
 
 Charles I. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — William Alford, esq. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — William Alford, esq. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — William Alford, esq. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — Michael Warton, esq. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart."* — Michael Warton, esq. 
 John Nelthorp, esq. — James Nelthorp, esq. 
 
 Charles II. 
 The little parliament.^^ No return, 
 Francis Thorp, esq." 
 Francis Thorp, esq. . ^Jf>«^i.. 
 1658-9 Thomas Strickland, esq. — John Anlaby, esq. 
 
 ^* Sir William Gee, of Beverley, knight, was recorder at this time. 
 
 3* Sir John Hotham was governor of Hull, and in 1642, closed the gates against his king. 
 In the following year, he and his son were discovered to hold correspondence with the royal 
 party ; in consequence of which sir John was taken prisoner and brought before a court martial 
 at Guild-hall, November 30, 1644, where, upon the proof of thirty witnesses, whose evidence 
 tended to accuse him of many capital crimes against the parliament, and after leave being given 
 him to make a full defence, on the 7th of December, he received this sentence ; — that he should 
 suffer death, by having his head cut off on Monday, December 16th; but on his lady's petition 
 for time to settle his estates, the execution was deferred. His son being convicted of the same 
 crimes, received also sentence of death, which was executed on both some short time afterwards. 
 Betham's Baron, vol. i. p. 245. On the death of these two unfortunate gentlemen, king Charles 
 thus moralizes. " I cannot but observe how God, not long after so pleaded and avenged my 
 cause in the eye of the world, that the most wilfully blinde cannot avoide the displeasure to see 
 it, and with some remorse and fear to owne it as a notable stroke and prediction of divine ven- 
 geance." Eikon Basilike, p. 31 . Lord Clarendon says, sir John was master of a noble fortune, 
 rich in money, of a very ancient family, and well allied : his affections to the government very 
 good, and that no man less desired to see the nation involved in a civil war than he; not 
 imagining when he accepted the employment of the parliament, it would ever engage him in a 
 reibellion. Betham. ut supra. 
 
 ^^ This parliament Was convened- by Oliver Cromwell, but no representatives were summoned 
 from either cities or boroughs except London. Seven members were returned for the whole 
 county of York. 
 
 3? One of the barons of the Exchequer. 
 
 An. Reg 
 
 . A. Dom. 
 
 1 
 
 1603. 
 
 12 
 
 1614. 
 
 18 
 
 1620. 
 
 21 
 
 1623. 
 
 1 
 
 1625. 
 
 1 
 
 1626. 
 
 3 
 
 1628. 
 
 15 
 
 1640. 
 
 16 
 
 1640. 
 
 
 1645. 
 
 5 
 
 1653. 
 
 . 6 ; 
 
 .1^54. 
 
 . 8 
 
 1656. 
 
 11 
 
 1658- 
 
383 
 
 Sir John Hotham. — Sir Hugh Bethell, (in whose place) Michael 
 
 Warton, esq. 
 Michael Warton, esq. — Sir John Hotham, bart. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — Michael Warton, esq. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — Michael Warton, esq. 
 
 James II. 
 Michael Warton, esq. — Sir Ralph Warton, knt. 
 Sir John Hotham, bart. — Sir Michael Warton, knt. 
 1688-9 Sir John Hotham, bart.— Sir Michael Warton, knt. 
 
 William & Mary. 
 Sir John Hotham, in the place of his father, deceased. 
 Sir Michael Warton, knt. — William Gee, esq. 
 
 William III. 
 Sir Michael Warton, knt. — Ralph Warton, esq. 
 Sir Michael Warton, knt. — Ralph Warton, esq. 
 Sir Michael Warton, knt. — William Gee, esq. 
 
 Anne. 
 Sir Charles Hotham, bart.^* — William Gee, esq. 
 Sir Charles Hotham, bart.— John Moyser, esq. 
 Sir Charles Hotham, bart. — Sir Michael Warton, knt. 
 Sir Charles Hotham, bart. — Sir Michael Warton, knt. 
 Sir Charles Hotham, bart. — Sir Michael Warton, knt. 
 George I. 
 1 1714. Sir Charles Hotham, bart.— Sir Michael Warton, knt.'' 
 
 3* This gentleman, who was colonel of the king's own royal regiment of dragoons, married 
 two wives. First, Bridget, daughter of William Gee, of Bishop-Burton, esquire, by whom 
 he had two sons, sir Charles and sir Beaumont, and three daughters, Elizabeth, the wife 
 of sir Thomas Style, of Wateringbury, in Kent, bart. Philippa, of William Gee, of Bishop-Burton, 
 in Yorkshire, and Charlotta, of Warton Warton, of Beverley, esquire. His second wife Mildred, 
 youngest daughter of James Cecil, earl of Salisbury, and widow of sir Uvedale Corbet, of Long- 
 more, Salop, bart. by whom he had one son, Richard, who died young. Betham's Baron, ut supra. 
 
 '^ Sir Michael Warton was the great benefactor of the town of Beverley, and deserves to have 
 his name transmitted to posterity crowned with honour. In his time the minster church was in a 
 state of perfect ruin ; but he was the restorer of its glories. He promoted a subscription for its 
 repair, and placed his name at the head of the list as a donor of £400. ; nor did he stop here, 
 but at his death left £4,000. as a perpetual fund to keep it in constant good repair. He bequeathed 
 also £1,000. to augment the hospital founded by his father, £500. to the charity school; and 
 several sums to the poor of Beverley. 
 
 An. Re^ 
 
 ;. A. Horn. 
 
 12 
 
 1660 
 
 13 
 
 1661. 
 
 31 
 
 1679. 
 
 32 
 
 1680. 
 
 1 
 
 1685. 
 
 4 
 
 1688. 
 
 4 
 
 1688-J 
 
 1 
 
 1689. 
 
 2 
 
 1689. 
 
 1 
 
 1695. 
 
 6 
 
 1700. 
 
 7 
 
 1701. 
 
 1 
 
 1702. 
 
 4 
 
 1705. 
 
 7 
 
 1708. 
 
 9 
 
 1710. 
 
 12 
 
 1713. 
 
384 
 
 Aut Beg, A. Horn. 
 
 8 1722. Sir Charles Hotham, bart. — Michael Newton, esq/" 
 
 George II. 
 1 1727. Charles Pelham, esq." — EUerker Bradshaw, esq. 
 
 7 1734. Sir Charles Hotham, bart.^^ — Ellerker Bradshaw, esq. 
 14 1741. Charles Pelham, esq. — William Strickland, esq. 
 
 20 1747. Charles Pelham, esq. — Sir William Codrington, bart. 
 27 1754. Sir W. Codrington, bart. — Geo. Forster Tuffnell, esq. 
 
 George III. 
 1 1761. Michael Newton, esq. — George Forster Tuffnell, esq. 
 
 8 1768. Hugh Bethell, esq. — Charles Anderson, esq.'" 
 
 12 1772. Sir Griffith Boynton, bart. in the place of H. Bethell, esq."* 
 
 14 1774.** Sir James Pennyman, bart. — George Forster TufFnell, esq. 
 
 20 1780. Sir James Pennyman, bart. — Evelyn Anderson, esq. 
 
 24 1784.''^ Sir Christopher Sykes, bart. — Sir James Pennyman, bart. 
 
 30 1790.*^ John Warton, esq. — Sir James Pennyman, bart. 
 
 35 1795. William Tatton, esq.— N. C. Burton, esq. 
 
 39 1799. J. B. S. Morritt, esq. in the place of W. Tatton, esq. deceased. 
 
 42 1802."* John Hall Wharton, esq.— General N. C. Burton 
 
 46 1806."' General R. Vyse— John Wharton, esq. 
 
 *^ The number of voters at this election was 696. Newton, 552 ; Hotham, 493 ; Ellerker 
 Bradshaw, 353. 
 
 ^' This gentleman was the son of Charles Pelham, of Brocklesby, esq. by Elizabeth his wife, 
 daughter of Michael Warton, of Beverley, esq. He died without surviving issue, February 6th, 
 1763, leaving his estates to Charles Anderson, his great nephew, and afterwards the first lord 
 Yarborough. 
 
 ^2 This sir Charles succeeded his father in the representation of the borough. He was colonel 
 of the first troop of horse grenadier guards, and groom of the bedchamber to king George II. 
 He married in 1724, Gertrude, eldest daughter of Philip Stanhope, earl of Chesterfield, and died 
 I5th January, 1757, leaving one son and three daughters. 
 
 *3 Afterwards lord Yarborough, of Brocklesby Park, Lincolnshire. 
 
 " G. F. Tufi^nell was a candidate at this election. 
 
 *^ The number of voters at this election was 888. Sir C. Thompson was the nnsnccessfol 
 candidate. 
 
 *^ This was a severe contest, and the number of voters had increased to 996. Evelyn Anderson, 
 esq. however, with all the weight of the bar interest in his favour, was unable to secure his return. 
 
 *'' Mr. Egerton was the unsuccessful candidate. Number of voters, 1069. 
 48 Mr. Morrit was unseated by the strenuous efforts of his adversaries. 
 ** And in his turn general Burton lost his seat, though he sustained a spirited cowtegt with 
 steady resolution and perseverance against his brother officer. 
 
385 
 
 An. Reg. A. Dom. 
 
 47 1807. Captain R. Howard Vyse. — John Wharton, esq. 
 52 1812.**' John Wharton, esq. — Charles Forbes, esq. 
 58 1818.*' John Wharton, esq. — Robert Charles Burton, esq. 
 
 George IV. 
 
 1 1820. John Wharton, esq. — George Lane Fox, esq. 
 
 6 1826. John Stewart, esq. — Charles Harrison Batley, esq. 
 
 The following illustrated list of abbots, provosts, and mayors, as the chief 
 magistrates of the town of Beverley from the earliest times, is the result of much 
 anxious research and deliberation; and it is submitted in the hope that it may 
 prove both useful and entertaining; and be an acceptable present to all who feel 
 an interest in such investigations. 
 
 An. Reg. 
 
 A. Doin. 
 
 
 
 704. 
 
 Brithunus.*^ 
 
 - 
 
 733. 
 
 Winwaldus.*^ 
 
 
 752. 
 
 Wulfeth.** 
 
 Will. II. 
 
 1092. 
 
 Thomas/^ 
 
 Hen. I. 
 
 1109. 
 
 Thurstan.** 
 
 '0 At this election 1290 voters appear to have polled upon the hustings; and the numbers stood 
 thus; Wharton, 804 ; Forbes, 731 ; and William Beverley, of Beverley, esq, 592. 
 
 '" Four candidates offered themselves at this election, and the numbers on the days of election 
 were, Wharton, 826; Burton, 669; Wells, 279; Beverley, 238. 
 
 52 Brithunus or Berthun was appointed by Saint John as the first abbot. He died in 733, and 
 was buried near the archbishop. His bones were translated when the minster was consumed by 
 fire, A. D. 1188. Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 102. 
 
 *3 A monk of the same place; he was appointed in 733, and died in 751. 
 ^* The rest of the abbots are unknown. 
 
 "5 Thomas, the first provost, was the nephew of Thomas, archbishop of York, and was nomi- 
 nated the first provost by consent of the canons and all others who had any interest in the 
 appointment. Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 1 . p. 56. 
 
 56 This great man was removed from the provostship to the archiepiscopal see of York. He 
 was the first archbishop who had a prebend in the church of Beverley ; which honour his successors 
 in the see retained. He improved the provostship, and procured to it the manor of Bentley as a 
 free gift from William de Rowmara, earl of Lincoln, which was subsequently confirmed by the 
 
 3 B 
 
386 
 
 An. Reg. 
 
 
 A. Dom. 
 
 
 14 Hen. 
 
 I. 
 
 1114. 
 
 Thomas the Norman.*^ 
 
 35 Hen. 
 
 I. 
 
 1135. 
 
 Robert. 
 
 Thomas a Becket." 
 
 8 Hen. 
 
 II. 
 
 1162. 
 
 Robert.'^ 
 
 16 Hen. 
 
 II. 
 
 1170. 
 
 Galfridus.'° 
 
 1 Rich. 
 
 I. 
 
 1189. 
 
 Simon.^' 
 
 7 John. 
 
 
 1206. 
 
 Fiilco Bassett.«2 
 
 22 Hen. III. 1238. John tie Cheshull. 
 
 following charter of Stephen. "Stephanus Rex AngP Archiep'o Ebor' et Will'o Comitis, Justic' 
 vir et Baron et Ministr' et o'bus fidel' suis Franc' et Anglic' Ebor' Sal'tra Sciatis q'd concede 
 and confirm' illam donac'oem and reddic'oera quas Will'us de Rowmara fee' deo and ecclie S'ci 
 Joh'is de Bevlaco et Thurstino p'po'ito et successor' suis de raane'r Bennetley, Quare volo 
 and firmiter p'sip' qd eccl'ia p'dca' and Turstinas p'po'itus and successor' teneant and possideant 
 maner' p'dae cii o'ibus ei p'tinentibus bne and in pace h'b'e and honorifice and quiete in omnibus 
 rebus sicut tenent alias t'ras suas, Et sicut idem Willus maner illud eis dedit and concess'it p' 
 carta sua confirmavit. 
 
 ^^ He is said to have held his office "temp'ibus R. Henrico pri. et partim Regis Stephani." Ex. 
 Reg. Praepos. 1. 1. p. 57; and we find his provostship commencing in 1114 as above. Mad. Exch. 
 vol. p. 11. in nota. k. 
 
 ^^ This celebrated character, who was afterwards elevated to the archiepiscopal see of Canter- 
 bury, and rendered himself famous by his unyielding obstinacy in opposing the will of king Henry 
 I. was first prebendary of Saint Michael in the collegiate church of Beverley, and afterwards 
 provost. He is highly lauded in the Registers of the Provostry. 1. 1. p. 57. 
 
 *9 Radulfus Archidiaconus et Roberius Prcspositus de Beverlaco. r. c. de CCC & Lxvjl & 
 xiijs & iiijd de Dono suo ut sint in Custodia et protectione Regis sicut Dominici Clerici sui. 
 Mag. Rot. Hen. II. Rot. 5 a. Everwick. 
 
 60 In the Provost's Register is a lease of his, dated 24. Hen. II. 1. 1. p. 51. 
 
 ^' Carta Johan. hominibus de Sancto Botulfo and de Socha qui sunt de honore de Richemund 
 in Holland. Data per manum Simonis Prcupositi de Beverlaco, &c. Rot. Cart. 5 Job. m. 14. 
 
 62 Faulk Basset Praepositus de Beverlaco habet literas directas militibus et liberis hominibus 
 suis deprecatorias, de Auxilio ad debita sua acquietanda. Rot. Pat. 18 Hen. III. m. 9. He was 
 presented to the church of Cotesbrook, in Northamptonshire, in 1239. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. 
 p. 266. In the Provost's Register it is said — ejus itaq' temp'ibus in Bedd' fuer' corrod' moderata. 
 1. 1. p. 58. He was afterwards bishop of London; and "as he was a man of great linage, and 
 also of ample, both temporall and ecclesiasticall possessions, so was hee a prelate of an invincible 
 high spirit; stout and couragious to resist those insupportable exactions which the Pope's Legate 
 Rustandus, went about to lay upon the clergie. Hee died of the plague here in London, A. D. 
 1258, and was buried in Saint Paul's." Weever. Fun. Mon. p. 363. 
 
 6* This is the orthography in Madox, Willis, and one part of the Provost's Register ; in another 
 part of the latter document the spelling is different. M^^". Chusyll p'po'it' Bev'lac' &c. molendin' 
 aquat' sup' Milnebeeke quam tenere solebam &c. 1. 1. p. 49. He was also archdeacon of London, 
 king's chancellor, Mad. Exch. vol. i. p. 70. vol. ii. p. 55. and dean of Saint Paul's, treasurer of 
 England, twice keeper of the great seal, and bishop of London. He died April 10, 1279. 
 Weever. Fun. Mon. p. 363. 
 
38t 
 
 An. Reg. A. Dom. 
 
 25 Hen. III. 1241.'' William de Eboraco.'" 
 
 32 Hen. III. 1248. John Maunsell. 
 
 66 
 
 ^* Reg. Walter Grey Archiep. 
 
 *5 William of York was the son of sir Nicholas York, and grandson of William, the son of 
 Simon de Hebden, from whom he inherited the family estates in that township and elsewhere. 
 He was chantor of the cathedral at York, and one of the king's justices itinerant. At the com- 
 mencement of his provostship he received oflBcial letters in common with the bishops and others, 
 informing him of the situation of the royal family on the breach of the truce by the king of France ; 
 Claus. 26 Hen. III. and was a subscribing witness to the convention between the king and Richard 
 his brother. Rot. Pat. 28 Hen. III. In the Hundred Rolls we find this provost named, in answer 
 to the enquiry. Qui alii a Rege clamant, &c.? D'nt q'd in lib'tate Sc'i Joh' Beverlaci placitaf^ 
 frisca forcia a temp'e WiWi de Eboz videlf a t'ginta annis D'ns de Bev'lay h't furcas a xv annis nes- 
 citur q° war'o. Rot. Hund. Again ; TV. de Eboz preposit' Bev'lay finem fecit cum R. p' h'nda 
 custodia t're et h'edum Willi' de Werevill' usq ; ad legitimam etatem ip'oz h'edum una cum 
 maritag' eosdem. Rot. Orig. 29 Hen. III. Ro. 4. He was ultimately advanced to the bishoprick 
 of Salisbury, Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 1. p. 58. and in 1246 fined the city of London £1000. for 
 harbouring Walter Bukerel, qui requiruntur in preedicto Itinere fVillelmi de Ehoraco. Mag. Rot. 
 30 Hen. III. 
 
 «^ The following memoir of this celebrated man, which has been collected with great industry 
 from the public records of the kingdom, will doubtless be acceptable, connected as he was with 
 the town of Beverley, and occupying for so long a period, its highest magisterial authority. John 
 Maunsell, our provost, was the grandson of Philip Maunsell or Mansel, who accompanied the 
 Norman Conqueror into England. He was in high favour with Henry III. who consulted him on 
 all occasions, employed him in many diplomatic missions of the highest importance; and his 
 address and superior talent soon advanced him to the chiefest dignities of his profession. He first 
 attained the rank of king's chaplain; M. Par. p. 1071. and in the 18 Hen. III. he was appointed 
 to execute a certain office at the Exchequer, probably that of chancellor. The appointment was 
 by close writ. The king by his writ directed to Hugh de Pateshull, treasurer, sent John Maunsell 
 to reside at the Exchequer of Receipt, and to have a counter roll of all things pertaining to the 
 said receipt, and commanded the treasurer to admit him accordingly. Mad. Exch. vol. ii. p. 5\. 
 In 1243, he was a subscribing witness to the charter of dowry to the queen. Rym. Feed. torn. i. 
 p. 420. In the same year he was constituted chancellor of Saint Paul's, and was a witness to the 
 convocation between the king and his brother Richard. Ibid. p. 421. In 1244 and 1246 re- 
 spectively, he was made keeper of the great seal as vice chancellor of England. Rot. Pat. 31 
 Hen. III. m. 2. and 33 Hen. III. m. 3. Vid. Mad. Exch. vol. i. p. 68. His fame for the im- 
 partial administration of justice was at this time so great, that John Kechel and the rest of the men 
 of Brampton, being engaged in a suit at law, fined 20 marks that they might have their plaint 
 before him. Mag. Rot. 32 Hen. III. In 1248, he succeeded to the provostship of Beverley; and 
 soon afterwards was appointed an ambassador to negotiate a nuptial treaty with the king of Spain; 
 Rot. Pat. 37 Hen. III. n. 13. (In this document he is described as "fidelem nostrum Johannem 
 Maunsell Cancellariura London, ac Praepositum Beverlaciae Secretarium nostrum;) and again in 
 the same capacity on the treaty of marriage between Beatrice, the king's daughter, and the eldest 
 son of the king of A.rragon. He received formal instructions respecting a proposed union between 
 Edward, afterwards the first king of England of that name since the Conquest, and Eleanor of 
 Castile; Rym. Feed. torn. i. p. 490; was a subscribing witness to the grant of lands made to Edward 
 on his marriage; Cart. 37 Hen. III. m. 8. and to the patent of dower granted to Eleanor his wife; 
 Rot. Pat. 37 and 38 Hen. III. m. 10. and appears to have been the person principally and confi- 
 dentially employed in the negotiation. In the next year he was appointed a legate with full 
 powers to ratify the peace between England and Castile, Rym. Foed. tom. i. p. 498; and to con- 
 clude a solemn and perpetual confederation between Henry and Alphonso the two kings, and their 
 respective heirs, contra omnes homines de mundo. Ex bundel. Miscel. in Turr. Lond. VVas sent to 
 
 3 B 2 
 
388 
 
 An. Reg. A, Dom. 
 
 52 Hen. III. 1268. Alan. 
 
 the north with letters of credence to the Scottish nobility, Rot. Pat. 39 Hen. III. n. 8. and invested 
 with almost regal powers. Rym. Foed. torn. i. p. 559. Soon afterwards he was appointed one of 
 the commissioners to conduct the king and queen of Scotland into England and back, Rot. Pat. 
 39 Hen. III. m. 3. an honour which was attended with some risk, and considerable expense; and 
 received authority to protect certain Scottish barons against their rebellious opponents. Rot. Pat. 
 39 Hen. III. m. 2, We now find this most active and indefatigable man elevated to the council 
 chamber, Rym. Feed. tom. i. p. 567. (Domini Regis clericus et consiliarius specialis. M. Par. p. 
 529.) and instructions and information were officially communicated to him relative to the nego- 
 tiations with Spain; Rot. Pat. 40. Hen. III. m. 17. as well as for settling the truce between 
 £ngland and France. Rym. Feed. tom. i. p. o70, 580. He was one of the four to whom letters 
 were addressed by Peter de Montfort on his progress into Wales, the other three being Roger 
 Bigot, earl of Norfolk and marshall of England; Philip Basset, justice of England, and Robert 
 Walleraund ; Ex bundel litter, temp. Hen. III. and was chiefly instrumental in suppressing the 
 rebellion of Llewellyn the prince of that country. Betham. Baron, vol. i. p. 249. During this year, 
 1256, he founded a priory of Austin canons to the honour of the blessed Virgin, at Bilsington, in 
 Kent; Tan. Notit. Kent. IV. he was named in the letters to the king of Castile, respecting a pro- 
 posed marriage between the brother of that monarch and Henry's daughter, Claus. 40 Hen. III. 
 m. 17. and at the latter end of the year was sent over to Germany with letters of credence to the 
 princes. Rym. Feed. tom. i. p. 595. In the month of August, in this year, the king and queen of 
 Scots came into this country, and visited the English monarch at Woodstock. On their arrival in 
 London, John Maunsell solicited the honour of entertaining them at his table; to which they gra- 
 ciously consented ; and he invited to meet them the greater part of the nobility, spiritual and 
 temporal, as well as an innumerable assembly of the commons. On the day appointed, our provost 
 had provided a most magnificent entertainment ; but the house being incapable of containing the 
 vast concourse of guests, tents were erected for the superfluity in the field. Upwards of 700 dishes 
 were served up ; and as Matthew of Paris adds, somewhat exultingly, nee visum est aliquo tempore, 
 lit aliquis clericus tam opimum festum, tam serenum, tam faecundum, tamque lautum peragere 
 potuisset. Omnes enim splendide, et abundanter, ac honorific^ sunt refecti. M. Par. p. 800. 
 After this he was sent to Scotland with a royal commission, and the barons and commanders were 
 enjoined to await his orders and directions. Rot. Pat. 40 Hen. III. n. 15. In the next year we 
 find him named treasurer of York ; and he received letters plenipotentiary to transact business 
 with the court at Rome respecting the kingdom of Sicily; Rot. Pat. 41 Hen. III. m. 6. and was con- 
 stituted an ambassador to make terms with the pope, that the state of Sicily may be reformed, or 
 the claim altogether relinquished, as in their discretion they should deem most conducive to the 
 king's honour; for the pope had transferred the kingdom of Sicily to Edmond, Henry's second 
 son; to which deed our provost was a witness, Rym. Feed. tom. i. p. 502. on condition of receiving 
 his assistance in conquering the island ; and a bull had been issued calling on all the faithful to 
 advance money towards the expedition. Ibid. p. 547. The same year Maunsell was employed 
 in a negotiation to settle the differences between the king of Scotland and his barons; Rot. Pat. 
 41 Hen. III. n. 5. and again in 1258, he was associated with Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, 
 and Peter de Subaudia for the same purpose. Rot. Pat. 42. Hen. III. n. 10. During the greater 
 part of this turbulent reign he was constantly employed in commissions of importance to the state. 
 In 1259, he was deputed by the king to inspect the lands in Guienne and Poictou which had been 
 ceded by France on a treaty of peace, and also respecting the money payments of the French 
 monarch ; Rot. Pat. 43 Hen. III. n. 22. and in the next year he was constituted a deputy to 
 negotiate a marriage between the king's daughter Beatrice, and the eldest son of the duke of 
 Brittany. Rym. Foed. tom. i. p. 682. In 1260, we find him exercising the office of inspector of 
 letters patent issued by royal authority; Ibid. p. 713, 715; and deputed by the archbishop of 
 Canterbury to publish the papal edict, which absolved the people of England from the oaths which 
 they had recently been compelled to take to the prejudice of the king, and enjoined the barons to 
 
389 
 
 An. Reg. 
 
 A. Bom. 
 
 
 54 Hen. III. 
 
 1270. 
 
 Morgan.^'^ 
 
 1 Edw. I. 
 
 1273. 
 
 Petrus de Cestre.^* 
 
 22 Edw. I. 
 
 1294. 
 
 Hay mo de Charto.^^ 
 
 28 Edw. I. 
 
 1300. 
 
 Robert de Alburwick. 
 
 submit to his lawful authority. Ex bundel. Certif. infra Turr. Lond. This commission, although 
 accompanied by letters of immunity, Ibid. p. 737. and executed with so much address as to elicit 
 applause. Ex bund, litter, temp. Hen. III. proved somewhat dangerous ; for the barons having 
 gained a temporary advantage over the king, threw Maunsell into prison for publishing it. M. Par. 
 p. 850. But the king, by the death of the earl of Leicester, being relieved from his troubles, set 
 him at liberty, made him lord chancellor, Betham. Baron, vol. i. p. 250. and sent him to the court 
 of France to receive the money which Lewis had agreed to pay at the peace ; and also the jewels 
 (jocalibus) which had been deposited in the church at Paris. Rot. Pat. 48 Hen. III. m. 2. On 
 the subsequent captivity of the king, he secretly fled to avoid the resentment of the barons, M. 
 Par. p. 851. who had threatened him with their severest vengeance, and remained in exile till the 
 time of his death, which took place probably in 1265, as in that year, immediately after the battle 
 of Evesham, the appointment of a new treasurer of York, Rot. Pat. 49 Hen. III. and some time 
 afterwards of a new provost of Beverley took place. Ex Reg. Preep. 1. 1. p. 58. 
 
 In addition to all the high dignities already specified, this distinguished individual was the chi6f 
 justice of England, a valiant soldier, in armis strenuus, et animo imperterritus, M. Par. p. 529. 
 and in a battle fought between the English and French, in which he took an active part, he cap- 
 tured, with his own hand, a gentleman of quality named Peter Orige, after a close and well fought 
 combat. Beth. Baron, vol. i. p. 249. He was styled by the pope, dilecto filio Johanni Maunsell, 
 Thesaurario Eboracensi, Capellano nostra. Rym. Feed. tom. i. p. 742. He held no less than 700 
 ecclesiastical livings, Hume. Engl. vol. ii. p. 169 ; and yet, such are the vicissitudes of life, though 
 he lived in pomp and splendour, honoured with the confidence of his king, and possessing an 
 influence equal to the first baron in the realm ; one of the richest commoners in England, with 
 an annual income of more than 4000 marks, M. Par. p. 740. quo non erat in toto orbe, ditior, says 
 M. Par. p. 851. he remained, for a short time, in concealment beyond the seas, and probably died 
 for want. 
 
 67 Mr. Willis in his Addenda and Corrigenda, Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 338. seems to think that 
 Alan was provost in 1205; and that Morgan his successor was the illegitimate son of king Henry 
 II. and was elected bishop of Durham, 14 John; and in confirmation of his statement quotes Angl. 
 Sacr. vol. i. p. 732. But this is wholly irreconcilable with truth, for we have seen above that 
 Simon was provost in that very year, viz. 1205. The Provost's Register also states clearly the 
 time in which Alan held this office. " Tertius decimus p'poMtus Bev'lac' fuit Alanus p'poHtus 
 temp'ihus R. Henr' tertii, &c. memorat' hujus Alani tempor' Thomas Boston dedit et concessit 
 et carta sua confirmavit Deo et p'po'itur' b'ti Joh'is Bev'lac' in pura et p'petua' elemosyna 
 unam bovat terr' in Crancewyk cQ tofto illo q'd Ric'us fir Ed'ri tenuit, q'd est inter toftu Hugonis 
 Robeles, et toftu Hugonis Messoris cu o'ibus ejusd' bovat' terr' p'tin', cu clausula warrantie, 
 sicut patet p' cartara inde confesta et in Chartuario copiata." Ex. Reg. Praepos. 1. 1. p. 58. 
 
 ** This provost improved the office more than any of his predecessors. He endowed it with 
 many tenements, revenues, and services, and left implements of husbandry, goods, and chattels, 
 both living and dead, in all the manors belonging to the provostship. Ibid. 1. 1. p. 1. 
 
 6^ A foreigner. He was deprived of the provostship and afterwards made bishop of Gloucester, 
 according to Leland; Coll. vol. iii. p. 103. but Willis says he was promoted to a foreign see. Higt. 
 Abb. vol. ii. p. 267. 
 
Aa. Ke%. 
 
 
 A. Dom. 
 
 84 Edw. 
 
 I. 
 
 l:3()6. 
 
 1 Edw. 
 
 II. 
 
 ViOH. 
 
 390 
 
 Waller de Raymund.^ 
 William de Melton/' 
 
 '» Tb« prcrvotffehip irif Mttferred on Walter d« Rajmand by letterf patent, dated April Srd, 
 34 Edw. I. He i» boir«r«r omitted in the catalogs contained in the first p^e of the Provosf » 
 tLi0gigier, thoagb the reason of tiuch orniKKion cannot now be ascertained. Hijj name i» found ih 
 tfHtTs other Ii«t. He wag presented in the same year to the living of Soath Creyke, in the county 
 of Norfolk, and was subsequently elevated U) the see of Worcester. Willis. Hist Abb. vol. ii.p. 2fi7. 
 
 " William de Melton was bom in Holderness, and gave early proofs of a superior genius, 
 
 which marked bim out as a rising character. Being introduced at court, be soon became deeply 
 
 involved in the business of the state. In Ki07, he is mentioned in the act of renunciation. Ilym. 
 
 Feed. torn. iii. p. 13. 'J'he next year be was employed officially l/y the king to transact publick 
 
 XmAsUBM on tbe continent. Claus. 1 Kdw. 11. He acquitted himsf^lf in this commission so mucb 
 
 lo tfM ittililMtton of the monarch, that on his return he was constituted keeper of the seals; Rym. 
 
 Fo»d. torn. iii. p. 59. Mad. Exch. vol. i. p. 74. and a Um yean aft<;rwards we find him occupying 
 
 Ifee situation of pr«^r/ost of Heverbry, and commiiwioned frith confidential letters U) the king of 
 
 France; CI 'w. J I. m. 20. and entrusted with a negotiation in Vasconia; Claus. fi Edw. 
 
 II. m. 23. ii> 'Ui which, he had r*jyal \etU'T» of recommendation to the poj>e and cardinals, 
 
 ht which he is thus described, carissimum Clericum nostrum atque familiarum, qoem laudabilia 
 
 deooritit gratiarum munera et virtutum, et qai, a nostra; tetatis primordiis grata nobis ministravit 
 
 obsequia. Rym. Feed. torn. iii. p. 357, 3.58. On his return he was called on to accompany the 
 
 king in a progress on the continent, and letters of protection were granted for his security. He 
 
 WM 0oon afterwards advanced to the dignity of dean of Saint Martin's le Grand, Ibid. p. 10H, and 
 
 entrusted with the receipt of a loan from the bishops, abbots, and others, for the defence of the 
 
 kingdom against the Scots. Claus. 7 Edw. II. m. 25. In 1314, he was appointed one of the four 
 
 eotau^Mtkmerti on the part of the king to meet the convocation at York ; Hot. Pat. 7 Edw. II. ra. 
 
 9*i aadilie succeeding year he was elevated to the archbiwhoprick by the particular influence of 
 
 the king, and was consecrated September 2.5, 1317. Ex. iteg. W. Melton archiep. Ebor. an. 
 
 1317 ad 1310. In the year of his election Ut the see, Edward gave him this charter. Edwardus 
 
 dei gratia Hex AngP b'nus Hib'nie Dux Acquit' Archiepis' Abbat' Prioribz Comit' liaronibns 
 
 Justic^ Vir P'positis Ministr' <fe o'ibus balij^s & fideP suis Saltrn Scialis nos concessisse & has 
 
 carta n'ra confirmasse dilectri Cli'co nro H^illi'mo de MalUm f/po'ito eccl'ie S'ci Joh'is Hev'laci 
 
 q'd ip'e At successor sui in p'petua h'eant unam feriam singulis annis apud manerin nuii de Sigles- 
 
 tbome in Com' Ebor' p' t'res dies duratur viz^ in vigil in die At in crustin' 8ci' Lawrenc' nisi feria 
 
 ilia sit ad nocumentn viri naru feriar.' Et q'd h'eant lib'arn wnrrt'iut' in oi'bus d'nicis I'ris suis 
 
 maner' p'dict' A de South-Dalton North-Hurton Midelti^n Lokynton Walkyngton Leven Wele- 
 
 wyk Wyneton juxta Welewyk Hoston Fymmer <fe Hyding juxta Hev'lac' in Com' predict' dum 
 
 tamen ten' ill' non sunt infra met' foriste n're. Ita q'd null' intret tnis illas ab fugand' eis vel ad 
 
 ftliuua cap' qo ad warenna p'tineat sine licentia At voluntate ip'ius p'p'oiti vel successor' suoz sup' 
 
 fbnsfactur' n'ram p'li. Quare volumus Ac. His Test' ven' prl'bus 11. Dunelm At J. (Jarliol 
 
 Epis. Thoroa Comite Ljincastr' Joh'e de Hritannia Cornit*' Kichetnutid (iuydone de Hello Cam[>o 
 
 Com. Waren' Edrnundo Comite Arundell Wt-m" de Percy JoIk- de Mowbray KjuJo lil. Willis & 
 
 ttl'; Dat p' rnanfi n'ram apud Ebor." The archbishop expended a considerable portion of his 
 
 income in repairing Jind beautifying his catheral ; and he Hp|>ears to have been most indefatigable 
 
 in the conscientious discharge of the arduous duties of his see. lie visited his diocese twice a 
 
 year; and was celebrated for his unaffected piety, hospitality, and benevolence. During one of 
 
 these visitations in 132.5, be elevated the chapel of Saint Mary, at Heverley, into a parihh <;hurcb, 
 
 and made Mrrangem«'nts for its p«'rmanent endowment. Ex. Keg. W. Melton. Kbor. I. p. (')(^. 
 
 After an eminent career of 23 years from his consecration, during which he was dihtinguished 
 
 by an appointment to the high olfjces of chancellor and tr<'aHurer of England, he died at (.'awood 
 
 in 1310, and was buried in tiis cathedral at York, where is still to be seen a superb monument io 
 
 h'i» memory. 
 
391 
 
 Ab. Reg. A. Dom. 
 
 8 Edw. II. 1315. Nicholas Hugate." 
 
 William de la Mere." 
 38 Edw. III. 1365. Sir Richard de Ravenser." 
 44 Edw. III. 1370. Adam de Lymberg." 
 47 Edw. III. 1373. John Thoresby L. L. D.'* 
 
 ^' Prebendary of Axeby in the cathedral church of Lincoln. 
 
 ^' William de la Mara is mentioned in the Provost's Register, 1. 1 . p. 50, as the late provost 
 in the 38 Edward III. A. D. 1365. 
 
 '^^ In 1360, a royal order was Issued, Rex, dilecto Clerico suo, Richardo de Ravenseref Custodi 
 Hanaperii Cancellariae suae, to remove the chancery rolls from the tower, and place them safely 
 elsewhere until the chests, &c. were repaired. Claus. 34. Edw. Ill m. 33. In 1372, he was a 
 subscribing witness to the league offensive and defensive with the duke of Brittany. Rym. Feed, 
 tom. vi. p. 738, at which time he held the oflBce of archdeacon of Lincoln. lb. p. 739. And he 
 founded an hospital at Kingstone-upon-Hull, for the maintenance of twelve poor men. Tan. 
 Notit. York. LXIV. 6. In 1375, he is spoken of as nup' p'po'it eccl'ie Bev'lac* ; Ex. Reg. Praepos. 
 1. 1. p. 41. and was appointed as the receiver of petitions to parliament for England, Ireland, 
 Wales, and Scotland, which situation he held till his death. Rot. Pari. vol. ii. p. 303. About the 
 year 1380, he received and entertained at his house in Lincolnshire, the canons of Beverley who 
 had been forcibly ejected from their benefices by the tyranny of Alexander Nevile, archbishop of 
 York, and sustained them till the time of his death, which happened about the year 1384. Pet. 
 in Pari. 7 Rich. IL A. D. 1383 and 1384. No. 25. 
 
 " Constable of Burd^alia, and one of the privy-council. 
 
 "6 The abilities of this eminent divine displayed themselves in his most early years. At the 
 beginning of the reign of Edward he commenced his career as an ambassador to the pope, 
 respecting the canonization of Thomas, late earl of Lancaster, who had been attainted in the 
 preceding reign. Rym. Foed. tom. iv. p. 268. Subsequently he was appointed canon of SouthwelL 
 Ibid. p. 422 ; and was a subscribing witness to a loan in the name of the king. Rot. Pat. 1 4 Edw. 
 III. m. 34. He was once more deputed as an ambassador to his holiness, to procure a dispensation 
 for a marriage between Hugh de Despenser, and Elizabeth, daughter of the earl of Salisbury. 
 Rym. Foed. tom. v, p. 176. In 1341 he was constituted one of the keepers of the rolls of chancery, 
 and all other things pertaining to the oflBce ; Claus. 15 Edw. III. m. 34. and was entrusted by the 
 celebrated Robert de Artois with the settlement of his affairs as an executor of his will ; Rym. 
 Foed. tom. v. p. 362. and received royal letters-patent enabling him to assemble t<^ether, and 
 arrange with the creditors of the same person. Rot. Pat. 17 Edw. III. m. 23. In the same year 
 we find him canon of Lincoln ; Rym. Foed. tom- v. p. 469. and soon afterwards he was employed 
 to negotiate a peace between England and France, and was so eminently successful that pope 
 Clement addressed to him a bull, thanking him for his good oflBces and assistance. Ibid. p. 484. 
 In 1376 he was advanced to the oflBce of keeper of the private seals. Ibid. p. 518; which he held 
 for a considerable time. But at length, as he declined into years, being weary of the labours and 
 vicissitudes of a public life, in 1373 he exchanged the rectory of Lillefield for the provostship of 
 Beverley, Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 267, and retired to that town to spend the remnant of his 
 life in peace. He is termed by Leland, " a venerable and circumspect man." Lei. Coll. vol. iii. 
 p. 103; and is mentioned in the Provost's Register as having instituted a general visitation of the 
 provostry, 1 Rich. II. L 1. p. 51. He held the provostship fourteen years, and died at a very 
 advanced age. 
 
An. Reg. 
 
 A. Dom. 
 
 10 Rich. 
 
 II. 
 
 1387. 
 
 7 Hen. 
 
 V. 
 
 1419. 
 
 5 Hen. 
 
 VI. 
 
 1427. 
 
 15 Hen. 
 
 VI. 
 
 1437. 
 
 25 Hen. 
 
 VI. 
 
 1457. 
 
 1 Edw. 
 
 IV. 
 
 1461. 
 
 6 Edw. 
 
 IV. 
 
 1466. 
 
 392 
 
 Robert Manfeld." 
 William Kinwolmarsh.'* 
 Robert Nevile." 
 Robert Rolleston.*" 
 John Bernyngham.*^ 
 Lawrence Bouthe.*^ 
 John Bouthe.*^ 
 Henry Webber. 
 Peter Tastar, L. L. D.*" 
 
 '''^ Robert Manfeld was prebendary of Saint James ; president of the chapter, and canon 
 residentiary of the same church ; prebendary of Husthwaite in York cathedral ; prebendary of 
 Brenswood in the church of Saint Paul, London ; prebendary of Cressall in the church of Saint 
 Martin-le-Grand, London ; parson of the church of Hackneys, and master of Maiden hospital, 
 Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. L p. 1. the custody of which was given to him by king Richard II. Willis. 
 Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 267. 
 
 ''^ The appointment of William Kinwolmarsh to the provostship of Beverley was succeeded by 
 that of treasurer of England. Rym. Feed. tom. x. p. 114. He was one of the deputies appointed 
 by Lucie, countess of Kent, to regulate her dower; Rot. Pari. vol. iv. p. 145, and was ultimately 
 entrusted with the distinguished honour of conducting queen Catherine to France. Rot. Pat. 
 10 Hen. V. m. 16. 
 
 " He built a tower to the Beddern where the provost's house was situated. Lei. Col. vol. iii. 
 p. 103, and was subsequently promoted to the bishopricks of Salisbury and Durham. Willis. 
 Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 267. 
 
 ^^ In 1421, Robert RoUeston, as guardian of the great wardrobe, (notre grande garderobe) was 
 commanded to deliver articles of clothing, &c. to the Sire d'Estoteville, then a prisoner in the 
 tower. Rym. Foed. tom. x. p. 159. He was present with the archbishop of Canterbury and bishop 
 of St. Asaph, when it was determined to raise the sum of 2,000 marks by the expedient of pawning 
 the king's "riche coler." Ibid. tom. xi. p. 55. In 1450, the year of his death, Ex. Reg. Praep. 
 1. 1. p. 69, he is mentioned as formerly provost of Beverley in a rentale redditum & firmarum 
 terrarum tenementorum &c. pertinen. Cantariae Rob. Rolleston clerici, nuper Praepos, &c. Lansd. 
 MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIIL fo. 108. 
 
 8' He is described in letters-patent, dated 9 Hen. V. as " Johannes Bernyngham clericus, de 
 canonicatu & prasbenda dictd de sancto Jacobo in ecclesid cathedral! Lexovien. Rym. Feed. tom. 
 *^p. 112. He died treasurer of York, A. D. 14,37. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 267. 
 C5 82 This provost resigned his office in 1457, being promoted in that year to the see of Durham; 
 and subsequently to that of York. Ibid. p. 267. 
 
 *^ John Bouthe was advanced to the see of Exeter in 1466. Ibid. 
 
 ^* A patent was addressed to Peter Tastar, as " Decano Sancti Severini," constituting him an 
 ambassador to enquire into the conduct of the aggressors, who, in defiance of the solemn truce 
 with the duke of Burgundy, had committed ravages on his lands ; and to settle disputes, &c. Rot. 
 Pat. 1 Edw. IV. m. 5. and the chamberlains of the exchequer were ordered to pay him forty 
 pounds for his forty days expenses. Rym. Foed. tom. xi. p. 504. In 1465 he was constituted a 
 member of the privy council. Ibid. p. 541, and the year following provost of Beverley, lb. p. 563, 
 when he was also appointed one of the ambassadors to negotiate a truce with France. Ibid. p. 565. 
 
393 
 
 An. Reg. A. Dom. 
 
 
 15 Edw. IV. 1475. 
 
 William Potman, L. L. B. 
 
 10 Edw. V. 1493. 
 
 Hugh Trotter. 
 
 
 Thomas Scot.*' 
 
 
 Thomas Dalby.*^ 
 
 17 Hen. VIII. 1525. 
 
 Thomas Winter.*' 
 
 
 Reginald Lee.*^ 
 
 A. D. 
 
 1573 Edward Ellerker, esq.^° 
 
 1574 Richard Bullock, gentleman. 
 
 1575 Richard Wilson, gentleman. 
 
 1576 William Farley, gentleman. 
 
 1577 Robert Harley, tanner. 
 
 1578 Robert Brown, tanner. 
 
 1579 Giles Spencer. 
 
 1580 John Johnson. 
 
 1581 Richard Grabury. 
 
 1582 Robert Ingleton. 
 
 1583 John Raffles, deceased. 
 Robert Farrey, elect. 
 
 15 Elizabeth. 
 
 A. D. 
 
 1584 Stephen Smales. 
 
 1585 Peter Harpham. 
 
 1586 John Truslove. 
 
 1587 Robert Freeman. 
 
 1588 William Farley. 
 
 1589 Edward Truslove. 
 
 1590 John Truslove. 
 
 1591 George Barthorp. 
 
 1592 Sir Lancelot Alford, knight." 
 
 1593 John Truslove. 
 
 1594 Philip Wade, fellmonger. 
 
 1595 Peter Harpham.*^ 
 
 ** In 1 472, William Potman is particularly named as an acting commissioner to communicate 
 with the Scottish commissioners at Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Rot. Scot. 12 Edw. IV. and again 
 respecting some aggressions in the Marches, in violation of the truce with Scotland. Ibid. 13 
 Edw. IV. In 1475, we find him canon of York and provost of Beverley. Rym. Feed. torn. xi. p. 85 1 . 
 
 *^ He was first a prebendary, and then provost of Beverley ; and afterwards advanced through 
 the gradations of bishop of Rochester, bishop of Lincoln, archbishop of York, and keeper of the 
 privy seals, to the dignity of lord high chancellor of England. 
 
 ^^ In 1509, Thomas Dalby was archdeacon of Richmond and king's chaplain. Rym. Feed, 
 tom. xiii. p. 247. He was constituted an overseer of the bishoprick during the vacancy of the see 
 of Durham, with full powers, &c. Rot. Pat. 24 Hen. VII. m. 26. He was also a canon of 
 Beverley, prebendary of Stevelington, chaplain to Henry VII. and Henry VIII. successively, 
 and dean of the chapel of the duke of Somerset. He died 26 June, 1525, and was buried at York. 
 
 ** Thomas Winter is the last provost in Leland's catalogue, and is said to have resigned his 
 office into the king's hands about the year 1540. Be this as it may, the dissolution of the colle- 
 giate establishment did not take place till 1549. 
 
 *^ In 1553, Reginald Lee is mentioned as the provost, with a pension of £49. 15s. Od. remaining 
 in charge. Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 268. ^o M. P. in 1571. »' M. P. in 1588. 
 
 ®2 Peter Harpham and Robert Clarke have been already mentioned, p. 296, ut supra, as having 
 been parties to the transfer of the Trinities to the corporation. 
 
 3 c 
 
394 
 
 A. D. 
 
 1596 William Mayor. 
 
 1597 Peter Page. 
 
 1598 Robert Clarke, gentleman. 
 
 1599 Robert Johnson, gentleman. 
 
 A, D. 
 
 1600 Christopher Ridley, gentleman. 
 
 1601 William Parkinson, butcher. 
 
 1602 Robert Gray, tanner. 
 
 James I. 
 
 1603 John Fotherby, woollen-draper. 
 
 1604 Edward Gray, tanner. 
 
 1605 Henry Farrer, tanner. 
 
 1606 Thomas Waller, tanner. 
 
 1607 Peter Artis, tailor. 
 
 1608 William Barrett, tanner. 
 
 1609 Christopher Farrer, tanner.^' 
 
 1610 Edw. Nelthorp, mercer & grocer. 
 
 1611 Christopher Farrer, tanner. 
 
 1612 John Dent, innholder. 
 
 1613 Thomas Smales. 
 
 1614 Thomas Clarke, gentleman. 
 
 Charles I. 
 
 1815 Peter Lickbarrow, tanner. 
 
 1616 John Smales. 
 
 1617 William Parkinson, butcher. 
 
 1618 John Warter, gentleman. 
 
 1619 George Cockerell, woollen-draper 
 
 1620 John Chappelow, mercer and 
 grocer. 
 
 1621 Edward Gray, tanner. 
 
 1622 William Legard, maltster. 
 
 1623 Arthur Fish, mercer and grocer. 
 
 1624 Nicholas Waller, tanner. 
 
 1625 William Johnson, woollen-draper 
 
 1626 Robert Manby, woollen-draper. 
 
 1627 William Barrett, tanner. 
 
 1628 Thomas Clarke, gentleman. 
 
 1629 Richard Wade, fellmonger. 
 
 1630 Thwaytes Fox,'* baker. 
 
 1631 William Clarke, deceased, 
 Thwaytes Fox, elect, baker. 
 
 1632 John Fotherby, woollen-draper. 
 
 1633 Edward Gray, tanner. 
 
 1634 William Johnson, woollen-draper 
 
 1635 Christopher Billops, maltster. 
 
 1636 John Brown, maltster. 
 
 1637 William Coulson, baker. 
 
 1638 George Witty, baker. 
 
 1639 William Ellerington, woollen- 
 
 draper. 
 
 1640 John Chappelow, mercer and 
 
 , grocer. 
 
 1641 James Nelthorp,'^ mercer and 
 grocer. 
 
 9' The principal trade of the town at this time, says Camden, Gibs. Col. 744, was in malt and 
 t«nned leather. 
 
 ^ This was the individual who established the hospital in Minster-moorgate called after his 
 name. 
 
 9* M. P. in 1645. 
 
39^ 
 
 A D. 
 
 1642*^ Robert Manby, woollen-draper. 
 
 1643 William Wilberforce, mercer and 
 
 g-rocer. 
 
 1644 Robert Manby/'^ woollen-draper. 
 
 A. D. 
 
 1645'' Christopher Billips, maltster. 
 
 1646 William Wade, fellmonger. 
 
 1647 William Forge, cordwainer. 
 
 1648 William Newcombe, tanner. 
 
 Charles II. 
 
 1649 Robert Fotherby, woollen-draper. 
 
 1650 William Dunne, cordwainer. 
 
 1651 Thomas Hudson, fellmonger. 
 
 1652 John Chappelow, mercer and 
 
 grocer. 
 
 1653 William Johnson, woollen-draper 
 
 1654 Christopher Billops, maltster. 
 
 1655 William Dales, maltster. 
 
 1656 John Johnson, deceased, tanner, 
 William Coulson, elect, baker. 
 
 1657 W^illiam Wade, fellmonger. 
 
 1658 William Forge, cordwainer. 
 
 1659 Edward Gray, gentleman. 
 
 1660 Edward Gray, tanner. 
 
 1661 Thomas Johnson, woollen-draper. 
 
 1662^' William Dunne, cordwainer. 
 
 1663 Thomas Davison, deceased, cord- 
 
 wainer. 
 Edward Gray, elect, tanner. 
 
 1664 Robert Norman, apothecary. 
 
 1665 Edward Gray, gentleman. 
 1666' William Nelson, maltster. 
 1667 Stephen Goakman, deceased, 
 
 mercer. 
 Robert Norman,elect, apothecary. 
 
 1668' Robert Richardson, maltster. 
 
 1669 Edward Howson, woollen-draper. 
 
 1670' Christopher Chappelow, mer- 
 cer and grocer. 
 
 1671 Thomas Johnson, tanner. 
 
 ^5 In this year John Fotherby, alderman, was displaced, because he avowed his unalterable 
 attachment to the king's cause. Corp. Rec. 
 
 ^'^ Robert Manby received notice that his mayoralty was void for the same cause; and he 
 immediately repaired to the king at York, taking with him the mace and seals ; for which he was 
 disfranchised. Corp. Rec. 
 
 ^* William EUerington was dismissed from his aldermanship for the same reason. 
 
 ®^ In the charter of Charles II. William Dunne, esq. is appointed to the office of mayor ; and 
 the council chamber was purged of the whole independent faction. 
 
 * Local tokens of the value of a halfpenny were issued at Beverley during each of the above 
 mayoralties. At this period individuals had the privilege of coining and issuing such tokens on 
 their own responsibility, for the convenience of small change. They were generally denominated 
 Harringtons, after the place whence the first coinage was issued ; and were but of temporary con- 
 tinuance, being wholly superseded by the coinage of the realm in 1671. Four specimens were 
 issued at Beverley between the years 1666 and 1670, which may be thus described from spe- 
 cimens in my possession. The first has a shield in the centre, but so much defaced that the 
 device is not legible. It is inscribed, George Lamplugh in Beverley, 1666. The second, 
 probably, has neither date nor device, but is inscribed, William Wilberfoss in Beverley. 
 The third had originally a device, but it is quite defaced; the inscription is, Timothy Brown 
 IN Beverley, his halfpenny, 1668. And the fourth has in the centre a semi-circular instrument, 
 with a handle, which bears a striking resemblance to a saddler's cutting knife; and bears the 
 words, Jonathan Brown of Beverley, his halfpenny, 1670. 
 
 3 c 2 
 
396 
 
 A. D. 
 
 1672 Thomas Clarke, gentleman. 
 
 1673 William Coulson, baker. 
 
 1674 William Wilberforce,^ mercer & 
 
 grocer. 
 
 1675 John Dymoke, ironmonger. 
 
 1676 John Fotherby, woollen-draper. 
 
 1677 John Sugden, wollen-draper. 
 
 1678 William Dunne, cordwainer, 
 
 James II. 
 
 A. D. 
 
 1679 Thomas Johnson, woollen-draper. 
 
 1680 William Coulson, baker, 
 
 1681 Edward Gray, gentleman. 
 
 1682 William Nelson, maltster. 
 
 1683 Matthew Ashmole, attorney. 
 J 684 Christopher Chappelow, mercer 
 
 and grocer. 
 
 1685 Thomas Statter, cordwainer. 
 
 1686 John Acklom, tanner. 
 
 1687 John Gunby, tanner. 
 
 1688 Thomas Johnson, tanner. 
 
 William & Mary. 
 
 1689 Edward Wilbert, maltster. 
 
 1690 Matthew Ashmole, attorney. 
 
 1691 Thomas Dunne, mercer & grocer. 
 
 1 692 Benjamin Lambert,woollen draper 
 
 William III. 
 
 1693 Robert Appleton, mercer. 
 
 1694 Roger Mason, farmer of boats 
 and limekiln. 
 
 1695 John Sugden, woollen-draper. 
 
 1696 Thomas Statter, cordwainer. 
 
 1697 John Acklom, tanner. 
 
 1698 John Gunby, tanner. 
 
 1699 Christopher Thompson, pewterer. 
 
 1700 Robert Wride, woollen-draper. 
 
 1701 George Davis, apothecary. 
 
 Ani^e. 
 
 1 702 Thomas Holmes, mercer & grocer. 
 
 1703 John Greaves, ironmonger. 
 
 1704 Edward Wilbert, maltster. 
 
 1705 Thomas Statter, cordwainer. 
 
 1706 Benjamin Lambert, woollen-dra- 
 
 per. 
 
 1707 John Gunby, tanner. 
 
 1708 Marmaduke Nelson, attorney. 
 
 1709 Thomas Wilberforce, woollen- 
 
 draper. 
 
 1710 William Grayburn, mercer and 
 
 grocer. 
 
 1711 Matthew Ashmole, attorney. 
 
 1712 Thomas Wilberforce, woollen- 
 
 draper. 
 
 1713 ChristopherThompson, pewterer. 
 
 * An ancestor of this person, in the reign of Edward I. Flagerus de Wilberfoss, married 
 Margaret, daughter of Philip lord Kyme, and inherited in her right, the lordship of Wilberfoss, 
 in the county of York, where the family resided till about the middle of the last century. They 
 came originally from Eggleton, in Durham, and had an eagle displayed for their paternal coat 
 
391 
 
 George I. 
 
 A, B. A. D. 
 
 1714 Charles Northend, attorney. 1721 
 
 1715 Robert Wride, woollen-draper. 1722 
 
 1716 John Wressel, tanner. 1723 
 
 1717 Robert Appleton, mercer. 1724 
 
 1718 John Johnson, mercer. 1725 
 
 1719 Charles Northend, attorney. 1726 
 
 1720 Jonathan Midgley, attorney. 
 
 George II. 
 
 1 727 Joseph Bielby, apothecary. 1745 
 
 1728 Robert Appleton, mercer. 1746 
 
 1729 Joseph Bielby, apothecary. 
 
 1730 Robert Wride, woollen- draper. 1747 
 
 1731 John Johnson, mercer. 1748 
 
 1732 George Cowart, gentleman. 1749 
 
 1733 William Rutter, mariner. 
 
 1734 Jonathan Garton, tanner. 1750 
 
 1735 Richard Philipson, tanner. 1751 
 
 1736 William Rutter, mariner. 1752 
 
 1737 George Cowart, gentleman. 1753 
 
 1738 Richard Philipson, tanner. 1754 
 
 1739 George Cowart, gentleman. 1755 
 
 1740 William Rutter, mariner. 1756 
 
 1741 William Nelson, attorney. 1757 
 
 1742 Ramsden Barnard, esquire. 1758 
 
 1743 John Bowman, mercer & draper. 1759 
 
 1744 William Muncaster, maltster. 
 
 George III. 
 
 1760 Suckling Spendlove, attorney. [ 1767 
 
 1761 Robert Blanchard, tanner. 1768 
 
 1762 Charles Nelson, esquire. 1769 
 
 1763 John Bowman, gentleman. 1770 
 
 1764 John Hoggard, tanner. 1771 
 
 1765 William Waines, gentleman. 1772 
 
 1766 Jonathan Midgley, attorney. 1773 
 
 George Davis, apothecary. 
 Robert Appleton, mercer. 
 John Cogdill, grocer. 
 Edward Wilbert, gentleman. 
 Joseph Bielby, apothecary. 
 John Johnson, mercer. 
 
 Suckling Spendlove, attorney. 
 Thomas Philip Hoggard, mercer 
 
 and draper. 
 John Ellinor, grocer & chandler. 
 John Bowman, mercer & draper. 
 William Waines, mercer and 
 
 draper. 
 Walter Wride, draper. 
 Christopher Nelson, esquire. 
 Jonathan Midgley, attorney. 
 Joseph Bell, jun. surgeon. 
 John Hoggard, tanner. 
 William Leake, gentleman. 
 Peter Atkinson, gentleman. 
 Thomas Waldby, grocer. 
 Jonathan Garton, tanner. 
 William Nelson, attorney. 
 
 Walter Wride, mercer. 
 Thomas Waldby, grocer. 
 William Leake, gentleman. 
 Teavil Appleton, gentleman, 
 Marmaduke Nelson, gentleman. 
 Sir James Pennyman, baronet. 
 Joseph Bell, apothecary. 
 
39$ 
 
 A. D. A. D. 
 
 1774 Jonathan Midgley, attorney. 1796 
 
 1775 John Ramsey, attorney. 1797 
 
 1776 EUener Garton, mercer. 1798 
 
 1777 Roger Gee, deceased, esquire. 1799 
 John Hoggard, elect, gentleman. 1800 
 
 1778 John Mackley, wine merchant. 1801 
 
 1779 William Middleton, joiner. 1 802 
 
 1780 Christopher Keld, attorney. 1803 
 
 1781 Thomas Dickons, mercer. 1804 
 
 1782 Sir James Pennyman,^ baronet. 1805 
 
 1783 Timothy Lundie, ironmonger. 1806 
 
 1784 Hassel Moor, attorney. 1807 
 
 1785 Joseph Samson, physician. 1808 
 
 1786 William Hall, grocer. 1809 
 
 1787 John Arden, apothecary. 1810 
 
 1788 Teavil Appleton, gentleman. 1811 
 
 1789 William Middleton, joiner. 1812 
 
 1790 Marmaduke Hewitt, apothecary. 1813 
 
 1791 Thomas Clubley, gentleman. 1814 
 
 1792 John Ramsey, gentleman. 1815 
 
 1793 Joseph Armitstead, deceased, 1816 
 
 grocer. 1817 
 
 William Hall, elect, gi'ocer. 1818 
 
 1794 William Middleton, joiner. 1819 
 
 1795 John Batty Tuke, banker. 
 
 George IV. 
 
 1820 Samuel Hall, attorney. 1825 
 
 1821 Marmaduke Hewitt, surgeon. 1826 
 
 1822 Thomas Hull, physician. 1827 
 
 1823 John Arden, physician. 
 
 1824 John Williams, surgeon. 1828 
 
 John Arden, wine merchant. 
 Richard Fox, gentleman. 
 John Batty Tuke, banker. 
 Timothy Lundie, ironmonger. 
 Thomas Duesbery, attorney. 
 John Batty Tuke, banker. 
 William Middleton, merchant. 
 John Arden, wine merchant. 
 Christopher Keld, attorney. 
 John Lockwood, attorney. 
 William Beverley, gentleman. 
 John Arden, wine merchant. 
 Richard Fox, gentleman. 
 John Arden, wine merchant. 
 Thomas Duesbery, attorney. 
 Samuel Hall, attorney. 
 John Lockwood, attorney. 
 John Arden, physician. 
 John Lockwood, attorney. 
 John Arden, physician. 
 John Hall, gentleman. 
 John Arden, physician. 
 John Lockwood, attorney. 
 Robert Ramsey, attorney. 
 
 Henry John Shepherd, attorney. 
 John Arden, physician. 
 Frederick Robertson, captain in 
 
 artillery. 
 John Williams, surgeon. 
 
 »M. P. from 1774 to 1790. 
 
399 
 
 A.. Reg. A. Dom. laecovUerg. 
 
 18 Eliz. 1576. William Payler, esq.* 
 39 Eliz. 1597. Sir William Gee, knt.* 
 
 4 James I. 1607. Thomas Pearson, esq. 
 
 20 James I. 1623. Francis Thorpe, esq. 
 
 1 Char. II. 1649. Sir William Wise, knt. 
 
 27 Char. II. 1675. Robert Stapylton, esq. 
 
 27 Char. II. 1675. Richard Weston, esq. 
 
 30 Char. II. 1678. Sir Edward Barnard, knt.' 
 1 Jas. II. 1684. James Moyser, esq. 
 4'Jas. II. 1688. Thomas Alured, esq. 
 
 7 Anne 1708. Edward Barnard, esq. 
 
 1 Geo. I. 1714. Sir Charles Hotham, bart. 
 
 9 Geo. I. 1723. Sir Francis Boynton, bart. 
 
 11 Geo. II. 1739. Charles Anderson Pelham, esq.' 
 
 31 Geo. II. 1758. Michael Newton, esq. 
 
 19 Geo. III. 1779. Richard Beatniff^, esq. 
 31 Geo. III. 1791. Robert Osbourne, esq. 
 60 Geo. III. 1819. Thomas Coltman, esq. 
 
 8 Geo. IV. 1827. John Vincent Thompson, esq. 
 
 isrommon Qlltxk^. 
 
 22 Rich. II. 1398. William Spencer,* 
 2 Elizabeth 1560. John Harrison.^ 
 
 34 Ch. II. 1682. Christopher Tadman. 
 
 11 Anne 1713. Henry Spendlove.''^ 
 5 Geo. I. 1719. William Nelson. 
 
 « This gentleman is mentioned in a variety of documents relative to the transfeT of the property 
 which formerly belonged to the knights hospitallers at Beverley. Vid. the Records of the Corpo- 
 ration; the Registers of the Provostry, &c. 
 
 ' Sir W. Gee resigned his recordership on being appointed a member of the privy council in 
 the reign of James I. He was buried in York cathedral, where is a handsome monument to bii 
 memory. His pedigree may be found below, in Part IV. c. 3. 
 
 ^ Vide ut supra, p. 236. ^ Afterwards lord Yarborough. 
 • Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 134. » Ibid. fo. 169. •» Vid. mayors. 
 
400 
 
 An. Reg. A. Dom. 
 
 3 Geo. II. 1730. Henry Beane. 
 
 26 Geo. II. 1753. William Nelson. 
 
 27 Geo. II. 1754. Robert Appleton. 
 
 19 Geo. III. 1779. William Ellis. 
 25 Geo. III. 1785. Robert Ramsey. 
 37 Geo. III. 1797. Thomas Duesbery. 
 40 Geo. III. 1800. John Hewitt. 
 
 44 Geo. III. 1804. Robert Norris. 
 
 56 Geo. III. 1816. Frederick Campbell. 
 
 4 Geo. IV. 1823. William Bower. 
 
 20 Ch. I. 1645. Edward Trippe." 
 12 Ch. II. 1660. John Jackson. 
 
 1 Anne 1703. Daniel Carver. 
 12 Anne 1713. James Mihill. 
 
 9 Geo. II. 1736. William Burrow. 
 12 Geo. III. 1772. Richard Judson. 
 42 Geo. III. 1802. Francis Tadman. 
 
 47 Geo. III. 1807. Thomas Austin. 
 
 48 Geo. III. 1808. John Willis. 
 
 «• The name of Mr. Trippe's predecessor is not mentioned, though it seems that he held th^ 
 office for several years. 
 
 v^Tr>( 
 
401 
 
 ®]&ap* X^. 
 
 Donations and Bequests — Charitable institutions supported by voluntary contribution 
 — Society for promoting Christian knowledge — Clerical fund — Tract society — 
 Bible society — Dispensary — Lying-in charity — Bank for savings. 
 
 The bequests and donations assigned to the poor of Beverley by the benevolence 
 of charitably disposed persons, are both numerous and valuable ; and though the 
 detail may possess no charms for the general reader, yet it is invested with both 
 interest and importance in the estimation of every inhabitant of Beverley. The 
 record of charity must not remain imtold ; it forms a chain of tender sympathies, 
 and every link is a gem. The names of these benefoctors to the town, who have 
 not been already noticed, are as follows. 
 
 1616 Mrs. Margaret Almare. 
 
 1620 Lambert Smith. 
 
 Master Read. 
 
 John Jackson. 
 
 1626 Mrs. Margaret D'Arcy.' 
 
 Dame Decima Sykes.^ 
 
 1652 Rev. Robert Metcalfe, D. D. Trinity college, Cambridge.' 
 
 • Mrs. Almare left £20. in money to the poor of Saint Mary's parish. Lambert Smith left 
 £10. to the town, half the interest to be given to the poor, and the other half to be reserved 
 towards increasing the stock ; and Master Read left £20. with the same directions. Mr. Jackson 
 left £20. to the poor of Saint Mary's parish; and Mrs. D'Arcey bequeathed in 1626, the sum of 
 £40. to be lent to labouring men of good character, and the interest to be applied towards sup- 
 porting a student at the university. These five bequests are said to be lost. 
 
 2 Dame"^ecima Sykes gave £100. for the use of the Sunday schools at Beverley. 
 
 ' Dr. Metcalfe bequeathed to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Beverley, the place of 
 his nativity, and to their successors for ever, a farm in the parish of Gilden Morden, in the 
 county of Cambridge, called Silliards, consisting of 101 acres of arable land, and 1\ acres of 
 pasture, in trust, that they shall pay to the lecturer of Beverley and his successors, the sum of £10. 
 
 3 D 
 
402 
 
 1669 Mrs. Margaret Farrer, of the city of London, gentlewoman.^ 
 
 1684 Mrs. Priscilla Dales.' 
 
 1688 John Dimock, of Beverley, alderman.^ 
 
 Michael Warton, of Beverley, esquire.'^ 
 
 1693 Peregrine Buck, of the county of Lincoln, esquire. 
 
 Benjamin Dal ton.* 
 
 Mrs. Grayburn.^ 
 
 1693 Mrs. Frances Brogden.'" 
 1696 James Nelthorpe, esquire." 
 Henry Allen.'^ 
 
 annually ; to the schoolmaster, for the time being, the same sum ; and to three poor scholars from 
 the free grammar school at Beverley £6. 13s. 4d. each. He bequeathed also to the mayor, 
 aldermen, and burgesses, certain lands at Over, in the same county, in trust, "that they and 
 their successors shall distribute £20. of the yearly rent amongst the poorest people of their town, 
 upon the 20th day of December, or the day before or after, as shall be thought most convenient 
 by the mayor and lecturer for the time being." 
 
 * Mrs. Margaret Farrer left £150. in the hands of trustees, to purchase lands, and dispose of 
 the rents and profits, amounting at the present time to about £29. per annum, in the following 
 manner, viz. to distribute annually in Saint Mary's church, to twelve poor women of Beverley, the 
 sum of five shillings each, on the day the testatrix was baptized; (11th March, O. S.) twenty shil- 
 lings annually to the minister, to preach a sermon in the said church ; forty shillings a year for the 
 education of a poor boy of the town, to be chosen by the mayor and aldermen, and the residue 
 towards his maintenance at the university. With the above sum, lands were purchased in the 
 county of York, which produce £29. per annum. The charity commenced on the 11th March, 
 1672. 
 
 * Mrs. Dales gave to the churchwardens of Saint Mary's parish the sum of £5. the interest 
 of which is directed to be distributed among the poor of that parish annually, on the 14th March, 
 that being the day of her death. 
 
 ^ Mr. John Dimock left £150. to the mayor, aldermen, and butgesses, in trust, to divide the 
 clear yearly income amongst the poor of Beverley. 
 
 ^ Michael Warton, esq. gave to the poor of Saint Mary's parish, the sum of £100. annual 
 income, £6. 
 
 * P. Buck, esq. and Mr. B. Dalton left nine pounds a year, in land, to the same purpose. 
 
 9 Mrs. Grayburn left £5. a year to be distributed amongst the poorest housekeepers of Beverley, 
 at the discretion of the trustees. 
 
 " Mrs. Brogden gave to the parish of Saint Mary, a sum of money in the funds, which produced 
 an annual income of £2. one moiety of which to be paid to the vicar for an annual sermon on Ash- 
 Wednesday, and the remainder to be distributed to eight poor women, nominated by the said 
 vicar, at 2s. 6d. each. 
 
 ' ' Mr. Nelthorpe left £200. to be invested for the produce of ten pounds per annum, which he 
 directed his trustees to apply to the general use of the poor of Beverley. 
 
 '* Mr. Allen gave to the corporation of Beverley his estate at Hornsea, on condition that they 
 should pay an annuity of four pounds to his daughter, and her issue. The family is now extinct, 
 and the corporation are therefore legally entitled to the profits arising from this estate. 
 
403 
 
 1712 Charles Warton, of Beverley, esquire." 
 
 1721 Mrs. Ann Routh, of Beverley, widow.'* 
 
 1724 Sir Michael Warton, of Beverley, knight.'* 
 
 Matthew Ashmole, of Beverley, alderman. 
 
 1726 Thomas Ellinor, of Beverley, bricklayer.'^ 
 
 1728 Sir Ralph Warton, of Beverley, knight." 
 
 1740 Mrs. Susanna Archer." 
 
 " Charles Warton, esq. founded an hospital, and gave to trustees certain lands, which produce 
 about £16. a year, to be distributed amongst the poor of Beverley; and other lands, producing 
 an annual income of about £48. towards placing out poor boys apprentice. 
 
 '* Mrs Ann Routh, in addition to the hospital which she founded in Beverley, bequeathed to 
 the minister of the united parishes of Saint John and Saint Martin, and his successors, for ever, 
 an annuity of forty shillings, payable out of a house and premises in Toll-Gavel. And she de- 
 vised the said premises to the minister and the mayor and aldermen of Beverley, in trust, to pay 
 thirty shillings a year to the boys of the charity school, and to distribute the residue of the rents 
 and profits thereof to such of the poor of Saint John's parish as are in the habit of regularly 
 frequenting the church. 
 
 '•^ Sir Michael Warton left £4000. towards forming a permanent fund for keeping the minster 
 in repair. He appointed as trustees, the archbishop and the dean and chapter of York, and the 
 mayor and recorder of Beverley, and directed that the accounts should be audited annually. He 
 left the further sum of £1000. to augment the capabilities of the hospital at Beverley, founded by 
 his father; and £500. to the charity school, both under the direction of the mayor, recorder, and 
 aldermen of Beverley; and £100. to each parish, under the direction of the mayor, recorder, and 
 Mr. Mease Pearson; the interest of which he directed to be distributed annually amongst the 
 most needy inhabitants. 
 
 *^ Mr. Ashmole bequeathed the annual sum of £3. to be divided equally amongst twenty-four 
 poor burgesses, on the 5th November, at the discretion of the mayor and two ministers. 
 
 ^'^ Mr. Ellinor bequeathed to certain trustees two houses in Beverley, the rents of which he 
 directed to be applied to the following purposes. One guinea to be paid every year to a clergyman 
 for preaching a sermon in Saint Mary's church, Beverley, upon charity, or death, or the provi- 
 dence of God towards the preservation of mankind, upon Easter Monday, in every year, on 
 which day the testator was more particularly bounden to return thanks to Almighty God, for his 
 miraculous preservation when at sea, during his voyage to the island of Jamaica. And the clear 
 residue thereof is yearly for ever, in the week preceding Easter, to be distributed by the minister 
 and churchwardens of Saint Mary's church for the time being, amongst the poorer housekeepers 
 of the town of Beverley. The income arising from this bequest is £25. 18s. 8d.; out of which 
 the necessary repairs are of course paid. 
 
 '* Sir Ralph Warton bequeathed to the corporation of Beverley, the sum of £200. for the pur- 
 pose of establishing a manufactory for knitting coarse worsted stockings. The bequest was 
 transferred by his son and executor, Ralph Warton, esq. to his grandson Charles, who paid it to 
 the corporation, as appears from a deed dated 18th February, 1728, now in the registry at 
 Beverley, and is now converted into £300. 3 per cent, stock, for the benefit of the poor of that 
 town; and £100. to the mayor and two senior aldermen for the poor of Saint Mary's purish. 
 
 •^ Mrs. Archer, by deed bearing date 26th June, gave to certain trustees, lands to th^? amount 
 of £40. a year, to be distributed amongst the poor and distressed housekeepers of Severley, 
 whether male or female, provided they do not receive parochial relief. 
 
 3 D 2 
 
404 
 
 1764 Rev. George Davies, rector of S tax ton, Norfolk/ 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Monson.*' 
 
 1770 John Bradley, of York, gentleman.*' 
 
 1778 John Green, lord bishop of Lincoln.^' 
 
 Mrs. Ann Wride.'* 
 
 1779 John Brinkhall. 
 
 Mrs. Appleyard.*^* 
 
 Mrs. Ann Nelson.'^® 
 
 1784 Rev. Thomas Leake, of Bishop-Burton." 
 
 *^ The Rev. George Davies, clerk, bequeathed the interest of £100. to be distributed in meat 
 on Christmas-day, to the poor of Saint Mary's parish for ever. 
 
 *' Mr. G. Monson left £40. to trustees for the benefit of the poor inhabitants of Lair-gate. 
 
 *2 Mr. Bradley gave to the mayor and two senior aldermen £100. in trust, to apply the proceeds 
 in the purchase of coals and candles, and distribute them annually amongst the poor of Saint 
 Mary's parish. 
 
 23 John Green, late lord bishop of Lincoln, bequeathed £1,000. in the 3 per cent, consolidated 
 bank annuities, in trust to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Beverley, to be applied to one 
 exhibition of £10. to a student of Saint John's college, Cambridge, and the remainder of the divi- 
 dend to the school in Beverley : also £1. per annum for a sermon to be preached. 
 
 2< Mrs. Ann Wride bequeathed £800. to be inv'ested in some good security, in the name of 
 the vicar and churchwardens of the parish of Saint Mary, who are directed to apply the interest 
 in the following manner. " To eight poor women of the said parish, who regularly frequent the 
 church, shall be given twenty shillings each, on Easter Sunday, immediately after divine service, 
 in the chancel of Saint Mary's ; and to each a new gown of grey stuff, and other necessary articles 
 of apparel to the value of twenty shillings each. To eight poor men shall be given at the same 
 time and place, and under the same circumstances, the sum of ten shillings each ; and the clerk, 
 sexton, and wand-bearer of that church shall always constitute three of the number. The further 
 sum of £5. shall be annually distributed amongst the poor of this parish on Christmas-day, in the 
 proportion of two shillings and sixpence to poor families, and a shilling each to single persons. 
 To eight poor persons inhabiting the Maison-dieu, near the North-bar, shall be given on the 
 last mentioned day the sum of ten shillings each. And," adds the testatrix, " I do also order that 
 the sum of one guinea shall be paid to the vicar of the said parish of Saint Mary, and his successors 
 for the time being, on every Easter Sunday, in consideration of the trouble he may have in seeing 
 the said charitable trusts duly performed according to my will ; and I desire that the two fii"st verses 
 of the 2nd Psalm may be always sung on Easter Sunday and on the Sunday next after my decease, 
 in the morning service. Annual income, £30. Is. Od. 
 
 25 Mr. Drinkall left the sum of £100. towards the support of Fox's hospital. And Mr. Appleyard 
 left a like sum to be applied to the same purpose. 
 
 26 Mrs. Nelson bequeathed £60. for the benefit of the poor inhabitants of Lair-gate. 
 
 2'^ The Rev. Thomas Leake, by deed of indenture, vested the sum of £200. in the 3 per cent. 
 consols, in the name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Beverley, to be distributed annually 
 to such poor widowers and widows in the parish of Saint Martin, as shall not receive parochial 
 aid, at the rate of five shillings each, to be selected at the discretion of the mayor, aldermen, And 
 burgesses. 
 
406 
 
 1785 Henry Simpson.®* 
 
 1788 Mrs. Frances Pinckney, of Beverley, widow." 
 
 1792 Henry Myers, of York, alderman.'" 
 
 1803 John Marshall, of Sculcoates, g-entleman.'' 
 
 1812 James Bell, of Beverley, cowkeeper.^^ 
 
 1816 William Wilson, of Beverley, gentleman." 
 
 But it is not in this respect alone that the lower classes in the town of Beverley 
 are highly favoured. A provision has been made for promoting- their spiritual 
 welfare in a series of institutions which have for their object the glory of God and 
 the benefit of man. At the head of these stands a district committee of the 
 venerable 
 
 SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 This society was established in London in the year 1698, and incorporated by a 
 charter of king- William III. in 1701. From that period it has been actively 
 employed in disseminating- its blessings amongst mankind, and has now been 
 
 2* Mr. Simpson bequeathed land to the amount of £10. a year, to be divided aaaiongst twenty 
 poor women of Beverley, at ten shillings each. 
 
 29 Mrs. Pinckney left the interest of £100. to the poor of Beverley, which she directed to 
 be distributed in meat on Christmas-day. 
 
 5° Mr. Myers gave £300. to the vicar and churchwardens of Saint Mary's parish, Beverley, 
 secured on freehold estates in the county of York, the annual income of £15. to be distributed 
 to poor housekeepers belonging to the said parish, at Christmas in every year, in the proportion 
 of four measures of coals to each person. 
 
 3' Mr. Marshall left to the minister and churchwardens of Saint Mary's parish, the sum of 
 £200. to be by them invested in government securities, and to apply the interest to the purchase 
 of bread, which shall be distributed amongst the poor at the church immediately after divine 
 service, at such times as the minister and churchwardens shall deem most expedient. The trustees 
 received £177. 17s. 7d. of Mr. Marshall's executors, after deducting the legacy duty ; and on the 
 13th July, 1808, vested £179. in the navy 5 per cents, in the name of the mayor, aldermen, and 
 burgesses of Beverley. 
 
 32 Mr. Bell bequeathed the sum of £20. to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of 
 Saint Mary's parish, to be invested in government securities, and the dividends regularly distributed 
 in bread to the poor of that parish, at the cross, in Saturday market, on Christmas-day, for ever. 
 
 33 ' Tilliam Wilson ebequthed £400. each to the minister and churchwardens of Saint John's 
 and Saint Martin's parish, Beverley, and to the minister and churchwardens of the parish of Etton, 
 the interest of which he directed to be laid out in the purchase of white bread, and to be given on 
 Sundays to the poor of their respective parishes, at their own discretion, and £400. to bishop 
 Green's charity school. And thus concludes the long detail of posthumous charity, which has 
 descended in such a copious shower on the heads of the poor inhabitants of Beverley. If it call 
 forth their gratitude in the slightest degree, it will experience a return in the regularity of their 
 lives and the decency and good order exhibited in their external conduct. 
 
406 
 
 introduced into every corner of the British empire. Its design embraces three 
 principal objects. 1. — The education of the lower classes in the pure principles of 
 the Christian religion. 2. — The dispersion of Bibles, prayer books, and orthodox 
 religious tracts," not only in the English, but in many other languages. 3. — The 
 support of missions to diffuse the blessings of Christianity throughout every portion 
 of the habitable globe. About the year 1810, diocesan, decanal, and district com- 
 mittees were instituted, and the committee at Beverley was formed on the 24th 
 April, 1816, under the name of the East-riding District Committee. The Rev. 
 Joseph Coltman and the Rev. J. Kirk are the secretaries, and the annual income is 
 about £50. The immber of books issued from the depot at Beverley is as follows. 
 
 DATE. 
 
 BIBLES 
 
 TEST. 
 
 TEST. 
 WITH 
 PSLTR. 
 
 COMMON 
 PRAYER. 
 
 PSALTERS 
 
 RELIG. 
 
 BOOKS Bd. 
 
 AND IN 
 
 BOARDS. 
 
 TRACTS 
 
 SETS OF 
 CARDS 
 
 From July 181 6 to May 1819 
 May 1819 to May 1820 
 
 1820 
 
 1821 
 
 1821 
 
 1822 
 
 1822. 
 
 1823 
 
 1823 
 
 1824 
 
 1824 
 
 1825 
 
 1825 
 
 1826 
 
 1826 
 
 1827 
 
 1827 
 
 1828 
 
 Grand total. 
 
 
 220 
 110 
 
 62 
 193 
 
 45 
 137 
 107 
 175 
 113 
 171 
 
 1333 
 
 239 
 
 m 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 131 
 
 15 
 
 77 
 
 
 
 38 
 
 8 
 
 180 
 
 12 
 
 74 
 
 6 
 
 110 
 
 31 
 
 119 
 
 — 
 
 138 
 
 4 
 
 1132 
 
 147 
 
 660 
 454 
 188 
 322 
 165 
 285 
 179 
 455 
 311 
 316 
 
 646 
 
 310 
 
 136 
 
 13 
 
 153 
 
 75 
 
 24 
 
 91 
 
 172 
 
 73 
 
 416 
 263 
 407 
 169 
 173 
 470 
 175 
 573 
 737 
 448 
 
 12829 
 4244 
 2659 
 2862 
 1599 
 2208 
 1520 
 6635 
 3739 
 5929 
 
 421 
 
 512 
 231 
 
 62 
 200 
 
 50 
 181 
 487 
 350 
 
 3335 
 
 1693 
 
 3831 
 
 44224 
 
 2294 
 
 In connection with this society is the 
 
 NATIONAL SCHOOL 
 
 for promoting the education of the poor in the principles of the established church. 
 This school is situated in Register-square, and the society was established 11th 
 June, 1812. It contains 200 scholars, and is respectably and profitably conducted 
 under the assiduous superintendence of Mr. Ranson, the present master. The 
 institution comprises a district of some miles; and includes, besides the town 
 
 " 1700 children within the limits of the Beverley district, have been supplied wholly or in part 
 from this committee. 
 
40t 
 
 of Beverley, the towns and villages of Driffield, South Cave, Etton, Lockington, 
 Cranswick, and Beeford. The whole contain, according to the report of 1826, 
 five hundred and eleven children of both sexes, who are thus provided with reli- 
 gious instruction by the charitable care of their more opulent neighbours. At 
 Beverley, 175 children; at Driffield, 79; at South Cave, 47 ; at Etton, 64; at 
 Lockington, 73; at Cranswick, 34; and at Beeford, 39. Added to the above, a 
 national Sunday school society was established in the autumn of 1825, in which 
 450 children receive instruction in four school rooms, each of which is managed by 
 gratuitous superintendents. In 1826, the Rev. Joseph Coltman, perpetual curate 
 of Saint John's church, erected a school room at his own expense in the Minster- 
 yard,^' and placed in the wall for preservation two dilapidated pieces of the most 
 ancient altar screen of his church. The officers of this highly beneficial establish- 
 ment are, — 
 
 The Mayor, President. 
 
 W. Beverley, esq. 
 
 Jas. Walker, esq. 
 
 H. Ellison, esq. 
 
 T.Hull, esq. M.D. 
 
 H. Hutton, esq. 
 
 John Lockwood, esq. 
 
 S. Denton, Eeq. 
 T. Duesbery, esq. Treasurer. — Eev. G. B. Blythe, Secretary. 
 I cannot close this article without quoting the concluding words of the com- 
 mittee of the central school as expressed in their fourteenth report. " This goodly 
 tree, having arisen in so short a period from a seed, small as a grain of mustard 
 seed, has already cast its strong fibres deep into the soil, and overshadows the 
 whole land with its branches. And it is devoutly hoped that, under the blessing 
 of divine providence, it is destined still to attain to a fuller and maturer growth, 
 that it will long continue to flourish and to increase ; that year by year its roots 
 will sink deeper into the earth, and its branches rise more loftily towards heaven, 
 shedding in full abundance unspeakable blessings to generations yet to come." 
 
 "^ The following- inscription is placed over the chimney piece. " This room was built A. D. 
 1825, by the Rev. Joseph Coltman, M. A. curate of th« minster; the eastern part thereof extend- 
 ing from east to west 14 feet, and from north to south 25 feet, was occupied by an old stable 
 belonging to the crown, with a chamber over it belonging to the curate of the minster, and a 
 small yard; the remainder was the freehold property of the said Joseph Coltman." 
 
 Vice Presidents. 
 
408 
 
 The disisenters have also their Sunday schools, at which about 500 children 
 receive instruction. 
 
 Thus is the state of society as it regards the poor placed on a scale of gradual 
 and progressive improvement. The instruction of these societies, and the re- 
 establishment of the parochial libraries have given a moral impulse to the rising 
 generation which every Christian will hail with unmixed sensations of the purest 
 delight. The faculties of the lower orders will, by this process, be improved, and 
 their increasing knowledge will produce regular habits, and a systematic attach- 
 ment to the laws of decency and decorum. 
 
 A CLERICAL FUND 
 
 for the East-riding of Yorkshire was established at Beverley in the year 1781, for 
 the relief of necessitous widows and orphans of clergymen. Every benefactor by 
 a donation of twenty guineas is a governor for life; and every subscriber of a 
 guinea is a governor for that year. Patron. — The right reverend the Archbishop 
 of York. President. — The very reverend R. D. Waddilove, D. D. Archdeacon. 
 Vice President. — R. Bethell, esq. of Rise. Treasurer. — Rev. J. Coltman.^'^ 
 
 AN AUXILIARY RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY 
 
 was established at Beverley about the beginning of the present year, for the 
 purpose of promoting the circulation of religious tracts in the town and neighbour- 
 hood, and of aiding the funds of the religious tract society in London, especially 
 towards its extensive and increasing foreign operations. The business of the 
 society is conducted by a committee of ten members, together with the president, 
 treasurer, and two secretaries, all to be chosen annually. The subscription is five 
 shillings a year ; one fourth of which is appropriated towards the purchase of tracts 
 
 36 « Orders for the disposal of the charitable contributions. 
 
 1 . That the persons to be relieved by this charity, be, the widows of clerg-ymen so continuing ; 
 
 the orphans of clergymen unprovided for, and not in a way of providing for themselves; 
 clergymen who have become necessitous by age, sickness, infirmity, or misfortune; and 
 the children of necessitous clergymen, in the life time of the said clergymen, so far as to 
 be apprenticed at proper ages. 
 
 2. That no person be relieved by this charity, but the families of such clergymen, who at the 
 
 time of their death or incapacity were possessed of some ecclesiastical preferment, or li- 
 censed to a curac}', where a licence is required, within the East-riding, or town and 
 county of Hull; and such clergymen themselves, as at the time of their incapacity were 
 circumstanced as aforesaid." From the Report of 1828. 
 
409 
 
 and the local expenses of the society, and the surplus to be presented to the parent 
 society." 
 
 The Rev. Joseph Coltman, President. 
 Committee. 
 
 The Rev. J. Eyre 
 The Rev. W. Hildyard 
 The Rev. G. P. Richards 
 The Rev. J. Mather 
 Mr. J. Jackson 
 
 Mr. J. Willis 
 Mr. M. Robinson 
 Mr. M. Turner 
 Mr. W. Atkinson 
 Mr. B. Robinson. 
 
 Treasurer. — Mr. Thomas Lee. 
 Secretaries. — The Rev. W. R. Gilby and Mr. A. Atkinson. 
 
 BIBLE SOCIETY. 
 
 This auxiliary society collects annually about £35. in Beverley, and from the 
 report of 1826, there appears to have been sold from the depository there 58 bibles 
 and 99 testaments within the current year. " It is much to be regretted," say the 
 committee in this report, " that a difference of opinion continues to prevail in some 
 parts of the united kingdom, particularly in Scotland, on the question relating to 
 bibles containing the Apocrypha. On this subject your committee feel it incum- 
 bent upon them to declare their opinion, that the resolution lately adopted by the 
 general committee, and noticed in their last report, is one calculated to afford the 
 most perfect satisfaction to every reasonable mind. Under these impressions your 
 committee conclude their report, with the expression of their humble hope, that 
 by the divine blessing, peace and harmony will ere long be restored to the general 
 society which, up to a late period, had marked every stage of its progress ; and 
 that every friend to religion will rally round the one invariable standard of divine 
 truth, the unadulterated word of God."" 
 
 President. — R. Mackenzie Beverley, esq. 
 
 Treasurer. — Mr. S. Bland. 
 
 Secretaries.— Rev. J. Coltman and Rev. W. R. Gilby. 
 
 " Resolutions of the Auxiliary Tract Society, 1st January, 1827. 
 " From the fourteenth Report of the Beverley Auxiliary Bible Society. 
 
 3 £ 
 
410 
 
 DISPENSARYwiOi .* • 
 A dispensary for the sick poor was established in the year 1823, which has 
 already proved a blessing" to hundreds of afflicted patients, whose poverty placed 
 the highest medical assistance in the neighbourhood otherwise beyond their reach. 
 It is supported by voluntary subscription, and attended gratuitously by the medi- 
 cal gentlemen of the town in rotation. From its commencement, to the month of 
 September, 1826, 1373 patients have been admitted. 
 
 From September 1st, 1825, to September 1st, 1826. 
 
 Discharged irregular 5 
 
 Dead 17 
 
 Remaining on the books 19 
 
 Admitted within the year 362 
 
 Discharged cured 286 
 
 ■ relieved 31 
 
 incurable 4 
 
 Officers. 
 President. — The Mayor. 
 Vice Presidents. 
 Henry Ellison, esq. Rev. John Gilby 
 
 William Beverley, esq. Rev. Joseph Coltman 
 
 Thomas Duesbery, esq. Rev. W. R. Gilby. 
 
 Treasurer. — Thomas Duesbery, esq. 
 Committee. 
 
 H. J. Shepherd, esq. 
 
 Rev. William Hildyard 
 Rev. James Eyre 
 Rev. G. P. Richards 
 H. W. Maister, esq. 
 James Brown, M. D. 
 
 Thomas Hull, M. D. 
 
 Mr. Sandwith 
 Mr. Jackson 
 Mr. Williams 
 
 Apothecary.- 
 
 H. W. Hutton, esq. 
 Mr. Collett 
 Mr. Bland 
 Mr. Turner.'" 
 
 Physicians. 
 
 I Matthew Chalmers, M. D. 
 Surgeons. 
 
 Mr. Brereton 
 
 Mr. Carter. 
 
 -Mr. Hall. Secretary. — Mr. Mark Robinson. 
 
 '^ The committee, in their last report, express themselves " more than usually gratified in being 
 able to state the manifest increase of benefit arising from the well-directed management of the 
 institution, as it is more especially shewn by a great diminution of disease, as also by the almost 
 
411 
 
 The institution is yet but in its infancy, and its genial results are obvious from 
 the above extract. Its institution is highly creditable to the inhabitants of 
 Beverley ; and it promises to become of essential and lasting benefit, not only to 
 the present, but also to fuiture generations. 
 
 LYING-IN CHARITY. 
 
 This very laudable institution was established in the year 1812. It has an 
 income of £80. a year raised by voluntary subscription, and the benefits which it 
 conveys to the poor are almost incalculable. The most arduous situation of female 
 life is ameliorated, not only by the provision of linen and other necessaries for the 
 period of their confinement, accompanied by pecuniary presents, but also by the 
 displayed kindness and condescension of their superiors ; by the cheering voice of 
 commiseration and encouragement; by the warm heart and beneficent hand with 
 which the bounty is bestowed. Here it is that faith in the Redeemer is shewn 
 by its fruits; here piety and love scatter their choicest blessings; and here a mild 
 and genial religion sheds its mildest beams. If to imitate the Saviour of mankind, 
 who went about doing good ; if to convey essential benefits to the worthy but 
 indigent fellow Christian; if to pour the balm, and oil and wine of consolation 
 and assistance into the bosom of helpless poverty in the most distressing period of 
 need, be to practice religion in its native purity, then we may conclude that the 
 illustrious band of females by whom this glorious institution is supported, are in 
 the constant habit of performing one great branch of Christian obedience, and by 
 administering to the wants and necessities of others, endeavour to keep themselves 
 unspotted from the world. 
 
 total absence of diseases of a contagious nature. Where contagion has begun, the timely adminis- 
 tration of relief so easily obtained, and generally speaking, so justly appreciated, has, in every 
 instance, put a stop to its spreading, and prevented those ravages to which the indigent and help- 
 less poor are more especially exposed. The speedy restoration of health in some, whose diseases 
 have been of the more acute kind, which in a great measure are produced and influenced by the 
 seasons, and the great and lasting advantages obtained by others who had long suffered under 
 disease in its chronic form, have been so obvious as already to have produced the effect which 
 might have been anticipated, of inducing patients to apply for tickets of admission at the first 
 onset of disease; notwithstanding which, however, the number of admissions in this year is less by 
 132 than in the preceding; a fact of no small importance, giving a proof of a more healthy con- 
 dition of the poor, by which the health of the town in general must be more or less influenced." 
 Fourth Report of the Beverley Dispensary. , ^ 
 
 3 E 2 
 
412 
 
 The managers of this institution for the present year, are — 
 
 Lady Pennyman, Treasurer. — Mrs. Foster, Secretary. 
 Committee. 
 
 Mrs. Marshall 
 Mr. H. Maister 
 Mrs. Duesbery 
 Mrs. H. Shepherd 
 
 Miss Lee 
 
 Miss Inman 
 
 Miss Brown, Norwood. 
 
 Mrs. Gilby 
 
 Mrs. Lockwood 
 
 Miss Jackson 
 
 Mrs. Mather 
 
 Miss Kirke 
 
 Mrs. T. Lee 
 
 Mrs. W. Atkinson 
 
 Mrs. Brown, North-Bar-Street 
 
 Mrs. Kinchlo, Matron. 
 The last institution which will be introduced here, although not strictly belong- 
 ing to the class which forms the subject of this chapter, is the 
 
 BANK FOR SAVINGS, 
 
 which was established at Beverley, April 13, 1818. The decided utility of these 
 excellent institutions is too well known, and too justly appreciated, to need a 
 comment in this place. It appears that the inhabitants of Beverley and the 
 neighbourhood have been fully impressed with its beneficial tendency, for the 
 amount of deposits has been very considerable, as may be seen from the following 
 statement. £. s. d. 
 
 Deposits in 1819 10,869 1 9i 
 
 1820 13,267 14 8 
 
 1821 16,739 14 5 
 
 ^^^H 36,495 4 4 
 
 1823) 
 
 1824 42,811 3 
 
 1825 51,992 7 4 
 
 -1826 57,114 15 10 
 
 Total in eight years 229,289 18 7| 
 
 Richard Bethell, esquire, is President of the institution; William Beverley, 
 esquire. Vice President; Messrs. Bower & Co. Treasurers; and James Tindall, 
 Clerk. 
 
413 
 
 ®ibftp» ^^* 
 
 Present state of the town — Morality — Friendly societies — Learning — Trade. 
 
 The town of Beverley thus constructed, decorated, and governed; happy in the 
 abundance of its charities and charitable institutions, abounding in a population at 
 once wealthy and enlightened ; presents a fair specimen of a substantial and well 
 managed town. It must be acknowledged, however, as no earthly good can 
 dispense its blessings without being counterbalanced with a proportionate alloy of 
 evil, that here, as in all independent borough towns, two conflicting parties exist, 
 which usually clash at public meetings, when the discussion of any important 
 measure is introduced ; and hence such meetings are often clamorous and discor- 
 dant. But good sense, in the end, generally predominates over the influence of 
 party feeling; and measures, which are really calculated for public benefit, will 
 usually be carried into eflect, from what individuals soever they may originally 
 emanate. 
 
 These remarks are verified by the present state of the town. Its publick build- 
 ings are characterized by neatness, the offspring of official care ; and its streets 
 exhibit a picture of cleanliness, which reflects a high degree of credit on the police. 
 From a comparison with many other towns that pass under our inspection as we 
 traverse the country in various directions, the town of Beverley stands pre-eminent, 
 which affords an unquestionable evidence of superior management, that merits 
 notice, and calls forth approbation. It is well paved, well lighted, and clean, 
 three requisites which bear a silent yet eloquent testimony to the excellence of its 
 internal government; and this is corroborated by other facts connected with the 
 moral character of the population. Time was, when the peaceful inhabitants were 
 periodically disturbed by the nocturnal revels of dissolute young men, who, setting 
 at defiance the laws of morality, perambulated the streets in a riotous manner, to 
 the great annoyance of the town. Mild measures were adopted to induce these 
 general disturbers of the publick peace to refrain from such an open violation of 
 common decency; but these proving ineffectual, the magistrates, with a zeal 
 
414 
 
 which cannot be too highly commended, issued their mandate " for more effectually 
 preserving" the publick peace, and preventing all riots, disturbances, and affrays;" 
 and earnestly requesting " that all persons who have apprentices or servants under 
 their care and control, will not permit them to be absent from their respective 
 dwelling-houses after nine o'clock in winter, and ten in summer." And all inn- 
 keepers are strictly enjoined not to suffer them to remain in their houses after the 
 prescribed hours under pain of forfeiting their licence.' 
 
 This injunction proved an efi'ectual remedy for the evil; but it is not in the 
 2)0wer of a magistracy, how active and vigilant soever it may be, fully to restrain 
 and correct the grosser vices of an uneducated population. If the inherent de- 
 pravity of man be not regulated and restrained by a judicious course of early culture 
 and tuition, it will ripen into an exuberance of licentiousness, which will render 
 alike unavailing the efforts of mildness or coercion to confine it within the limits of 
 regularity and order; and every relaxation from daily employment will be marked 
 by an indulgence in riot and intemperate mirth, that despises all decent control, 
 and is callous to the wounded feelings of the discriminating portion of mankind. 
 
 Morality. — In referring to the moral conduct of the lower orders in Beverley, 
 little, I fear, can yet be said in their behalf. It is a thankless subject to introduce, 
 but to render a statistical account of the town complete, it cannot be altogether 
 omitted. Nothing has so great a tendency to promote civilization as the institution 
 of a Sabbath ; and nothing is so favourable to the interests of morality as regular 
 habits and devout behaviour on that sacred day, exemplified by an uniform ob- 
 servance of the duties of religion. This was felt in the town of Beverley in times 
 long gone by, and orders were issued to enforce a sober demeanor on the Lord's 
 day. More than two hundred years ago penalties were inflicted to reform an abuse, 
 at that time very prevalent, of exposing wares for sale in the churchyard, and the 
 sum of three shillings and fourpence was imposed for every offence; and persons 
 tippling on a Sunday in alehouses were subjected to the same fine, which was in- 
 creased to ten shillings on publicans who suffered the practice to be used within 
 their doors.^ The town and liberties contain a population of nearly 8000 souls, a cer- 
 tain portion of which are never seen, except from the effects of accident, necessity or 
 curiosity, within the walls of a place of worship. The disregard of everything sacred, 
 by such people, on the Lord's day, speaks loudly against their morals. Much has 
 
 ' This document is dated 19th December, 1820. 
 2 Corp. Rec. 14 October, 1613. 
 
415 
 
 been done by successive magistrates to put a final period to the practice of using 
 holiday games, and to tippling on that holy day; but candour still proclaims that 
 much remains to do. The remedy however for all this mass of evil, is extremely 
 simple and easy, if resolutely and faithfully applied. The morals of the labouring 
 classes are unquestionably in the hands of their immediate superiors; and if parents 
 and masters w^ould take the trouble to discountenance vice in their children, ser- 
 vants, and dependents, by open reprehension, and personal example; if they would 
 not only attend the ordinances of religion themselves, but require an attention to 
 the same duties in those who have been placed by divine providence under their 
 especial superintendence; if they would not only reverence the Sabbath themselves, 
 but see that their children and servants do the same, the noise, the loitering, the 
 contempt of moral duties, the profanation of the Lord's day would naturally cease; 
 and this simple process, added to the benefits of a religious education, would do 
 more for the cause of religion and morals than all the theoretic lectures that ever 
 have, or ever will be delivered by learned divines or speculative moralists. 
 
 It is much to be wished that the principal inhabitants of Beverley would turn 
 their attention to this very important subject. Much might be accomplished by 
 kindness and persuasion where force would be altogether unavailing. It is true, 
 there are disorderly spirits in existence, which nothing can reform but absolute 
 severity; but these, happily, are not numerous; and it may be fairly presumed, 
 that a trifling exertion used by the heads of families, would place this town, in 
 respect to its moral improvement, not merely on a level with, but superior to, most 
 towns of the same magnitude throughout the kingdom. 
 
 Friendly Societies. — While on the subject of morals, a few observations 
 on the establishment of friendly societies may neither be irrelevant nor improper. 
 These societies merit every encouragement, because they are calculated to implant 
 habits of industry, to promote regularity and order, and to introduce a principle of 
 decorum amongst that humble rank by which the rules of etiquette or decent cere- 
 mony would be otherwise unknown. On the original establishment of friendly 
 societies, about the beginning of the 18th century, the benefits resulting from them 
 were not duly appreciated; they therefore made little progress until the year 1750, 
 when their advantages were explained by an able writer, and a knowledge of their 
 utility was universally diffused. This caused them rapidly to increase, and they 
 were soon introduced into every town and populous village throughout England 
 and Wales. At this time there exist upwards of 10,000 friendly societies, which 
 comprize more than one twelfth part of the population. 
 
416 
 
 In Beverley there are at present three of these institutions; the Brotherly Society, 
 established in the year 1776, which has 378 members; the New Friendly Society, 
 established A. D. 1790, has 502 members; and the New Sisters' Friendly Society, 
 established in 1804, contains 106 members. If the more opulent inhabitants would 
 unite their aid in the encouragement of these excellent institutions, by enrolling 
 their names on the lists as honorary subscribers, they would find the value of their 
 annual contributions amply returned, by an increase of social order, arising from 
 the good example of the members, who are stimulated to propriety of behaviour 
 by the consideration that they possess a stake in the town, and are constantly 
 cheered by the reflection that they are treasuring up a provision for sickness and 
 old age, to shield them from want in that dreary season, without the humiliating 
 consciousness of obligation, or the dread of absolute indigence. 
 
 Learning. — The state of learning in Beverley is an agreeable subject of con- 
 templation. Of late years the progress of knowledge has been gradual and uniform ; 
 and at the present day, there is scarcely a science of importance which has not 
 admirers at Beverley, by whom it is well understood. A Book Society was esta- 
 blished in the year 1823, which was constituted for the circulation of new works, 
 not periodical, on general literature. It is supported by a select number of the 
 gentlemen resident in the town, which is restricted to twenty. The subscription 
 is a guinea and a half annually, and the books are regularly circulated amongst 
 the members according to an arranged plan. Works on the three learned pro- 
 fessions are excluded. To specify names might appear invidious, as a taste for 
 literature is becoming general amongst all ranks of people above the very 
 lowest grades of society ; but it may be right to refer to the resident clergy, with 
 Mr. Coltman at their head, as being able supporters of that great and important 
 system of faith and practice which must finally be decisive of our eternal lot; and 
 the luminous pamphlet published by Mr. Coltman on the minster, is a specimen 
 of good taste and kindly feeling which will embalm his memory when ages have 
 rolled over his grave. The medical profession, botany, and antiquities, are familiar 
 to Dr. Hull ; R. M. Beverley, esquire, is an able antiquary and poet ; Robert 
 Machell, esquire, is intimately conversant in the abstruse science of heraldry; Mr. 
 Brereton, by assiduous application has made himself master of geology; and without 
 any further reference to names, the interests of general literature are dear to most 
 of the opulent inhabitants. 
 
 Trade. — In early times every trade in Beverley had its separate guild or fra- 
 ternity, in which the individuals were associated equally for order and mutual 
 
411 
 
 advantage, and placed under the direction of an alderman. Each g-uild was 
 g"Overned by its own laws, subject, nevertheless, to the control of a general meeting- 
 of the aldermen, whose ordinances were binding on each respective guild. Retail 
 shops were not allowed in the fifteenth century; and sales for money by retail were 
 finable at the discretion of the twelve governors.^ In the Corpus Christi pageants 
 the trades were arranged with a nice regard to etiquette, according to a presumed 
 rank or claim to precedence; and every individual was enjoined to be habited in a 
 dress peculiar to his own fraternity. During the existence of these guilds, no person 
 was allowed to trade except he were free of a brotherhood;^ and the monopoly con- 
 tinued in full force till the dissolution; after which, the interests of the town 
 
 ^ I think it necessary to produce my authority for this fact ; and though the document is rather 
 long, yet it is too curious to be omitted. 
 
 " Itt is ordayne and statute in the feast of Saynt Marc the Evangeliste in the yr of our Lorde 
 God 1493, by Thomas Frost, Roger Kelke, Robert Whyte, and the brethren ratefyed and con- 
 firm"! by Adam Newcombe Rawmthwayte, Jon Coke and the brethren y^ same day elect by the 
 assent and consent of all the aldermen and all the comonalty of the towne of Beverley yat day 
 beyng present in y« Gylde-haule, Fyrst itt is ordane and statute yat no gentleman, yemah, ne 
 craftsman of the towne of Beverley be takyn to worshyp of the towne bott allonely yat buys 
 charge of clothyng, castele and pageants within the sayde town. And also there shall no man 
 occupy none occupacyon nowhere by himself nor by no jorneyman noght within y" /ranches of 
 Beverley bott allonely yat at he is brother withall and in clothyng. And att every man be in 
 clothyng with y^ craft yat he moste gets hys lyfFyng by. Also yat every burgess of the towne of 
 Beverley be free to bye and to sell hys awne gudes, so that he keeps no oppyn shopp in retaylying, 
 nor no man to by any maner of marchanndyse for redy money to sell it agayne in retalying, bott 
 it sail be presentyd by the alderman of marchants to y^ xij governors for the yere beyng. And itt 
 to be fynable by the dyscrecyon of the foresayd xij governors as oft tymes as any such defauts 
 be founde in retaylyng. . . . Also itt is desyrd by the drapers that thai shall be in clothyng 
 by thare selves and to have a castell and a pageante as other occupacyons have, such a pageante as 
 the xij governors will assigne them to upon payne of forfeitoure to the comyalte of xl' Also that 
 every man be fre to bye hys awne clothe wher so ever he may fynde hys marchant. And att all 
 this ordynances aforesayd be kept in every degre with every occupacyon upon payne of forfettoures 
 of x'.i to ye comynylte. Theyse where the names of the aldermen followyng yat ware consentyng 
 to thys ordynance afores regystered with the consente and assente of moste parte of y^ brethren." 
 Signed by the alderman of each guild; twenty-two in number. Lansd. MSS. B. Mus. 896. VIII. 
 fo. 165. 
 
 * In addition to these trade guilds, mention is made of three other guilds in Beverley, each 
 being placed under an alderman and assistants; the guild of the minstrelJs, a full account of which 
 may be found in the next chapter ; the guild of Corpus Christi, mentioned in the Provost's book, 
 1. 1. p. 60; and the guild of the Virgin Mary in a hospital without the North-bar, named in 
 Compotus Gubernat. Com. Vill. Bev. The two latter were probably of a religious nature, and 
 established purely for spiritual purposes. The members entered into a contract with each other 
 to practise the great duties of virtue and piety ; to contribute towards the building of hospitals 
 and other places of charitable appropriation ; and periodically to celebrate religious festivals, several 
 of which were commemorated in Beverley, particularly the festival of Corpus Christi, which 
 occupied the whole town for two or more days in each year, under the direction of the twelve 
 governors ; and the festival of the boy bishop, solemnized in the collegiate church. 
 
 3 F 
 
418 
 
 demanding" a free trade, it could never be effectually renewed, althoug-h the exclu- 
 sion of strangers was continued till a later period. Its first infraction was in the 
 17th century, when an order was made in behalf of certain citizens of London, 
 affording- them permission to attend the annual fairs; and giving- them accommo- 
 dations in High-g-ate to erect stalls and expose their g-oods for sale ; hence this 
 street acquired a temporary appellation. 
 
 The principal trade of Beverley, in former times, was effected through the 
 medium of these fairs. Weekly markets were also held from a very early period ; 
 and articles of domestic consumption were probably exposed for sale daily on stalls 
 in certain parts of the town. Hence these streets acquired the significant appellation 
 of venelke / and were Fleming-gate, Lair-gate, Moor-gate, where the fish market 
 was held, and several other places. The London merchants brought down to the 
 fairs all kinds of articles which were of general utility; such as hardware and 
 cutlery, mercery and millinery, wearing apparel and jewellery, &c.; and they at- 
 tended in such numbers, that the stalls reached from one end of High-gate to 
 the other, on both sides, and the country people supplied themselves with the 
 requisite quantity of each which might be suflftcient to serve from fair to fair. 
 Subsequent improvements abolished this kind of precarious traffic, which was pon- 
 derous and inconvenient; and the city merchants opened permanent shops, which 
 being placed under the direction of agents who were burgesses of the town, were 
 regularly supplied with the requisite stock of goods to meet the expected consump- 
 tion. Soon these agents began to trade on their own account; and the uniform 
 system which now prevails, was gradually introduced and brought to perfection by 
 successive stages of improvement. 
 
 •^ The word venella appears to have had three distinct meanings. Mr. Wright, Court Hand 
 Restored, p. 60, has defined it simply as a lane, and this was its meaning in such passages as the 
 following, in the Provost's register of Beverley; venelle que vocatur Ryngandlane, 1. 1. p. 26; 
 and again in the chartulary belonging to Saint Catherine's chantry, venella vocat Clapgate. Carta 
 Alexander Crab. 1365. But it signified also a place where goods were exposed for sale, and in 
 this sense I apprehend it was originally used as a derivation from the adjective venalis. Thus in 
 the Provost's register the street called Lair-gate, in which a temporary market was held, is termed a 
 venella; 1. 1. pp. 26, 29. and the word sometimes was used for the stall or bazaar of a single 
 individual. Thus, in an old compotus of the corporation we find the following charges. Et de 
 xij**- p' de Joh' Skypwyth p' veneir jux^ mess'' suii in alta via, &c. Et de iiij4 p' de Kater Cokke 
 p' veneV jux^ ten' Johi' Holm in Flemmingate. Et de vj'^de canonico dom' S'ci Egidij p' venella 
 inter ten' sufi. This was probably a general market. Ric' Marshall and Joh' Briggehous p' mediet' 
 veneW jux* Bryddalmydding xij<! Tho' Mayne p' venella jux* mess' suu in Flemyngate ij*? Several 
 other venellae are charged to individuals in Fleming-gate, and mention is also made of a Co'a 
 venella in the same street. 
 
419 
 
 A century ag-o the chief trade of Beverley was in tanning and malting, and the 
 business in both these departments was very extensive. At present there are seven 
 tanners, three of whom have fellmongers yards also. The nurseries of Messrs. G. 
 and W. Tindall are, at this time, the most extensive speculation which is carried 
 on at Beverley in the way of trade. They contain 130 acres, and are cultivated 
 entirely by the spade. Fifty persons are usually employed on these grounds. Some 
 small plantations for the cultivation of mint were established about 40 years ago, 
 on plots of garden and other ground adjoining the Hull road, and in Grovehill-lane, 
 to the amount of about 10 or 12 acres. The mint is distilled in the town, but it is 
 much less profitable than during the war, because the Dutch are able to undersell 
 us. There are yet, however, in Beverley four or five distilleries. The corn trade 
 may be estimated from the following return for the year 1827, in quarters. 
 
 WHEAT. BARLEY. OATS. BEANS. RYE. PEAS. 
 
 17,544 3310 3437 353 18 47 
 
 The quantity of meat slaughtered for the use of the town must be immense, when 
 we consider that Beverley contains thirty-three resident butchers, besides many 
 others who regularly attend from the country on market days ; and every other 
 article of general consumption® is exposed for sale in great abundance. Both the 
 necessaries and luxuries of life are supplied in profusion and meet a ready sale. 
 
 A good deal of general business is done in Beverley; a minute specification of 
 which would far exceed the limits appropriated to this article. Its trade may pro- 
 bably have sustained an increase since the establishment of the banks, which have 
 maintained their credit during all the recent fluctuations in the money-market, and 
 enjoy the entire confidence of the publick. Suffice it to enumerate the professions 
 
 ^ It may be useful here to record the average price of provisions at the present time, as matter 
 of future reference. Fine flour, 3s. 6d. a stone ; beef, veal, and pork fluctuates from 6d. to 8d. a 
 pound; mutton from 6d. to 7d. ; butter, in summer, lOd. a pound; in winter, Is. 6d. ; eggs, 6d. 
 per dozen in summer, advancing to Is. 3d. in the winter season; turkeys, .5s. each; geese, 4s. 6d. ; 
 fowls, 2s. 6d. and ducks, 3s. 6d. a couple. The price of fish is very variable, and depends, in a 
 great measure, on the supply. At a plentiful market, salmon is Is. 8d. per pound ; turbot, 3d. 
 cod, 2d. haddocks, 2d. per pound; and scait, Is. each ; but when the market is ill supplied, these 
 prices are nearly doubled. The price of milk is tolerably steady, and averages about Id. per pint. 
 Vegetables and fruit also vary according to the season. We have known them both very cheap, 
 and uncommonly dear. Potatoes have varied from 2s. to 4s. a bushel ; apples from Is. to 4s. a 
 a peck; plums from 2s. 6d. to 5s.; grapes are generally about Is. a pound. In the early part of 
 the season, these articles of common consumption are advanced in price proportionably with 
 their scarcity ; and it is but reasonable that the industrious and skilful gardener should reap the 
 benefit of his extraordinary exertions for the accommodation of the publick. 
 
 3 F 2 
 
420 
 
 and trades, from which a comparative estimate may be made by any person who 
 has leisure or curiosity to pursue the enquiry. Belonging- to the two churches and 
 the grammar school are six clergymen; there are also two physicians; five 
 surgeons; fourteen attornies, and two banks, each containing a firm of three 
 names; fifteen schools; fourteen wine, spirit, and porter merchants; thirteen corn, 
 coal, or timber merchants; twelve drapers; four druggists; four booksellers; twenty- 
 seven shopkeepers; nine ironmongers and braziers; five tallow chandlers; three 
 veterinary surgeons; nineteen millers and bakers; twenty gardeners and seedsmen; 
 two bone crushers; seven tanners; seven maltsters; nineteen tailors and drapers; 
 six distillers; three stonemasons; six tea-dealers; fourteen white and blacksmiths; 
 twenty-six joiners and cabinet-makers; six saddlers; thirty-three butchers; five 
 brewers; twenty-five boot and shoe-makers; two coopers; three curriers; seven 
 painters; sixteen milliners and straw bonnet makers; thirty-six victuallers; eleven 
 bricklayers; four watchmakers; three flaxdressers; three glaziers; six glass and 
 pot sellers; four clothes and pawnbrokers; nine hairdressers; four hatmakers; three 
 hosiers ; three weavers ; five ropemakers ; nine wheelwrights and machine-makers ; 
 two toy shops; two turners; four staymakers; two fishmongers;'^ and this forms a 
 comprehensive account of the various professions, trades, and callings practised at 
 Beverley. 
 
 ^ Notwithstanding the great number of tradesmen in this town, they are all, generally speaking, 
 well supported, and many have risen to opulence ; and some have retired with a competent inde- 
 pendence, and passed their latter days in ease and comfort, enjoying the honourable fruits of 
 their successful industry. 
 
 View oj the Grand-Stand on the Race Course.— See p. ■130. 
 
421 
 
 Cf)ap. l^3J3f. 
 
 Games, amusements, and customs — Bull hailing — Badger baiting — Cock fighting- 
 
 Corpus-Christi plays — Boy hislwp — -Minstrels Cucking stool — ^-Stange — 
 
 Football — -Angling Races — -Social amusements — -Chairing a member of 
 
 parliament. 
 
 The inhabitants of Beverley, from the most early times, have been celebrated 
 for their excellence in all the sports vrhich were peculiar to the age in which they 
 lived. As soon as the interest in one amusement ceased, another was substituted 
 in its room, and a succession of games have attracted the attention of the people 
 up to the present time. At the head of these we will place the once popular, 
 though now deservedly abolished sport of 
 
 BULL BAITING. — This was a favourite amusement throughout England 
 until a very recent period ; and regular bear-gardens were kept in London for the 
 exclusive purpose of baiting bulls and bears, which were openly patronized by the 
 nobility. Scaffolds and seats were erected for the safety and convenience of the 
 spectators; and the bearward was at length constituted an officer in the royal 
 family. Baiting the bear was a favourite amusement with our ancestors the Anglo- 
 Saxons ; and at Norwich, a part of the annual payments enumerated in Domesday, 
 consisted of a bear and six dogs to bait it.' 
 
 * " Training of bulls, bears, horses, and other animals for the purpose of baiting them with 
 dogs, is a vicious pastime, which has the sanction of high antiquity. Fitz-Stephen, who lived in 
 the reign of Henry II. tells us that in the forenoon of every holiday, during the winter season, 
 the young Londoners were amused with boars opposed to each other in battle ; or with bulls, or 
 full grown bears baited by dogs." In the reign of Henry VIII. and during the time of his daughter 
 Elizabeth, bull-baiting was considered a gentlemanly diversion, and was openly patronized by 
 these monarchs, and performed, not unfrequently, on the Lord's day. " When queen Mary 
 visited her sister, the princess Elizabeth, during her confinement at Hatfield house ; the next 
 morning, after mass, a grand exhibition of bear-baiting was made for their amusement, with which, 
 it is said, their highnesses were right-well content. The same princess, soon after her accession 
 to the throne, gave a splendid dinner to the French ambassadors, who afterwards were entertained 
 with the baiting of bulls and bears ; and the queen herself stood with the ambassadors looking at 
 the pastime till six at night." Strutt's Sports, p. 192. 
 
422 
 
 It was a prevalent custom at Beverley, in former times, for every chief 
 magistrate, on being- sworn into office, to present a bull to be baited for the amuse- 
 ment of the populace; and the sport was usually performed in front of his own 
 residence, for which purpose a ring- was fixed in the pavement. This custom had 
 obtained so much celebrity by constant usage, that many of the corporate body, 
 though disapproving altogether of the practice, were obliged, in this instance, to 
 comply with the wishes of the people, though it was a painful outrage to their 
 feelings, and peculiarly obnoxious to the female part of their families, for the 
 greatest barbarity was used in the management of this diversion. If the bull were too 
 tame, it was customary to pour hot spirits or beaten pepper into his nostrils ; and 
 if this failed to rouse the poor animal to anger, it was not uncommon to flash gun- 
 powder into those tender parts, or even to irritate him by lacerating the fleshy 
 parts of his body with knives, and pouring aquafortis into the wounds, that the 
 excruciating pain might drive him raging mad; and this was termed "shewing 
 game." At length Mr. Alderman Arden, and it will be ever remembered to his 
 honour, resolved to abolish this barbarous amusement, at the risk of sacrificing his 
 popularity with the people, and positively refused to provide an animal for this 
 brutal purpose. The disappointed mob complained loudly of the loss of their 
 favourite diversion; and a bull continued to be provided occasionally by the mem- 
 bers of the borough, whose interest it was to indulge their constituents, and 
 conciliate their favourable opinion. But in 1820, George Lane Fox, esq. one of 
 their representatives, had spirit enough to refuse a compliance with this vicious 
 custom; telling them that "the amusement is both cruel and barbarous, and by 
 abolishing it, the burgesses of Beverley would not only do credit to themselves, but 
 to the borough and town at large."' Mr. Martin's act put a final period to bull 
 baiting in Beverley. An attempt was made to revive the practice ; but it was met 
 by the magistrates with a proper spirit ; for they levied the fine* imposed by that 
 statute on the ringleaders, and thus finally relieved the inhabitants from the annual 
 recurrence of those feelings which naturally result from a reflection that useless 
 torture has been wantonly inflicted on a dumb and helpless animal. 
 
 BADGER BAITING — was formerly in request amongst the common people, 
 but is now altogether disused. 
 
 COCK FIGHTING. — This barbarous diversion has been followed with great 
 avidity at Beverley, but it has declined in proportion with the moral improvement 
 
 2 Hand-bill, dated September 29th, 1820. 
 * The fine was levied by the same Alderman Arden, who first refused to provide a bull. 
 
423 
 
 of the people. The cockpit was situated in Wood-lane ; but was afterwards con- 
 verted into a Methodist meeting-house ; and is now used as a worsted manufactory. 
 The sport has been totally suppressed under the publican's licensing act. 
 
 Cock fighting- is a diversion of great antiquity, having been practised by the 
 Athenians, with whom it is said to have originated. It was encouraged by 
 Themistocles under an idea that it inspired the spectators with extraordinary 
 courage;^ and hence it was exhibited before his soldiers on the eve of an engage- 
 ment. The Romans imitated the Greeks in their fondness for this amusement. 
 From the Romans it passed into Britain ; and it still continues to be a favourite 
 diversion in many parts of this kingdom. 
 
 These cruel sports, bull baiting, cock fighting, pugilism, &c. are not without 
 their advocates amongst the learned, who think that the manly diversions which 
 formed the manners of our hardy and unconquerable forefathers, are now giving 
 way before the affected delicacy and the overweening fastidiousness of cant and 
 enthusiasm.* But do the callous feelings of barbarity form any part of the com- 
 position of true fortitude and manly virtue ? Surely not. If we consider man in 
 the abstract, we must regard him as a being formed for intellectual enjoyments, 
 because created for immortality, and consequently superior to the brutal feelings 
 which turn cruelty into sport. The pangs of a wounded and dying animal 
 should give pain to a nature which is preparing for perfection in another world. 
 But in this barbarous amusement, it is the infliction of wounds alone which can 
 excite the gratification of its sanguinary admirers. The refined and heightened 
 cruelty of, what is termed, a Welsh main, need only be described to cover a sensitive 
 mind with horror and disgust. Sixteen pair of these intrepid animals, after long 
 training, are opposed to each other, until each bird has killed his antagonist. The 
 remainder being equally divided are again pitted in their exhausted state^ until 
 eight others are destroyed. The survivors, though fatigued, spent, and covered 
 with dust and blood, are once more divided; and so on, until only one of these 
 unfortunate creatures remains. Such inhuman barbarity can only excite one feeling 
 in every heart not entirely divested of humanity, and that feeling is horror and 
 execration.^ 
 
 ' Elian. Var. Hist 2. p. 67. * Knight on Taste, p. 329. 
 
 * The following awful warning to all lovers of this sport is extracted from the Gentleman's 
 
 Magazine for April, 1809. "Died, April 4th, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, esquire, a young 
 
 man of large fortune, and in the splendour of his horses and carriages rivalled by few country 
 
 gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, where it may be said, he sacrificed too much to 
 
424 
 
 A more peaceful recreation was practised in old times by the inhabitants of 
 Beverley, and this was the 
 
 CORPUS CHRISTI PLAYS— which professed to unite edification with 
 amusement. These plays commenced with a prologue containing the argument 
 of the several pageants, each of which is a piece of scripture history, embracing 
 together a regular detail of events from the beginning to the end of time. " In the 
 first pageant, or act, the Deity is represented seated on his throne by himself; after 
 a speech of some length, the angels enter singing from the church service, To thee 
 all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein ; to thee the cherubim 
 and seraphim continually do cry; holy, holy, holy. Lord God of Hosts, Lucifer 
 then makes his appearance, and desires to know if the hymn they sang was in 
 honour of God, or in honour of him ? The good angels readily reply, in honour 
 of God; the evil angels incline to worship Lucifer, and he presumes to seat himself 
 in the throne of the Deity; who commands him to depart from heaven to hell; 
 which dreadful sentence he is compelled to obey, and with his wicked associates 
 descends to the lower regions."® The plays at Beverley differed something from 
 this, as they commenced at an earlier period. 
 
 The ordinance for the regulation of this amusement at Beverley, was as follows, 
 and will show the subjects of the different pageants. 
 
 Tylers, the faliinge Lucifer. 
 Saddelers, the makeing of the Worlde. 
 Walkers, making of Adam and Eve. 
 Ropers, the breakinge of the commandments 
 
 of God. 
 Crelers, graving and spynning. 
 Glovers, Cayn. 
 Shermen, Adam and Seth. 
 Wattermen, Noe Shipp. 
 
 Bowers, Abraham and Ysaak. 
 Musterdraakers and Chanlers, Salutation of 
 
 our Lady. 
 Husbandmen, Bedleem. 
 Vynteners, Shepherds. 
 Goldsmythe, the kinges of Colan. 
 Fyshers, Lymeen. 
 Cowpers, fleyinge to Egippe. 
 Shoemakers, Childer of Ysraell. 
 
 conviviality. Mr. Ardesoif was very fond of cockfighting, and had a favourite cock, upon which 
 he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he laid upon this cock he lost, which so 
 enraged him that he had the bird tied to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams 
 of the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were present attempted to 
 interfere, which so enraged Mr. Ardesoif, that he seized a poker, and with the most furious 
 vehemence declared that he would kill the first man who interfered ; but in the midst of his pas- 
 sionate asseverations, he fell down dead upon the spot! " 
 
 Strutfs Sports, p. 117. 
 
425 
 
 Scryners, disputacion in y« Temple. 
 Laborers, the Pyniiacle. 
 Barbers, Sent John Baptiste. 
 The Mylners, rasynge of Lazarus. 
 Skynners, Jerusalem. 
 Bakers, the Mawndy. 
 Lusters, Prainge at y* Mounte. 
 Tailyers, Sleping Pylate. 
 Bakers, Scorgynge. 
 
 Cutters and Potters, the Sweynynge. 
 Wevers, the Stanginge. 
 Barkers, the taking of the Cross. 
 Cooks, Harynge of Hell. 
 Wrighte, the Ressurrection. 
 Gentylmen, Castle of Emans. 
 Smyths, Ascencion. 
 Prestes, Coronation of onr Lady. 
 Marchants, Domesday.'^ 
 
 EPISCOPUS PUERORUM.— It was customary at Beverley,* as appears from 
 the Northumberland household book,^ to elect on Saint Nicholas's day a bearne 
 (boy) bishop from amongst the handsomest children belonging" to the church,'" who 
 was escorted by his playfellows, habited like priests, in solemn procession to the 
 minster, where, dressed in splendid robes, decorated with costly ornaments," and 
 covered with his mitre, he presided during the performance of divine worship; and, 
 how strange soever it may sound to our ears, these boys actually performed all the 
 ceremonies and offices there, except mass;'^ after which, he passed from house to 
 
 ' Warburton's MSS. Lansd. Col. B. Mus. 896. VIII. fo. 180. 
 
 8 Brand. Pop. Ant. vol. i. p. 328. 
 
 3 Vid. etiam. Archaeol. vol. ix. p. 43. 'o Warton. Hist. Engl. Poetr. vol. iii. p. 302. 
 
 " From the Northumberland Household Book the inventory of these robes is here copied. 
 
 Contenta de ornamentis Epi' puer. (e Rotulo in pergam.) 
 Imprimis, i myter, well garnished with perle and precious stones, with nowches of silver, 
 
 and gilt before and behind. 
 Item, iiij rynges of silver and gilt, with iiij redde precious stones in them. 
 Item, i pontifical with silver and gylt, with a blew stone in hytt. 
 
 Item. 1 owche, broken, silver and gylt, with iiij precious stones, and a perle in the myddes. 
 Item, a croose, with a staff of coper and gilt, with the ymage of Saint Nicholas in the myddes. 
 Item, i vestment, redde with lyons, with silver, with bryddes of gold in the orferes of the 
 
 same. 
 Item, i albe to the same, with starres in the paro. 
 Item, i white cope, stayned with tristells and orferes, redde sylke with does of gold, and 
 
 whytt napkins about the necks. 
 Item, iiij copes, blew sylk with redde orferes, trayled, with whytt braunchis and flowres. 
 Item, i steyned cloth of the ymage of Saint Nicholas. 
 Item, i tabard of skarlet, and a hodde thereto, lyned with whytt sylk. 
 Item, a hode of skarlett, lyned with blew sylk. 
 
 '* In the Processionale ad usum insignis et preclare Ecclesie Sarum, 4to. Rothomagi, A. D. 
 1566, is printed the service of the boy-bishop at large. 
 
 3 6 
 
426 
 
 house, attended by his inferior officers, collecting a tax, which he boldly demanded 
 as the bishop's subsidy; and this was applied to the purpose of making a feast. 
 The boy-bishop is said to have possessed such unbounded power, that all prebends 
 which happened to fall vacant during his presidency were at his disposal; and if 
 he chanced to die in that period, he was entitled to all the honours of episcopal 
 interment, and a monument was assigned to convey the remembrance of his 
 honours to posterity.'* 
 
 MINSTRELS OR WAITS."— The minstrels formerly exercised their art in 
 Beverley on particular occasions. They were governed by stated rules, and played 
 at weddings, feasts, fairs, cross days, &c. under the direction of their leader, who 
 was of necessity an alderman of the borough. This custom was a vestige of the 
 minstrelsy of ancient times. The bards of the early Britons were succeeded by the 
 poets and minstrels of the Saxons and Normans, who frequented the courts of 
 •overeign princes, and were always received with welcome. They waited for no 
 invitation; but considering admission into the halls of the nobility as an undeni- 
 able privilege due to their talents, they entered without ceremony, and seldom 
 departed without a liberal reward. From these marks of favour, universally 
 bestowed on the itinerant minstrel, great numbers of loose and dissolute persons 
 were at length induced to join the fraternity, and its reputation was consequently 
 much diminished in the public estimation; until, in the reign of Elizabeth, the 
 professors of minstrelsy were ranked amongst rogues, vagabonds, and sturdy 
 beggars. 
 
 The society or guild of minstrels which existed in Beverley, was established in 
 the time of king Athelstan, and was continued to a late period. In the reign of 
 Philip and Mary its members endeavoured to restore the credit and respectability 
 of their order, now sinking rapidly into disrepute, by the formal establishment of 
 a series of regulations for their future government.'^ And to rebut the accusation 
 of vagrancy they inserted the following clause. " Furthermore it is ordeyned by 
 the alderman and his brethren, that if there be any made brother already not 
 being able as aforesaid, or has been so able and now declineth from the same for 
 lacke of honest usage, that then the alderman and brethren and officers shall then 
 
 " In the cathedral church of Salisbury, was a monument of this description, with the statue of 
 of a boy habited in episcopal robes. 
 
 '* Waits is a corruption of the word wakes or watching. 
 J« Vid. Append. M. 
 
421 
 
 expell from their brotherhood, as alderman and officers will answer to the kynge's 
 officers when they speak of vagabonds and valiant beggars. And if any person or 
 persons so deprived shew hymself obstynate and stands in contencyon arrogantly, 
 that then the kyng's officers be sent for to carry the offender or offenders to the 
 gaile and there to remain untill he be reconcyled to order, and for his ob- 
 
 stinacy to forfeit as the alderman and his brethren shall think meate and convenient 
 in that behalfe.'"' 
 
 CUCKING STOOL. 
 
 « There is a lesser profanation 
 
 Like that the Romans call'd ovation ; 
 
 For as ovation was allow'd 
 
 For conquest purchased without blood, 
 
 So men decree these lesser shows, 
 
 For victory gotten without blows, 
 
 By dint of sharp, hard words, which some 
 
 Give battle with an overcome. 
 
 These, mounted in a chair-curule. 
 
 Which moderns call a Cucking-stool, 
 
 March proudly to the river's side. 
 
 And o'er the waves in triumph ride. 
 
 Like Dukes of Venice who are said 
 
 The Adriatick sea to wed ; 
 
 And have a gentler wife than those 
 
 For whom the state decrees those shows." "" 
 
 The cucking stool was anciently used in Beverley as a punishment for common 
 scolds. It is directed in the Burrow laws,'* that " gif they trespasse thrice, justice 
 sail be done vpon them : that is, the baxter (baker) sail be put vpon the pillorie 
 or halsfang, and the brewster (brewer) vpon the cockstule.'"^ Reference is here 
 made only to the frauds committed by these traders; but in the " Actes Marie,"^* 
 it is expressly provided " that the women perturbatouris for skafrie of money or 
 vtherwyse, salbe takin and put vpone the cukstules^* of eurie burgh or towne." 
 
 ^ Warburton. MSS. B. Mus. Lansd. Coll. 896. VIII. fo. 180. '^ Hudibras. Part II. Cant. 2. 
 »8 Ch. XXI. Sec. 3. '^ Vide ut supra, p. 1 10. 20 1555^ c. 40. 
 
 2» In the Saxon tongue, cuck, or guck, signifies to scold or brawl, taken from the bird cuckow, or 
 guckow ; and ing, in that language, signifieth water, because a scolding woman was, for her punish- 
 ment, soused in water. The common people in the northern part of England, amongst whom the 
 greatest remains of the ancient Saxon are to be found, pronounce it a ducking-stool, which per- 
 haps may have sprung from the Belgic or Teutonic ducken, to dive under water ; from whence 
 
 3g2 
 
428 
 
 This machine, called otherwise the trebucket or trapdoor, was of very great 
 antiquity in Beverley, having been granted to the archbishop of York before the 
 Conquest. It was placed in Bar-dyke, and exhibited in terrorem, to keep that 
 unruly member, the female tongue, in due subjection. Many instances occur, 
 however, of hardy females who have undauntedly braved the punishment, rather 
 than surrender the invaluable privilege which a woman holds most dear. This 
 instrument, notwithstanding, was reputed to be generally successful in effecting 
 the thraldom of this " little evil ;" for strict injunctions were periodically issued 
 for "keeping the ducking stool in repair." 
 
 About the middle of the last century this machine was finally removed, and the 
 punishment abolished; but the place where it stood is still distinguished by the 
 name of Ducking-stool-lane. In these times of intellectual improvement, such 
 unnatural inflictions would be equally unnecessary and disgraceful. Instead of 
 machines to punish, and thence to eradicate evil propensities, means are now 
 adopted to prevent them. Schools are established to implant the rudiments of 
 virtue in the pliant mind; which, it is hoped, will, in a great degree, supersede the 
 use of coercion, and be of more essential benefit to the rising generation than all 
 the instruments of disgrace and torture that ever were invented. 
 
 RIDING THE STANGE/^^— This is another species of popular punishment 
 which formerly prevailed at Beverley, but is now deservedly fallen into desuetude. 
 The ceremony was performed when a husband had been guilty of beating his wife, 
 or vice versa; and was as follows. A considerable number of dissolute young men, 
 attended by shoals of children, assemble about eight o'clock in the evening, near 
 the unfortunate person's house, to whose Jionour the performance is epecially de- 
 dicated, with broken kettles and pans, cow's horns and whistles, and other noisy and 
 discordant instruments, on which a perpetual drumming, blowing, and rattling, 
 forms the most hideous concert that can be conceived, accompanied, as it is, by the 
 shouts and yells of the whole group. The most important personage in the assembly 
 
 also, probably, we denominate our duck the water-fowl ; or rfither, it is more agreeable to the 
 analogy and progression of languages, to assert that the substantive, duck, is the original, and 
 the verb made from thence ; as much as to say, that to duck, is to do as that fowl does." Burn's 
 Justice, in loc. 
 
 ^"^ This ridiculous punishment was derived from the Goths, and savours strongly of an age of 
 barbarism. This people, as we are told by Dr. Jamieson in his Etymological Dictionary of the 
 Scottish language, were wont to erect, what they called Nid-Staeng, or the pole of infamy, accom- 
 panied with the direst imprecations against the person who was reputed worthy of the punishment. 
 
i^ "the rider;" who, mounted astride across a ladder, Avhich is carried on men's 
 shoulders, repeats, in the intervals of the vocal and instrumental performance, 
 some doggrel rhymes descriptive of the cause for which the revel rout is assembled. 
 These rhymes run in the following strain : — 
 
 With a ran, dan, dan, at the sign of the old tin can, 
 For neither your case, nor my case, do I ride the stange. 
 
 For Johnny ■ • has been beating his wife — 
 
 He beat her, he bang'd her, he bang'd her indeed, 
 
 He bang'd her, poor creature, before she stood need. — &c. &c. &c. 
 
 After the rehearsal of this doggrel by the gentleman of the stang-e, the yells and 
 drummings and sounding of horns and whistles strike up, and the whole party 
 move in procession to another part of the town, where the rhymes are repeated, 
 and the same ceremony again takes place, that the community at large may enjoy 
 the full advantage of the performance. The " stange" is generally repeated for 
 three successive nights, when the offender is left at liberty either to treat his wife 
 with greater tenderness for the time to come, or, if he thinks proper, to renew the 
 affront; in which latter case the castigation is sure to be again awarded to him with 
 increased virulence. The custom is unchristian-like, and has been very properly 
 suppressed. 
 
 FOOT-BALL. — The improper custom of playing an annual match at foot-ball 
 on the Sunday preceding the races was continued down to the year 1825. It 
 commenced on the race course, and was attended by all the loose young men of 
 Beverley and the surrounding villages. Some efforts had been previouly made to 
 suppress it, but they had proved ineffectual. At length, during the mayoralty of 
 Mr. Williams, it was determined by the corporation to prevent, by coercive means, 
 this annual profanation of the sabbath ; and the constables received special instruc- 
 tions for the purpose. But the young men, confident in their numbers and physical 
 strength, set at defiance the authority of the civil power; and boldly resisting the 
 officers in the execution of their duty, some of the constables were very severely 
 handled. The aggressors, however, though conquerors for the day, were not 
 suffered to enjoy any salutary fruits from their triumph ; for they were afterwards 
 convicted of the assault by due course of law, and confined to hard labour. This 
 firm and active proceeding on the part of the magistrates was attended with perfect 
 success, and the practice has been altogether abandoned. 
 
430 
 
 ANGLING — was a favourite amusement amongst the inhabitants of Beverley 
 in the last generation ; and had been so indeed from time immemorial. We are 
 told by Hollinshead, that in his time the river Hull abounded with sturgeon and 
 lamprey f* and before the late drainage of the low grounds the same river produced 
 a prodigious quantity of trout, perch, gudgeons, roach, bream, and eels. 
 
 RACES. — To sit on horseback in an easy and graceful manner has always been 
 esteemed a gentlemanly qualification; and in the days of chivalry, when the nobility 
 and gentry were necessarily warriors, and expert in all the martial exercises of the 
 times, it was a requisite which could not possibly be dispensed with by any person 
 who claimed admission into decent society. The equestrian exercises and amuse- 
 ments of the most early times would certainly embrace trials of the mettle and 
 speed of favourite horses ; and hence it is supposed, that this sport was known and 
 practised before the Conquest. We want no evidence to prove that, in later times, 
 it has universally been a favourite amusement with the people of England; and 
 the first regular prize of the contest was a silver bell. Hence the winner was said 
 to bear the bell. 
 
 This popular amusement is of some antiquity in Beverley; and has been so 
 spiritedly patronized and encouraged, that it is now the resort of all the 
 fashionable sportsmen and amateurs who usually attend this species of diversion 
 in any part of the country. 
 
 The ground on Hurn-moor is well adapted for a race course, and the sports are 
 directed by two stewards, who are nominated at the races preceding those in which 
 they are expected to act. A grand stand was erected in 1767, for the accommo- 
 dation of the spectators. The races continue three days, and the time is regulated 
 by the York May meeting; being usually one week later. Mr. C. Greenwood is 
 the clerk of the course. 
 
 The following table, for the year 1828, may be satisfactory to shew the general 
 arrangement observed at these races. 
 
 2' HoUins. Chron. vol. i. p. 158. 8yo. 
 
I 
 
 2Q 
 
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 a; 
 
 
 Lord Scarbrough's b. f. sister 
 
 to Tarrare. 
 Sir W. Milner's ch. c. Malek, 
 
 by Blacklock. 
 Lord Scarbrough's br. f. by Re- 
 
 fa 
 
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 Mr. Haywood's b. c. Sandoval, 
 
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 Lord Scarbrough's br. c. by 
 
 1 
 
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 Major Yarburgh's br. c. Laurel, 
 
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 Mr. Weatherill's ch. f. by 
 
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432 
 
 THE SOCIAL AMUSEMENTS— used by the inhabitants of Beverley are 
 card and dancing assemblies; for the convenience of which rooms were erected in 
 the year 1763. Here a weekly card assembly is held on Tuesday evenings j and 
 the moderate stimulus of " shilling points," while it leaves no avenue to excite the 
 cupidity of the gamester, still keeps the mind employed, and gives the heart a zest 
 for the joys of reciprocal friendship. On some occasions, the younger portion of 
 the company will indulge themselves in a few rubbers of what are technically 
 termed, " shorts," at the risk of half-crown points; but this is neither common nor 
 commendable. Dancing assemblies are held six times during the winter, and are 
 generally both numerously and respectably attended. 
 
 The lower classes of the people have their quoits, their foot-ball, and their cricket, 
 which often lead the way to drunkenness and dissipation. 
 
 CHAIRING A MEMBER. — The ceremony of chairing a member of parlia- 
 ment subsequently to his election may very properly be introduced here. The 
 chair being tastefully decorated by the ladies with a profusion of silks and ribbons 
 of his distinguishing colour, is placed on a platform of boards, and borne on the 
 shoulders of six men to the head quarters of the successful candidate. Here the 
 new member steps into his chair, which to him is a throne of triumph, and thus 
 elevated above the crowd of partizans which every where surround him, he is 
 paraded with great pomp through the streets, preceded by a band of music, which 
 usually i)lays Handel's favourite melody of " See the conquering hero comes." 
 The procession over, the member is set down at his head quarters, and the evening 
 concludes with festivity.^* 
 
 ^* This ceremony may be derived from a similar custom used amongst the ancient Saxons, and 
 other northern nations, at the election of their monarchs, which took place in a circular inclosure 
 of twelve upright stones, with a stone taller than the rest erected in the centre, as a seat for the 
 object of their choice. The stones were flat at the top, as a convenience for the chiefs to harangue 
 the people from their summit, who were congregated on the outside of the inclosure. The election 
 over, the successful candidate was elevated on the shoulders of the chiefs, to be publickly exhi- 
 bited in the view of all the people. 
 
433 
 
 (S^tap* 1^$M* 
 
 John of Beverley— ^Archbishop Thomas Archbishop Thurstan Archbishop 
 
 Murdac — Alured of Beverley — Philip Ingelbert — Bishop Alcocke — Bishop 
 Fisher — Robert Ingram — Bishop Green — Lawrence Whitaker — Mary Wool- 
 
 stoncraft Godwin — Dr. Reynolds William Wilson — Richard Sissison — 
 
 Thomas Clarke, 
 
 3o!)n of ISebcrleg* 
 
 This distinguished personage was born at Harpham,' of noble parents, and in 
 his earliest infancy is said to have exhibited tokens of that solemnity of deportment, 
 and stability of character, which subsequently led to the highest ecclesiastical digni- 
 ties. He displayed the germ of ability and virtue beyond his years, and his parents 
 resolved to dedicate and devote his life to the service of God while he was yet but 
 a child. At an early age he was placed in the abbey of Streoneshalh, to be 
 instructed in the principles of the Christian faith by the pious abbess Hilda. 
 When his ideas became sufficiently expanded, by a comprehensive knowledge of 
 monastic doctrines and discipline, he determined to seek instruction from the foun- 
 tain head; and taking an affectionate leave of the holy abbess and his early friends, 
 he proceeded into Kent, with a view of placing himself under the immediate 
 tuition of Theodore, archbishop of Canterbury.'^ His fame for singular piety and 
 learning had preceded him, and he was received by this distinguished prelate with 
 tokens of welcome and congratulation, which served to increase the young scholar's 
 
 ' Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 100. « Ibid. 
 
 3 H 
 
ardour and activity in the pursuit of knowledge. Under the sedulous care of abbot 
 Adrian he soon eclipsed all his cotemporaries, as well in literary acquirements, as 
 in abstinence and self-devotion to the most rig-id ordinances of Christianity. He 
 became remarkable for a strict and systematic adherence to all the monastic 
 practices, which, in those ages, possessed superior claims to a meritorious sanctity. 
 In the spring of life these observances are usually a grievous burthen, and with 
 difficulty sustained; but John was an ascetic, both by constitution and by habit, 
 and to his chaste mind these duties were a never-failing source of pleasure and 
 gratification. His disciplines w ere frequent and severe ; he mortified the flesh 
 with sackcloth and coarse garments ; fasted and prayed incessantly, and wasted the 
 midnight oil in study and contemplation. 
 
 Such a methodical addiction to these meritorious exercises soon conferred on our 
 youthful devotee a high and distinguished reputation, and invested him with honour 
 in the estimation of his superiors. Proceeding to Oxford, the ancient college of 
 the British Pheryllt,^ he received the degree of doctor in divinity;'' and finally, 
 when his education was completed, he retired to the monastery of Streoneshalh 
 to enjoy the fruits of his learned acquirements, and to practise the prevailing virtues 
 of a Christian priest. 
 
 In the year 678, he was elevated to the see of Hagulstad or Hexham ;' and here 
 his great abilities, assisted by a superior degree of activity and zeal, displayed 
 themselves to such advantage, that his biographers have held him up as something 
 more than human, and have attributed to him the power of working miracles.^ 
 On this subject it is necessary, in these times, to think soberly, and to speak with 
 caution ; that we may avoid the error of credulity on the one hand, and presumption 
 on the other. No doubts can exist respecting the performance of miracles by the 
 immediate successors of the apostles while the establishment of their religion was 
 incomplete; but the power would naturally cease when the necessity for its exertion 
 no longer existed. The conversion of Constantine, which made Christianity the 
 established religion of the most powerful empire on earth, would render useless 
 
 5 Williams, in Dav. Druid, p. 215. 
 
 * Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 100. Many objections have been advanced against this point in the 
 history of oar prelate ; but as the question is not of material consequence in this brief memoir, 
 I shall not put my readers to the trouble of examining the grounds on which the objections are 
 founded. 
 
 ' Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. lOO. ^ gede. I. 5. c. 4, 5, 6. Malms, de. Gest. 1. 3. f. 153. 
 
435 
 
 the miraculous testimony of preternatural endowments. This however is matter of 
 mere conjecture ; for the precise era when miracles actually ceased can never be 
 accurately determined. An undoubted miracle occurred in the fourth century, 
 when the emperor Julian restored paganism, and by a formal edict, constituted it 
 the established religion of the empire. But this miracle was immediate, and has 
 been adduced as a proof that God would no longer commit to human hands the 
 power of controlling the course of nature. It will be seen that the allusion is 
 made to the impious attempt of this apostate to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem, 
 in defiance of the voice of prophecy ; when the design was strikingly frustrated by 
 an evident exertion of the finger of God.'^ 
 
 The power of working miracles has indeed been claimed by certain bold spirits 
 in the church of papal Rome throughout all ages; the imposture was successfully 
 practised in England down to the reign of Henry VIII. when the machinery was 
 exposed by the commission of enquiry; but it still continues, in Roman Catholic 
 countries, a prevailing error of the same church. If the people could be persuaded 
 that the saints possessed sufficient authority to intercede for them in heaven as 
 mediators, there is nothing repugnant to reason in the idea that the same beings 
 were also capable of endowing distinguished Christians ou earth with the power of 
 working miracles. The question then presses itself on us with some force, " did 
 John, bishop of Hagulstad, endeavour to impress his flock with a belief of his 
 own supernatural endowments ? and did he himself publish these miracles to the 
 world ? If he did this, as he was no enthusiast, he must either have been an 
 impostor, or the miracles were never performed; neither of which will be admitted 
 by his admirers.* It appears, however, on the evidence of Bede, that several of 
 
 ^ The failure of this attempt is thus recorded by the Pagan historian. — negotiumque maturan- 
 duin Alypio dederat Antiochensi, qui olim Britannias curaverat pro Praefectis. Cum itaque rei 
 idem fortiter instaret Alypius, juvaretque provinciae Rector, metuendi globi flammarum prope 
 fundamenta crebris assultibus erumpentes, fecere locum exustis aliquoties operantibus inaccessum : 
 hocque modo elemento destinatius repellente, cessavit inceptum. Amm. Marcell. 1. 23. c. 1. A 
 tremendous display of Almighty power, wrought to preserve the inviolability of Scripture pro- 
 phecy ; and to warn and convince an obdurate infidel of his alarming apostacy from the truth. 
 
 * That I may not labour under the imputation of having withheld any species of evidence 
 which may enable others to form a determinate judgment on this dark and intricate subject, which, 
 I confess, admits of no positive elucidation at this distant period of time ; I shall subjoin, from 
 Bede, a few of the most conspicuous miracles of this celebrated personage. They are at least, so 
 far interesting, as they are strikingly indicative of the spirit and temper of this early Christian era 
 in Britain. « In the beginning of the reign of Alfred, king of Northumberland," says Bede, 
 " the bishop Eata dying, John, a holy man, took upon him the prelacy of the church of Hagul- 
 stad, of whom, those that familiarly knew him are wont to tell many miracles; and more 
 
 3 H 2 
 
436 
 
 these miracles were reported and attested by Berhthum, the bishop's most intimate 
 friend. But as he was not present when they were performed, how did they come 
 
 particularly the most reverend and sincere man Berhthum, once his deacon, now abbot of the 
 monastery called Inderwood, that is the wood of Deira, some whereof we have thought fit to 
 transmit to posterity. There is a certain private mansion, enclosed with a thin wood and a trench, 
 not far from the church of Hagulstad, and separated from it by the river Tyne, having a burial 
 place dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, where the bishop used frequently to reside with 
 a few companions. Being come thither at the beginning of LfCnt, he commanded his followers 
 to find out some poor person labouring under any grievous infirmity or want, who might remain 
 with him a few days by way of alms ; a custom to which he was much addicted. In an adjacent 
 village was a dumb youth whom the bishop frequently relieved ; and who was troubled with such 
 a scabby head that no hair would grow upon the diseased parts. The bishop caused a little 
 cottage to be made within the inclosure of the mansion, in which the unfortunate man resided 
 with a daily allowance for his food. On the Sunday after the first week in Lent, he called the 
 poor man to him, and ordering him to put out bis tongue, he inscribed upon it the sign of the 
 cross, and then directed him to pronounce the word, Q^tHf (Yes) which, to his own astonishment 
 he found himself able to perform. The bishop then proceeded to dictate the letters of the 
 alphabet, and afterwards syllables and words, all of which the youth imitated with great exactness; 
 nor did he cease all that day and the succeeding night, as long as he kept awake, to reduce his 
 thoughts to language, which he was never able to do before. The bishop, rejoicing at his 
 sudden recovery, commanded the physician to undertake the cure of his scald head ; and, with 
 his holy prayers and blessing, this was successfully performed ; his hair grew profusely, and his 
 flesh was healed. Thus the youth was restored to a good aspect, a ready utterance, and a 
 beautiful head of hair, who had before been deformed and poor and dumb." Bede. 1. 5. c. 2. 
 " Nor do I think," says the same author, " that this miracle, which Herebald, the servant of 
 Christ, was wont to say was wrought upon himself, is to be passed over in silence. He being 
 then one of that bishop's clergy, now presides as abbot in the monastery which is at the 
 mouth of the river Tyne. Being present, said he, and very well acquainted with his course of 
 life, 1 found it to be worthy of a bishop, as far as it is lawful for men to judge ; but I have known 
 from the experience of others, and also from my own knowledge, how great his merit was before 
 the inward judge ; for I myself, by his prayers and blessing, was brought back from the gates of 
 death into the way of life. For when in the prime of my life I lived among his clergy, applying 
 myself to reading and singing, but not having yet withdrawn my heart from youthful pleasures ; 
 it happened one day as we were travelling with him, that we came into a plain and open way for 
 galloping our horses. The young men that were with him, and particularly those of the laity, 
 began to entreat the bishop to permit them to make trial of the goodness of their horses. He at 
 first refused them, saying it was an idle request; but at length, being much pressed, he consented, 
 on condition that I should take no part in the contention. Having an excellent horse, I most 
 earnestly entreated him to allow me to ride with the rest, but could not obtain his permission. 
 When they had several times galloped backwards and forwards, the bishop and I looking on, 
 my wanton humour prevailing, I could no longer refrain, but, though he forbad me, struck in 
 amongst the rest, and began to ride full speed ; which, as I was doing, T heard him exclaim, 
 *■' alas ! how it grieves me to see you ride at that furious rate." Though I heard him, I still 
 continued my rapid course, until I came to a wide and deep trench, over which the fiery steed 
 leaped, but being unable to retain my seat I fell, and lost both sense and motion ; for at the 
 bottom was a great stone, on which falling, as a punishment for my disobedience, my scull was 
 fractured and my thumb broke, and I lay as though I had been dead. Towards evening I 
 revived, and was conveyed home by my companions ; but I was speechless all night, and 
 frequently vomited blood, because something within me was injured by the fall. The bishop, 
 who entertained an extraordinary affection for me, was much grieved at my misfortune, as no 
 hopes of life existed ; nor would he stay that night with his clergy as usual, but spent the whole 
 
431 
 
 to his knowledg-e ? Not from the bishop's own report surely, but from certain 
 individuals of his flock who had received benefits, and mistaking the means, 
 credulously imputed to the instrument exagg-erated statements of what belonged 
 really to the first cause. Herebald, indeed, relates a miraculous cure wrought 
 upon himself. But Herebald, Berhthum, and Bede were too well stored with 
 knowledge and experience to share in the simple credulity of the multitude, why 
 then did they report and circulate these marvellous legends ? The difficulty may 
 be solved by classing them among the pious frauds which were resorted to by the 
 Christians of those early times, to inspire a veneration for the ministers of Chris- 
 tianity, and increase the influence of true religion amongst their heathen neigh- 
 bours. The means however were inadequate to the end; for their pagan adversaries 
 had always made use of the same frauds, and were convinced of their inefficacy. 
 
 In the year 687, John was consecrated archbishop of York,^ which he held 
 upwards of thirty-three years, He founded a monastery at Beverley as has been 
 already related,'" and constituted Berhthum or Brithunus the first abbot." At 
 length being fatigued with the multiplied cares and duties of a publick life, he 
 resigned the see to Wilfrid II. and retired to Beverley, where he died in the year 
 721, and was interred in the church porch. 
 
 Memoirs of this illustrious prelate have been written by his friend and pupil" 
 the venerable Bede; by Folcard, a Benedictine monk, about 1066; by Alured, 
 
 of it alone in watching and prayer, imploring the divine goodness for ray recovery. Early in the 
 morning he visited me, and after a fervent prayer, he called me by my name, and, as it were, 
 waking me out of a heavy sleep, asked whether 1 knew who it was that spoke to me ? Opening 
 my eyes, I answered, I do ; you are my beloved bishop. Can you live ? said he. I replied, I 
 may through your prayers, if it shall please our Lord. He then laid his hand on my head with 
 the word of benediction, and returned to prayer. After a short interval he came again to see me, 
 and found me seated and able to converse with him ; and being induced by divine instinct, as it 
 soon appeared, he asked rae if I knew for certain whether I had been baptized ? I told him that 
 I knew, beyond all doubt, I had been washed in the saving laver of the remission of sins ; and 
 named the priest who had performed the ceremony. He immediately replied, if you were 
 baptized by that priest, your baptism is not perfect; for being unable, by reason of the dullness 
 of his understanding, to learn the ministry of catechising and baptizing, I commanded him to 
 desist altogether from such a presumptuous exercise of the ministry, which he could not regularly 
 perform. The good bishop then catechised me himself; and it so happened that blowing upon 
 my face I soon found myself better. The surgeon was now directed to close and bind up the 
 fracture in my scull ; and having received the holy man's blessing, I felt so much better, that the 
 very next day, I travelled on horseback with him to another place ; and being soon afterwards 
 perfectly recovered, I received from his hands the washing of life." Bede. 1. 5. c. 6. 
 
 ^ Bale. Script, cent. 1. p. 91. '° Vid. ut supra. Par. I. cap. 4. 
 
 1' Cressy. Ch. Hist. p. 565. »2 w/^almsb. 1. 1. c. 3. 
 
438 
 
 canon and treaSurei* of Beverley church, aboiit 1120; by Asketel, a clerk of 
 Beverley, in 1320 ; by an anonymous writer about 1373 ; and in more modern 
 times by Gent, in 1733; by Drake, in 1736; and a short account of John of 
 Beverley may be found in almost every encyclopaedia, and general biography in the 
 language. 
 
 The following works are ascribed by Bale to our archbishop. Pro Leuca 
 exponendo. lib. 1. ad Bedam ssepe quidem tuse sancte frater. Homilias Evange- 
 liorum. lib. 1. Ad Hildam abbatissam. Epis. pleures. Ad Herebaldum discip. 
 Ep. 1. Ad. Andeenum et Bertinum. Ep. 1.'^ 
 
 was the son of Sampson, bishop of Worcester, and was constituted the first provost 
 of Beverley in the year 1092.^^ His learning and wisdom soon elevated him to 
 distinction, and he was successively consecrated to the sees of London and York. 
 After being nominated to the primacy, however, he declined making the expected 
 profession of obedience to the archbishop of Canterbury; in consequence of which 
 that prelate not only refused him the rite of consecration, but dying soon after, he 
 denounced a curse so tremendous against any bishop who should perform that 
 ceremony, that his own father was deterred, and dared not to give him consecration, 
 even though commanded by the king. Thomas was therefore obliged to comply, 
 and after profession of canonical obedience received consecration at the hands of 
 the bishop of London.*' 
 
 This prelate conferred some benefits on the church at Beverley. He did not 
 long enjoy his dignity, however, for being exceedingly corpulent, and rejecting the 
 prescribed remedy, he died in 1113,*^ a martyr to his religious principles, after 
 having held his high office but five years. 
 
 was the king's chaplain, and succeeded Thomas in the provostship of Beverley, 
 and subsequently in the see of York, about the year 1114;'- but consecration was 
 refused him, because he absolutely rejected the claim of superiority instituted by 
 the see of Canterbury.'* He was active and indefatigable, and soon succeeded in 
 
 i» Drake. Ebor. p. 407. 
 
 '* Prov. Regist. 1. 1. p. 56. Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 103. '« m. Par. p. 53. '« Ibid. p. 55. 
 
 '^ Madox. Excheq. vol. i. p. 11. in notd, k. Hoved. 271. i» M. Paris, p. 55. 
 
439 
 
 procuring consecration from the pope himself. Soliciting the king's permission to 
 attend a general council which had been summoned to be held at Rheims, he 
 received it with a strict injunction that he should not receive the rite of consecration 
 at the hands of a foreign bishop. Disregarding this hard condition however, he 
 soon ingratiated himself with the pope so far as to induce his holiness to perform 
 the ceremony in person, before any of the English bishops arrived at Rheims.'^ 
 The king was highly offended at this proceeding, and forbad the return of Thurstan 
 to England.^*^ He remained in exile five years, and was only restored to favour 
 by the firmness of his friend the pope, who threatened vengeance against both 
 the king and the primate, should they persist in withholding from him the profits 
 and privileges of his archbishoprick. 
 
 This prelate was not only learned and indefatigable in the execution of his office, 
 but pious, just, and humane. The benefits which he conferred on the town of 
 Beverley have been already enumerated ;^' and they are such as to entitle him to 
 the gratitude of the inhabitants in every age ; for, though the suppression of the 
 monasteries may have annihilated many of the archbishop's benevolent institutions 
 for the welfare of the town, yet enough remains to perpetuate his memory, and 
 establish his claim to the veneration of every friend to the interests of the town 
 of Beverley. He held the see twenty-nine years, calculating from the time of his 
 appointment, and resigned it in the year 1143. He died a short time afterwards, 
 during the appearance of a remarkable comet ;^^ and was buried in the church 
 belonging to the monastery of of Saint John, in Pontfrete. 
 
 was the immediate successor of archbishop Thurstan, but the king, who wished to 
 elevate a kinsman of his own to the vacant see, was altogether averse to the ap- 
 pointment of Murdac; and when he returned from Rome, he was received by 
 Stephen with much frigid formality, which soon terminated in open rupture. The 
 citizens of York advocated the royal cause, and when the archbishop went to take 
 possession of his see, he found the gates of the city closed against him.^^ Retiring 
 to Beverley, he took up his residence there, and thundered out his anathemas 
 
 '^ Bishop Godwin asserts this, but Drake is incredulous about it. It is recorded, however, by 
 Matthew Paris, p. 56, and being highly characteristic of the spirit of the times, it may be perhaps 
 entitled to credit 
 
 20 M. Paris, p. 56. 2' Vide ut supra, Par. II. cap. 2. 
 
 22 M. Paris, p. 67. " Sim. Dunelm. Drake. Ebor. p. 417. 
 
440 
 
 against his enemies, laying the whole city of York under an interdict. He 
 remained at Beverley some years, and died there, says John of Hexham,^^ 
 October 14, 1 152." His remains were interred in the cathedral church at York. 
 
 The period which was enlightened by this great historian of antiquity, is not 
 exactly agreed on by those who have transmitted his merits to posterity. Some say 
 that he died in 1126;" others place his death three years later;" Bale says he was 
 living in 1136,^^* and Butler asserts that he died in 1166.^^ This, however, is of no 
 great importance to the honours which are due to his memory. He was born at 
 Beverley, probably in 1109, of noble parents,^" and received a liberal education; 
 first from the canons of Beverley, and afterwards at the university of Cambridge. 
 Here he acquired the reputation of a sound divine and an able philosopher ; and 
 from the specimen which has descended to our times, we may pronounce his qua- 
 lifications of a superior order as an historian for the age in which he flourished. 
 Returning to his native town crowned with literary honours, he became a canon 
 in the collegiate church at Beverley, and treasurer of that establishment. Having 
 now leisure for those pursuits which were most congenial to his mind, he employed 
 himself assiduously in collecting materials for historical and antiquarian eluci- 
 dations; and though his endeavours were circumscribed within the limits of a 
 narrow income, yet was his unwearied industry crowned with the most complete 
 success. During the period of his residence at Beverley he compiled a book, now 
 in the Harleian collection of the British Museum, intituled, Libertates Ecclesiae 
 Sti Joh'is Beverlacensis a regibus & principibus Anglorum, &c. largiter collatae et 
 usq ; in hodiernum diem usu vel consuetudinus attricione celebres obtentse ; quas 
 Magister Aluredus vir vitae venerabilis, et prsenominatae Ecclesiae Sacrista, Scrip- 
 turarum studiosus Indigator, sicut a predecessoribus suis audierat et viderat, scripto 
 commendavit, &c. Notandum, quod Cart(B qum hie Anglo Saxonice exhihentur, 
 ah imperitissimo Librario mire depravantur.^^ 
 
 His merits, both as a theologian and a disciplinarian, at length elevated him to 
 the abbacy of Rivaulx ; and here it was that he compiled his annals from Brutus 
 
 »< Dec. Scrip, p. 282. «« M. Paris, p. 72. « Vossius, p. 393. «' Biog. Brit. vol. i. p. 129. 
 
 2« Bale, de Scrip, c. 2. no 74. '^^ Butler. Lives of Saints. 
 
 »<> Fuller. Worthies, vol. ii. p. 51 1. ^i Harl. MSS. B. Mas. 560. 2. 
 
441 
 
 to Henry I.; a work, which for elegance of style, and accuracy of execution, gives 
 to Alured of Beverley a high rank amongst the ancient historians of Britain. 
 
 was a native of Beverley, and from thence acquired the cognomen of Beverlacensi.' 
 Having received an ecclesiastical education in the collegiate church, he graduated 
 at Oxford, and was presented to the living of Keyingham in Holderness, where 
 he resided with great credit for many years. His generosity was unbounded, and 
 he appropriated all his profits to the benefit of meritorious indigence and suffering 
 virtue. Many of his minor acts of benevolence remain unrecorded; but he endowed 
 a chantry at Molescroft;'^ and his noble donation to the university of Oxford will 
 display his munificence to future generations. He gave his lands at Paulholm to 
 University college, for the maintenance of two fellows, to be elected from Beverley 
 and Holderness ; and in case no scholar of that description should be eligible for 
 the fellowship, the vacancy to be filled up at the discretion of the remaining fellows. 
 He died in peace, and his memory was embalmed by the blessings of the poor. 
 
 To delineate the merits and virtues of individuals is a pleasing occupation ; and 
 to hear them recited, fans in the conscious bosom the sacred flame of emulation, 
 and calls forth all the latent energies of the human heart. A virtuous pattern will 
 incite praiseworthy actions in others, as spontaneously as a good tree products 
 sound and wholesome fruit; the record, therefore, of a brilliant course of practical 
 virtue, may rouse dormant qualities into action, which will prove advantageous to 
 individuals, and become both honourable and useful to society. The subject of this 
 memoir was born at Beverley, of reputable parents, in the 15th century; and from 
 the seminary there, he completed his education at the university of Cambridge, 
 where his great talents and sober demeanour conferred on him those advantages 
 which were denied by a want of interest with the opulent and great. In 1461, he 
 was collated to the church of Saint Margaret's, New Fish-street, London, and 
 preferred to the deanery of Saint Stephen's college, Westminster; and in the next 
 year he was appointed master of the rolls. In this high situation, he acquitted 
 himself so much to the satisfaction of the country, that in 1470, he was elevated 
 to the dignity of privy counsellor, and nominated as one of the ambassadors to the 
 
 " Inquis. ad quod dam. 1 6 Edw. II. 
 
 3l 
 
442 
 
 king" of Castile." In every new situation, his shining" talents rendered him emi- 
 nently conspicuous, and marked him out for further advancement in his high 
 career. The next year he was appointed a commissioner to treat with the king of 
 Scots,^* and consecrated to the see of Rochester ; and in 1472, he was made lord 
 high chancellor of England. Here his comprehensive abilities had abundant scope 
 for their full and unrestrained exercise, and he was speedily advanced to the see 
 of Worcester,^^ and constituted lord president of Wales. Ten years afterwards he 
 was translated to the see of Ely, in which he remained till his death in 1500. 
 
 33 Rym. Feed. torn. xi. p. 653. s* Rot. Scot. 1 1 Edw. IV. Rym. Feed. vol. xi. p. 717. 
 
 '* The following curious account of our bishop's installation is taken from a MS. in the 
 library of Corpus Christi college, Oxon ; and though long, is well deserving of insertion. " Be 
 it had in remembrance, that the viii of the moneth of Decembre, that is to wete. In the fest of 
 the conception of our Lady Seynt Mary being Sonday in the yere of the Incarnacion of our 
 Jjord thee Christe MCCCCLXXVI. In this wise was ye Translacion and the Installacion of 
 our Rev"*- Father in God John Alkok by Godds SufFeronce late Bushoppe of Rochestre, and now 
 Bushoppe of this his See of Worcestre. Imprimis, the said Rev*^- Fadir the Saturday nyght 
 next after the said feste, he was loged within his own Maner called Northwyk a lytell Myle Fro 
 his said Cite : the said day on his Translacion and Installacion at ye hour of viii of the clock in 
 ye Morning this was Comyng and Receiving Furst divers Lords Temporals with honourable 
 Congregacion of Knyghts, Esquires, and Gentilmen, the Bayliffes and Aldermen with . . . 
 Sargeants with Mace after them, the Bayliffes Comper XXIIII . . Ricbeley Beseyn in 
 Gownes of Scarlet the XLVIII of the Councel of the said Cite with all the hoole Comynalte 
 reverently they received without the Northgate of the Cite coming from his said Maners: at 
 which Gate there abiding a Suffrygan Pontifically habited the Deane of the Cite . . . Wool 
 Clergye Richeley Besegn in . . with Cross Encense and holy Water thus recevyd procedyng 
 with Solempne song aftore wym furst the Religiouse took preeh and four . . the said Clerge 
 through the high strete synging solemply these Songs Omne Trinitati, Te Deum, Ave Regina, 
 continewing the space from the said Gate unto the Enteryng of the Church hye, and next before 
 our Lorde goyng ye Lord Temporals aforesaid and on eche side goyng on a Rowe xxx poor 
 men that is to say xv on the onn side of the Strete and xv on the othir Clotbid in White Gowns 
 with hoods abon their nekks and yis signe make of black cloth in . . . set on each side of 
 their breast, S. M. furthermore at the enteryng of ibe Churche Porcbe tber were . . . the 
 Priour of the said Cathedral Churche with dyvers Prelacy that is to wott Abbots of the Diocess 
 vii of them with Cros and Myteur and of dyvers Priours with all ye Religious of the place, and 
 so with Cros incense and holy Water Recevyd and Conveyed to high Awoter Enstallyd and th' 
 Awtorite afor them then Redde: then was he conveyed by the Sexten and the Chanter of 
 the place into the Vestiare and then making his chaurge and himself redy thereto come to him 
 one Dan John Jodbury, beseching first to consecrate a new Chalice which he let make of pure 
 and fine gold : and so my lord was the furst that song Mass with that Chalice which was gevyn 
 
 unto the said place by the said Dan John for an Eternual Memory to be a Special Jewel this 
 
 done my Lord with all our Prelates and the Convent goyng then about the Cloystres in Pro- 
 cession with Solempne Ryte and Syngyng Salva festa to the station accustomed where my Lord 
 preched a solempne sermon unto the Peple full grete of Audience his Theme Ego Sum Pasto 
 bonus, and in the sermon hymself praying the peple to take such parte as God has sent and he- 
 had ordygned for the day . . the sermon finished proceeding forth to Masse . . after this 
 Mas fynyshed my said Lorde with all Lords Spiritual and Temporal with all the Religious 
 persons Curates and Prestes Gentilmens Yomen and Citizens they war conveyd into the Traytoui 
 
443 
 
 Bishop Alcocke was a man of singular piety and erudition ; equal, if not superior, 
 for those qualities to any person then living,'® and being in high favour vrith king 
 Henry VII. he was appointed one of the executors of that monarch's will, with 
 a legacy of £100." As a preacher he was rather verbose and laboured; and a sermon 
 which he delivered at Saint Mary's church, Cambridge, was extended to the ex- 
 traordinary length of more than three hours. He published several works, and 
 sometimes placed his favourite symbol, the cock, as an embellishment, in the 
 frontispiece.^* His knowledge of the science of architecture, and his zeal for the 
 cause of religion, were jointly displayed in the many noble foundations which he 
 built and instituted. He erected an episcopal palace at Downham, in Cambridge- 
 shire;'^ and the spacious hall belonging to the palace at Ely, was the work of 
 bishop Alcocke.^" He founded Jesus college, Cambridge, from a decayed nunnery 
 dedicated to Saint Radigund,*' which had originally been established by Malcolm, 
 king of Scots, and placed in it a master, six fellows, and as many scholars. He 
 founded a chantry, and built a chapel for the souls of his parents ; and is supposed 
 to have designed Saint Mary's or the University church, Cambridge.^^ He founded 
 and endowed a grammar school in the town of Kingstone-upon-Hull ; and built 
 
 were the feste was holdyn . . the high horde Rever''- and Estate made for my Lord's owa 
 person in ye myddel sytting on his right hand ye Priour of the place with ix other Abbots . . 
 And on ye left side of my lord Richard my lord Stanley Sir Thomas Lyttilton Knyt and Gulge 
 
 with others the side on the right hand sittyng other Prelates that is to wete Abbots, Priours, 
 
 Doctors and religious etyng Fyshe and so down to the end dyvers Gentilmen and yomen on the 
 other side of the Hall Knyghts Esquires and so along the Hall yomen and Gentilment in the 
 Middes of that Hall were ii Tabuls all the length forsaid at the upper end of yat horde Ther sate 
 my lordes Chancelar at that tyme Master Will Bance with other officers spiritual of my Lordes 
 Docters Graduates Parsonns and Curates and Prests with other that Fylled yat home — at the 
 Overmost end of the Borde next ther Sate the Bayliffs of the cite— the Alderman with the Wor- 
 shipfuU called the xxiiii and so the Cityzens and Comynalte of the same with dyvers other then 
 in ye end of the said Traytors lowest ther was a TabuU set of the said xxx men whom my Lorde 
 servyd with his own hand or he and the Lords set to meate — when the Lorde and the Hall were 
 served of the furst cowvre immediately there came in oon like a doctour clothyd in Scarlet 
 standyng afor the Tabel seying a Colaycyon made by Metre in Rhetorical Terms the Theme 
 Triplicat first of John ye Baptist 2d of John Evangelist 3d of John the bushop present — Cetera 
 desunt. 
 
 « Fuller. Worth, vol. ii. p. 521. sr Testam. Vetust. vol. 1. p. 26. 
 '* One of his publications is at present in the valuable library of earl Spencer, entitled* 
 
 <25aUicanttt0 |5ol^atttti0 mcoc^ tpi ISUmt0i0 an ©ufratwd i5uo0 ruratoft in 
 
 ^pnOtlO aputr i3atntD^U 25 trie inen0i0 ^epUmtti^ 1498; published in London in 
 quarto ; a print of the bishop preaching to his clergy, with a cock on each side, facing the title 
 page ; and another cock on the first page of the work. Dibd. Bibl. Spenc. vol. iv. p. 425. 
 
 39 Britton. Arch. Ant. vol. v. App. p. 1. ^° Chalm. Biog. Diet. Life of Alcocke. 
 
 <* Godw. de Praesul. Ang. an. 1486. « Dallaway. Obs. on Engl. Archit. p. 193. 
 
 3 I2 
 
444 
 
 a school-house in a garden which his father had purchased of John Grimsby, 
 alderman of Hull, on the south side of Trinity church;^' and near the same place 
 he built a small chapel, wherein were two altars, the one erected in honour of 
 Jesus Christ, and the other in honour of Saint John the Evang-elist; and here he 
 constituted a perpetual chantry for the souls of king Edward IV. himself, and his 
 parents.^* As a concluding work he erected for himself a sumptuous sepulchral 
 chapel in Ely cathedral, at the east end of the north aisle of the presbytery, in 
 which his remains were deposited. At the present time this noble chapel is 
 dreadfully mutilated; the ornaments and decorations appear to have been carefully 
 and minutely defaced with some sharp instrument; but the bishop's favourite 
 badge, the cock, is still, as if triumphantly, visible in many parts of his tomb. 
 
 was born at Beverley in the year 1458. His father, who was an eminent 
 merchant of that place, died before John had arrived at years of maturity .^^ 
 Having received the rudiments of a classical education at Beverley, he was 
 admitted at Michael house, Cambridge, since incorporated into Trinity college. 
 His progress in the literary pursuits of the university was rapid and uniform, and 
 he took his degrees in 1488 and 1491, and held the office of proctor in 1495. In 
 this situation, he exhibited such a superior regard for discipline and propriety, that 
 he was universally considered as a person who promised to attain to the highest 
 
 " Tiokell. Hull, p. 825. ** Ibid. p. 133. 
 
 ^' I subjoin a copy of the will of Fisher's father, taken from the Testamenta Vetusta, vol. i. 
 p. 340. « In Dei nomine, &c. 30 June, 1477. I, Robert Fisher, of Beverley, M. . . . 
 My body to be buried in the church of the blessed Mary of Beverley before the crucifix. I will 
 that a chaplain celebrate for my soul for one year. To the fabrick of the church of Saint John 
 of Beverley xxd. ; to the cathedral church of Saint Peter, York, viijd. ; to both houses of Friars 
 at Beverley, iijs. iiijd. ; to the church of the Holy Trinity (Hull, q.) that they may pray for my 
 soul xiijs. iiijd. I bequeath to D'ns Robert Ruk, vicar of the church of the blessed Mary 
 Virgin, vi s. viij d. ; to John Plumber Chaplain, vi s. viij d. ; to Thomas WykclifFe, my brother, 
 vi s. viij d. ; to Elena his wife, my sister, vi s. viij d. ; to William, my brother, xlvii s. ; which he 
 owes me ; to the same William, besides what he owes me, xiij s. ; to the abbot and convent of 
 Hawmby, in the county of Lincoln, x s. ; to celebrate a trental of masses for my soul ; to 
 Clemence Cherington, ij s. ; to the fabrick of the church of Hotoft, in the county of Lincoln, 
 iij s. iv d. ; to each « liberorum meorum de mea p'pria parte" Liij s. iv d. ; and if it so happens 
 that either of them die within age, then I will that the part of him so dying be equally divided ; 
 the residue of my goods not bequeathed, after the expences of my funeral, and all my debts be 
 fully paid, I bequeath to Agnes, my wife. And I appoint the said Agnes and John Tigleston my 
 true and lawful executors, and Thomas Fisher, my brother, and Thomas WykclifFe, my super- 
 visors. Witnessed by Robert Ruk, vicar of the church of the blessed Mary Virgin, John 
 WoUarz, John Copy, and others. 
 
us 
 
 dignities of his profession. He was now selected by Margaret, countess of Rich- 
 mond, and the mother of Henry VII. as her private chaplain; and such was his 
 influence with this noble lady, that by his advice and management, she established 
 many learned foundations ; and at her death left him her executor. 
 
 In 1501, Dr. Fisher was elected chancellor of the university; and the next year, 
 the lady Margaret having instituted a professorship of divinity, he was appointed 
 the first professor ; and consecrated to the small bishoprick of Rochester in 1504. 
 To this see he pronounced himself wedded ; and such a marked contempt did he 
 entertain for worldly wealth, that he used frequently to say, he would not exchange 
 his little old wife, for any other of greater opulence or dignity. To which noble 
 resolution he firmly adhered, although he was successively tempted by the splendid 
 offers of Ely and Lincoln. In 1505, he was elected head of Queen's college, and 
 the succeeding year the foundation of Christ's college was completed by his 
 assiduous care. 
 
 He was now borne forward in the high stream of popularity and royal favour; 
 and was named in the will of king Henry VII. as an old trustee.^^ In 1516, the 
 foundation of Saint John's college was carried into effect, and was formally opened 
 by bishop Fisher ; and this was the last act which produced him any publick repu- 
 tation ; for his subsequent conduct brought him into disgrace with the king, and 
 terminated in his downfall. The reformation having been commenced by Luther, 
 our bishop entered the lists as a zealous partizan for the old-established faith. He 
 opposed the progress of the reformation both from the pulpit and from the 
 press ; and it has been asserted, that the famous book which procured for king 
 Henry VIII. the style and title of Defender of the Faith, was the production of 
 his pen. In 1527, his unshaken adherence to the cause he had embarked in, 
 urged him to maintain the pope's supremacy, in opposition to the king's declara- 
 tion, and openly pronounced the divorce of the unfortunate queen Catherine, an 
 illegal and tyrannical exercise of arbitrary power. His independence of principle 
 divested him of the king's countenance and favour; and the course which he 
 adopted in the house of peers, on the question for suppressing the lesser monasteries, 
 was the signal of his fate. He opposed this act with all his might,""^ and in his 
 speech on the subject, he attributed it to " a formed design, derived from heretical 
 and Lutheran principles, of robbing the church of her patrimony, and overturning 
 the national religion."^* " And so, my lords," said he, at the conclusion of his 
 
 *« Testam. Vetust. vol. i. p. 26. ^r Burnet. Ref. vol. ii. p. 82. " Hume. Engl. vol. iv. p. 96. ' 
 
446 
 
 speech, " if you grant the king" these smaller monasteries, you do but make him a' 
 handle, whereby, at his own pleasure, he may cut down all the cedars of your 
 Lebanon." The duke of Norfolk was highly displeased at the freedom of our 
 prelate's speeches, and replied with some warmth ; " My lord of Rochester, many 
 of your words might have been dispensed with; but it only verifies the old proverb, 
 that the greatest clerks are not always the wisest men." To which the bishop 
 replied with great coolness, " My lord, I do not remember, within my own 
 experience, many fools who have proved great clerks.^® 
 
 The unyielding firmness of bishop Fisher procured him many enemies, and his 
 life was attempted by poison, but the design was timely discovered, and Rouse, the 
 intended assassin, was punished by being boiled alive in Smithfield. True to his 
 principles, Fisher next opposed the act for making the king supreme head of the 
 church ; and at length refusing to take the oath regarding the succession to the 
 crown, on the king's marriage with Anna Boleyn, he was committed to the tower, 
 in the month of April, 1534; and in November following he was attainted by 
 parliament of misprision of treason ; for in addition to his other imputed offences, 
 he had been weak enough to become a party to the treasonable imposture which 
 was at this time practised by Elizabeth Barton, a religious enthusiast and pseudo 
 prophetess, who styled herself " the holy maid of Kent," and had published a 
 prediction of the king's death. 
 
 He was now deprived of all his revenues ; his bishoprick was declared void ; 
 and by the vindictive cruelty of his enemies he was treated with excessive rigour ; 
 his person was outraged , he was stripped even of his clothes, and allowed nothing 
 but filthy rags to cover his nakedness,*" that his mind might be subdued by indig- 
 nities offered to his body. In this miserable situation, at the age of 77 years, lay 
 the elegant scholar, and learned divine ; in all the luxury of wretchedness ; but 
 still possessing a firm and independent mind, conscious that his sufferings were 
 unmerited. At this period, the pope rewarded his constancy by creating him a 
 cardinal; an act which roused the king to summary vengeance; and Richard 
 
 49 Pari. Hist. vol. iii. p. 59. 
 
 ^ He complained to lord Cromwell, by letter, of this treatment, and besought his assistance. 
 " I byseche yow," says he, " to be gode master unto me in my necessitie, for I have nether shirt, 
 nor sute, nor yet other clothes that ar necessary for me to wear ; hut that bee ragged and tome to 
 shamefully. Notwithstanding I raighte easily suffer that, if their wold kepe my body warm. 
 But my diett allso, God knowes, how slender itt is att meny tymes, &c." Weever. Fun. 
 Mon. p. 503. 
 
44t 
 
 Bich, the solicitor general, was employed to visit the unfortunate prelate in prison, 
 and, under pretence of condolence and compassion, to inveigle him into some 
 expressions which might be construed into treason. The agent was but too suc- 
 cessful, and the honest old man was caught in the snare. He was brought to trial 
 on this conversation in June, 1535, before an ordinary jury, and not before his 
 peers ; to which he submitted ; fearful, perhaps, that if he made that appeal, it 
 might be denied him, as not due to a bishop.** On his trial, he objected to the 
 evidence of the traitor Rich, but his objections were overruled, and he was con- 
 demned, and soon afterwards executed on Tower-hill, his head being placed on 
 London bridge, and his body buried first in Barking church yard ; but afterwards 
 removed to Saint Peter's chapel within the Tower.** The death of this prelate, 
 says Burnet, was the greatest blot in the proceedings of the kingdom, which 
 happened in an age not over delicate in committing actions which were equally 
 disgraceful and dishonourable both to the king and his people. 
 
 Boijett JEngram 
 
 was born at Beverley, on the 9th of March, 1726-7, and educated at the grammar 
 school there under the Rev. John Clarke, from whence he removed to Cambridge 
 and matriculated at Corpus Christi college, of which institution he was subsequently 
 elected a fellow. He took his degrees of B. A. in 1749, and M. A. in 1753; soon 
 after which, Dr. Green, the dean of Lincoln, presented him with the perpetual 
 curacy of Bridhurst in Kent. He held also some other preferments ; and died Aug. 
 3, 1804, leaving behind him a distinguished character for "simplicity of manners, 
 great integrity, and genuine benevolence. He had a high sense of the dignity and 
 importance of the clerical functions, and for fifty years of his life was indefatigable 
 in his attention to professional duties. He was the author of, A view of the great 
 events of the seventh plague, or period when the mystery of God shall be finished. 
 Accounts of the ten tribes of Israel being in America, originally published by 
 Manasseh ben Israel, &c. 1792. A complete and uniform explanation of the 
 
 ^' Fuller. Worthies, vol. ii. p. 500. 
 •'2 Weever. Fun. Mon. p. 500, from whence also the following epitaph is extracted. " Here 
 lie interred the headlesse remaines of John Fisher, docter of divinitie, sometime bishop of 
 Rochester, brought up as choller in Cambridge ; master of Queen^s colledge, and chancellour of 
 that Vniversitie. He was made cardinall t. t. 8. Vitalis, the one and twentieth of May, which 
 honour was to him parum vitalis, for the cardinal's hat and his head never met together, he being 
 beheaded on the Tower hill the 23. of June following. Ann. Dom. 1535." 
 
448 
 
 prophecy of the seven vials of wrath, or seven last plagues contained in the 
 Revelation of Saint John. 1804.*'" 
 
 3oJn ^xtm* 
 
 This celebrated man, whose benevolence will perpetuate his memory in the 
 borough of Beverley to the end of time, was born there in 1706, and educated in 
 the grammar school, under the Rev. Samuel Johnson, where he distinguished 
 himself by his superior rapidity in attaining classical knowledge. At the usual age 
 he was admitted of Saint John's college, Cambridge, and after having graduated, 
 he accepted the situation of usher in Litchfield school, where he formed an ac- 
 quaintance with Johnson and Garrick. When only twenty-four years of age, he 
 was elected a fellow of Saint John, and for many years he applied himself so 
 closely and successfully to his studies, that he was esteemed a man of great and 
 universal talent; and in 1744, Charles, duke of Somerset, chancellor of the uni- 
 versity, gave the world a distinguishing proof of his approbation, by appointing 
 Green one of his domestic chaplains. His progress from this period was gradual 
 and systematic. In 1748, he was chosen regius professor of divinity, and one of 
 the king's chaplains. To these honours and distinctions succeeded others of a 
 higher grade. He was successively made head of Benet college, dean of Lincoln, 
 and vice-chancellor of Cambridge. In 1761, he distinguished himself in religious 
 controversy, and published two letters, "on the principles and practices of the 
 Methodists," the one addressed to Mr. Berridge, and the other to Mr. Whitefield. 
 In the same year he was consecrated bishop of Lincoln ; and in this high station, 
 he had leisure to give effect to his schemes for the enlargement of facilities for 
 acquiring a knowledge of general literature. About the year 1 765, he instituted, 
 at his own house in Scotland yard, a periodical literary conversation meeting, 
 which was restricted to the members of the royal society ; and to these meetings is 
 attributable some portion of that rapid march of intellect which illuminated the 
 times in which he lived. 
 
 He added to his former preferment the residentiary ship of Saint Paul's, which 
 he held till his death in 1779; an event that was regretted by all his extensive 
 circle of acquaintance, as a public calamity. He was one of the authors of the ce- 
 lebrated "Athenian Letters," published by the earl of Hardwicke in 1798. 
 
 *» Chalmer's Biog. Diet. vol. xix. p. 237. 
 
449 
 
 During the successful career by which his learning and talents were crowned, 
 he did not forget the place of his nativity, but formed a charitable fund for its per- 
 petual benefit. He left by will, the dividends of £1000. stock in the 3 per cents, 
 in the name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Beverley, to be disposed of 
 as follows. "In the first place £10. a year, on certain conditions, to a scholar, the 
 son of a freeman of Beverley, to be sent off from the free school there to Bennet or 
 Saint John's college, in the university of Cambridge. Secondly, two boys to be 
 cloathed, maintained, and instructed in the charity school at Beverley; thirdly, 
 £1. a year to a clergyman for a sermon to be preached annually on the utility of 
 these charitable foundations 3 and lastly, the residue thereof to the boys of the said 
 charity school." " 
 
 was an eminent schoolmaster at Beverley, although, like the celebrated Dr. Busby, 
 it may be considered that he possessed some favourite theory which deduced a 
 sympathetic communication between the brain and the posteriors of his pupils; for 
 he imparted knowledge rather by physical force, than moral reasoning. In truth 
 he was a severe, though a learned man ; but while his pupils had just cause 
 to complain of the means, the end was perfectly satisfactory. He had some eccen- 
 tricities, but was an upright man and a sensible companion. His countenance 
 was not unmarked by traces of intelligence, and yet he exhibited a certain vacancy 
 in his look and demeanour, which a stranger might be disposed to consider as 
 indicating a dearth of intellect, but which his friends imputed to a constitutional 
 aberration of mind, by which his attention was often so entirely abstracted from 
 present pursuits, as to lead him into a total neglect of the courtesies of social life ; 
 and this singularity would occasionally produce some whimsical situations. A 
 regular appointment was almost universally forgotten ; but if he were engaged in 
 conversation or business with his most intimate acquaintance, and the momentary 
 recollection of an unfulfilled engagement should flash across his brain, he would 
 fly off in a tangent without explanation or apology, leaving his friends to account 
 for his abrupt departure in the best manner they were able. Nay, he has been 
 known to rise suddenly from his desk in the school, and without a covering for his 
 head, set off to Hull, at the impulse of a unpremeditated thought, walking 
 
 '* From a printed account of charitable donations to tbe town of Beverley in 1819, signed, 
 John Lockwood, mayor. 
 
 3 K 
 
460 
 
 furiously, as though he were under the influence of some extraordinary fascination, 
 and totally unconscious of the exposure to which his pericranium was subjected, 
 until, on entering the place of his destination, some friend should ask — " Whitaker, 
 where is your hat?" His surprize at such an enquiry would rally his scattered 
 ideas, and the exclamation, " Bless me, I left it in the school ! " announced his 
 total absence of mind during the continuance of a nine miles walk, and a physical 
 insensibility to the effects of external heat or cold. It is even said that he, more 
 than once, performed this journey so completely without his own consent, that when 
 he met a friend in Hull, he was astonished at being accosted in that town, and 
 actually supposed himself in the school amongst his pupils. 
 
 His circumstances were but narrow, and his privations consequently numerous. 
 Late in life he sought an asylum from absolute poverty in the arms of a maiden 
 lady of some property, whom he married as his second wife. From this union he 
 derived no accession of happiness, or even of comfort. Indeed she led the unfor- 
 tunate schoolmaster a most terrible life, for she was no better than a snarling 
 termagant; and stingy, and avaricious withal. She had the precaution before 
 marriage to secure her property to her own sole use , yet not contented with the 
 exclusive profits thus derived and carefully appropriated, she would purloin a 
 portion of her husband's pittance, and thus render his poverty still more deplorable; 
 spreading over his declining years the oppressive mantle of hopeless despair. The 
 poor old man in his own defence, adopted the expedient of concealing his loose 
 cash in the secret drawers of his bookcase; but he was an absent man, and some- 
 times forgot even where it was deposited. His calamities thus increasing and 
 increased, he lingered a few years, until death terminated his miseries in 1797. 
 His remains lie interred in the minster yard, without a stone to mark the place of 
 his sepulture, or a memorial to convey his merits, his singularities, or his privations 
 to posterity. Peace be to him. He sleeps in dust, and may he enjoy in another 
 life the rewards of that urbanity and genuine goodness of heart which ever dis- 
 tinguished him in his dealings with mankind. 
 
 He was the author of some trifling works, and materially assisted Mr. Ward in 
 the compilation of his quarto grammar. 
 
 l^he character and conduct of his widow form no part of this brief article. We 
 describe not therefore her compunction and remorse, subsequently to the demise 
 of her husband; we tell not how her infirmities were multiplied; or how, in the 
 paroxysms of despair she fancied herself haunted and pursued by evil daemons. 
 She survived him but a few years, and in her grave may all her failings be forgot. 
 
461 
 
 J^arg 512a;ol!5tonecratt ^otitoin 
 
 was born at Beverley in the year 1768. She was a lady of very superior literary 
 attainments, which can scarcely be said to have been applied to the most laudable 
 purposes ; for there were certain peculiarities of system both in her writings and 
 her conduct, against which every true friend to religion and morals must con- 
 scientiously protest. She died September 10th, 1797. 
 
 This eminent physician, to whose successful exertions his late majesty George 
 III. was somewhat indebted, was born in Nottinghamshire, and is briefly noticed 
 because he received the rudiments of his education at Beverley, under the justly 
 celebrated and learned Mr. Ward, head-master of the grammar school there. From 
 Lincoln college, Oxon, he proceeded to Edinburgh, for the study of that profession 
 which he afterwards so greatly ornamented equally by his learning, his talents, and 
 his virtues. He graduated at Cambridge; bachelor of medicine, in 1768, and M. D. 
 in 1773; subsequently to which he was elected physician to the Middlesex hospital; 
 in which situation he rose to eminence, and in 1788 he was called in to consult on 
 the unfortunate malady of the king. Here he distinguished himself, not more by 
 his professional knowledge than by the acuteness and penetration which he dis- 
 played in council; and his talents were so universally appreciated, that in 1797, he 
 was appointed to the honourable office of physician extraordinary to the king. He 
 fell a sacrifice to his celebrity. A conscientious attendance on the duties of his 
 profession accelerated his death, and he expired on the 23rd of October, 1811, 
 regretted by every one who had the honour of his acquaintance. 
 
 of Beverley, was a most eccentric being. Nature had formed his disposition of 
 that peculiar cast which compounds penuriousness with benevolence, and makes 
 avarice conduce to the benefit of poverty. Born of respectable parents at Etton, 
 a village about four miles from Beverley, and brought up on his paternal estate, 
 his habits, from the earliest youth, were marked by singularity, and exhibited 
 incipient symptoms of that extraordinary penury by which he was subsequently 
 distinguished. As he advanced to man's estate, the traces of his infirmity grew 
 broader and stronger. He indulged in no amusements; he used no relaxations; 
 his whole mind appeared to be absorbed in the one passion of accumulating wealth ; 
 
 3 K 2 
 
U2 
 
 and he became solitary, and universally avoided by young men of his own age and 
 station, who regarded him as a being lost to the world. At the general business 
 of the farm would he plod day by day ; and if he mounted Dobbin to ride to Beverley 
 market, he used not the luxury of a saddle, for saddles were expensive articles, and 
 liable to injury from unforeseen accidents, which did not fail to procure their exile 
 from his establishment. His horse was destined never to solace himself in the 
 snug stall of an inn stable ; but, fastened to a gate, he pined in cold and hunger, 
 until his master's business was despatched, and then he was allowed to return to 
 the comforts of his native pasture. His day's work over, young Wilson whiled 
 away the vacant hours in his father's chimney corner, brooding in melancholy 
 silence on the prospect of his future life, over which imagination had spread a 
 mantle of sorrow and calamity. Thus passed his days, until his father's death 
 left him sole master of the farm, with all its stock and crops, alive and dead. 
 
 This calamity excited all the activity of his penurious disposition. He now 
 thought it impossible to preserve existence. His wants, as he conceived, were 
 many; his means narrow and contracted; times were bad; in every face, he saw, or 
 whichJs the same thing, believed he saw an enemy; and, without confidence in any 
 human being, he lived a martyr to his own suspicions, and a prey to fears and fore- 
 bodings which tortured him incessantly. This state of agony was not to be endured. 
 He let his farm, disposed of his moveable possessions, and retired to Beverley with 
 his mother, whom he always treated with true filial kindness and affection, about the 
 year 1793. Here he remained in the enjoyment of peace till his mother's death, 
 without being remarkable for any peculiarity except his secluded habits, and a total 
 rejection of social intercourse. After this event, which deprived him of every thing 
 he esteemed on earth, the daemon of penury appears to have taken full and 
 undivided possession of his soul. He discarded his maid servant for extravagance, 
 because she put him to the expense of soap, and butter and sugar. He lived in a 
 cottage in Godson's yard, for which he paid a rent of three guineas per annum. 
 Although possessed of considerable property, he usually retired supperless to bed 
 with the disappearance of daylight, during the winter season, because candles were 
 an unnecessary luxury, and an immoderate use of fire was injurious to health. He 
 performed with his own hands every necessary domestic office ; he made his own 
 bed; dressed and cooked his own provisions; washed his own linen, and scoured 
 his chairs and tables. Of his raiment he was exceedingly careful, and one old, 
 dingy white wig was his constant companion for many, many years. He once 
 purchased a great coat, and, proud of his new acquisition, he seldom appeared in 
 
453 
 
 the streets without it; but an unfortunate shower of rain overtaking him at 
 some distance from his own house, his ruling- passion was irresistible ; he disrobed 
 himself of his invaluable covering, and folding it carefully up, placed it under 
 his arm, and walked deliberately home, braving the risk of asthma or catarrh, 
 rather tban that of spoiling his new coat. 
 
 Wilson all his life entertained a most superstitious dread of witchcraft ; and to 
 preserve himself from the effects of preternatural fascination or injury, he had 
 always a horse shoe nailed in a reversed figure to the threshold of his door. 
 
 Amidst all his peculiarities this singular being possessed some redeeming 
 qualities. Flashes of generosity occasionally illuminated the dreary blank of his 
 otherwise useless life, which displayed some feeble traits of a benevolent disposition; 
 and a regular and systematic attendance on the services of the church, indicated 
 the presence of devotion in his soul. He regularly purchased week by week- 
 sixteen penny loaves, for which he paid a shilling, and distributed the overplus to 
 the poor when his own wants had been supplied. He contributed for several 
 years before his death, an annual five shillings to the " Poor and Strangers' Friend" 
 Society. As a member of the established church, he scrupulously complied with 
 all the enjoined rites and ceremonies attached to her communion, and particularly 
 was devout and regular in his attendance at the holy altar. On these occasions 
 the spirit of piety would display itself in extraordinary acts of benevolence, and he 
 has been frequently observed at the offertory, to put a guinea in the bason as an 
 alms to the poor. 
 
 His increasing penury at length endangered his life. He was attacked by 
 indisposition arising from extreme abstemiousness, and took to his bed, without 
 the comfort of a single individual near him to administer to his necessities, or to 
 console his mind by the soft and cheering accents of commiseration. The following 
 morning his windows being observed to remain closed much beyond the usual 
 time, the neighbourhood became alarmed and broke into his house without cere- 
 mony to ascertain the cause. They found poor Wilson stretched at length upon 
 his miserable couch, clothed in his customary apparel, weak, and almost unable 
 to speak, a spectacle of supreme misery. To relieve him from this destitute state 
 of wretchedness, which appeared to threaten approaching dissolution, a near 
 relative endeavoured to retard his fate by removing him to his own house, and 
 providing him with medical attendance, and, which was of still greater moment, 
 with proper and nourishing food to recruit and restore his exhausted nature. 
 These humane efforts were successful, and Wilson recovered his health. But his 
 
454 
 
 independence of spirit induced him to forsake the asylum thus voluntarily offered 
 for his declining years, and providing himself with a housekeeper, he returned to 
 his former miserable way of living, which doubtless accelerated his end. He died 
 July 22nd, 1816, aged 72, and was buried, at his own request, in the minster 
 church. 
 
 Reader ; thou art anxious to see a portrait of this extraordinary man, who died 
 possessed of property worth many thousand pounds, yet lived as though not " worth 
 a groat.'* Should it have been thy fortune to have passed through the town of 
 Beverley before the date of his death, thou mightest perchance have seen a tall, 
 lank, meagre looking figure, the picture of famine, dressed in a broad brimmed 
 hat with a low crown of peculiar construction; a curled wig, originally white, but 
 now alas ! bearing the russet hue of long established use ; a light coat of doubtful 
 texture; breeches made of leather, but venerable for age, and polished and 
 begrimed with grease and dirt; worsted stockings, and shoes of ponderous quality; 
 this vision with vacant port and solemn step might have crossed thy path like 
 some automatons machine or creature of olden time ; and this living specimen of 
 penury and wretchedness was — William Wilson. 
 
 He left his estates, together with the interest of £150. owing to him on mortgage 
 to his housekeeper Elizabeth Watson for the term of life, with the reversion to the 
 corporation of Beverley, in trust, to dispose of the annual income in charitable 
 purposes at their discretion. He gave legacies of £400. to the minister and 
 churchwardens of each of the churches in Beverley, and £200. to the minister and 
 churchwardens of Etton, the interest to be applied to the relief of the poor of those 
 parishes, and distributed in bread on Sundays at the church. He gave £400. to 
 the boys' charity school, and the residue of his personal estate to the corporation to 
 be applied in charity to the poor. Thus, how unprofitably soever this miserable 
 man may have spent his days on earth, he has left behind him an imperishable 
 memento of the native benevolence of his disposition, though it was obscured and 
 blighted during his whole life, by the operation of a fear which he was never able 
 to suppress — the dread of perishing from actual famine; or that, of which he en- 
 tertained a still greater horror, of becoming a publick charge, and dying in a parish 
 workhouse. 
 
 was a native of Beverley, and his name is here introduced only as a memorial of 
 the existence of independent principle and unshaken integrity, in a man who united 
 
455 
 
 extreme indigence with loose and vulgar habits. He subsisted by the precarious 
 employment of gathering dung ; and was a noisy, comical fellow, and usually de- 
 signated by the name of Dick Nap. During the continuance of an election for 
 representatives in parliament this singular being did not remain in obscurity, and 
 "give a silent vote;" he was visible every where ; night and day his voice was 
 heard in the streets ; his speeches were short and pithy, consisting of but three 
 words, but they were repeated without intermission at the utmost extension of 
 his voice; and these three emphatic words were, "Wharton for ever!" If any 
 commotion was excited in the town at other times -, if any publick rejoicing stimu- 
 lated the inhabitants ; if any important event was commemorated ; be the occasion 
 what it might, Dick was the most prominent character in the public eye; and 
 "the ears of the groundlings" were incessantly stunned with repeated cries of 
 "Wharton for ever!" During the commotion which was excited by the emissaries 
 of the late queen Caroline, Dick, heedless of royalty, and despising alike crowns 
 and sceptres, authority and regal power, perpetually bawled out, "Wharton for 
 ever!" If a dipute arose, either in the parish or the corporation, which became a 
 a matter of popula,r discussion, it was greeted by our hero with the exclamation, 
 "Wharton for ever!" And if the bells in the steeple celebrated any important or 
 beneficial event, they were loudly answered by the same note from Dick's melli- 
 fluous pipe. In a word, "Wharton for ever!" was food and raiment, and even 
 life and health to this incessant quiz. 
 
 Dick, however, had one point in his character of which his friend Wharton, 
 had he been the monarch of the world, might have been justly proud j and that 
 was, an incorruptible integrity, and a mind superior to the influence of a bribe. 
 Sir Robert Walpole used to say, " every man has his price ;" but this expe- 
 rienced statesman may be excused, for he was not acquainted with Richard Sissison. 
 Dick's reputation on this point became fully established by a very severe trial, to 
 which he was subjected by Mr. Wharton himself. This gentleman had performed 
 for our hero some instances of kindness in the early part of their acquaintance, 
 which had elicited the poor fellow's gratitude, and Wharton had sufficient confi- 
 dence in his integrity to believe that he would never forsake his interest. At a 
 subsequent election however, during the existence of a powerful opposition, a 
 friend of Mr. Wharton's questioned Dick's firmness, and it was resolved to put 
 his integrity to an unequivocal test. Wharton and his friend disguised themselves, 
 and at dead of night visited his humble dwelling, as agents of the opposite party. 
 After some preliminary conversation, in which he was requested to give his vote 
 
456 
 
 to the opponent of Mr. Wharton, a golden bribe to a considerable amount was laid 
 on the table. It glittered in his eyes and throbbed at his heart; but the recollection 
 of former benefits steeled him against its effects. He refused it. The two pre- 
 tended agents pressed him to accept the golden iniquity, but his principles remained 
 unshaken. Another temptation, still more trying, followed. The shining metal, 
 which lay displayed before her, was a bait too tempting to be resisted by his wife ; 
 she thought it within her grasp, and urged poor Dick by every incentive which 
 such wives use; — she entreated, threatened; tried alternately tears and caresses, 
 rage and violence; — all would not do. The poor fellow's feelings were indeed 
 overcome, but his integrity remained pure. He became restless and uneasy ; and 
 at length, rising from his chair, he exclaimed with some degree of sublimity, " Get 
 thee behind me Satan!" and rushing into the street, his native element of uncon- 
 trolled freedom, shouted with stentorian force, "Wharton for ever !" The candidate 
 was exceedingly gratified with such a grand and triumphant display of firmness 
 and incorruptible purity, and resolved to reward it by a gratuity suited to the fellow's 
 circumstances. The election over, Mr. Wharton settled upon him half-a-crown 
 a week for the remainder of his life. He died in 1826. The colour of his party 
 was orange, and consequently Dick's person and occupation were commonly distin- 
 guished by that peculiar tint. He wore an orange coloured dress ; used an orange 
 wheelbarrow ; and when he died, was buried, at his own particular request, in an 
 orange flag. 
 
 These brief notices of eccentric characters who have lived in the town of 
 Beverley shall be closed by a few anecdotes of 
 
 otherwise called Mad Tom, who was celebrated for possessing a resolution which 
 no impeding obstacle could daunt, nor opposing danger dismay. He was, how- 
 ever an habitual drunkard : 
 
 ille impiger hausit 
 
 Spumantem pateram, et pleno se proluit auro." 
 And though he would undertake to surmount extraordinary difficulties when sober, 
 he could never execute his resolutions but when in a state of intoxication. He had 
 a poney on whose safe footing he placed such implicit reliance, that for a very 
 
 «• ^n. L 1. V. 738. 
 
4«% 
 
 trifling wager he galloped down the steep and dangerous hill at Lincoln at full 
 speed. Another time, and this is spoken of as his principal performance; a series 
 of scaflblding having been erected for the repairs of Beverley minster, he oflfered a 
 wager that he would ride his poney up the framework as high as the battlements 
 at the south-west angle of the building, and down again. The wager was accepted, 
 and Tom literally performed one portion of the hazardous exploit; he rode up to 
 the battlement, and was preparing to return, when the afirighted populace inter- 
 fered, and would not suffer him to complete the undertaking. He died about 
 sixty years ago. 
 
 CbttmgAam CAurcA. 
 
 3i 
 
458 
 
 PART IV, 
 
 Cftap. 3J. 
 
 COTTINGHAM. 
 
 The antiquity of this village may be traced back to times long anterior to the 
 Norman Conquest. Its name Cot-Ing-Ham, implies a Saxon residence on a 
 British site. The two last syllables are Saxon, the first British ; and together they 
 imply a sheltered habitation in the meadow of Ket, or Ceridwen, the great arkite 
 female deity of the ancient Britons.^ 
 
 During the reign of Edward the Confessor, Gamel, the son of Osbert, had sac 
 and soc, thol and theim, and all other customs in Cottingham, which at that time 
 was a place of some importance, and probably a substantial market town.' The 
 market day is said to have been on Thursday. At the compilation of the Domesday 
 survey the place is thus described. 
 
 Land of Hugh the son of Baldrick. 
 Hase (Hessle) Hundred. 
 
 II. Manors. In Cottingham and Pileford Gam had sixteen carucates of land, 
 and two parts of a carucate to be taxed. There is land to eight ploughs. Hugh 
 has now there four ploughs, and twenty villanes, and three bordars having seven 
 ploughs, and a mill of eight shillings. Wood pasture seven quarentens^ long and 
 
 » Vid. Dav. Druid, p. 1 14. 2 Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 7. 
 ' Quarenten signifies a quantity of j^round containing^ forty perches. Thorot. Pref. Ferlingus 
 or Quarentina terrae tunc continebat 32 acras terrae. Brady on Burroughs, p. 18. Bawd. Dom. 
 Boc. Gloss, p. 17. By the Leuca, Quarentena, &c. surveys were made of every manor, and by 
 these were regulated all kinds of taxes. Kelh. Dom. Illustr. p. 305. 
 
459 
 
 three broad. The whole manor four miles long, and there ai'e five fisheries of 
 8000 eels/ Value in king Edward's time four pounds, now seven pounds/ Again, 
 in the survey of Welton hundred, it is observed that in Cottingham, Hugh, the 
 son of Baldrick, has fourteen carucates and two parts of one carucate/ 
 
 In the reign of king John we find the manor of Cottingham in the possession 
 of William de Stuteville, who obtained from that monarch two charters for a fair 
 and a market in the village/ He inherited the estate from his ancestor Robert de 
 Stutteville or Estotville, who was sheriff of Yorkshire 21 Henry 11/ William 
 had been excommunicated by the archbishop of York,^ and in 1201, the king paid 
 him a visit'" to enquire into the affair; and not only compelled the angry prelate to 
 do him justice, but appointed him to the high and lucrative office of sheriff of 
 Yorkshire, and gave him permission to fortify and castellate his manor house. 
 His great grandaughter Joan married into the family of de Wake," and by her 
 
 * This fish was the favourite food of the Saxons. Tnrner says, that they were used as abundantly 
 and generally as swine. Angl. Sax. vol. iv. p. 59. 
 
 ■' Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 202. « Ibid. p. 273. ^ Rot. Chart. 1 Job. Lei. Coll. vol. i. p. 293. 
 
 * Surama denariorum quos idem vicecomes misit in liberationibus militum et servientum 
 equitum et peditum, quos habuit secum tempore werrae in servieio Regis, quorum nomina et 
 numerus et termini continentur in Rotulo quern ipse liberavit in Thesauro, M et CC & xxiij£ & 
 xvijs «fc xd. Mag. Rot. 21 Hen. II. Rot. 11 a. Robertus de Stuttevilla Vicecomes Ebor. 
 Madox. Excheq. vol. i. p. 370 in notd. h. 
 
 9 Abbrev. Placit. 11 Joh. >" Hoved. Annal. p. 456. 
 
 " The pedigree of this family may be more clearly shewn by the following table : — 
 
 Robert de Stuteville, temp. Will. Conq. called Front-de-boeu£=j=. . . . 
 
 Robert de Stuteville=j=Erneburga 
 
 1. Hellewisa=:Rober 
 
 . Sybilla de Valoniis Osmond=pIsabella, d. of Will. Patrick de John 
 
 I de Gressinghall Skipwith 
 
 William=pBertha, niece of Eustace=j=Nichola Roger, of: 
 
 ob. 5 John 
 
 Ralf Glanvil 
 
 ob. 18 
 H. III. 
 
 Burton- 
 Agnes 
 
 . Williamz^Margaret, 
 4H.III. d. of Hugh 
 de Say 
 
 Robert, Nicolas=pGunora, Robert Beatrice Agnes Alice Anselm Osmund Robert=j=Joan, d. 
 
 ob.S.P. 7 John 
 
 relict of 18 Hen. wife of wifeof wife of ob.S.P. 
 R. de III. W.Col- H.St. R.de 
 Gant vil Quin- Mer- 
 1 tin ly 
 
 of Wm. 
 
 Talbot, 
 
 of Gains- 
 
 bro'. 
 
 Nicolas, ob. 17 Hen. III. 
 
 
 John, 30 Hen. III.: 
 
 Joan=pHugh de Wake 
 [See Note 30 in the present Chapter.] 
 
 27 Edw. I. 
 
 Margaret=Will. Mastoc Robert=pAlianore, 
 
 I 1 27 F.Hw. 
 
 John, ob. 6 Edw. II. 
 
 31. 2 
 
460 
 
 the manor of Cottingham was transferred to Baldwin de Wake her son and heir, 
 together with all the fees pertaining to it, viz. Hessle, Etton, Witheton, North- 
 Cave, Willardby, Wolfreton, Sculcoates, Brantingham, Alstonwick, Skipwith, and 
 Roule.'^ Some years afterwards, king Edward I. by royal letters-patent, con- 
 firmed to John de Wake and Joan his wife,*' several manors and reversions in 
 Yorkshire, and amongst the rest the manor of Cottingham.'^ In the same year 
 this monarch spent his Christmas at Cottingham with great festivity;'* and granted 
 to the inhabitants of Wyk super Hull, now called Kingstone-upon-Hull, their first 
 charter of liberties,'® by which the town was constituted a free borough.'^ 
 
 In 1319, Thomas de Wake obtained a charter of confirmation, empowering him 
 to hold a weekly market and two annual fairs at Cottingham ;'* and a patent to 
 convert his manor house into a castle of defence, under the name of Baynard's 
 castle, with full authority to keep it regularly fortified and provided with an armed 
 garrison.'^ This nobleman founded a monastery of Austin friars at Cottingham, 
 and peopled it from the convent of Brunne f '^ but it was subsequently removed to 
 Haltemprise, because a valid title could not be furnished to the site on which it had 
 
 ^^ Inquis. Post. Mort. 10 Edward I. In the pleas of quo warranto we find that Baldwin de 
 Wake was now called on to enumerate the privileges which he claimed at Cottingham, and to 
 produce the authority by which he held them. He stated that his family possessed a just claim to 
 have free warren in Cottingham ; to have a gallows there for the purpose of executing criminals 
 condemned in his own courts ; and to enjoy his lands freely without suit and service ; as these 
 immunities had been originally granted to Robert de Fruntebos (or rather Front-de boeuf, Vid. 
 Banks. Dorm. Baron, vol. i. p. 174.) de Stuteville, by William the Bastard, and confirmed, with many 
 other privileges, to his son Robert de Stuteville, by king Henry ; and subsequently by the kings 
 Richard and John, his successors. Placit de quo War. 7, 8, 9, Edw. I. 
 
 '^ It is said that this lady was the first to set an example of abandoning the ancient indelicate 
 method of riding on horseback, which had been practised by the Saxon ladies, and adopted the 
 present more convenient and secure position. This opinion is deduced from a charter of this 
 lady to the convent of Watton, to which a seal was appended, with the device of a female figure 
 seated sideways on her horse, holding the bridle in her right hand ; and in her left, the arms of 
 Stuteville emblazoned on a shield. Vid. Banks. Dorm. Baron, vol. i. p. 175. 
 
 '4 Rot. Pat. 27 Edw. I. 
 
 '« Stowe. Chron. p. 207. '^ Dated 1st April, 27 Edw. I. 
 
 "^ At this period the manor of Cottingham was held of the king in capite by the service of one 
 barony ; and the manor of Woton, together with thirty messuages, three hundred acres of land, 
 twenty acres of meadow, five hundred acres of pasture, and two hundred acres of wood, with the 
 appurtenances, and £55. 6s. 8d. rent of assize, to be paid by the free tenants of the manor of 
 Woton, constituted altogether one fourth part of the manor or barony of Cottingham. Therefore 
 the whole barony of Cottingham must have contained about four thousand acres of land, and 
 £200. rent from the free tenants. Maseres. Eng. Pari, in Archseol. vol. i. p. 326. 
 
 J8 Rot. Chart. 12 Edw. II. 
 
 J9 Rot. Pat. 12 Edw. II. ^o 18 July, 16 Edw. II. 
 
461 
 
 been first erected. He endowed his new foundation with lands and hberties for 
 the sustentation of the canons, which were periodically increased by the donations 
 and bequests of other pious and charitably disposed persons.'^' 
 
 In 1325, Thomas de Wake, conformably to the provisions of an inquisition and 
 decree, conveyed to the canons of Cottingham certain messuages and lands in 
 Cottingham, Wolverton, and Newton, parcel of the manor of Cottingham.^ At 
 the commencement of the new monarch's reign, the patent of fortification was re- 
 newed to Thomas Wake the elder ;^^ and in the succeeding year a patent was 
 issued for a chantry at Cottingham to be dedicated to Saint Mary^*^ and another 
 was granted to the prior of Haltemprise.'* In 1346, John Bradmere de Wolverton 
 and another gave to the same prior and convent three acres of land and thirteen 
 acres of meadow in East Elvely, Cottingham, and Nevt^land.^^ 
 
 By an inquisition taken in the year 1352, it appears that John, earl of Kent, at 
 his death, was possessed of the lordship of Cottingham and its members, Hull- 
 bank, Doucevale, Newland, Eppelwick, Northouse, and Pileford." This property 
 he inherited from Edmund Woodstock, the son of king Edward the first, who 
 married Margaret, the sister of Thomas de Wake, in whose person all the vast 
 possessions of this family were vested on failure of male issue. She bore to him 
 Joan Plantagenet, the far-famed beauty in whose honour so many spears were 
 broken, and who was celebrated in prose and verse under the appellation of " the 
 fair maid of Kent." This famous lady was first married to that highly accom- 
 plished warrior, Thomas de Holand,^* by whom she had children ; but he dying 
 young, left her in possession of the manor of Cottingham and its members ^'^^ and 
 
 2> Dugd. Mon. vol. vi. p. 519. " inquis. ad quod dam. 18 Edw. II. 
 
 " Rot. Pat. 1 Edw. III. Thomas Wake, sen. possit kernellare maner' suum de Coting' in 
 Com' Ebor\ 
 
 2* Rot. Pat. 2 Edw. III. 25 ibja. 12 Edw. III. ^e inquis. Post. Mort. 20 Edw. III. 
 
 2^ Ibid. 26 Edw. III. 
 
 28 This family was already possessed of property in Cottingham cum membris ; for it appears 
 from an old inquisition, taken 20 Edward II. « q^ Tho. de Holland Comes Kane' qui de dno 
 Rege tenuit in capit' obiit sei't in d'nico suo ut de feod' de man'io suo de Cottingh'm cii omnibz 
 suis membris d'cto man'io spectant viz. Hessle, et Weeton cu ptin in com' Ebor.' Et qd man'iu 
 cu diet' membris tenent^ de d'no Rege in Capit' per servic' militar et qd d'ict man'iu cu diet' 
 membris velent p' ann' in om'bz cc? &c. Ex bundello Escaet. de anno vicessimo regni R. Edw. 
 secundo. 
 
 29 Inquis. Post. Mort. 35 Edw. III. 
 
462 
 
 she subsequently married Edward the Black Prince, to whom she bore Richard^ 
 afterwards king" of Eng-land,'" the second of that name.^' 
 
 At the death of Edmund, earl of Kent, in 1408, his widow Lucy had assigned 
 to her in dower by king Henry IV." the following property in Cottingham and its 
 
 '° The descent of this illustrious family to the above period may be thus shewn :- 
 Earl Oslac, the Saxon, circa 849===. . . . 
 
 Morcar Lord of Brunne in com Linc.=;=. . . . 
 Slain at Threekingham, A. D. 872. 
 
 Eddiva or Godiva==Leofric, Duke of Mercia Thorold, Sheriff of Lincolnshire 
 
 Earl Algar Hereward de Wac, Lord of Brunne, temp. Will. Conq.=:pThurfrida 
 
 I 
 
 Thurfrida===Hugh Evermer, Lord of Deeping 
 
 A daughter=pRichard de Rullos 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 Adelis=pBaldwin Fitz-Gilbert, brother to Walter the father of Gilbert de Gant or 
 I Gaunt, the first earl of Lincoln of that family. 
 
 Emma=pHugh le Wac or Wake, temp. Hen. I. 
 
 Baldwin, Lord Wake, ob. 3. John=p. . . . 
 
 Baldwin, ob. 8 John=pAgnes, d. of William de Humet 
 
 I ' 
 
 Baldwin, ob. 15 John===Isabel, d. of William de Briwere 
 
 1. Hugh de Wake, ob. temp. Hen. III.=pJoan, d. of Nicolas de Stuteville=2. Hugh Bigot 
 Baldwin de Wake===Hawisia, d. and co-heir of Robert de Quinci 
 
 I 
 John, summoned to Pari, as a Baron===Johanna Hugh=Joan, d. and co-heir of John 
 
 23 Edw. I. ob. 28 Edw. I. Bradmere de Wolverton 
 
 i===J< 
 
 I 1 1 
 
 John Thomas=Blanche, d. of Henry Margaret=p:Edmund Woodstock, earl of Kent, 
 
 ob. ccel. ob. 23 earl of Lancaster 
 
 Ed. III. 
 
 third son of king Edward I. 
 
 Thomas de Holand=Joan, called the fair Maid of Kent=^Edward the Black Prince 
 
 , ( 
 
 Richard II. King of England. 
 
 3' Hume. Engl. vol. ii. p. 486. 
 3' In 1475, a certain part of the manor of Cottingham, with the advowson of the church, was 
 the property of king Edward IV. as the heir-at-law of his father Richard, duke of York ; and 
 
members, on her solemn promise not to marry again without his consent; the 
 manor of Cottingham, with one croft called Appleg^arth ; one park with the ad- 
 joining woods, viz. Norwood, PratWood, and Harland ; seventeen acres of land iti 
 Cottingham field, and a piece of pasture called Lortley, containing ten acres, with 
 all the liberties, privileges, rents, and appurtenances thereto belonging.^' 
 
 Many notices occur in the publick records of the kingdom respecting the minor 
 proprietors or owners of property in this village, and it will be sufficient to enume- 
 rate a few. In 1325, Richard de Boys is mentioned as possessing a rent of £8. in 
 Cottingham.^^ In 1359, Marmaduke Constable, knight, held lands and tenements 
 here;'^ and John de Tharlesthorpe had also the custody of certain messuages and 
 thirteen acres of meadow, with the appurtenances.'^ In the succeeding year we 
 find that William Pateshull Miles held a manorial right in Cottingham j" and 
 William de la Pole the younger, knight, had lands and tenements there and in 
 Newland." About the same time Peter de Malolacu (Mawley) and others had a 
 manorial right in the same lordship ;^^ as had also Robert, the son of Laurentius 
 de Etton,''" and William de Ferrarius de Groby and Margaret his wife, formerly 
 the wife of Robert, the son of Gilbert de Umfraville, earl of Angus, and daughter of 
 Henry Percy^"" the second lord Percy of Alnwick.''^ Robert de Coupland held of 
 the king in capite four oxgangs of land, parcel of the manor of Cottingham." 
 And shortly afterwards letters-patent were granted to the chantry priest of St. 
 Mary in Cottingham, enabling him to hold lands and tenements in right of his office."'* 
 
 an exchange was effected by authority of parliament with Richard, duke of Gloucester, in which 
 
 the king agreed to transfer " that part of the maner of Cotyngham with the appurtenances, and 
 
 all the londes and tenementes in Cotyngham, in the counte of York, whereof sumtyme Richard 
 
 Due of York, fader to the kynge, whome God pardone, at any tyme was seased of to his owne 
 
 use, or any other persones or persone were seased to th' use of the same Due of York, and th' 
 
 advowson of the churche of Cotyngham, with all maner of services, revercions, and knyghtes 
 
 fees whereof the kyng is seased, and were parcell of or belonging to the maner of Cotyngham, 
 
 in the said counte of York ;" together with the castle and lordship of Scarborough, and other 
 
 property ; in recompense for the lordships and manors of Chesterfield, Scarsdale, and Bushey. 
 
 Rot. Pari. vol. vi. p. 126. And ten years afterwards, we find the manor of Cottingham, along 
 
 with other property, assigned by Margaret, countess of Richmond, and mother to Henry VII. 
 
 to her husband, the earl of Derby, for the term of his life. Ibid. vol. vi. p. 31 1. 
 
 33 ciaus. 10 Hen. VI. m. 27. Rym. Foed. tom. viii. p. 561. 
 
 34 Inquis. Post. Mort. 18 Edw. II. ^s Rot. Origin. 32 Edw. III. 
 
 36 Rot. Origin. 32 Edw. III. st inquis. Post. Mort. 33 Edw. III. 
 
 '» Inquis. Post. Mort. 41 Edw. III. 39 Ibid. 41 Edw. III. ^^ Ibid. 41 Edw. III. 
 
 *^ Inquis. Post. Mort. 41 Edw. III. <2 Collins. Peerage, by Brydges, vol. ii. p. 245. 
 
 « Rot. Pat. 47 Edw. III. « Rot. Pat. 16 Rich. II. 
 
464 
 
 In the year 1471, Henry Percy had the custody of the Marches assigned to him 
 under the title of lieutenant and deputy warden,** with an annual income of 2000 
 marks, of which £42. 13s. 4d. was directed to be paid out of the manor of Cot- 
 tingham.*® 
 
 It should appear that the inhabitants suffered much inconvenience and loss from 
 the thirteenth*'^ to the fifteenth century, from inundations of the rivers Humber and 
 Hull, arising from an insufficiency of their banks and drains; for a commission 
 was issued 13 Edward IV. to Robert Sheffelde, Edward Saltmershe, John Copyn- 
 dale, Roger Kelke, John Middeltone, and Thomas M ilskip, to view and make 
 their report on the state of the banks from the lordship of Leckonfield to Cot- 
 tingham, from thence to Waghene, and thence to the river Hull into the lordship 
 of Eske, as they had been injured from an extraordinary influx of water from the 
 wold hills."' 
 
 The manor house at Cottingham, called Baynard castle, exhibited a fine speci- 
 men of feudal magnificence and massive grandeur ; but it was destined, from the 
 rigid principles of honour which influenced the mind of its noble proprietor, to a 
 premature and unnatural destruction. The distinguishing vice in the character of 
 king Henry VIII. was an unlimited passion for the female sex, which absorbed 
 within its vortex all those genial feelings of which the monarch was not otherwise 
 deficient. He possessed some virtues, but they were implicitly sacrificed if they 
 stood in the way of this all-devouring passion. His cupidity was universally known, 
 and its effects were vigilantly watched by the jealous suspicions of the proud 
 nobility. Lord Wake had a beautiful wife, whom he loved with all the affection 
 of a youthful bridegroom, and he lived a retired life at Baynard castle, out of the 
 reach, as he supposed, of royal temptation ; when one day his energies were sud- 
 denly roused and excited into action by a notice that the amorous monarch, who 
 was at Hull, would the next day honour him with a visit. It was equally imprac- 
 ticable to decline or evade the intended honour; and the baron foresaw that if the 
 charms of his lady should make an impression on the heart of his royal visitor, 
 disgrace, and perhaps imprisonment, or even death, would be his certain lot. No 
 time was to be lost in deliberation. Something must be done, and that instantly. 
 He determined therefore to preserve his honour and the virtue of his wife, at the 
 
 ** Sion Evidences, No. I. i. n. 2 c. 
 
 4« Rot. Scot. 1 1 Edw. IV. "f stowe. Chron. p. 254. 
 
 « Rot. Pat. 13 Edw. IV. Dugd. Imbank. p. 135. 
 
465 
 
 expense of liis property. Should there be no house of reception on the morrow, it 
 was impossible that the king could be entertained ; he therefore sallied forth, at 
 dead of night, with his blooming treasure on his arm, and gave private orders to 
 his confidential steward to fire the castle. His commands were obeyed so effec- 
 tually that the flames penetrated through every part of the fabric, and in the 
 morning nothing remained of this hospitable mansion but a black pile of smoul- 
 dering ruins. The baron beheld the sad spectacle with an eye of unaffected grief, 
 for it had been the loved scene of his bridal happiness, and a spot consecrated to 
 the sweets of domestic retirement; but he held the sacrifice light and unimportant, 
 when he contemplated the lovely prize which he had thus preserved from contami- 
 nation. The tidings were conveyed to Henry that Baynard castle had been 
 consumed by accidental flames; and the king's generous nature incited him to 
 tender, as an unconditional present to lord Wake, the sum of £2000. towards the 
 restoration of his patrimonial mansion. His lordship modestly declined the offer, 
 for his objections were insuperable against receiving either the visits or the presents 
 of a monarch whose friendship and enmity were equally to be dreaded ; and he 
 prudently removed his establishment to a distant residence, where he might be 
 exempt from a connection, which he could not contemplate without feelings of 
 considerable alarm. Thus sank this noble edifice into ruin; and nothing now 
 remains but moats and ramparts, inclosing an area of about two acres, to mark the 
 spot where this distinguished nobleman made so vast a sacrifice to preserve the 
 honour of his family from violation. 
 
 He dying without male issue, the extensive manor of Cottingham was divided 
 into three parts as a marriage portion to his three daughters, who inherited the 
 beauty and virtues of their mother, and were respectively united to the duke of 
 Richmond, the earl of Westmoreland, and lord Powis. Hence the three portions 
 acquired the names which they still retain, of Cottingham Richmond, Cottingham 
 Westmoreland, and Cottingham Powis. 
 
 The convent of Haltemprise fell about the same time. At the visitation instituted 
 by king Henry VIII. it was found to contain a prior and twelve canons,"'' and the 
 
 
 
 « LIST 
 
 OF PRIORS. 
 
 
 1327 
 1328 
 1331 
 1332 
 
 Thomas de Overton 
 Robert Engayne 
 John de Hieklyng 
 Thomas de Elvaley 
 
 
 
 1338 
 1349 
 1357 
 1362 
 
 William de Wolfreton 
 Robert de Hicklyng 
 Peter de Harpham 
 Robert de Hicklying 
 
 3 M 
 
466 
 
 valvie of its endowments was £178. Os. lO^d. according" to Speed, while Dugdale 
 makes the annual income only £100. Os. 3d.*° It was dissolved 32 Henry VIII. 
 and granted to Thomas Culpeper.*' In 1553, there remained in charge £7. ISs. 4d. 
 in corrodies; and £18. in annuities, besides pensions of £6. 1 3s. 4d. each to 
 William Rungtonne, William Brown, and Thomas Synderstonne.**^ The building 
 has wholly disappeared," and the site belongs to the family of EUerker ; to which 
 it was granted 36 Henry VI 11.*^ 
 
 In Cottingham there existed an ancient guild, dedicated to Saint George, which 
 was connected partly with the convent of Haltemprise, and partly With the mer- 
 chants, who were thus associated for general and individual benefit; and another 
 guild of Corpus Christi.** At this period, however, the guilds at Cottingham, 
 together with the suppressed chantry of Saint Saviour in the church were assigned 
 to Francis Aslabie, esquire f® and William Lee, the incumbent of the latter, had 
 a pension for life of £4. 4s. 4d. out of the profits.^' 
 
 Robert de Claworth 
 1391 William de Selby 
 
 Richard Worleby 
 1424 John Thwenge 
 1441 Thomas Dalehows 
 1457 Robert Holm 
 
 1471 William Mounsell 
 
 1502 William Kirkham 
 
 1506 John Wymmersley 
 
 1518 Nicholas Haldesworth 
 
 1528 Richard Fauconer 
 
 1531 Robert Colynson. 
 
 •^° The fact is that one of these writers speaks of the gross, and the other of the clear income. 
 
 ^' Tan. Notit. York. xlix. Ex. Reg. Pr«p. Bev. 1. 3. p. 29 b. 
 
 «2 Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 272. 
 
 ^3 Tickell says, « there is still at Haltemprise a good farm house, which appears to be either a 
 
 part of the monastery, or built out of the materials of it, and upon the same place it formerly 
 
 stood. Also a large arched drain, which plainly appears to have belonged to this monastery; and 
 
 the moat which surrounded it is yet to be seen." Hist. Hull, p. 180. 
 
 «^ Ex. Reg. Pr»p. Bev. 1. 3. p. 5 b, 35 b. 
 
 ** " Guilds were of two kinds, secular and ecclesiastical. The secular guilds, under their 
 primary acceptation, appear to have included the entire aggregate of the merchants and traders of 
 a city or town, and were called Gilda Mercatoria, but afterwards as the principal trading towns 
 increased in population, the respective craftsmen, artizans, dealers, &c. who inhabited them, 
 obtained charters for incorporating their various callings, or in other words, for engrossing and 
 monopolizing all the business of their own burgh or city, to the exclusion of non-freemen. 
 Though these associations received the name of merchant-guilds, yet, in the earlier period of 
 their institution, the maintenance of their peculiar arts and mysteries was commonly blended with 
 ecclesiastical observances ; and it was not till the times subsequent to the Reformation that they 
 could be properly regarded as strictly secular." Mad. Firm. Burg. p. 191. 
 
 ^^ Rex xvj Octob'^- cone' Francisco Aslabie Ar. dm'm nup' Gylde Sc'i Georgij, Corporis X** et 
 S*. Salvatoris in eccl'ia p'ochial' de Cottingham &c. tenend' o'ia preter' domu d'c'e nuper Gylde 
 de Cottingh™ p' plmam p'tem feod' militis et pred' Gylde in Soccag' ut de Eastgrenewiche p' fide- 
 iitat' tantu A" 6° Edw. sexti p'te viij^ Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 3. p. 13 a. 
 
 " Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 290. 
 
461 
 
 The contemplative mind cannot but reflect, while viewing the deserted site of 
 the once magnificent buildings which graced the town of Cottingham, on the uses 
 to which they were formerly appropriated. The pealing anthem of praise, awa» 
 kening the solemn stillness of midnight, and elevating the soul to something of a 
 higher character than a cold and formal devotion, the daily alms and regulated 
 prayers, characterized the solemn convent ; while the castle was enlivened by the 
 baronial feast, the shout of revelry, and the minstrel's cheerful harp, attended by 
 that symbol of security, the heavy tread and sullen clank of the mailed soldier as 
 he kept his solitary guard, and paced, with measured step, the terraces or battle- 
 ments. These days are past ; the inmates of the castle and the monastery, baron 
 and monk, minstrel and soldier, are equally mouldered into dust; the massive 
 structures themselves have vanished from our sight, and not a single vestige 
 remains to tell us of their form, their grandeur or extent. So prophetically 
 / true are the words of our immortal bard : 
 
 ** The clond-capt towers, the gorgeous palaces, 
 The solemn temples, the great globe itself, 
 And all which it inherit, shall dissolve ; 
 And like the baseless fabric of a vision. 
 Leave not a wreck behind ! " *^ 
 
 The village of Cottingham is situated in the wapentake of Harthill, and division 
 of Hunsley-Beacon. It is about six miles to the north west of Hull, and contains 
 a population of 2479 souls, according to the return of 1821, being an increase 
 from 1811 of 180 persons, male and female. 
 
 The church is an elegant cross building, dedicated to Saint Mary, having a 
 remarkably light and beautiful tower, rising majestically from the centre in the 
 perpendicular style of architecture, ornamented with eight pinnacles which afford 
 a rich and picturesque appearance. Each side of the tower is furnished with two 
 noT^le bell windows; each having two stages, and distinguished by pointed heads. 
 The buttresses are diagonal, and the parapet embattled. It contains four bells. 
 
 The west facade has a neat and plain front, with a pointed arch doorway, and a 
 window above, and also a window at the end of each aisle, all of which have 
 pointed arches and simple ramified tracery. In the south front the porch has 
 
 «8 Tempest, Act IV. 
 
 3 M 2 
 
468 
 
 a plain doorway, with a square room over it, the parapet having an open battle- 
 ment, as has also the parapet of the nave aisle. The south transept window is a 
 tall and handsome modern introduction in the perpendicular style; and the 
 chancel windows in this front exhibit a mixture of the perpendicular and decorated 
 styles. The east window is distinguished by perpendicular tracery. In the north 
 front the parapets of the choir and nave aisle have open battlements to correspond 
 with those on the south side ; and the transept window is tall, divided by muUions 
 into five lights, and slightly marked by perpendicular tracery. 
 
 The interior exhibits no character which differs materially from other respectable 
 village churches. The nave and south transept are fitted up with pews for divine 
 service. The south transept window is perpendicular, with some decorated work 
 sparingly introduced. Its dimensions are 30 feet by 14 feet, and it is neatly 
 glazed with light lozenge-shaped panes, and several small stained designs fill up 
 the centre, and surround an inscription containing the date of this recent improve- 
 ment. " The Rev. James Deans, Vicar ; William Witty and Thomas 
 Stainton, Churchwardens. A. D. 1825."*^ 
 
 The north transept is separated by a partition of boards, which deducts from the 
 general effect that would otherwise be produced by the neat and uniform appear- 
 ance of the interior. The chancel is spacious f^ the east window is divided into 
 seven lights, and ornamented with perpendicular tracery -, and the four windows 
 on each side have three lights each. The original construction of this church may 
 be about the time of Edward I. 
 
 59 Here are represented Jesus Christ and the four Evangelists ; below which are figures of the 
 three Theological Virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity. Joseph, the reputed father of Christ, is 
 also depicted ; Matthew at the receipt of custom ; David and Goliath; and pictures of the Lord's 
 Supper, and the Crucifixion ; all executed with some taste, but they are too small, and too far 
 from the eye to be critically examined. 
 
 ^° The only ancient monument of importance is a stone without a date, lying near the north 
 wall of the chancel, and inlaid with brass work. It contains the following metrical inscripti"-;'?, 
 in old church text, engraven on a purfled brass fillet, which circumscribes thi» "'^ 
 
 |^uiu0 tvat vector Xfomm t^ic Kicolau0 i^umatttj 
 ^actov et tvectcVf tr^iutra aue«io ttaiu^ 
 l^orro, bife0 dlf^vi^ti geetan^ ir^trit ectU^iat 
 Urelinitra0 i0ti ^ttitvliaci auoau^ ^anrtae 
 ^ameUco0 pabit tixante^ pacatitt 
 i^ulro0 armabtt fnteratatit nam gemiitabit 
 Sb(^ ftuia Ute cuven^ 0u6 celo^ nullum f^atttnt 
 i^atunt t>ivgo pavm^ me pete ponicietnv* 
 
469 
 
 The living is a vicarage, in the collation of the bishop of Chester. The Rev. 
 James Deans, the present vicar, was inducted in the year 1808; and the clear 
 annual value as certified to the governors of the bounty of queen Anne is £42.*' 
 The Rev, Edward Dudley Jackson is the curate.®^ 
 
 The following is a tolerably correct list of the incumbents and temporary patrons 
 of this church. 
 
 DATE 
 
 OF 
 INST. 
 
 NAME OF INCUMBENT. 
 
 PATRONS. 
 
 Osmund de Stuteville 
 1272 John Bygot 
 1311 John de Hothum 
 1316 Theobald de Treles 
 1345 Egidius de Treas 
 1362 Nicolas de Louth 
 1383 Thomas de Hanby 
 1 396 John de Notyngham 
 1418 John de Dalton 
 1432 Nicolas Dixon 
 1461 Robert Dobbes 
 1472 Thomas Barrowe 
 1501 Andrew Foreman 
 1514 Leonard de Spinell 
 
 Nicholas de Stuteville 
 John Stuteville 
 Edw. II. pro John de Wake 
 Thomas de Wake 
 John, earl of Kent 
 Edward, prince of Wales 
 Edmund, earl of Kent 
 Ibidem 
 Lucy de Wake, his widow 
 King Henry VI. 
 King Edward IV, 
 King Edward IV. 
 King Edward VII. 
 King Henry VIII. 
 
 «' Cler. Guide, p. 46. 
 
 ^2 In ancient times it was a rectory, in the successive patronage of the Stutevilles, the Wakes, 
 and the canons of Haltemprise, and the annual value was £66. 13s. 4d. Taxatio. P. Nich. IV. 
 The latter, soon after the advowson became vested in their convent, about the year 1338, with 
 the consent of the archbishop of York, appropriated to themselves the profits of the rectory, and 
 endowed a vicar with a fixed stipend, payable out of the first fruits of the church. The advowson 
 was subsequently vested in the king, who assigned it to the duke of Gloucester. Rot. Pari. 14 
 Edw. IV. but it returned to the crown, and remained in the royal hands till the dissolution. The 
 profits of the rectory were assigned by king Richard II. to the vicars choral of York ; and on the 
 22 June, 1485, they were appropriated by the archbishop to the custos of the house of vicars 
 choral in the church of Saint Peter in that city, saving a convenient portion for the vicar to be 
 thereunto presented by the regents and non-regents of the university of Cambridge ; also for the 
 indemnity of his cathedral church, the archbishop reserved to himself and his successors the 
 annual pension of 40s. j to his dean and chapter, 10s; and to the archdeacon of the East-riding, 
 
410 
 
 DATE 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 OF 
 
 NAME OF INCUMBENT. 
 
 
 PATRONS. 
 
 INST. 
 
 
 
 
 Vic^x^. 
 
 
 1587 Patrick Houghton 
 
 Bishop of Chester* 
 
 1610 Ralph Williamson 
 
 Idem 
 
 1617 John Houghton 
 
 Idem 
 
 1622 Edward Gibson 
 
 Idem 
 
 1653 Durand Hotham 
 
 Idem 
 
 1656 Arthur Noell 
 
 Idem 
 
 1661 Joseph Robinson"* 
 
 Idem 
 
 1662 Thomas Fox 
 
 Idem 
 
 1673 Henry Holmes 
 
 Idem 
 
 1699 Walter Hickson 
 
 Idem 
 
 1722 Thomas Mease 
 
 Idem 
 
 1756 Hewthwaite 
 
 Idem 
 
 1767 Wilkinson 
 
 Idem 
 
 1789 Stephen Thirlweel 
 
 Idem 
 
 1808 James Deans 
 
 Idem 
 
 ,63 
 
 It is customary in this village to decorate the church at Christmas with ever- 
 greens/^ in commemoration of our deliverance from sin, death, and hell by the 
 
 20s. at Martinmas and Pentecost, by equal portions; also two barrels and two hogsheads of 
 herrings ; and two quarters of wheat, to be made into loaves, and to be distributed every Lent 
 amongst the poor of the parish for ever. Torre's MSS. p. 1231. At present the rectory forms a 
 portion of the bishoprick of Chester. 
 
 ^* In Bacon's Liber Regis, p. 1143, it is said that the patronage was vested in the bishop of 
 Chester, A. D. 1537. 
 
 6* He was ejected in the succeeding year, and died broken hearted. 
 
 65 The practice of decorating houses with evergreens was prevalent long before the establish- 
 ment of Christianity. It was used in this island by the primitive inhabitants ; under the injunction 
 of the druidical priesthood, in the month of December, when the trees of the wood were leafless, 
 and all nature divested of its beauty ; that the sylvan deities, destitute of shade and protection 
 in their native groves, might assemble in these decorated habitations, and become the guardian 
 genii of the domestic party in that inclement season. The evergreens were ritually cut and con- 
 secrated before use. The chief Druid, attended by crowds of the people, went into the woods on 
 the night of the winter solstice, and cut with a golden sickle a branch of the misletoe of the oak, 
 called GUiafi in the Celtic language ; and carried it in procession to the sacred grove. The people 
 at the same time cut branches of evergreens for themselves, and carried them home, after they 
 had been consecrated by the chief Druid. Hales. Chron. vol. i. p. 153. in notd. This is said to 
 have been the origin of decking our churches and houses with evergreens at Christmas. Others 
 
411 
 
 advent of Jesus Christ. This very ancient custom is highly laudable and deserving 
 of imitation in every Christian church throughout the world j for it has an exten- 
 sive reference to every thing our holy faith holds dear. It is practised as a memorial 
 of the nativity of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to proclaim peace and joi/; 
 to work out immortality for man; and to obtain a conqmst over the powers of 
 darkness by his sufferings^ death, and resurrection. The church at Cottingham 
 therefore is decked with Laurel as an emblem of peace and conquest; with Holli/ 
 as an emblem of joy, with Ivy and Yew as symbols of sorrow and death ; while 
 the unfading verdure of the whole is an apt representation of the resurrection from 
 the dead, and the endless bloom of immortality. 
 
 In this village are two dissenting chapels ; one used by the Wesleyan Metho- 
 dists, which was originally erected at the sole expense of Thomas Thompson, esq. 
 and enlarged in 1814; and the other, used by the Independents, was built in 1819, 
 A poorhouse was erected in 1729, on a site presented to the parish for that purpose 
 by Mr. Robert Burton ; but its utility is partly superseded by the judicious erection 
 of cottages on some charity land belonging to the church, which, with convenient 
 gardens, are appropriated to the use of poor and industrious families at a nominal 
 rent. Thus twenty families are provided for, who would otherwise be very burden- 
 some to the parish ; for here they live, in a sort of independence, contriving to 
 maintain themselves by hard labour and the produce of their gardens; and thus 
 preserve their families from the future odium of having been nurtured in their 
 infancy as a parish charge. 
 
 Here also are two friendly societies, the one for males, which is an old institution, 
 and the other for females, which has been established within the last ten years; a 
 free school for the education of ten poor children supported by Mr. Kirby's charity; 
 a Sunday school established by the present vicar about fifteen or sixteen years ago; 
 and a dole of £10. a year, left by Mr. Robert Mills, which is distributed amongst 
 the poor at Christmas. A retreat for the insane has been opened in this village by 
 Mr. Mrs. and Miss Taylor; into which patients may be admitted on very reason- 
 able terms, and attended by medical gentlemen of the first respectability. They 
 are classed according to their rank in life, or the nature of the malady ; and the 
 greatest attention is given to promote their health, comfort, and general welfare. 
 
 suppose that the custom refers to the willow branches and bands with which the first Christian 
 churches in Britain were built; Gent. Mag. 1765; or to the eastern custom, named by the Evan- 
 gelists, of cutting down branches from the trees, and strewing them in the way of any joyful 
 procession. Ibid. 1783. 
 
472 
 
 •^^^ m^v* ^^* 
 
 LECKONFIELD. 
 
 This has been a celebrated situation from the eariiest peopling of the northern 
 parts of the island ; and received the name it still retains from the local purpose to 
 Xf^hich it was appropriated. Its enclosed area was the sacred theatre in which th e 
 rites of initiation into the druidical mysteries were solemnized ; and Llegen-Fylliad, 
 the flat stone in the gloomy shade, was no other than the consecrated situation of 
 the Cromlech or Adytum, in which the aspirant performed his probationary 
 noviciate.' 
 
 Leckonfield retained its sacred character after the pompous rites of druidism had 
 given way to a more mild and genial religion ; a chapel to the church at Burton 
 
 1 Amongst the Druids, initiation was one of the most important ceremonies of religion. It 
 was with them what ordination was in the primitive Christian church. No person could oflSciate 
 as a Druid, a Bard, or a Eubate, without passing through this preliminary rite. It was an indispen- 
 sable qualification for all oflBces of trust or profit amongst our ancestors the aboriginal inhabitants 
 of Britain, and could not by any means be evaded. Much greater importance was attached to 
 initiation, than Christian ordination can claim in the present laxity of ecclesiastical discipline, 
 when this sacred rite is esteemed, by many professing Christians, as little better than a superstitious 
 and unmeaning ceremony. But initiation, amongst the ancient inhabitants of Britain, was never 
 thus depreciated during the long period of druidical supremacy ; and even retained some portion 
 of its influence after the abolition of the system. Dav. Druid, p. 281, 282. Hence it is rather 
 extraordinary that so few antiquaries in their dissertations on the monuments of our ancestors 
 have directed their attention to this important point, which formed, not only amongst the Druids, 
 but with the priests of all other idolatrous nations, the most indispensable ceremony of religious 
 worship; Iambi, de Myst. s. 6. c. 5. (Cicero, de leg. 1. 2. c. 14, says, iNiTiAque ut appellantur, ita 
 re verae principia vita cognovimus) for without initiation no one could perform, or assist at the 
 performance of sacred rites. Borl. Corn. b. 2. c. 8. It were certain death to offer a private sacrifice 
 without the concurrence and actual presence of an initiated person. Caesar. I. 6. Diod. Sic. I. 5. 
 C.31. Galtr. Hist. Poet. 1. 3. c. 4. Thus every establishment was furnished either with secret 
 caverns, or temporary buildings above ground, within a consecrated enclosure for this purpose, 
 to which the Cromlech was an indispensable appendage. Borl. Corn. b. 3. c. 9. ToJaud. p. 98. 
 Davies.p.391. 
 
413 
 
 was erected by earl AddP for the use of early Christians here;' and forty years 
 after the conversion of Edwin/ the limits of the druidical sanctuary were converted 
 into an episcopal seat by the erection of a palace for the occasional residence of the 
 archbishops of York." At the parochial division of the diocese the chapel became 
 a parish church. 
 
 In Domesday the account of this village is most satisfactory. Here we learn 
 that it was divided between the earl of Morton, William de Perci, and the canons 
 of Beverley under the archbishop of York. 
 
 Lands of the Earl of Morton. 
 In Lachinfelt Gida had one manor of ten oxgangs to be taxed, and one plough 
 may till it. Nigel has there one plough in the demesne, and four villanes with 
 half a plough. A fishery yielding 400 eels. Wood pasture one mile long, and the 
 same broad. Value in king Edward's time thirty shillings, the same now.® 
 
 Land of William de Perci. 
 III. Manors. In Lachinfeld, Osber, and Ulfiet and Osber had three carucates 
 and five oxgangs of land to be taxed, where there may be three ploughs. William 
 has now there two ploughs, and eight villanes with one plough and a half, and 
 ten fisheries yielding 2400 eels. Wood pasture two miles long and two broad. 
 Value in king Edward's time thirty shillings, now forty shillings.' 
 
 Land of the Archbishop of York. 
 In Lachinfeld St. John (of Beverley) has two oxgangs of land.' 
 
 In the reign of king John, Henry Percy married Isabel de Brus, and had in 
 gift from her brother Peter de Brus, certain lands in Leckonfield, on the easy 
 condition that on Christmas-day in every year he should attend upon the lady of 
 Skelton castle, and conduct her in state to mass.' 
 
 In 1308, Henry Percy obtained a licence to fortify his castle at Leckonfield ; '° 
 and in 1313, his son entailed the lordship and the advowson of the church on the 
 heirs male of his body." The annual value of the living at this time was ten 
 pounds.'^ King Richard granted to Henry Percy, whom he created earl of 
 Northumberland, a charter for a weekly market at Leckonfield every Tuesday; 
 
 2Gent Ripom P- 74. » Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. ^ A. D. 667. « Brompton. p. 790. 
 
 6 Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 80. 
 
 ' Ibid. p. 169. 8 Ibid. p. 57. » Cott. MSS. B. Mas. Jul. F. C. fo. 455. 
 
 10 Rot. Pat. 2 Edw. II. "MS. penes C. Fairfax, fo. 69 b. 
 
 »« Taxat. Eccles. P. Nich. 11 Edw. II. 
 
 3n 
 
414 
 
 and an annual fair to be held on the eve and day of the Exaltation of the Holy 
 Cross, and the seven following days." 
 
 It should appear that Henry Percy, the second earl, made Leckonfield his 
 principal residence, as several of his children were born there. It was the native 
 place of his son Henry, afterwards the third earl, who was born on St. James's 
 day, 1421, as it was also of Thomas, created baron Egremont by Henry VI. in 
 consideration of his public services. He was born on the day of St. Saturinus, 
 1422. Katherine, the earl's second daughter, was born at Leckonfield on the 18th 
 day of May, 1423 ; and here also were born his son George, afterwards a canon 
 of Beverley, on St. Sampson's day, 1424; Ralph, on the 11th of August, 1425, 
 and finally, William, his youngest son, afterwards bishop of Carlisle, April 7th, 
 1428." 
 
 The advowson of the living was given to the abbey of Alnwick, by Eleanor,'' 
 the wife of the third earl of Northumberland, who was slain in Towton Field, on 
 Palm-Sunday, 1461. The event of this battle placed Edward IV. on the throne 
 of England, and the Northumberland estates were alienated, because the earl had 
 died " in harness" against the house of York. The manor of Leckonfield was 
 granted to George, duke of Clarence, in tail general.'® In 1469, the estates were 
 restored to Henry Percy, the only son of the late earl, who took up his residence 
 at Leckonfield ; and was subsequently slain at Cockledge by the mob, and buried 
 splendidly in Beverley minster.'^ His successor kept a hospitable house at Leckon- 
 field, regulated according to the system prescribed in the famous Northumberland 
 household book, which contains a curious and minute description of his princely 
 manner of living in the baronial style of the times. 
 
 In 1503, Henry Algernon Percy, fifth earl of Northumberland, was appointed 
 to attend the king's daughter to York, for the purpose of consummating a marriage 
 which had been solemnized by proxy between this princess and James IV. king 
 of Scotland;'* and in 1517, the same nobleman received a royal command that he 
 
 's Rot. Chart. 5 Rich. II. i< Collins. Peerage, Brydges, vol ii. p. 280. 
 
 '^ Inquis. ad qd. dam. 35 Henry VI. The advowson was subsequently assigned by queen 
 Elizabeth to Thomas Crompton and Henry Best, "nup' monaster* de Anwick, &c." Ex. Reg. 
 Praep. Bev. 1. 3. p. 8 a. 
 
 »« Rot. Chart. 1 Edw. IV. i^ Vid. ut supra. Par. II. cap. 6. p. 172. 
 '* In pursuance of this requisition, the earl met her two miles from the city, "well horst upon 
 a fayr corser, with a forr cloth to the grounde of cramsyn velvett all horded of orfavery ; his 
 armes vary rich in many places, uppon his saddle and harnays, his sterrops gylt. Hymself arrayd 
 
475 
 
 and his countess should conduct the dowager queen of Scots to York on her return 
 home;^^ to which the earl returned a spirited answer, dated from his castle^° of 
 
 of a gowne of the said cramsyn ; the opnyngs of the slyves and the collar of ^rett bordeux of 
 stones, hys boutts of velvett black, hys spours gylt and in many places maid gambads plaisants for 
 to see; ny to him two foteman ther jackets of that sam as before to hys Devyses. And before 
 hee him had 3 hunsmen mounted upon fayr horsys there short jackets of orfavery and harnays 
 of the said horsys of that same rychly drest ; and after them rode the maister of hys horse arayd 
 of hys liv eray of velvyt monted upon a gentyl horse, and campanes of sylver and gylt, and held 
 in his haund annother fayr corser of all thyngs, his harnays apoynted as before is said. Wyth 
 hym in hys company was many noble knyghts, that is to weytt, sur John Haystyngs, sur John 
 Penython, sur Lancelot Thirlekeld, sur Thomas Curwen, sur John Normanville, sur Robert of 
 Aske, all knyghts arayd of hys sayd liveray of velvett with some goldsmyth warke ; grett chaynnes 
 and war wel mounted, some of ther horse harnes full of campaynes, some of gold and silver, and 
 others of sylver. Also ther was hys officer of armes, named Northumberland Heraull, arayd of 
 his sayd liveray of velvet herring his cotte sens the mettyng tyll to hys departyng thorough all the 
 entryng and yssue of good towns and citez. Also others gentylmen in such wys arayd of hys said 
 liveray, sum in velvet, others in damaske and chamlett, the others of cloth, well monted to the 
 nombre of three hundreth horsys." 
 
 Thus with many other noble attendants the queen arrived at the city, and the next day after 
 mass, " within the grett chammer was presented before hyr my lady the countesse of Northum- 
 berland, well accompanyd of many knyghts and gentylmen, and ladyes and gentylwomen, the 
 queue kissing hyr in the welcommynge; and as soon as sche was com in hyr chammer she 
 begoune to dynne, trompetts and other instruments rang to the auncyenne manere lastyng the 
 said dynner." Drake. Ebor. Append, xviij. 
 
 19 Lodge. Illustr. Brit. Hist. vol. i. p. 20. 
 
 2° The reader will not regret that I have subjoined copies of the mandate of king Henry VIII. 
 on this occasion, and the very* curious specimen of evasion contained in the earl's answer through 
 the earl of Shrewsbury. The first is endorsed, " Copye of the King's L^? 4517." 
 
 Right trustye and right well beloved cousin, we grete youe well. And forasmuch as we understand 
 that at the tyme of the laite repayre hither of our derrest sister the quene of Scotts, ye, accords 
 to our Lres to you then addressed, right thankfully acquitted yourself in geving your attendaunce 
 for her conductinage and honorabill conveyaunce, we therefore geve unto you our special thanks. 
 And whein it is appointed that our s'' derrest sister shall now retourne into the realme of Scotland 
 we wot and deasyre you to put yourself, and our cousine the lady yo! wiffe, in a redines likewis to 
 accompany and conduit hir at this hir said retourne, from our citie of Yorke, where she intendith 
 to be the xxixth dale of this monneth instaunte, so to attend upon hir to New borrow, whereby 
 ye shall deserve o\ fur', thanks to be remembred accods'y Geven under o''. signet, at o^ manor 
 of Richemond vij dale of Mali. 
 
 THE earl's answer. 
 
 My owne goode Lorde. After my moist hartie reco'menda'con I recom'end me unto you 
 And my L'^^ I have sent youe by my trusty s'uante, this berer, the copy of my L're from the Kings 
 Grace; w'hin his graces pleasour is y* my bedfellow and wiffe shuld attend upon y« Q"^ of Scottis f"» 
 Yorke to Newburrow. Whin, ray L'' I asserteigne you of suretie she is not in caise to ride ; 
 wherfoir boith she and I must besich yr good L^ship to make hir excuse to his grace to pardon hir, 
 seing sche may noon outhirwis doo; for glad she woulde have doone if she had might; and, as 
 for myself, I shall, accs to his grades comaundement, give mine attendaunce of hir Grace notws- 
 I have sende yr Lordeschip y* Copy of my Lettir, whiche, as I take it, is to bring hir Grace from 
 Yorke to Newburrow; whin, I pray your good Lordeschip to send me yr advice; for I meane by 
 my s^ Lettir to mete hir wit* Yorke, and so to awaite upon hir Grace to Newborrow, for exchewing 
 of fur^ charge, seing I am not appointed to bring hir into Yorke. My Lorde, I send you not myn 
 
 3 N 2 
 
476 
 
 Leckonfield. And in 1541, king Henry VIII. and his new queen Catherine 
 Howard, with a gallant train of attendants, visited the earl at this castle.^' 
 
 The Percys being at length attainted, part of the estates were conferred on John 
 Dudley, who was created duke of Northumberland, and succeeded to the castle 
 and estates at Leckonfield in 1551, as we learn from a manuscript of a visitation 
 by Tonge in the succeeding year.^'' But Dudley having been concerned in acts of 
 treason against queen Mary, he lost his titles and his life in 1553; and the 
 Northumberland honours and estates were restored to Thomas Percy, the seventh 
 earl. 
 
 The time was now rapidly approaching when this magnificent castle was 
 doomed to fall a prey to the hand of desolation. The ninth earl was fined £30,000. 
 by the star chamber court, and imprisoned fifteen years in the Tower for omitting 
 to administer the oath of supremacy to his relation Thomas Percy, of Beverley, 
 who was concerned in the unfortunate plot of the 5th of November, when he 
 admitted him into his establishment as a gentleman pensioner. This heavy fine 
 impoverished him so much that his northern castles were suffered to decay ; and at 
 length the buildings at Leckonfield were totally demolished, and the valuable 
 materials removed. 
 
 The castle is thus described by Leland'^ as it stood about the year 1538. " Al 
 the way bytwixt York and the parke of Lekenfeld ys meetely fruitful of corne and 
 grasse, but it hath little wood. Lekingfeld is a large house, and stondith withyn 
 a great mote yn one very spatious courte. Three partes of the house, saving the 
 
 owne Lettir, becaus I have sende it up to London already, a sennight agoo, and hath noone 
 annswer, for (to tell yr good Lordeschip the playnes) to be excuside, if I may, from y* busines, but 
 of a suretie, my L'^ y» Copy is word for word. My L'' methinke I nede not to be put to y« busines, 
 if they wo^ have pondered y^ charge y* they have put of late unto me, aude y*' paymuntis that I have 
 made of late. Written at Lekingfeld the xxiiijtli dale of Mali. 
 
 To myn owne goode Lorde, 
 
 my Lorde of Shrowsbury, ^^^^^ ^-^^^^^^f^^/fy^ 
 
 «' Tickell. Hull, p. 185. 
 *2 This paper is now in the Herald's college, and was " begone at the manor of Lekonfelde, 
 John Egglesfylde then keeper there, under the hyghe and myghtie Prynce John, Duke of 
 Northumberland, &c." Peck's Collectan. vol. ii. p. 253. 
 
 23 Leland. Itin. vol. i. p. 50. 
 
4n 
 
 meane g-ate that is made of brike, is al of tymbre. The fourth parte is made of 
 stone and sum brike. I saw in a little studying chaumber ther caullid Paradice, 
 the genealogie of the Percys. The park thereby is very fair and large and meetely 
 welle woddid. Ther is a fair tour of brike for a lodge yn the park."^* 
 
 2* As the reader may be curious to know how our nobility were accommodated with apart- 
 ments in their largest mansions, a list is subjoined of all the rooms of every kind that were 
 in Leckonfield manor house, taken from the Surveyors' Inventory, made in the year 1574. The 
 furniture of these apartments consisted of long tables, benches, cupboards, and bedsteads ; and it 
 is observable that in fourscore rooms, there do not seem to have been more than three or four 
 destined for the reception of the noble owners and their guests ; these were probably, the drawing- 
 chamber, the new chamber, the carved chamber, and the great chamber, or dining room; all the 
 rest were merely offices, or cabins to sleep in. The great chamber contained only " a long table 
 npon a frame, a cupboard with a door;" and the hall "six great standing tables, with six formes, 
 three cupboards, two dores, nether locks nor keys." 
 
 1. The gallery. — 2. The chapel. — 3. My lord's chamber. — 4. The gentlewoman's chamber. — 5. 
 The nursery. — 6. My lady's closett. — 7. The drawing chamber. — 8. The new chamber. — 9. The 
 ^eat chamber. — 10. The carved chamber. — 11. Paradice and the lower house. — 12. The hall. — 
 13. The pantry.— 14. The buttery.— 1.5. The larder. — 16. The scullery.— 17. The new larder. — 
 
 18. The kytchen. — 19. The pastry. — 20. The chamber over the hall ^21. The inner chamber. — 
 
 22. The chamber over the pantry. — 23. The utter chamber. — 24. The laundry. — 25. The milk- 
 house. — 26. John Bone's chamber. — 27. My lady's buttery. — 28. The green tower — 29. The 
 auditor's chamber. — 30. The upper chamber. — 31. My lady Percy's chamber. — 32. The musician's 
 chamber. — 33. The utter chamber. — 34. The bayne. — 35. The bakehouse. — 36. The brewhouse. 
 —37. The garners. — 38. The chamber adjoining to the milne. — 39. The groom's chamber. — 40. 
 The bingham's chamber. — 41. The smithie. — 42. The stable tower. — 43. The stables. — 44. The 
 chamber over the gate. — 45. The utter chamber. — 46. The porter's lodge. — 47. Alfourth tower. 
 — 48. The towre's chamber. — 49. The clarke's chamber. — 50. The checker. — 51. The spicery. 
 52. The storehouse. — 53. Edward Graies chamber. — 54. John Coke's chamber. — 55. The cham- 
 ber under the clarke's chamber. — 56, 57. The two next chambers. — 58. The gardyner's chamber. 
 — 59. The ewery. — 60. The study at the starehead. — 61. The next chamber called the scolehouse. 
 — 62. The wardropp. — 63. The wardropp of beds. — 64. The storehouse under the wardropp. — 
 65. Dudlaye's towre. — 66. Mr. Mychell's chamber. — 67. The bayley's chamber. — 68. The carters' 
 chamber. — 69. Jenytt Personnes chamber. — 70. Personne Rallyff's chamber. — 71. Stokaies. — 
 72. Peter Garnet's chamber. — 73, 74, 75. Three next chambers. — 76. Mrs. Percy's chamber. — 
 77 — William Twathe's chamber. — 78. The corner chamber. — 79, 80, 81. Three next chambers. 
 — 82. Carlton's chamber. — 83. The next chamber. — 84. The hawks mew. 
 
 The ceilings of many of the rooms were adorned with paintings, accompanied with a profusion 
 of moral verses. In the garret at the new lodge was a metrical dissertation on ancient music, 
 inscribed on the ceiling and walls, consisting of 132 lines, and concluding with these distichs : 
 
 The modulacion of musyke is swete & celestiall, 
 
 In the speris of the planettis makynge sounde armonical. 
 
 If we moder oure musyke as the trew tune is. 
 
 In hevyn we shall synge Osanna in excelsis. 
 
 In the ceiling of the highest chamber in the garden, were painted thirty couplets on the motto 
 of the family, Esperauuce en Dieu, concluding thus : 
 
 Esperaunce en dieu in hym is all, 
 
 Be thou contente, & thou art above fortune's fall. 
 
4T8 
 
 In the year 1574, the surveyors reported that the decay of the house at Leckoni 
 field was much greater than that at Wressel ; that if repaired it would be necessary 
 to take down the roof and new timber it, &c. ; and conclude their report by 
 observing that " they cannot speke of the particular harmes of the said howse, the 
 the waste is so universal." ^^ Thenceforward it was probably never repaired; but 
 after some time it was taken down for the repair of Wressel j for an account was 
 sent up to the succeeding earl of Northumberland in the reign of James I. of the 
 quantity of timber, painted glass, carved images in the ceilings, &c. which had 
 been removed, by his order, from Leckonfield to Wressel castle.'^^ 
 
 This village is placed in a romantic situation. The parkish appearance afforded 
 to it by the taste and munificence of the noble family who made it their residence 
 for so many centuries, contributes much to heighten the general effect. A rivulet 
 of beautiful water runs through it ; and altogether the scenery possesses a charm 
 which is more easily felt than described. The site on which the castle stood is 
 surrounded by the remains of the ancient moat, which formerly was wide and 
 deep and full of water. It contains an area of about four acres, and is a rich 
 green pasture. 
 
 The village is situated in the wapentake of Harthill, and division of Hunsley- 
 Beacon ; two miles and a half N. N. W. of Beverley, and eleven miles and a half 
 from Hull. The population in 1811 was 290 souls, and in 1821, 367. The living 
 is a discharged vicarage in the patronage of the earl of Egremont. Value in the 
 king's books, £S" Incumbent — Rev. W. Ramsden. The profits of the vicarage 
 were formerly very small, but it has received two augmentations from the governors 
 
 On the roof of lord Percy's closet were 142 moral verses, by way of dialogue, designed to 
 inculcate the necessity of practising virtue in early life ; the roof of " my Lordis Library " was 
 decorated with 92 lines on the love and fear of God ; and in the side garret of the garden were 
 74 verses, containing " the Counsell of Aristotell which he gave to Alexander Kinge of Macedony," 
 which had the following conclusion : — 
 
 Si sic vivaris eternum extendes in secula nomen ; 
 
 After this mater yf thou thy lyf spende, 
 
 Thy name shal be immortall unto the worldes ende. 
 
 '^•^ The above description of the manor-house or castle is taken from the 4th vol. of the Anti- 
 quarian Repertory, into which it has been transferred from the Northumberland household book, 
 and is therefore of unquestionable authority. 
 
 '^^ On cleaning out the moat which surrounded the castle, called the "New Lodge," in 1826, 
 a dagger was found of the length of 15 inches, which appears to have had a sheath covered with 
 a thin plate of fine gold, part of which adheres to it still. Several stag's horns were found at the 
 same time. The dagger is now in the possession of Richard Almack, esq. Long-Melford, Suffolk. 
 
 2^ Cler. Guide, p. 98. 
 
479 
 
 of Queen Anne's Bounty; and an annual stipend is added by the munificence of 
 the patron. The church has a small tower and three bells, but no inscriptions of 
 any importance. It has recently undergone a thorough repair; but owing to 
 the inexcusable neglect of leaving the windows without casements, and excluding 
 the external air, it is so dreadfully damp that some of the pews are entirely rotten. 
 The architecture is plain and neat. On the south side is a porched entrance, on 
 the west of which is one window, and on the east, two ; all of which are square 
 headed without dripstones, and containing three lights each, separated by stone 
 muUions. The chancel has a small door with a pointed arch surrounded by a 
 sweeping cornice, supported by brackets with heads ; and this is situated between 
 two pointed windows which exhibit some faint traces of the decorated style. The 
 tower, placed at the west end, is of brick ; it has a semicircular window, with a 
 cornice and corbel head on the keystone ; and is partially covered with ivy, as is 
 also the east end of the chancel. The windows on the north correspond with those 
 on the south side. Within the church we find monuments to the memory of 
 William Waines, esq. 1742, and John Lee, 1772. 
 
 This parish exhibits a singular instance of a church not wholly surrounded by a 
 churchyard. The village has a day and Sunday school for poor children of both 
 sexes, bu neither feast, nor fair, nor publick charity. 
 
 Ancient EJm Tree, on the Green, Bishop-Burton. 
 
480 
 PERCY FAMILY.' 
 
 The truly noble family of Percy, so renowned, not only in the annals of 
 England, but also in the history of Europe, is descended from one of the Norman 
 chieftains, who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066, and like other 
 Norman families, derived its name from their principal place of residence in 
 France. In Lower Normandy are three towns or villages of the name of Percy, 
 the chief of which is situate near Villedieu, in the election of St. Lo. Hence the 
 family took the name of De Percy. 
 
 M ainfred, a Danish chieftain, made irruptions into France before the year 886, 
 which was the era of Hollo's expedition that ended in the conquest and peopling 
 of Normandy in the year 912. Galfred or Geoffery, son of Mainfred, assisted RoUo 
 in the conquest, and obtained considerable possessions in this new duchy. From him 
 descended four generations before the conquest of England in 1066. These, when 
 surnames began to be taken up by the French nobility from their lands and castles, 
 were successively named, William de Percy, son of the first Geoffery ; Geoifery 
 de Percy, son of William ; William de Percy, son of Geoffery ; Geoffery de Percy, 
 son of William, who had two sons, William and Serlo, both of whom accompanied 
 their duke William, and assisted in the conquest of England. 
 
 William de Percy, being much beloved by the Conqueror, and one of his barons, 
 obtained from that king very large grants in his new dominions. He married 
 Emma, the daughter of Gospatrick, the great Saxon earl of Northumberland, and 
 left' issue by her, Alan, Walter, William, and Richard de Percy. Alan was the 
 second lord Percy from the conquest, and from his heroic achievements was styled, 
 the great Alan. He married Emma de Gaunt, who was nearly related to the 
 reigning family, by whom he had seven sons. 
 
 William, the eldest, succeeded him as the third lord Percy. He distinguished 
 himself in the battle of the Standard.* He had four sons, who died without issue, 
 and two daughters, Maud and Agnes ; the former of whom dying without issue, 
 the baronial rights became vested in the youngest. She married Joscelin de Lou- 
 vain, who was the brother of Adelicia, the queen of Henry I. king of England, 
 and descended from a long race of sovereign princes, kings, and emperors.^ He 
 
 • This account has been drawn up principally from Collins's Peerage, edited by sir Egerton 
 Brydges, K. J. vol. ii. Percy. 
 
 2 Vid. ut supra, p. 87. 
 
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482 
 
 took the name and arms of Percy, and was the ancestor of the subsequent lord 
 Percys, and of their descendants the earls of Northumberland. By the lady Agnes, 
 Joscelin had four sons and two daughters. Richard, the youngest son, during his 
 life was at the head of his family, and had all its baronial rights. 
 
 William de Percy, the grandson of Joscelin and Agnes, succeeded to the title 
 and estates. He had two wives. First, Joan, daughter of William de Briwere, 
 by whom he had three daughters; and, second, Ellen, daughter of Ingelram de 
 Balliol, who brought with her in dower the lordship of Dalton ; and by whom he 
 had seven sons and a daughter. Henry de Percy, his eldest son, succeeded him 
 (33 Henry III.) He married Eleanor, daughter of John Plantagenet, earl of War- 
 ren, and had by her three sons, William, John, and Henry. The two former dying 
 young. 
 
 Henry de Percy succeeded to the barony. He was afterwards created the first lord 
 Percy of Alnwick. He married the lady Eleanor Fitzallan, daughter of John, earl 
 of Arundel, and had by her two sons, Henry and William, the former of whom 
 was second lord Percy of Alnwick, and married Idonea, the daughter of Robert, 
 lord Clifford, whose superb monument is in the choir of Beverley minster. She 
 bore him six sons and four daughters. He had rents in Beverley.* Idonea had 
 Leckonfield assigned to her in dower. 
 
 Henry, the eldest son of Henry and Idonea, was the third lord Percy of Alnwick. 
 He married the lady Mary Plantagenet, daughter of Henry, earl of Lancaster, 
 and had by her two sons. Henry ; and Thomas, who was created earl of Worcester. 
 
 Henry, the fourth lord Percy of Alnwick, was advanced to the dignity and 
 title of earl of Northumberland at the coronation of Richard II. and the earldom 
 by patent made transmissable to his heirs in general, whether male or female. This 
 earl fought the battle of Otterburn, 21st July, 1388, from which event the old ballad 
 of Chevy-Chace had its origin. On his marriage with Maud, sister to lord Lucy, her 
 barony of Cockermouth was settled on condition that he and his heirs male should 
 bear the arms of Percy, or, a lion rampant, azure, quarterly with the arms of 
 Lucy, gules, three lucies, argent. He received judgment of death for the loss of 
 Berwick to the Scots, but the execution was remitted. In 1399, he was sent for 
 to court, but refusing obedience to the mandate, he was proclaimed a traitor, and 
 banished the realm. On the landing of Henry of Bolingbroke at Ravenspurn, the 
 
 < Inquis. Post. Mort. 26 Edw. III. 
 
483 
 
 earl and his son, the high-spirited Harry Hotspur, joined him, and through their 
 exertions he became Henry IV. The earl had now a grant of the Isle of Man, 
 to hold by carrying the Lancaster sword, worn by the king on landing in Hol- 
 derness, before him at the coronation.' 4 Hen. IV. he and his son rebelled, and 
 the latter was slain at the battle of Shrewsbury, but the earl was pardoned, and 
 6 Hen. IV. restored to his lands. The next year he again rebelled, and joined 
 Mowbray, earl marshal, and Scroop, archbishop of York ; they lost their lives, 
 and he fled into Wales, but soon returned and set up his standard at Thirsk, in 
 Yorkshire. He was defeated and slain, 29th February, 1408, on Bramham Moor, 
 by sir Tiiomas Rokeby, the high-sheriff. His head was placed on London bridge, 
 and his quarters on the walls of London, Lincoln, Berwick, and Newcastle , and 
 his forfeited estates were given to John, duke of Bedford. Hotspur having been 
 slain at Battlefield, near Shrewsbury, his son Henry, by Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Edmund Mortimer, earl of March, was restored to his possessions by king Henry 
 V. with the title of second earl of Northumberland, and he did homage in the 
 parliament at Westminster, 3 Henry V. The duke of Bedford had 3,000 marks 
 assigned to him in lieu of the estates. It appears that the young earl was in high 
 favour at court, as king Henry VI. in 1448, made a progress to Saint Cuthbert's 
 shrine at Durham,^ and visited the earl at Leckonfield for some days.' In 1455, 
 he was slain at the battle of Saint Albans, and buried in the abbey there. He had 
 several children by Eleanor, daughter of Ralph Neville, earl of Westmoreland;' 
 and was succeeded by his eldest son 
 
 Henry Percy, as the third earl of Northumberland ; who, by means of his great 
 uncle Cardinal Beaufort, married a rich heiress, who brought with her three 
 baronies in fee, viz : — those of Poynings, Fitzpayne, and Bryan ; and in the 25th 
 Henry VI. he had a special livery of all the castles, manors, and lands belonging 
 to them. This nobleman adhered firmly to the fortunes of king Henry VI. during 
 the unnatural contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, which ended in 
 the exaltation of Edward IV. and the death of this earl in the battle of Towton 
 JField. In the parliament held on the 4th November following, he was attainted, 
 with king Henry VI. Margaret his queen, and Edward, called prince of Wales. 
 
 * To commemorate the landing at Ravenspurn a cross was erected at Kilnsea, which is now 
 in the park at Burton-Constable. A print of the cross may be seen in Thompson's Hoiderness. 
 
 « Surtees. Hist. Durham. ^Tickell. Hull, p. 109. 
 
 « The beautiful ballad, called « The Hermit of Warkwork," by the late bishop of Dromore, 
 u a romantic history of the adventures and marriage of this earl. 
 
 3 o 
 
484 
 
 Henry Percy, fourth earl of Northumberland, only son and heir of the preceding 
 earl, being in his minority when his father was slain, was kept in the Tower of 
 London till the year 1469, when he was restored to his estates and dignities, and 
 constituted warden of the east and middle Marches towards Scotland. In 1482, 
 he had the chief command under the duke of Gloucester, of the army appointed 
 to act against the Scots. He laid siege to Berwick, and made a successful irrup- 
 tion into the heart of the city of Edinburgh, which was saved from the horrors of 
 fire and sword, by the earnest solicitations of the duke of Albany, and the cession 
 of Berwick castle. In 1485, 3 Rich. III. on the landing of Henry Tudor, earl 
 of Richmond, he was summoned by king Richard to attend him with all the 
 forces he could raise in the north. He was accordingly in Bosworth Field on the 
 day of battle ; but probably disgusted with the cruelties of that bloody monarch, he 
 is said to have acted a neutral part, and kept his troops from engaging at all 
 in the fight. Hereupon, as Hall informs us, he was incontinently received into 
 favour, and made one of the council to king Henry VII. This distinguished 
 nobleman fell a victim to the avarice of his sovereign ; and was slain at Cockledge 
 by the mob ; and the unfeigned regret of the whole country was the only atone- 
 ment which his family received. 
 
 Henry Algernon Percy, fifth earl of Northumberland, was only eleven years of 
 age at the death of his father, yet in the preceding year, on the 21st November, 
 1488, he was the first created knight of the Bath, with Arthur, prince of Wales; 
 the king honouring the solemnity with his presence. He married Katherine, 
 daughter and co-heir of sir Robert Spencer, knt. by whom he had three sons and 
 two daughters. She survived him, and by her will dated 14th October, 1542, she 
 bequeaths her body to be buried at Beverley, in the tomb of the late earl her 
 husband. The late bishop of Dromore had a letter written by the next earl, in 
 which he says that Cardinal Wolsey had wrote to prohibit his attendance on his 
 father's funeral at Beverley. 
 
 The next earl was the supposed lover of Anne Boleyn.^ In 1530, the earl, 
 with sir Walter Wash, was commissioned to arrest Cardinal Wolsey; and the 
 
 ^ On the divorce of this unfortunate lady, the earl being sent to, denied any pre-contract with 
 her, and wrote secretary Cromwell the following letter. « Master Secretary, This shall be to 
 signify unto you, that I perceive, by sir Raynold Carnaby, that there is a supposed pre-contract 
 to be between the queen and me. Whereupon I was not only heretofore examined upon mine 
 oath, before the archbishop of Canterbury & York, but also received the blessed sacrament 
 upon the same, before the duke of Norfolk, & other, the king's highness council learned in the 
 
485 
 
 next year he was elected a companion of the most noble Order of the Garter. 
 He wrote a letter in 1537 from Leckonfield, on occasion of a rebellion in the 
 north, to the corporation of Hull, requesting* assistance.'" In the same year, his 
 brother, sir Thomas, having been in the pilgrimage of grace, was hung at Tyburn ; 
 and the earl dying without issue, bequeathed all his lands to the king. 
 
 The peerage of the noble house of Percy having thus become extinct; it pleased 
 queen Mary by her letters-patent to restore it in 1557, in the person of Thomas, 
 son of the said sir Thomas Percy, who thus became the seventh earl of Northum- 
 berland. In the first year of Elizabeth, he was constituted general warden of the 
 east and middle Marches towards Scotland ; but afterwards being betrayed into a 
 rebellion against the queen, he was beheaded at York, August 22nd, 1572. He 
 married Anne, daughter of Henry Somerset, earl of Worcester, and by her had 
 only one son, who died young. He was therefore succeeded by his brother Henry 
 Percy, as the eighth earl of Northumberland, who had eminently distinguished 
 himself against the Scots during the reign of Mary. In 27 Elizabeth, however, 
 he was committed to the Tower on suspicion of being concerned in an attempt to 
 favour the escape of Mary, queen of Scots, and was found dead in his bed June 
 21st, 1585, shot with bullets. He married Catherine, eldest daughter of John 
 Neville, lord Latimer, by whom he had issue eight sons and three daughters. 
 
 Henry Percy, ninth earl of Northumberland, succeeded his father in his honours 
 and estates, and was promoted to the highest distinctions his sovereign, James I. 
 could confer, in the midst of which, when he seemed to be in a state of prosperity 
 beyond what any of his progenitors had experienced for many generations, he 
 suddenly experienced a fatal reverse, and was plunged in difficulties and troubles 
 which clouded the remaining part of his life. This was by the discovery of the gun- 
 powder plot in the very evening before the 5th November, 1605, when it was to 
 have taken place. As one of the principal conspirators was Thomas Percy, a 
 relation of the earl's, and one of his principal officers, the earl became obnoxious 
 to the government, and suffered extremely both in his person and his fortune. He 
 was at first confined to his house on suspicion ; and subsequently committed to the 
 
 spiritNal law; assuring you Mr. Secretary, by the said oath and blessed body, which afore I 
 received, and hereafter intend to receive, that the same may be my damnation if ever there were 
 any contract, or promise of marriage between her and me. At Newington Green, the 13th day 
 of May, in the 28th year of the reign of our sovereign lord king Henry VIII. Your assured 
 
 H. Northumberland. 
 >o Tickell. Hull, p. 165. 
 
486 
 
 Tower, where he remained a prisoner fifteen years, and sentenced to pay a fine of 
 £30,000. which was mitigated to £20,000. This sum the earl found a difficulty in 
 raising", and therefore the king- seized on his estates. The fine was at length paid 
 by instalments without any remission, but the earl did not recover his liberty till 
 the 18th July, 1621. He married Dorothy, daughter of Walter Devereux, earl of 
 Essex, and had issue four sons and two daughters. 
 
 Algernon Percy, tenth earl of Northumberland, succeeded to his family honours 
 and estates in 1632, and three years afterwards was installed a knight of the most 
 noble Order of the Garter with great magnificence. This nobleman took an active 
 part in the civil war; and after the restoration was constituted lord lieutenant and 
 custos rotulorum of the county of Sussex, and lord lieutenant of the county of 
 Northumberland. He married first, the lady Anne Cecil, second daughter of 
 William, earl of Salisbury, by whom he had five daughters; and secondly, the lady 
 Elizabeth Howard, second daughter of Theophilus, earl of Suffolk, by whom he 
 had one son and one daughter. 
 
 Josceline Percy, his son, eleventh earl of Northumberland, married the lady 
 Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Thomas, earl of Southampton, lord high treasurer 
 of England in 1662, and succeeded his father in 1668. But two years afterwards, 
 having overheated himself with travelling on the continent, he died without male 
 issue, in the midst of the brightest hopes which this promising young nobleman 
 had excited in the breasts of all good men, that he would prove a shining ornament 
 of his noble house, and an honour and support to his country. 
 
 By this unfortunate event the male line of the Percys ended, and the lady 
 Elizabeth, his only surviving daughter, succeeded to the baronial honours of her 
 ancestors. She married, and had issue by his grace Charles Seymour, duke o-f 
 Somerset, and was one of the most brilliant ornaments of queen Anne's court. 
 Her grandaughter, the lady Elizabeth Seymour, daughter of Algernon, duke of 
 Somerset, was married on the 18th July, 1740, to sir Hugh Smithson of Stanwick, 
 baronet, who succeeded to the earldom of Northumberland, assumed, by act of 
 parliament, the name and arms of the noble and illustrious family of Percy, and 
 took his seat in the house of peers 2nd March, 1750. His lordship successively 
 passed through the principal honours of the state, until in 1766, he was elevated 
 to the ducal rank, and appointed to the high office of master of the horse to his 
 majesty. He died in 1786, and was succeeded by his eldest son 
 
 Hugh, second duke of Northumberland, who, having devoted himself early to a 
 military life, was in the war in Germany, and then gave presages of that skill and 
 
48t 
 
 courage which were afterwards so nobly displayed in the service of his country in 
 the war in America, and which, in the important action of Lexington, and the 
 reduction of Fort Washington, &c. have consecrated his grace's name to posterity. 
 He married first, the lady Anne Stuart, third daughter of John, earl of Bute, by 
 whom he had no issue, and was divorced from her by act of parliament in 1779. 
 Secondly, he married Frances Julia Burrell, sister to lord Gwydir, by whom he 
 had issue three sons and six daughters. He was succeeded by Hugh, third duke 
 of Northumberland, who was born in the year 1785; and at present enjoys all the 
 honours of his noble family. 
 
 Titles. The most noble and puissant prince, Hugh, duke and earl of Northum- 
 berland 'j earl Percy, lord Percy, Lucy, Poynings, Fitzpayne, Bryan, and 
 Latimer, and baron Warkworth, of Warkworth castle. 
 
 Arms. Quarterly : the first and fourth quarterly, first and fourth, or, a lion 
 rampant, azure, being the armorial bearing of the ancient dukes of Brabant, and 
 second and third c/ides, three lucies or pykes, for Lucy: the second and third, 
 azure, five fusils in fess, or, for Percy. 
 
 Crest. On a chapeau, gules, turned up ermine, a lion passant, azure, his tail 
 extended. 
 
 Supporters. On the dexter side, a lion azure, on the sinister, an unicorn, 
 argent, collared gobone, or and azure, with a chain appendant and reflecting over 
 his back, or. 
 
 Motto. Esperaunce en Dieu. 
 
488 
 
 ©Sap* MJ^. 
 
 NoM iiM South-Burton — -Walkington^-^Hishy Scorhrough — -^The hamlets 
 
 comprised within the Liberties of Beverley y viz. — Molescroft, Storhhill-cum- 
 Sandholntf Tickton-cum-HuU-Bridge, Weel, Woodmansey-cum-Beverley-Parhs, 
 Theame, and Eske — Botany of the district. 
 
 NORTH AND SOUTH-BURTON. 
 
 These ancient villages were selected by the Britons as the consecrated depository 
 of their mortal remains. Secluded in situation, they were eagerly appropriated to 
 this purpose, £lnd here the graves of the Druid and the chieftain are still distinguished 
 by imperishable memorials.' The etymology of the name is derived from this 
 appropriation ; and to the Celtic Beorh or Bwr, a place of graves ; the Saxons, who 
 loved to mark any particular situation by a name of their own, subjoined the 
 adjunct tan, a town, calling it Bwr-ton, Burton. It was subsequently occupied 
 by the Romans ; and two tesselated pavements, constructed by that people, have 
 been recently discovered in the more southerly village.* 
 
 About the beginning of the eighth century, we find North-Burton the seat of 
 Addi, a Saxon earl; and South-Burton the residence of earl Puch. John of 
 
 ' Vid. ut supra. Par. I. c. 1. In addition to the excavations already mentioned, Richard 
 Almack, esq. of Long Melford, Suffolk, informs me that he opened a tumulus in South-Burton, 
 20th June, 1826, and found skeletons lying in different directions, at the depth of four feet from 
 the surface. " This barrow,'' he adds, " was about seventy yards in circumference, and eight or 
 ten feet deep. It appeared to have been previously opened in the middle, I believe by a deputa- 
 tion from the Antiquarian society some years since, and therefore I opened it nearer the side. 
 The bodies were apparently of young men, with sound white teeth.'''' 
 
 » Gent. Ripon, p. 77. Drake. Ebor. 
 
489 
 
 Beverley, when archbishop of York, consecrated churches at both these places; 
 and the advowson of the former church was presented by its noble proprietor, to 
 the new establishment of Saint John of Beverley.^ To each of these noblemen's 
 families the archbishop rendered an essential service, by his prayers and benedic- 
 tions for the sick;* and about this period, oratories were erected at Scorbrough and 
 Leckonfield, both within the parish of North-Burton ; which in process of time 
 became churches, by the subdivision which erected these two hamlets into inde- 
 pendent parishes.* 
 The account which we have of Burton, in the Domesday Survey, is as follows. 
 
 Land of the king — East-riding-. 
 Manor. In Burtone, Carle had fourteen carucates and a half to be taxed. Land 
 to seven ploughs. Four pounds.^ 
 
 Land of the archbishop of York. 
 These Berewicks, Schitebi, Burtone (Skidby, Burton) belong to this manor. 
 (Beverley.) In these are thirty-one carucates to be taxed, and there may be 
 
 ' Bede. 1. 5. c. 5. Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 104. The annual value of this church, in the taxation 
 of Pope Nicholas, was £20. 
 
 * These services are thus recorded by Bede, on the authority of Berthum, abbot of Beverley. 
 The lady of earl Puch had languished for a considerable time under an acute disease, until she 
 was prevented by extreme weakness from leaving her bed. At this period, St. John of Beverley 
 came into the parish to consecrate the church ; after which the earl invited him to dinner. The 
 bishop refused on the plea that he must return to the monastery ; but the earl being more than 
 commonly urgent, he at length consented, and went with Berthum to dine at his house. The 
 holy man sent the sick lady some of the water which had been blessed in the consecration of the 
 church, with directions to drink part of it, and with the remainder to wash the part which was 
 most in pain. These orders having been obeyed, to her great astonishment, the lady, not only 
 found herself delivered from her tedious distemper, but perceived that her former health and 
 strength were returned. She immediately arose, presented the cup to the bishop ; and, adds the 
 honest abbot, continued the service of drinking to us, as she had begun, till dinner was over. 
 Bede. 1. 5. c. 5. 
 
 Another time, being called to consecrate earl Addi's church ; he was requested to visit one of 
 the earl's domestics, who had lost the use of his limbs, and was otherwise so dangerously ill that 
 present death was apprehended ; and even the coffin was prepared for his interment. He was a 
 valuable servant, and the bishop was induced to go in and pray for him. After prayers, he gave 
 him his blessing, and said, " mayst thou soon recover." Afterwards, as they sat at table, the 
 sick youth sent to his lord desiring to have a cup of wine to quench his thirst; which was given 
 to him after receiving the bishop's blessing. The youth had no sooner drank the wine than he 
 felt himself healed of his infirmity ; and rising from his bed, he clothed himself, and saluted the 
 bishop and the other guests, saying that he should be happy to share in their entertainment. The 
 earl rejoicing at his recovery, desired him to sit down, and he spent the day in merriment; and 
 afterwards lived many years in a good state of health. Bede. 1. 5. c. 6. 
 
 « Lei. Coll. vol. iii. p. 101. ^ Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 30. 
 
 3p 
 
490 
 
 eighteen ploughs. The canons have there in the demesne four ploughs; and 
 twenty villanes with six ploughs ; and three knights three ploughs/ 
 
 In Burtone twelve carucates and six oxgangs to be taxed, and there may be 
 seven ploughs. Ulviet had one manor there. Now Saint John has in the demesne 
 three ploughs; and twelve villanes with three ploughs. Value in king Edward's 
 time fifty shillings ; at present forty shillings.' 
 
 Lands of the earl of Morton. 
 
 In Burton is one carucate to be taxed in the soke of Welleton. Nigel held it, 
 but he has now given it up.^ 
 
 Claims in Yorkshire — East-riding. 
 
 Nigel Fossard held one carucate of land in Burton, a manor of Saint John of 
 Beverley, which was Morcars, and the soke is in Welton, he has now relinquished 
 iV 
 
 Soon after this survey it is probable that South-Burton would be distinguished 
 by its present appellation of Bishop-Burton, for we find it an episcopal residence 
 in 1294; and the year following John le Romaine, archbishop of York, died there." 
 In 1201, Sibylla de Valoniis, relict of the third lord Percy, gave to the knights of 
 Saint John of Jerusalem the manor of North-Burton.*^ In 1289, Peter de 
 Lyndayle, chaplain of North-Burton, did fealty at the provost's court at Beverley, 
 for two messuages and six oxgangs of land.'' In 1327, the king confirmed to 
 Thomas de Burton and his heirs, six bovates of land in South-Burton field, as they 
 were given to Roger, the son of John de Burton, by the archbishop of York, on 
 payment of an annual rent of twenty shillings." And in 1347, an ordinance 
 respecting the chantry at Wynestead was ratified by the archbishop at Burton.'* 
 Subsequently we find that John de Beverley, and others, held for the benefit of a 
 chantry priest, forty acres of land in North-Burton and Ravensthorp ;'® Richard 
 de Ravenser, canon of Beverley, and other clergymen, held for the church of Saint 
 John of Beverley, six messuages, two tofts, and six shillings rent at North-Burton 
 and Beverley -" and William Louth, chaplain, and others, conveyed to Robert 
 
 ^ Bawd. Dora. Boc. p. 55. » Ibid. p. 56. » Ibid. p. 81. 
 
 '0 Ibid. p. 237. " Drake. Ebor. p. 430. »2 Tan. Notit. York. XII. 2. 
 
 »3 Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. 2. p. 49. a. »* Rot. Pat. 20 Edw. II. 
 
 " Given under this our signature at Burton, near Beverley, on the xxiiij day of the month of 
 April, in the year of our Lord 1347, and the fifth of our pontificate. Vid. Thompson. Swine, p. 263. 
 
 16 Inquis. post. mort. 40 Edw. III. "^ Ibid. 51 Edw. III. 
 
491 
 
 LeolfF a windmill, and other property at North-Burton." 6 Edw. VI. the manor 
 of North-Burton was assigned by the king to John, duke of Northumberland,'^ but 
 it was alienated by his successor queen Mary.'^" 
 
 It should seem that North-Burton became very early distinguished by the name 
 of Cherry-Burton; for we find by a presentation to the rectory, that it was thus 
 denominated in the reign of king Henry VIII.^' 
 
 The Seat of R. Watt, Esq. at Bishop- Burton. 
 
 South, or Bishop-Burton is situated in the wapentake of Harthill, three 
 miles west of Beverley. The church has a tower with three bells, and is dedicated 
 
 '8 Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 1. p. 59. is Ibid. 1. 3. p. 13. a. 
 
 20 Collins. Peerage, by Brydges, vol. ii. p. 315. 
 21 Rex &c. venerabili viro Praeposito Ecclesiae nostrae Collegiatae Sancti Johannis de Beverlaco 
 Comitatus nostri Eborum, ejusve in absentia OiBciali sive Comissario suo aut alii in ea parte 
 potestatem et auctoritatem sufficientes habenti cuicumque Salutem. Ad Ecclesiam parochialem de 
 Cheriburton alias Northburton dicti Comitatus nostri Eborum vestreeque et dietae Ecclesiae nostrae 
 Collegiatae jurisdictionis peculiaris; Per liberam resignationem Reverendi in Christo patris 
 Edmundi Londiniensis Episcopi ultimi Rectoris ejusdem, jam vacantem, et ad nostram praesen- 
 tationem pro hac vice, ratione praerogativae Coronae et dignitatis Regalis nostrae, per Praefecturam 
 dicti Edmundi ad Episcopatum Londiniensem, pleno jure spectantem; Dilectum nobis in 
 Christo Thomam Tompson Clericum Capellanum nostrum vobis praesentamus ; Intuitu charitatis 
 rogantes, quatenus eundem Thomam ad Ecclesiam parochialem praedictam admittere, ipsumque 
 Rectorem in eadem cum suis Juribus et pertinentis universis rite instituere ; caeteraque peragere 
 quae vestro in hac parte incumbunt officio, velitis cum favore. 
 
 In cujus &c. 
 
 Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium, quinto die Februarii. 
 Per Breve de Privato Sigillo. 
 
 Rym. Feed. tom. xiv. p. 713. 
 About the same period it is termed Cherryburton in the Provost's Register. 1. 3. p. 13. a. 1. 4. p. 16. 
 
 3 P 2 
 
492 
 
 to All Saints. The living* is a discharged vicarage, in the patronage of the dean 
 and chapter of York. Value, in the king's books, £5. 6s. 8d.-* The present 
 incumbent is the Rev. William Taylor. 
 
 The church is situated on the summit of a bold hill, which rises gradually from 
 an open space in the centre of the village, and commands a beautiful prospect of a 
 country diversified by hill and dale, and enjoying the advantages of " wood and 
 water." It exhibits to the stranger an unequivocal appearance of having been the 
 residence, "in olden time," of families, which by their wealth and taste have 
 covered the village with the venerable shade of antiquity and sylvan grandeur. In 
 the valley beneath is a small lake, past which runs the broad turnpike road, and 
 beyond that is an ancient tree of immense size and of the species called witch elm, 
 which the villagers regard with the awe and jealousy of a sacred palladium. It 
 measures forty-eight feet in circumference, and time has rent the majestic trunk so 
 effectually that children at play may hide themselves without difficulty within the 
 extended recesses. (See an engraving of the tree, p. 479.) 
 
 Bit/top- Burton Church, 
 
 The nave of the church has recently been rebuilt with stone; the tower and 
 chancel are old. The style adopted in the renewed parts is in strict accordance 
 with the original building. The north front has four good pointed windows in the ^ 
 nave aisle, with bold dripstones supported by corbel heads ; they are of the deco_ 
 rated character, and separated from each other by massive buttresses. In the upper 
 
 «2 Cler. Guide, p. 19. 
 
493 
 
 Rtory are the same number of square headed windows protected by weather cornices 
 and ornamented heads. The chancel has three old windows without much character. 
 This description may serve for the south front of the nave also, except that in the 
 place of one of the windows it has a pointed entrance door, and at the east end of the 
 aisle a low building- for a vestry with a small square topped window. The chancel has 
 two windows on the south side with square heads and dripstones. Each window is 
 divided into two lights by a stone mullion. The tower is at the west end, and the 
 elevation is made by string courses into three stories. The bell windows have two 
 lights. The interior of the nave is neatly pewed, and is supported on each side by 
 four arches and octagonal pillars.^^ 
 
 At a distance from the church a monument has been erected in the fields with 
 this inscription, (Dvatt prO atxima magi!3 (ter) Kicibavtl OT:iborltOn; the history 
 of which is entirely lost. The stone is undoubtedly of ancient date, and has the 
 appearance of a stump cross, but whether originally placed in this situation, or re- 
 moved from some contiguous religious building at the dissolution of the monasteries, 
 is quite uncertain. It is clear that no interment has been deposited beneath the 
 monument, for in the month of July, 1827, Richard Watt, esq. the present lord of 
 the manor, accompanied by the vicar, and proper assistants, took up the pillar, and 
 excavated to a considerable depth beneath the surface, but they found no indications 
 of sepulture, except a single bone, which was pronounced to be the tibia of a man. 
 The stone was replaced, and every thing left in its pristine situation.^* (See an 
 engraving of the cross, p. 105.) 
 
 23 rpjjg church contains several ancient inscriptions, which record the death of the more dis- 
 tinguished inhabitants ; who, while living, used this sacred edifice as a house of prayer ; and 
 when their spirit returned to Him who gave it, left their mortal remains to be deposited in the 
 holy ground which had been the consecrated scene of pious vows and humble adoration. On a 
 brass plate in the chancel is the following, f^ic ^Uttt tfm l|etrU0 ijOtlt^tl (Ittttlr \Sicavi 
 
 iuim ISrlie mi ofiiit 26 xHe mem Mnvtii anno Uni i460 ijrum^ ate propitietur 
 
 On another brass plate in the chancel is the following inscription, though somewhat defaced. 
 The ladye Isabell Ellerker, doughter of Richard Smeth Saye, esq. was mared to sir Jhon Ellerker, 
 knt. by whome she had yshewe Wm. Ellerker. The saide sir John Ellerker died the 1 of June, 
 — 10 after whose deathe she marryed Xpofor Estoft, esq. one of the Quenes Majesties Honorable 
 Councell, establish'd in the North, by whome she had — Estoft, the said Xpofor died the 14th 
 Maie 1566. The lady died the 20th day of Nov. 1579. Other monuments to the memory of 
 Sarah Watt, 1788; Richard Watt, 1803; Bethell Robinson, 1824, and Anne his wife, 1813; 
 and two hatchments, the one of Roger Gee, esq. and the other of Richard Watt, esq. 
 
 In the nave is an inscription in old church text, somewhat defaced, to the memory of Johanna, 
 the widow of Radulphus Rokeby, esq. who died the 2nd day of June, 1521. 
 
 2* There is very little doubt in my mind but this is the remains of a sanctuary cross ; the inscrip- 
 tion being a subsequent work, and totally unconnected with the primitive intention of the 
 monument, though some think it has been erected to commemorate a murder. 
 
494 
 
 Here is a Sunday school, supported principally by the benevolence of Mr. Watt, 
 where a hundred children of both sexes receive instruction on the Madras system, 
 the benefits of which are already apparent in the improvement of morals, 
 and the g-eneral veneration for the Lord's day, which has succeeded, within 
 the last few years, to riot and disorder and profanation of the sabbath. There is 
 also a charity for six poor persons, called Hansby's hospital f^ it contains, at this 
 time, three men and three women who have each ten guineas a year, and a chaldron 
 of coals. The parish contains also a small dissenting meeting-house, used by the 
 people called Baptists, and they have a Sunday school for their own children. Here 
 is also a free school for the instruction of ten boys, endowed with eleven acres of 
 land, purchased with £100. left by Mrs. Elizabeth Gee, in the year 1714. The 
 nomination is in the vicar. Present master, Mr. Mark Cook. 
 
 In this parish was the hospital of Killingwoldgraves, situated in a romantic valley 
 adjoining the high road. It was in existence, chiefly for women, so early as 1166;*^ 
 and was dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Its value, 26 Hen. VIII. was 
 £13. lis. 2d. in the gross, and £12. 3s. 4d. in the clear sum." William, who is 
 called Pharen. epis. was admitted master of this hospital, 20th March, 1399. 
 William de Scardeburgh, 3rd June, 1411. Richard Bowet, a relation of the 
 archbishop of York, 15th October, 1414.''* 
 
 The lordship contains upwards of four thousand acres of land, which have been 
 inclosed more than half a century, and have recently undergone a succession of 
 improvements under the liberal example and encouragement of Richard Watt, esq. 
 
 25 On the south of the village, and at no great distance from the church, is a close known by 
 the name of Knight-garth, which still retains the marks of having once been the site of a range 
 of ancient buildings, supposed to have been the old palace or residence of the archbishops of 
 York. The land is now in mortmain, and belongs to Hansby's charity. A deep ravine adjoining 
 this field, which has been recently planted, is subject to sudden eruptions of water after rainy 
 seasons, which bursts forth in such prodigious quantities that all the low parts of the country are 
 flooded for many miles. It continues to flow till the reservoir is exhausted, when it ceases, and 
 remains entirely dry, perhaps for many years, until some immoderate and incessant fall of rain 
 once more surcharges the cavernous receptacles in the earth, and again produces another tempo- 
 rary inundation. 
 
 *^ Archbishop Roger's grant to them bears date in the above year. 
 
 vever says, that it was valued at no more than forty shillings per a 
 . p. 57. 
 
 Vid. Dugd. Monast. vol. vi. p. 650. Tan. Notit. York. LXIII. 
 
 2^ Tanner however says, that it was valued at no more than forty shillings per annum, according 
 to Stevens, vol. i. p. 57. 
 
495 
 
 who resides on his estate. The population in 1811 was 515, and in 1821 it had 
 increased to 534 souls.^^ 
 
 A tolerably accurate list of vicars is subjoined. 
 
 A. D. -^ 
 
 before f 
 
 1460 j Peter Johnson 
 1564 Edward Alford 
 1613 Nicholas Byrch 
 1652 John Johnson 
 1685 John Johnson 
 1689 Robert Weburne 
 
 1719 William Anderson 
 
 1729 Robert Hewitt 
 
 1730 Thomas Leake 
 1787 Robert Rigby 
 1823 Henry Kelley 
 1826 William Taylor 
 
 29 The following extracts from the register of this parish may not be altogether devoid of 
 interest. It commences in 1562. 
 
 1 653 The register was at this time put into the hands of laymen until the year 1660, when Charles 
 II. was restored to the crown. 
 
 1 653 The register of marriages by the justices of the peace during the tyrannical rule of the 
 parliament and the usurpation of Oliver Cromwell. 
 
 Be it remembered that at this time the marriages were usurped by the justices of the 
 peace, (to the abating of the minister's power and right) by the order of y« long lyved 
 pari* and so continued till an. 1659, for the space of 6 yeares. 
 
 The form of publishing the banns of marriage. — Neighbours ; John Robinson, husband- 
 man, of Bishop-Burton, the son of William and An Robinson of the same, intendeth to 
 take to wife Jane, of the same, spinster, the daughter of Edward and Ann Wilson, if any 
 person can alledge any thing against it let them repaire to me and enter the same, this the 
 time of publication. 
 
 1661 John, son of Richard Wardworth, was bap"? Nov. 7. This child was bapl with god- 
 fathers and godmothers, which had been laid aside generally for many years. 
 
 1663 The church steeple was taken down and made square, and the great bell cast. 
 
 1669 July 7, upon a Wednesday, betwixt 2 and 3 in the afternoon was an earthquake, which 
 was but momentary, a pulsus terrae, but was felt more forcibly and of longer continuance 
 in the western parts of Yorkshire. 
 
 1676 Mr. Toby Hodson, of his own proper charge set up the communion rails, which had been 
 neglected and ruinated from the time of the rebellion till last year. 
 
 1679 Jan. 11. By tempest the great elm tree was broken down. — See p. 491. 
 
 1739 Dec 9. The sentence of excommunication was publicly denounced against Alice Hunter 
 and Nicholas Deane, by the then vicar of this parish, Thomas Leake. 
 
 1774 May 29. A sentence of excommunication was published against H P . July 
 
 3, H P . .. -~. . was absolved. 
 
496 
 
 Pedigree of GEE, of Bishop-Burton. 
 
 Arms. Guks, a sword in bend, handle in base, oVy blade, proper. 
 
 Alexander Gee, of Radney, com. Leicest.=f= 
 
 r 
 "~1 
 
 Edmund Gee=pGrace Baskerfield 
 
 Richard=a d. of J. Villiers, esq. 
 
 John Gee=pd. of Thomas Nevill, esq. of Holt 
 
 Robert John Gee=pd. of John Hawbark, esq. of Stapleford a daughter 
 
 I 1 1 
 
 Roger Henry Gee=pd. of Cornelius Gee, of whom are the Gees of Hull Thomas 
 
 =William Gee=p3o Elizabeth, d. of Walter Jobson, of Hull 
 
 I ' 1 1 1 
 
 Anne Walter 
 
 1 . A d. of sir Robt. Crompton=^Sir Wm. Gee, of— r2. Thomasine, d. of 
 
 Bishop Burton — Button, bishop of 
 temp. James I. Durham 
 
 Samuel 
 
 Thomas Gee=:ad. 1 William Gee=ad. 1 John Gee=pd. of Sir J. Hotham Hannah=Sir Thomas 
 of — Constable ^ oi — Hammerton ^ 1 of Scorbro' Remington 
 
 Rachel, d. of sir Thomas Parker, of Ratton,=pWilliam Gee, of Bishop-Burton=Mary, d. of sir 
 
 in Sussex, ob. 1649. set. 18. Monument 
 in Bishop-Burton church 
 
 ob. 1678. aet. 52. Monument Richard Spen- 
 in Bishop-Burton church cer, com. Kane. 
 
 Eliz. d. of Dr. Charles Cracroft, of Louth, com. Linc.=j=WiIliam Gee=pEliz. d. of sir John Hotham 
 
 I 1 I 
 
 James Gee==Constantia Moyser Bridgefc=:Ralph Pennyman Thomas Gee=p. .. . 
 
 Hannah Waines===Rev. Richard Gee Gertrude==Col. Jas. Whyte, William William, killed at=p, . 
 
 of Beverley 
 
 of Hotham 
 
 of Ireland 
 
 Fontenoy, Lt. 
 Col. 20th Foot 
 
 Wm. Gee, ob. coel. Jas. Whyte=d. of the Hon. Robert Roger Gee^pCaroline War-=pPeter Ack- 
 
 set. 19. Monu- 
 ment in Beverley 
 minster 
 
 John Be- 
 resford 
 
 1st hus- 
 band 
 
 ton, of Be- 
 verley-Parks 
 
 lorn, esq. 
 2nd hus- 
 band 
 
 I 1 I I — 
 
 Sarah Gee=Henry Boldero Caroline=Geo. Hotham, esq. Thomas, ob. Peter Ack-=:Maria,d 
 
 Barnard West In- lom, esq. of Ma- 
 
 dies jor Top- 
 
 ham 
 
 North, or Cherry-Burton, by some called Sheriff-Burton, is also in the 
 wapentake of Harthill, three miles north-west of Beverley. It is a healthy villag-e, 
 
 ^° He was appointed a special commissioner by royal patent, (42 Eliz. m. 24.) De Schismat* 
 supprimendo. Rym. Feed. vol. xvi. p. 386. 
 
491 
 
 situate at the southern extremity of the wolds, and enjoys a pure and bracing air ; 
 26 miles from York, 7 miles from Weighton, 15 from Hornsea, and 12 from 
 Hull. The church, which exhibits some marks of a high antiquity, blended with 
 modern improvements of different styles and ages in its numerous repairs, is dedi- 
 cated to St. Michael the Archangel, and the living is a valuable rectory in 
 the patronage of H. Ramsden, esq. The annual value in the king's books is 
 £23. 6s. 8d.^' and the present incumbent is the Rev. Henry Ramsden. Curate, 
 the Rev. H. W. Hunter, M. A." 
 
 The tower of the church was taken down and rebuilt in ] 786, partly by sub- 
 scription, and partly by a parochial rate. It contains two bells. " In the year 
 1800," to use the language of the parish register, " the church was beautified and 
 repaired, both inside and outer, and a new porch erected, and handsomely fronted 
 with stone, at the expense of the rector, Robert Darley Waddilove." The interior 
 varies little from that of village churches in general ; the nave is separated from 
 the chancel by an open screen of carved wood work. The windows are chiefly 
 modern, except in the east and west, and they are of an early period." The stand 
 for the hour-glass still remains fixed against the wall on the left hand side of 
 the pulpit." 
 
 The rectory was formerly in the patronage of the college at Beverley, but was 
 transferred to the crown at the dissolution of that establishment, where it remained 
 until the reign of James ; and afterwards it came to the Hothams and others. It is 
 discharged from the payment of procurations and synodals." 
 
 »» Cler. Guide, p. 31. 
 
 »* I beg leave to thank Mr. Hunter for his copious communications relative to this village ; 
 from which the following account has been principally compiled. 
 
 " We meet with no monuments of any importance in this church. The following admonitory 
 inscription, however, deserves to be noticed. On a plain stone tablet at the end of the nave, the 
 spectator is addressed as by a voice from the tomb. — Sum quod eris; fueramq; quod es. W. 
 Pierson, 1720. 
 
 '* It was formerly the custom for the length of the sermon to be regulated by the hour-glass. 
 When the priest mounted the pulpit the glass was turned ; and his sermon came to a period when 
 the sand was wiiolly exhausted. 
 
 « MSS. of Archbishop Sharp. 
 
 3 a 
 
498 
 
 The following is, a close list of Rectors from the Reformation. 
 
 A. D. RECTORS' NAMES. 
 
 BY WHOM PRESENTED. 
 
 1530 Edmund Bonner*^ [ Canons of Beverley' 
 
 1541 Thomas Thompson" 
 1562 Samuel Culverwell 
 1612 Thomas Micklethwayte' 
 1664 Thomas Gayton 
 1681 John Johnson''' 
 1703 Robert Barker 
 1728 Thomas Gee 
 
 King Henry VIII. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth 
 
 King James I. 
 
 Sir John Hotham 
 
 William Gee, esq. 
 
 His brother 
 
 Thomas Gee, esq. of York 
 
 '^ Biog4 Brit. This Bonner was the famous (infamous?) persecuting bishop of London in 
 the time of queen Mary. He is said to have condemned no less than two hundred protestanls 
 to, the flames in the space of three years. He died at length in prison, during the reign of 
 
 ^ •' In, thiSr parish was a, chantry, dedicated to the Holy Trinity; the incumbent to which was 
 instituted by the provost of Beverley. Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1. p. 3. At the dissolution, William 
 Lacocke, the incumbent, had a pension of £3. 12s. Od. Willis. Hist Abb. vol. ii. p. 290. The 
 only remaining vestige of this institution is a small piece of ground adjoining the rectory close, 
 called the Chantry garth, which before the inclosure belonged to lord Egremont, but by an 
 ejichange was assigned to the lord of the manor David Burton Fowler, esq. who subsequently- 
 sold it^to Mr. Eamsden, whose j^roperty it now is. 
 
 38 Pat. 32 Hen. YIIJ. m. 21, 
 
 »9 At page 2, of the old register of Cherry-Burton, occurs a list of fifty-six names, beginning 
 with "Thomas Micklethwayte ;" and ending with this remark, "All these tooke the Scottish 
 covenant under Mr. Thomas Micklethwayte." He was a member of the Westminster assembly^ 
 
 *^ Many curious entries appear in the register books during the incumbency of this gentleman ; 
 a selection from which I subjoin. 
 
 ]!4^^^ 1:^2. Anne Baker did penance publiqely, 
 
 1684. On Wednesday y^ 12 of November were scene two snnnes in y* fflrmam* betwiRt 
 
 twelve and one of y'= clock att Bp. Burton. Memorandum. Upon Sunday ffebr. 
 
 1^ 1687 there happened about halfe a quarter before foure in j* after noone, after 
 
 sermon, a. sudden violent pulsation, or, as it were, a mighty thump in the earthe 
 
 y^^ is a kinde of earthquake w'* resembled the report of a cannon, with some noisa 
 
 before and after, and causing the earth and the buildings thereon to shake, but it 
 
 l^ted bi|t a moment in this plac^. 
 ffel^r, 24j, l^. This day att y« sups rising wei:e scene two sqnswhen y^ sun was about a quarter 
 
 of an hour risen, the appearance of the second sun or pareiia. w,as seemingly att 
 
 60 yards distance, on the north-east of y« true sun. 
 Dec. 8th, 1692. About 2 a clock in the night was a violent tempest of wind w'' overthrew y* 
 
 chantry helmes and the chymney of y® lodging parlour at the parsonage house, 
 
 w** was reedified the July following. 
 1696. In flFebruary or March wejre scene two sons in the morning tide. 
 
499 
 
 A* D. 
 
 RECTORS' NAMES. 
 
 it WHOM PRESENTRD. 
 
 1736 Christopher Burton 
 1740 Thomas Barker 
 1775 Robert Darley Waddilove" 
 1828 Henry Ramsden 
 
 John Burton, esq. of Kirkthorp 
 Elizabeth Barker, of Beverley 
 Reps, of Robert Waddilove 
 H. Ramsden, esq. 
 
 The inhabitants of Cherry-Burton entertain a superstitious belief, that when the 
 head of a family dies, it is necessary to clothe the bees in mourning- on the funeral 
 day, to secure the future prosperity of the hive. An instance of this observance 
 took place in the month of July, 1827, on the death of an inmate only in a cotta:- 
 ger's family. On the day of interment the important ceremony was performed 
 with g-reat solemnity. A scarf of black crape was formally appended to each bee- 
 hive ; and an offering of pounded funeral biscuit soaked in wine was placed at its 
 entrance; attended, probably, with secret prayers that the sacrifice might he 
 efficacious to preserve the colony from fatuitous destruction.*^ 
 
 The village feast is annually observed on the last Sunday in the month of Juty, 
 being an unusual instance of deviation from the common practice of appropriating 
 the anniversary of the consecration of the church as a perpetual festival. The 
 hilarity of an old English harvest home is also enjoyed by the inhabitants of 
 
 •♦' "Robert Darley Waddilove, M. A. F. A. S. of Clare-hall, Cambridge, vicar of TopoMTe, in 
 this county, and chaplain to the honourable and rig-ht reverend Dr. Robert Drummond, archbishop 
 of this province ; and also to the right honourable Thomas, lord Grantham, his majesty's am- 
 bassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary at the court of Spain, was inducted into this rectory 
 of Cherry-Burton, the 9th day of March, 1775, by George Croft, master of the grammar- 
 school in Beverley, and fellow of University college, Oxford ; in the presence of Wm. Browne, 
 M. A. rector of Silverton and Rowe, Devon, and John Baker, parish clerk of Cherry-Burton. 
 August, 1779, Dr. Waddilove returned from Spain, and in October, was appointed domestic 
 chaplain to Dr. William Markham, lord archbishop of this province, who had been his master at 
 Westminster school. On the 25th July, 1780, he was prebendary of Ripon ; 22nd February, 
 1782, prebendary of York; 3rd March, 1786, archdeacon of the East-riding; 19th November, 
 1791, dean of Ripon." From the parish register. 
 
 *2 Honey was anciently a symbol of death ; Porph. de Ant. Nymph, p. 261 ; and thus funeral 
 cakes were usually combined with honey. Virgil terms the funeral cake, melle sopocatam et 
 modicatis frugibus ofFam. Bees are said to have been emblematical of new born souls, or m 
 other words, of spirits at the moment of their departure from the body ; but they were used in the 
 idolatrous initiations to typify only the souls of the just. Porph. p. 262. Hence the above custom, 
 for which no determinate reason can be assigned, may have a reference to some idolatrous super- 
 stition observed by the primitive inhabitants of the island ; the custom itself, like innumerable 
 others, having survived the knowledge of the causes which gave it birth. 
 
 3 Q 2 
 
^00 
 
 Cherry-Burton with primitive observances. The custom is laudable, because it is 
 an act of thanksgiving to God for his goodness in preparing for the use of man, 
 "the kindly fruits of the earth."** 
 
 The charities of this village are not numerous. In the year 1723, Hodgson 
 Johnson, M. D. of Cherry-Burton, left two pounds annually, chargeable on a house 
 and premises in the parish, to be given on the 5th day of November, by the overseer 
 of the poor for the time being, in equal portions, to four of the most indigent in- 
 habitants, in coals or other fuel for the winter. And in 1740, Ann Johnson, of 
 Beverley, left by will the sum of forty pounds to the minister, churchwardens, and 
 overseers of Cherry-Burton, to be invested in land or other good security, and the 
 proceeds distributed at Christmas annually amongst four poor inhabitants of the 
 parish. 
 
 The population has sustained a gradual increase from the return in 1811. In 
 that year the return specified that the number of families was 71; males, 196; 
 females, 162; total number of souls, 358. In 1821, the number of families was 
 78; males, 226; females, 191; total, 416; since which period the increase has been 
 proportionably progressive. The number of marriages, baptisms, and burials from 
 1811 to 1826 inclusive, is exhibited in the following table. 
 
 A. D. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 A. D. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 1811 
 
 1812 
 1813 
 1814 
 1815 
 1816 
 1817 
 1818 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 15 
 12 
 21 
 8 
 11 
 10 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 3 
 9 
 8 
 10 
 
 BROUGHT UP 
 1819 
 1820 
 
 1821 
 1822 
 1823 
 1824 
 1825 
 1826 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 3 
 1 
 3 
 6 
 3 
 2 
 
 102 
 10 
 
 15 
 
 11 
 
 15 
 12 
 14 
 20 
 13 
 
 47 
 4 
 9 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 7 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 
 6 102 
 
 47 
 
 TOTAL. 
 
 27 
 
 212 
 
 86 
 
 ^' It was particularly enjoined in the Mosaic law, that a solemn feast should be held unto the 
 Lord when the people had gathered in the fruits of the land. Deut. xvi. c. 13 v. Scenopegia, 
 quod celebrant in gratiarum actionem propter convectas Fruges in mense Septembri. Tunc enim 
 gratias agebant Deo, &c. Theophylact in 7. C. Joan. It is true, some anti-christian practices 
 have been introduced into this festival; which, however, are used with no other view than to 
 inspire increased mirth, at a season when all sadness is prohibited. The straw figure, commonly 
 called a harvest doll, which is sometimes exhibited in these pageants, mounted in state upon the 
 horse nearest to the waggon, when the last load is taken from the harvest field, is undoubtedly 
 a representation of Ceres, the goddess of husbandry. This figure is attended by groups of boys„ 
 
^01 
 
 WALKINGTON. 
 
 Walkington, anciently in the fee of the provost of Beverley, is situated in the 
 wapentake of Hunsley-Beacon and deanery of Harthill, nine miles from Hull, and 
 two and a half from Beverley; and at the Norman Conquest was divided amongst 
 the archbishop of York, the bishop of Durham, and the king's thanes. 
 
 Land of the archbishop of York. In Walchington there are eight carucates and 
 one oxgang to be taxed, where there may be four ploughs. Eldred, archbishop, 
 held this for one manor. The canons of St. Peter at present have, under Thomas, 
 archbishop, in the demesne one plough, and fourteen villanes and eight bordars 
 with six ploughs. Value, in king Edward's time, 40s. ; now 30s.' 
 
 The land of the bishop of Durham, in Walkington, consisted of nine carucates 
 to be taxed, and formed a berewick to Welton.'^ 
 
 Land of the king's thanes. Manor. In Walchingtone, Gamel had one caru- 
 cate of land to be taxed. Land to half a plough. The same has it himself, and 
 it is waste. Value, in king Edward's time, 5s J 
 
 Claims in the East-riding. The soke of four carucates of land in Walchington 
 belonged to Welleton, but king William gave the undisturbed possession of it to 
 archbishop Eldred, the wapentake (jurors) witnessing the king's writ for that 
 purpose, which they saw and heard.* 
 
 Subsequently to this period we possess various accounts of the village, which are 
 highly satisfactory, as they point out the principal proprietors from time to time, 
 and the local situation of their respective possessions. From the voluminous mat- 
 ter which lies before me, I select the following. 
 
 3 Edw. I. At a court held at the Hall Mote, in Dalton, on the Wednesday 
 next after the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, Ivo de Cottingham, appeared to 
 give pledges for having broke the lord's park at Walkington, and other trespasses. 
 Edmund de Riplingham was his surety.* 
 
 generally elevated upon the load, who announce her approach by a continued shouting, to attract 
 the notice of the inhabitants. In the evening all is feasting and revelry ; the master and the 
 servant meet at the same table, and mutually congratulate each other on the happy termination of 
 their labours. The expectation of this reward animates the men to exertion throughout the 
 harvest ; and it is to their activity and persevering industry that the farmer must be principally 
 indebted for a prosperous ingathering. 
 
 ' Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 45. 2 Ibid. p. 60. ^ Ibid. p. 225. 
 
 < Ibid. p. 239. 
 
 « Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 1. p. 17. 
 
602 
 
 14 Edw. I. Edrueltus de Ergham gave to the provost of Beverley, at his court, 
 one mark on the tranfer of a carncate of land in Walkington, late the property of 
 his mother.^ 
 
 2 Edw. Til. William Cantes came into court and paid a relief of two marks for 
 two messuages and a toft and six oxgangs of land in Walkington f which he sub- 
 sequently assigned, together with another messuage, and 13s. 2d. rent, to James 
 Jordan, as appears from a roll of 3 Edw. III. The charter was exhibited in the 
 provost's court by the purchaser, who did the usual homage, and paid the fees.* 
 
 49 Edw. III. William Frost did homage at Beverley for his tenement at Wal- 
 kington;^ and in the next year we find sir William de Ergham Chivaler residing 
 there.'^ And 2 Rich. II. William Frost made fealty for two tofts, a dovecote, and 
 three oxgangs of land with the appurtenances, which were formerly the property 
 of Adam, the son of John Thornton Copandale ; and for two oxgangs of land 
 which he had purchased of sir John de Meaux Chivaler." 
 
 26 Henry IV. By an inquisition it appears that sir Thomas de Comberworth 
 Ch^ held at Walkington, of the provost of Beverley, by military service, one 
 messuage and nine oxgangs of land, with the appurtenances, late the property of 
 lady Ergham; and also three tofts called dovecote-garth ; — that William Germain 
 held three tofts, late the property of John de Middletou, and one toft near to some 
 land of the provost called Brentingham Place, and two oxgangs in Walkington 
 field, late the property of John de Middleton, and one toft called Gok Place, 
 adjoining Northgate, late in the tenure of William Frost ;^ — that John Bedford 
 had a capital messuage, at the north end of the village, late the property of 
 William Frost, and also a piece of ground on which stood a dovecote, purchased 
 by the said William Frost of Adam, the son of John Thornton Copandale, and 
 also a piece of arable land called Wynpenny croft, containing two acres ; — that 
 John Brompton had a piece of herbage near the Hall croft and King-lane, a 
 tiled messuage at the corner of Northgate, with Westgate on the north, and one 
 oxgang called Pottersland, late the property of Alice Barker; — that John Copan- 
 dale, of Beverley, held there a piece of herbage adjoining King-lane; — that the 
 chapter of St. John of Beverley held two oxgangs in Walkington field ; — that the 
 brethren and sisters of the guild of Corpus-Christi held a messuage and croft 
 adjoining the above, late in the tenure of Thomas Golding, and the messuage 
 
 ^ Ex. Reg. Preepos. Bev. 1. 1 p. 16. ^ Ibid. p. 17. « Ibid. p. 16. » Ibid. 41. 
 
 •"Ibid. 16. "Ibid. p. 22. 
 
50^ 
 
 occupied by William Thyrske, lying" in the east part of Norrtigate ; — that Thomas, 
 the son of John Ward, of Beverley, held land in this parish ; and also the vicars* 
 choral of the colleg-iate church of Saint John.'^ 
 
 6 Edw. VI. The king" assigned the manor of Walking-ton to John, duke of 
 Northumberland," on the attainder of the Percy family in the person of its only 
 surviving- branch sir Thomas Percy, knight.'* But this nobleman, who was ajso 
 earl of Warwick, having forfeited his titles and his life for treason against queen 
 Mary, on the accession of queen Elizabeth, the manor of Walkington, amongst 
 other property, was confirmed to his successor Ambrose, earl of Warwick, 23rd 
 June, 6 Eliz.'* And subsequently it was assig-ned over in trust to Roger Rowte 
 and Edward Downing; 12th Marchj 33 Eliz.'^ At present, the bishop of Dur- 
 ham, and H. G. Barnard, esq. are in possession of the manorial rights. 
 
 The church is a neat edifice, dedicated'^ to All Saints, and has been recently 
 restored. The tower contains three bells. The living is a rectory, in the patro- 
 nage of the Rev. Daniel Ferguson, the present incumbent, who was instituted in 
 
 •2 Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. I. I. p. 6% 62. »» Ibid. 1. 3. p. 13. a. 
 
 " Collins. Peerage, by Brydg-es. vol. ii. p. 314. '* Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 3. p. 14'. a. 
 
 '«Ibid. 1. ap. 15. b. 
 
 "The feast of diedication is cerebrated annually iii this village, and is usually denominated 
 th« " The Tansey Feast;" These feasts, which primitively were with greater propriety termed 
 " wakes, first took their rise from the meeting of the people at the dedication of churches ; which 
 ceremony was performed on the saint's day in whose honour the church was built. On the pre- 
 ceding evening came the religious people to watcL and pray all the night; and this watching or 
 waking was annually kept on the eves of the saint's days. The first intention of this watching 
 was good and holy, but by degrees, greater numbers attending, less devotion and reverence were 
 observed ; till at length, from hawkers and pedlars coming thither to sell their petty wares, the 
 merchants came and set up stalls and booths in the churchyards ; and not only those, says Spelman, 
 who lived in the parish to which the church belonged resorted thither, but others from all the 
 neighbouring towns and villages ; and the greater the reputation of the saint, the greater were 
 the numbers that flocked together on this occasion. Dugdale, in his Warwickshire, gives us 
 the following quotation from an old manuscript legend of Saint John the Baptist ; * and ye shal 
 understond and know how the evyns were furst found in old tyme. In the beginning of holi 
 churche it was so that the pepul cam to the cherche with candellys brennyng, and wold wake, 
 and coome with light toward to the chirche in their dovocions, and aftir they fell to lecherie and 
 songs, daunces, harping, piping, and also to glotony and sinne ; and so turned the holinesse to 
 cursydnesse, wherefore holy faders ordeined the pepull to leve that waking, and to fast the evyn. 
 But hit is callyd vigilia, that is waking in Englishe, and it is callid evyn, for at evyn they were 
 wont to come to chirche.' The unseemliness of these riotous wakings becoming at length offen- 
 sive to the religious people, they were suppressed, and the people meeting in the day, regular 
 fairs were kept annually on the saint's day. The direct time of the prohibition of these nocturnal 
 visits to the church is not known ; but, says Dugdale, I do conclude it to have been very ancient." 
 Strutt. Man. and Cust. vol. ii. p. 98. 
 
 :A 
 
^04 
 
 the year 1808. Value, in the king's books, £24. 13s. 4d." In the chancel are 
 monuments erected to the memory of the Rev. Randal Hancock, L. L. B. rector, 
 1777; and Elizabeth his wife, 1783; with Ann and Jane their daughters, 1773. 
 And on a neat marble slab on the south wall is an inscription to the memory of 
 Elizabeth, the wife of J. Middleton Clowes, rector, 1803. 
 
 Walktngton Church. 
 
 Here is a very good rectory house a short distance from the church, with gardens 
 and plantations tastily disposed, which is occupied by the rector. The parishioners 
 enjoy the benefit of a charity school, supported from the produce of a bequest of 
 Mr. Sherwood, left in the reign of Henry VIII. which now yields a clear annual 
 income of £100. ; and also of a Sunday school, at which about seventy children of 
 both sexes receive instruction. The latter was established by the present rector, 
 and is supported by volimtary contribution. 
 
 » Cler. Guide, p. 177. 
 
605 
 
 A Calalogue of the Rectors of Walkyngton. 
 
 TEMP CREAT. 
 
 RECTORES ECCLE. 
 
 PATRONI. 
 
 VACAT. 
 
 Kal. Jan. 1287. 
 
 Id. Sep. 1293. 
 
 Mar. 1297. 
 
 Mr. Phil. De Alverton Subd 
 
 Will, de Hoton, Pbr 
 
 Pr. & Cont. Dunelm. 
 
 ijdem 
 
 ijdem 
 Rad. Cora. W. land 
 Pr. & Cont. Dunelm. 
 
 ijdera 
 
 ijdem 
 
 ijdem 
 
 ijdem 
 
 Rad. Neville 
 
 Dom. de Raby 
 
 Pr. & Con. Dun. 
 
 Rad. Com. W. land 
 Joan Cora. W. land 
 
 Ric. Cora. Saru 
 Rex. H. 7 in minori- 
 tate. Edwi. Corats. 
 Waren 
 
 H. 7 Rex 
 
 Tho. Barrington Mil. 
 Fr. Barrington Mil. 
 
 and Bar. 
 Gilbt. Foster, Gen. 
 J ohesBarrington Mil. 
 and Bart. 
 
 Rev. D. Ferguson 
 
 P' Resig' 
 P' Mort' 
 
 Dns Johes de Bolton Cap. ........ 
 
 Kal. Mar. 1330. 
 
 Mr. Johes de Hirlawe acolitus .... 
 Dns J oh. de Cornubia. ....i...... 
 
 P' Resig' 
 P' Mort' 
 
 Non. Oct. 1332. 
 
 Dns W^ill. Dareytus ^. 
 
 Sep. 1349. 
 Nov. 1349. 
 
 Dns Will, de Wasyngham 
 
 Dns Johes de Henlay Cler. ... . . 
 
 Mr. Robt. Woderofe . ............ 
 
 P' Resig' 
 P' Mort' 
 
 Nov. 1393. 
 Jan. 1396. 
 
 Dns Johes Burnham Pbr 
 
 Dns Will, de Hoton 
 
 Dns Johes Bolton 
 
 P' Resig' 
 
 P' Resig' 
 P' Resig' 
 P' Resig' 
 P' Resig' 
 
 24 Jan. 1420. 
 
 Mr. Johes Wyles Pbr 
 
 Apr. 1431. 
 26 Sept. 1459. 
 20 Oct. 1487. 
 
 Dns Will. Alkebarrow Pbr 
 
 Mr. Edm. Mynskyp, M. A 
 
 Dns Robt. Wood Cap. 
 
 8 Febr. 1494. 
 
 Dns Ric. Wilson 
 
 P' Mort' 
 
 Nov. 1576. 
 
 Johes Newcome Vel. Newton .... 
 Fr. Nalton Cler 
 
 P' Mort' 
 P' Mort' 
 
 Dec. 1616. 
 
 Wm. Chauntrell, M. A 
 
 
 19 Sep. 1662. 
 16 Apr. 1667. 
 
 Johes Nelson Cler 
 
 P' Mort' 
 
 Johes Burnet CI. M. A.'^ 
 
 Randall Hancock 
 
 
 1777. 
 
 J. Middleton Clowes^" 
 
 P' Mort' 
 
 1807. 
 
 Daniel Ferguson 
 
 P' Mort' 
 
 
 
 
 RISBY.> 
 
 This village, at the conquest, was assigned to the archbishop of York, who had 
 there when the survey was taken six carucates of land to be taxed, and there were 
 probably three ploughs ; but was entirely waste^ from the devastations to which the 
 
 " Extracted from Torre's Peculiars, p. 1237. 
 20 The latter part of this catalogue is necessarily defective ; for the parish registers were trans- 
 mitted to London about 50 years ago, to be produced in evidence in some litigated case, and 
 were never returned. 
 
 • Rys, a small twig or branch. Jamieson. Diet, in loc. « Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 56. 
 
 3r 
 
 W 
 
506 
 
 county of York had been subjected by the cruel mandate of the conqueror/ At 
 the same time, it appeared during an investigation of sundry claims in the East- 
 riding, that Gamel had four carucates of land in Risbi, which in the time of king 
 William he sold to archbishop Eldred; the soke of this land formerly laid to 
 Welleton, but archbishop Thomas had king William's writ, by which he granted 
 the undisturbed possession of that soke to Saint John of Beverley.^ 
 
 The land now soon became distributed amongst private proprietors, but being 
 in the fee of the provost of Beverley, was subject nevertheless to the customary 
 services in his court. In 1275, Edward de Ryplingham gave one mark to the 
 court for possession of land at Risby, late the property of Richard de Rinfield.* 
 
 There is reason to believe that the family of Stuteville built or enlarged the 
 manor house about this time, for a place of residence capable of containing an esta- 
 blishment of servants and retainers; although it appears that sir Robert de 
 Stuteville, knight, was involved in many disputes before his title to the property 
 could be recognized.® In 1286, Ralph de Wingfield released certain lands and 
 tenements in Risby to Dno Peter de Cestria and Ralph de Ryplingham,^ The 
 house and premises now passed into the hands of the Risby family,* but not without 
 some disagreement respecting the validity of the title, which was referred for de- 
 cision to the court of the Beddern at Beverley.^ They were held by this family 
 till the year 1448, when we find them, together with almost the whole lordship, 
 in the possession of Stephen de Haitfield, lord of Haitfield, in Holderness ; and 
 several parts of the property are particularly specified under the respective denomi- 
 nations of " a capital messuage, and 34 acres of land near Risby field; various 
 pieces of herbage, called Beatrix Garth, Apple-garth, Gray Connegarth, &c. Sec."*" 
 From the Haitfields this property soon became vested in the Ellerkers," who now 
 hold it; for it appears that in the early part of the reign of Edward IV. John 
 Ellerker did suit and service at the provost's court for a fenced close called Apple- 
 
 3 Sax. Chron. p. 174. ^ Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 239. 
 «Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. l.p. 24. « Ibid. 1. 1. p. 25. Ubid. 1. 1. p. 26. 
 
 * By a copy of an old seal, the arms of the Rysceby family were, Argent, a saltire engrailed, 
 sable, inter 4 roses, gules. Sigillum Will'i de Rysceby. This seal is appended to a charter, 
 signed Will'i de Ryscebi. Dat. apud Rysceby, anno regis Henrici quarti. 
 
 9 Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. 1. p. 29. i" Ibid. 1. 2. p. 79. a, b. 
 
 "It is probable that Stephen Haitfield held this property as a trustee for the heiress; because 
 it is well known that the Risby estates became vested in the Ellerker family by a marriage with 
 the daughter and heiress of William Risby, in the vear 1401. 
 
601 
 
 garth, nine oxgangs of land called Woldflatt ; a fenced close called Pighill, near to 
 a road called Beverley Gate ; a toft called Sharwyndcroft, and seven oxgangs of 
 land in Risby field ;'^ and in the year 1480, John Ellerker died seized of the manor 
 of Risby, the capital messuage, and thirty-six acres of land adjoining,'* which 
 constituted, at that time, the park. 
 
 The property remained in the male branch till the year 1655, when John Eller- 
 ker dying without issue male, it descended to sir James Bradshaw, of Broom- 
 borough, Cheshire, who married Dorothy Ellerker, his daughter. His son, 
 Ellerker Bradshaw, also dying without male issue, bequeathed the Risby estates 
 to his relation Eaton Mainwaring, who took the surname and arms of Ellerker by 
 act of parliament. His only son, Roger Mainwaring Ellerker, died at the age of 
 twenty-four unmarried; and the lordship was divided amongst his four sisters. 
 The present representatives of the family are two unmarried ladies. 
 
 Risby Park, about three miles S. W. of Beverley, is a romantic spot, well 
 wooded and salubrious. The fine old mansion was deserted after the death of 
 E. M. Ellerker, esq. and his son, and was soon afterwards destroyed by fire. It 
 was, however, subsequently rebuilt in a handsome modern style ; and the gardens 
 and premises laid out according to the prevailing taste of the age ; but was unfor- 
 tunately burnt to the ground a second time about forty-five years ago during the 
 absence of the family, and has not since been restored. 
 
 The following is the most accurate pedigree of this family which I have been 
 able to obtain. 
 
 " Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 2. p. 54. a. " Ibid. 1. 2. p. 84. 
 
 3 r2 
 
508 
 
 Sir Ralph Ellerker,'* of Risby, high-sherifF=pCatherine, d. of sir John Constable, 
 of the county of York, ob. 1509 of Burton-Constable 
 
 Edward Ellerker=pEliz. d. of sir R. Constable, of Everingham 
 
 Sir Ralph EUerker, of Risby, knighted=pAnn, d. of Thos. Dal- Robert William John Eleanor 
 by king James at York, Ap. 17, 1603. I ton, of Nuttles, esq. Francis Ann Margaret 
 
 Ralph Ellerker=Eleanor, d. of Thomas James==Frances, d. of Edward Henry 
 
 Metham, of Metham 
 
 Allan Percy Robert John 
 
 John EUerker, ob. 1 655=j=Dorothy, d. of Lancelot Roper, of Hull=:Thomas Cracroft 
 
 Dorothy, sole heiress^pSir James Bradshaw John Nathaniel, ob. eet. 14. 
 
 EUerker Bradshaw, ob. 1742i:pRebecca, 2nd d. of sir Edward Isabella Dorothy Elizabeth 
 twin bro. to a son born dead I Northy, knt. attorney-general Frances Susannah 
 
 Lucy Bradshaw Rebecca Bradshaw 
 
 Eaton Mainwaring, to whom the property was=pBarbara, d. of Abraham Dixon, of Belford, 
 bequeathed, took the name and arms of EUerker Northumberland 
 
 I ; I I " 1 ~~~ I I I 
 
 Alice Roger Mainwaring EUerker, Elizabeth Charlotte Arabella Harriot 
 
 Abraham ob. aet. 23 coel. unmarried mar. Geo. mar. Thos. unmarried 
 
 both died young Viscount Lord On- 
 
 Townsend slow 
 
 '* Another sir Ralph EUerker, of Risby, who flourished about the same period, is mentioned 
 on a monument in Rowley church, as follows. "Near this place lie the remains of sir Ralph 
 EUerker, of Risby, whose grandfather, John EUerker, of Ellerker, married the daughter and 
 heiress of William Risby, of Risby, esquire, 1401. The said sir Ralph Ellerker, with bis three 
 sons, Ralph, William, and Robert, for their gallant behaviour at Flodden Field, were there 
 made knights. He died Jan. 1, 1540. Sir Ralph, the eldest, attended king Henry viii. into 
 France at his own expense. He commanded at the siege of Bullogne, where he took the dauphin 
 of France's standard, was made marshall governor of the said town, and lies buried in St. Mary's 
 church at Bullogne. Henry viii. for his gallant behaviour, gave the device of the said dauphin's 
 standard to him and his posterity. 2 dauphins addorsed." An account of the meeting of sir R. 
 Ellerker and the king is given in Rymer, vol. xv. p. 53, taken from the Cotton library, B. M. 
 Calig. E. iv. fo. 100. John Ellerker, of Risby, is mentioned, Claus. 10 Hen. IV. m. 27. in the writ 
 of dowry of Lucy, widow of Edmund, earl of Kent, as Attornati Johannis de Neuyll et ElizabethaB 
 uxoris ejus. But the family is mentioned much earlier in the publick records of the kingdom. 
 In the year 1313, Johan and Nichol de Ellerker had letters-patent super pardonatione mortis 
 Petri de Gaveston. Rot. Pat. 7 Edw. II. m. 15. And in 1335, John de Ellerker was despatched 
 to Ireland by the king, to superintend the levying of a subsidy of soldiers, to be provided by the 
 prelates of Ireland for the Scottish wars. In this writ he is denominated, Dilecto clerico nostro, 
 Thesaurario nostro Hiberniae. Rot. Scot. 9 Ed. III. m. 36. And in 1341, a writ de denariis 
 solvendis per procuratione cardinalium, was addressed to the same person by the style of, Rex, 
 dilecto Clerico suo, Johanni de Ellerker, Receptori decimae Biennalis, nobis nuper per Clerum 
 Eborum Provinciae, concessae, Salutem, &c. Rymer. vol. v. p. 236, 270, 277. 
 
 Arms and quarterings : — 
 
 1. Ellerker. B. fretty A. chief, A. 
 
 2. Reseby. A sal tire ingrailed, saiZe, inter 4 
 
 rosettes, gules. 
 
 Crest. Two demy griffs erased, addorsed, or, on a wreath, collared, b. 
 
 3. Moretowne. A. 3 birds, gules. 
 
 4. Grindall. Ermine a cross floree, gules. 
 

 ' 'I ". ■". " 
 
^#' 
 
609 
 
 SCORBROUGH, 
 
 formerly in the fee of the provost of Beverley, is a small village, the ancient seat 
 of the Hothams, now decayed. It is situated in the wapentake of Harthill, five 
 miles north of Beverley. It is mentioned before the conquest, and a chapel or 
 oratory is said to have been built here by the earl Addi.' When the record called 
 Domesday was compiled, the whole village of Scorbrough consisting of six caru- 
 cates of land, was affirmed to belong to William Malet, and that he possessed them 
 in the demesne.^ In another part of the same record, however, it is said that 
 William de Perci holds Scorbrough of the bishop of Durham, where he has a 
 mill, and three villanes with half a plough.^ 
 
 The precise period when the ancient family of Hotham first became possessed of 
 Scorbrough is not correctly known ; nor is it material to the present enquiry, as 
 we are certainly informed, from an unerring source, that they were established here 
 before the time of Edward I.; for at the very beginning of that reign we find that 
 John de Hotham de Scorbro' Chivaler, had a suit at law in the provost's court 
 respecting some houses and land in Molescroft.^ John de Hotham, his grandson, 
 was in holy orders, and received letters of protection to accompany king Edward II. 
 into foreign parts.^ He was speedily advanced from canon of York® to the bishop- 
 rick of Ely ; and afterwards he became treasurer of the Exchequer and lord chan- 
 cellor of England.' From Thomas Hotham, the great nephew of this eminent 
 ecclesiastic, descended the Hothams of Scorbrough. 
 
 In the civil wars we find the house at Scorbrough fortified and protected by a 
 military garrison ; but the timid policy of its distinguished proprietor during the 
 unhappy dissentions which agitated the country at this calamitous period was fatal 
 to the lives of both himself and his son; and the garrison at Scorbrough was 
 ordered to take possession of the town of Beverley, in the name of the parliament.* 
 After this period the house was suffered to fall to decay ; and at this time not a 
 vestige remains to mark the spot on which it stood. 
 
 The village, however, still retains a picturesque appearance ; and the fine timber 
 trees which grace and dignify its precincts, form a permanent memento of its 
 
 » Lei. Col. vol. iii. p 101. 2 Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 238. 3ibid. p. 61. 
 4 Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 1. p. 39. s Rot. Pat. 6 Edw. II. 
 ? Rym. Feed. vol. iii. p. 408. ' Banks. Dorm. Baron, vol. i. p. 345. 
 8 Rush. vol. v. p. 276. 
 
510 
 
 former greatness. The church, dedicated to Saint Leonard, is placed in a sweet, 
 secluded spot, embosomed in a pleasant grove of trees, where the soul of the pious 
 worshipper may be poured out in fervent prayer, iminterrupted by external occur- 
 rences; and the incense of a contrite heart may be offered up to the throne of 
 divine mercy in its purest fervour, with unmixed attention and undivided homage.' 
 The living is a discharged rectory, in the patronage of the earl of Egremont ; its 
 value, in the king's books, is £7. ;'" and the present incumbent is the Rev. Peter 
 La Tour. The population is 88 souls. 
 
 LIBERTIES OF BEVERLEY. 
 
 The liberties of Beverley comprise six townships, forming the parish of Saint 
 John, over which the jurisdiction of the borough magistrates extends. These are 
 Molescroft, Storkhill-cum-Sandholme, Tickton-cum-Hull-Bridge, Weel, Wood- 
 mansey-cum-Beverley-Parks, and Thearne. They surround the town of Beverley 
 on every side except the west, and formerly constituted part of the possessions 
 of Saint John. 
 
 MOLESCROFT. 
 
 This is a very ancient hamlet, probably coeval with the town of Beverley, as we 
 find one of the sanctuary crosses of king Athelstan erected here ; but we possess 
 little knowledge of its state before the conquest. At that period it belonged jointly 
 to the archbishop and the canons of Beverley under him ; and consisted of three 
 carucates taxable, and two ploughs; with two villanes and one plough.' In 
 another part of the same record it is specified, that the archbishop had there three 
 carucates of land to be taxed.^ 
 
 Considerable information exists in the old provost*s books respecting the pos- 
 session and transfer of property in Molescroft, which was sometimes called Myl- 
 croft,' probably from the mile-cross which marked the sanctuary limits in this 
 quarter. In 1327, William de Cave de Santon did homage and fealty in the pro- 
 vost's court, for a close in Molescroft called Maudlinridings.* A few years afterwards 
 
 ' In the church are the following aims : — Barry A. and B. a canton, (broken) Hotham. 
 
 'oCler. Guide, p. 148. 
 
 » Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 56. « Ibid. p. 276. » Rot. Pari. 7 Edw. IV. 
 
 * Ex. Reg. Praepos. Bev. 1. 1. p. 15. 
 
511 
 
 wte find a capital mansion called WoodhalP belonged to John Ermyt; and 
 very soon Robert de Woodhall, Roger de Woodhall, William de Woodhall, sir 
 Edmond de Heslerton, knight, sir John de Heslerton, knight, sir Thomas Thessed, 
 knight, made suit at the court of the Beddern for this mansion, and land in Moles- 
 croft.^ About the same time (1371) Ingelram de Nafreton did homage for twelve 
 acres of land in Molescroft, lately let to farm to Robert Turner of Beverley.^ Five 
 years afterwards sir Simon de Heslerton, knight, did homage for the Woodhall 
 juxta Beverley, and his land in Molescroft;* and also John de Levenyng, chaplain 
 of the chantry of the blessed Virgin, for his tenement in the same place.® In 
 1377, a precept was issued enabling William Frost to hold lands and a tenement 
 in Molescroft, late the property of John Rede, and one oxgang lately belonging to 
 William de Anlaby, by military service.'" In the next year, John de Levenyng 
 did homage in the chapel at Molescroft for lands and tenements there, which he 
 held by military service." Sir Thomas de Sheffield, knight, in 1387, conveyed 
 some tenements, near the Woodhall in Molescroft, to sir Ralph de Haslerton, 
 knight, to hold of the provost of Beverley by knighfs service.'* John Bedford 
 had two tofts here in the reign of Henry VI. which were occupied by Thomas 
 Wittie and John Hardy, lying between a common way which leads past the wind- 
 mill, &c. ;'* he had also a capital messuage near Woodhall, called Estoft," which 
 lately belonged to William Frost.'* At the same time John Denton had a toft 
 and a croft here, occupied by William Chappel, which were situated by a common 
 way that led through the middle of the village towards Bishop-Burton.'^ Guido 
 Roos held three oxgangs of land called Fairfayri, lying in the field called Pighill, 
 in the fee of the provost, of which the lord of Woodhall was the mesn.'^ The 
 sisters of Killingwoldgraves had an oxgang of land lying in a field called 
 
 ■' The probable site of Woodhall is a square piece of ground adjoining Pighill-lane, which 
 is now moated and used as a garden. It is said that this mansion was subsequently the residence 
 of some member of the Warton family. 
 
 6 Ex. Reg. Praep. 1. 1 . p. 15. ^ Ibid. p. 35. » Ibid. p. 41. 
 
 9Ibid. p. 42. loibid. p. 15. " Ibid. p. 18. 12 Ibid. p. 18. >» Ibid. 1. 2. p. 78. a. 
 
 '^ This was also termed " a capital mansion." The foundations of some old buildings at the 
 end of Pighill-lane were dug up in 1 824, which probably were the site of this building. Two 
 Roman coins were found, and some ancient smooth « wall tiles," which I am told were Roman ; 
 hut this is scarcely credible. As I have not seen them, however, I am unable to pronounce 
 any thing certain on the subject. 
 
 »^ Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 2. p, 78. b. '6 Ibid. p. 78. a. '' Ibid. p. 79. a. 
 
Maudlinryding ;'* near which was an ancient mill belonging to the Hothams.'^ 
 In the reign of Elizabeth here were two windmills, both of which were granted 
 to John Farnham.^° 
 
 Here was formerly a chapel with a chantry, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which 
 was instituted before the reign of Edw. II. for we find, in the sixteenth year of 
 that monarch, that Philip Ingleberd held lands and a messuage in Beverley and 
 Molescroft for this chantry ;^' and we have already seen that 2 Rich. II. John 
 Levenyng, the chaplain, did homage apud Molescrofte in CapelV iVm p' terr' et 
 tent'z que tenet ib'm de d'no.^^ At the dissolution, Robert Mote, the incumbent, 
 had a pension of £4. lis. Sd.*^* 
 
 Molescroft contains at present a population of 111 souls,'* who attend divine 
 service in the minster .^^ 
 
 STORKHILL-C UM-S AND HOLME 
 
 is a hamlet in the parish of St. John, and is thus mentioned in Domesday. Berewick. 
 In Estorch the archbishop has one carucate of land to be taxed. Land to two 
 oxen. Two villanes have there one plough.^® Subsequently the land was alienated 
 to other proprietors, who held by service at the provost's court. Thus the bailiff of 
 this court, in 1354, seized and entered on a messuage at Stork, by the death of 
 Richard de London, which was held by William de Wele who had neglected to 
 render the customary relief of eels, and to perform all other requisite services.*^ 
 
 >8 Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 2. p. 79. a. '^ Ibid. 1. 1. p. 39. 20 ibid. 1. 3. p. 18. a. 
 
 2' Inquis. ad quod dam. 16 Edw. II. 22 Ex. Reg. Pr«p. Bev. 1. 1. p. 18. 
 23 Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 2S9. 24 Return of 1821. 
 
 2* The parishes of Beverley, in addition to the great distance which many of the inhabitants 
 of St. John's reside from the church, are interwoven in a most intricate and curious manner. 
 Their intersections do not tend so much to the convenience as the benefit of the parishioners, if 
 extended exercise be considered an advantage. The inhabitants of Molescroft pass the open doors 
 of the church of St. Mary on their way to their own parish church, the minster ; and many of the 
 parishioners of St. Nicholas, whose legitimate place of worship is St. Mary's, in like manner, pass 
 the minster on their way thither. In the summer season this is attended with no inconvenience, 
 but is rather replete with gratification. It is pleasant on the Sabbath day to see the streets crowded 
 with human beings, devoutly proceeding to the house of prayer to celebrate their deliverance 
 from moral slavery and eternal death : it is pleasant for friend to salute friend as they cross each 
 other's path when passing to their respective churches ; but in winter, when the rain falls, or the 
 bleak wind rushes with thrilling coldness through the streets, some friendly arrangements might 
 give the inhabitants of each parish access to the nearest church, that no individual may be deprived 
 of the delightful employment of joining in the public exercise of religion, by considerations of 
 distance or extremity of weather, in that inclement season. 
 
 26 Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 58. >^ Ex. Reg. Praep. Bev. 1. 1. p. 28. 
 
513 
 
 In the next year, Thomas Pople, the son of John le Stork, paid to the provost 400 
 eels for the resumption of his land, &c. at Stork.^^ In the reign of Henry VI. the 
 chaplain of the chantry of HuU-Bridg-e had a messuage and six acres of meadow in 
 Stork field ; and the chaplain of the chantry at Thearn had a house and garden at 
 Stork, with eleven acres of arable, four acres of meadow, and two of pasture. 
 Robert Tyrwhite had a close called Manthohude, containing 30 acres of herbage ; 
 and Hugo Strye had a house at Sandholme adjoining the king's highway.'^* 
 The population of this hamlet in 1821 was 48 persons. 
 
 TI C KTON-C UM-HULL-BRID GE . 
 
 In Domesday this hamlet is noticed as a Berewick. In Ticheton the archbishop 
 has twelve oxgangs of land to be taxed. Land to six oxen. Three villanes have 
 there half a plough.^" A compotus of Robert le Sherburn, receiver of the provostry, 
 10 Edw. III. contains an account of an annual receipt of 3000 eels; of which the 
 town of Beverley paid 100; the hamlet of Hull-Bridge, 800; and Berswick, 2400." 
 In the reign of Henry VI. we find a gentleman's seat, called Smith's Place, in 
 this hamlet; near which a person named Hugh Strye had three dwelling-houses.^^ 
 During the civil wars this house was converted into a military station, and occupied 
 by a garrison of the king's troops, to the great detriment of its inhabitants.^^ 
 
 28 Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. 1. p. 28. 29 ibi^. 1. 2. p. 57. a. 
 
 »" Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 58. si Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. 1. p. 24. ^^ Ibid. 1. 2. p. 57. a. 
 
 8^ From the depositions taken January 25, 1648, at tiie trial of Charles I. W. C. of Patring- 
 ton, in Holderness, in the county of York, gentleman, aged forty-two years, or thereabouts, 
 sworn and examined, saith : That he this deponent, living at Hull-Bridge, near Beverley, in 
 July, 1642, did then hear that forces were raised, about 3000 foot, for the king's guard, under 
 sir Robert Strickland. And this deponent further saith, that about the 2nd of July, 1642, he 
 saw a troop of horse come to Beverley, being the Lord's day, about four or five o'clock in 
 the afternoon, called the Prince's troop ; Mr. James Nelthorp being then mayor of the said town. 
 And this deponent further saith that he did see that afternoon the said troop march from Beverley 
 aforesaid into Holderness, where they received ammunition brought up the river Humber unto 
 them. And this deponent further saith that the same night, being Sunday, there came about 300 
 foot soldiers, said to be sir Robert Strickland's regiment, under the command of lieutenant-colonel 
 Duncombe, and called the King's guard, unto this deponent's house, called Hull-Bridge, near 
 Beverley, about midnight, and broke open, entered, and possessed themselves of the said house ; 
 and that the earl of Newport, the earl of Caernarvon, and divers others came that night thither 
 to the said forces ; and that the said night, as this deponent was then informed, sir Thomas Gower, 
 then liigh-sherifF of the said county, came thither, and left there a warrant for staying all pro- 
 visions from going to Hull to sir John Hotham; which said warrant was then delivered to this 
 deponent, being constable, by lieutenant-colonel Duncombe. And this deponent further saith, 
 that he was by the said forces put out of his house, and did, with his family, go to Beverley ; 
 and after that, viz. the Thursday following, to this deponent's best remembrance, he did see the 
 king come to Beverley, to the lady Gee's house there, where he this deponent did often see the 
 
 3s 
 
514 
 
 WEEL 
 
 is described in Domesday as containing two carucates of land to be taxed belonging" 
 to the archbishop of York. Land to six oxen. Six villanes and one bordar had 
 there one plough.^* It contains now a population of 101 souls.^^ 
 
 WOODMANSEY-CUM-BEVERLEY-PARKS. 
 
 Woodmansey is situated about a mile from Beverley, and has the appearance of 
 a neat town. It is particularized so early as the reign of Edward I. who granted 
 a licence to John Carter, authorizing him to assign a rent there of 2s. 6d. to the 
 archbishop of York.^^ 
 
 Beverley-Parks was anciently the park of the archbishop of York, named in the 
 pleas of quo warranto temp. Edw. I.; and here, as at Southwell, he doubtless had 
 a palace ; for Beverley was an occasional place of residence for the archbishops ; 
 and Murdac resided here for many years together," after the gates of his own city 
 had been closed against him. It was subsequently the abode of the Warton's 
 family. It is still well wooded, and exhibits some picturesque scenery. 
 
 The tithes of Beverley-Parks (decim' infr' p'ci BVerlaci) were granted in 
 soccage, 18 Eliz. to John Farnham;^** and six years afterwards they were trans- 
 ferred to Edward Downinge and Peter Ash ton in soccage at a rent of 6s. 8d.^^ 
 
 The present population of Woodmansey-cum-Beverley-Parks is 276 souls."*" 
 
 king with prince Chaxles and the duke of York ; and that the train-bands were then raised in 
 Holderness, who were raised, as was generally reported, by the king's command. And this 
 deponent further saitb, that the night after the said forces had as aforesaid possessed themselves 
 of this deponent's house, colonel Legard's house was plundered by them, being upon a Monday, 
 which aforesaid entry of this deponent's house was the first act of hostility that was committed in 
 these parts. (?) And this deponent further saith, that after sir Robert Strickland's said company 
 was gone from Hull-Bridge, having continued there about ten days, there then came to the said 
 house colonel Wivel with about 700 foot soldiers, who then took up his quarters at Hull-Bridge 
 aforesaid. And this deponent further saith that the warrant he now produceth to this court is the 
 same original warrant aforesaid spoken of. 
 
 The aforesaid warrant mentioned in the deposition of the said W. C. is as foUoweth : — 
 It is his majesty's command that you do not suffer any victuals or provisions, of what sort soever, 
 to be carried into the town of Hull, without his majesty's special licence first obtained, and of 
 this you are not to fail at your peril. Dated at Beverley, July 3rd, 1642. Tho. Gower. Vi. Co. 
 
 " Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 58. ^•'* Census, 1821. 
 
 »« Pet. in Pari. 18 Edw. I. 1290. ^' Joh. Hagulst. Dec. Script, p. 282. 
 
 »* Ex. Reg. PrsBp. Bev. I. 3. p. 18. a. "^ Ibid. p. 19. b. 
 
 ^« Return of 1821. 
 
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 THEARNE 
 
 is a small hamlet, three miles south east of Beverley, containing* a population of 90^ 
 persons ;*^ and is now the residence of William Wilkinson, esquire. It formerly 
 had a chantry, dedicated to the blessed Virgin, endowed with a house, garden, and 
 eleven ridges of land (seliones terr(B) containing four acres of meadow and two 
 acres of pasture/'' The manor was granted by charter of Edw. I. to Christiana, 
 the widow of William de Finlay, and Robert de Wasteneys, to hold to them and 
 the heirs of the latter by customary service,^' 
 
 ESKE 
 
 is another small hamlet, within the liberties of Saint John of Beverley, containing 
 a population of 18 or 20 souls. It is four miles to the north east of Beverley, and 
 at the conquest was assigned to the archbishop of York, who had here at the general 
 survey two carucates of land to be taxed, with land to one plough. Six villanes 
 and one border had there one plough." At present it possesses no peculiarity 
 worthy of a more extended notice. 
 
 A brief sketch of the botany of the district whose topography is thus brought ta 
 an end, may properly find insertion here ; because the immediate neighbourhood 
 of Beverley from the varied diversity of its soil, and the inequality of its surface ; 
 sheltered by the Wolds to the north and west, and exposed to the easterly breezes 
 which sweep the low, flat grounds of Holderness, once presented a field of no 
 inconsiderable extent, to the pursuits of the botanist. Since the extensive drainage 
 of lands on its eastern side throughout the whole of Holderness, it has, however, 
 been materially curtailed in the production of its bog plants ; while the improved 
 state of cultivation sustained by the lands formerly covered with wood, has deprived 
 us of many of those productions which are peculiar to such situations. 
 
 The plants which are chiefly found to the west and south of Beverley are suffi- 
 ciently descriptive of the manner in which these lands were formerly occupied. 
 In a line with all the ancient fences, and where the plough has never reached, 
 there is scarcely a plant to be found that is not peculiar to wood and shade. The 
 
 *« Return of 1821. « Ex. Reg. Prap. Bev. 1. 2. p. 57. a. 
 « Ibid. 1. 3. p. 83. " Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 58. 
 
anemone nemorosa, hyacinthus non-scriptus, allium ursinum, mercurialis perennis, 
 orchis moreo, poly gala vulgaris, with many of the tribe Cryptogamia, are to be 
 seen matted together indiscrimately for miles in length. Several acres of land in 
 Westwood and Hurn contiguous to the town, and formerly covered with wood, 
 abound with most of them ; and through the whole of Beverley Parks, where the 
 ground has not undergone the operation of the plough, they are to be met with in 
 luxuriant profusion. Cultivation is the only means of eradicating them, for some 
 are produced from bulbs which strike to a great depth i and others, being extremely 
 rank and offensive, they do not contribute to the sustenance of cattle, but materially 
 impoverish the land on which they are produced. The evil is increased by the use 
 of manure, which tends to the further growth and propagation of noxious plants 
 which the farmer is anxious to eradicate from the soil. 
 
 It may here be observed that in allotments where newly planted quickwood 
 fences have been made, on clean land that has been for years in cultivation, the 
 botanist may look in vain for this class of plants ; as they are to be found only in 
 the old banks which still remain ; and along the line of those fences consisting of 
 blackthorns, hazels, briars, &c. which certainly were never planted by the hand of 
 man. In the operation of clearing land for cultivation which was occupied by 
 extensive woods, this natural grown brushwood was left as a boundary procured 
 without expense ; and allotments were separated by fences which still remain after 
 a long succession of years. This will account for the undisturbed possession of the 
 plants which have just been enumerated. 
 
 The low, marshy grounds of Figham and Swinemoor, extending for a consider- 
 able distance westward, were once rich with an abundant display of bog plants, 
 many of which are now become extinct. The Wolds may be said to have varied but 
 little in their productions, except where they have been disturbed by the plough. 
 The following catalogue contains most of the rarer plants which are found in the 
 two situations, connected with, and extending a few miles round Beverley. 
 
 iEthusa sinapium — Fool's parsley 
 * * Agrimonia eupatoria — Agrimony 
 Agrostemma githago — Corn cockle 
 
 Ajuga reptans — Corn bugle 
 
 * Alchemilla vulgaris — Ladies' mantle 
 
 Alisma ranunculoides — Less thumbwort 
 
 ' It will be observed that the asterisk (*) denotes the plant to be medicinal. Several of these 
 are still retained, and many are expunged from the British Dispensatories; but which, from 
 the active pursuits of the Medico-Botanical Society in London, wiU perhaps soon be re- 
 instated. 
 
6iS 
 
 AUstjaa plantago — Water plantain 
 
 * Allium ursinum — Ramsons 
 Anagallis tenella — Bog pimpernel 
 Anthyllis vulneraria — Kidney vetch 
 Antirrhinum cymbalaria — Ivyleaved snapdra- 
 gon 
 
 * linaria — Wad flax 
 
 * Aspemla odorata — Sweet woodroof 
 Astragalus glycyphyllos — Wild liquorice 
 Avenafatua — Bearded oat 
 
 * Betonica officinalis — Wood betony 
 Bidens tripartita — Trifid doubletooth 
 
 * Bryonia dioica — Red berried briony 
 Butomus umbellatus — Flowering rush 
 Campanula trachelium — Canterbury bells 
 
 — — - glomerata — Clustered bellflower 
 
 Caltha palustris — Marsh marigold 
 
 Card u us eriophorus — Woolly headed thistle 
 
 — ■ tenuiflorus — Slender flowered thistle 
 
 Carex pulicaris — Flea seg 
 
 remota — Remote seg 
 
 paniculata — Panicled seg 
 
 hirta — Hairy seg 
 
 * Centaurea cyanus — Blue bottle 
 
 * Chironia centuurium — Less centaury 
 Cichorium intybus — Wild succory 
 Cicuta virosa — Water hemlock 
 Comarum palustre — Marsh cinquefoil 
 
 * Conium maeulatum — Common hemlock 
 Cucubalus behen — Spattling poppy 
 Daphne laureola — Mezereon 
 
 * Datura stramonium — Thorn apple 
 
 * Digitalis purpurea — Foxglove 
 Dipsacus fultonum — Teasel 
 
 Drosera rotundifolia — Roundleaved sundew 
 Echium vulgare — Common vipergrass 
 Eriophorum vaginatum — Single headed cotton 
 
 grass 
 polystachion — Peduncled cotton 
 
 grass 
 Eupatorium cannabinum — Hemp agrimony 
 
 * Euphrasia officinalis — Common eyebright 
 
 Euphrasia odontites-^Red eyebright 
 Fumaria caprioides — Wall fumitory 
 Galium palustre — White lady's bedstraw 
 
 religinosum — Marsh goosegrass 
 
 ■ — mollugo — Madder goosegrass 
 
 Galeobdolon luteum — Yellow archangel 
 Gentiana campestris — Field gentian 
 
 pneumonanthe — Calathean violet 
 
 Genista tinctoria — Dyer's weed 
 Geranium pratense — Meadow cranesbill 
 cicutarium — Hemlock cranesbill 
 
 * Geum urbanum — Common avens 
 Gnaphalium dioicum — Mountain catsfoot 
 Hieracium pilosella — Mouse ear hawkweed 
 
 ■ — — villosum — Hairy hawkweed 
 
 subandum — Shrubby hawkweed 
 
 Hottonia palustris — Water violet 
 
 * Humulus lupulus — Wild hop 
 Hypericum perforatum — St. John's wort 
 — — — — qudrangulare — St. Peter's wort 
 
 * Hyoscyamus niger — Henbane 
 
 * Inula helenium — Elecampane 
 dysenterica — Fleabane 
 
 * Lactuca virosa — Stinking lettuce 
 Lathyrus aphaca — Yellow lathyrus 
 
 pratensis — Tare everlasting 
 
 — ^— — sylvestris — Wild lathyrus 
 Linum perenne — Perennial flax 
 
 * catharticum — Purging flax 
 
 * Lithospermum officinale — Gromwell 
 
 arvense — Corn Gromwell 
 
 Lotus corniculatus — Bird's foot clover 
 Lychnis dioica — Red flowered campion 
 
 flos cuculi — Meadow pink 
 
 Lycopsis arvensis — Wild bugloss 
 
 * Lysimachia nummularia — Moneywort 
 
 * Lythium salicaria — Purple willow herb 
 Malva moschata — Musk mallow 
 
 * Menyanthes trifoliata — Marsh trefoil 
 Melica nutans — Mountain melica 
 Myriophillum spicatum — Spiked water milfoil 
 Nymphea lutea — Yellow water lily 
 
519 
 
 Oenanthe crocata — Hemlock dropwort 
 
 fistulosa — Water dropwort 
 
 Ononis spinosa — Thorny restharrow 
 Ophrys anthropofera — Green man orchis 
 
 muscifera — Fly orchis 
 
 apifera — Bee orchis 
 
 Orchis hifolia — Butterfly orchis 
 
 maculata — Spotted orchis 
 
 morio — Meadow orchis 
 
 * Oxalis acetocella — Wood sorrel 
 
 * Papaver rhcBas — Common poppy 
 Parietaria officinalis — Pellitory of the wall 
 Pedicularis sylvatica — Common lousewort 
 Pinguicula vulgaris — Common butterwort 
 Polygala vulgaris — Milkwort 
 Polygonum persecaria — Spotted snakeweed 
 
 bistorta — Great bistort 
 
 Potamogeton perfoliatum — Perfoliate pond- 
 weed 
 
 compressum — Flatstalked pond- 
 weed 
 
 Potentilla argentia — Silvery cinquefoil 
 Ranunculus ^ammuZa — Less spearwort 
 
 lingora — Great spearwort 
 
 aquatilis — Water crowfoot 
 
 Reseda lufeola — Woad 
 
 Sagittari a sagittifolia — Arrowhead 
 
 * Saxifraga granulata — White saxifrage 
 
 tridactilytes — Rueleaved saxifrage 
 
 Satyrium albidum — White satyrion 
 
 * Scabiosa succisa — Devil's bit scabius 
 Scirpus paucifiorus — Sparing clubrush 
 Scrophularia aquatica — Bastard plantain 
 
 * ,, nodosa — Great figwort 
 
 Scandix odorata — Sweet cicely 
 
 pecten-veneris — Shepherd's needle 
 
 * Solauum dulcamara — Bitter sweet 
 
 * Spmea Jilipendula — Dropwort 
 
 * Tormentilla reptans — Creeping tormentil 
 Utricularia minor — Less hooded milfoil 
 
 * Verbascum thapsus — Great mullein 
 
 In addition to the above, upon the authority of Woodville and others, the follow- 
 ing, of a more common kind, may be inserted. 
 
 Achillea ptarmica — Sneezewort yarrow 
 
 millefolium — Common yarrow 
 
 Anagallis arvensis — Pimpernell 
 Artemisia absynthium — Wormwood 
 Arum maeulatum — Wakerobin 
 Cardamine pratensis — Ladysmock 
 Crysanthemum leucanthemum — Oxeye 
 Daucus carota — Wild carrot 
 Erysimum officinale — Hedge mustard 
 
 alliaria — Sauce alone 
 
 Galium aparine — Cleavers 
 
 Leontodon taraxacum — Dandelion 
 Malva sylvestris — Common mallow 
 Phellandrium aquaticum — Water hemlock 
 Potentilla anserina — Silver weed 
 Prunella vulgaris — Self heal 
 Rosa canina — Dog's rose 
 Rumex acetosa — Sorrel 
 Ranunculus ficaria — Pilewort 
 Sisymbrium nasturtium — Water cresses 
 Sempervivum tectorum — Greater house leek 
 Glecoma hederacea — Ground ivy 
 
520 
 
 ®Jap* $t^. 
 
 ABBEY OF WATTON.' 
 
 The first erection of this religious establishment appears to have taken place a 
 very short time after the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons, although we are altoge- 
 ther at a loss to name its founder. A society of nuns vras established here so early 
 as the seventh century;^ but we know little of its history at this remote period. 
 The progress from heathenism, with all its monstrous absurdities, to the strict 
 observance of Christian rites and ceremonies, accompanied by severity of discipline, 
 and voluntary engagements to a life of abstinence and seclusion, was singularly 
 rapid in some particular districts. Nor was the vow of celibacy, or the gloom and 
 mortification of a monastic life, embraced for the sake of protection from the intem- 
 perate rage of heathen zealots, but it was undertaken by ladies of exemplary piety 
 with the unostentatious design of retaining their purity inviolate, and avoiding 
 alike the vices and temptations incident to publick life. 
 
 This monastery was visited by Saint John of Beverley in the time of Heriburg 
 the abbess;' from whence we may safely conclude that it had been in existence for 
 some indefinite period before his time, and was then in a regular state of subordi- 
 nation and ecclesiastical discipline.^ 
 
 ' Wattun. id est, humida villa. Alured. X. Script, col. 415. 
 2 Bede. 1. 5. c. 3. ^ ibid. 
 * This visit is minutely described by Bede, as having been productive of a miraculous cure on 
 Coenburg, a young nun, who was the daughter of the abbess. This young virgin laboured under 
 a most grievous disorder, proceeding from a diseased arm where she had been bled, and which 
 had swelled to such a bulk that it could not be grasped with both hands. She was confined to 
 her bed, and it was feared that she would die from excess of pain. The abbess intreated the 
 bishop to go into her chamber and give her his blessing, which she hoped would tend to alleviate 
 her daughter's sufferings. He enquired on what day she had been bled, and was told on the 
 fourth day of the moon, which he condemned as being very indiscreet and unskilful, quoting an. 
 observation of archbishop Theodore, that the operation of bleeding was extremely dangerous 
 when the light of the moon and the tides of the ocean are increasing, and expressed a doubt 
 
621 
 
 No further mention is made of Watton or its monastery until the Norman con- 
 quest by any of the ancient writers, although there are strong reasons for believing 
 that the latter was destroyed by the Danes at the same time with Beverley monas- 
 tery, and the holy inmates dispersed. This devastation took place about the 
 year 870. 
 
 The Domesday survey contains the following notice of the village of Watton. 
 
 Lands of the earl of Morton. 
 
 In Wattune, Turchil, and Milegrim, Orm and Gamel had four manors of 
 thirteen carucates to be taxed, and there may be seven ploughs. Nigel has there 
 three villanes with two ploughs ; a church and a priest. Meadow half a mile long 
 and the same broad. The whole two miles long, and one broad. Value, in king 
 Edward's time, £6. ; now 6s.' 
 
 Land of the king's thanes. 
 Manor. In Waton, Tored had three carucates of land to be taxed. The same 
 has it himself. Land to two ploughs.^ 
 
 About the year 1148, or, as some suppose, in the summer of 1149,^^ Watton 
 Abbey was refounded by Eustace Fitz-John, at the instance of archbishop Murdac,* 
 
 whether his interference would convey any benefit to the patient under such inauspicious circum- 
 stances. The abbess dearly loved her daughter, who was designed for her successor, and with 
 unaffected earnestness urged the holy man to pay her a visit. He at length consented, and entered 
 the young lady's chamber accompanied by Berthun, with the words of benediction in his mouth. 
 The patient lay in great anguish, unable to bend her arm ; and after the bishop had spent some 
 time in prayer, he solemnly gave her his blessing and departed. As they were sitting at table in 
 another apartment, a servant acquainted Berthun that Coenburg desired to see him. He imme- 
 diately attended her summons, and found her apparently restored to health. She requested his 
 permission to call for something to assuage her thirst ; and after they both had drank, she informed 
 him that the prayers and blessing of the holy bishop had effected her cure ; that her pains were 
 wholly departed from her, and being thus miraculously delivered from torture and death, she gave 
 praise to the Saviour for his abundant mercies. Bede. 1. 5. c. 3. 
 
 ^ Bawd. Dom. Boc. p. 79. « i^id. p. 225. '' MS. penes me. 
 
 * Vid. ut supra, p. 89. An occurrence took place in this convent in the twelfth century, which 
 would form a subject for a romance, and is inserted here as a striking illustration of the manners 
 and customs of the religious orders at this remote period of time. It is more minutely recorded 
 by Alured, abbot of Rievaulx, than I shall be willing to transcribe ; and that author vouches for 
 its accuracy in every particular. " Let no one," says he, " doubt the truth of this account, for 
 I ^wBs an eye witness to many of the facts, and the remainder were related to me by persons 
 of such mature age and distinguished piety, that I cannot doubt the accuracy of the statement " 
 
 Henry Murdac, archbishop of York, had placed a young girl of about four years old in the 
 convent of Watton to be educated as a nun, and to take the veil when she should arrive at a 
 proper age. As she advanced in years, her fine form increased in beauty, and probably excited 
 the envy and even hatred of the more homely sisters of the convent. She displayed a vivacity 
 trhich was deemed unbecoming the sacred office she was destined to fill ; and the abbess in vaini 
 
 3 T 
 
522 
 
 as a penance for his crimes, and dedicated to the blessed Virgin. The new insti- 
 tution supported thirteen canons and thirty-six nuns of the Gilbertine order, but 
 
 endeavoured to correct a propensity to wit and humour, and perhaps satire, which would have 
 been more suited to a worldling than a damsel dedicated to solitude and the service of God ; for 
 her levity of conduct plainly indicated that her inclinations were averse to a life of monastic 
 seclusion ; and having arrived at years of maturity, she manifested a decided indifference to the 
 avocations of the pious sisterhood, and preferred the most ludicrous amusements to serious and 
 dignified pursuits. 
 
 The management of the convent was committed by charter to the lay brethren of the adjoining 
 raionastery, and on some particular occasions they were allowed admission into the mansion of 
 the nuns. At these times the young lady would approach as nearly as the laws of the institution 
 would permit, and under the pretext of attending to their employment, would survey their persons 
 with all the archness of curiosity, and not unfrequently, as is highly probable, would convert the 
 most sacred duties into a subject of ridicule. 
 
 Amongst the periodical visitors thus officially introduced, was a young man of an athletic form 
 and handsome person. He soon became a principal object of attention to this unhappy female ; 
 and in return she was regarded by him with interest at least, if not with affection. These senti- 
 ments imperceptibly increased to the warmth of reciprocal attachment, and the fire of mutual 
 love insinuated its soft and poisonous influence into both their vital frames. The weighty secret 
 was communicated to each other by tokens which could not be misunderstood, and these silent 
 intimations led to an interesting and confidential intercourse. They contrived to meet by stolen 
 interviews; and appear to have been actuated, during the infancy of their attachment, by the 
 dictates of pure and virtuous love. 
 
 The signal by which the lady was apprized that her lover expected her without, was the simple 
 contrivance of throwing a stone on the tiles of the upper apartments which she occupied ; and this 
 was understood as an intimation that all was safe, and that she might venture out to meet him 
 without fear of detection. A repetition of these stolen interviews, shrouded under the darkness 
 of the night, soon led the way to consequences which were not at first so much as contemplated 
 by the erring pair. Suspicion was excited amongst the sisterhood of the convent ; and the young 
 man, apprehensive of personal consequences, abandoned the monastery and retired to the em- 
 ployments of a secular life. This circumstance confirmed the very worst fears of the pious nuns, 
 and it was resolved that the young lady should be summoned to appear before the assembled 
 sisterhood, and publickly charged with transgressing the conventual rules, and violating the laws 
 of the monastic order. Unable to conceal her fault from the prying eyes of the assembly, she 
 boldly confessed it. 
 
 Astonished at such an open avowal of her shame, the sisterhood were inflamed with zealous 
 resentment against the unprotected female who had thus brought a stain upon the house. They 
 mutually regarded each other, as if to learn what course to adopt in this difficult dilemma ; and at 
 length, laying aside all attention to decorum and dignity of character, they simultaneously clapped 
 their hands, and, like a bevy of enraged fiends, violently rushed upon the unhappy transgressor ; 
 tore the polluted veil from her head, and committed a dreadful assault upon her person, although 
 she was now far advanced in a state of pregnancy. These merciful virgins of heaven then deliberated 
 on the punishment which ought to be inflicted on the trembling delinquent. Some proposed that 
 she should be immediately committed to the flames ; some that she should be flayed alive ; others, 
 that she might be impaled on a stake, and roasted to death before a fire of hot burning coals. 
 These transports of intemperate rage which manifested themselves amongst the younger sisters, 
 were somewhat restrained by the more prudent and aged matrons. Some punishment was however 
 considered absolutely necessary to vindicate the honour of their order, and to convince the world 
 of their own purity and abhorrence of this detestable crime. The fair culprit was therefore divested 
 of her clothing, and stretched prostrate at her length upon the floor. In this helpless situation. 
 
523 
 
 subsequent benefactions considerably increased the number. This order had been 
 just established in England by Gilbert of Sempringham, in Lincolnshire, an 
 
 without either pity or compassion, the nuns most inhumanly scourged her naked body with rods 
 till the streaming blood ran upon the floor.* She bore the chastisement with heroic fortitude and 
 unshaken constancy. 
 
 A dark, close cell or dungeon, in a confined and secluded part of the convent, was prepared 
 for her reception. Here she was securely pinioned to prevent the possibility of escape. Her 
 feet were fettered with two ring bolts and a chain. To these were fastened two other ponderous 
 chains, one of them being fixed to a massive block within the dungeon, the other extended beyond 
 the aperture of the cell door, and was secured by a lock. Her food was bread and water, and 
 that administered with bitter taunts and continual reproaches ; for the nuns suffered under a con- 
 tinual apprehension of publick scoflfe and indiscriminate imputations of guilt ; and had they not 
 been restrained by their superior, this dread would have vented itself in severity of punishment, 
 and would probably have terminated in the death of the persecuted lady. 
 
 The fair penitent meekly endured this accumulation of mental and bodily suffering, for hope, 
 that consolation to a sinking soul, could scarcely beam the feeblest ray of comfort through the 
 almost impenetrable clouds of guilt which at this dire moment overwhelmed her; and with pa- 
 tient humility she acknowledged herself worthy of yet more severe punishment. 
 
 The general distress of this pious community appears to have arisen from the diflBculty of con- 
 cealing the offspring of this illicit amour, and of keeping themselves unspotted in the opinion of 
 the world. The expediency of punishing both oflfenders was suggested, by expelling the young 
 iady, and imposing the weight of the connection on her seducer. But in order to accomplish 
 this measure it was necessary to discover the place of his retreat; and the penitent, being altogether 
 humbled and subdued by degradation and punishment, was induced to reveal this secret; and 
 informed them that the youth, ignorant of her fate, would doubtless attend, at the usual times, 
 the place of their accustomed intercourse, in the hope of meeting her there, for though he had 
 left the monastery, he still remained in the immediate neighbourhood in disguise ; for they had 
 promised to deliver her over to him, if she would disclose the place of his concealment. 
 
 Possessed of this valuable information, they now resolved to inflict upon the seducer a most 
 horrible punishment. W ith this intention they summoned the brethren of the adjoining monastery, 
 and making them acquainted with the chief parts of the case, requested their assistance to secure 
 this bold violator of the honour of their convent. For this purpose one of the monks, disguised 
 in female attire, to represent the deluded fair one, appeared at the accustomed hour near the 
 place of assignation, while others of their party waited in ambush, ready to rush out and seize 
 the culprit on a signal concerted between them. 
 
 The young man fell into the snare that had been laid for him. He came as was expected, and, 
 deceived by the dress and the veil, accosted the man in language tenderly addressed to the object 
 of his affection. He was soon undeceived, for the monks, bursting from their concealment, 
 executed summary vengeance on him with their cudgels ; and afterwards carried him to the 
 convent. The younger part of the nuns, inflamed with a furious zeal, demanded the custody of 
 the prisoner, on pretence of gaining further information. Their request was granted, and taking 
 him to an unfrequented part of the convent, they committed on his person such brutal atrocities 
 as cannot be translated without polluting the page on which they are written. Religion, morals, 
 and female decorum were all most shockingly outraged ; and to increase the horror and infamy 
 of the transaction, the pregnant lady was brought forth to be a witness to the abominable scene, 
 and insulted in a new and unheard of manner. Yet this was done at a time when her situation 
 
 • Amongst onr Saxon ancestors the usual punishment of adultery, and perhaps also fornication, was a severe 
 whipping, and sometimes lacerating the body with knives and other sharp instruments. This discipline was occasionally 
 inflicted with such unrelenting severity, that the unhappy offender has expired in excess of agony and suffering. Turn, 
 Aog. Sax. vol, iv. p. 13. 
 
 3t2 
 
524 
 
 active and zealous ecclesiastic, who was afterwards canonized as a saint. His rule 
 was a modification of those used by the Benedictines and the Aug-ustines ; the 
 
 filled the sisterhood with distressing anxiety, lest the cries of a new born infant, hourly expected, 
 should reach the ears of the profane. 
 
 At this period of her sufferings it was, that the miserable woman found consolation from a 
 quarter where it was least expected. Archbishop Murdac, who first placed her in the convent, 
 had now been dead some years ; but he appeared to her in a dream, and taxed her with the crime 
 of loading his memory with daily curses. However terrified and reluctant to acknowledge the 
 truth of this charge, she at length confessed that she had done so, because he was the author of 
 all the miseries she now endured. The bishop laid the blame on the lady's own conduct, and 
 recommended her to use confession and repentance, with the daily repetition of certain psalms, 
 which having enumerated, he seemed to vanish away. Consoled by this vision, the suffering lady 
 in the morning related what had happened to her stern visitors, and committed to memory the 
 psalms which had been recommended to her notice. 
 
 The approach of her painful hour was still the object of universal anxiety and concern, for the 
 pangs of labour came on, and all was prepared for her delivery. On the following night her 
 troubled sleep again was visited by consoling dreams, which were attended with consequences 
 which she could not anticipate. The venerable prelate once more appeared before her, accom- 
 panied by two comely women, who, with the holy aid of the archbishop, safely delivered her of 
 an infant, which they bore away in their arms, covered with a fair linen cloth. On the return 
 of her guardians in the morning, they were struck with astonishment to find the lady restored to 
 her former youthful appearance, and vehemently charged her with adding to her many crimes, 
 (tot sceleribus tuis) that most shocking one of murdering her new-born infant ! They heard her 
 account of the transaction, but gave it no credit. The miserable bed and bedding to which she 
 was chained, were diligently but unsuccessfully searched ; and unable to form any decided opinion 
 on the wonderful event, they related the particulars to the father of the convent. 
 
 Still the offending lady remained fast bound with double irons, and unable to move her body, 
 but amidst the melancholy clank of her numerous bolted fetters and chains. But these were soon 
 removed, she knew not by what authority; for two compassionate beings entered her cell the next 
 evening, and taking off the chain by which she was most grievously bound, departed without 
 speaking a word. In the morning, the nuns who attended upon her, finding her at liberty, 
 questioned her severely ; but still incredulous respecting her account of the transaction, searched 
 diligently for the missing chain, but it was no where to be found. Soon after one of her bolt 
 chains fell off, and in succession all the rest, except one chain by which her foot was confined. 
 These circumstances being reported to the superior of the convent, he attended in the poor girl's 
 dungeon, and himself examined all the particulars of her story ; and being struck with astonish- 
 ment at such evident tokens of a miraculous interference in her behalf, he invited Alured, abbot 
 of Rievaulx to assist him in a publick investigation of the facts. The two holy men together visited 
 the afflicted lady in her dismal cell, minutely examined the shackles of iron which had fallen 
 from her legs, heard her history from her own mouth, and declared their conviction that nothing 
 less than the power of God could thus have effected her release. Some one present suggested the 
 propriety of again fastening the chains upon her limbs, but Alured checked this presumptuous 
 desire, and advised them rather to wait with patience and submission, in the hope that he who had 
 freed her from her other chains would deliver her from that also by which she was still confined. 
 After which, recommending himself to the prayers of the holy sisterhood, and at the same time 
 administering suitable consolation from the word of God, Alured retired. But in a very few days 
 the venerable superior of Watton Abbey informed him by letter, that the last chain by which the 
 prisoner was bound had also dropped off, and requested his further direction and advice. To this 
 Alured finally replied. "What God hath cleansed call not thou common; and whom he hath 
 loosed, thou mayest not bind." 
 
626 
 
 niins following" the least rigid institutions of Benedict, and the monks those of 
 Augustine, to each of which were subjoined some new rules added by Gilbert 
 himself.^ 
 
 Eustace Fitz-John gave to this monastery the lordship of Watton, whether in 
 lands or waters, meadows, pastures or marshes; and all its appurtenances, whether 
 within the domain or without, in pure and perpetual alms, for his salvation, and 
 that of his wife Agnes de Cestria; and for the souls of his father and mother, his 
 sons and his daughters, his brethren, his servants and friends, to hold freely for 
 ever, without being subject to any exactions or secular services.'" This charter 
 was subsequently confirmed by others, given to the monastery by his wife Agnes, 
 the daughter of William Constable Cestriae;" of Robert, the son of earl Constable 
 Cestriae, of Watton,'^ and of Roger de Lacy Constable Cestrise.'^ 
 
 The canons and nuns inhabited buildings within the same inclosure, but sepa- 
 rated from each other by a party wall; and, as appears from a charter of archbishop 
 Murdac,'* the former were appointed to " serve the nuns perpetually in terrene as 
 well as divine matters.'"' The habit of the canons was a black cassock with a 
 
 This circumstance is elevated by the honest abbot into a miracle ; but it would be an indignity 
 oifered to the good sense of any considerate person to suppose that there can exist more than one 
 opinion respecting the sequel of the narrative. That the natural order and economy of things 
 should have been diverted from their accustomed course in so abrupt and fantastic a manner, 
 without any motive of superior interest, appears unworthy of the dignity and wisdom of the 
 Supreme Being. The former part of the narrative presents a faithful picture of the feelings and 
 practice of the sisterhood on such occasions, under the advice and protection of their spiritual 
 guides ; for if the pious abbot had considered their conduct towards this unfortunate lady and her 
 paramour in the least reprehensible or indecorous, it is not probable that he would have related it 
 with such disgusting minuteness. 
 
 9 Tan. Notit. Pref. xix. 'o Bibl. Bodl. MSS. Dodsw. vol. ix. p. 113. " Ibid. vol. ix. p. 1 13. 
 ^2 Ibid. vol. ix. p. 114. 13 Ibid. vol. vii. p. 114. '^ Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 412. 
 '•' The charters granted to this monastery at different periods were very numerous ; and the 
 rents and income arising from property thus conveyed were far from being inconsiderable. The 
 convent also possessed the advowsons of several churches ; and for all his lands and tenements the 
 abbot anciently paid a stated custom or tax (gabulag') to the king. Rot. Hund. The following 
 abstracts of charters in the author's possession are subjoined, as they may be interesting to some 
 of his readers. 
 
 William Fossard gave to the church at Watton three carucates of land in Horswold, free and 
 quit of Danegeld, with permission of the king. Bibl. Bodl. MSS. Dodsw. vol. ix. p. 116. 
 
 Alexander Fitzwilliam de Santon gave and confirmed to the convent of Watton, in pure and 
 perpetual alms, and free from all secular services and exactions, all his land in a valley near 
 Sonelic, in the eastern part of the Garlands. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 353. The same person gave 
 also to this convent certain lands in Santon. Dugd. Mon. vol. ii. p. 800. 
 
 Thomas Fitzallen de Multon, for the salvation of his soul, and those of his ancestors and suc- 
 cessors, gave to the church of the blessed Mary, at Watton, an annual rent of forty shillings. 
 
526 
 
 white cloak over it, and a hood lined with lamb skin. The nuns wore a black 
 robe with a scapulary of the same, under which was a tunic of undyed wool ; and 
 when they went to the choir, or appeared abroad, they had over all a black cowl, 
 besides the usual veil. 
 
 chargeable on his estates for ever, to provide twenty shifts; (camisias) and one mark annually, 
 payable to the lady Constantla his grandaughter, then prioress, for her better maintenance; 
 and after her death, the said mark to be applied towards furnishing the nuns with hoods and 
 veils. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 356. 
 
 A royal charter was granted to the prior and convent of Watton by king Henry III. for free 
 warren in Watton and Sancton, in Yorkshire, and Ravenstandale and Langedale, in Westmore- 
 land. Rot. Chart. 36 Hen. III. 
 
 Alexander Fitzpeter de Cana gave to this convent half a carucate of land in Houton, and a toft^ 
 with the appurtenances, lately the property of William, the son of Golle ; two oxgangs of land 
 with the appurtenances, in Yuevtorp, formerly belonging to Adam Sumer ; half a carucate of 
 land in Cana, which Peter de Cana, his father, held of Gundrea Fitzwilliam de Useflet, with all 
 the tofts thereto appertaining; a toft which was occupied by Renneri, and another occupied by 
 Gamelli de Grena. And also three oxgangs of land, with the appurtenances, in Riplingham. To 
 hold freely and quietly on payment of an annual quit rent of two shillings. Dodsw. vol. vii» 
 p. 355. 
 
 James, the son of Gilbert de Midilton, gave to the convent half a carucate of land, in case 
 Avicia, whom Thomas, the son of Henry de Nouentoft, had taken to wife, should have no issue. 
 Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 308. 
 
 Agnes de Thurkelby, the widow of William de Preston, gave, in pure and perpetual alms, one 
 messuage and two oxgangs of land, with the appurtenances in Helperthorp. Dodsw. vol. vii, 
 p. 309. 
 
 William Dalizoune gave, by royal licence, to the prior of Watton, certain lands with the ap- 
 purtenances in Hoton, Cranswick, Tranby juxta Hessle, North-Dalton, and Beverley, to hold 
 to himself and his successors for ever. Inquis. ad quod dam. 19 Edw. III. 
 
 William, the son of Odinelli de Aubeny, gave to the church of Saint Mary, at Watton, half a 
 carucate oi land, with the crofts, tofts, and appurtenances in North-Dalton. Dodsw. vol. vii. 
 p. 323. 
 
 Jacob, the son of Roger de Frynill, gave all the lands, pastures, and possessions which the 
 monks of Watton held in his fee, in the village and territory of Etton, for ever. Dodws. vol. vii. 
 p. 315. 
 
 The prior of Watton and John the Bastard held one fee of the honour of Peter de Malo Lacu 
 in Killingwick. Testa de Nevil. 
 
 Thomas de Everingham gave and confirmed to this convent, in pure and perpetual alms, all the 
 land which they held of him in Hessle and Westlanges. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 313. 
 
 Philip de Weston, dean of York, in 1348, gave to the prior and convent of Watton, a messuage, 
 five tofts, eight oxgangs of land, and two other oxgangs in Hugate, to hold to them and their 
 successors for ever. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 305. 
 
 Sibilla, the widow of Robert Salvayn, gave to the prior and convent of Watton, all the right 
 and claim which he possessed in one toft and two oxgangs of land in Helperthorp. Dodsw. voL 
 vii. p. 305. 
 
 Peter de Newton, in 1347, held divers lands and tenements for the prior and convent of Watton, 
 at Beverley and several other places. Inquis. post. mort. 21 Edw. III. 
 
 William Fitzwilliam, the son of Peter de Anelabie, gave to the convent all bis fees in Anelabie 
 and Santon ; and covenanted that he would never more vex the prior, under pain of four marks 
 to the fabric of Watton church. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 302. 
 
52t 
 
 The ladies who inhabited this convent were numerous, and in the year 1326, 
 William de Melton, archbishop of York, consecrated fifty three nuns at one time. 
 They did not, however, escape censorious reflections. The publick opinion of their 
 
 Lecia, the widow of William, the son of Peter de Anelabie, relinquished all claim which she 
 possessed, either in her own right or in the name of dower, to any lands or tenements in Santon, 
 which her late husband or his ancestors gave to the convent, with all the appurtenances within 
 the village or without. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 302. 
 
 Galfrid de Mandeville gave to the convent, in pure and perpetual alms, sufficient pasturage for 
 twelve sheep in Kirkholm. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 299. 
 
 Peter de Ros, archdeacon de Karlel, in the year 1377, gave to the house at Watton twelve 
 oxgangs of land, in the tenure of William de Vesci. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 1 88. 
 
 Jordanus de Etton gave to the convent all his land in Harthill and Westlanges for ever, subject 
 to an annual payment of twelve-pence. Dodsw. vol vii. p. 305. 
 
 Miles Basset gave to the nuns of this house, for the souls of his lord and lady, Richard de 
 Sanford and Matilda de Baiocis his wife, for his own soul and those of his ancestors, nineteen 
 acres of land in Mediana Hanfeld, with common of pasture. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 305. 
 
 Asce, the son of Asce de Flixton, gave to the convent, in pure and perpetual alms, a toft in 
 Hugate, containing in length nine perches, with a footpath of six rods ; and in breadth towards 
 the north three perches, with a footpath of thirteen rods ; and towards the south two perches, 
 with a walk of fourteen rods. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 306. 
 
 Robert, the son of Richard de Yerdeburg, gave to God, the blessed Mary, and the convent of 
 Watton, in pure and perpetual alms, all the land in his fee, which the prior then held by the 
 donation of Hugh Fitzarnold, in the village of Germethorp, free from all suits and services what- 
 soever. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 308. 
 
 Thomas, the son of Geoffery de Etton and his wife, gave to the convent 1 95 acres of land in 
 Etton field, with the appurtenances, free from all secular services, in pure and perpetual alms, 
 for the eternal good of their souls, and those of their fathers, mothers, and ancestors. Dodsw. 
 vol. vii. p. 315. 
 
 Walter Fitzrobert, the son of Nigel de Wiverton, gave to this establishment land in Shireburn, 
 thirty-one perches in length and twelve rods in breadth, in pure and perpetual alms, for the sal- 
 vation of his soul, and for the souls of his father, mother, and ancestors. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 326. 
 
 William Fitzgilbert, of North-Dalton, gave to the convent, in pure and perpetual alms, all his 
 husbandry in Crossdales, which extended from Stampittes to Deepdale, containing about five 
 oxgangs, free from all secular services. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 354. 
 
 Robert, of North-Dalton, the son of William de Cana and Matilda his wife, gave to the canons 
 half a bovate of land, with tofts, crofts, and appurtenances, in North-Dalton, in pure and per- 
 petual alms. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 354. 
 
 Richard, abbot of Melsa, gave to the abbey of Watton half an acre of land in Wyke super 
 Hull, in exchange for two tofts in Crancewyk, and three tofts in North-Dalton. Lib. Melsa. fo. 1 92. 
 
 Adam Fitzarnold de Sunderlandwyk gave freely one plough land in Sunderlandwyk field, 
 containing sixteen perches, in pure and perpetual alms. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 354. 
 
 Alexander Burdon, transferred from himself to the nuns serving God at Watton, in pure and 
 perpetual alms, the homage and service of Robert Fitzallen de Skegness, and his heirs, in one 
 carucate of land and one toft, with the appurtenances in Santon. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 354. 
 
 William, the son of Serto de Middleton, relinquished by charter all claim to an annual rent of 
 sixpence, which had been paid to him by the canons out of a mill situated in Middleton field, 
 belonging to the convent of Watton, and also all other rights which he had formerly enjoyed in 
 the said mill. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 355. 
 
 William, of North-Dalton, knight, gave to the blessed Mary of Watton, six acres of arable 
 land in Daltou field, situate at a place called Dikes Gate, for his own salvation, and for the souls 
 of all his relations, past, present, and to come. Dodsw. vol. vii. p. 355. 
 
52S 
 
 conduct and morals was rather loose, and a reform was called for, before matters 
 were pushed to the extremity of dissolution by the necessities or the cupidity of an 
 avaricious monarch. The estimated amount of the annual income, possessed by 
 the canons of Watton, 26 Hen. VIII. was £453. 7s. 8d. according to Speed, but 
 only £360. 16s. lO^d. according to Dugdale.'® Robert Holgate, bishop of LandafF, 
 was commendatory prior at the dissolution, and surrendered it 9th December, 
 1540."^ He afterwards became archbishop of York. The site of the abbey, and 
 its venerable remains, were granted in the 3 Edw. VI. to John, earl of Warwick;'* 
 in the reign of Elizabeth we find it in the possession of John Farnham;'^ and 
 afterwards king James confirmed the abbey and manor to sir Thomas Earlkyn, 
 knight j'^" from whom the property passed to the Bethell family, one of which is 
 at present the principal proprietor. 
 
 At this time the abbey exhibits no traces of its early erection. It is composed 
 of brick and stone, and may probably have been rebuilt in the early part of the 
 Tudor period. It consisted of the abbey, a large and massive building, with towers 
 and pointed ardh windows, and an oriel or bay window of imposing appearance ; 
 
 Adam, the son of William Bacon, by a formal deed, relinquished all right and claim on John 
 de Etton, prior of Waltham, to lands which formerly belonged to Berlini Bacon his grandfather, 
 and to all lands which should of right descend to him or his heirs from that source. Dodsw. vol. 
 vii. p. 356. 
 
 Robert Constable, of Flamborough, gave to the brothers and holy nuns at Watton, four oxgangs 
 of land in Hilderthorp, in pure and perpetual alms, and quit of all secular services whatsoever. 
 
 Ibid. vol. ix. p. 315. I have by me, in addition to the above, several copies of leases granted by 
 this convent ; but as they possess nothing of extraordinary interest, the reader will not regret that 
 they have been omitted. 
 
 16 Burt. Mon. Ebor. p. 412. Vid. Bacon. Lib. Reg. p. 1 142. 
 " Willis. Hist. Abb. vol. ii. p. 286. 
 '» Tan. Not. York. CXX. Rex Sexto Januar' Joh'em Comit' Warr' int' al' Capel' de Watton 
 cu p'tin in Sancton, Etton, Sutton, Craneswick, Hugate, et North-Dalton p'cell' mon' de Watton 
 pred' Tenend' in Capite, &c. 3 Edw. VI. Ex Reg. Praep. Bev. I. 3. p. 176. 
 
 '9 Rna XX ° Julij cone' Jo. Farnham inter al', mod' de Watton. Tenend' de Eastgrenew*!'' soc* 
 Annoxviij" Eliz. p* viij'i Ibid. I. 3. p. 18 a. 
 
 '^ Rex X Novemb \ cone' Tho. Earlkynn mil' mon' de Watton cu p'tin' ac raaner' de Watton, 
 &c. tenend' de Estegrenew'','' in Com' Kane' soccag' ac redd' £68. 7s. 4^d. 2 Jas. Ibid. I. 3^ 
 p. 18 b. 
 
^29 
 
 North- West View qf Watton Abbey. 
 
 a nunnery of the same, surrounded by a range of cloisters and other buildings 
 which are now entirely dilapidated and gone to decay ; the whole surrounded by a 
 moat, which inclosed upwards of twenty acres of land ; one branch of which ran 
 under both the monastery and the convent, each being furnished with private 
 staircases within the buildings which communicated with the water; and it was 
 broad and deep enough to be navigable for a small boat.^' The abbot's kitchen 
 stood to the west of the abbey, and is now denoted by a hollow square which is 
 sunk about two feet below the present surface of the ground. The whole area 
 within the moat is full of old foundations, which certify that the original buildings 
 have been alike extensive and magnificent. More than two centuries ago the 
 materials of these decayed buildings were consigned to the corporation of Beverley, 
 and conveyed away by them to repair the minster.*^ The abbey itself has suffered 
 
 21 About forty years ago, as the Rev. Francis Lundy, of Lockington, was sitting at dinner 
 with the late William Bethell, esq. at Watton Abbey, they were surprised by an extraordinary 
 noise beneath the dining table, for which they could not account ; and they were at length so 
 much annoyed by it, that they sent for a workman to take up the floor ; when, to their great 
 astonishment, they found that an otter which inhabited the moat underneath the abbey, had 
 established her nest beneath the boards of the floor, and had there deposited her litter of young 
 ones, by whose uncouth cries it was that the dinner party had been disturbed. 
 
 22 Records of Beverley. 1 July, 1613. 
 
 3 V 
 
530 
 
 great dilapidations, but enough remains to arrest the steps of the antiquary ; and 
 to attract the attention of every one who feels an interest in the religious institu- 
 tions of our forefathers. 
 
 The interior of the abbey is spacious and roomy, and some of the apartments are 
 decorated with tapestry of tolerable execution. The vaults ran probably under one 
 entire wing of the building, though a part only are now remaining. They were 
 formed of plain groining, and had communication with various parts of the interior, 
 as well as an external door, which opened into the gardens. One spacious central 
 chamber, which is now closed up, extended across the whole building; and the 
 remains of massive decorated windows shew that it was originally devoted to grave 
 and solemn purposes. A circular staircase is connected with this apartment, 
 which extends from the summit of the building into the waters beneath its base. 
 
 East View of If'atton Abbey. 
 
 The nunnery was situated westward of the abbey, and is now converted into 
 stables. It occupied a tract of about eleven acres ; and this space still remain? 
 
531 
 
 fenced, and designated by the name of " The Nuns." On the south side of the 
 premises are the remains of strong walls of stone, terraces, and fortifications, which 
 were probably erected during the civil wars ; for it is certain that the abbey was 
 used by the royalists as a military station, and was attacked and much battered by 
 Cromwell, from Barf, or Barrow Hill, about two miles from this front. 
 
 Tradition says, that a subterranean passage existed in old times, which formed a 
 communication between the convent and a holy well at Kilnwick, dedicated to the 
 blessed Virgin, and called " The Lady's Well ;" and that the nuns performed many 
 wonderful cures by the agency of this miraculous water. And a chamber is pointed 
 out in the abbey, said to have been the scene of a most atrocious murder during 
 the civil wars. This room is faced throughout wdth a strong wainscoting of 
 panelled oak ; in one side of which is a closet door, corresponding so exactly with 
 the wainscoting as not to be observed; and was doubtless, in its primitive state, a 
 secret entrance, which opened by a private spring, and communicated with a 
 narrow staircase, still in existence, that descended into the moat or river which 
 runs underneath the building. A lady of distinction, so says the legend, during 
 the unhappy contest between Charles I. and his parliament, secreted herself in 
 Watton Abbey, with her infant child, and jewels and other portable property to a 
 great amount. Her retreat having been discovered, a few soldiers, at dead of 
 night, proceeding in a boat to the staircase which led to her chamber, entered it 
 by the secret door, and, unimpressed by her beauty, or the unoffending simplicity 
 of her lovely infant, unmoved by her tears and supplications, cruelly murdered 
 both, took possession of her valuables, and conveying away the bodies by the 
 secret staircase, they were never heard of more.^' 
 
 2' This legend has given rise to a belief that the wainscoted room is haunted. The lady 
 appears without her head, (which, it is hence supposed, was severed from her body by the ruflfians) 
 bearing the infant in her arms, and placing herelf at the foot of the bed, stands for some time 
 inanimate as a statue, and then suddenly disappears. So fond is the murdered lady of this 
 chamber that she pays it a nightly visit, and appears to regret the occupation of it by any other 
 individual ; for though she never attempts to disturb its sleeping or waking inmate, yet when the 
 bed is left vacant she does not fail to take possession of it for the night; and it is generally found 
 pressed and disordered in the morning, although no earthly being has entered the room. So runs 
 the story. It is however asserted, that some years ago, a visitor at the abbey, who knew nothing 
 of this tradition, slept in the wainscoted room, and in the morning declared that he had been dis- 
 turbed by the supernatural appearance of a lady, with garments stained with blood, and whose 
 features bore a striking resemblance to those of a female portrait which hangs in the same room. 
 This vision must therefore have been furnished with that appendage, equally useful and ornamental, 
 the head. 
 
 3 v2 
 
532 
 
 An utensil or jar of coarse pottery was found in the gardens of these premises, 
 at no great depth, in the year 1776, which from its elegance of form, and peculi- 
 arity of construction, may almost be pronounced of Roman or Saxon manufacture. 
 It is now in the possession of Mrs. Legard,^* the present occupier of the abbey. 
 (See p. 81 for an engraving of the Jar.) 
 
 The modern account of Watton presents few interesting features. The abbey 
 gardens are well laid out, and scientifically managed. Many parts of them display 
 great floral taste, which must be attributed to the judicious superintendence of the 
 young ladies who reside there ; and the tout ensemble reminds us of one of those 
 romantic fairy palaces with which our youthful fancy has been so much amused, in 
 the bygone days of innocence and unclouded peace; and almost extorts the sigh of 
 regret that the bright visions which then floated so gaily before our eyes, should 
 ever have been exchanged for the care, and pain, and disquietude of actual com- 
 merce with the world. 
 
 The village of Watton is pleasantly situated on the road from Beverley to Drif- 
 field, and the surrounding scenery is picturesque and beautiful. Its church, which 
 is built of brick, with a low tower and parapets, and exhibits the same style of 
 architecture as the adjoining abbey, is dedicated to Saint Mary.'^^ Watton is a 
 perpetual curacy, in the patronage of R. Bethell, esq. of the clear yearly value, as 
 certified in order to obtain the benefit of the augmentation acts, of £10. 10s. Od.^'' 
 The present incumbent is the Rev. John Earl. In the chancel are some monu- 
 ments of the Bethells and the Dickinsons; and one erected to the memory of 
 William Hall, in 1681.*' The population in 1811 was 246 souls, and in 1821 the 
 number returned amounted to 307. 
 
 2* I beg here to return my best thanks to Mrs. Legard, for the politeness which I received 
 from herself and family on my visit to Watton Abbey. Every possible facility was cheerfully 
 afforded which might contribute to illustrate this ancient and interesting fabric. 
 
 2^ This style of architecture is visible also in Kirk-Ella church, in the old house at Beswick, 
 in Beverley priory, and other places in this neighbourhood, and were probably all the work of 
 one and the same architect, who appears to have had full employment in the East-riding of 
 Yorkshire at this particular period. 
 
 26 Cler. Guide, p. 181. 
 " Like Cottingham and other villages in the neighbourhood, the church is decked with ever- 
 greens at Christmas; and at the same season the Morisco sports are practised. A number of 
 young fellows dress themselves in fantastic habiliments, and wander from house to house, per- 
 forming ludicrous ceremonies, and soliciting the benevolence of the inhabitants, that they may 
 enjoy a feast at the commencement of the year. This pastime is a combination of the ancient 
 pageant and the morris-dance ; and maid Marian and the fool are considered as an indispensable 
 
533 
 
 In this village is a school for "boys, supported by R. Bethell,e8^ 
 (28) and another for girls, established about the year 1881, by Mrs 
 Legard, and principally dependant on that lady for support. It con 
 tains 22 children, who are taught reading by the master, and works 
 of industry by the mistress. The institution is laudable, and is 
 sure to be prosperous, because its professed object is to bring up 
 poor children in the nurture and admonition of the lord, and to'mak 
 them useful to society in the station of life in which it has jleas 
 God to place them. ' ^ 
 
 appendage to the party. It is, in a word, an antique piece of 
 Christmas mummery; a garbled vestige of the sports which distinguis 
 the Scandinavian festival of the Yule; and is thought to have l)een 
 encouraged by our early monarchs to keep the populace in good humou 
 Mr. Handel was of opinion that the morris-dance was peculiarly 
 adapted to the genius of the English people. Archaeol .vol.i.p.80. 
 (88) The Watton estates caiae into the family of the Bethells of Rie 
 by the marriage of Hugh Bethell, esq. with the daughter and co-heir 
 of William Drshealth, esq..; and they are now the property of Richar 
 Bethell, esq. who is descended from the original branch of the faml 
 settled at Maunsell, in the county of Hereford, under the will of 
 Williani Bethell, esq. of Rise, who died without issue. The followl 
 is the descent from the tim.e the estates came into their possessior 
 
 Hugh Bethell, esq. of Rise,ob .1716rSarah, d.5c co-heiress of W. 
 Drehealth,esq. 
 
 Hugh Bethell, ob.l752::Ann, d. of Sir John Cope, bar t.ob 1728. 
 
 Hugh Bethell, of Rise, William Bethell, otf Ri8e,i:Charlotte,d.of 
 
 ob.l772,caelebs. ob. 1799, S.P. Ralph Pennymar 
 
 Beverley, esq. 
 
 ARMS. AR.'on a chevron between 3 boars' heads couped, SA. an etoile 
 CRKST. A boar's head couped SA on a ducal coronet OR. 
 
534 
 
 Chapter V., which follows, bsing a notice on the Cistercian 
 Abbey of'Meaux or Melsa, has been removed and bouhd' iti^' a' 
 separate cover. This foregoing page being copied merely to 
 c|)inplete this volume in other respects. 
 
 61 
 
 ad^&j 
 
^43 
 
 A. Page 50. 
 The Charter of King" Athelstan, granted to the town of Beverley, A. D. 925. 
 
 Yat witen all yat ever been 
 
 Yat yis charter heren and seea 
 
 Yat I y«. king Athelstan 
 
 Has yaten and given to S* Jobn 
 
 Of Beverlike yat sai I you 
 
 Tol and theam yat wit ye now 
 
 Sok and sake over al yat land 
 
 Yat is given into his hand 
 
 On ever ilke kings dai 
 
 Be it all free yan and ay 
 
 Be it almousend be all free 
 
 Wit ilke man and eeke vt^rth taee 
 
 Yat will I (hem yat me scop) 
 
 Bot till an ercebiscop 
 
 An till ye seven minstre prestes 
 
 Yat serves God ther Saint John reste« 
 
 Yat give I God and Saint John 
 
 Her before you ever ilkam 
 
 All my herst corn ineldeel 
 
 To uphald his minstre weel 
 
 Ya four thrave (be heven kinge) 
 
 Of ilka plough of estriding 
 
 If it swa betid or swa gaas 
 
 Yat any man her again taas 
 
 Be he baron be he earle 
 
 Clark prest parson or cherel 
 
 Na be he na yat ilk gome 
 
 I will for saye yat he come 
 
 (Yat wit ye weel or and or) 
 
 Til Saint John minstre dor 
 
 And yat I will (swo Christ me red) 
 
 Yat he bet his misdeed 
 
 Or be cursed son on on 
 
 Wit al yat servis Saint Johft 
 
 Yif hit swa betid and swa es 
 
 Yet ye man in mansin es 
 
 I sai yow over fortie daghes 
 
 (Swilke yan be sain John Laghes) 
 
 Yat ye chapitel of Beverlike 
 
 Till ye seins of Everwike 
 
6U 
 
 Send yair writ son onan 
 
 Yat yis mansedman betan 
 
 Ye scirref yan say I ye 
 
 Wit outen any writ one me 
 
 Sal minen him (swo Christ me red) 
 
 And into my prison lede 
 
 And hald him (yat is mi wilt) 
 
 Till he bet his misgilt 
 
 If men reises newe laghes 
 
 In any oyer kings daghes 
 
 Be yay fromed be yay yarned 
 
 Wit yham of y*. minstre demed 
 
 Ye mercy of y®. misdeed 
 
 Gif I Saint John (swo Christ me red) 
 
 Yif man be cal'd of of limes or lif 
 
 Or men chalanges land in strif 
 
 Wit my bodlaick wit writ of right 
 
 I will S* John have ye might 
 
 Yat man yar for noght fight in feelde 
 
 Now yer wit stat no with sheeld 
 
 Bot twelve men wil I yat it telle 
 
 Swo sal it be swo here i belle 
 
 And he yat him swo werne he may 
 
 Over comen be he ever and ay 
 
 Als he in feld war overcomen 
 
 Ye cravantaise of him be nomen 
 
 Yat yat I God and S* John 
 
 Her before iow ever ilkan 
 
 If man be founden slane i drunkend 
 
 Sterved on S* John rike his aghenmen 
 
 Without swike his aghen balifFs make y? sight 
 
 Nan oyer coroner have ye might 
 
 Swa mikel fredom give I ye 
 
 Swa hert may think or egbe see 
 
 Yat have I thought and forbiseen 
 
 I will yat yer ever been 
 
 Sameening and minstre lif 
 
 Last frollike witouten strif 
 
 God help alle thasilke men 
 
 Yat helpes to ye thowen. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 B. Page 58. 
 
 The following is a copy of the Sanctuary Oath, taken from the back of the Sanctuary Register 
 of St. John of Beverley, preserved among the Harleian MSS. in the British Museum, No. 4292. 
 fo. 1. It is written on vellum, and the register contains the names of persons who sought sanc- 
 tuary, for different crimes, in the reigns of Edw. IV. Hen. VII. and Hen. VIII. 
 
 " The bailiff of the town, by whom the oath was administered, is directed to inquire of the 
 refugee what man he killed, and wherwith, and both ther names, and than gar hym lay his hand 
 vppon the book, saying on this wyse. 
 
 " Sir, tak hede on your oth, ye shal be trew and feythful to my lord abp. of York, lord off this 
 towne, to the provest of thes same, to the chanons of this chirch, and all othir ministrs therof. 
 
6iS 
 
 " Also ye shall bere gude hert to the baillie and XII governars of this town, to all burges and 
 comyners of thes same. 
 
 " Also ye shall bere no poynted wapen, dagger, knyfe, ne none other wapen ayenst the kyngs 
 pece. 
 
 " Also ye shalbe redy at all your power if ther be any debate or stryf or ot sothan case of fyre 
 within the town, to help to s'cess it. 
 
 " Also ye shalbe redy at the obite of kyng Adelstan, at the dirige and the messe at such tyme 
 as it is done at the warnyng of the belman of the town, and do your dewte in ryngyng, and for to 
 offer at the messe on the morne, so help you God and thies holy Evangelists. And then gar hym 
 kysse the book." 
 
 C. Page 84. 
 
 Carta Turstini archiepiscopi Eboracensis qui libertates hominibus de Beverlaco conceduntur. 
 
 TuRSTiNus Dei gratid Eborum archiepiscopus cunctis Christi fidelibus tam presentibus quam 
 futurJs, salutem & dei benedictionem & suam. Notum sit vobis me dedisse & concessisse & 
 consilio capituli Eborac' et Beverlacen' et consilio raeorum baronum, mea cartA confirmasse 
 hominibus de Beverlaco omnes libertates eisdera legibus quibus illi de Eborac' habent in sud 
 civitate : preterea non lateat vos quod dominus H. Rex noster nobis concessit potestatem faciendi 
 hoc de bona voluntate sua et sud cartd confirmavit statua nostra et leges nostras juxta formam 
 legum burgensium de Eboraco, salva dignitate et honore Dei et sancti Johaunis et nostri et 
 cauonicorum, ut ita scillicet honorem elemosynarum predecessorura suorum exaltaret et promo- 
 veret cum omnibus his liberis consuetudinibus. Volo ut burgenses mei de Beverlac' habeant 
 suam Hanshus quam eis do et concedo, ut ibi sua statuta pertractent ad honorem Dei et sancti 
 Johannis et canonicorum et ad totus villatus emendationem eddem libertatem lege sicut illi de 
 Eboraco habent in sud Hanshus. Concedo etiam eis thelonium imperpetuum pro X et YlII 
 marcis annuatim ; preterquam in iis festis in quibus theloneum ad nos et ad canonicos spectat in 
 festo scil't, sancti Johannis confessoris in Maio et in festo translationis sancti Johannis et in nati- 
 vitate sancti Johannis Baptiste ; in his ver6 tribus festis omnes burgenses de Beverlaco ab omni- 
 teloneo liberos et quietos dimisi. Hujus etiam carte testimonio, eisdem burgensibus liberos 
 introitus et exitus concessi in villd et extra villam, in piano et bosco et marisco, in viis et in semitis 
 et ceteris convenientiis, excepto in pratis et bladis sicut unquam melius liberius et largius, aliquis 
 possit concedere et confirmare : et sciatis quod sint liberi et quieti ab omni telonis per totam schi- 
 ram Eboraci sicut illi de Eboraco. Et volo ut quicunque hoc disfecerit anathema sit, sicut ipsius 
 ecclesie sancti Johannis asserit consuetndo et sicut statutum est in ecclesid sancti Johannis. Hii 
 ^untte stes. 
 
 Galfridus Murd' Tom' Prepositus 
 
 Nigellus Fossard Turstinus Archidiaconus 
 
 Alan de Perci Herbertus Can' 
 
 Walterus Spec Willielmus filius Tole 
 
 Eustacius fil' Johannis Willielmus Baioc. 
 
 ; ■ " Coram totd familia archiepiscopi, clericis, et laicis in Eboraco. 
 
 Cart. Antiq. in Turr. Lond. An. Hen. I. r. 18. 
 
 D. Page 157. 
 
 I have subjoined a translation of this curious document from the original French in the rolls of 
 parliament, vol. iv. p. 85. as it appears to have suspended for a time the provisions of the borough 
 charters, granted 20 Rich. II. and 2 Hen. V. 
 
 3x 
 
546 
 
 "The petition of Henry, archbishop of York, sbeweth, that when king Athelstan, who reigned 
 over England before the Conquest, took a journey to Scotland to establish some disputed claims 
 in that country, he made a vow to God and Saint John of Beverley, (the predecessor of the said 
 petitioner) that if his expedition should prove succesful, and his arms be crowned with victory, he 
 would endow the churches of York, Beverley, and Ripon with valuable liberties and franchises. 
 Having, by God's blessing, been victorious over his said enemies the Scots, and favoured with 
 triumphant success according to his desire, he fulfilled his promise on his return into England, by 
 granting to God and Saint John of Beverley, amongst other things, the liberties and privileges 
 which are contained in these words, — Als Free make I The, as hert may thynke or Eghe 
 MAY SE. And also, amongst other liberties and freedoms, as well by the kings before the 
 Conquest, as by his majesty's most noble progenitors who have swayed the English sceptre since 
 that period, granted to the predecessors of the said petitioner, that the archbishop of York 
 should have free inheritance of his lands in Beverley, that no minister of any king of England 
 should, during his continuance in office, enter therein; and that the church of Saint John of 
 Beverley should have its Peace within the boundaries of the sanctuary, commonly called the 
 Leuga. That all the archbishops of York should for the future be under the king's protection, 
 and that no civil powers should be placed over them. By virtue of these articles the predecessors 
 of the petitioner have had, from time immemorial, at Beverley and Ripon, a court of SherifTs 
 Tourne, with all its appurtenances; and have appointed, or caused to be appointed within the said 
 liberties, their bailiffs and officers to preserve the peace, and to have correction and punishment 
 of all manner of felonies, misdemeanors, misprisions, trespasses, extortions, and all other offences 
 arising within the said liberties. And they have enjoyed amerciaments, issues, fines, chattels of 
 fugitives and felons, and all manner of profits arising from the said freedom of correction and 
 punishment. And the late king, by his letters-patent, granted to certain persons therein named, 
 as twelve governors or guardians of the said borough of Beverley, and to the burgesses and 
 commonalty of the same, by a suggestion made to his highness of their subtlety and imagination 
 prepense, to disinherit the petitioner's church at York, that they, their heirs and successors for 
 the time being, or four, three, or two of the wisest and most discreet amongst them, should for 
 ever have full liberty of correction, power, and authority to take cognizance and make enquiry, 
 and to hold a court of Oyer and Terminer forjudging of all causes and affairs, as well of felonies, 
 trespasses, misprisions, and extortions, as of all other matters and complaints in the said borough 
 of Beverley, and within the boundaries of its liberties in whatsoever inanner arising; also to be 
 fully and truly guardians of the peace, justices of felonies, trespasses, and other misdemeanors, to 
 hold a court of Oyer and Terminer, and justices of labourers, servants, and artificers in the East- 
 riding of the county of York, within the borough precinct and liberty aforesaid ; and that they, their 
 heirs and successors, should for ever have at their disposal all manner of fines, amerciaments, 
 issues, and all other profits whatsoever from thence arising to levy and to receive by their officers, 
 as is fully declared in the aforesaid letters-patent; by virtue of which the said petitioner is 
 disturbed in the enjoyment of his liberties and freedoms, granted to his said predecessors as 
 aforesaid. May it please his most mighty and most gracious highness therefore, by the consent 
 of the lords spiritual and temporal in this present parliament assembled, to confirm and ratify, with 
 clause de licet, to the said petitioner and successors, the privileges, franchises, and liberties, together 
 with all other privileges, liberties, and immunities granted by his progenitors and predecessors, 
 kings of England, to the predecessors of the said petitioner ; no interruption made by the royal 
 ministers or others interfering with the privileges, liberties, and franchises aforesaid, especially 
 or generally, or any of them, although the said petitioner, or any of his predecessors, may have 
 misused or omitted to use, up to the present time, the said privileges, liberties, and franchises, or 
 any of them; and furthermore, of his abundant grace, by the authority of parliament, to revoke 
 and annul the said letters-patent granted to those governors or guardians, burgesses, and com- 
 monalty, as to all the aforesaid articles; and to command that the said letters-patent, by the 
 king's authority, be brought into chancery, to remain there until they be enrolled, cancelled, and 
 annulled as to all the aforesaid articles; considering, most gracious sovereign, that you obtained 
 a most glorious victory and discomfiture of your enemies of France, through God's blessing, on 
 the day of the translation of the said glorious confessor Saint John of Beverley. 
 
Ml 
 
 Responsio. 
 
 The king grants, by the consent of the lords spiritual and temporal in this present parliameUft 
 usserabled, and by the special concurrence of the commons of bis realm in the same parliament, 
 to Henry, archbishop of York, confirmation, with clause de licet, of all the privileges, franchises, 
 and liberties contained in the above petition ; and also of all other privileges, franchises, and 
 liberties granted by his progenitors and predecessors, formerly kings of England, to the prede- 
 cessors of the said archbishop, notwithstanding any interruptions made by the king's ministers or 
 others interfering therewith ; and although the said archbishop, or any of his predecessors may 
 have misused or omitted to use up to the present time, the said privileges, franchises, and liberties, 
 or any of them ; and that the letters-patent granted to the said governors or guardians of the 
 borough of Beverley, and burgesses and commonalty of the same, their heirs and successors, of 
 which this petition makes mention, by the authority of the same parliament, as to all the articles 
 named in the said petition, be repealed and for ever annulled : — And that the same letters-patent, 
 by the royal command, be brought into chancery, and remain there until they be enrolled, can- 
 celled, and annulled as to all the aforesaid articles/' 
 
 Rot. Pari. 3 Hen. V. A. D. 1455. No. 25. 
 
 F. Page 177. 
 
 The following account of the manner of living in noble families in the 15th and 16th centuries, 
 will be peculiarly interesting, as it is illustrative of character, and shews the very essential 
 difference which exists between those times and ours. 
 
 " Extract from the Northumberland Household Book, in which are contained the regulations 
 and establishment of the household of Henry Algernon Percy, the fifth earl of Northumberland, 
 at his castles of Wressill and Leckonfield, in Yorkshire, begun 1512. 
 
 " Braikfastis for Flesch Days. 
 
 " Braikfastis for my Lorde and my Lady. — Furst, a loof of brede in trenchors, two manchetis, 
 ^ne quart of here, a quart of wine, half a chyne of mutton, or ells a chyue of beif boiled." 
 
 " Braikfastis for the Nurcy,for my lady Margaret and Mr. Yngram Percy. — Item, a manchet, 
 one quart of here, and 3 muton bonys boiled." 
 
 " Braikfastis for my Lady's Gentylwomen. — Item, a loif of houshold brede, a pottell of beire, 
 -and 3 muton bonys boiled, or ells a pace of beif boiled." 
 
 Lent. 
 
 " Braikfaste for my Lorde and my Lady. — Furst, a loif of brede in trenchors, two manchetts, a 
 quart of here, a quart of wyne, 2 pecys of saltfish, 6 baconn'd herryng, 4 white herryng, or a 
 dysche of sproits." 
 
 " Braikfaste for the Nurcy, for my lady Margaret, and Maister Ingeram Percy.— Item, a 
 manchet, a quart of here, a dysch of butter, a pece of saltfische, a disch of sproits, or 3 white 
 herryng." 
 
 " Braikfaste for my Ladies Gentyllwomen. — Item, a loaf of brede, a pottell of here, a pece of 
 saltfische, or 3 white herrynge." 
 
 The above is a correct specimen of the fare commonly used, and the other meals admitted of 
 little variety ; yet at high and solemn festivals an extraordinary preparation was made. " Furste, 
 it is thoughte that crayns muste be hadde at Cristynmas ande outher principalle feists for my 
 lorde's owne meas so they be bought at xvj d. the pece. Item, it is thoughte in like-wies hearon- 
 sewis be boughte for my lorde's owne meas so they be at xijd. the pece. Item, redeschanks after 
 j d. ob. the pece. Item, bitters at xij d. a pece so they be goode. Item, Fessauntes at xij d. a pece. 
 Item, reis at ij d. a pece. Item, sholardis at ij d. a pece. Item, kirlewis at xij d. a pece. Item^ 
 pacokks at xij d. a pece, and no payhennes to be bowght. Item, seepies. Item, wegionnes j d. 
 
 3x2 
 
548 
 
 ob. a pece, excepte my lorde's commandement be outherwis. Item, knottis at j d. a pece, excepte 
 my lorde's commandement be outherwis. Item, dottreelis at j d. a pece. Item, bustardes. Item, 
 tearnes after iiij d. a pece, excepte my lorde's commaundement be outherwis." 
 
 The charities and religious offerings of this noble family were numerous, and systematically 
 regulated. I select the following specimen. " Alraaner of rewardes customable usede yearly by 
 my lorde to be yeven ande paide by his lordischipe from Michaelmas to Michaelmas yerely as it 
 doith appeire in the booke of his lordshipe foren expences of every yere what customable pay- 
 ments they be that my lorde usith yerely, ande for what causes they be yeven ande wherefor 
 every some is paide, ande for what consideracion as wel for waiges ande fees paide out yerely of 
 his lordeschippe coffures as rewardis customable usid yerely by my lorde at New yers day, ande 
 other tymes of the yeare. His lordschipe ande my ladies offeryngs at principall feistes yerly 
 accustomed ande rewardes usid customable to be yeven yerely to strangers, as players, mynstralls, 
 ande others as the some of every rewarde particulerly with the consideracion why ande wherfore 
 it is yeven, with the names of the parsons to whome the saide rewardes be yeven, more playnly 
 hereafter folowith ande apperith in this booke which be ordynary ande accustomable payments 
 by my lorde usede yearly if the tymes so requier." 
 
 « All maner of offerings, &c. Furst, my lorde's offeringe accustomede upon Alhallowe-Day 
 yerely when his lordshippe is at home, at the Highe Mas if he kepe chapell, xij d. Item, my 
 ladis offerynge accustomede upon Alhallowe-Day yerely, if sche offer at the Highe Masse, if my 
 lorde kepe chapell, to be paid owt of my lordes coffures if sche be at my lordis fyndinge, and not at 
 hir owen, viij d. Item, my lordes offerynge accustomed upon Christynmas-day yearly when his 
 lordshipe is at home at the Heighe Mas if he kepe chapell, xij d." [And in the same manner 
 directions are given for the offerings on every Saint's day in the year.] " Item, my lorde usith 
 yerely to sende afor Michealmas for his lordechipe offeringe to Saynt Margarets in Lyncolinschire, 
 iiij d. Item, my lord usith and accoustomyth to sende yerely for the upholdynge of the light of 
 waxe which his lordschipe fyndith byrnyng yerely befor the Holy Bloude of Haillis containing 
 xvj lb. wax in it aftir vij d. ob. for the fyndynge of every lb. if redy wrought. By a covenant 
 maide by gret with the mounk for the hole yere for fynding of the said light byrnynge x s. 
 Item, my lorde usith ande accustomyth to sende yerely for the upholdynge of the light of wax 
 which his lordschipe fyndith birnynge yerly befor our Lady of Walsyngham contenynge xj lb. of 
 wax in it after vij d. ob. for the fyndynge of every lb. redy wrought. By a covenaunt maid with 
 the channon by gret for the hole yere for the fyndinge of the said light byrning, vj s. viij d. 
 Item, my lorde usith and accustomyth to sende yerely for the upholdynge of the light of wax, &c. 
 before Saynt Margret in Lyncolenshire, viij d. for every lb. &c. &c. &c." The above extracts will 
 be amply sufficient to satisfy the curiosity of any person respecting this famous book, who is not 
 desirous of referring to its own invaluable pages. 
 
 G. Page 213. 
 
 Proclamation of King- Charles 1. at Beverley. 
 
 " We having long complained of the high affront done unto us, in our person, by Sir John 
 Hotham, when we went to our town of Hull to view the magazines and arms, our own proper 
 goods (if we shall be allowed to call any thing our own) which then were there ; and since, by 
 and under colour of orders made by both houses of parliament, not only without, but against our 
 consent, violently taken and carried from thence ; and for that the town itself, being the principal 
 fort and port of these northern parts of the kingdom, in a warlike manner, with many hundreds 
 of soldiers, has been kept and maintained against us as a garrison and town of war, as against an 
 enemy ; and that by the practice of a malignant party, which has too great an influence upon 
 our two houses of parliament, instead of repairing our honour for this indignity, several orders 
 and votes of the major part, then present, have been made to justify all this as legal ; which orders 
 and votes would have us, and others, to believe, upon the many protestations in print, < that 
 
* there hath been nothing done therein, (as in many other things of that nature) but for the safety 
 
 * of our person, the honour of our crown, and the good of the kingdom ;' as if words, directly 
 contrary to these actions of hostility, could satisfy us, or any reasonable man, not blinded with 
 -self-opinion, or abused and misled by vain and false surmises, or groundless jealousies :■ — we have 
 now looked somewhat more narrowly into the manner of Sir John Hotham's carriage in this his 
 •employment, and did find, by the certain relation of others, that for the fortifying of the place 
 against us, his liege lord, he has used the help of art in making outworks to defend the town ; he 
 has purposely cut the banks, and let in the waters to drown the land passages, and to make the 
 town inaccessible by that way ; he has set forth a pinnace (amongst other good services) to inter- 
 cept a pinnace of ours employed for carrying of letters, messages, and passengers between us and 
 our dearest consort the queen ; he permitteth his soldiers to issue out of the town, and forage upon 
 the country; he hath not only unlawfully, but tyrannically, cast out divers inhabitants of the 
 town from their dwellings, because he could not confide in them ; he has disarmed all the towns- 
 men, that he might put the sole power in the soldiery under his command ; he doth compel some 
 others of the inhabitants, desirous to depart the town with their families, to abide and continue 
 ■there against their wills ; and, by drowning the lands about the town, in manner as aforesaid, he 
 has destroyed the pastures, meadows, and corn lands within that compass, containing some 
 thousands of acres of very fruitful grounds, amounting to a great value, to the great impoverish- 
 ing of the owners and occupiers thereof: — he has, for divers months, continued in pay many 
 hundreds of soldiers ; and endeavoured, under pretence of the authority from the two houses of 
 parliament, to increase their number from the county of Lincoln adjoining, and from other 
 places ; and this at the public charge of the kingdom, and out of those monies provided for the 
 relief of Ireland, and payment of our great debt to our kingdom of Scotland. 
 
 " Whereupon we being very sensible of this extreme dishonour to us, that a town of such 
 importance, and so near to the place of our present residence, should be thus fortified, kept, and 
 maintained against us; that the port and passage by sea should be defended against us by our.own 
 ships under the conduct of the Earl of Warwick, who being legally discharged by us of his 
 employment at sea, by our revocation of the commission formerly granted by us to the Earl of 
 Northumberland, and by our command signified unto him under our own hand, to deliver the 
 command of our ships into the hands of another person named by us, hath, notwithstanding our 
 said commands, (to which the Earl of Northumberland paid a dutiful obedience) presumed not 
 only to disposess us of our said navy, but to employ it against us ; and to take prisoners such of 
 our captains as expressed a loyalty to us, according to their oaths, and the duty of subjects; and 
 that a ship of ours, lately employed for our particular'service into Holland, and returning from 
 thence with some of our proper goods, has been chased by them as an enemy, and enforced, for 
 her safety, to put into a small creek within six miles of that town, and there to run on ground, 
 to the great hazard of our said vessel ; and that both our ship and goods were yet remaining there 
 in danger to be surprized by our own subjects : we took a journey, on Wednesday, the 6th of 
 July, from York towards the said creek, to take a view of our said ship and goods, thus exposed 
 to danger ; having just cause to fear that Sir John Hotham, and others of his confederates, would 
 (for our good and the good of the kingdom) make prize of these also ; and, by the opportunity 
 of that journey, we ourself are now fully informed of the certainty of those things, which we had 
 before received, but from the relation of others ; and there received a lamentable petition of our 
 subjects of those parts, complaining of the unheard of insolence and barbarity of Sir John Hotham, 
 and desiring our just and necessary protection of them from these cruel oppressions. 
 
 " Upon all which considerations that we may at length, after this long patience, do that right 
 lo our honour, t)ur crown and royal dignity, and to our good subjects in general, and those of 
 and near our town of Hull in particular, (which we had reason to have expected from our two 
 houses of parliament, but have failed of the fruit of our long expectation, by the malice of some 
 ill-affected spirits amongst them, who study nothing more than, by false pretences, to amuse and 
 abuse our good people) we have taken this resolution, by God's blessing, and the assistance of 
 t>ur good subjects, to force Sir John Hotham, and all that shall take part with him in the unjust 
 and treasonable defence of the town of Hull against us, to that obedience which is due by subjects 
 to their liege lord and sovereign ; and to resist the assistance, intended to Sir John Hotham, from 
 our said county of Lincoln and other places adjoining, if they shall attempt it: and, to this pur- 
 
650 
 
 pose^ we will and require all our loving subjects to yield their best assistance, of what kind 
 soever, to so necessary a defence of our person, and just vindication of so great an injury offered 
 unto us, to the dishonour of this nation. And we do declare, that whosoever shall give us their 
 cheerful help at this time, and to this purpose, either with men, horses, arms, or money, to be 
 brought, sent, or conveyed unto us, we shall look upon it as a service never to be forgotten. 
 
 " And this we publish to all our subjects, and to all the world, that they may truly understand 
 the clearness of our intentions herein, as we shall do in all other things concerning our govern- 
 ment; and that we do and ever shall maintain those resolutions we have professed so often and 
 so seriously, by our former declarations, tiiat we will continue to defend the true Protestant 
 religion, as it is by law established in the church of England ; the laws of the land ; the rights and 
 just liberties of our subjects equally to and with our own just prerogative, and the true privileges 
 of parliament ; and never infringe any act consented to by us this parliament; and that we have 
 not, nor ever had, the least thought of making war upon our two houses of parliament, as hath 
 been slanderously and maliciously published. And these things, not our words only, but all our 
 actions shall make good: and in this resolution, and the just observation thereof, we shall both 
 live and die." — Given at our court at Beverley, the eighth day of July, in the eighteenth year of 
 our reign, 1642. Rush. Pari. Hist. 
 
 H. Page 214. 
 Petition to King* Charles I. at Beverley. 
 
 *'To the king's most excellent majesty, 
 « The humble petition of the lords and commons assembled in parliament. 
 
 " May it please your majesty, 
 
 " Although we, your majesty's most humble and faithful subjects, the lords and commons in 
 parliament assembled, have been very unhappy in many former petitions and supplications lo 
 your majesty; wherein we have represented our most dutiful affections, in advising and desiring 
 those things which we hold most necessary for the preservation of God's true religion, your ma- 
 jesty's safety and honour, and the peace of the kingdom ; and, with much sorrow, do perceive 
 that your majesty, incensed by many false calumnies and slanders, doth continue to raise forces 
 against us and your other loyal and peaceable subjects; to make great preparations for war, both 
 in this kingdom and also from beyond the seas ; by arms and violence to over-rule the judgment 
 and advice of your great council ; and, by force, to determine the questions there depending, 
 concerning the government and liberty of the kingdom ; yet such is our earnest desire of dis- 
 charging our duty to your majesty and the kingdom, to preserve the peace thereof, and to prevent 
 the miseries of civil war amongst your subjects, (that notwithstanding we hold ourselves bound 
 to use all the means and power, which, by the law and constitution of this kingdom, we are 
 trusted with, for defence and protection thereof, and of the subjects from force and violence) 
 we do, in this our humble petition, prostrate ourselves at your majesty's feet, beseeching youi 
 majesty, that you will be pleased to forbear and remove all preparations and actions of war, 
 particularly the forces from about Hull, from Newcastle, Tinmouth, Lincoln, and Lincolnshire, 
 and all other places ; and that your majesty will recal the commissions of array, which are illegal^ 
 dismiss the troops and extraordinary guards by you raised ; that your majesty will come nearer 
 to your parliament, and hearken to their faithful advice and humble petitions, which shall only 
 tend to the defence and advancement of religion, your own royal honour and safety, and Um 
 preservation of our laws and liberties. 
 
 " And we have been, and ever shall be, careful to prevent and punish all tumults and seditious 
 actions, speeches, and writings, which may give your majesty just cause of distaste or apprehen- 
 sion of danger, from which public aims and resolutions no sinister or private respect shall ever 
 make us to decline ; that your majesty will leave delinquents to the due course of justice ; and 
 that nothing done or spoken in parliament, or by any person in pursuance of the command or 
 direction of both houses of parliament, be questioned any where but in parliament. 
 
551 
 
 " And we, for our parts, shall be ready to lay down all these preparations which we have been 
 forced to make for our defence. And for the town of Hull, and the ordinance concerning the 
 militia, as we have, in both these particulars, only sought the preservation of the peace of the 
 kingdom, and the defence of the parliament from force and violence, so we shall most willingly 
 leave the town of Hull in the state it was before Sir John Hotham drew any forces into it, deli- 
 vering your majesty's magazine into the tower of London, and supplying whatsoever has been 
 disposed of by us for the service of the kingdom. 
 
 " We shall be ready to settle the militia by a bill, in such a way as shall be honourable and safe 
 for your majesty, most agreeable to the duty of parliament, and ettectually for the good of the 
 kingdom ; that the strength thereof be not employed against itself, and that which ought to be 
 for our security applied to our destruction. And that the parliament, and those who profess and 
 desire still to preserve the Protestant religion, both in this realm and in Ireland, may not be left 
 naked and indefensible, to the mischievous designs and cruel attempts of those who are the pro- 
 fessed and confederated enemies thereof, in your majesty's dominions and other neighbouring 
 nations: to which if your majesty's courses and counsels shall, from henceforth, concur, we 
 doubt not but we shall quickly make it appear to the world, by the most eminent effects of love 
 and duty, that your majesty's personal safety, your royal honour and greatness, are much dearer 
 to us than our own lives and fortunes ; which we do most heartily dedicate, and shall most wil- 
 lingly employ, for the support and maintenance thereof." Pari. Hist. vol. xi. p. 309. Clarendon, 
 vol. ii. p. 684. llushworth, vol. iv. p. 603. 
 
 I. Page 233. 
 Abstract of the Charter granted to the town of Beverley in the year 1662, by King 
 
 Charles II. 
 
 Incorporation. 
 
 That they shall be one body corporate and politick, by the name of the mayor, governors, and 
 burgesses of the town of Beverley, in the county of York. That by the same name they shall 
 have perpetual succession, and shall be persons capable in law to have and purchase lands, tene- 
 ments, liberties, privileges, &c. in fee or otherwise, and also to give, grant, demise, or alien the 
 same. And further, by the same name, they shall plead and be impleaded, sue and be sued, in 
 whatsoever courts and places, and before any justices whatsoever. 
 
 Common Seal. 
 That they shall for ever have a common seal, to serve for all their affairs, which they may 
 break, alter, or make new, as they please. 
 
 Mayor, Governors, and Capital Burgesses. 
 That they shall have one mayor, twelve governors only, and thirteen capital burgesses, to be 
 chosen out of the best and honestest burgesses and inhabitants of the town aforesaid, in manner 
 and form hereafter mentioned. That William Dunne, esquire, shall be the first mayor, who shall 
 first take his corporal oath for the well executing his said office, before three or more of the 
 governors of the said town for the time being. That he shall continue in his office from the date 
 of these presents until Michaelmas next following, and from thence forward until another be 
 chosen. That Edward Grey the elder, William Nucome, Robert Fotherby, Edward Grey the 
 younger, Thomas Johnson, William Nelson, Thomas Clarke, George Davies, Thomas Gossip, 
 Thomas Davison, Stephen Goakman, and John Todd shall be the first governors of the said town, 
 continuing in their said offices from the date of these presents so long as they shall behave them- 
 selves well. That John Bovell, John Sugden, George Duke, John Graburn, Thomas Dunne, 
 Mark Worthy, Edward Coates, Thomas Spavin, James Graburn, Henry Ringrose, Richard 
 Graburn, Thomas Johnson, and Christopher Tadman the elder, shall be the first capital burgesses 
 of the town, continning in their said offices from the date of these presents till Michaelmas next. 
 
S62 
 
 Common Council. 
 
 That these twelve governors and thirteen capital burgesses shall be called the common conncif 
 of the said town, and that they shall always be assistant to the mayor for the time being. 
 
 Guildhall. 
 
 That they may have a Guildhall or Council House within the said town, where they or the 
 greater part of them may, as often as they find convenient, hold a meeting or court to treat or 
 confer about the affairs of the town. 
 
 Power to establish Laws and levy Penalties. 
 That they, or the major part of them, may there make such laws and orders as to them shall 
 seem necessary for the better government of the said corporation, and all the inhabitants of the 
 said town. That as often as they make such orders or laws, they may also ordain penalties to be 
 levied by fine, amercement, or corporal imprisonment, or any of them, for the better observance 
 of the said laws. That these orders or laws must not be contrary or repugnant to the laws of the 
 realm. 
 
 Election of Mayor. 
 
 That the governors, burgesses, and commonalty, or the greater part of them for the time 
 being, may every September, upon the Monday next before Michaelmas day, out of the 
 governors of the said town, chuse one who shall be mayor for one whole year following; who 
 upon the second Monday next following after his said election, shall take his corporal oath for 
 the well governing the said town before the last mayor, or in his absence, before the mayor's 
 predecessor, in the presence of the recorder of the said town, and the rest of the governors, or 
 the greater part of them ; which said mayor shall continue in office until another be chosen. 
 
 Death or Removal of Mayor or Governors. 
 
 That if the said mayor shall, within his year, die or be removed, another shall then be chosen 
 as aforesaid, within four days of such death or removal, to continue in the said office for the 
 residue of the said year, and until another be chosen. And that if any one or more of the twelve 
 governors shall die or be removed, the rest surviving, or the greater part of them, shall chuse 
 another or more out of the burgesses of the said town, who must take their corporal oath before 
 the mayor and governors aforesaid, or the greater part of them. 
 
 Election of Capital Burgesses. 
 
 That the mayor elect, and the governors of the said Town, or in the absence of the mayor elect, 
 the last mayor, or the major part of them may yearly, on the said Monday next before Michael- 
 mas day, chuse twenty-six of the best and most discreet burgesses and commonalty of the said 
 town, whose names they shall present to the rest of the burgesses and commonalty of the town 
 aforesaid, then to be present, who shall, out of the twenty-six, accept and name thirteen, who 
 shall be the capital burgesses for one whole year next ensuing, and shall take their corporal 
 oaths before the mayor and governors aforesaid. 
 
 Death or Removal of a Capital Burgess. 
 
 That if any of the said capital burgesses die or be removed within the year, the said burgesses 
 and commonalty within one month may chuse another or more out of the residue of the twenty- 
 six above mentioned. 
 
 Recorder. 
 
 That they may, at their pleasure, chuse an honest, discreet, and skilful man in the laws to be 
 their recorder. 
 
 Town Clerk, Constables, «fec. 
 That they shall yearly, upon the said Monday before Michaelmas day, chuse a common clerk 
 of the town aforesaid, and so many constables and other inferior officers as they have used to have 
 
553 
 
 before the date of these presents, who shall be severally sworn for the due executing of their 
 respective offices before the mayor and twelve governors, or the greater part of them ; that they 
 may continue in their offices for one whole year ; and if any of them die, another, within eight 
 days, shall be chosen in his room. 
 
 Officers refusing to Act may be Punished. 
 
 That if any person, having notice that he is chosen into any of the offices aforesaid, (except 
 the offices of recorder and town clerk) shall refuse to bear the said office, he shall be committed 
 to the gaol of the said town, there to abide till he is willing to bear the said office, or to pay such 
 fine as shall be imposed by the said mayor and governors. 
 
 Burgesses to take the Oaths. 
 
 That all men to be made free of the said town shall take the oath used to be taken in that 
 behalf, before the mayor for the time being. 
 
 Mayor absenting himself may be Fined. 
 
 That if the mayor, having notice that he is chosen, shall absent or withdraw himself, he may be 
 fined any sum not exceeding fifty pounds, to be recovered by distraint or any other lawful way, 
 for the use of the said town, and immediately be excluded from being a member of the said town, 
 losing all his privileges, and shall never be admitted again. And in such case then the last pre- 
 ceding mayor shall execute the said office until another be chosen, which shall be within one 
 month. 
 
 Gaol. 
 
 That they shall have a gaol or prison of their own for the custody of all manner of prisoners, 
 4ttid that the mayor, for the time being, shall be keeper of the said gaol. 
 
 Court of Record. 
 
 That they shall for ever have a court of Record every Monday in every week throughout the 
 year, before the mayor, recorder, and governors of the said town, or three of them, of whom the 
 mayor or recorder must be one; and they may hold pleas of such things as arise within the said 
 town ; and that the mayor, governors, and burgesses, and their successors, shall have the profits 
 of the said court. 
 
 View of Frank Pledge. 
 
 That twice in the year, upon such days as they shall think fit, they shall have a view of all the 
 frank pledges of all the inhabitants of the said town, within the Guildhall of the said town. 
 
 Assize of Bread, Weights, &c. 
 
 That they, by the mayor, shall have assize of wine, bread, ale, fewel, and wood, within the 
 said town and the precincts of the same; and also the power of fining and amercing offenders in 
 the abuse of weights and measures, and that all victuallers, &c. shall be under the government of 
 the mayor. 
 
 Clerk of the Market, &c. 
 
 That the mayor for the time being shall be clerk of the market, escheator, and coroner of the 
 said town and liberties, so that the clerk of the market of the king's household (unless the king 
 be present) shall not intermeddle. 
 
 Rent to the King. 
 
 That they shall render to the king and his successors, for the fines, amerciaments, issues, and 
 profits of the said court yearly, the sum of five pounds and eleven shillings, at the feast of 
 Pentecost, to the hands of the Receiver-General for the county of York for the time being. 
 
 3 Y 
 
S5i 
 
 Exemption from serving on Juries. 
 
 That they shall not be put with foreigners in any assizes, juries, attaints, or inquisitions, arising 
 without ibe jurisdiction of the said town, unless it concern the king, his heirs or successors. 
 
 Goods of Felons, &c. 
 
 That they shall have the goods and chattels of felons, persons outlawed and condemned ; and 
 deodand, &c. within the said town and liberties. 
 
 Return of Writs, &c. 
 That they shall have the return of all writs, precepts, bills, and warrants arising within the said 
 town and liberties, and the execution of them by the mayor of the town aforesaid. 
 
 Market. 
 
 That they shall have upon Wednesday, every week in the year, a market for all sorts of cattle 
 and goods to be bought and sold ; and a 
 
 Court of Pie-Powder 
 
 to be held at the time of the said market, with all the tollage and emoluments there; and that 
 this market shall not be prejudicial to the neighbouring markets. 
 
 May purchase Lands, &c. 
 That they may purchase any lands, tenements, &c. that are not held in capite, or by knight's 
 service, so that the said lands do not exceed the value of sixty pounds per annum. 
 
 Members of Parliament. 
 That they shall send two burgesses to parliament, at the charge of the said town. 
 
 Boundaries. 
 That the town of Beverley shall have its bounds and limits as before used. 
 
 Justices of the Peace. 
 
 That the mayor, recorder, and governors for the time being, shall be justices of the peace 
 within the said town and liberties, that they may enquire of any thing within the said town, except 
 treason, murder, or felony, where life is concerned. That they shall all take the oaths of justices 
 of the peace within the said town and liberties ; and that the mayor shall take the oath before the 
 last mayor. 
 
 Fairs and Markets. 
 That they shall have all such fairs and markets as have been formerly granted them, to be 
 kept at such times and such places as heretofore they have used to be. 
 
 Annual Rent. 
 All the leases and indentures heretofore made are confirmed to them, rendering thirteen 
 pounds six shillings and eightpence, at the receipt of the Exchequer at Westminster, at Michael- 
 mas and Lady-day. 
 
 Former Liberties confirmed. 
 All their liberties, privileges, franchises, &c. by whatever names or titles, whether by letters- 
 patent or otherwise, are hereby fully confirmed. 
 
 Dated the fifth day of September, in the 15th year of his reign. 
 
 K. Page 236. 
 
 The charter of James is the same in substance with the above, but it contains the following 
 alteratipi^^ and, additions. It was granted to the town of Beverley by king James II. by letters- 
 
S5S 
 
 patent, bearing date the eleventh day of March, in the first year of his reign, A. D. 1684, npon 
 the surrender of their old charters. 
 
 They are incorporated by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the town of 
 Beverley, in the county of York. 
 
 That Christopher Chappelow shall be the first and present mayor of this town, who shall take 
 his corporal oath for the well executing his office. 
 
 That Thomas Johnson, John Dymoke, John Fotherby, William Coulson the younger, 
 Matthew Ashmole, John Acklom, Samuel Johnson, Thomas Clark, John Gunbie, William 
 Clark, Benjamin Lambert, and Edward Wilbert, shall be the first twelve and present aldermen, 
 •continuing in the said office for their lives, unless removed for their ill behaviour or ill govern* 
 ment in the said town. 
 
 That they shall all take their said corporal oaths before the said mayor for the well executing 
 their offices. 
 
 That Thomas Statter, Joshua Naylor, Robert Appleton, Henry Johnson, Henry Thirske, 
 George Brownbrigg, John Greenupp, William Hardwicke, Roger Mason, Francis Wilson, 
 Thomas Tyas, Thomas Smith, and Edward Webster, shall be the first and present capital bur- 
 gesses, continuing in their said offices from the date of these presents till Michaelmas next. 
 
 That the twelve aldermen and thirteen capital burgesses shall be called the common council 
 of the said town. 
 
 That the mayor shall be chosen yearly, on the Monday next before Michaelmas day, who shall 
 take his oath for his well executing that office, before the last mayor, or in his absence, the 
 predecessor of the last mayor, in the third week after his election, in the presence of the recorder 
 of the town and the aldermen, or the greater part of them. 
 
 That James Moyser, Esq. shall be the first and present recorder of the said town. 
 
 That Christopher Tadman shall be the first and present town clerk. 
 
 That if it shall at any time happen that the mayor, for the time being, be sick that he cannot 
 attend the execution of the said office, or that he be absent, with the leave of the aldermen, upon 
 any reasonable cause, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, to consti- 
 tute one honest and discreet man of the aforesaid aldermen, to be his deputy, who shall do all 
 things belonging to the said office, having first taken his corporal oath before the mayor for the 
 time being, he continuing in the said office during the sickness or absence of the said mayor. 
 
 That besides their Wednesday weekly market, they shall yearly have one fair upon the Thurs- 
 day next before the fourteenth day of February, to begin and continue for one day, for all sorts 
 of cattle, &c. together with a court of Pie Powder, and all the profits and advantages to the same 
 belonging. 
 
 That it shall and may be lawful for the king, his heirs, and successors, at any time, and at all 
 times, by order in privy council, to remove from their respective offices, the mayor, recorder, 
 aldermen, and capital burgesses, common clerk, or any one or more of them, and that after such 
 removal there shall be, within convenient time, others chosen in their room. 
 
 L. Page 374. 
 Court of Sheriff's Tourne. 
 
 The ancient method of conducting this court is described in the following document. 
 
 « The court of Sheriff's Tourne incident to that office is kept twice a year, a month after 
 Easter and Michaelmas. 
 
 *' The oath of the inquest, and the articles which were wont to be enquired into at this court, 
 are these. 
 
 This hear yee the sheriffs that I shall truly enquire and truly present all the points and articles 
 that belong to the enquiry of the Sheriff's Tourne, the king's councel, and my fellows, and my 
 own — I shall truly keep councel, so help me God, and the day of doome." 
 
 And when they have made their oath in the form rehearsed, then the recorder or the under- 
 sheriff shall rehearse to them these articles severally as they follow. 
 
 3 Y 2 
 
556 
 
 « First yee shall enquire if ye know any man or any woman that hath imagined the king^s 
 death. 
 
 « Also if any man be forsworn the king's londe and is come again into the lond and hath 
 no charter of pardon. 
 
 " Also yee shall enquire of false money-makers, and false money clippers, whether it be gold 
 or silver, nobles, half-pennys of gold, farthings of gold, roundgars of gold, washers of gold, 
 groats, pennys or two pennys, half-pennys, or farthings, of their receaters, and all false money 
 nteless. 
 
 " Also of robbers and of rovers by night or by day, and of their receaters, wether the theft be 
 less or more, as an ox or cow, and pot or panne, gold or silver, and all other things that are of 
 great value. 
 
 " Also of milchers, as of capons, or hens, &c. of wool, a brod cloth, a towel, or other things 
 of little value. 
 
 " Also of house breakers and sneck drawers. 
 
 " Also of them that sleep in the day, and wake in the night, and are well clad and fed, and^ 
 hath of the best victuals that comes to the towne, and hath neither rent to live upon, nor craft nor 
 science. 
 
 *' Also of men that lyeth in waite to beat men, or to slay men, or else to rob men, by night or 
 by day. 
 
 " Also of affrayers of blood, that has not been corrected before this time ; and of wafe and 
 straye. 
 
 " Also of those that by any subtletye or engines withdraw any doves from any man's dovecoat. 
 
 " Also of all those that bring any goods to the towne, that ought to be towled of, and so with- 
 drawe the towle. 
 
 " Also if any franchist man of this towne have couloured any other man's good that ought to be 
 towl'd, because of which coulouring the towle is with drawne. 
 
 " Also of any baker of this towne if they bake good bread and of good moulter, and if the 
 bread hold good weight according to the statutes thereupon made. 
 
 " And if they have not sufficient bread to sell, in whose default it is that they have not enough^ 
 lo serve the people. 
 
 " Also yee shall enquire of all manner of forestallers by water and by land, by night or by day, 
 either flesh or fish, poultry, or any manner of cornstallers, because of the which the fuel and 
 victual is scarcer or more dear then it should be. Warne such forestallers, warne them, &c. 
 
 " Also of all brewers of the towne if they sell after the assize and by true measure inseal'd. 
 
 " Also of the common of the towne, that is made several, whether the commoners of the 
 towne should have common for all the time of the yeare or for any season of the yeare. 
 
 " Also of the common lanes of the towne that are enclosed either by hedge, or yate, or door^ 
 in hindring the commoners. 
 
 " Also of them that on nights watche under other men's windows to escrye their councel or 
 their privity. 
 
 " Also of them that hath been sworn at the Sheriff's Turne, or before justices of peace, and 
 hath escryed the king's councel), their fellowes, or their owne. 
 
 " Also of rape of woman whether they be maids, or wives, or widdowes, and of those that 
 were helpers thereto. 
 
 " Also of all manner of treasure that hath been found within ground, whether it be gold, 
 silver or jewels, pearle or pretious stones, and in whose keeping it is in. 
 
 ** Also of them that are common dice players, and with false dice deceiveth people. 
 
 " Also of them that make any assemblyes or riots, by night or by day, against the kinge's 
 peace, or any disturbance to the lett of execution of the common lawe. 
 
 " Also of cooks and regraters that sell charchausea meat, or any unwholesome meat for man's 
 body." 
 
 When the twelve men have heard the articles before rehearsed unto them, the constables that 
 are present shall be charged by oathe they have made to the towne, for to comune and speake 
 together of the articles aforesaid, and if they know any man defect in any of them, they shall 
 send two of the constobles to the inquest, and informe them of their defaults. 
 
6611 
 
 When the inquest has communed of all this matter, and they fine any man, they shall ^ve 
 their virdict up to the sheriffs ensealed with their seales. 
 
 Drake's Ebor. Appendix. 
 
 M. Page 167 and 426. 
 
 The order of the famous company or fraternity of Minstrels in Beverley. 
 
 Whereas it is and hathe been a very annciente custome ante of the memorie of dyrers aiges of 
 men heretofore contynnally frequented from the tyme of king Athelstone, of famous memorie, 
 sometyme a notable kynge of Englande, as may appeare by olde bookes of antiquitie. That all 
 or the most part of the mynstrell playing of any musicall instruments, and thereby occupying 
 there honest lyvyng inhabytyng dwelling or servyng any man or woman of honor, and worshype 
 of any citie or towne corporate or otherwise, between the rivers of Trent and Tweed, have 
 accustomed yerely to resort unto this towne and borough of Beverley, at the Rogation Days ; and 
 then and there to chose yearly one alderman of the mynstrells, with stewards and deputies, autho- 
 rized to take names, and receive customable duties of the brethren of the said mynstrells' 
 fraternytie ; and the alderman to correcte, amend, execute, and continue all such laudable ordy- 
 nances and statutes as they have hitherto ever used for the honestee and profit of their science 
 and art musicall, to be only exercised to the honour of God, and to the comforthe of man. — 
 Therefore William Pridsay, Robert Thompson, Christopher Farer, Richarde Craven, William 
 Sands, William Yong, Robert Sparrowe, Robert Haryson, Henry Powre, Alexander Guy, and .._►__« 
 
 William Farley, the governors of the said town, A. D. 1555, by virtue of the ancient charters i - v 6 
 
 granted to this same towne of Beverley by the noble kyngs of this realme of England, and suc- 
 cessyvly confirmed the same under their brode seall from the tyme of the above named king 
 Athelstone, hitherto and now last of all confirmed in most ample manner by the gracious good- 
 ness of our most virtuous sovereign Lord and Lady Kynge Phylip and Queen Marie, do grant 
 unto the said broderhood of mynstralls the renewing of all the godly and goodley orders con- 
 cerning the said science, of late partly omitted to be revyved in as large and ample a maner and 
 form as they have been hitherto at any tyme used, and so to be continued at the said place and 
 tyme yearly for ever, in manner as followeth. 
 
 Imprimis— -It is ordained and statuted for ever, to be kept by the assent and consent of all the 
 brethren of the fraternity of mynstralls, — That all the brethren within that science shall come at 
 the comandment of the alderman or his stewards to what place within Beverley as he shall assign 
 them, and there to chose the aldermen and stewards, and to keep the hour to them assyned in 
 payne of every oflTence xij d. 
 
 Also if there be any brother that will not come in or being corned will depart without licence 
 before the new alderman and jearers be chosen, and other honest orders there to be taken, for 
 the profit and comodity of the said scyence and brotherhood, shall have for his fyne ij s. iiij d. 
 without forgyvness. 
 
 Also it is ordyned and statuted by the alderman of the mynstralls, with the hole assent and 
 consent of all the brethren of the same, that when the new alderman is chosen, that then he shall 
 have two hours respite for to provide him two honest men, inhabiters and burgesses within the 
 towne of Beverley, to be his suerties for the saveguard of the stock which then shall be delivered 
 unto him by the old alderman, and of the performance of all his other duties according to this 
 present original, which sureties shall be bounden in double value of the said stock, and if no 
 such sureties are found, then that eleccyon to be voyd, and another alderman to be chosen. 
 
 Also the alderman shall make eleccyon of two able men for the guilde to fill, and himselfe to 
 be third and of them three all the fellowship shall chuse for that year, to fill the said offys, also the 
 alderman with his stewards shall set two able men on the eleccyon to these two that occupie, and 
 of these fower the alderman shall chose one for stewerd, and the fellowship shall chose one for 
 that year. 
 
 Also an ordynance made by the assent of all the brethren, with the alderman of the minstralls, 
 that there shall no man been any ofFys for the said fraternity to the tyme that he have paid his 
 due, and be full brother upon payn of vj s. viij d. paid by the alderman. 
 
Also it is ordayned and statuted by the alderman of the mynstralls, withe the hole absent and 
 consent of the mynstralls themselves, that no alderman shall take in any new brethren unless he 
 be mynstrell to some man of honour and worship, or waite of some town corporate, or other 
 ancient towne, or else of some honesty and conyng as shall be thought laudable and pleasent to 
 the hearers there or elsewhere, upon pain of vj s. viij d. 
 
 Furthermore it is ordayned by the alderman and his brethren, that if there be any made brother 
 already, not being able as aforesaid, or has been so able, and now declineth from the same for 
 lack of honest usage, that then the alderman and brethren and oflBcers shall them expell from 
 their brotherhood, as alderman and officers will make answer to the kyng's officers when they 
 speak of vagabonds and valiant beggers. 
 
 And if any person or persons so deprived shew himself obstynate, and stands in contencyon 
 arrogantly, that then the kyng's officers be sent for to carry the offender or offenders to the gaile, 
 and there to remain until he be reconcyled to honest order, and for his obstynacy to forfeitt as 
 the alderman and his brethren shall think meate and convenient in that behalfe. 
 
 It is ordeyned also that mynstrells to men of worship, waits, conyng men, and able men, 
 being honestly esteemed, and within the liberties of the brotherhood of Beverley, shall come in 
 and be brothers in the said brotherhood at the next Rogaison Days, after admonition and warning 
 be given to them, upon payn of xx s. except they can shew lawful cause to the alderman and his 
 brethern they being therof examined. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned by the alderman and his brethren, that no brother shall have but one 
 apprentice at one time, upon payne of vj s. viij d. and he to be presented to the alderman in one 
 year and one day to be enrolled and made full brother, upon payn of vj s. viij d. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned by the alderman and his brethren, that no mynstrall shall teach his own son 
 or any other for a particular sume of money, but he shall present him as is abovesaid, upon payn 
 of vj s. viij d. It is ordered also that no mynstrall shall take any apprentice to teach on any other, 
 as is abovesaid, except the same mynstrall be able and approved by the alderman and his brethren, 
 upon payn of xx s. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned that when the alderman and his brethren are settlin accompts, that then none 
 of the other brethren shall come but as they are called, upon payn of ij s. that is to witt, the 
 steward xvj d. for the negligence, and the offender viij d. 
 
 Further it is ordeyned that no mynstrall, being a foreigner or a stranger, shall remain upon 
 faires and feastes within the said liberty longer then one fortnight to pass and repass, to be there 
 masters and friends, and so to depart of the said liberties upon payn of xij d. every tyme they be 
 taken, they being once thereof admonished and warned. 
 
 It is ordeyned also that no shepherd or husbandman, or husbandman's man, or man of other 
 occupation, playing upon pipe or other instrument shall sue any wedding, or other thing that 
 appertaineth to the said science, except it be within the parish wherein he dwelleth, upon payn of 
 v] s. viij d. 
 
 Also at is ordeyned that no mynstrell shall play at any wedding or alderman's feasts within this 
 town of Beverley, (the liberties of the Cross Days and all other fair days excepted) unless he be 
 a burgess sworne upon scote and lote within the same, upon payn of iij s. iiij d. 
 
 Also if there be any man that is no brother, that taketh a brother's castle from him, he shall pay 
 xij d. to the guilde. 
 
 And also it is ordeyned that none shall play in a castle, except he be a brother, upon payn of 
 xij d. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned that all manner of forfits aforesaid shall be divided into three pts. that is to 
 say, one part to the comon place of Beverley, the second part to the brotherhood of the mynstralls, 
 and the third part to the stewards or the officers which the straine is made or the forfeit paid, and 
 within the town of Beverley, the half to the common places. 
 
 Also it is ordayned by the alderman and his brethren, that if there be any old and honest brother 
 syke or at Male East by the visitation of God, within the said liberties, being destitute of help 
 and succour and feu friends, then the alderman, being thereof admonished, shall, at the discretion 
 of himself and four of the brethren, relieve and succour the brother so being visited, with some 
 parcel of money, with all Godly customs that have been used heretofore, as nigh as ability may- 
 sue or attaine. 
 
SS9 
 
 Also an ordnance made by the assent and consent of all the brethren, with the alderman of the 
 same fraternity, that no man be made brother with the occupation of the mynstralls without he 
 be a mynstrall and able. 
 
 Also if there be any brother that dispraise his alderman and stewards, and will not do at the 
 command of them at that time, that is to say, that when he or they will not come at the prime 
 Gild or ony other thing- which shall be at the welfare of the said, they shall pay ij s. vj d. 
 
 And also an order made by the assent of all the aforesaid brethren, that the alderman shall 
 receive of every mynstrall that stands in the castles upon Cross Monday, without he be brother 
 to the said fraternity, then to pay xij d. to his contribute and to the welfare of the said fraternity 
 of our lady of the Read Arke in Beverley. 
 
 And it is ordeyned by the alderman and his brethren, that every oflRcer of the said science, 
 authorized by several letters under the common seal of the fraternity, shall yearly make a true 
 account of all the receipts of him or them, or any of them, takes of any brother or other mynstrall, 
 upon such payment as shall be thoughte mete by the alderman and his brethren, in case any fault 
 can be proved in him or them so receiving any customs. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned by the alderman and his brethren, that if any brother of the said science or 
 other do receive or gader any money of any brother or other of that science, having no authority 
 so to do by lawfull letter seal'^ as is premised, then it shall be lawful to punish such an untrue 
 offender, and so proceed according as the law shall permit, or to cause him to make a true ac- 
 count of all such untrue and unlawfully taken receipts. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned and statuted by the alderman and his brethren for ever to be kept. That 
 the said brotherhood of miustralls of there own grace and good will shall pay and give unto the 
 governors of the town corporate of Beverley, and to the comonalty of the same, xx*- as often as 
 they shall have to renew the confirmation of the great charter, for there lawful aid in maintaining 
 the said fraternity of mynstralls, as hath been the custom heretofore. 
 
 Also it is ordeyned that every brother of the said fraternity shall pay to the alderman for his 
 brotherhood, ij s. within two years of his entry, upon payne of iijs. iiij d. 
 
 ADDITIONS AND EMENDATIONS. 
 
 As the former part of this work was printed off while the latter was in progress; and the sheets 
 were sent to the printer almost as they were written, it is impossible but some errors and omissions 
 must have occurred ; and in a few instances the materials for the illustration of historical or topo- 
 graphical facts were delivered to me subsequently to the printing of the sheet, where, in strict 
 accordance with the general arrangement, they ought to have been introduced. In this place, 
 therefore, a few observations will be made, which may rectify what is erroneous, and illustrate 
 what is obscure. 
 
 Page 1 3, note 54, 1. 5. After the word, " underfoot," place a note of interrogation. (?) 
 
 Page 25, near the bottom. Glass windows were not used in England? before the year 675. The 
 frames were usually filled in with lattice-work or fine linen cloth. Turn. Ang. Sax. vol. ii. p. 416» 
 
 Page 29, in the last line, for " Suorro," read " Snorro." 
 
 P. 38, 1. 1, " That the Anglo-Saxons had some sort of architecture in use before they invaded 
 Britain cannot be doubted, if we recollect that every other circumstance about them attests that 
 they were by no means in a state of absolute barbarism. They lived in edifices, and worshipped 
 in temples, raised by their own skill." Turn. Ang. Sax. vol. ii. 
 
 P. 38, I. 16, for "four hundred," read "five hundred." 
 
 lb. n. 1, for "Olans," read "Olaus." 
 
^60 
 
 p. 42, n. 23, 1. 7, for « Evoc," read « Evoe." 
 
 P. 46, n. 35, for " A/ox/:*(r/f," read " A<o)tr)o-<y." 
 
 P. 47, n. 40, 1. 1 and 2, for « Inderivada" and " Beoferlie," read " Inderwada" and " Beo- 
 ferlic." 
 
 lb. 1. 17, for « Ros. Pat." read « Rot. Paf." 
 
 P. 52, n. 52, 1. I. It will be observed that the ancient portico bore no resemblance to onr 
 modern porch, which was seldom, if ever, found in Saxon or Norman churches, but was, in fact, 
 a constituent part of the building, occupying the whole area of the west-end. Vid. Britton. Arch. 
 Ant. vol. V. p. 118, 119. 
 
 P. 53, 1. 1, for "found," read "formed." 
 
 P. 54, 1. 24, for " detruction," read " destruction." 
 
 P. 55, 1. 14. Athelstan, A. D. 925, issued a coin on which he asserted his claim to this 
 honourable title. The legend was. Rex. To. Brit. (Rex totius Britanniae.) Pinkert. on Medals, 
 vol. ii. p. 429. 
 
 P. 57, n. 29, 1. 2. Instead of a comma after the word " Prior," place one before it. 
 
 P. 79, 1. 3. Foresfa, in old times, extended to woods, wastes, and waters : and contained not 
 only vert and venison, but also minerals and maritimal revenues. Lee. Cur. Disc. vol. i. p. 307. 
 In the reign of Edward III. John de Cawood had a patent as keeper of the forest of Deira, Rot. 
 Pat. 9 Edw. III. which was a situation of great trust and emolument. 
 
 P. 79, 1. 9, for " erauiendis," read " emuniendis." 
 
 P. 85, 1. 20. A chapel dedicated to Saint Mary had been erected here before the Conquest, as 
 we learn from Leland, Collectan. vol. iii. p. 102. the register of the East-riding Archdeaconry, 
 and other authorities ; but it was at this time either in ruins or altogether destroyed. 
 
 P. 103, 1. 10. After the word « river," insert the word « Hull." 
 
 P. 158, n. 15. These references are erroneous ; they should have been to pages 86 and 112. 
 
 P. 186, 1. 22. The manor of Beverley passed from the crown to — Dudley, in the reign of 
 queen Elizabeth, as appears from the following entry in the Provost's Register, 1. 3, p. 13b. 
 R'gna cone' D'no Dudley int' aP Maner'' Bev'iey cii suis juribs ac p'tm ibm' cu p'tin ac redd' 
 yjii ijs x"? tenend' in capite, &c. 3 Eliz. p't' xij. 
 
 P. 219, 1.15, for "time," read "times." 
 
 P. 239, line 21. In the Encyclopaedia by Dr. Rees, is the following account of this transaction. 
 " Mr. Moyser, M. P. for the town, procured a brief for the repair of the minster church in 1708 ; 
 his own contributions and those of his friends amounted to £1,500. which, with £800. raised by 
 the brief, were placed in the funds ; and by the rise of the South-Sea Stock in 1 720, he was enabled 
 to complete the reparation and adornment of the church in his life time." 
 
 P. 256, n. 19. An act of parliament was obtained, 21 Geo. III. (1781) for instituting at 
 Beverley a court of Requests, for the recovery of small debts under forty shillings ; which was 
 extended in 1806, by another act, to the sum of five pounds. 
 
 P. 268, n. 2. It would be an employment peculiarly interesting, were we possessed of 
 sufficient data to render such a scheme practicable, to trace the exact site of the ancient town of 
 Beverley, and mark the precise situation of all its streets, buildings, and appendages. The 
 names of streets and lanes occur very frequently in old writings belonging to the town, but we 
 are sometimes at a loss to determine their local appropriation. Since the preceding pages were 
 struck off, I have been favoured by the Rev. Mr. Coltman with the perusal of a chartulary belong- 
 ing to the chantry of St. Catherine, in the collegiate church, and I very greatly regret that I had 
 not an opportunity of examining this valuable document earlier. Here are named Milnehrig, 
 Tenturlane, Walker garthesy Hayrerlane, Garlickholm, and Jylwardgarth. (Testam. Rob. Dowsing. 
 1349.) The latter was in Fishmarketmoorgate. Falconeroft, near the beck; (Relax. W. de Boynton. 
 1363.) a venella, called Bakhouselane, near St. Mary's church; (Cart. A. Barboure. 1366.) others 
 named Bowbriglane, (Cart. Ellen Gerard. 1316.) C/apg-afe, (Cart. Alex. Crab. 1356.) andDeadlane. 
 (Mortua venella. Cart. Nich. fil. Joscelin the Cellarer, circa 1330.) A co'e via diet' Frarygate, 
 (Cart. A. Kirkham, 1330.) which was situate near the house of St. Nicholas; (Relax. Jo. Ardern, 
 1460.) Pyecroft, (Cart. A. Crab, Tynctor, 1356.) Frankencroft, (Cart. Jo. de Holm, 1414.) and 
 Grovalgrene, (Relax. W. de Boynton, 1363.) towards Grovehill. Paradisegarth, (Cart. W* ^yrde, 
 1399.) is represented as a messuage, situate in Lathegate, {unu messuagiu cu p'tin in Bev'l* 
 
561 
 
 vtjcatu p''adisegarth edificaf in vied vocat' lathgate, &c.) and occupied by W. Tyrwhit, adjoining 
 equally the town's ditch and the house of Friars minors, (diu'sis tenentibus u'sus orient' usq' 
 ad fossatu ville Beu'lac' juxt' fre's rainores u'sus Occident' &c. Cart. W. Devans, 1413.) Re- 
 ferences to the bars and dykes are of frequent occurrence. Co'em fossatu vocatu Barre Dyke, 
 (Relax. Emma de Cammethorpe, 1404.) Co'em Barram vocat' fVeste Barre ; (Cart. T. Wyatt, 
 1440.) Croft Brig, &c. (Indent, fact. B. Lokyngton, 1405.) but not a word about the town walls ; 
 although, as a part of the property here conveyed was bounded by the towri's ditch, it is reasonable 
 to suppose that had walls actually existed, which appears to be a favourite opinion with many of 
 the inhabitants of Beverley, they would certainly have been named. It is not to be denied how- 
 ever, that walls are mentioned in this document, and as I am more anxious for the developement 
 of truth than the support of an hypothesis, I subjoin all the extracts I have found on the subject. 
 In a charter of Alex. Crab, 1356, and another of John de Holm, 1404, the following^ expression 
 occurs ; cu tota sua la'tudine p'ut muris fossatis et defensorijs includif. This however applies 
 merely to the local fencing of the property here conveyed, by a wall and ditch ; and in a sub- 
 sequent conveyance of the same premises by Margaret Tyrwhit, in 1439, the expression is, raury's 
 fossatis sepibus et defensorijs includuntur. 
 
 P. 286, n. 46, for "vocal'," read « vocat'." 
 
 P. 289. I have received a copious account of the building, &c. of the Sessions-house and its ap- 
 pendages from Mr. Shepherd, but it arrived too late to occupy its legitimate place in the work, as 
 the sheet to which it refers was already printed off. The following brief analysis of these papers 
 is therefore introduced here. These commodious buildings were erected at the beginning of the 
 present century. In 1803, a piece of ground was purchased by the building committee, and in 
 the succeeding year plans and specifications were submitted by Mr. Watson, the architect, which 
 were approved and ordered to be carried into immediate execution. Experience, and the in- 
 crease of crime, proved the inadequacy of this establishment; and in 1819, large and important 
 alterations and additions were projected by the committee ; and their expediency having been fully 
 ascertained by the bench of magistrates, they were adopted and completed in the succeeding year. 
 Soon after this a tread-mill was introduced. The total expense has been estimated at about 
 £42,000. 
 
 P. 295, 1. 3. The present register house was built by H. Legard, Esq. registrar, who was 
 allowed £650. out of the county rate towards the expense, pursuant to an order made at the 
 quarter sessions, 15 July, 1800; and the office was erected a few years afterwards by Bennison 
 of Hull, for £900. It is a commodious building, [well adapted for the preservation of the publick 
 records and books of enrollment there deposited. 
 
 P. 310. n. 6. For the false taste displayed in these alterations Mr. Moyser is not wholly 
 responsible ; for the anomaly of blending the two styles was the error of the age in which he lived; 
 and having received the avowed sanction of eminent architects, it would have been an heresy in 
 science to have opposed. He was associated with Hawkesmoor, the pupil of Sir C, Wren, and 
 the builder of St. Anne's church, Limehouse ; a Grecian, or more properly a Roman structure, 
 which was in progress when he was engaged to estimate the repairs of Beverley minster ; and is 
 no very favourable specimen of his taste and judgment, even in the style which he professedly 
 adopted as his model. Vid. my Hist, and Ant. of Grimsby Church, p. 33, et passim. 
 
 P. 313. 1. 2. The crevices produced by the disruption of the wall during this operation were 
 so wide, that when the restoration was effected, it required nearly a ton weight of lead to fill them 
 in. The lead was heated in a copper near the place, and was conducted into the crevices by 
 means of a pipe. 
 
 P. 320. n. 25. 1. 3. for « collised" read « cottised." 
 
 P. 322. n. 32. This noble window might be superbly ornamented without expense to the fund, 
 and serve as a memento of families now resident in Beverley and the neighbourhood, were every 
 individual who is entitled to use armorial bearings to insert them in that window at his own 
 private expense. Thus, the dimensions of the window being taken at 41 feet by 21 feet 8 inches, 
 it will contain 888 square feet; and one third being deducted for the transoms, mullions, and 
 tracery, will leave something less than 600 square feet of glass ; and if this plan were proposed by 
 the trustees, surely 300 noblemen and gentlemen might be found in the East-riding who would 
 <each embrace, with eagerness, the opportunity of securing the transmission of his family honours 
 
 3z 
 
562 
 
 at the trifling charge of decorating two square feet of glass. And were this execnted, with a doe 
 regard to uniformity of design and execution, a splendid armorial window would be produced, 
 equally ornamental to the fabric and creditable to the town. 
 
 Page 325, n. 45. 1, 3. Pedigree of M ACHELii. 
 
 Arms. Sable. 3 greyhounds courant in pale ; argent, collared, or. 
 Crest. A stag's head couped at the neck. Crest. A camel's head. 
 
 Cattulus de Castro Catulino. in Com. Westmoreland 
 
 T 
 
 Halthe Malus Catulus, or le Malchael==Eva 
 
 Gamel, Dom. de Kirkbythorpe 
 
 Radulpbus de Crackenthorp==Eva 
 
 Wittus Malus Catulus== 
 
 Alexander Malus Catulus=j= 
 
 Galfridus Malus Catulus 
 
 Johannes Malchael=pMargeria, d. of R. Barker Roverus Malus Catulus Wittus Malus Catulus=p: 
 
 Bernardus 
 
 Ricardus 
 
 Willielmus: 
 
 Alanus Malchael Joh'es Malchael=pBeatrix j.^v.w^.*.««^ x^.^^^.v^^ ., „i.v,.^«,^-j- 
 
 ) I 1 1 r~^ 
 
 Thomas Malchael=pEmma, d. of Gilbert Robertus=Emma Will'us Ric'us Gilbertus 
 de Luerton 
 
 f ■ 1 1 1 i 
 
 John Malchael=;=. ... Walterus=;=Eliz. d. of Thomae Johanna Thomas Mauchael Robert 
 
 Malchael 
 
 de Beauchamp 
 
 John Mauchael 
 
 Johannes Mauchael^ 
 
 d. of W. Threlkeld 
 
 William Mauchael Arm.=pMargaret, d. of W. Thornborough 
 
 Johannes Machael de Crackenthorp^Catherine Huddlestone 
 
 I ' 1 : 1 1 
 
 Johan' Machell^. . d. of Gilb. Will'us Machell=p.. Ambrose=. .Henry Machell, L. L. D". 
 Warton Machell 
 
 I I ^ 
 
 Philip Machell Guido Machell=:Marg. Scot HugoMachell=pJuliana Richard Machell de=p 
 
 Caudbeck ' 
 
 Lord Whar.=Katherine Antony Barnaby Nicholas Sir John Eleanor=^ohn Ma-=Eleanor 
 
 ton 
 
 Machelll 
 
 chell 
 
 Richmond 
 S. P. 
 
563 
 
 A 
 
 J 1 1 ' ■ L-| 1 
 
 Gawin Anthony Hew Machell=pMargaret Blenkinsop Two daughters 
 
 I '■ nr 1 ' ■ — 1 1 1 
 
 Bridget Bir-=Henry Guido Lancelot of Crac-=p;Bridget,d. of Sir Juliana Magdalene Jane 
 
 beck. S. P. S. P. kenthorp | R. Sandford 
 
 1 I 
 
 Hugh Machell Arm.=^Mary. . . . Thomas Machell, chap, to King Charles II. 
 
 Lancelot Machell Arm.=j=Deborah Baines, ob. 1767. 
 
 I 1 1 ^— I 1 1 1 \ 1 1 \ rn 
 
 Margaret Anne Richard=p. .Gibson Hugh Deborah Lancelot Thomas Mary 
 
 Elizabeth Deborah Elizabeth Catherine Mary 
 
 Hugh John Margt. Christ. Machell, Esq.=pAnn Scott Mary Lancelot Ann=:Thos. Heelis, 
 
 I Esq. 
 
 ( i ! ' 1 1 I \ I 
 
 Christ. Scott Lancelot John Thomas Robert Machell, Esq.=pEliza Mary Richard Matilda 
 Machell 1 Zealey 
 
 , ^ ^ 1 , 
 
 Richard Beverley Machell, Thomas Machell, Henry Lancelot Machell, Mary Matilda Machell, 
 born at Scarbro', Jan. 8th born at Beverley, born November 9th, ob. born at Beverley, 15th 
 1823. Nov. 12, 1824. December 15th, 1825. December, 1827. 
 
 P. 330, 1. 7. Since the printing off of the sheet here referred to, I have been informed by a 
 friend, that the supporters of these arms are erroneous, and he corrects them as follows. Dexter, 
 a martlet ; sinister, an eagle. 
 
 P. 331, 1. 10. We might be persuaded that these designs were derived from the mythology of 
 India, were we not absolutely certain that in these early times so much of Hindoo superstition 
 was not known. " Nareda, the mythological offspring of Saraswati, patroness of music, was 
 famed for his talents in that science. So great were they that he became presumptuous ; and 
 emulating the divine stntins of Krishna, he was punished by having his Vina -placed in the paws of 
 a bear, whence it emitted sounds far sweeter than the minstrelsy of the mortified musician. 1 
 have a picture of this joke, in which Krishna is forcing his reluctant friend to attend his rough 
 visaged rival, who is ridiculously touching the chords of poor Nareda's Vina, accompanied by a 
 brother bruin on the cymbals^ Soulhey. Notes to the Curse of Kehama. vii. 66. 
 
 P. 342, 1. 16. Edmonstone, in his "Complete Body of Heraldry," published in 1780, says, 
 that in the window of this chapel "was the figure of a person with the coat of arms of Percy, 
 kneeling, with the word Esperance, and this inscription. <^VHtC ptO aitUltatm^ J^tnviti 
 
 ctuatti comitid NottlDwmlitifr, tt tromiiti tre ?|OBning0, et ilHatiltii0 uxori0 film 
 
 UMiilU ^tVtatVi fOm(ti0 llemlir* ^C* And under the lady's picture. Ma conforte. On 
 the tomb in the same place is the motto, Esperance ma conforte ; and Esperance in sundry places 
 thereof. N. B. In 1369, the duke of Bourbon took this word Esperance,^and instituted an order 
 of knighthood by that denomination." Vol. i. p. 128. in notd. 
 
 P. 354, n. 29, 1. 3. for « lusti," read « justi." 
 
 P. 357, 1. 1 1 from the bottom. Dele the period after the word "fitchee." 
 
 P. 370, in nota. From this document it should appear that there were, at the least, twenty 
 trade guilds in Beverley. But by another paper in the British Museum, inserted on p. 424 of 
 this work, we may fairly infer that the number of these mercantile monopolies was mach more 
 numerous. 
 
 P. 375, n. 21, 1. 2, for « utag'," read «utaq'." 
 
 P. 376, last line of text, for " formely," read " formerly." 
 
 P. 383, n. 39, 1. 4, for « 400," read « 500." 
 
 P. 385, 1. 12. The arms of Beverley abbey were, Ar. a crozier in pale sa. enfiled with a crown 
 proper, all within a border sa. bezantidd. 
 
 3 z2 
 
564 
 
 p. 386, n. 62. The following sketch will shew the " linage" of this well-descended provost. 
 Thurstan Basset, baron of Wycombe, came in with the ConqueroF=^. ... 
 
 Ralph, Lord of Colston, temp. Hen. I. was elevated to the=p. . . . 
 dignity of Justice of England with unlimited authority j 
 
 Thurstan 
 
 Thomas, baron of Hedington 
 
 T"" 
 
 T 
 
 Richard 
 
 Nicholas 
 
 Gilbert::^. ., 
 
 Thomas, temp. Hen. II. one of the King's Justices=j=AIicia, d. of — Dunstanville 
 
 I ~ — 1 r 
 
 Gilbert, sheriff of Oxfordshire, and one^pEgeline, d. of Thomas Alan, baron: 
 
 of the barons who did homage to King 
 John, at Lincoln, ob. 7 John 
 
 — Courtney 
 
 of Wycombe 
 
 . . a^daughter 
 
 I 1 1 
 
 Gilbert was killed by a fall=lsabel, d. of Wm. Fulk Basset, Provost Philip succeeded to the::^. 
 
 from his horse, 25 Hen. III. Earl Ferrers of Beverley honours of his 'family 
 
 Hugh Despenser, slain at the battle of Evesham=Aliva= Roger le Bigot, earl of Norfolk. 
 
 P. 419, n. 6, 1. 2, for "fluctuates," read "fluctuate." 
 P. 421, 1. 12, for "family," read "household." 
 P. 436, note, 1. 14, for " 0ea," read « <J5^a»" 
 
 Hew of ^orth Bar. 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Abbey of Watton, 520— of Meaux, 534. 
 
 Abbot of Beverley possessed great property, 70. 
 
 Abbot of Meaux settles a dispute between the 
 towns of Beverley and Hull, 183. 
 
 Abbots of Beverley, list of, 385. 
 
 Act, for improving the Beck, 246 — for aug- 
 menting the income of the Minster curates, 
 250 — for a further augmentation of the same, 
 255 — for lighting and watching the town, 
 256 — for lighting the town with gas, 263 — 
 for Court of Requests, 560. 
 
 Addi, earl, presents the manor and advowson 
 of Bishop-Burton, to the monastery of St. 
 John of Beverley, 49. 
 
 Address to the Throne, on the accession of 
 Geo. III. 248 — on the disturbances in Ame- 
 rica, 250 — on the peace with America, 251 
 — on the dismissal of ministers in 1784, 252 
 — on his Majesty's escape from assassina- 
 tion, ih. — on his Majesty's recovery, ib. — on 
 the brutal attack made on his Majesty in 
 Hyde-Park, 254 — to the Prince Regent on 
 the general peace, 258. 
 
 Affairs of the borough deranged, 191. 
 
 Agistment of Westwood, burgesses exempt 
 from, 109. 
 
 Agreement respecting the river Hull, 103. 
 
 Ake'swill, 150. 
 
 Alcocke, bishop, life of, 441. 
 
 Alderman, office of an, explained, 369. 
 
 Aldermen, list of, 380. 
 
 Altar tomb in the north transept of the Minster, 
 322. 
 
 Altar screen described, 333. 
 
 Alured of Beverley, memoir of, 440. 
 
 Amusements of the town of Beverley, 421. 
 
 Angling, 430. 
 
 Anglo-Saxon town described, 83. 
 
 Antiquities found in the Trinities described 
 and illustrated, 296. 
 
 Archbishop of York, the, oppresses the peo- 
 ple, 99. 
 
 Archiepiscopal rents at Beverley, 94. 
 
 Architecture, great beauty of the, displayed in 
 the Minster, 306 — comparison between clas- 
 sical and English, 307 — of the Minster nave 
 compared to an avenue of trees, 317. 
 
 Architects employed for decorating the Min- 
 ster, 145. 
 
 Arms, on the North Bar, 288 — of Warton and 
 Powlet, ib. — on the Market-Cross, 291 — of 
 England and France, ib. — Hotham, ib. — 
 Warton, ib. — town of Beverley, ib. — Kelke> 
 320 — on George Percy's monument, 323 — 
 of Mauley, ib. — Isle of Man, ib. — Earl of 
 Kent, ib. — Warren, i6.— Earl of Lancaster, 
 ib. — Brabant, 324 — D'Acres, ib. — Wake, ib. 
 —Tate, 330— White, 331— Donington, ib. 
 —Percy, 336— Clifford, t&.— Warren, ib.— 
 Fitzallen, ib. — England and France, ib. — 
 Heron, 340 — Boynton, ib. — Hildyard, ib. — 
 Hammerton, ib. — in the Minster vestry, 341 
 — of Percy, 342 — Lucy, ib. — Brabant, ib. — 
 Bryan, 343 — Poynings, ib. — Mauley, ib. — 
 Pembroke, 344 — old in St. Mary's church, 
 350 — Cheney, 357 — Holgate, ib. — Gee, ib. 
 — Garth, ib. — Barnard, ib. — of the town of 
 Beverley, six varieties, 380 — old in the 
 Guildhall, ib. — Wilson, ib. — Wilberforce, 
 396— Percy, 487— Gee, 496— Rysceby, 506 
 — Ellerker, 508 — Moretown, ib. — Grindall, 
 ib. — Hotham, 509 — Warton, 515 — Abbey 
 of Meaux, 542 — Convent of Haltemprise, ib. 
 — Machell, 562— Abbey of Beverley, 563. 
 
 Arras, etymology of, 12. 
 
 Articles of inquiry into the disorders of the 
 religious houses, 181. 
 
 Aske's rebellion, 183 — suppressed, 184. 
 
 Assembly-Rooms, 286. 
 
 Assize of bread and beer, 86. 
 
 Athelstan gives a charter to the town, 55 — 
 
566 
 
 endows the church, 56 — pledges his knife at 
 the altar of St. John, 59 — bears the holy 
 standard of St. John into Scotland, ib. — his 
 success, ib. — founds a colleg^e in Beverley, 
 ib. — assigns the manor of Beverley to the 
 Archbishop of York, 60. 
 
 Augustine sent to convert the inhabitants of 
 Britain, 33. 
 
 Austin's stone, at Drewton, 5. 
 
 Avanc, the beaver, 13. 
 
 B. 
 
 Badger-baiting, account of, 422. 
 
 Bailiffs of Beverley commanded to raise sol- 
 diers for the Scottish wars, 125. 
 
 Balloon, ascent of one from the Gas-works, 
 263. 
 
 Bank for savings, 412. 
 
 Baptist chapel, 302. 
 
 Barbarities of the 15th century, 154. 
 
 Barons, Norman, divide the kingdom, 69. 
 
 Baronies, extent of, 70. 
 
 Battle, of the Standard, 87 — the white, 126 — 
 at Beverley, 216, 224. 
 
 Baynard Castle destroyed, 464. 
 
 Beaver, a mystical term for a floating island, 
 11 — drawn from the lake, ib. 
 
 Beaver-lake in the wood of Deira, 12. 
 
 Beck, the, first formed, 85- — plans for repair- 
 ing, 243— subscriptions for, 244 — objections 
 to the above plans, 245 — Act for improving, 
 246. 
 
 Beckside, a street, 27 1 . 
 
 Beckwith, Mr. of Beverley, forms a plan for 
 giving possession of Hull to Charles I. 208 
 — and employs his son-in-law in the execu- 
 tion of it, ib. — the plot frustrated, 211 — 
 pronounced guilty of high treason, is taken 
 at York, but rescued by the king, ib. 
 
 Beddern, etymology of, 12 — the site of the 
 church at Beverley, 25 — its meaning, 26 — 
 tower of the built, 157. 
 
 Bells, origin and history of, 63. 
 
 Benefactors to the Minster, 310. 
 
 Beverlac, origin of the name, 8, 12 — Church 
 at, repaired, 39 — idolatrous rites at, 41 — 
 visited by John of Beverley, 47— Churches 
 and monastery at, destroyed by the Danes, 
 54. 
 
 Beverley, two seals of, 13 — sixteen ancient 
 names of, 47 — Bank, 287— Liberties of, 510 
 — Parks, population of, 514. 
 
 Bible Society, account of, 409. 
 
 Biography, 433. 
 
 Bishop of York attends the council at Aries, 
 27. 
 
 Black Friars founded, 123 — surrendered, 186 
 —site of, 276. 
 
 Bones of St. John translated, 61 — taken up, 
 241. 
 
 Borough, the, purged, 232. 
 
 Botany, 516. 
 
 Boy bishop, 425. 
 
 Boynton, Col. takes Sir John Hotham, 222. 
 
 Bridge at Beverley built, 148. 
 
 Britain abandoned by the Romans, 27. 
 
 Britons, the, established at Beverley, 7- — bra- 
 very and dexterity ot, 17 — enslaved, ib. — 
 engage the Saxons against the northern in- 
 vaders, 28. 
 
 Bull-baiting, account of, 421. 
 
 Burgesses, ancient, what, 80 — exempt 'from 
 pannage, 108 — from agistment in West- 
 wood, 109, and from toll at Wartre, ib. — 
 first sent to parliament, temp. Edw. I. 117 
 — their qualifications and utility, 372. 
 
 Burton, tesselated pavements at, 5 — etymo- 
 logy of, 13 — a place of druidical sepulture, 
 tJ.— manor and advowson given to St. John, 
 50 — Sanctuary cross at, 57 — antiquity of, 
 488 — Bishop, account of, 491 — church, de- 
 scription of, 492 — Sanctuary cross at, de- 
 scribed, 493 — Hansby's hospital at, 494 — 
 Killingwoldgraves at, ib. — Vicars, list of, 
 495 — Cherry, account of, 496 — Church, 497 
 — Rectors, list of, ib. — superstition at, 499 — 
 feast, i7>.-charities at, 500 — population of, ib. 
 
 Burying in churches, origin of, 52. 
 
 Butcher- Row, 295. 
 
 Byscopdynges granted to the burgesses, 108. 
 
 Cadwallo invades Deira, 39. 
 
 Canons, the, complain of the Archbishop, 95 
 — displaced and flee from the province, 1 47 
 — petition the king, ib. — reinstated, 148. 
 
 Capital Burgesses, manner of their election, 
 371— list of, 381. 
 
 Catalogue of the Minster clergy at the Re- 
 formation, 188. 
 
 Catfos, derivation of, 282. 
 
 Cause in the Provost's court, 122. 
 
 Celtic language, derivations from the, 8. 
 
 Celts thrown up at Swine, 5 — their use, 6. 
 
 Certificate of exemption from tolls, 376. 
 
 Chair of peace, 57. 
 
 Chairing a M. P. 432. 
 
 Chamber Clerks, list of, 400. 
 
56t 
 
 Chancer^', Court of, issues a commission of 
 
 enquiry respecting St. Mary's church, 195. 
 
 Chancel of St. Mary's church, monuments in, 
 354. 
 
 Chantry, Gervus, founded, 148 — Ake's ditto, 
 150— of St. Anne ditto, 153— of St. John 
 and St. William assigned to the repairs of 
 the Minster, 189. 
 
 Chantries in Beverley enumerated, 329. 
 
 Chapel, of St. Mary endowed, 127 — in south 
 transept of St. Mary's described, 353. 
 
 Charles I., question between him and his 
 parliament, 199 — passes through Beverley, 
 200 — violent disputes with his parliament, 
 201 — insulted in the streets of London by 
 the populace, ih. — establishes his court at 
 York, 202 — spies placed over him, 203 — 
 appears before Hull, and is refused admission 
 by Sir John Hotham the governor, ih. — 
 proclaims Hotham a traitor, and returns to 
 Beverley, 204 — demands of the parliament 
 justice against Hotham, and is refused, 205 
 — is joined at York by many members of 
 both houses, 206 — determines to besiege 
 Hull, 207 — has recourse to stratagem, 208 
 — levies troops, takes possession of Hull- 
 Bridge, and fixes his head quarters at Be- 
 verley, 212 — where he holds his court, 213 
 — places himself in the custody of the Scots, 
 226— is executed, 228. 
 
 Charter of Athelstan, 56 — of Hen. 1. 84 — of 
 Thurstan, ih. — of Stephen, 86 — of Arch- 
 bishop William, 89— of Hen. II. 90— of 
 Rich. I. 93 — of John, 96— to the Minster, 
 102— of Hen. III. 105— of Edw. I. 113— 
 confirmed, 121— of Edw. II. 123— to the 
 Minster, 124— of Edw. III. 126— confirmed, 
 129— of Edw. III. 140— of Rich. II. 142, 
 143— of Hen. IV. 152— of Hen. V. 155— 
 of Hen. VI. 157— of Edw. IV. 168— of 
 Hen. VIII. 179, 186, 188— of Mary, 189— 
 of Ellz. 190— of Charles I. 195— of Charles 
 II. 232— of Jariies II. 236. 
 
 Charters, list of, 377. 
 
 Choir rebuilt, 63 — fitted up with pews, 262 — 
 described, 327. 
 
 Christianity, introduction of, 18 — restored by 
 Oswald, 43. 
 
 Christian feasts of dedication introduced, 34. 
 
 Church, at Beverley, founded by Lucius, 21 — 
 erected at the Bever-lake in Deirwold, 25 — 
 burnt by the Saxons, 32— repaired, 39 — of 
 St. Martin's built, 48— of St. Nicholas ditto, 
 49 — of St. John endowed, 56-property of, 73 
 
 Church Methodist chapel, 282. 
 
 Churches, formed out of heathen temples, 23 
 
 — burying in, origin of, 52 — of Beverley 
 
 destroyed by the Danes, 54 — belonging to 
 
 the college of St. John, 78 — decked with 
 
 evergreens, origin of the custom, 470. 
 Civil wars of York and Lancaster, 161 — of 
 
 Charles I. 220. 
 Clarke, Thomas, memoir of, 456. 
 Clerical fund, account of, 408. 
 Clergy, oppressed by Stephen, 89 — at Beverley 
 
 prepared to resist the Scottish invasion, 134. 
 Cloth weavers accused of fraud, 107. 
 Cockerill, Richard, attainted of high treason, 
 
 168 — attainder reversed, 171. 
 Cockledge, Earl of Northumberland murdered 
 
 at, 172. 
 Cockstulepit lane, 289. 
 Cockfighting, account of, 422. 
 Coiffi, the high priest of Woden, dissatisfied 
 
 with his religion, 35 — declares himself a 
 
 convert to Christianity, 36 — desecrates the 
 
 temple of Thor, ih. 
 Collector of the quinzeme waylaid, 155. 
 College at Beverley, magnitude and income 
 
 of, 181— dissolved, 187. 
 Colonnade in Minster, conjecture respecting, 
 
 338. 
 Coloured cloths, perfection of, at Beverley, 104. 
 Comins, Mr. engaged to superintend the Min- 
 ster, 261. 
 Commission of enquiry, 106. 
 Commandery of St. J ohn surrendered, 186. 
 Common pastures, account of, 303. 
 Common Council, history of, 371. 
 Comparative population of the principal towns 
 
 in England, 142. 
 Complaints against the merchants of Beverley, 
 
 107. 
 Consecrated groves, 1 1 . 
 Contest, election, in 1685, 236— ditto, in 1722, 
 
 242— in 1727, 243. 
 Copandale, family of, 285. 
 Corinthian altar screen removed, 261. 
 Corn, Exchange, 292 — average price of, 293. 
 Coroners appointed by the Archbishop of 
 
 York, 112. 
 Corporation, debts of, liquidated by the sale 
 
 of timber from Westwood, 191 — subscribe 
 
 to the repairs of the Minster, 194 — history 
 
 of the, 366. 
 Corpus Christi, chantry of, founded, 126 — 
 
 plays, 424. 
 Corrody granted to the canons, 119, 
 
^68 
 
 CoTTiNGHAM, wood at, 79 — account of, 458 — 
 market at, ib. — fairs at, 460 — monastery of, 
 ib. — chantry founded at, 461 — inundation at, 
 464 — divided into three manors, 465 — 
 guilds at, 466 — Church, description of, 467 
 — Rectors, list of, 469 — Vicars, list of, 470 
 — Church decked with evergreens, ib. — 
 Court, conventual, 80 — of Record, 372 — 
 Leet and Baron, 373-View of Frankpledge, 
 374 — of Sheriff's Tourne, ib. — of Requests, 
 560. 
 
 Council, business of the, 372. 
 
 Crime, prevalence of, 108 — at Beverley, 255. 
 
 Cromwell establishes himself at Whitehall, 
 227— appointed Protector, 228. 
 
 Cruelty of the Danes, 53. 
 
 Crypt, conjecture respecting an ancient, 314 
 — in St. Mary's described, 358. 
 
 Cucking stool in Beverley, 85 — origin of, 109 
 — account of, 427. 
 
 Custody of prisoners vested in the Archbishop, 
 109. 
 
 Customs at Beverley, 421. 
 
 D 
 
 Danes, the, destroy the churches, 54. 
 
 Danish, character, cruelty of the, 53 — two 
 soldiers at Beverley quarrel, 238 — their fate, 
 239. 
 
 Days of St. John of Beverley commanded to 
 be kept holy, 157. 
 
 Dedication, feasts of, instituted, 34. 
 
 Deira, wood of, 1 2 — meeting in, 35 — invaded, 
 39 — its extent, 79. 
 
 Deirians converted to Christianity, 37. 
 
 Delgovitia, etymology of, 12. 
 
 Deluge, legend of, connected with the etymo- 
 logy of Bever-lac, 11. 
 
 Deputies from the boroughs summoned to 
 parliament, 117. 
 
 Description of St. Mary's church, 349. 
 
 Dimensions of the Minster, 311. 
 
 Disaffection of the inhabitants of Beverley,! 46. 
 
 Dispute, between Beverley and Hull, 140 — 
 about prisage, 143 — between Beverley and 
 South-Cave respecting tolls, 158 — between 
 Beverley and Hull on the right of a free 
 passage into the H umber, ib. — renewed, 
 189 — referred, 190 — decided, ib. 
 
 Disputes, several, about property, 94 — amongst 
 the twelve governors, 169 — between Bever- 
 ley and Hull, 183 — about raising men for 
 the army, 255. 
 
 Dispensary, account of, 410. 
 
 Dissolution, of the lesser monasteries, 183^ 
 general, 186. 
 
 Ditches ordered to be cut for defence, 219. 
 
 Domesday Book, its uses, 65. 
 
 Donations, towards the restoration of the Min- 
 ster, 119 — to the religious houses, 120 — to 
 the churches, 133 — to the chantries, 140 — 
 to the churches, 153 — and bequests, 401. 
 
 Drainage of the district, 249. 
 
 Drewton, Austin's stone at, 5 — Druids' resi- 
 dence, 13. 
 
 Drogo de Beurere, memoir of, 77. 
 
 Druids, the, venerate the oak, 1 — power of, 
 14 — religious ceremonies of, ib.-dread which 
 the people entertain of, 15 — mysterious rites, 
 ib. — believed in the unity of the Godhead, 
 19 — tenets of, 20 — inferior deities of, ib. — 
 temples of, converted into Christian churches 
 23. 
 
 Druidism, mysteries o^, 9 — horrible rites of, 10. 
 
 Druidical idols, 5 — superstitions, 8. 
 
 Ducking-stool, what, 110 — site of the, 289 — 
 account of, 427. 
 
 Dwivaur and Dwivach inclosed in the Ark, 11. 
 
 E 
 
 East-Riding bank, 282. 
 
 East window in the Minster, 327. 
 
 Edge-Hill, battle of, 220. 
 
 Edward, the Confessor, grants the privilege of 
 holding three annual fairs, 62 — the first at 
 Cottingham, 118 — at Beverley, 119 — recom- 
 mends the re-edification of the Minster, ib. 
 —grants a corrody to the canons, ib. — again 
 at Beverley, 120 — grants a pardon to the 
 sanctuary men, ib. — revisits Beverley with 
 his whole court, 121 — the second at Bever- 
 ley, 124, 125-the third raises an army against 
 the Scots, 128 — visits Beverley, 130 — the 
 fourth marches through the town, 170. 
 
 Edwin convenes a meeting to deliberate on 
 the introduction of Christianity, 35 — is bap- 
 tized at York, 36 — and slain, 39. 
 
 Election contests, 236, 242, 243. 
 
 Ellerker, pedigree of, 508. 
 
 Eleusinian mysteries, 9. 
 
 Episcopus puerorum, 425. 
 
 Eske, account of, 516. 
 
 Etymology of many names in Beverley, 12. 
 
 Eustace Fitz-John, arrested by Stephen, 86 — 
 escapes to Scotland, and commits ravages on 
 the north of England, 87. 
 
 Exactions, complaints of, 107. 
 
 Excommunications, 235, 247. 
 
569 
 
 Fabric of the Minster, description of, before 
 the Conquest, 64. 
 
 Fairs, granted by Edward the Confessor, 63 — 
 and markets, 109 — when and where held, 
 286. 
 
 Feasts of dedication instituted, 34. 
 
 Fee- farm rents, 81. 
 
 Figham, common of, 303. 
 
 Fines and amerciaments, 94. 
 
 Fire at Beverley, 93. 
 
 Fisher, bishop, life of, 444. 
 
 Fleming-gate, 273. 
 
 Floating islands sacred, 10-called Beavers, 11. 
 
 Font, in Minster, 321— in St. Mary's, 352. 
 
 Football, game of, 429. 
 
 Foot-walks laid, 102. 
 
 Foot-ways, patent for, 160. 
 
 Fowkes, Lieut, receives an invitation to deli- 
 ver up the garrison of Hull, 208. 
 
 Fraternity of Minstrels, 167. 
 
 Franciscan monastery surrendered, 186. 
 
 Freedom, how conferred, 372. 
 
 Freemasons, lodge of, 287. 
 
 Freemasonry, what, 287. 
 
 Friar-Garth, 294. 
 
 Fridstol, inscription on, 57-conjectures about, 
 341. 
 
 Friendly Societies, 415. 
 
 G 
 
 Gable, north, of Minster, reinstated, 241. 
 
 Galilee, what, 316. 
 
 Galleries, of Minster built, 241 — in St. Mary's 
 church, history of, 352. 
 
 Gallows, 85 — erected anew, 108. 
 
 Gamel, memoir of, 77. 
 
 Games, 421. 
 
 Gaol, delivery, 109 — of the borough, 374. 
 
 Gas, town lighted with, 263— works, 273. 
 
 Gee, pedigree of, 496. 
 
 General view of the town, 1 62. 
 
 GeofFery, Archbishop, suspended, 95. 
 
 Gervus chantry founded, 148. 
 
 Gillicroft assigned to the burgesses, 155. 
 
 Godmanham, etymology of, 12. 
 
 Godwin, Mary Wolstonecraft, memoir of, 451. 
 
 Gomer, the posterity of, people Britain, 9. 
 
 Governors, the twelve, constituted, 150 — in- 
 volved in disputes, 1 69 — removed for refus- 
 ing the declaration under Charles II. 233. 
 
 Graburn-Lane, 282. 
 
 Grammar School, the, origin of, 277 — his- 
 tory of, 278-masters of, 279-library of, 280. 
 
 Grecian, style of architecture introduced into 
 the Minster, 241 — work in the nave remo- 
 ved, 262. 
 
 Green, Bishop, memoir of, 448. 
 
 Gregory, Pope, memoir of, 33. 
 
 Grey Friars, site of, 276. 
 
 Grimsby, Abbot of, makes an exchange with 
 the Abbot of Meaux, 537. 
 
 Grithmen, pardon to, 133. 
 
 Grove-Hill, the landing place of the Romans, 
 18 — manufactory at, 297. 
 
 Groves, the reputed residence of the deity, 1 0. 
 
 Grymsby, Gilbert de, bears the holy banner 
 of St. John into Scotland, 118. 
 
 Guilds, ancient, 80 — religious, 417 — merchant, 
 numerous, 563 — at Cottingham, 466. 
 
 Guildhall, Courts held in the, 294. 
 
 H 
 
 Hall-Garth, what, 275. 
 
 Haltemprise, convent of, 465. 
 
 Hatchments, in the Lady Chapel, 340 — in St. 
 Mary's chancel, 357. 
 
 Hawksmoor's estimate for repairing Minster, 
 239. 
 
 Hengate, etymology of, 12 — a street, 284. 
 
 Hengist and Horsa arrive in Britain, 29. 
 
 Henry I. grants a charter to the town, 84. 
 
 Henry VI. at Leckonfield, 159 — and Bever- 
 ley, 1 60-grants certain patents to the town, ib. 
 
 Henry VIII. ascends the throne, 177. 
 
 Highgate allotted to the London merchants, 
 218. 
 
 History of bells, 63. 
 
 Holland, Sir John, claims sanctuary, 145. 
 
 Horrible rites of druidism, 10. 
 
 HorstafFa given to the college of St. John, 59. 
 
 Hospital, of St. Giles, founded, 61 — assigned 
 to the prior of Wartre, 109— Routh's, 276— 
 Fox's, 300— C. Warton's, 301— Sir M. 
 Warton's, ib. — Tymperon's, 302. 
 
 Hospitality, of the religious houses, 165 — at 
 Leckonfield castle, 177. 
 
 HoTHAM, Sir John, elected M. P. for Beverley, 
 200 — refuses to admit the king into Hull, 
 203 — makes a protestation of loyalty, 204 — 
 proclaimed a traitor by the king, ib. — is 
 justified and thanked by the parliament, 205 
 — countenances hostile sallies from the gar- 
 rison, 206 — assisted by a committee, 207 — 
 suspected by the parliament, and spies placed 
 over his conduct, 21 1 — cuts the banks of the 
 Humber, 214 — being proclaimed a traitor, 
 flies, 221 — seeks refuge at Beverley, 222 — 
 
 4a 
 
510 
 
 is taken and beheaded, 223 — pedigree of 
 the family, 509. 
 
 House of Correction, excellent management 
 of the, 290. 
 
 Hull river, etymology of the, 12 — the Arch- 
 bishop has prises in, 85 — agreement respect- 
 ing, 103. 
 
 Hull garrison, stores removed from, 212 — 
 besieged, 214 — siege of, raised, 215. 
 
 Hull-Bridge, account of, 513 — possessed by 
 the troops of Charles I. ib. — population of, 
 514. 
 
 Humber, naval engagement in the, 215. 
 
 Hum, common of, 303. 
 
 Idolatry restored by Penda, 39. 
 
 Illumination for peace, 257 — for Queen Caro- 
 line, 259. 
 
 Images removed from the roodloft, 187. 
 
 Income of the college at the Reformation, 181. 
 
 Independents, rise of, 227 — cruelty of the, ib. 
 
 Independent Meeting-house, history of, 281. 
 
 Infangthef, 109. 
 
 Influence of the church in Roman Catholic 
 times, 167. 
 
 Inglebert, Philip, memoir of, 441. 
 
 Ingram, Robert, memoir of, 447. 
 
 Inhabitants incapable of paying taxes, 1 92. 
 
 Initiation the only step to honour and prefer- 
 ment, 10, 472. 
 
 Insane, retreat for, 471. 
 
 Inscription on the Fridstol, 57 — over Saint 
 John's bones, 241 — on the pillars of Saint 
 Mary's church, 351 — on the pews, 352 — on 
 the font, ib. — on the ceiling of the north 
 aisle, chancel, 358. 
 
 Inundations, 249. 
 
 Invasion of the Romans, 1 6. 
 
 John of Beverley, born, 43 — appointed 
 bishop of Hagulstad, 45 — his sanctity, ib. — 
 indefatigable in visiting his diocese, 46 — 
 said to perform miracles, ib. — translated to 
 the see of York, ib — visits Beverlac, 47 — 
 commends the situation, 48 — and determines 
 to build a monastery there, ib. — founds the 
 church of St. Martin, ib. — and St. Nicholas, 
 49 — performs a miraculous cure on the lady 
 of Earl Puch, ib. — retires to Beverley — dies 
 — and is buried in the portico, 52 — influence 
 of, after death, ib. — his tomb the resort 
 of pilgrims, 60 — enshrined, ib. — honours 
 devoted to the memory of, 61 — bones of 
 translated, ib. — canonized, 62— standard of, 
 
 borrowed as a palladium, 118 — replaced, 
 1 1 9 — his tomb reputed to have sweat blood 
 on the day of the battle of Agincourt, 157 — 
 his sepulchre opened, 233 — and bones taken 
 up, 241— statue of, 326— history of, 433— 
 account of his miracles, 436. 
 
 John, king, at Cottingham and Beverley, 96 — 
 revisits Cottingham, 99. 
 
 Islands, floating, sacred, 10. 
 
 Jurisdiction of the corporation, 379. 
 
 K 
 
 Keldgate, etymology, of, 1 2 — a street, 276. 
 Killingwoldgraves hospital, account of, 494. 
 Kingdom divided among the Norman barons, 
 
 69. 
 Kinsius, Archbishop, builds a tower to the 
 
 church, 63. 
 Knife or dagger of Athelstan pledged, 59. 
 Knight's fees, what, 71. 
 
 Ladygate, etymology of, 12 — extent of, 293. 
 
 Lady Chapel, hatchments in, 340. 
 
 Lairgate, etymology of, 12 — where situate, 
 280. 
 
 Lake, the sacred, 10 — beaver drawn out of, a 
 religious ceremony, 13 — veneration of the 
 Britons for, 14. 
 
 Lay patronage, origin of, 45. 
 
 Lazaretto erected, 1 93. 
 
 Learning, state of, 416. 
 
 Leckonfield, etymology of, 12 — a place of 
 initiation, 13 — hospitality at, 177 — antiquity 
 of, 473 — castle, history of, 474 — description 
 of, 477 — church, description of, 479. 
 
 Liberties of Beverley, 510. 
 
 Liturgy, voted an abomination, 227. 
 
 Londesbro', the site of the ancient Delgovitia, 
 12. 
 
 Londoners, attend the fairs at Beverley, 218 — 
 regulations for the, 229 — make a present 
 to St. Mary's church, 237. 
 
 Louvain, pedigree of, 481. 
 
 Lucius founds a church at Beverley, 21 — who 
 he was, 22 — actively encourages the pro- 
 mulgation of Christianity, 25 — places a 
 bishop at York, ib. 
 
 Lund, common of, 303. 
 
 Lying-in charity, account of, 411. 
 
 M 
 
 Magistrates, bench of, 289. 
 Magnitude of the town, 142. 
 
61i 
 
 MailSj regulation of the, 293. 
 
 Maison-de-dieu, 283. 
 
 Manners, ancient and modern, compared, 82. 
 
 Manor assigned to the Archbishop of York, 
 60 — exchanged for other property, 186. 
 
 Markets and fairs, 109. 
 
 Market Cross, illuminated, 258 — described, 
 290— arms on, 291. 
 
 Market, regulations of, 292. 
 
 Marriages solemnized by the civil magistrate, 
 229. 
 
 Masses for the lord of Vessey, 170, 
 
 Materials of the Minster, 310. 
 
 Mayor, of Hull assaults the Archbishop of 
 York, 144 — antiquity of the office of, 366 — 
 his duties, 367 — and authority, 368. 
 
 Mayors, list of, 393. 
 
 Meaux, abbot of, settles a dispute between 
 Beverley and Hull, 183 — abbey of, founded, 
 534 — dedicated, 535 — and endowed, 536. 
 
 Members of Parliament, desert the house, 
 206— list of, 381. 
 
 Memoir of. Pope Gregory, 32 — Walcher, 
 bishop of Durham, 76 — Morcar, 77 — Drogo 
 de Beurere, ib. — Gamel, ib — John of Be- 
 verley, 433 — Archbishop Thomas, 438 — 
 Archbishop Thurstan, ib. — Archbishop Mur- 
 dac, 439— Alured, 440— Inglebert, 441— 
 Bishop Alcocke, ib. — Bishop Fisher, 444 — 
 Robert Ingram, 447 — Bishop Green, 448 — 
 Lawrence Whitaker, 449 — Mary Wolstone- 
 craft Godwin, 451 — Dr. Reynolds, ib. — 
 William Wilson, ib. — Richard Sissison, 454 
 — Thomas Clarke, 456. 
 
 Merchants begin to reside in the town, 60. 
 
 Merchant Guilds, 80 — numerous. 
 
 Mills before the Conquest, 81. 
 
 Minster, the, burnt, 93 — property assigned 
 for its restoration, 114 — reedification of, 
 recommended by Edw. I. 119 — donations 
 towards the restoration of, ih, — rebuilt, 120 
 — nave erected, 138 — north porch built, 1 45 
 — west front erected, ib. — revenues seized 
 by the Archbishop, 147 — salaries paid to the 
 officers of, 1 49 — patents for, ib. — tabernacle 
 work of stalls completed, 179 — clergy of, 
 list of at the Reformation, 188 — chantries 
 assigned for the repairs of, 189 — property 
 granted by queen Elizabeth for the support 
 of, 190 — dilapidated, 194 — measures adopted 
 for its restoration, ib. — pews built in, 230 — 
 project for the repairs of, 239 — materials 
 removed from Saint Mary's, York, 240 — 
 bequest of Sir Michael Warton to, ib. — north 
 
 gable screwed up, new floor laid, and 
 thoroughly repaired in its present style, 241 
 — act for improving the income of the 
 curates of, 250 — act for further augmenting 
 do. 255 — improved under the superinten-. 
 dence of Mr. Comins, 261 — choir of fitted 
 up with pews, 262 — patronage of, 273 — 
 curates of, 274 — beauty of its architecture, 
 306 — described, 309 — style of, ib. — bene- 
 factors to, 310 — dimensions of, 311 — east 
 window of, described, ib. — north transept, 
 view of, 312 — north porch described, 313 — 
 west front described, 314 — ancient crypt, 
 conjectures respecting, ib. — south transepts 
 described, 315 — sanctuary bell of, ib. — 
 galilee of, 316 — effect of the interior on a 
 stranger, 317 — west door, 318 — nave and 
 aisles described, ib. — monument in south 
 aisle of nave, account of, 320 — font in, 321 
 — general view of interior, 322 — transepts 
 described, ib. — organ screen do. 326 — choir, 
 327 — east window, ib. — stalls, 328 — taber- 
 nacle work, 332 — pulpit, 333 — altar screen, 
 ib. — Percy Shrine, 334 — colonnade, 338 — 
 Lady Chapel, 340— Vestry, 341— Fridstol, 
 ib. — Percy Chapel, 342 — superb monument 
 and arms there, 343. 
 
 Minster-Moorgate, 298. 
 
 Minstrels, fraternity of, erect a pillar in Saint 
 Mary's church, 167 — their effigies, 168 — 
 account of, 426 — ordinances of. 
 
 Miracles, at Beverley and other places, 98-— 
 at Burton, 489— at Watton Abbey, 520. 
 
 Molescroft, sanctuary cross at, 57 — account of, 
 510 — Woodhall, a capital messuage at, 511 
 — chantry at, 512 — population of, ib. 
 
 Monastery of St. John at Beverlac, 48 — style 
 of the buildings, 49 — endowed, ib. — utility 
 of, 50 — destroyed by the Danes, 54. 
 
 Monasteries visited, 181 — dissolved, 183. 
 
 Morality, state of, 414. 
 
 Morcar, memoir of, 77. 
 
 Motives of pious men in devoting a portion of 
 their goods to the church, 135. 
 
 Murdac, appointed Abp. of York, 88 — is re- 
 jected by the citizens, ib. — memoir of, 439. 
 
 Mythological observances of druidism, 9.] 
 
 N 
 
 Names of Beverley, sixteen in number, 47. 
 National School, account of the, 406. 
 Naval engagement in the Humber, 215. 
 Nave of Minster, erected, 138 — fitted up with 
 pews, 24 1 . 
 
 4 A 2 
 
6n 
 
 New Walk, 290. 
 
 News- Room, 287. 
 
 North porch of Minster erected, 145. 
 
 North gable of Minster reinstated, 241. 
 
 North-bar Street, 287. 
 
 North-bar, described, 288 — arms on, ib. 
 
 Northumberland, earl of, murdered, 172 — 
 
 splendour of his funeral at Beverley, 173 — 
 
 his retinue, 177. 
 Norwood, 285. 
 Nun, seduction of a, from the convent of 
 
 Watton, 520. 
 Nurseries, Tindall's, extent of, 296. 
 
 O 
 
 Oaks, groves of, holy, 10. 
 
 Ordinances for the government of the college, 
 148. 
 
 Organ screen in the Minster described, 326. 
 
 Origin of feasts of dedication, 34 — of parishes, 
 45 — of lay patronage, ib. — of collegiate es- 
 tablishments, 51 — of burying in churches, 
 52 — of fairs, villages, market towns, cities, 
 &c. 62 — of bells, 63 — of parliaments, 69 — 
 of tolls, 80 — of the custom of decking chur- 
 ches with evergreens, 470 — of merchant 
 guilds, 466. 
 
 Original population of Britain, 9. 
 
 Oswald restores the true religion, 43. 
 
 Oxford, meeting at, between Charles I. and 
 the commissioners of the parliament, 225. 
 
 Painted windows introduced into the Minster, 
 129. 
 
 Paradise, where situate, 276. 
 
 Pannage, burgesses exempt from, 108. 
 
 Pardon to grithmen, 133. 
 
 Parishes, when first instituted, 45. 
 
 Parish registers, taken out of the custody of 
 the clergy, 228. 
 
 Park and free warren in Beverley granted to 
 the Archbishop of York, 86. 
 
 Parliament, origin of, 69 — burgesses first 
 sent up to, 117 — violent measures of, against 
 Charles I. 201 — passes a vote of thanks to 
 Sir John Hotham, 205 — votes an indecent 
 answer to the king's message, and prepares 
 for war, ib. — deserted by many of its mem- 
 bers, 206 — seizes on the navy, and makes 
 a formal declaration of war, 207 — levies 
 troops, 21 2 — petitions the king, 214 — troops 
 of, take possession of Beverley, 220 — pre- 
 tend to peculiar strictness of discipline, 223 
 
 — army of, defeated by the Earl of New* 
 castle, 224 — persecutes Mr. Warton, 226. 
 
 Patent, for keeping the peace, 1 45 — of Rich. 
 III. 171. 
 
 Patrington, jurisdiction of the Archbishop in, 
 85. 
 
 Patronage, origin of lay, 45 — of the collegiate 
 church claimed by the Archbishop, 60. 
 
 Paulinus, attempts the conversion of the Dei- 
 rians,34 — addresses the people, 35 — retreats 
 into Kent, 39. 
 
 Paving the streets, 102. 
 
 Pavements, tesselated, at Burton, 5 — repairs 
 of, and patents for, 162. 
 
 Peace, chair of, 57 — proclaimed, 257. 
 
 Pelagian heresy, the, divides the church, and 
 paves the way for the abolition of Christi- 
 anity, 28. 
 
 Penda invades Deira, 39. 
 
 Perambulation, of the town, 265 — of the Min- 
 ster, 305 — of St. Mary's parish, account of, 
 362. 
 
 Percy, tomb of George, described, 322 — arms 
 on, 323 — Shrine, history, 334 — and descrip- 
 tion of, 335 — arms on, 336 — Chapel, monu- 
 ment, 342, and arms in, 343— family, history 
 of, 480 — pedigree of, 481. 
 
 Pesthouse erected, 193. 
 
 Pestilence, the, afflicts the town, 234. 
 
 Petition of John Brompton, 155 — of the mer- 
 chants of Beverley about passage through 
 the river Hull, 189 — of the parliament to 
 Charles 1. 214 — to parliament on the dispute 
 with Hull, 25 1 — for slave emancipation, 252, 
 259. 
 
 Petuaria, the ancient site of Beverley, 6 — 
 the residence of a British chief, 14 — a Roman 
 station, 18. 
 
 Pews in Minster built, 230 — in nave, 241 — in 
 nave removed, 262 — in the choir erected, 
 332. 
 
 Pheryllt, the, had a chair at Oxford, 9. 
 
 Philippa, queen, defeats the Scots, 135. 
 
 Pickhill noticed, 285. 
 
 Picts and Scots vanquished by the Saxons, 28. 
 
 Pie-powder, court of, noticed, 286. 
 
 Pilgrimage of grace, 1 84. 
 
 Pillory, 109. 
 
 Plague rages in Beverley, 193, ceases, 194. 
 
 Plants, catalogue of, 517. 
 
 Pontage levied, 148. 
 
 Pope Gregory determines to convert the De- 
 irians, 32. 
 
 Pope Nicholas IV. taxation of, 1 14. 
 
513 
 
 Population of Britain, original, 9 — armed, 92 
 —trained, 132. 
 
 Population of Beverley, 142— of St. Mary's, 363. 
 
 Post-Office, 293. 
 
 Prebendal houses alienated, 187. 
 
 Prince William of Gloucester breakfasts with 
 the corporation, 254. 
 
 Printing press, first at Beverley, 175. 
 
 Priors of Haltemprise, list of, 465. 
 
 Prises in the river Hull, 85. 
 
 Prisage claimed by the Archbishop, 112 — his 
 claims disputed, 143. 
 
 Prisoners of war deposited at Beverley, 220. 
 
 Procession of humility, 135 — at the proclama- 
 tion of peace, 257 — on the coronation of 
 Geo. IV, 260. 
 
 Proclamation of Charles I. 213 — of peace, 257. 
 
 Procurators, false, 121 — punished, 123. 
 
 Property, transfers of, 120 — in Beverley, 127. 
 
 Provisions, price of, 419. 
 
 Provost of Beverley, appointed, 68 — his im- 
 portance, 101 — accused of a perversion of 
 justice, 123 — his court, cause in, 122. 
 
 Provosts, list of, 385. 
 
 Puch, earl, endows the monastery of St. John 
 with the manor of Walkington, 49. 
 
 Pulpit, the, adorned by Archbishop Puttoc, 
 64 — in Minster nave built, 241 — in choir 
 described, 333. 
 
 Puttoc, Archbishop, enshrines the tomb of St. 
 John, 60 — rebuilds the choir, 63 — adorns 
 the pulpit, 64. 
 
 Q 
 
 Quakers' meeting-house, 284. 
 
 Quarter sessions, when held for the borough, 
 
 374. 
 Quo Warranto issued against the corporation, 
 
 by James II. 237. 
 
 R 
 
 Races, account of, 430. 
 
 Ranters' meeting-house, 298. 
 
 Rebellion of Robert Aske, 184. 
 
 Rectors, incorporated, 170 — their common 
 
 seal, ih. — of St. Nicholas, list of, 347 — of 
 
 Cottingham, 469— of Cherry-Barton, 498— 
 
 of Walkington, 505. 
 Recorder, his qualifications, 368 — and duties, 
 
 369. 
 Recorders, list of, 399. 
 Reformation, the, 185. 
 Register of the kings of England, painted on 
 
 the ceiling of St. Mary's chancel, Z5S. 
 
 Register-square, 294. 
 
 Rejoicings, on the proclamation of peace, 257 
 
 — on the coronation of George IV. 260. 
 Religious houses, donations to, 120 — advan- 
 tages resulting from, 1 62 — hospitality of, 165. 
 Rents, archiepiscopal at Beverley, 94. 
 Republicans, the, take possession of the town, 
 
 220. 
 Restoration of Charles II. 232. 
 Reynolds, Dr. memoir of, 451. 
 Riding-fields, 297. 
 Rights, of the Archbishop in Beverley, 109 — 
 
 of the borough, 375. 
 Right of election, in whom, 375. 
 Ripon, jurisdiction of the Archbishop in, 85. 
 RiSBy, account of, 505— manor house at, 506 
 
 —park, 507. 
 Rites, idolatrous at Beverlac, 41. 
 River Hull, prises in, 85. 
 Roman, road through Beverley, 5 — invasion, 
 
 16. 
 Romans settle in Deira, 1 7 — abandon Britain, 
 
 27. 
 Rood loft, images removed from the, 187. 
 Royalists in the corporation displaced, 228. 
 
 S. 
 
 Saint, Giles's hospital founded, 61 — assigned to 
 the convent of Wartre, 109 — surrendered, 
 1 86 — site of, 281 — John's property exempted 
 from the Conqueror's interdict, 67 — John 
 appears to Stephen in a vision, 90 — of Jeru- 
 salem, hospital of, founded, 98 — where 
 situate, 295 — Martin's church built, 48 — 
 Mary''s church endowed, 127 — falls, 178 — 
 vicarage established, 183 — property granted 
 to by queen Elizabeth, 191 — misapplication 
 of funds of, 195 — instances of peculation, 
 1 96 — value of, 348 — description of the fabric 
 of, 349 — dimensions of, ih. — interior of, 350 
 — ancient inscriptions in, 341 — font in, 352 
 — history of, 345 — galleries of, 352 — chapel 
 in south transept, 353 — chancel described, 
 354 — painted ceiling of, 355 — hatchments in, 
 357~crypt, 358— churchyard, 359 — Nicho- 
 las's church built, 49 — destroyed, 229 
 
 site of, 272 — history of, 346 — list of rectors, 
 347_hospital, site of, 276. 
 
 Sanctuary, privilege of, established, 57 — 
 claimed 145 — claimed by five murderers, 
 171 — by John Sprot, of Barton, 175 — bell, 
 315 — cross at Bishop- Burton, 493. 
 
 Saxons, engaged to quell the Picts and Scots, 
 28 — turn their arms against the Britons, 30 
 
6U 
 
 — and ravag'e the country, 31 — penetrate 
 into Deira, ib. — destroy the church at Be- 
 verlac, 32 — acquainted with temple archi- 
 tecture, 38. 
 
 Scarcity of corn, 253. 
 
 Scireburn, jurisdiction of the Archbishop in, 85. 
 
 Scholarships, founded in Saint John's college, 
 Cambridge, 179. 
 
 School, Graves's, account of, 301. 
 
 ScoRBRo'', etymology of, 12 — account of, 509 
 — house fortified, ib. — population of, 510. 
 
 Scotland, war with, 124. 
 
 Scots, and Picts vanquished, 28 — defeated, 
 130, by queen Phillippa, 135. 
 
 Scottish invasion, 134. 
 
 Screen, ancient, restored, 261 — described, 333. 
 
 Seals of the town, 1 3, 379. 
 
 Seduction of a nun from the convent of Watton, 
 520. 
 
 Sessions-hall, 289. 
 
 Severus, resides at York, 26. 
 
 Shambles described, 291. 
 
 Sheriff's tourn, held by the Archbishop, 156 — 
 court of, held by the corporation, 374. 
 
 Ship, furnished to the navy, 1 32 — money, im- 
 position of, 199. 
 
 Siege of Hull, 214. 
 
 Sigillura found at the Trinities, 296. 
 
 Sissison, Richard, memoir of, 454. 
 
 Social amusements of the town, 432. 
 
 Society for promoting Christian knowledge, 
 405. 
 
 Soldiers, from Beverley, commanded to muster 
 at Alverton, 118 — raised, 132. 
 
 Splendour of Earl Percy's establishment at 
 Leckonfield, 177. 
 
 Spurs, ancient, found at the Trinities, 296. 
 
 Stalls of Minster, completed, 179 — described, 
 328— arms on, 330. 
 
 Standard, the, of Saint John borne by Athel- 
 stan into Scotland, 59 — battle of, 87 — de- 
 scription of, 88 — borne once more before 
 the army, 118 — replaced, 119. 
 
 Stange, account of, 428. 
 
 Stanley-Place, where, 285. 
 
 Stephen, his charter, 86 — oppresses the clergy, 
 89 — attempts to fortify Beverley, ib. — is 
 alarmed by a vision, and countermands the 
 order, 90. 
 
 Storkhill, account of, 512 — population of, 513. 
 
 Streets paved, 1 02. 
 
 Stuteville, William de, excommunicated, 99 — 
 pedigree of, 459. 
 
 Style of living in the fifteenth century, 176. 
 
 Subscriptions for the relief of the poor, 254. 
 Suit between Beverley and Hull, 237. 
 Superstitious rites of druidism, 8. 
 Swinemoor, common of, 303. 
 
 T 
 
 Tabernacle work of the Minster stalls, com- 
 pleted, 1 79 — described, 332. 
 
 Taxation of Pope Nicholas IV. 1 14. 
 
 Taxes remitted by queen Elizabeth, 1 92. 
 
 Tenants, different orders of, at the Conquest,? 1 . 
 
 Tenure, system of, 70. 
 
 Tesselated pavements at Burton, 5. 
 
 Thearne, account of, 516. 
 
 Theatre, 280. 
 
 Thomas a Becket, provost of Beverley, 91. 
 
 Thomas, Archbishop of York, memoir of, 438. 
 
 Thraves of corn, given to the church, 5Q — 
 confirmed, 99. 
 
 Thurstan, appointed provost, 83 — confers 
 benefits on the town, 84 — consecrated Arch- 
 bishop of York, ib. — holds his court at 
 Beverley as lord of the town, ib. — gives the 
 town a charter, ib. — memoir of, 438. 
 
 Tickton, account of, 513. 
 
 Tindall's nurseries, 296. 
 
 Tithes of St. Mary's, 345. 
 
 Tolls, origin of, 80 — dispute respecting, be- 
 tween Beverley and North-Cave, 158 — 
 between Beverley and Hull, ib. — patent for, 
 160 — granted by land and water, 171 — peti- 
 tion respecting those demanded by Hull, 
 25 1 — amount of, 293 — exemption from, 376. 
 
 Topography, 265. 
 
 Tournament at York, 103 — at Beverley, 104 
 — forbid, ib. 
 
 Town, built to the church, 63 — divided into 
 tofts, 79 — Anglo-Saxon, described, 83 — or- 
 dered to be fortified by Stephen, 89 — burnt, 
 93 — magnitude of, 142 — threatened with 
 destruction by fire, 146 — general view of, 
 162 — plundered, 225 — description of, 266 — 
 
 extent of, 269 population of, 270 
 
 churches, 271. 
 
 Town Clerk, his appointment and duties, 372. 
 
 Town Clerks, list of, 399. 
 
 Tract Society, account of, 408. 
 
 Trade, state of, 416. 
 
 Trades, enumeration of, 420. 
 
 Translation, ceremony of, 61. 
 
 Trinities described, 295. 
 
 Tumbrellum, what, 110. 
 
 Tumuli at Burton, 7. 
 
 Turbary, dispute respecting, 113. 
 
6^ 
 
 V u 
 
 Vestry, in the Minster, arms in, 341. 
 Vicarage of St. Mary's, established, 183. 
 Vicars ol St. Mary's, catalogue of, 364. 
 Vices, alleged, of the religious orders, 185. 
 Victory over the Scots, 130, 135. 
 Visitation of the monasteries instituted, 181. 
 View of Frank Pledge. 374. 
 Volunteers embodied, 253. 
 Utinges given to the burgesses, 108. 
 Utfangthef, 109. 
 
 W 
 
 Waif and broken wreck belong to the Arch- 
 bishop, 86. 
 
 Waits, account of, 426. 
 
 Wake de, pedigree of, 462. 
 
 Walcher, bishop of Durham, memoir of, 76. 
 
 Walkington, given to St. John, 49 — account 
 of, 501 — proprietors of, 502 — church, 503 
 — rectory, 504 — rectors, table of, 505. 
 
 Walls, argument to determine whether the 
 town was surrounded by, 162. 
 
 War between England and Scotland, 116 — 
 renewed, 124. 
 
 Wards, town divided into, 195. 
 
 Warton, M. Esq. elected M. P. 200— perse- 
 cuted by the parliamentary party, 226 — Sir 
 Michael bequeaths £4000. to the Minster, 
 240 — pedigree of the family of, 5 1 5. 
 
 Watch and ward appointed, 201. 
 
 Watton, Abbey re-edified, 89 — materials of, 
 taken to repair the Minster, 194 — miracle 
 performed at, 520 — Domesday survey of, 
 521 — seduction of a nun from the convent 
 of, ib. — endowed, 525 — endowments at large, 
 526 — fifty-three nuns consecrated at, 527 — 
 dissolution of, 528 — present appearance of, 
 ib. — abbot's kitchen, 529 — interior, 530 — 
 vaults of, ib. — nunnery, ib. — attacked by 
 Cromwell, 531 — legend at, ib. — jar found at, 
 532 — modern state of, ib. — village of, ib. — 
 church of, ib. — Sunday school at, 533. 
 
 Wednesday-Market Cross, 298. 
 
 Wesleyan Methodist chapel, 302. 
 
 West front of Minster built, 145. 
 
 Westwood conveyed to the burgesses, 144 — 
 timber sold from, 191 — common of, 303. 
 
 Whitaker, Lawrence, memoir of, 449. 
 
 White battle, 126. 
 
 Wilfrid, successful in restoring Christianity, 43 
 — his diocese divided, 44 — appeals to the 
 Pope, 45 — returns from Rome with creden- 
 tials, 46 — is reconciled, and accepts the see 
 of Hexham, 47. 
 
 William I. endeavours to reduce the influence 
 of the clergy, 66 — devotes the county of 
 York to destruction, 67 — is astonished at 
 some remarkable judgments inflicted on his 
 troops at Beverley, ib. — and exempts the 
 patrimony of St. J ohn from the interdict, ib. 
 
 Wills, office for registering, 295. 
 
 Wilson William, memoir of, 451. 
 
 Wilton, jurisdiction of the Archbishop in, 85. 
 
 Windows, painted, introduced into the Min- 
 ster, 129. 
 
 Wood, of Deira, 79 — of Cottingham, ib, — 
 lane, 284. 
 
 Woodhall at Molescroft, 511. 
 
 fVoodmansey, account of, 514. 
 
 Workhouses, 298 — regulations of, 300. 
 
 Writs issued for training soldiers, 129 — re- 
 pealed on payment of a fine, 131. 
 
 Yeomen, the four, ordinance respecting, 175. 
 
 York, the residence of Severus, 26 — a bishop 
 placed at, by Lucius, 25 — bishop of, attends 
 the council of Aries, 27 — Edwin baptized at, 
 36 — Archbishops of, reside at Beverley, 60 
 — claim the patronage of the collegiate 
 church, ib. and were lords of the town, 66 — 
 citizens of, refuse Archbishop Murdac, 88 
 — grand convention at, 91 — tournament at, 
 103 — rights of the Archbishops of, in Bever- 
 ley, 109 — the Archbishop of, is assaulted at 
 Hull, 1 44 — seizes the revenues of the Min- 
 ster, 147 — ordinance of, 169 court of 
 
 Charles I. at, 202. 
 
 M. TURNER; PRINTER, BEVERLEY. 
 
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