P^ipBICAL NOTICES
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ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, HOLBE.ACH.

Historical Notices

The parish of HOLBEACH,

COUNTY OF LINCOLN,

JHemarinb af iH d^lergn,

From A.D. 1225 TO THE PRESENT TIME.

GRANT W. MACDONALD, M.A.,
Vtcar of S. MARK'S, HOLBEACH.

IPKIITTEID FOR STTBSOiai-BBRS.l
lttng'8 ILgnn:
CHAS. H. FOSTER, ST. MARGARET'S WORKS.
1890.

TO

Cb §li0^t g^ijtr^itir ^irtoartr,

(By Divine Permission,)

LORD BISHOP OF LINCOLN,

THIS MEMORIAL OF

A PARISH WITH WHICH THE BiSHOPS OF LINCOLN

WERE FORMERLY CLOSELY CONNECTED,

IS (by permission) most RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,

By His Faithful Servant,

GRANT W. MACDONALD.

Pre FA c E.
For the information of the present and succeeding generations, it
is always well to chronicle what we can of the lives and labours of those
who have lived before us. Dr. Wm. Stukeley, the Antiquary, who was
bom at Holbeach, observes that " the past ages bore men of as good parts
as we ; enquiry into their thoughts and actions is learning." Facts now
known to us are soon forgotten, and if not recorded are afterwards not easy
to be arrived at. The Author in- the year 1879 began to collect information,
chiefly about the past Clergy of Holbeach, with the view of writing memorials
of them, thinking that the present Inhabitants would be glad to have a list
of their past Vicars reaching as far back as possible, so that they might
know the names of those good men who were the defenders of the most
Holy Faith in their day, and wlio did good in their generation — who have
now finished their course — who "laboured" and perhaps "suffered" too,
ere we " entered on their labours.'' He desired to know more about them,
and the Archbishop of Canterbury suggested a few years ago that such a
list of past Incumbents would be useful, and should be set up in all
Churches. In the following pages he has had the same end in view to
teach the continuity of the Church as illustrated here — its History in a
Lincolnshire Parish, where he gives an unbroken chain of Rectors and Vicars
from 1225 to the present time! Such only was his original design; but
from the records at the Public Record Office, and manuscript documents at
Lincoln Cathedral, so much information came to hand that he was persuaded
to recast his work, at much labour to himself, for it was not easy to
rearrange and methodize what he had already written in another form.
Perhaps his readers will kindly remember this as they peruse the following
pages, and also the disadvantage under which he labours of living in a
remote country Parish, far from books and documents! He has endeavoured

to be careful and accurate in all his statements and quotations. His
thanks are due to Canon Hemmans, the Vicar of Holbeach, for much help
in the ready access to the Parish Registers of Holbeach, and for the
Mural and Monumental Inscriptions in Holbeach Church, which he arranged
and supplied himself; to Mr. A. Gibbons of Lincoln, for searches in the
Episcopal Archives, which he was always very prompt and obliging in
making ; also to Mr. Vincent for work very neatly and well copied at the
Record Office and the British Museum ; and especially to his brother,
James O. Macdonald, Esq., who living in London, has helped him much
by referring to and copying documents ; and he wishes he could also mention
the names of the many Clergymen who readily supplied the information
from their Parish Registers, some of them are mentioned in this work,
but he here also gives the following names : — The Rev. T. Marsh, Cawston
Rectory, Norwich; The Rev. G. Russell Wilford, Welney Rectory, Wisbech;
The Rev. G. Merriman, Martham Vicarage, Great Yarmouth ; The Rev. C.
Wardale, Bowes Vicarage, Darlington ; The Rev. Henry Russell, Layham
Rectory, Hadleigh ; The Rev. J. H. Thompson, Datchett Vicarage, Windsor,
etc., etc. ; and the Rev. Henry Cobbe, Maulden Rectory, Ampthill, who
introduced the Author to the late Col. J. L. Chester. He has also to
thank Mr. J. Matthewman, Stanley Hall, Wakefield, and Mr. J. P. Sturton,
and Mr. J. W. Willders, Selicitors, Holbeach, for assistance readily given,
and Mr. Justin Simpson of Stamford, for copies of Wills, etc. May others
be stimulated to exert themselves by this his humble contribution towards
that great want — a good History of our County.
G. W. M.
I4M April, 1890.

PARISH OF
HOLBEACH.
ITS EARLY HISTORY.

DIVISION L

The Roman Period, b.c. 55 to a.d. 449.
'T'HE Name of the Parish " Holbeach " has evidently been
corrupted to its present form, for in old documents it is
usually -written Holbeche, or Holbech. We have collected the
following various forms of spelling the name : —

Domesday Book
Placita, Hundred Rolls, Testa
de Neville, Inquisitiones, etc.
Bishop's Registry Early In
stitutions, etc.
Early Subsidy Rolls -
Star Chamber Proceedings,
tern Hen. VIII., and a
Lay Subsidy

Holebech, Holeben, and
Holobech.
Holebeche, Hollebech,
Holebech, Holbeche,
and Holbech.
Holbech, Holbeche and
Holebeche.
Holbeche and Holebeche.

Holbysche and Holbyche.

Valor Eccles., and Proceedings \
De quo Warranto, once in \ Holbek and Holbecke.
each j
Lay Subsidy, A.D. 1661 Holbeatche.
Court Manor Rolls, usually Holbech.

Transcripts at Lincoln of

Holbech Registers

Holbych and Holbiche in
1621 and 1622; Holbeache
in 1623 and 1632; Hol
beach in 1634; but
Holbetch in 1639, and
Holbeach in 1641.
So -we see it became gradually corrupted to the way in which it is
now written. The Etymology of the word we confess we have
found it hard to arrive at. Leland the Antiquary, in the time of
Henry VHL, writes it " Oldbeache, commonly called Oldbek."
Gowen Smith, in his Domesday Book, derives it "Hol-beche" "a
river land (Marsh or Fen) boundary." We have heard the
suggestion " Holland " the Lowlands, so " Hole-bech " the Low-
beach. Stukeley says " Holbech (the Salt Beech)," and there
are remains of salt hills in this parish, near what was then the
sea shore. Mr. S. Miller, in the July number of Fenland Notes and
Queries, asks " If the place was once called ' Oldbeche,' as it stood
on a small stream, which was thus distinguished from Newgate
running by Weston.? — See Dugdale, p. 232" — but the question is
not answered in the October number, 1889.
Barnoldby le Beck, Hanbeck, Holbech, sometimes found
Holbecke, Hogsbeck, Pinchbeck, Skirbeck and Swallow Beck, are
all names of places in Lincolnshire. Bosworth says "bee" means
a small rapid stream, a brook or rivulet ; and Verstegan
(p. 113) says "beke" means a small running stream. {Thompson's
Boston ed. . 1856, p. 460. j The termination "Beck" is thought to
be Danish, and it is a regular name for Cumberland streams.
Holbeck is a name in the parish of Leeds from the stream that
bounds it.

3
How was this Neighbourhood first Peopled ?
Who were the people who inhabited this district previously
to the Roman period, is a question that will probably never be
answered. It could hardly have been well populated before the
first embanking of the country, and this was done by the Romans.
The ancient inhabitants of Lincolnshire are said to have been the
Coritani or the Coriceni, whose country reached over Leicestershire,
Rutland, Nottingham, and Derby. Mr. Whitaker's History of
Manchester says it was first inhabited 300 years before the birth of
Christ, when a large colony of the Belgae emigrated from Gaul
and took possession of the present counties of Hunts , Wilts., and
Somerset, driving the inhabitants further north. Thus, probably,
was Lincolnshire first peopled. \_P. Thompson's History of Boston.^
We cannot expect to find any remains of such a simple
people. When the Romans commenced their occupation they
greatly improved the face of the country, and under their rule
Britain became as civilized and cultivated as other parts of the
great Roman Empire — good roads opened the country for trafiic,
cities and garrison towns were built, remains of which are still to
be found. The Britons, previously only an agricultural and very
primitive race who had been clothed in skins and painted like the
North American Indians, learned much from their conquerors,
¦whose skilled generals constructed canals and embankments,
draining the country, and recovering rich land from the encroach
ments of the sea, suitable for agriculture.
The Car Dyke, extending from the river Welland to the
river Witham, near Lincoln, an extent of about 40 miles, is a large
canal or drain attributed to the Romans, receiving all the draining
and flowing waters from the hills which take an easterly course
and would help to inundate the Fens ; and the Lincolnshire level
being thus secured from the upland waters, their next care was to
make it safe from the influx of the ocean by a great bank along the
sea coast.

Dr. Stukeley says " This was done, as to the Wapentake of
EUoa, or Ello by what we call " The old Sea Dyke," which by the
people at this day, is said to be made by Julius Cassar and his
soldiers, as if they had knowledge of its being a Roman work. At
the mouths of all rivers no doubt they made gouts and sluices, as at
present. We may well suppose it was performed by Lollius
Urbicus : scarcely fully accomplished before, possibly in Severus'
time, which seems obscurely hinted at by Herodian III. — ' But
he had it in his particular care to make passes over the fens, that
the soldiers might stand firm, and fight upon hard ground ; for many
places in Britain are marshy, through the frequent overflowing of
the ocean, over which the inhabitants will swim and walk through
up to the middle in water' — to which description no place so well
corresponds." \Stukeley's Itin. Cur., Vol. I , pp. iz, 13, quoted by
Thompsori s History of Boston, ed. 1856.]
The Romans would employ the Britons on these works, and
Thompson's History of Boston says this may be proved by many
authorities, particularly by Tacitus, who Says " the Britons com
plained that the Romans wore out and consumed their bodies and
hands in clearing the woods and embanking the fens."
So we may think, on the authority of Stukeley, that " the
Roman Bank,'' as it is still called, was thrown up by that civilized
people about the year 211, when Severus died; but we have also
the view from Bedeslade in his account of this district, that these
banks were executed under the direction of the Romans by a
colony of foreigners brought over from Belgium, a country of a
similar description, the natives of which would be eminently fitted
for such employment. {_Bedesdale, p. 15, quoted by Thompson's
History, p. lo.j
" It clearly appears that neither Wisbeach, Spalding, or
Boston, nor any of the towns of Marshland, could have been built,
or been extant, before the first embanking of the Romans ; and as
Dugdale asserts that most, if not all of these towns existed and

were inhabited during the Heptarchy by the Saxons, it clearly
favours that these countries must have been embanked before the
latter time, and that the great work was accomplished by the
Romans." \_Elstobb's History of the Bedford Level, p. 105.]
The Roman Banks to secure the coast were neglected after
the departure of the Romans, and the country fell back to its
former marshy and fenny state ; but it should be stated that Roman
coins and other vestiges of their occupation of this neighbourhood
have been found at Holbeach. In 1828 a curious Roman pitcher
was dug up at Holbeach Hum, on the spot formerly occupied by a
cross which was standing a hundred years ago. That pitcher was
in the possession of the late Mr. Grasley, of Holbeach Hum, and
on his death it was sent by his executors to the Boston Literary
Institution. Stukeley says " That the Romans thoroughly inhabited
this fertile plain there are many instances to show," and amongst
others he mentions the following : —
" Aswic Grange, in Whaplode Drove Parish, is a high piece
of ground, square and moated about, in this, or near it, Roman
coins have been dug up, and urns, which I have seen."
"In the Parish of Fleet, near Ravensclow, about 1698
(later about 1701-2), upon a high ground where buildings have
been, Mr. Edward Lenton dug up a large urn, with letters round
it, full of Roman coins, about the quantity of three pecks, covered
with an oak board — the urn he broke in pieces — they were of brass,
piled edgeways, mostly about the time of Gallienus and the thirty
tyrants, as called Tetricus, Claudius, Gothicus, Victorinus, Caransius,
Alectus, etc."
Gallienus, the son of Valerian, succeeded his father, and
was chosen Emperor of Rome A.D. 259. Seeking rather the
splendours than the toils of Empire, no less than thirty Pretenders
were seen contending with each other for the dominion of the
State, and adding the calarnities of civil war to the rest of the
misfortunes of the devoted Empire ; and these are usually
mentioned in history as " the thirty tyrants." In a letter to one of

his officers the cruelty of his disposition may be inferred, for he told
him to "tear, kill, and cut in pieces without mercy" all who had
borne arms against him. He was at length obliged to take the
field, and led an army to besiege the city of Milan, in Italy, which
had been taken by one of the thirty tyrants, and in that expedition
he was slain by one of his soldiers.

Christianity amongst the ancient Britons.
The question when was Our Most Holy Faith first proached
to the people of this part of Lincolnshire, is as hard to answer as
the first peopling of the country. Some think S. Paul visited
Britain — certainly after his first imprisonment he travelled to preach
to the heathen — Clemens Romanus says he went " to the utmost
bounds of the West." The Epistle to the Romans tells of his
intention to visit Spain — he may have crossed to Britain as
tradition says he did — Theodoret says he carried salvation " to the
Isles ofthe Ocean." At any rate, we know the Romans conquered
Britain, and at that period numbers of the heathen were becoming
christians, and some of these, as Roman soldiers, may have come
to our Island, and as christians they would be anxious to spread
the knowledge of Christianity. On the persecution about Stephen
the early christians "¦went everywhere preaching the ivord ;" so the
soldiers in the armies of Rome who were christians may have done
something, under God, for the diffusion of Christianity. Britain
became a Roman province, with constant communication betvi-een
its chief towns and the great city of the Empire, and at that very
time converts to Christianity were there being made, and the
followers of our Lord were becoming known as " Christians," for
no little stir was going on at Rome, and the rulers were much
perplexed how to deal with the new religion of Jesus Christ.
S. Paul was sent as a prisoner to Rome in the year A.D. 6i, and
was there chained to a soldier that kept him, when the Island of
Britain was being conquered by the Roman soldiers. Caradoc, or
Caratacus as the Romans called him, the brave British king, was

one amongst the prisoners from our Island sent to Rome — and the
Emperor spared his life because of his dignified conduct, and sent
him back to Britain to rule his tribe as a subject prince — and
hostages for his conduct were kept at Csesar's court, and from that
court we know S. Paul made converts The legends, then, may
not be imaginary which tell us that these hostages were Bran, Llin
and Claudia, the father, the son, and the daughter of Caratacus.
At any rate there seems to have been communication between
Britain and Rome, and S. Paul would be likely to know of the
addition of our Island to the territories of the Empire. [See Lane's
Notes on English Church History.^

Only 100 years after the apostles were dead there is reason
to think there were churches in Britain. In A.D. 193 Tertullian
speaks of those parts of Britain '¦'¦ not yet conquered by the Romans
being subject to Christ" referring to the unconquered Picts in the
Highlands of Scotland. British bishops were present at church
councils — at Aries, A.D. 314; at Nice, A.D. 325; at Sardica,
A.D. 347 ; and at Ariminium, A.D. 359. There are remains of
British churches at Perran Zabuloe, in Cornwall, the church
excavated from the sands near the sea shore in 1835, which is
believed to have been built before A.D. 450, and the Basilica church
at Brixworth ; and those two churches of S. Martin at Canterbury,
and S. Mary in Dover Castle, still used for public worship, instances
which show that the Gospel has been preached and the sacrament
duly administered with little interruption for more than 1,400 years.
In 298 the Emperor Diocletian ordered a general persecution of
christians, and then S. Alban, a Roman soldier, was beheaded
outside Verulam, the present name of which is S. Albans (now a
cathedral city), an old Abbey being founded there to the memory
of that proto-martyr of the British church. With some success,
then, the British church had been planted, some being found ready
to die for the Faith, but its progress was slow and arduous here as
among other Celtic nations. Gildas tells us of its " cold reception."
while others received it " more or less perfectly ;" and he says this
continued till the Diocletian persecution.

8
Constantine the Great was born at the city of York,
A.D. 274, and was the son of Helena, a christian lady who had
married Constantius, governor of the Gallician provinces. He
became the first christian Emperor, and showing good will to
Christianity, in A.D. 313 he published the favourable edicts, which
caused much rejoicing, as Eusebius tells us, and churches sprang
up then in Britain, as elsewhere. But Britain as a dependency of
the Empire had not been of much profit to Rome, and they
evacuated it in A.D. 410, and though they twice sent help to the
Britons against the Picts and Scots, they finally departed about the
year A.D. 449.

DIVISION II.

The Anglo Saxon Period.
'pHE arrival of the Angles, the Jutes, and the Saxons, drove the
Britons into Cumberland, Wales and Scotland, and the light
of the Gospel was well nigh extinguished in the land. The first to
arrive were the Jutes, about the year 449, whose good report of the
fertility of our soil in Kent, where they settled and formed the
kingdom of Kent, brought, about the year A.D. 477, the Saxons,
who established themselves in Sussex, known as " The kingdom
of the South Saxons" — then other bands formed "The kingdom
of Wessex" in Hampshire, followed by others to Essex, which
became " The kingdom of the East Saxons " — but in Cornwall,
Devon, and Somerset, their advance was checked for many years.
The Angles made no occupation of the North till A.D. 547 ; their
"Kingdom of Northumbria" was the country north of the
Humber. Norfolk and Suff'olk were known as " The kingdom of

East Anglia," which was occupied about A.D. 585. The Middle
Angles occupied the territory from the Wash and the Humber to
the Thames, and formed '• The kingdom of Mercia," thus com
pleting the Saxon Heptarchy, or the seven kingdoms of Kent,
Sussex, Wessex, Essex, Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia.
Christianity amongst the Anglo Saxons.
A.D. 597—870.
Lincolnshire, therefore, stood in the kingdom of Mercia,
which was established by Crida in A.D. 586. Penda, the grandson
of Crida, ascended the throne of Mercia A.D. 626, and he was
the last of the kings who fought for the supremacy of paganism
against the christian faith. Gregory, Bishop of Rome, sent
missionaries to convert the heathen Saxons in A.D. 597. They
landed in Kent ; soon Ethelbert, the Saxon king of Kent, was
converted. A church was built at Canterbury, from which centre
Christianity spread over the English kingdoms south of the river
Thames. The country north of that river owed its Christianity to
several independent missions. In the Bampton Lectures at Oxford
we read " This fact (that there were numerous Bishops and Clergy
in Cornwall and Wales) has been long industriously kept out of
view, but the truth is that the whole of England (north of the
Thames) owes its Christianity to tha missionaries, not of Rome,
but of the ancient British (or Irish) Church." \_Canon Curteis'
Bampton Lecture, 1871.J
Origin or the Church of England.
People talk as if, up to a certain date, there was a religious
body, calling itself "The Church of Rome," which evangelized this
country, and when Wycliffe, Luther, and others arose, this church
was overthrown, and something fresh, called " The Church of
England," was established in its place, and that to this new body
was given the revenues once given to the Church of Rome. But
such a view is scarcely consistent with facts. The truths of the

Gospel were proclaimed in different parts of the land by indepen
dent missions, and these agreed at length to unite as one body,
under the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury, at the
council of Whitby, A.D. 664, which church was known afterwards
as "The Church of England." She helped to form the English
Commonwealth, for before there was a country that cotild be called
England there was an English church. Great were the encroach
ments of Rome in after years, threatening the independence of the
nation's Church, but there were prelates and bishops firm in
upholding the rights of the English Church. King John, in
A.D. 12 15, signed Magna Charta, the first clause of which
provides : " Let the Church of England be free, and have all
her rights and liberties unimpaired." We would not disparage
the work of the Canterbury mission, but only state the fact
that the conversion of England was not the exclusive work
of the Church of Rome. For 150 years the British Church,
driven into Wales and Cornwall, had maintained its continuous
life, and though they were unable to attempt the conversion
of the Anglo Saxons, they sent missionaries to Ireland and
Scotland, and the labours of these missionaries contributed at
length to the evangelization of England. S. Columba, the pupil
of S. Finian, was led to leave Ireland, and founded the far-famed
monastery of Hii, in the Island of lona, to -which we are indebted
for S. Aidan, who founded the church and monastery of
Landisfarne, now " Holy Island," situated on the north-east coast,
a few miles south of the Tweed. He vvas consecrated by Celtic
Bishops to the Episcopal dignity, and came to Northumbria as a
christian teacher A.D. 635, not in obedience to an order from
Rome, but at the request of Oswald, the Northumbrian king. His
was a separate mission, and similarly lona, Melrose, Landisfarne,
Whitby and Ripon, were agencies for good which carne through
S. Columba from the old British Church in Wales, and Penda, the
Mercian king, found himself surrounded with christian kingdoms,
and with heathen rage he made war for the supremacy of Mercia
over the christian kings, and was at first successful, but on the isth
of November, A.D. 655, his confident hosts were routed, and
himself slain, at the battle of Winwood, by Oswy, Oswald's

successor on the throne of Northumbria. He was much interested
in Christianity, and the way was thus opened by God, on the death
of Penda, for the evangelization of Mercia, and Diuma was
consecrated Bishop of Mercia in A.D, 656, to celebrate which event
Osway and Penda, the son of Penda, founded the monastery of
Peterborough. So the christian inhabitants of the great tract of
country from the Humber to the Thames looked to the missionary
Bishop of the Mercians, and his See was fixed within the time of
S. Chad, about A.D. 669, at Litchfield. In A.D. 679, Mercia was,
by the Archbishop Theodore and King Ethelred, divided into five
Dioceses. Two of which were Landisfari, and that of the Middle
Angles at Leicester. The Diocese of Landisfari extended over
North Lincolnshire, and its See at Siddena cestra — the modern
name of which is uncertain — probably Kirton or Stow in Lindsay.
The See ofthe Middle Angles was at Leicester A.D. 680, bnt from
that time till A.D. 737, it was occasionally held by the Bishops of
Litchfield. From AD. 737, the independent line of Leicester
Bishops begin and continue till A.D. 870, when, under pressure of
the Danish invasion, the Bishops removed to Dorchester, and the
cure also of the Diocese of Lindsey. The See of Dorchester was
removed by Bishop Remigius to Lincoln A.D. 1072. [Lincoln
Diocesan Calendar, p. iii.'\

The Danish Invasion.
A.D. 870.
We have traversed this ground to give a clear view as to the
manner in which the most Holy Faith was introduced into this
part of the country. The Benedictine Monastery of Croyland is
said to have been founded in the year A.D. 716, on the death of
S. Guthlac, the anchorite, by Ethelbald, king of Mercia, who
granted a charter in memory of a promise made to the Saint, and
Kenulph, a monk or abbot of Evesham was the first abbot. Owing
to the destruction of the records in monastic institutions, it is not

possible to follow the history very closely, but a brave and skilful
leader, Algar by name, headed an army of Lincolnshire people
when the Danes, commanded by Inguar and Hubba overran
Lincolnshire in the autumn of A.D. 869. His army was augmented
by 200 men at arms from Croyland. After destroying Bardney
Abbey, the Danes marched south, devasting the country with fire
and sword, till they were confronted by Algar, who had collected
against them the youth of Holland from Deeping, Langtoft, and
Baston. The battle was on S. Maurice's day, and the brave Earl
slew three kings and many soldiers, and pursued the Danes to their
camp. But night separated the combatants, and on the morrow
the tide of battle turned and Algar experienced defeat, and
mention is made of " a few youths of Sutton and Croyland " who
" escaped and communicated the fatal catastrophe to the monastery
of Croyland," where the Danes soon arrived, and slew, on the altar
steps, the Abbot Theodore, dressed in the full robes of his office
and surrounded by some aged monks. The younger and stronger
men had been despatched into the depths of the Fens with the
jewels and charters of their Abbey. The Abbot was slain by
Osketul, the leader of the Danes. Besides Croyland Abbey,
Thorney, Ramsey, and Peterborough Abbeys, and the monastery
at Boston, all shared a like fate. By the valour of Alfred the
Great, who ascended the throne of the kingdom of Wessex
AD. 871, the incursions of the Danes vyas resisted, and after some
decisive battles about the year A.D. 878, peace was made with the
invaders, one condition being that the Danes should respect the
property of the Church, and restore the lands taken from it. They
were allowed to occupy the districts of Northumbria, Mercia, and
East Anglia^and that they had many settlements in Lincolnshire
we may see at the present time, for of 292 towns mentioned in
the Domesday Survey, 212 have the termination " by," meaning
" bury," or town, and the provincial dialect of this county is full of
Danish elements. Croyland Abbey was probably " the chief point
from whence Christianity and civilization were diffused through the
Danish population in England." — See Thompson's History of Boston,^
quoting Worsaae's Danes in England.

'3

DIVISION III,

A.D. 10^6.
The Period from the Norman Conquest to the
Reformation.
'T'HE Fens and marshes of Lincolnshire afforded a refuge to
the discomfited Saxons at the Norman Conquest, and the
Isle of Ely was one of their " Camps of Refuge." All the principal
members of the Saxon nobility, such as Edgar, Earl of Mercia,
Morcar, Earl of Northumberland, and Hereward, son of Leofric,
Lord of Bourn, retired here for security, and Hereward, by his
heroic character and exploits, harassed the Normans and baffled all
their eflJ'orts. His death took place in A.D. 1072, when he was
traitorously attacked by armed Normans in defiance of the king's
oath to him.
"The Country of Holland, being, at the Conquest, very
strong, by abundance of water, the Hollands, the Welles, and the
Lords of Kyme being confederate together, (as by old men from
man to man, I have been credibly reported), kept out the
Conqueror by force, till at length he had it by composition and
agreement that they should keep their lands still ; and so the grant
to the Hollande's at that time from the Conqueror passed in this
sorte, ' Notiscat omnibus Anglis, Francis et Alienigenis, nos
Willum : Regem redidisse Radulpho Milite de Holland totum
dominium suum de Esteveninge, tam libere, honorifice, quiete et
in pace, sicut aliqui alio de Baronibus nostris de nobis tenent,
teste, etc' " [Blomefield's Norfolk, (qouting the words of George
Holland, one ofthe family in 1563.) Vol. I p. 232. j
The Charters of Croyland Abbey, inserted in the Chroni
cles of Ingulph, are considered to be spurious by Henry Wharton,
Hicks, and other authorities, and Sir Francis Palgrave says " they
are forgeries of a more recent date." He has strong doubts

whether the Chronicle itself, including the Charters, is of much
older date than the thirteenth or first half of the fourteenth
century; R. Gough largely uses them, and in the Bibliotheca
Topographica Britannica No. J?/ containing the History of Croyland
Abbey there is the following about the Charter of Witlaf, King
of the Mercians, confirming a previous Charter of Egbert of the
West Saxons. A.D. 833. This Charter confirms the possession
of all lands and tenements " donum domini Algari Comitis,
in Holbecke and in Cappelade, viz., Quatuor carucatas et sex
bovatas et octo decin acras prati et mariscum." It is witnessed
by 2 Archbishops and 7 Bishops, 3 Abbots, Egbert himself, his son
Adelwlphus and 3 Dukes, etc. Witlafius signs last and winds up
"Verum tamen spiritus mens permanebit vobiscum in aeternum."
Bertulphus, his brother, in a charter A.D. 851 says " Confirmo
etiam Deo, Sancto Guthlaco sacroque rnonastris vestio de Croyland
ex dono Algari Comitis, patris junioris Algari qui nunc est,
ecclesiam de Cappelade (Whaplode) cum capella Sancti Johannis
Baptistse in eadem ville et in campis tam de Holbech quam
de Cappelade quatuor carucatas terrae arabilis et sex bovatas et
octo-decin acras prati et maris cum duo mille acrarum et
maris cum tres mille acrarum." [Given at Kingsbury, A.D. 851. J

Eldred in A.D. 948 granted confirmation of some land to
the Abbey of Croyland, then under Abbot Thurkytel, who ob
tained again in A.D. 966 a further confirmation from Edgar, and
again from Canute in A.D. 1032. In a Charter of Edward about
A.D. 1048 he confirms to Croyland Abbey, Alderlound and Goggis-
lound, and all donations of previous Kings. Algar, Earl of Leices
ter, in A.D. 1052 confirms the grants of his ancestors. Remem
bering what has been said that this account of Ingulph's is not
wholly to be relied on ; let us now turn to Domesday Book, the
great survey of England after the Norman Conquest in A.D. 1066,
and which, as far as it relates to Lincolnshire was taken about the
year A.D. 1085, and from this we shall find that there is clear
evidence that lands in Holbeach and Whaplode belonged to S.
Guthlac's Abbey at Croyland. We extract from it the following

IS
translation of the several mentions of Holbech in it, the spelling
of the names of places being carefully taken and exactly given
from a Photozincographed Copy of the original.
"Land of the King.
Aswardhurn Wapentake."
"In Holebech. —Soke of this Manor. There were eight
carucates and six bovates of land rateable to gelt. The King has
there Twenty Six Sokemen and five bordars with eleven carucates
and four score acres of meadow. This Soke is valned at ^17
beyond the above mentioned figures."
"In the same Holebech and Copelade there are five carucates
of land rateable to gelt which Earl Algar held ; this land is now in
the hands ofthe King."
Soke was the district where the right of Sac was exercised
which was a privilege of administering justice within a certain pre
cinct, such as a Manor, where the lord would have the right to
determine causes, levy fines, and hear disputes, etc. Sokemen per
formed for him who had the privilege of Sac, certain services —
they were either his tenants, or if not free sokemen, they paid him
service in the drudgery of manual labour or other inferior services
in husbandry. Gelt or Geld is a Saxon word signifying a tribute or
tax. A land tax (Dane gelt) was first imposed in the reign of
Ethelred about A.D. 991 bythe Danes — about 2s. was paid on every
Hide or Carucate, but land in demense was often exempt, hence
the term "rateable to gelt." [Gowen Smith, p. 265. J Carucate
was the new standard for the measurement of land which the
Conqueror introduced — the Hide being the term in Edward the
Confessor's reign. It is a term used for ploughed land and is said
by Dr. Thornton to contain 100 acres. The Hide was six score
acres. The Lincolnshire Bovate was 15 acres. Bordars derived
from Saxon word " bord " a cottage — Bishop Kennett says "men
of a less servile condition who had a cottage with land allowed
them for services to be rendered to their lord, such as supplying
him with eggs, poultry, etc., for his board and entertainment.

i6
" Land of S. Guthlac's Abbey, Cruiland."
Manor. — In Holeben and Copelade S. Guthlac had and has
one carucate of land rateable to gelt — the land is six bovates.
there is now in demense one carucate, and three villeins with half
a carucate and twelve acres of meadow. The annual value in King
Edward's time was 20s., it is the same now."
Villeins or Villains were chiefly so called because they lived
in villages and were employed in rustic works, they chiefly be
longed to the lord of the manor. [Gowen Smith, p. 268. J
S. Guthlac's Abbey also had land in Spalding, Langtoft,
Boston, Dogdyke, Drayton, Algarkirk, Burtoft, and in Bucknall.
" Elleho Wapentake."
"Berewick. — In Holobech and Copolade, Earl Algar had
one carucate of land rateable to gelt, the land is six bovates and
the Berewick is in Flet (Fleet). Earl Allan now has it, but the
servants of the King claim it for the use of the King. There are
there three villeins with three oxen in a plough.
Soke. — In these places Earl Algar had thirteen carucates
and six bovates of land rateable to gelt, the land is nine carucates
and two bovates, and the Soke is in Gadenay. Of this land Earl
Alan has five carucates, which Landric holds under him. He has
there two carucates and twenty-nine villeins, with five carucates
and eighty acres of meadow. It is yearly worth £%. This is
appropriated to the King's own use."
Berewick signifies a hamlet or vill severed from, and yet
appendant to or member of a manor ; the term is derived from the
Saxon Berewick, a corn farm or villa frumentaria. [Gowen Smith,
p. 265.] Demesne, the portion of a manor which the Lord retains
and cultivates by his own villeins.

'7
"The Land of Wido de Creduw."
" Manor. — In Holobech and Copelade, Alestan had two
carucates and two bovates of land rateable to gelt ; the land is
twelve bovates. Wido has there in demesne one carucate and
four villeins, and one bordar with one carucate and ten acres of
meadow. The annual value in King Edward's time was loos. ;
it is now £^8." " Claims."
" The six carucates of land which the king's servants claim
in Holobec, lay in the king's manor of Gedenay. Earl Alan now
has them of the king's gift for one manor."
Domesday Landowners.
As church lands, under the mediation of Archbishop
Lanfranc, were for the most part restored to them, we may
conclude that the Abbey of Croyland continued to hold its
possessions, especially as it will appear in subsequent documents
that the Abbey had lands at Holbeach belonging to it up to the
period of its dissolution at the Reformation. The other lands in
Holbeach were divided between two of the king's Norman retainers:
Alan Rufus, whose title was Earl of Brittany and Richmond, who
had married the Conqueror's daughter Constance, and had
commanded the rear of the army at the battle of Hastings ; and
Wido de Credun or Croun, who made Frieston the chief seat of
his barony, and was one of the most fortunate of the Norman
commanders, for he had no less than 60 lordships in Lincolnshire,
as well as some in Leicestershire. [Kelham, p. 108.] Alan Rufus,
Earl of Brittany and Richmond, was the founder of the Richmond
Honour (a more noble sort of lordship, holden directly of the
king). He had immense possessions, 442 manors, of which loi
were in Lincolnshire. Of the Earls of Richmond we shall again
speak.

i8
Guy, or Wido de Credon, or Croun, as Dr. Stukeley says,
was descended from "the family of Craon, Credon, Crodon, or
Croun," " one of the most illustrious in France " His pedigree
begins in A.D. 940 with Andrew de Croun, Lord of Croun, etc.
Guy, or Wido de Croun, who came with the Conqueror to England,
was in the fifth descent from Andrew. He was the father of Alan
de Croun, founder of Frieston Priory, great steward of the house
hold of King Henry I. His heir was Maurice de Croun, who was
succeeded by his son Guy, or Wido de Croun, who married, about
A.D. 1 181, Isabella, daughter of Thomas Bassett, and widow of
Albert Gresley, the younger. Wido de Croun, the son of Maurice
Croun, accompanied Richard I. in his voyage to the Holy Land,
A.D. 1 190, and was present at the treaty between that Monarch
and Tancred, King of Sicily. He had a daughter, Petronilla de
Croun, who succeeded him in his possessions, and she had lands in
Holbeach, Whaplode and Weston, in the reign of King Richard I.
(AD. 1 189 — 1199)- She was thrice married, first to William de
Longchamp, nephew of William Longchamp, Bishop of Ely; after
his death she married one of the family of De la Meeres ; and on
his death she was a third time married to Oliver de Vaux, to whom
she gave the manor of Frieston. According to the Testa de
Neville, compiled about the year A.D. 1275, the Croun fee extended
at that time to the following parishes in Lincolnshire : — Haydor,
Assby, Welby, Lunderthorpe, Irby, Somerby, Boby, Southorp,
Gonerby, Bassingethorp, Holton, Welton, Keelby, Swaby, Thorp
Heckinglon, Burton, Screddington, Ringsdon, Rippingale, Aslack-
by, Dunsby, Pointon. Osbournby, Dimbeby, Hasterby, Newton
Threckingham, Pinchbeck, Weston, Holbeach. Whaplode, Butter-
wick, Frieston, part of Boston, Fishtoft, Frampton, Wyberton,
Kirton, Bicker, Donington, Saleby, Thousthorp, Brigsby, Waithe,
Askeby, Ravendale, Blyton, and Section. (Given in Thompson's
History of Boston, p. 505, note.j
It is clear, then, from Domesday Book : —
That certain lands in Holbeach and Whaplode had belonged
before the Conquest to the Abbey of Croyland —

'9
That Algar, Earl of Mercia, had possessions before the
Conquest in Holbeach, which, it would appear, were granted to
Alan Rufus, Earl of Brittany and Richmond —
And that the Manor of Holbeach, which Alestan held before
the Norman invasion, was granted by King William to Wido de
Credun or Croun, who settled at Frieston and was the father of
Alan de Croun, the founder of Frieston Priory in A.D. 1114,
a cell to Croyland for monks of the Benedictine order.
In A.D. 1 153, Edward, Abbot of Croyland, gave to Algar
of Flete tenements in Holbeach and Croyland. {Extract from
Harleian MSS. No. 59 App. pp. 116— 119.)

First Mention of a Church at Holbeach.
Alexander, Pope of Rome A.D. 1159 — 11 81, addressed
a deed to Spalding confirming the possessions of the Priory
in this district, and amongst them we find it held "the Church of
Holbech with all pertaining to it," and this deed was dated in
the 18th year of his pontificate A.D. 1177. This is the oldest
mention of the church we have been able to find, for although
search has been made amongst the muniments at Lincoln, the
British Museum, and elsewhere, no record can be found of the
building of that Norman church, nor of the consecration of the
present building erected on the same site. Twelve years later the
existence of that Norman building is casually mentioned when
Thomas de Multon, lord of Holbeach, conspired against the Abbot
of Croyland. "In the year 1189 Thomas de Multon, having with him
almost all the most powerful men of the Wapentake of Elloe,
conspired against the Abbot of Croyland, tumultuously assembled,
sometimes in a bam at Weston belonging to the Priory of Spalding,
and sometimes in the church of Holbech." (Fen and Marshland
Churches, Vol. Ill, quoting from Dugdale.)

Turning to Dugdale we find (on page 210) that "the inhabi
tants of Holand " wanting pasturage for their cattle, after having
drained their marshes and converted them into good arable land
thought they might "oppress the poor monks of Croyland without
any control." Gerald de Camville, Fulco de Oiri, Thomas de
Multon, the elder, and Conan the son of Helyas, associating to
themselves Richard de Flet, and Walter, with many others, moved
Nicholas then Prior of Spalding to be their leader ; and all the
men of Ellow Wapentake (some few excepted) conspiring with
them, " sometimes had their meetings at the Prior of Spalding's
barn at Weston and sometimes in the church at Holbeche."
Three thousand strong and armed for battle they answered
the Abbot with scornful words and divided the fen between their
towns. He, complaining to the King's justices, obtained redress.
The Prior and the other rioters were summoned before
Geoffrey Fitz Piers at Deeping, and " seven particular men stood
up on the Abbot's behalf and laid charges that they had damnified
the Abbot to the value of 20 marks." This business was not
determined till 1193. (5 Rich. I.)
"The Abbot's people charged seven of the principal ring
leaders each with damages to the amount of 200 marks." {Bohn's
Antiquarian Library, p. ^ I )— but Riley translates "twenty marks
(p. 278), and he also gives us the names of those charged — They
were : — Gilbert de Peceebrig, Fulco de Oiri,
Elfric de Fulnej', Thomas de Multon,
(his brother) Alger de Colevill,
Conan Fitz Helye Alexander de Whappelode.
some of them, and others, were imprisoned pending trial as Hugh
de Whappelode ; but Conan Fitz Helye, Fulco de Oiri, and
Thomas de Multon were amerced in Five pounds of silver.
In a trial at Westminster "The morrow of Holy Trinity
A.D. 1 1 94" a settlement was arrived at between Fulco de Oiri, who
claimed the advowson of the church of All Saints, Holbeche, and

the chapel of S. Peter in Holbeche, and he then made over the
advowson to Conan fil Elie de Holbeche and his heirs for xxis.
rents in Holbeche, and for one "calcaria de aurata," a pair of gilt
spurs, at Easter for all service. [Placitorum in Donio Cap : Westm.
Asservatorum Abbrev: p. 97. J
In A.D. 1205 — 6 we find that a sum of One Thousand marks
was owed to King John by Thomas de Muleton. Five hundred
marks for himself and his parceners and 500 for the Earl of
Lincoln, and that the King gave him these terms — That he should
render at the Exchequer of Easter in the 7th year, etc., one hun
dred marks, and at the Exchequer of S. Michael next following,
one hundred pounds, and so from Exchequer to Exchequer, at
every Exchequer one hundred pounds until the aforesaid one
thousand marks be paid, and so that he render this year five
palfreys, which are in arrear of the fine aforesaid. And therefore
we command you that you cause him to have and to keep such
terms. Witness ourself at Windsor (Windlesor) the 19th March,
1205 — 6, by W. Briw(ere) and by the King himself. This was
for the "marsh between the water of Spaldinge and the water of
Tyd." There is also as under: — "The King to the Barons of
the Exchequer, Know -ye that Thomas de Muleton has rendered
to us at Nottingham, on the eve ofthe Purification ofthe Blessed
Mary, in the seventh year, etc., two palfreys which he had promised
to us in the fine which he had made with us for himself and his
parceners for the marsh between the water of Spaldinge and the
water of Tyd. And therefore we command you that you cause him
to be quit thereof. Witness Briw(ere) as above — i.e. at Windsor
19th March, 1205 — 6, by Nicholas de Well." [See Close Rolls,
7 fohn mem. i . Rot : Lit : Claus : i . 67 a. ]
Again in 1207 we find "Marsh between Spaldinge and
Tyd," of which this is a translation. "The King to the Sheriff of
Lincolnshire, etc.. We command you to notify the Abbot of Croy
land and the prior of Spaldinge and Conan Fil Elias and Lambert
de Oyri and Ismania (Ysmena) de Capelade, parceners of Thomas
de Muletone in the marsh between the water of Tid and the water

of Spaldinge, for which the said Thomas made a fine for the afore
said as for himself in five hundred marks and one destrier (a war
horse) price thirty marks and two palfreys, that without delay they
render that which to them appertains to render of that fine
according to the quantity of the tenements which they hold
thereof, which unless they shall render, cause the said Thomas to
have the whole marsh aforesaid and take the whole, and take the
whole of that fine from him. Witness ourself at Suwelle (South
well in Nottinghamshire) the 19th day of May, 1207, by the
Chancellor." Royal Visits to the Parts of Holland.
King John granted a charter to Boston in 1204, and in 1205
the men of Boston, of the Soke of the Honour of Richmond in
Holland, paid two palfreys and .£100 that no Sheriff or his bailiffs
should interfere with them. We find the King in the immediate
neighbourhood of Holbeach at this date. He was at Nottingham
from Wednesday, September 28th till October 2nd. On Monday
October 3rd he was at Newark and Lincoln, where he remained till
over Wednesday the 5th. On Thursday and Friday, October 6th
and 7th, he was at Spalding and must have passed near to Hol
beach, for he was at Sutton on the 8th. It appears by the Patent
Rolls, that in this year he granted to Thomas de Multon a market
at Flete, and to Fulco de Oyre a market at Geddenay; and it is
further to be seen in the Close Rolls that because both these
markets had been granted for the same day weekly, the Geddenay
market was ordered to be held on another day. The King did not
remain at Sutton on the Sth, but passed over the dangerous Wash
to King's Lynn, sleeping that night and spending the Sunday,
October 9th, 1205, at Gaywood near King's Lynn.
In the latter days of his reign. King John was again in the
parts of Holland, in the autumn of the year 12 16, when there was
civil war between the Monarch and his refractory Barons, who
distrusting the faith of a Prince who had often deceived them, had
offered the crown to Louis, the eldest son of King Philip of

23
France. The city of Lincoln was taken by Gilbert de Gaunt about
this period, but the castle held out for the King. Ihe Itinerary
shows that the King was at Lincoln from Thursday, September
29th, till Sunday, the 2nd of October. On October 3rd he
journeyed to Grimsby; on Tuesday, October 4th, he left Grimsby
for Louth, spending Wednesday, October 5th, at Boston, where he
remained over Thursday ; Friday and Saturday, the 7th and 8th,
were spent at Spalding; the gth, loth and nth of October, were
spent by him at King's Lynn. All this time he was collecting a
considerable army, and with a powerful following, he lost no time
in directing his march towards Lincolnshire to relieve Lincoln.
But on his way from King's Lynn, he lost his baggage, treasure,
and regalia, being caught by the influx ofthe tide, arriving at Wis
bech and proceeding to Swineshead on Wednesday, October 12th,
where he remained over Thursday, the 13th. His grief for his
losses threw him into a fever, which rapidly terminated fatally.
Unable to ride, he was carried in a litter to the castle of Sleaford,
from whence he was removed to Newark, and here, after making
his will, he died on Wednesday, the igth of October, A.D. 1216, in
the 5 ist year of his age, being buried at Worcester cathedral
before the high altar [Rot : L't : Patentium, ed. Hardy, i^n, folio.~\
A.D. 1218. " A writ to the Sheriff of Lincolnshire, directing
inquiry to be made whether the Count of Brittany held in demesne
the Soke of Caiton, on the day on which his lands fell into the
hands of King John, the father of the now King (Henry III)."
"Knight's fees of the Honour of Richmond, in the County
of Line. :—
* * * *¦ Thom de Mulet One Knight's fee In Skirbec and
Franto [Frampton]. Ralph Fitz Stephen ^ a Knight's fee In
Stefing. Sim Brito i Knight's fee In Wrangle and Leek. Oliver
de Vallibus iiij parts of a Knight's fee in Scrang. Walrann de
Rocheford, John de Edligto, Ralph Fitz Stephen, iiij parts of a
Knight's fee in Fenn and in Scirbec. Conan fil Elie i Knight's
fee in Holebec and in Q'ppelad. Alan de Mumbyiij m. et d. in

24
Soka de Mumby. * * * * * * * Conan de Holebec i fee and a
half in Kilincholm and Welleto. [all membrane 2] These are in
the wardship In Holland of Alan de Benington. * * * * Conan
fil Her ij Knight's fees and a half in Holebeche and in Welleto
and in Kilingholm. * ^-[^nem. 4] [Chancery Inquis.. uncertain tempo.
Henry III. No. 15. J
In 1220, on the day of the martyrdom of S. Lawrence, in
the 4th year of the King's reign, Henry de Stanhowe gave to the
monastery of Croyland land in Gedney, Holbeche, and Quapelade.
Witness, Egidius de Gousill.
From the pleadings at Oxford, Easter, 25 Henry IIL,
A.D. 1241, before W. of York, the Reeve of Beverle and his fellow
Justices itinerant, (with Lincolnshire in the margin) we learn
that : — " William Le Angevin petitioned against the wife of
Laurence de Hollebech, for the wardship of one bovate of land in
Hollebech which belonged to him, because the aforesaid Laurence
had held that land of the said William by Knight's service.
Johanna, who came, said that Laurence never held of him by
Knight's service, but held that land in sokage by the service of
three shillings and five hens per annum. Therefore the Sheriff
was commanded to enquire how it was held. The result of the
inquisition was that Laurence held one bovate of land in Holebech
of the saii William Le Aungevin, by Knight's service. Wherefore
it was considered that the said William receive seizin of that
wardship." [Placitorum Abbrev. : p. 1 16. J
Licence for Market and Fair at Holbeach.
The weekly market and annual fair at Holbeach was granted
so long ago as the days of Henry III., for it appears that in 1252
the King granted to "Thomas de Muletone and Maud (Matill) his
wife that they and heirs for ever should have free warren in all their
demesne lands in the counties of Cumberland, York, Norfolk, and
Suffolk, and free warren in all their demesne lands in the counties

25
of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lincoln" — a weekly market on
Tuesday in their manor of Braunton in Cumberland. . . , "And that
the siaid Thomas and his heirs may have for ever a weekly market
on Thursday at their manor of Holbeche in the county of Lincoln,
and a fair every year to last two days, namely, on the eve and the
day of S. Michael, unless those markets and those fairs be to the
annoyance of neighbouring markets and neighbouring fairs.
Witness A. Bishop-elect of Winchester ; Geoffrey de Lezingun and
William de Vallence, brothers of the King ; Peter of Savoy ; John
Maunsell, provost of Beverley ; Master William de Kilkenny,
Archdeacon of Coventry ; John de Lesinton ; Robert de Musce-
gros ; Robert Waleran ; Bartholomew Pecche ; Robert le Noreys ;
Walter de Thurkilby ; Ralph de Bakepurz and others. Dated at
Windsor, 31st October," (1252.) [Charter Rolls, -iii Henry III.
mem. 9. J
The Abbot of Croyland obtained of the King the right of
free warren in Croyland, Theford, Burthorp, Holbeache, Buckhalh
Langtoft, Boston, Quaplade, Douediche, and Halington maner, in
County of Lincoln. [Charter Rolls 37 Henry III mem. i.J
Alice de Batonia was possessed of land in Holbeach in A.D.
1274, in which year Ralph, son. of Sir John Holland, held property
in Holbeach and also in Bicker. [Hundred Rolls, Vol. I, p. 275. J

Mentions of Holbeach in Important National Documents.
The " Hundred Rolls" contain inquisitions taken in pur
suance of a Special Commission under the Great Seal in the time
of Edward I. A.D. 1273. During the turbulent times of Henry III.
the Crown revenues had been reduced, lands had been alienated
without licence, and powerful Ecclesiastics and laymen had usurped
rights of holding courts, etc., and the King, Edward I, in the second
year of his reign tried to remedy these abuses, and these Rolls give
us the inquisitions held throughout the realm.

26
" This is the Inquisition taken in the Wapentake of Ellowe
in Hoyland, by twenty-four jurors in the presence of Sir William
St. Omery and Warren de Chaucumbe, the Justices of our Lord the
King, appointed for this purpose on the oaths of: —
Thomas de Rederwyk of Tid Nigell Kaddock
Robert son of John Simon son of Adelard
Robert Gallender of Sutton Richard de Welleby
Robert Codling Nigel Faucey
Thomas Hod of Gedney Walter Godard
Simon Clicu (obiit) of Flet Thomas de Badehowes
Richard of Flet Simeon son of William son of
Ralph
William le Blund Reginald son of Jocelyn
John le Cauf Thomas de Tudeholme
Herbert Gouk Warren de Pincebek
William the Clicu Thomas de EInefer
Nicholas son of Ralph Walter son of Simon
who say that the King holds in his own hands no manor in the
Wapentake of Ellowe. They also say that lord Thomas de Multon of
Gillesland, Lord of Holobech, holds in the Vill of Holobech thirty-
six bovates of land with appurtenances, and, in the Vill of Quap-
pelod eleven bovates of land which are valued at £\^. And
by Scutage Service of the 3rd part of a Knights fee the noble lords
Thomas and Lambert of Multon and their sons hold of the King
in capite but by what service or authority they know not.
They also declared that the Abbot of Croyland holds forty
acres of land in the vill of Holebech and they are valued at 30s. per
annum, which they have held by the gift of Walter de Thurkiby to
hold of both the noble Lord of Holbech and John, Count of
Brittany and the King himself in chief, by what authority they
know not. They also find that Thomas of Holebech claims to have
there the wrecks of the sea from the said port of Flet as far as
Holeb' by one leuca (a measure of 1500 paces, later a league) or
less, by what warrant or at what time they know not, nor what
damage of the King.

27
They also find that the Abbot of Croyland has gallows at
Golewylewed and view of frankpledge, and the assize of bread
and cheese or beer (cervisia) at Croyland, Spalding, Holebech,
and Q'ppelade. And they also said that Lord Thomas of Holebech has them
in Holeb*. They also said that the Prior himself of Spalding has
a fishery on the river bank at Spalding.
"And take toll as far as the cross of Holbeach " by what
warrant or at what time they know not.
They said that Sir Thomas de Holeb' gave to the Prior
of Spalding in the vill of Holeb' three years since xliiij acres of
land, which are valued by the- year at xxijs., to the prejudice of the
King, and the noble Thomas de Holeb' holds them of John Count
of Britanie and the Count himself of the King in chief and
the noble Sir Thomas de Holeb' defends those tenements and
they are not rateable.
According to this Inquisition we are first told that Thomas de
Holbeach, Lord of Holbeach, held there 36 bovates of land
with appurtenances, which would mean 540 acres in Holbeach, and
II bovates or 165 acres in Whaplode, and that they are valued at
^'"42. And by Service of the Shield of the 3rd part of a Knight's
fee, Thomas de Holbeche and Lambert de Multon and their sons
held their lands of the King in chief. [By this service the tenant
was bound to follow his lord to the field in time of warj.
That Croyland Abbey possessed 40 acres of land in Hol
beach, which were valued at thirty shillings. They were given to
it by Walter de Thurkiby to be held of Thomas de Multon, Lord of
Holebech, and John, Count of Brittany, and the King himself in
chief. That the said Thomas de Multon claimed all the the
wrecks of the sea from the port of Fleet, as far as one Leuca, or
less of Holebech.
N.B. — A Leuca contained 1,500 paces: later, a league.
[Glossary in Bishop Stubbs' Select Charters, p. 544.J

28
We learn that the Abbot of Croyland had right of gallows
at Golewyland ; and view of franckpledge and assize of bread and
cheese in the townships of Croyland, Spalding, Holbeach, and
Whaplode. That Thomas, Lord of Holebech, had the same in Holbeach.
That the Prior of Spalding has a fishery on the river bank at
Spalding, and duty on imports as far as Cce Holebech. That
Thomas de Holebech had given to the Prior, three years ago, 44
acres of land, valued at 22s., to the prejudice of the King, which
land he held of John, Count of Brittany, and the Count of the
King, and that he defends these lands, and they are not rateable.

"De Quo Warranto

?"

In the proceedings "De quo warranto," we have an in
teresting sequel to the Hundred Rolls — for sworn information
having been obtained by the inquisitions taken in pursuance of the
special commission under the great seal, enquiry was now held
(" de quo warranto ?") by what right certain things were done —
and these proceedings therefore yield further information. The
following is what we find about Holbeach in the inquiry before
John de Vallibus and his fellow justices itinerant.
"It was further represented before the Inquisitors of the King
that Thomas de Multon, of Gillesland claimed the wrecks of the
sea and the Port of Flete as far as to Holebech ; a Market and Fair
and a View of Frankpledge and Free Warren, and his lands free
from service of Poleheth and Quappelade without warrant.
And Thomas came, and he says that as to the wreck of the
sea he claimed no wreck, and never had claimed. And as to the
market and fair, he claims to have a market every Thursday in his
manor of Holebech, and fair each year of two days duration viz., on
the vigil and day of S. Michael, aud he produced a charter of
King Henry, the father ofthe now King, and which testified the
same, dated at Wydesore, 31st day of October, Anno Regni sui
tricesimo septimo. (A.D. 1252.)

29
And as to the Free Warren, he said, that he claims that in
all his demesne lands in Holebech and Quappelode by charter
of King Henry which he produces and which witnesses the same.
And as to the view of framppledge of his tenements in
Holebech and Quappelode, be warrants that he and all his
ancestors from time immemorial " from a time passing the memory
of man'' had held that of his tenants for one marc which he pays to
the Sheriff for the same use, and as to the lands free of service, he
had that on this warrant, that he pays los. to the Sheriff and for
that fine he is free from Wapentake trything, etc.
Gilbert de Thornton following, said on behalf of the King,
that however the aforesaid Thomas may now disclaim the wrecks
of the sea, nevertheless he had hitherto claimed it, obtained it, and
unjustly usurped it.
And as to the market and fair, he claims them otherwise
than as by the charter of King Henry it was granted.
And as to the free warren, he has enlarged his warrens
beyond his own demesnes.
And as to the view of frankpledge and freedom of service
for his lands, that although he claims to be free of frankpledge
freedom of service, common Wapentak and trything, yet from time
immemorial he and his ancestors have been accustomed to do
such service, and he prays that all these things be enquired into.
And Thomas likewise prays — therefore let justice be done.
The jury say on their oath, that neither the said Thomas
nor his ancestors claimed nor obtained the wreck ofthe sea in the
said locality, nor is anywhere represented.
And as to the market and fair and free warren they say
that he has not used those liberties otherwise than by the said
charter they were granted to him.

30
And as to the view of frankpledge and his lands free from
suit, they say that all his ancestors from time immemorial used to
be free from suit to the Wapentak and trything for the said los.
which they paid yearly, and which he himself now pays to the
aforesaid aid of the Sheriff. And also the view of frankpledge for
the said marc which they paid yearly and he himself now pays
to the Sheriff for the same. Therefore it is considered that the
said Thomas as to the wreck ofthe sea, market, fair, free warren,
view of frankpledge, and secta Wapp. and trything " ad presens
sine die," " Et quo ad sectam Com' ad judicium, etc." [Placita de
quo warranto, p. 3 90. J
" The Abbot of Croyland was summoned to answer our Lord
the King of a plea by what warrant he claimed to have "amend
assie panis et cervisie fracte," (correction of assize of Bread and
Cheese broken) view of frankpledge, gallows, market and fair in
his lands in Croyland, Spalding, Est Deeping, Holebeck, and
Quappelad without licence, etc. [f' Cervisia," beer, says Dr Stubbs,
" a Gaulish word,"'\
And the Abbot comes, and as to the market and fair he says
he claimed them by charter of King Henry, father of the now
King, viz., the market every week on Thursday in his manor of
Baston, in the county of Lincoln. And a fair there each year for
five days, viz., on the vigil and on the day of the Nativity
of S. John Baptist, and for five days following. He claims also to
have another market at Croylaund every week on Wednesday, and
produces the same charter which testifies this. He produces also
another charter of the said Henry — made to " God and the church
of S. Guthlac of Croyland," etc , which confirms all lands, etc., and
specially the seat of the Abbey with its described limits, viz., for 5
leagues from Croyland to the place where Assendike falls into the
water ofthe Welaund, and so by Assendike to Adsenwiktoft, and so
on to Sceppeseye, and so on to Teydwashen, and so on to Naman-
neslaund, and so by the water which is called Neen on to the end
[ad finem f[a]c[tu]m], and thence up (sursum per finem factum)
Greynes, Fulcwold Stathing, and thence as Sitchlac falls into

31
Weylaund, and so by Weylaund up (sursum) to the east to Aspad,
and thence to Werwalak, and so on to Harnhold, and up by the
water to Sengerlak, and so by Loterlac' to Oggot, and thence
where Apenhold falls into Weylaund. And all fisheries belonging
to the said limits, etc.
Afterwards comes Gilbert de Thornton who sues for our
Lord the King, and prays leave to withdraw from the said writ.
And he has leave. Therefore the said Abbot as to this "ad
presens sine die." And the same Gilbert is ordered to sue upon
the other writs if he should think fit, etc." [Placita de quo war
ranto, p. 396. J
It was represented by a jury of the Wapentake of Ellawe
that William Brun of Flet (de Fleto) ought to have arrested a cer
tain woman " cum fardello pannorum " in the Market Place of Hol
becke, in the 2nd year of the now King Edward, on suspicion
etc. (A.D. 1273.) And he permitted her to depart for 20s. which
he received from her, etc.
And William comes " et ques' qualiter vult se acquitere.''
He says that he received no money from her, and as to this he puts
himself on the jury who say on their oath, that the said woman was
arrested by one Laurance de Belet " pro quodam fardello pannorum,
and taken before Thomas de Boulton then Sheriff of Line, to the
Wapentake court and was there replieved (replegiata, or bailed)
by the said William and Laurence till the next Wapentake court,
and was in that prison (in pria ilia) until the end of August, and
then departed "cum ribaldo quod extra priam, etc." Asked if she
was a thief of the said "fardellum" or any other thing they say
"No," and that the said William " manucepit predictorum mul-
ierem habendi eam ad predictum Wappent et ipsam non habuit
Ideo inde ad judicium, etc." Afterwards he came " et finem fecit"
in 10s. per the bail of Richard de Flete, etc., for this transgression
and all others for which he is presented. [Placita de quo warranto,
p. 401.]

32
Afterwards it is enquired of the said Prior (of Spalding)
what tenements he purchased after the last confirmation which he
had from King Henry the father of the now King. And he says
he has purchased no tenements except only 30 acres of land in
Wyberton, Quappelade, and Holebecke, which had never been tax
able. And because he has no confirmation of these he offers to our
Lord the King one marc (13s. 4d.} which was accepted. [Placita de
quo warranto, p. 401. J
Again in the reign of Edward I., before John de Vallibus
and his fellow justices itinerant " The Abbot of Croyland comes
before the justices and claims to have view of frankpledge and
assize of cheese broken by his tenants in Croyland, Spalding,
Quappelad, Holebech, Svvynesheved, Sutton, Pyncebek, Langtoft,
Baston, Theforde, Burthorp, Dovedyk, Buckenhale, Halyngton,
Claxely, and Freston from time immemorial. He claims also waifs
jn his lands of Croylaund, Langetoft and Baston from ancient time.
He claims a market at Croylaund one day each week on Wednesday
by charter of King Henry, father of the now Lord King, which he
prefers and which witnesses the same, dated at Westminster, the 4th
day of October, in the year ofthe King the 41st. (A.D. 1257.) ^^
claims the church there and a fair each )-ear beginning eight days
before the Feast of S. Bartholomew and lasting for eight days after
that feast and that which pertained to that fair from ancient time.
He claims also a market in his manor of Baston each week for
Thursday, and a fair there each year lasting five days, viz., on the
vigil and on the day of the Nativity of S. John tne Baptist and for
three days following, and all that pertains to the market and
fair by charter of Henry, etc., which he produces, dated at West
minster, 4th October in the 41st year.
At Whaplode he claims a market every Saturday, and a fair
each year for eight days on the vigil and on the day of the Assump
tion of the Blessed Mary, and for six da3'S following, and he pro
duces charter dated at Gadenton loth July, 29th year of Kino-
Henry. (A.D. 1245).

33
He claims also free warren in all his demesne lands of
Croylaund, Langtofte, Theforde, Baston, Burthorp, Quappelade,
Holebech, Dovedyke (Sutterton), Bukenhale and Halyton by
charter dated at Marton, 37th year of King Henry III. A.D. (1252).
He claims also all his lands in all the said towns free from all suits
of court. Wapentake and trything, murder, common, sheriff's aid,
view of frankpledge, etc. [Placita de quo warranto p. 402.J
Peter de Gousele comes hither before the Justices and
claims to have the underwritten libertates, together with his
partners, (cum parlicipibus suis) viz., Simon le Cunestable and
Walter Burgyllon in Holebech and Quappelade, viz. — " a market
every week on Saturday, and fair there every year lasting two days,
viz., on the vigil and S. Swithin's day, and all things which
belong to the market and fair from old time. And because it is
accounted by the jury that the said Walter Burgillyon is under age,
and in the King's wardship, without whom the said Peter cannot
answer, therefore let this plea stand over till he is of age, etc.
[Placita de quo warranto p. 402 J
Before John de Vallibus and his fellow justices itinerant in
the octave of the Holy Trinity, gth year of Edward I, A.D. 1281 : —
The Lord King petitions by Gilbert de Thornton, who
appears for him against the Prior of Spalding, and says that 44 acres
of land with appurtenances in Holebech are his, as of his own right
— that a certain Richard, formerly King of England, was seized as
of fee and right and time in his own demesne, etc. — And as Richard
himself died without heir of himself begotten, the right descended
to a certain John as his brother and heir, and from John himself the
right descended to a certain Henry as his son and heir, and from
Henry himself the right descended to that Lord Edward who now
petitions as his son and heir, etc.
And the Prior comes and calls to witness Thom. de Multon
of Holebech, who himself comes to be a witness, and there comes
further to witness Thomas, the son of Lambert de Multon, who
comes personally and petitions to oppose him as to what he ought
to bear witness.

34
And the aforesaid Thomas de Holebech comes and prefers
a certain charter under the will of a certain Thomas de Multon, the
grandfather of the said Thomas the son of Lambert, which
witnesses that that Thomas de Multon, the grandfather of the said
Thomas, son of Lambert, whose heir etc. granted, conceded, and
by his own charter confirmed to Thomas de Multon his son begotten
of Ada his wife, by his homage and seivice the whole land which
he held in the Manor of Holebech and Quappelade, of the fee of
Conan Fitz Elye with all that belongs to them, with the advowson
of the church, with the homage and service of the free tenants, to
have and to hold to that Thomas and his male heirs of his own
body, begotten of his wife married to him ; of the said Thomas
de Multon his grandfather and his heirs for ever ; and the said
Thomas witnessed the same thing. And that the said Thomas the
grandfather and his heirs, warranted to Thomas his son and heir
male, the said lands and appurtenances for ever. And he says
that the said 44 acres of land belong to the Manor of Holebech.
And Thomas, son of Lambert, says that by the said charter
he ought not to be held to warrant by it, because he says that
Thomas de Multon his own grandfather died, seized in his own
demesne as of fee as well as of the said tenements, which the said
Thomas de Multon now calls upon him to warrant, as also of
other tenements contained in the same charter, as to which he says
that the said charter is altogether void in itself, and that this is
true he is prepared to prove ; and he prays judgment whether by
the said charter he ought to warrant them.
And Thomas de Multon of Holebech says that the said
Thomas son of Lambert de Multon cannot now avoid that charter,
because he says that elsewhere before Martin de Littlebir and his
fellow justices itinerant in the said County, in the — year of the
reign of King Henry, one Thomas, father of the said Thomas de
Holbeach brought his "writ de medio" against Thomas son
of Lambert that he should acquit him "de cons &¦ s \ viciis" which
the Earl of Brittanie demanded from him for the said tene
ments which he held of the said Thomas son of Lambert, and

35
before the same justices to bring him the said Thomas the son
•of Lambert to the acquittance he produced the same charter ; so
that by virtue of the same charter he was adjudged to acquit (or
release) the said Thomas his father from the said services ; and
if the said charter was then allowed to be good, he prays judgment
whether now he can get out of warranting it. And as to this he
puts himself on the record ofthe Rolls ofthe said Eyre (or assize).
And Thomas son of Lambert says, that in the said Eyre
it was not adjudged to the said Thomas father of the said Thomas
•de Holebech to acquit the said tenements, and as to this he puts
himself on the record of the said Eyre. And he prays that if it is
considered that he ought to warrant the said tenements, that he is
not bound to warrant them except according to the state and value
of which they were at the time of the making of the said charter.
A day is given to them, 15 days from Easter, and meanwhile
let the Rolls be sought for etc. Then afterwards comes the said
Thomas, son of Lambert de Multon, and warrants them gratis for
this, that the said Thomas de Multon of Holbech does him fealty
and homage for the same tenements. And he further calls to
witness Humphrey de Bonn, Earl of Hereford. And they say let
him do so before the King in the Octave of the Holy Trinity
-wherever he shall be. [Placita de quo warranto, p. 411-]
In the Testa de Neville, compiled about the beginning of the
reign of King Edward I., about A.D. 1275, and which contains
Inquisitions taken in the time of Henry IIL and Edward I.,
respecting the Knight's fees held immediately, or otherwise, of the
king, we find t'ne following information about this Parish : —
" Robert de Ory held in Q'ppellad and Holebech the
twentieth part of one Knight's fee." [Testa de Neville, p. 307.]
"Wapint' de Elhou."
At an Inquisition made in the Wapentake of Elhou on the
oaths of the men under- written, viz; of Lambert de Quappelage,
Robert de Ory, Alger de Hulmo, John de Fulne, William Fitz

36
Hugh of Spalding, Prior Cluny, Ranulph de Blakewel, Alexander
the Clerk of Quappelad, Galfrid Fitz Eduse, William le Clerk, and
William le Clerk (sic) and William Fitz Galfrid of Sutton, who say
on their oath that : —
"There are in Quappelad and Plolebech xviij carucates of
land, of which Robert D'oyry and his tenant holds three carucates
of land and five bovates, which the same Robert holds of Egidius
de Gousul I p by the xx"'"" part of one Knight's fee."
" Also William de Bello Monte, and Egidius and their tenants,
hold two carucates of land and three bovates in Holebech and
Q'ppelade, of the Honour of Aubemarl."
"Also William le Angewyn holds in the said villages two
carucates and two bovates of Petronilla de Croum by the service of
one Knight's fee, of which Lambert de Quappelad' holds one
carucate of land of the said William by the service of half a
Knight's fee."
"Also Thomas de Moleton, lord of Holebech, and his
tenants, hold there vj carucates of land of Lambert de Moleton by
the service of a Knight's fee, and the noble Lambert of the Earl
of Hereford by the same service, and the Earl himself of the
Honour of Richemond, and of the said carucates of land the heirs of
Roger Bacun held one carucate of the aforesaid Thomas by the
service of the VI"' part of one Knight's fee, of the said Honor."
"Also the Abbot of Croyland and his tenants hold three
carucates of land and six bovates in pure eleemosynary of the Lord
King." [Testa de Neville, p. 307.J
This extract from the Testa de Neville tells us that there are
in Quappelad and Holebech 18 carucates of land, or i8oo acres of
land — the particulars are then given of this land, which added
together makes 18 carucates and 40 acres more — so the land in
Whaplode and Holbeach was really 1840 acres, of which Robert

37
D'oyry and his tenants held 375 acres, Robert holding of Egidius
de Gousele by the twentieth part of one Knight's fee. [A Knight's
fee represents no definite quantity of land, but a variable amount ;
it meant sufficient land to maintain him, and enable him to present
himself and his retainers ready equipped for the field in anytime
of emergency. The carucate was 100 acres, and bovate 15 acres.]
William de Bellmont and Egidius [de Gousele] and their
tenants held 245 acres in Holbeach and Whaplode of the Honour
of Albemarle. William le Angevin held in the same villages 230 acres of
Petronilla de Croun by the service of a Knight's fee, of which
Lambert de Quappelad held one hundred acres of the said William
by the service of half a Knight's fee.
Thomas de Moleton, the lord of Holbeach, and his tenants,
held there of Lambert of Moleton 600 acres of land by the service
of a Knight's fee, and under the same service the noble Lambert
held of the Earl of Hereford, and the Earl himself of the
Honour of Richmond. And of the said acres of land the heirs of
Roger Bacun held one hundred acres of the aforesaid Thomas
by the service of the VI"* part of one Knight's fee of the said
Honour. Also the Abbot of Croyland and his tenants held there 390
acres of land in pure eleemosynary of the Lord King.
The account in the Testa de Neville goes on to say : " That in
Flet there are VI carucates of land which Lambert de Moleton and
his tenants held of Henry de Munden by the service of two parts
of one Knight's fee of the Honour of Lancaster — i.e. 600 acres of
land. In Geden there are viii carucates of land which William de
Belle Mont. William Constab, and Egidius de Gousele, heirs of
Geden, held of the Earl of Albermarle, by the service of the fourth
part of one Knight's fee for the said viii carucates, and for vi

38
carucates in Holebech and Q'ppelade, which are held of Count
Albermarle, and the Count ofthe King. — i,e. 800 acres in Gedney,
and 600 acres in Holbeach and Whaplode.
Lambert de Multon appears also to hold land in Sutton of
Roger de Marescy, and by service of the shield of Roger de
Huntingfeud, in Weston, of the Honour of Croun. [Tesla de
Neville, p. 3 13. J
"Elhou Wapent'. "
Tid, and Sutton, and Flet, are of the Fee of Lancaster.
Fulco de Oyri held in Gedenay and Holebech and Quappe
lade, xiiij carucates of land (or 1400 acres) of the Earl of Albemarlie,
which the Earl himself held of the Lord King by military service,
of which 48 carucates of land make the fee of one Knight.
Conan Fil Elye holds in Holebech and Quappelade the fee,
of one Knight of William de Mandevill, as we have heard it said
that he was accustomed to hold of the Earl of Britany of the
lord King. Baldwin de Angevin held the fee of one Knight in Holebech
and Quappelad of the Barony of Maurice de Crun.
Thomas de Mulet held three parts of one Knight's fee in
Weston and Sutton, of the Fee of Crun.
Walter de Pincebec held in Pincebec the fee of one Knight
of the Barony of Crun.
The Prior of Spalding had in Sutton two carucates (206
acres) and two bovates (30 acres) of land of the fee of the Countess
Lucie. The same Prior has in Spalding viii carucates of land and
V bovates (875 acres).

39
The Abbot of Andegavie has in the same village xl bovates
of land (600 acres).
Also the Prior of Spaldinge held in Weston and in Multon
X carucates of land (1000 acres) of which Thomas de Muletun
holds vi of them (600) acres.
The same Prior holds in Pincebec viii and a half carucates
(850 acres) of which Thomas de Muleton holds one of them.
Also the Abbot of Andegavie has in the same village vij
bovates and a half of land (about 1 12 acres) of the fee of Maurice
de Crun. All the before mentioned carucates the Prior of
Spaldingie holds by gift ofthe Countess Lucy.
The Abbot of Croyland holds in Holebech and in Quap
pelade three carucates of land and vj bovates (390 acres) and we
know not by whose gift on account of ancient possession.
The same Abbot holds in Spauding and in Pincb' ij caru
cates and a half by the gift of the Countess Lucy.
In Gale's " Registrum Honoris de Richmond" we have " In-
quisitio extenta facta per preceptum Domini Regis.'' Appendix viii
refers to the Sth, 9th, and loth years of King Edward I, before
Thomas de Normanville and John de Crokeslee, being the Com
missioners, and on the oath of trustworthy and free men, what fees
pertained to the Honour of Richmond, and what might be in alms
and what otherwise, and who holds them, and what they are valued
at per annum as in wardships, services, relief payments, marriage
portions, escheats, and all other outgoings, and by the oath of
those underwritten ; on page 32\vith " Holbeech" in the margin : —
" Thomas de Holbech holds of the same Honor in Holbech''
(viz., the Honour of Richemund) "unum Feodum Militis de predicto
Comite" " one Knight's fee of the aforesaid Earl by homage and
scutage service, and it is valued per annum, at the computation of
Thomas himself, as in tithes and other outgoings as is aforesaid
/'xxxv xs."

40
And the Prior of Spalding holds lands in alms, xxiiij acres
of lands which are valued per annum at xxiiijs.
And the Abbot of Croyland holds there in alms Ixvi acres
of land which are valued at Ixvis.
And the Prior of Tetteford holds there in alms iiij bovates
(60 acres) and one salt pit which is valued at cs.
And the Prior of Bridlington holds there in alms iiij bovates
of land and one salt pit which are valued per annum at cs.
Total value of the part of the said Thomas /"xxxv xs.
Total value of the part in alms - . - xiiij xs."
In an " extent made on the Sabbath day next after the Feast
of the Apostles Philip and James in the year of the reign of
Edward I, the eighth year, (A.D. 1280), at S. Botolph's before
Thomas de Normanville, Adam de Wynton, etc.," appears " Holand
Holbech" in the margin, "Thomas de Multon holds in Holbeck
one knight's fee and renders for wardship of the Castle of
Richmond, xs."
The annual value of the Honor of Richmond at this period,
viz., 8th year of Edward I, 1280, was/"i464 17s. 8fd.
Earls of Brittany and The Honour of Richmond.
Alan Rufus, Earl of Brittany and Richmond, died without
issue in 1089, and his property was inherited by his brother Alan
Niger, who died in 1093, ^^'^ afterwards by his brother Stephen,
the benefactor of Swineshead Abbey, who died in A.D. 1137 — 8,
and the estates descended to Conan, who died in 1148, and from
him, on his death, to Conan his son, benefactor of Kirkstall Abbey,
who died in A.D. 1171. Geoffrey, the next in descent, was killed
on the 19th August, 1 186, by a fall from his horse at a tournament.
His widow Constance afterwards married Ranulph, Earl of Chester
by command of King Henry II. The lands of the Earls of

Richmond were seized by Henry IIL, who bestowed them, in 1229,
upon Peter de Savoy, the uncle of Queen Eleanor. In 1243, the
Duke of Brittany sought restitution of lands and title, but without
success. In 1245 he obtained a grant of 2,000 marks a year in lieu
of them. Peter of Savoy held the Honour of Richmond, but Mr. ,
Gale denies that he took the title. Yet Dugdale says he did in
1266. In 1259 the Duke of Brittany renewed his application for
restitution, but was again unsuccessful ; he then had a grant of
/'i,2oo sterling, and a free gift of 200 marks more per annum, for
the value of it. In 1266 the Duke was successful, Peter de Savoy
receiving the rape of Hastings in exchange for the honour of
Richmond, which was restored to the Earls (or Dukes) of Brittany.
In 1283 the King granted to John de Brittany, Earl of Richmond,
the liberty of the honour of Richmond with all things pertaining
thereto, such as a view of frankpledge wrecks, and all other liberties
to the said honour belonging, in the counties of Lincoln and
Nottingham, he paying to the King / 20 per annum. Peter de
Savoy released the honour of Richmond to him. His son John
obtained license to go to the Holy Land about 1281, and on his
return was, in 1294, created a general of the English forces in
France. The lands of the Richmond Honour were seized by
Edward I. in 1296, because the Earl went over to the side of the
French King, and was created a peer of France. On peace with
France in 1334 they were restored by Edward HI., but John died
the same year, crushed by a wall at the coronation of Pope Benedict,
at Lyons, and his own son John succeeded him, but died without
issue in 1341, and John of Gaunt was declared Earl of Richmond
by Edward IV., 20th September, 1342.
In 1372 John of Gaunt, King of Castille and Duke of Lan
caster, restored the Honour of Richmond to John, Duke of Brittany.
There are mentions of John of Brittany, Earl of Richmond, in 1 308
when he had a grant for a market at Boston, and again in 1322 and
1359. The possessor ofthe title offended King Richard II in 1385
when the Honour of Richmond was declared confiscated and
granted by the King to Ann his Queen for life. In 1387 the King
was reconciled to the Duke and restored the Honour, but it was

42
seized in 1398 and granted to Joanna wife of Ralph Bassett
of Drayton, a sister ofthe Duke Brittany. In 1400 the Honour was
bestowed upon Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmoreland, and on his
death to John Duke of Bedford in 1426. The property was never
restored to the ducal family of Brittany, but the title was used till
1430 when the duchy was united to the French crown on the
marriage of Anne the heiress of the family with Charles VII, King
of France, and the title of Earl of Richmond was not again
assumed by any foreigner. The Earldom of Richmond, on the
overthrow of the Lancastrian Party was conferred by Edward IV
on his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, but Henry Tudor (son
and heir of Edmund Tudor the son of Owen Tudor by Catherine
widow of King Henry V) continued to bear the title. He was
son of Edmund Tudor by Margaret, daughter and heiress of John
Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, and on his coming to the throne as
King Henry VII, the Honour of Richmond became merged in the
crown. [See Thompson's History 0/ Boston, Ed. 1856,/). 311 — 317-]
In 1283, Anthony de Beke, one of the three sons of Walter
de Bek, Baron of Eresby, near Spilsby, and who was then holding
five Benefices in the Province of Canterbury, of which " Holbeche"
was one, was elevated to the Episcopate, and became the great and
potent Bishop of Durham — of him we shall speak amongst the
Rectors of Holbeach. Three of the other Benefices were
Waddington, Surfleet, and Kirton in Holland, all in the diocese of
Lincoln. Great Flood in 1287.
A great flood visited this neighbourhood in A.D. 1287 when
" the monastery of Spalding suffered much loss." Stow says it took
place "on New Year's day at night" when "as well through the
vehemency of the wind as the violence of the sea, the monasterie
of Spalding and many churches were overthrown and destroyed
not only at Yarmouth, Donwich, and Ipchwich, but also in divers
other places in England adjoining the sea, especially in the parts
called Holland, in Lincolnshire, all the whole country there for

43
the most part turned into a standing poole, so that an intolerable
multitude of men, women, and children were overwhelmed with
the water, especially in the towne of Bostone." [Stow's Chronicles,
page 227.]
Particulars of the Manor of Holbeche, and it.s Value
IN A.D. 1293.
An extent of the Manor of Holbeche was made Ascension
day, (2rst Edward I.,) 1293, by the following Jurors :
Sir Ralph de Littelbyre ( t.- ¦ 1,
Sir Robert de Hakebeche t "'^
John le Ken of Holbeche William, son of Ralph de
Richard de Flete Blakewelle
William, son of Elyas Richard, son of Ranulph
Richard, son of Everard Roger Hardy
[Eborardi] Nicholas, son of Ralph of
Martin, son of Simon of Quappelade
Holbeche Hugh, Clerk of Holbeche
Who say that Thomas de Moletone of Gilleslaunde held his Manor
of Holbeche of Sir Thomas son of Lambert de Moletone by the
service of one knight's fee and rendering one sore sparrowhawk
(sparverii sori) to the said Thomas son of Lambert at the F. of S.
Botolph. (17th June). [It means a sparrowhawk in its first
plumage, which is tiien red].
Extent cf the Manor.
A Capital Messuage worth per annum in fruits
and herbage ofthe garden, together with
2 acres of arable land lying without the
gate, 1 06s. i" 5 6 o
Also 296 acres of arable land in demesne bythe
small hundred (per minus centum) every
acre of which is worth by the year 18 pence 22 4 o

44
Also 60 acres of several pasture in the
Conyngre (conyngera) every acre 2 s by
the year - - - - /boo
The issue of the Conyngre is worth by the
year half a mark - - - - 068
There are 20 acres of grass meadow (prati fal-
cabilis) every acre worth by the year 2/6 2 10 o
240 acres of land worth by the year four pence
and not more because inundated (nee
plus eo quod superinundate fuerunt per
tempestatem maris que accidit in partibus
illis Anno Regni Regis predict! xv et ad-
huc quolibet alto mari inundantur) 400
Also a marsh for pasturing sheep worth by
the year 66s. 8d. - - - 3 6 S
Rent of the Free Tenants.
S. Martin - - 103s. 5d.
Easter - - 103s. 5d.
S. Botolph - I los. id.
Nativity of B. V. M. 103s. sd.
Sum £z\ 04 21 o 4
The pleas and perquisites of court are worth
by the year 40s. - - . . 200
Sum Total / 66 14 4
Paid for Sheriffs' aid at said 4 terms 2s. id.
,, Richmond Ward at Easter 2s. od. o 4 i

Remainder clear / 66 10 3
Thomas son of the aforesaid Thomas is the next Heir
and aged 26 years.
In 16 Edward I, A.D. 1288, Nicholas IV, Pope, granted to
the King of England for six years the first-fruits of all Ecclesi
astical benefices which had for a long time been paid to his

45
predecessors in the See of Rome, towards defraying the expenses
of an expedition to the Holy Land. This taxation was finished
about 1 29 1, and the full value of Holbeach Church as then taken
by the King's precept was / 120, being more than Spalding
or Boston, and less only than Long Sutton, the amount against
which church is by far the largest, viz., /'156 13s. 4d. — Holbeche
comes next /"i 20 — Spalding being only/"53 6s. 8d., and Boston
only /"5 1 6s. 8d. The following tabulated list of churches in this
neighbourhood may be of interest : —
Decanatus de Hovlandia.

£

s.

d.

Ecclia de Skyrbek

43

6

8

,, Sancto Botulfo

5'

6

8

„ Wyb'ton 

24

0

0

,, Fraunton (Frampton)

63

6

8

,, Kyrketon p't' pens' Frum Hospital

Sancti Botulphi indecimabilem
(App' ata Hospitelar)
53
6
8
de Algerkyrk
60
0
0
,, Sutt'ton
36
'3
4
Vicaria ejusdem
13
6
8
Ecclia de Goseb' kyrk p' t' pens' Capitli
Lincoln in eadem
26
>3
4
Ecclia de Pyncebek . .
66
13
4
Vicaria ejusdem
20
0
0
Surflet p' t' pens' 
32
'3
4
Pens' Prior de Spaldyng in eadem . .
4
0
0
Ecclia de Spaldyng (app' a ta Priori de
Spaldyng) 
53
6
8
Vicaria ejusdem
20
0
0
Ecclia de Weston (app' Spaldyng) . .
36
0
0
Vicaria ejusdem
10
0
0
Ecclia de Multon
53
6
8
Vicaria ejusdem p' t' pens . .
ll
6
8
Pens Prior de Spaldyng in eadem . .
4
0
0
Ecclia de Guappelade (Whaplode) . .
73
6
8
46

Vicaria ejusdem
Ecclia de Holbeck (Holbeach) (app' a ta
Epi' ta Lincoln)
Ecclia de Flete
Ecclia de Gedenay pt' porconi
Porcio Abbis de Croyland in eadem
Vicaria ejusdem p't' pens'
Pens Abbis de Croyland in eadem .
Ecclia de Sutton
Vicaria ejusdem pt' pens'
Pens Priori de Castle Acre in eadem
Ecclia de Tyd p' t' pens
Pens Abbis de Thorney in eadem .
Total /"1596
[Taxat Eccles: P. Nicholai p. 62.]
It would appear by the above list that vicarages existed at
Sutterton, Pinchbeck, Spalding, Weston, Moulton, Whaplode,
Gedney and Sutton. The ordination of a vicarage at Spalding
about the year A.D. 1218, is recorded in Liber Antiquus, the
vicarage book of Hugh Wells, Bishop of Lincoln, from 1209 — 1235,
which was printed for subscribers by Mr. A. Gibbons, of Lincoln,
in 1888, and is there to be found on page 65.

£

s.

d.

20

0

0

120

0

0

53

6

8

50

0

0

5

0

0

14

'3

4

2

0

0

126

13

4

25

0

0

5

0

0

48

•3

4

I

6

8

5Q6

6

8

On page 295 of the Taxat: Ecclesiastica P. Nicolai, we have
the following mention of the church of Holbeach :
Spiralia ejusdem Epi videlt Eccliam de Holbek
in Decan' Holand pt' vicariam in eadem /" 4 6 8
Et tempalia ejusdem in Dioc. Lincoln - 5000
Et Eccliam de Mumby in Decan de Calsewath on 4
Item : Eccliam de Wobone in Decan de
Wycombe in Archnat'Buk Lincoln Dioc' o 10 8

These references to the appropriation of Holbeach to the
Bishopric of Lincoln we have not been able to understand, unless
they have been inserted by a later hand, for the appropriation of

47
Holbeach to the Bishopric was ordered by a Bull of Pope John the
XXII., addressed to the Bishops of Hereford, Ely, and Durham,
and carried out in A.D. 1334, by acts of the Chapter of Lincoln, to
which allusion will be made, and Henry Burghersh, the Bishop of
Lincoln, acquired the patronage of Holbeach church for himself
and his successors " at great cost " from " Dominus William de
Harcourt Miles" for the sum of /"soo, in the year A.D. 1332. The
Vicarage was then ordained in the year 1335.
Geoffrey atte Chapel de Flete in the year 1296 "was
detained in prison at Lincoln for redissesin done to Thomas, son
of Gilbert Pyncebeke, of his freehold in Holbeche ; to be released
on payment of a reasonable fine to 3'e King's use." Alnewyke 23rd
September. A special mandate of the King to the above effect.
[Fine Rolls 94, 24 Ed. I, memb 5. J
In 1297 King Edward I granted license of Mortmain to buy
lands in Langtoft, Boston, Croyland, Holbeach, and Quaplode.
[Biblioth: Topogr: Brit: Vol. Ill p. 169 ]
In the "extent of the Manor of Holbeche " held by Thomas
de Molton of Gillesland and made on Ascension Day, 21st of
Edward I (26th March A.D. 1293), we find the following allusion
to a hurricane and destructive tide, confirming what Stow has
written : —
" 240 acres of land lying for pasture, every acre worth by
the year 4 pence, and not more, because inundated by a sea storm
which happened in those parts in the 15th year ofthe reign, and
are yet flooded at every high tide. Sum /"4. [Chancery Inquis.
p. m. 7 1 Ed. I No, 36.]
It appears by Mr. Gibbons' Early Lincoln Wills that " William
le Blund, Knight of Holbech," must have died about the year 1297
for in the 17th year of the Episcopate of Bishop Oliver Sutton
at Stow Park a commission for probate of the will of William le
Blund Knight of Holbeach, was issued to Masters Thomas de
Multon and William de Weston, Vicars of those churches to hear

48
the pleadings of administration of his executors " decimo kalend
Septembris, anno xvij." [Bp. Sutton's Mem. folio 156.] And
another commission was issued at Bykeleswad with full power
to the Dean of Hoyland and Master Thomas, Vicar of the church
of Multon, to hear the pleadings of administration, etc., of the
executors of the late Sir William le Blund of Holbech, Knight,
iiij kal. Feb. anno xvij. [Ibid folio 163. Early Lincoln Wills p, i.J
William le Blund was one ofthe jury in the Wappentake
of Ellowe in Hoyland at the Inquisition in A.D. 1273. {See Hun
dred Rolls p. 2'jo.) Another of the same name William le Blound
and Lawrence Blound were living in Holbeach in 1327. [Excheq.
Lay Subsidy, ']f .]
Robert de Wylughby dying, at an inquisition held on the
26th of April 1317 upon the value of Knights' fees and the Ad vow-
sons of churches held by him at the time of his death in the
County of Lincoln, the jurors say "that ye aforesaid Robert held
on the day of his death the Advowson of the Church of Holbeche
in common with (in parcenaria) John de Harecourt, which is worth
by th(; year 200 marks. (Chancery Inquis. p. m. 20 Ed. II No. 78. y
In the Muniment Room of the cathedral at Lincoln we
noticed a Deed dated at Woodstock in the year 1331, which says
that the King gave licence to Henry Burghersh, Bishop of Lincoln,
that he might appropriate and acquire the advowson of churches
of ihe yearly value of 200 marks that were not held ofthe King in
chief. In 1332 the Bishop acquired the advowson of Holbeach by
purchase and it vvas appropriated to the bishopric of Lincoln
very shortly afterwards.
The Manor of Holbeach.
A.D. 1321.
Laurence de Holbech, Knight, died 14 Edward II A.D. 1321.
He vvas married first to Margaret Goband, who was 22 years old in
1305, when her brother, William Goband, or Gumband, died.
His brother was John Gumband, a monk near Swyne, in the county

49
of York, aged 30 years. Another sister was Lora, who married
David de Fletwyk, aud was 24 years old, and these were nearest
heirs. The eldest daughter of Laurence de Holbech, by his wife
Margaret, was Eva de Holbech, who married John de Boslingthorp,
and, leaving a son Richard de Boslingthorp, she died before
her father. The other children of Laurence de Holbech by this
marriage were, Margaret who married Robert Deyvill ; Amabilla
who married John de Multon ; and Christina who was only 12 years
old in 1321. Laurence de Holbech subsequently married again
and left a widow, Amicia de Holbech, who was living in Holbeach,
in 1327 — 1332. [Lay Subsidies Lincoln "^^ &" ^u -^ He held the
Manor of Holbeach, of Ranulph de Dacre, by Knight's service and
the payment of 155. 4d. half-yearly. The extent and value of the
Manor is thus given A.D. 1321: —

Extent.

£

One capital Messuage as in fruit of the garden,
worth by the year .. .. .. ., 0134
Two Dovecotes, worth by the year . . . . 034
I Messuage in Holbeche market, yields by the
year ., .. .. .. .. .. 050
84 acres and a half of Arable Land, worth by
the acre xiid. .. .. .. .. .. 446
Also 84 acres of Meadow, of which 40 acres
are overflowed with water, of which every
acre of the whole meadow is worth in com
mon years lod. .. .. .. Total 368
Also 37 acres iii roods of Pasture, overflowed
with watef, of which every acre is worth by
the year viiid. .. .. .. .. .. 152
Also I Salt Pan and i Hill and yard (where the
Salt is finished) which is rented by the year
at 10 quarters of Salt at the F. of S. Mary
Magdalen and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
by equal portions . . price of a quarter 015 o

5° / s. d.
Brought forward . . i o 1 3 o
Also there are two Windmills, which are worth
by the year . . . . . . . . . . 170
Also there are from Rents of the free tenants
at F. of SS. Botolph and Martin . . . . 040

Total . . £ \z 4 o

Holbeche.

£

Also they said Laurence held in his demesne
as of fee, on the day on which he died, in
the County of Lincoln aforesaid, xx acres of
Land in Holbeche of Hugh de Gorham by
the service of vid. per annum, to be paid at
Easter by Knight's service. And every acre
is worth by the year 8d.

o 13 4

Also he held in Holbeche of John Quappelad
by service of 3s. per annum, to be paid at
the F. of S. Michael, for all service, and
every acre is worth by the year xiid. . . o

Also he held as of fee in his demesne, on the
day on which he died, xl acres of land in
Holbeche of Hugo de Gorham, by the ser
vice of one Rose per annum for all service.
And every acre is worth by the year xiid. . .
Also that he held a certain piece of Sea (marsh
land covered by the sea from time to time)
for the pasture of animals, of the same Hugo,
by the service of one Rose by the year for
all service, which are worth by the year xxxs.

5' £ s. d.
Brought forward . . 4 ' i 4
Also that he held viii Salt Pans, with hills and
yards of the aforesaid Hugo, by the service
of one Rose by the year for all service, which
yield by the year, at the feast of S. Mary
Magdalen and the Feast of the Nativity, 80
quarters of Salt at 1 8d. per quarter, Total /"vi 600
Flete.
Also that the aforesaid Laurence held of
Thomas de Multon i Messuage, 2 Cottages,
and 29 acres of Land, in Flete, by the ser
vice of xvis. id. by the year for all service,
to be paid at Easter. And they are worth by
the year xxxiis. .. .. .. .. 1 12 o
Also he held i Windmill in Flete of the Prior
of Castle Acre, by the service of a Pepper
corn for all service. And it is worth by the
year xvijs. .. .. .. .. .. 0170
Total .. £\i o 4
Holbech. £ s. d.
Also that the aforesaid Laurence held in his
demesne as of fee xl acres and two pieces of
Marsh Land, which are called Northover and
Thrikyngham Marsh, and one Hill and Yard
which are called " Cotels," of James de Roos
and John de Roos in Socage ; whereof the
wife of the said Laurence ought to have a
moiety in the name of dower. And every
acre is worth by the year xiid. Total xls. 200
,\nd the said two pieces of Marsh Land are
worth by the year xliijs. iiijd. .. .. 234
And the said Hill and Area are worth by the
year xld. .. .. .. •• ¦• 034
£^ 6 "s

52
Holbech.

£

Also that the said Laurence held on the day of
his decease, i Cottage and vi acres of Land
and a half in Holbeche, in right of Amicia
his wife, who is yet alive, of Hugo de Gorham
as a free farm. And they are worth by the
year ^ a mark .. .. .. .. .. 068
Also that the said Laurence held jointly with the
aforesaid Amicia his wife, who is yet alive, as
of purchase ofthe said Laurence aud Amicia,
and the heirs ofthe said Laurence, i Cottage,
four acres of Land and a half, i Hill and
Area, which are worth by the year xs, . . o to o
Also that the said Laurence held jointly with
Master Rudulphus his brother, 1 Cottage
and I Hill in Holbech, which are worth by
the year half a mark .. .. .. 068
£^ 3 4
Kyrkton and Alg'kirk.
Also that the said Laurence held in his
demesne as of fee on the day of his death
iiij acres of land' in Kyrkton of Margaret
Laurens, by the service of one penny by the
year, and in Socage whereof the wife of the
said Laurence ought to have a moiety in
the name of dower. And they are worth
by the year iiijs. . . . . , . . . 040
Also they say that he held in Algarkirk iiij
acres of land of the Earl of Richmond, in
Socage whereof his wife ought to have a
moiety in the name of dower. And they
are worth by the year iiijs . . . . . . 040
Total £0 8 o

53

Extent Total £

12

4

0

Holbeche and Flete

>3

0

4

Holbech

4

6

8

Holbech

I

3

4

Kyrkton and Alg'kirk
0
8
0
Sum total
~£i^
2 4
Whereof Rents Resolute to
Ranulph de Dacre by the
year as service
0
'5
4
To Hugo de Gorham, by
year . .
0
0
6
To John de Quappelad
0
3
0
To Thomas de Multon, for
tenements in Flete, by
year
0
i6
1
To Prior of Castle Acre,
by year ilb. of pepper . .
0
o
10
Total
~/'
>5 9
total is of the clear value of
. .
/29
6 7
The names of the jury at this inquisition were — Peter Fitz-
Robert, Lawrence Fitz-Robert, Galfrid Baraille, John Borech.t
Gilbert Wymerk, Richard Chapman, William Athelard, Rober
Gamel, William de Mikefeld, William Fitz-Hugo, Fulco de Love-
don, and William Helme of Flete — it was taken at Holbeach on the
nearest Sunday before the Feast of S. Dunstan, 14 Ed. II. , 1321.
At an inquisition taken at Hedon, Sth May, 1321, it was
found that Laurence de Holbech held certain tenements in sundry
places in Holdernesse, by the law of England, of the inheritance
of Margaret formerly his wife.
By another inquisition taken at Holbeach on Sunday before
the feast of S. Dunstan, 14th year of Ed. II. , (1321), on the oaths
of Robert Oldher, John Oldher, Henry de Reppes, John Athelard,
54
Stephen Lyghtfote, William de Mikelfelde, Fulce de Lovedon,
Robert Fitz Lawrence, William Trasse, Hugh Bulmer, Thomas
Gouke of Quappelade, and Alexander Ingram, it was found that
Lawrence de Holbeche held as of the inheritance of Mar
garet formerly his wife sometime deceased, 58 shillings yearly rent
in Tukyngham and Repinghale of John Guband by service of one
pound of pepper ; also lands and tenements in Kelingholme of
Master William Founteyns, by Knight's Service. Sum of the
whole 108 shillings.
He also held certain lands in the county of York, of the
King in chief, by Knight's service as of the Honor of Albemarle,
of the inheritance of Margaret formerly his wife, and Christina,
one of the daughters and heirs of Laurence and Margaret is twelve
years old. Amicia, widow of Laurence, had urgently besought the
King for dower. Order for dower to be assigned to her sent to
Richard de Rodeney Escheator in presence of the heirs and par
ceners and of Simon de Driby, to whom the custody of the share
falling to Margaret, daughter of Laurence, has been granted to
have up to her lawful age. And when assignment of dower had
been made it is to be enrolled in the Court of Chancery as the
custom is. Dated at Westminster 28th May, 1321. [Close Rolls,
14 Ed. II. , mem. 4. J
In 1322 Simon de Driby and Margaret his wife held ten
bovates of land in Boston of Forde de Gaunt. [Abbrev : Placit :
P- 303-] Again instructions were sent to Richard de Rodney, that
whereas the King has learnt that Laurence de Holbeche held
certain lands and tenements in Holbeche in right of Amicia his
widow, who is yet alive, and that Laurence and Amicia jointly held
certain lands and tenements in Holbech by purchase, and that the
said lands are held of other lords and not of the King in chief, "we
command you not to intermeddle further, and the issues (if
any) you have received do you deliver to those whose they are."
Dated at Westminster ist June 1321. [See Close Rolls, 14 Ed. II. ,
mem. 3. J

55
In 1324 the Sheriff of Lincolnshire mentions the following
knights of the Division of Holand in his return for these parts.
They were — Alexander de. Montford, John de Roos de Gedney,
Humphrey Littlebury, Edmund Bohun, Hugh Gorham, Richard
Catterton, William Cressy, Peter de Gypthorp, (infirm and gouty),
Nicholas Leake, Roger Cobbdyke, (infirm and paralytic), Roger,
son of Roger Pedwardine, and William Cause, (who is always
unwell). [Parliamentary Rolls, Vol. I, p. 384.]
In 14 Ed. II., 1321, Alexander de Montford, Humphrey de
Littlebury, Everard de Flete, and William de Fayreford, had
a commission for the view and repairs of the banks and sewers
upon the sea coasts and parts adjoining, betwixt Tidbrigge and
Surflete brigge.
The Sir Humphrey Littlebury, Knight, mentioned in the
SherifFs list in 1324 was of Holbeach, for his name occurs as
paying to the Lay Subsidies levied at Holbeach in the years 1327
and in 1332. He had a seat at Holbeach Hum and married Eliza
beth daughter and heiress of Sir John de Kirton, Knight, by mar
riage wjth whom he became Lord of Holbeach. He was descended
from Hamon Littlebury of Littlebury Manor, 1 138, and the grand
son of Sir Ralph Littlebury, Knight, living in 126S, who married
the daughter of William Shiirley, by whom he had a son Sir Ralph
Littlebury, the father of Sir Humphrey Littlebury, whose mother
was Isabel, daughter of Sir John Dawney, Knight. Sir Humphrey
had two sisters, Marion who married Ralphe Pulvertoft of Whap
lode, and Isabel who married Lawrence How, Knight. Sir Hum
phrey was living in 1346. There is a fine tomb in Holbeach
Church, one of the finest specimens of its kind ofthe fourteenth
century, of which we shall have occasion to speak on a subsequent
page. In 1327 a subsidy of one twentieth was granted to the King,
Edward III., in this the first year of his reign. The sum total paid
by "the Vill de Holbech" was £z^ 7s. 3^d. The membrane
begins "Ad hue de vill de Crouland." then follows " Multone," at
which place was paid £ii 18s. 8Jd. ; Quappelade (Whaplode)

S6
paid /"22 8s. oj^d. ; after which Holbech /23 7s 3id. ; then Flete
/'123s. Sid. ; next Gedeney /lo IIS. ud. ; Suttone/'i7 7s. 6Jd. ;
and lastly Tyd 113s. 6id. The names of inhabitants in all these
places are recorded in full, and the amounts they each paid to the
subsidy, but the Roll is imperfect and much injured. We extract
what refers to the Parish of Holbeach in full —
Holebeche.
De Amicia de Baddele is. 3d. ; de Willo Barel 5s. 3d. ; de
Thom Coppyng is. gid. ; de John Hardy is. 2d.; de Thom de
Biker is. od. ; de Hugh Barel 4s. 4d. ; de Willo Wenne 2s. ijd. ;
de Willo Athelard 5s. i^d. ; de Joceo Altaz 3s. 1 Jd. ; de Rico Brun
6s. SJd. ; de Johe Pmetr [Parmeter] 3s. 3fd. ; de Stephen Fisher
3s. 3id. ; De Alger Wroth os. gjd. ; de Johe Brun 6s. ijd. ; de
Thom de Havercroft, 2s. od. ; de Johe de Carton 6s. 4^d. ; de
Walto Storm 2S. od. ; de Rico Golde 2s. sJd. ; de Hugelina de
Cauf / I OS. lo^d. ; de Matild de Campo 6s. 2d. ; de Ran de Dacre
13s. 5Jd. ; De Robto do Campo 7s. gfd. ; De Willo Outy 4s- od. ;
de Thom atte Gippel is. i i^d. ; de Gilbto Wym 3s. 5^d. ; de Walto
Hardi 3s. 2fd. ; de Johe ate Barewe 3s. 5d. ; de Johe de Foulham
4s. sd. ; de Willo Robbis 3s. 7id. ; de Johe fil Willi 2s. od. ; de
Lecia Balle is. lo^d. ; de Petro fil Beat'cs 4s. 8f d. ; de Thom
Wrenne 3s. lojd. ; de Willo de Carton i is. 3d. ; de Thom Tengy
IS. gf d. ; de Alex Glede is. ii^d.; de Rogo Tygo 6s. ojd. ; de
Robto Pitma [Pitman] 2S. 6Jd. ; de Thom Odere os. 7fd. ; de dno
Petr de Baton os. 7d. ; De Willo Gocelyn 6s. 4d. ; De Petro Oldere
IS. ojd. : De Walto Paris is 2jd ; de Robto Godard os. 8Jd. ; de
Rico M'cator ss. 7id. ; de Hug Foulma i is. lojd. ; de Marg Ingram
2S. lo^d. ; de Johe Ganne 2s. lojd.; de Simoe Calewe 2S. sJd. ;
de Rico Blankeneye 2S. i Jd. ; De Ivetta Hardi 2s. j^d. ; de
Willo de Walyngford os. 6|d. ; de Willo Warde os. i id. ; de Johe
de Elmdon 2S. od. ; de Henr fil Alex 3s 8d. ; de Willo Wym 4s. 6d. ;
de Thom Landri 2s. lod.
Mem. 3. Ad hue de vill de Holebech. De Edward de Flete
I2S. gjd. ; de Willo de Farford los. 7d. : de Thom de Flete 1 2s. od. ;
De Willo le Blound 6s. S^d. ; de Edmond-de Leyke 3s. ojd. ; de

57
Ivetta fil Willi is. 4Jd. ; de Johe de Kirketon is. lid. ; de Rog fil
Willi 3s. 4Jd. ; de Beat'c de Holb, £i 2s. 2jd. ; de Hufrido de
Litlebir igs. 7d. : de Amicia de Holb 7s. 8d. ; de Rog de Tweyt
OS. gjd. De Willo de Olmedou 2s. ojd. (Cliveden.) ; de Laur Blound
IS. 2^d. ; de Johe fil Alex 7s. 7|-d. ; de Willo de Blakewell 3s. 7id. ;
de Thom- fil Willi "2S. lojd. ; de Ema de Stoke 4s. sfd. ; de Johe
Capllo [capellano] is. 2jd. ; de Johe.de Deuener [or Devener]
SS. 6d. ; de Willo de Hav'coft is. od. ; de Rogode Flete 13s. lojd. ;
de Laur de Flete 3s. 8^d. ; de Johe de Hav'coft 4s. ifd. ; de Hug
fil Willi OS. gjd. ; de Nicho Cok 2s. 2 Jd. ; de Thomas Gamel 2S. i^d. ;
de Rico fil Hugeline 4s. ojd. ; de Rico Bot'smith 4s. 2id. ; de Willo
fil Gilbti 2s. id.; de Thom Lekke is -j^d. ; de Robto Brid is. 8Jd. ;
de Willo Paris 3s. o^d. ; de Willo fil Marg is. 6d. ; de Rico Dygel
3s. 6Jd. ; de Sin do Tube is. od. ; de Willo Wysbd is. g^d. ; de
Rado Godard IS. 2d. ; de In'^encia de Carton 7s. id. ; de Ad Cok
5s. 8Jd. ; de Hug Godard 2s. 4Jd. ; de Sim'oe ate Barre 2s. gd. ; de
Willo Godard is. 3d.; de Simo3 de Bradeflete 3s. ii^d.; de Fulco
de Hav'coft 2S. 8Jd. ; de Robto Male 2S. 2jd. ; de Stepho Lyztfot
[Lightfoot] IS. 3^d. ; de Willo fil Hug os. lojd. ; de Robto Gamel
OS. lod. : de Willo Tyge 2S. sJd. ; de Ema Gaze is. 2d. ; de Galfro
Wysbech os. 7id. ; de Robto Wrom is. gjd. ; de Thom le Ken
6s. ojd. ; de Henr M'cator 2S. jid. ; de Willo Hoberd 2s. 3Jd. ;
de Rog Wym 2S. 2d. ; de Rico Bercher 3s. o^d. ; de Alex fil Robi
2S. 6d. ; de Simoe fil Willi 2s. od. ; dePetro fil Robi 3s. od. ; de
Fulc de Carton is. 6d. ; which amounts, added together, exactly
make " Sm to'- vill de Holebech £2} 7s. 3^d.

It will be seen that one hundred and nineteen persons in
Holbeche were then taxed, of whom Beatrice de Holbeche paid
the highest amount £1 2s. 2 Jd. ; Hugelina de Cauf paid
£1 OS. lojd.; Humphrey de Litlebury paid : igs. 7d. ; Roger de
Flete 13s. lojd. ; and Ranulph de Dacre 13s. s^d. ; the lowest
amount being paid by Dominus Peter de Baton, who paid 7d.
John the Chaplain, -^ve presume ofthe Parish, paid is. 2-Jd.

58
The Wapentake of Ellowe paid to this subsidy /^igi '2 H
Skirbek  118 10 si
1 64 o 7^

Total Hoyland /"474 3 9i

Grants of Lands in Holbeach to Spalding Priory.
Several grants of land in this parish were made to the Priory
of Spalding in the year A.D. 1330. The donors were : —
Alexander, son of Peter Gouk of Holbeche, who gave the
whole of that land which he held in Oldegate in the vill
de Holbeche. [-'Oldgate," called also "Hallgate" and "St.
Peter's Gate," the lane leading from Church Street into " Wig-
nail's Gate." John Wills and Nicholas, son of Peter Crust of Quappelad,
wlio gave six acres and thirty perches of land in Holbeach.
William de Bretton of Weston, who gave three acres and
the fourth part of one acre in Holb.ech.
John, son of Henry le Moygne of Pincebek, who gave that
close in Holbeck called Birketoft, free of all service.
Thomas, son of Thomas de Multon of Holbech, gave that
land which he had in Holbeach lying amid the lands formerly held
by Galfrid son of Matilda of Sutton towards the south, and land of
John de Flandres towards the east: — Witnesses, Rad de Littlebir,
Simon fil Martini, (in the following charter " Simon fil Martini de
Holb. [ech"].) Rico fil Ad Rico de Flete, Willo de Sc^co. Hugh
de Oiri, Nico fil Ank, Willo fil Rob: Willo de SuUeb. clico & aliis.
[Harl. MSS. 1^2 fol. 215]
The same Thomas, son of Thomas, gave land which he had
between the great drain of Holbech towards the west, and
a division between Flete and Holbech towards the east. Wit
nesses: — Simon Mapham, Archbishop of Canterbury; John

59
Hotham, Bishop of Ely ; Henry Burghersh, Bishop of Lincoln ;
John de Eltham Earl of Cornwall. [Apud Turram, London, i6
Feb : Anno Quarto (^ Ed. III.) A.D. 1330.]
In 1332 a Subsidy of a fifteenth and a tenth vvas granted in
the Parliament at Westminster — the, tenth on-boroughs aridtowns
and the fifteenth on persons not living in boroughs and towns.
The whole amount for the Wapentake of Ellowe is stated to be
/251 17s. 3d., and the amount assessed upon Holbeach is given as
/'31 6s. 3d. The sum total of the three Wapentakes was /617
11.^ gid. For the sake of comparison we give the amounts levied
at Holbeach and the neighbouring towns and villages : —

Tyd.

7

16

7i

Multon. . .

29 4

S*

Sutton.

23

'3

5i

Weston

>3 5

0

Gedeneye . .

'4

8

4i

Croyland . .

3 2

9i

Flete

16

4

8i

Spaldyng. . .

40 12

4i

Holbech. ..

3'

6

3

Pyncebek .

42 17

03

Quappelade 30 1 gf
Richard de Castreton and John de la Gottes were the
collectors. Ninety-five persons were taxed at Holbeach, of whom
Robert Silkystone paid by far the highest charge £2 4s. 8d.
Hugelina de Caus paid / i 7s. lod. ; Beatrice de Holbeche paid
£1 IS. gjd. ; Mary de fflete paid igs. 4-!.; and Sir Humphrey
Lytilbery paid 13s. 4^d. ; and the smallest amount paid was is by
William Havercrofte. The list of names may be of interest locally
and we therefore give them with the charge paid by each person
when this subsidy was levied on Holbeach in the year A.D. 1332.
" Vill de Holbeche."
Of Sir Humph, de Lytilbery 13s. 4i^d.; of Beatrice de Hol
beche /~i IS. q^d.; of Alan de Multon 13s. 4fd.; of Amicia de Hol
beche los. 2|d.; of Roger de fflete 13s. 4id.; of Mary de flJete
19s. 4d.; of Peter son of Robert i6s. of d, ; of Hugelina de Caus
£1 JS. lod.; of Hugh ffoultnan 14s. j^d. ; of IMargt. de ffarford
i6s. iiid. ; of William le Blount 5s. 7Jd. ; of Emma de Stokes

6o
gs. ojd. ; of John de fflete 3s. 4fd. ; of Amabilla Rocele 2S. 8Jd. ;
of Gilbert Holdmedwe ss. 2id. ; of Lucy de ffarford 7s. 3Jd. ; of
Thomas Julian 12s. 9 Jd.; of Mabil' Wymer 6s. gjd. ; of William
Blakewelle 7s. 2.Jd. ; of William Dereman 2S. 6Jd. ; of Roger de
Tygo 6s. lod. ; of John Gaune 6s. 2d. ; of Robert Worm 2S. njd.;
of William Havercrofte is. od: ; of William son of Hugh is. 7^d. ;
of John son! of William is.-gfd.; of William Wysberde 2s. s-Jd ;
of Robert Spencer^ is. 6d. ;• -of Sinard Thumbe 4s. 4Jd. ; of Sir
John de Bcithemeshyll zs ii^^d. ; oP Thomas de Laudri, 2S. of John
Brown 7s. 3Jd. ; of Roger Wymer is. 4id. ; of William Calwe
7s. lid.; of Stephen Pyscator 7s. ojd. ; of Simon Hyry is. 7d. ;
of Jena relict of Laurence 2S. 3id. ; of Hugh Barel 7s. 3|4.;
of William Wenne 3s. 8d. ; of John Hardy 2S. 2di. ; of Will. Bare^
7s. ijd. ; of Simon Faber is. 4d. ; of John Parmenter 4s. nid.-"
of William Athelard 8s. gd. ; of William Coppyng 4s. iijd.; of
Adam Koke 8s. lofd. ; of Will. Gocelyn 4s. 3id. ; of Richd.
Chapman 7s. 3d. ; of Joan relict of Henry 4s. 6id. ; of William de
Carton los. 2^d. ; of Thomas L cue ss. 7id. ; of Everard Ingram
6s. 4Jd. ; of Robet Male gs. ojd. ; of Simon son of Ivo 6s. lojd. >
of Margaret de Wysbeche is. lo^d. ; of William Robbis 6s. 6id. ;
of Richard Camel 2s.; of Matilda Holdmedewe is. lojd. ; of
Geoff"rey Neue 5s. Sj-d. ; of William lecke 2s. 2d.; of Simon de
Havercroft 2s. 7id. ; of Margaret Paris 3s. i id. ; of Robert Pytte-
man 6s. Sd ; of John Atte baruwe 6s. gj-d. ; of Thomas son of
Hugh ss. gd. ; of Rich Boucher los. lod. ; of John de Hyppetofte
1 IS. 4d. ; of Alice Gocelin ss. sd. ; of Simon de Bratteflete 4s. .gd-. ;
of Robert Silkystone £2 4s. 8d. ; of Richard son of Fwll^e 53. 4id.;
of Richard Wi.sberd 4s. i i^d. ; of Simon Clawe 3s. 4|-d,, ; of Inno
cent de Carton 6s. 2f d. ; of William Outy 5s. ijd. ; of Richard
Blankeney zs. iid.; of Walter Godynge 2S. gfd. ; of Thomas Atte
gryppel 2S. gid. ; of Alex. Glode 4s. 6d. ; of Richard de Carton
4s. 3d. ; of William Huberde 2s iijd.; of Beatrice Wysberde
7s. 2jd. ; of Fulke de Havercrofte 3s. lod. ; of Richard Oygel
5s. 3fd. ; of William Male 5s. 4d. ; of Simon Atte barre 4s. sd. ;
of John de Havercroft gs. 2d.; of John son of Peter 4s. zfd. ;
of Joce Alker 3s. 7:Jd. ; of Robert Warde 55. gjd. ; of Fulke de
Carton 4s. 4d.; of Alexander son of Robert 4s. ; of Thomas son of

6i
William 4s. ; of Walter Hardy 2s. ; of Robert Cook 2s. Sum
total /'3 1 6s. 3d. The amount assessed upon Holbeche as stated
and the amount of the individual taxation as above given will be
found to be quite correct. Of iig persons taxed at Holbeche iii
1327 onlv some 50 names re-appear in the above list.
Purchase of the Advowson of Holbeach by the
Bishop of Lincoln.
By indenture dated at Stone, in the county of Northampton,
"on the nearest Wednesday after the Feast of S. Martin the
Bishop, in the reign of King Edward III. after the Conquest the
6th year," A.D. 1332, William de Harecourt, knight, stood held and
bound by his writings to come into the court of the King, and for
the Sum of /"soo to make over to Henry, by Divine permission the
Bi^op of Lincoln, and to his heirs and assigns, the Advowson ofthe
Chufch of Holbeche. Witnesses : Dominus Edmund de Bereford,
Dominus John de Broughthon, Thomas Wale, John de Lyonns,
John de Crockisford, junior, Walter de Woburn, John de Harp, and
others. In 1332 (6 Ed. III.) there was a charter at Lincoln from Will
de Harcourt, knight, appointing Dominus Rd. de Whytewell and
Dominus Robert de "Stanford, his attorneys, to put the Bishop in
possession of the church of Holbech. ' Same witnesses as the last
deed, atid made the same day. [Dean and Chapter of Lincoln's
Charters in Muniment Room.]
In 1333 an Inquisition was taken at Holbech before Matthew
Broun, Escheator of the King in the counties of Lincoln,
Northampton and Roteland, on the 27th day of March, according
to the tenor of the writ of the King, stitched to this Inquisiton,
dated at Pontefract the i8th day of March, on the oaths of:
I William Male, of Holbech 7 John Broun, of Holbech
2 Roger Tygo ,, 8 Stephen Fixer
3 William Stace, of Quaplade 9 Edward Ingram
4 Alan de Walpol „ 10 John de Berford, of Quaplade
S Alexander de Blakewelle ,, 1 1 Alexander Kinge ,,
6 Walter Hardy, of Holbedh 12 Bartholomew Doget

62
who said that it would not be to the damage of the King, or anyone
else, if the King concedes to Nicholas Bolon, clerk, to Robert de
Stanford, and to John Coleman, that they should be able to give 20/0
rents with appurtenances in Holbech, and the advowson of the
church of the same village, and assign them to the venerable
Father Henry, Bishop of Lincoln, to have and to hold them to the
same Bishop and his successors for ever, so that the same Bishop
should be able to appropriate that church, and hold it in appro
priated use to himself and his successors for ever. They say that
the rents and advowson aforesaid John de Multon had held,
together with any services to be rendered, and John himself had
held the same of the Count de Richemund, and the Count de
Richemund held them of the King in chief, together with any
service to be rendered. They say truly that the aforesaid church is
valued per annum at one hundred marks, and that no lands or
tenements remained to the said Nicholas, Robert, and John, beyond
the aforesaid donation and assignment. [Chancery Inquis., p. : m. :
7 Edw. III. (2nd numbers. No. 47 J]
In A D. 1333 (7 Ed. Ill ) sth Feb., there was a charter dated
at Nettleham, from Henry, Bishop of Lincoln, to Dominus Thomas
de (deed lorn) appointing him attorney to receive seizen of the church
and lands at Holbech. [Charters of Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
in the Muniment Room in ihe Cathedral.']
In A.D. 1334 Robert de Stanford conveyed to the King six
acres of land in Holbeche "and the advowson of the church ofthe
same town" :
Sciant p'sentes & futuri qd ego Robtus de Stanford dedi con-
cessi & reddidi excellentissimo Principi & dno Edwardo Regi Angl.
illustri sex acras t're cu ptin in Holbech in com Lincoln & advocac
ionem ecclie eiusdem ville habend & tenend dco dno Regi &
heredibs suis imppetuu. In cuius rei testimoniu p'senti carte
sigillum men apposui. Hiis testibs ven'abili, inxpo patre dno Rico
dei gra Dunolm Epo dnis Galfro Lescrop, Willo de Herle ; Willo de
Shareshull ; Johne de Cauntebrigg ; Miche de Wath ; Tha de
Baumburgh ; Johe de sco Paulo & aliis Dat apud Eborx t'cio die
Novembr. anno regni Regis Edwardi t'cij post conquestum octavo.

63
Et memorand qd p'd'cus Rob'tus venit in Cancellar. Rx apud
Eborx t'cio decimo die Nov. anno sup dco & recognovit cartam
p' d'cam & omnia contenta in eadem in forma p'd'ca. [Close Rolls
(162) 8 Ed. III., m. 6 dorso.]

There are several charters at Lincoln from which it appears
that the Pope of Rome sent a Bull to the Bishops of Hereford,
Ely, and Durham directing that the church of Holbeach, the
patronage of which the Bishop of Lincoln had lately acquired,
should be appropriated to the See of Lincoln. There is an entry
in the Episcopal Registers of the Diocese " Holbeche Vicarie
dotatio" at the foot of which is the note that "William the first
Vicar of the Church of Holbeche was instituted and inducted in
the time of Henry the Bishop octavo, Kin. May, A. D. 1335.,
which- seemed to point to the date when the Vicarage was ordained,
the previous inductions being to the Rectory. We were not wrong
in coming to this conclusion, and the Memorandums of Bishop
Henry Burghersh contained a similar entry recording the ordina
tion, and the appropriation of the Church of Holbeach to the See
of Lincoln, and this as well as the Acts of the Chapter at Lincoln
appropriating the Church of Holbeach, (on the authority of a Bull
from John XXII. Pope of Rome, " of happy memory," addressed
to the Bishops of Ely, Hereford, and Durham,) in the year 1334,
will be found on a subsequent page in their proper place. The
value of the Church it is stated does not exceed 180 marks, and
the portion assigned to the perpetual Vicar to be instituted
was 50 marks.

The Bishop it is stated " has only two churches viz., those
of Mumby and Wooburne (Woburn in Bedfordshire then part of
the diocese of Lincoln) in Lincoln diocese now annexed to the use
of his Episcopal table," and we noticed in the Muniment Room at
Lincoln Cathedral a deed showing that the Church of Woburn was
appropriated in a similar way .to the Bishopric of Lincoln in the
year 1340.

64
We found a deed at Lincoln, much injured, which says :
"  Edward III., Wm. de Dacre, Knight, and Katherine, his
wife, claimed the Advowson of Holbech Church against the Bishop
of Lincoln, but afterwards withdrew their claim." [Dean and
Chapter of Lincoln's Charters, Muniment Room.]

Some Early South Lincolnshire Vicarages.
In Liber Antiquus the Vicarage Book of Bishop Hugh Wells,
written for the most part about the year A.D. iziS, the following
are some of the Vicarages mentioned in this part of Lincolnshire : —
Bicker Langtoft
Billingbro' Sempringham
Bourn Spalding
Bracebridge Stamford
Buttervvick Tallington
Corby Threckingham
Deeping S. James Thurlby
Freeston Wrangle
In 133s there was a licence to William de Goseberkyrk, the
newly appointed Vicar of Holbeach to hear confessions in re
served cases.
The will of Sir Humphrey Littlebury, Knight, was dated
Kal. Dec. A.D. 1330. Letters of administration granted to Richard
de Littlebury. A subsidy was granted in the year A.D. 1341, by the Par
liament at Westminster, by the Prelates, Laity, and Barons, for
themselves and all their tenants; and the Knights of Shires for
themselves and the commons of the land. It consisted of tbe-
"none" or the ninth sheep, the ninth fleece, the ninth lamb, etc.
We find the following about Holbeach : —

65
" Holand in Com. Lincoln.
Particle Com p. Abbatis de Croyland & soe. suos assesses
& ven. . .
The places mentioned are in the following order : Tydd,
Sutton, Gedeney, Flete, after which, on mem. i : —
"Holebeche. A composition ef £51 os. id., received of
William Oldemedowe of Holebeche, Richard Calowe of the same,
William Hav'croft of the same, and William de Carton of the same,
for the ninth garb, fleece and lamb fer the Parochial Church of
Holbeche, which is taxed at / 120. With the ninths ofthe tem
poralities of the Abbot of Croyland in the same town, which are
valued this year xxxixs. xd., and with the ninths of the temporali
ties of the Prior of Spaldyng in the same town, which are valued
this year at vis. viijd. And they are not able to approach to tax
with the aforesaid Ninth the aforesaid church, because the greater
part of the profits of the said church consist in chief, of oblations
and small tithes of corn, hay, hemp, salt, tithes and values of pigs,
increase ef cottages, butter, and mortuary fees, which are valued
this year at £']o." [Here there is an erasure and the words
over "quia inferius .''"] This referred to the 15th of traders, 20s.
this year and net mere.

Sum total of ninth
Sum total of fifteenth

The ninths of temporalities are set out on the back of the
last membrane. Ninths of the Religious temporalities in Hoyland are par
celled as follows: —

/¦84s 33

5 6^
9 5

/¦878

14 iij^

66

Ninths temporalities of the Prior
of Spaldyng. £ s. d.
In Sutton . . 300
In Holbeche 0 6 8

Ninths temporalities of the
of Croyland. £ s.
In Gedeneye i 16
In Holebeche 1 ig

Abbey d.
10 10

In Quappelade
In Multon

0 '5
3 0

5 0

In Quappelade
In Sotton

7 2

0
1 1

0
1 1

In Weston

5 0

0

In Toft . . . .

0

4

0

In Spaldyng . .
In Pynchbeck
In Gosbkirk . .

22 0
7 10
0 5

0
00

In Friston
In Butterwyke

I
0

5
4

10 0

In Surfleet . .

I 0

0

In Wiberton . .
0 12
0
£m
/''5
In 1344, on April ist, there was an indenture between
Thomas, Bishop of Lincoln, and Dominus Robert de Spillesby,
Chaplain, letting the tithes of Holbeche to Farm. [See Bishop
Becke's mem. Folio 62.]
In 1 346 John Strange had the right of free warren in
Holbeche, Flete, Whaplode, and Trikingham "post applicationem
Regis apud Hoges in Normandia." [Charter Rolls, 20 Ed. III.
P- '79-J In the same year Hugh de Cressy left bequests to the
Churches and poor ef many ef the parishes in this neighbourhood.
After the request in his will that he should be buried in the Church
of S. Laurence, Surfleet, he leaves " for the fabric of the Church
of Surflet and to the poor of the village of Surflet, 60 Shillings —
to the poor of Gosberkyrke xxs. viijd, ; also to the poor of the
village of Pincebek xxs. viijd. ; to the poor of the town of
Spaldyng xxs. ; to the poor of Quadring xxs. ; to the poor of
Donyngton xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of Byker xiijs. iiijd, ; to the
poor ef Swinesved xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of Wygetoft xiijs. iiijd. ;
te the poor ef Suterton xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of Algerkyrke
xiijs. iiijd.; to the poor of Kyrketon xiijs. iiijd.; to the poor of
ffrumpton xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of Wyberton ss. ; to the poor of
67
S. Botolph xxs. ; to the poor ef Skyrbek xs. ; to the poor of Toft
xs. ; ffresten xs. ; Leverten xs. ; Benyngton xs." "Also I leave to
the poor of the village of Weston near Spaldyng xs. ; to the poor of
the town of Multon xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of the town of Quap
pelade xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of the town of Holbeche xiijs. iiijd.;
to the poor of the town of fflete xs. ; to the poor of the town
of Gedeney xiijs. iiijd. ; to the poor of the town of Sutton xxvjs. ;
to the poor of the town of Tydd xs." and so lo other villages of
Leake, &c., and amongst ethers to " Repingale vis. viijd." He left
also a bequest to Roger de Exton who was vicar of Pinchbeck.
[Gibbons' Earlv Lincoln Wills, p. 1 5 — compared with original in
Bishop Becke's Register, Folio 106.]
HO.SPITAL founded AT HoLBEACH IN HONOUR OF
All Saints.
In 26th Edward III. A.D. 1352, Sir John de Kirketon,
knight, in consideration of one mark, obtained a licence to found
an Hospital in honour of All Saints at Holbeche fer one chaplain
or warden, and fifteen poor persons, in a messuage of his own for
the maintenance thereof. Saier de Rocheford, escheator of the
King, held an Inquisition at Holbeach on the 6th ef November in
that year, on the oaths ef the following jury : —
Hubert de 1 Feld of Holbech John, son of Ralph of Flete.
Simon Foulema of the same John Paris of Flete
Adam Staylbred of the same John Heuldman of Quappelad
Thomas son ef Laurence of Gilbert de Bykewelle of
Holbech Quappelad
John Luxma. of Flete William Skarlet, junior, of
Thomas Ath Spense of Flete Quappelad
Alexander de Blakewell of
Quappelad
who said that it was not te the damage of the King, or anyone else,
if the King concedes to John de Kirketon, knight, that he should
newly found a certain Hospital in honour of All Saints' in a certain
messuage of his own at Holbech, in the care of one chaplain and

68
fifteen poor persons, and that messuage for the site of the Hospital,
and the necessary houses to be constructed for the residence of the
warden and poor persons, he should give and assign te the said
warden there, and four acres of land which lie in the same town,
for the support of the warden, to have and to hold to the warden
and his successors, the wardens of the said Hospital, for the site
and aforesaid residence, and in aid of the support ef the warden and
poor persons according to the direction of the said John, en this
part te be made for ever. And they say that the aforesaid messuage
and land [in the writ for this Inquisition four acres of land are
mentioned] are contained in the writ of the Lord King, and are
held of James de Roos, knight, by the service rendered from thence
to the said James ef Four shillings at the feast of Easter and St.
Michael, by equal portions. And they say that the messuage afore
said and land is valued at ijs. and vid., last rent resolute, in all
outgoings, according to the true value ef the same. And they say
that James le Roes is mesne lord between the Lord King and John
de Kyrketon of the messuage and lands aforesaid. And they say
that the remainder of the lands and tenements were held to the
said John last mentioned as a gift and assignment, viz. : one
messuage and thirty acres of land which lay in Holbech, and were
held of the noble James le Roos by the service of one fourth part
of a Knight's fee, and they are worth Forty shillings. And they
say that fer that purpose John himself freed twenty acres of land
and rents in Kyrketon, which are held of the Lord John of Gaunt,
Count of Richmond, by the mesne service of one Knight's fee, and
they are valued as above said. [Chancery Inquis. : p. m. 26 Ed.
Ill, No. sg.]
Dugdale, 3Ion. : Angl. Vol. vi., page 709, gives us the
King's Licence, which is as follows : —
" HoSPITALE DE HoLBECHE IN AGRO LiNCOLNIENSl."
" Licentia Regis Edwardi Tertii facta Johanni de Kirketene
pro Fundatione ejusdem."

69
"Rex etc. Licet etc., tamen pro una marca quam dilectus
et fidelis noster Johannes de Kirketon nobis solvet cencessimus et
licentiam dedimus, etc. Eidem Johanni quod ipsi quoddam
hespitale in honore omnium Sanctorum in quodam mesuagio in
Holbeche, de uno custode capellano et quindecim pauperibus de
novo fundare ; et messuagium illud pro situ ejusdem Hospitalis et
pro domibus necessariis et pro habitatiene et aisiamentis ipsorum
custodis et pauperum ibidem construendis : ac quatuor acras terrae
cum pertinentiis in eadem villa in auxiliam sustentationis eorundem
custodis et pauperum et successorum suerum dare possit et assign-
ari praefato custodi : Habendum et tenendum sibi et successeribus
suis custedibus Hospitalis praedicti pas situ inhabitatione et
aisiamentis praedictis, et in auxilium sustentionis ipsorum custodis
et pauperum, juxta ordinationem ipsius Johannis faciendam imper-
perpetuam etc. In cujus, etc. tes rege apud Wyndsore XVI. die
Novembris, A.D. 1352. [Patent Rolls, 2bth Edward III. p.i,m.i'~,.'\
This was a licence in mortmain to found a Hospital, and
tells us that John de Kirketon for one mark received the King's
licence to found " in a certain messuage of his in Holbeche a
hospital in honour of All Saints, of one chapel, the warden, and
fifteen poor men, and to use that messuage for the site of the
Hospital, and for constructing the necessary houses for the habita
tion ef the said warden and poor men, and that he may give four
acres of land in the same town in aid ef their support, and that
of their successors for ever te have and te hold the same according
to the ordinance of the said John te be made."
Licence in mortmain granted to Sir Wm. de Skipwithe and
John de Haghe for giving land and meadow to All Saints
Hospital, Holbeach.
A.D. 1392. Patent Roll, 16 Ric. 2, parti, m. 11.
For forty marks paid to the King by Sir Wm. de Skipwithe
knight, and John de Haghe, they have the King's licence to assign
forty-two acres of land and forty-five acres of meadow with the
appurtenances in Holbeche to the warden (custodi) of the Hos
pital of All Saints in Holbeche te have and to hold to him and
his successors, etc., for ever. Witness the King at Beverley
2nd September, [1392] See Inq. 15 Ric. 2, part 2, no. 121.

7°
CONCKRNING HoSPtTAL OF ALL SaINTS IN HoLBEACH.
Writ dated Sth May, 15th year, (1392).
Inquisition taken at Kirketon in Hollande on Friday after
the feast of Corpus Christi, 15 R. 2, (7th June 1392), before
William Belle, Escheator, by the oath ef John Temesson, etc.,
all of Kirketon, who say that it is not to the damage of the
King er others, if the King grant to William de Skipwithe,
knight, and John de Haghe that they may give and assign fifty-
two acres of land and fifty-five acres of meadow with the appurte
nances in Holbeche to the Warden (custodi) of the Hospital
of All Saints Holbeche, to have and to held to him and
his successors for ever, in aid of their own support and of the poor
staying in the said hospital, and to sustain certain charges accord
ing to the ordinance to be made ofthe said William and John.
The said land and meadow are held of the Abbot ef Croy
land in socage by fealty and other services unknown, and the
Abbot holds of the lady Anne, Queen of England, as of the
Honour ef Albemarle; and the Queen holds of the King in chief
by what service is not known. The said land and meadow are
worth per annum (clear) £ \ i8s. 8d.
The said Wm. de Skipwithe and John de Haghe have land
and ten'ts. remaining in Calthorpe and Haghe held ef the Earl
ef Northumberland and others, worth per annum /"40, and sufficient
to do the services required from the land and meadow so given as
well as from other lands. A.D. i3g2. Chanc. Inq. p.m., 15 Ric. 2,
part 2, No. i2i.
Dugdale further gives the following from the Patent Rolls,
32 Ed. III. page 2, m. 30, about certain lands in the said town of
Holbeche given to the same Hospital, and which King Edward III.
authorized the founder to add te the revenues of the same. "Rex
etc. Licet etc. volentes tamen dilecto et fideli nostro Johanni de
Kirketon Militi gratiam facere specialem, cencessimus et licentiam
dedimus pre nobis et haeredibus nostris quantum in nobis est.

7'
praefato Johanni quod ipse quendam annuum redditum vigenti
solidorum exeuntem de uno messuagio et xxiij acris terrae ipsius
Johannis in villa de Holbeche qua de Abbate et conventu de
Croyland tenentur dare possit et cencedere eisdem Abbati et cen-
ventui habendum et percipiendum sibi et successeribus suis pro
licentia per ipsos Abbatem et Conventum de tribus messuagiio,
duobus salinis sexaginta et sexdecem acris terrae xxi acris prati
cxx acris marisci et xxxiijs. redditus cum pertinentiis in eadem
villa de Holbeche de fsedo ipsorum Abbatis et conventus cuidam
capellano custodi hospitalis per praefatum Johannem in honore
omnium Sanctorum in eadem villa de Holbeche, juxta ecclesiam
parochialem ejusdem villae, pro refectione pauperum de neve fundati
de licentia nostra dandis et assignandis imperpetuum pro qua
quidem licentia a nobis sic optenta idem Johannes xx libras nobis
solvit etc. In cujus test. : etc. rege apud Westm. prime die
Augusti, A.D. 1358." [Dugdale VI. 7096, Patent Rolls, 32 Ed. III.
p. 2, m.: 30.]
In the year A.D. 1361 several of Bishop Gynwell's Institu
tions are dated at Holbeach, for instance, "viii kal May 1361;"
"Non: May 1361;" "v Idus May 1361;" and "viij Id. May 1361;"
it looks as if he was at Holbeche for some purpose, and it may
have been to reconsecrate the Church of Holbeach er something of
the kind. He was again at " Holbeche v Id. Jul." ef that same year.
In 1361 there died William Hod of Flete, whose will was
proved at " Holbech iiij kal May 1361." He desired to be buried
in the churchyard of S. Mary Magdalene, Flete. His wife's name
was Margaret, and his sons, John Hode and William Hode, are
mentioned in his will. His son John and his wife and Agnes
Gerneyes " ancilla mea" were appointed his executors. [Gibbons'
Early Lincoln Wills p, 24.]
The Manor of Holbeach 1361.
An inquisition was taken at Quappelade on Saturday after
the Purification of the Blessed Mary the Virgin, 36 Edward III.
(5th February 1361-2) before Walter de Kelby the Escheator in
the County of Lincoln by the oaths of : —

72
Walter Goddard of Multon Alexander Stace
Simon de Holbeche Geoff'rey Wynder
Roger de Holbeche Richard Veyse
William Kytwylde Richard Pruet
Richard Coke Alexander Male
Adam Staybrede John Terner
Who say that Margaret de Dacre, deceased, held in her
demesne as of fee on the day on which she died, the Manor of
Holbeche with appurtenances, of the Earl of Hereford, by fealty
only, fer all service. And the said Earl held the same of the Earl
of Richmond by homage and fealty only for all service. And the
said Earl of Richmond held of the King in chief by homage and
fealty only for all service. And the said Manor with appurtenances
is worth by the year in all issues forty marks. [/26 13s. 4d.]
Margaret held no other lands in the said County. She died
on Friday after the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Mary,
35 Ed. III., (loth December, 1361), and Ranulph de Dacre,
Parson of the Church of Prestcotes, is the son and next heir of the
said Margaret and is aged thirty years and more. [Chancery
Inquis. : p. m. 36 Ed. III. part i, No. 62.]
Johanna Fitz Wauter, Lady of Egremend, wife of John Fitz
Wauter, daughter and heiress ef John de Multon, died on Friday
i6th June, 1363. Besides property in London, Norfolk, Sufifolk>
Essex, and Cumberland she had some in Lincolnshire. On the
oaths ef Walter Goddard ef Multon, Simon de Holbeche, Richard
son of Ralph ef Holbeche, and others, it was found at an inquisi
tion taken at Lincoln on Friday after the Feast of S. James the
Apostle, 37 Edward III. (30th July, 1363), that she died seized
ofthe 3rd part of the Manor of Multon cam membris in Quaplode
and Weston ; also she died seized ef a 3rd part of one knights fee
in Hemmingley ; i, part of one knight's fee in Multon ; ]\ part of
one knight's fee in Multon and Weston ; j'j part of one knight's fee
in Fosedyke ; also of a 3rd part ef one knight's fee in Holbeche,
which Hugh de Dacre holds.

73
Walter, son of John Fitz Wanter, was found- to be the next
heir of Joan, and he was 19 years old on the day of S. Petronilla
the Virgin, that is on the 31st ef May, 1363. [Chancery Inquis. :
p. m, : 37 Ed. Ill, No. 36.]
Boundary of the Parish of Holbeach, a.d. 1370.
The bounds between the parishes of Holbeach and Whaplode
were accurately defined about this period, and we are here able to
give the document, which goes very minutely inte the boundaries
as settled by John Buckingham, Bishop ef Lincoln, and the Abbot
and Convent of Croyland, at so early a date as the year A.D. 1370.
It will be of interest to the inhabitants of both parishes, giving as
it does the names of se many landowners or tenants residing on
either side of the boundary in each parish.
There had been some dispute between the Bishop of the
Diocese and the Abbot and Convent of Croyland about the tithes
of twenty-three acres of land " on the furthest side of the parish
of the said church of Holbech, and from the sheep and lambs and
other animals lying on and fed below the same parish, and the
borders and limits of the same, and by reason of which there had
been gradually arising occasion ef question."
An agreement was made therefore between the Bishop and
the Abbot and Convent, which opens thus : —
" By the tenor of these present letters, or of the present
composition, to all the children of Hely Mother Church, present or
in the future, it will appear evident that, whereas lately between
the Venerable Father Lord John, formerly Bishop ef Lincoln,
having the Church of Holbech, Lincoln Diocese, canonically
appropriated to his Bishopric, and united to it for the one part, and
the religious men, the Abbot and Convent of the Monastery of
Croyland, of the same Diocese, over the tithes coming in from
twenty-three acres, or thereabouts, of land in the places vulgarly
called Chesheuscroft and Thurgeriscroft, below the parish of the
said church ef Holbeche."

74
It was settled that " The Religious men at a fixed time shall
pay, or be bail for, what shall have rested or been fed there in the
said church ef Holbeche, to the Venerable Father, the Bishop of
Lincoln, in the name of the said church, and they shall • effectually
be held to pay or be bail for them, and to that end they shall be
compelled, if necessary, by ecclesiastical censure, or other best
remedy of the land, and that simply without disturbance or appear
ance of legal process ! "
And whereas a dispute had also existed between the
Venerable Father and the Abbot and Convent, about the bounds
and limits of the said parish of Holbech and the parish of Quappe
lad (Whaplode) "as if it could easily be ascertained which were
the bounds and limits of each," by counsel held and consent of both
parties, the division shall be after this form, namely, as follows : —
{TRANSLAtlOK — original in Latin).
" By beginning bythe ditch on the northern side of the marsh
from Gorhamesnelond, and by going by the crest ef the ditch
between Gorhamesnelond and Quappelad neuelond, as far as
Scaldecrike, and so by Scaldecrike direct as far as Saltenaygate, and
se beyond Saltenaygate towards the South direct by Scaldecrike,
where is another ditch "itavetata" as far as Patemansgate, and
thence by Patemansgate towards the west, as far as a certain lane
called Hungerdik, which is en the eastern side of the Housecroft
of Nicholas de Stekewell, and so direct teward.s the south by the
said lane ef Hungcrdik to a single stream on the western side of
the said lane, stretching from the east te the west, between the land
of William Grym on the northern side, and the land of Roger-Atte-
Meres on the southern side, and so by the same stream as far as
Stokewell's Well, and se from Stokewell's Well by a single stream
at the northern head of the said land of the said Roger Attemeres
towards the western side, and land of Robert de Carton and land
of Simon Godehusband, as far as the land of Thomas Dygil, and
then so by going towards the south by a single stream between the
land ef the said Simon Godehusband and Thomas Dygil as far as
Rondikgate, and so to the south beyond Rondikgate by a single

75
"landiner" and single stream direct between the land of William
Atte Stowe on the western side and the land of Simon de Wyngen-
hale on the eastern side, as far as the land of Robert Rede, and
then towards the west by a stream between the land of the said
Robert Rede on the southern side, and the land of William atte
Stowe on the northern, as far as the headland on the western side
of the said land of the said Robert Rede and Robert de Carton, as
far as Cartonsvvell, and so from Cartonswell towards the west by a
single stream towards the west as far as the western head of the
Housecroft of the said Robert de Carton, and so by going by one
stream towards the south between the aforesaid land of the said
Robert de Carton and land ef the heirs of Richard de Carton, as
far as north-west heme, the land of William atte Barre, and then
from the north-west hirne by a single stream towards the east
between the said land of the said William atte Barre and land of
the heirs of Robert de Carton as far as to the north-west heme, the
said land of William atte Barre, and then towards the south from
the said north-west heme by a single stream, from the western side
of the land ef the heirs of Robert de Carton and land of Richard
Coke, as far as the northern head of Gilleslane, and by Gilleslane
towards the south as far as the common road, which leads from
Holbech kirk as far as Quappelade kirke, and so beyond the spoken
of Road by Barreswel towards the south as far as Denniarkesherne,
and so from Denniarkesherne towards the east in the common lane
which leads to Godehardesgate, as far as one land mark which is
between the land of Simon de Wygenhale on the eastern side, and
land of John, the son ef Adam Strott, and Thomas Joupe, on the
western, and so by the said landmark towards the south as far as to
a single stream which is at the northern head of the land of John
Maghtild, and then by the said stream towards the east as far as
north-west hirne, the land ef John, the son of Galfrid Strott, and
then from the said north-west hirne by a single stream towards the
south between the said land ef John, the son ef Galfrid Strott, and
land of John, son of Galfrid de Bereford, on the eastern side, and
of the heirs of Henry, the son of Robert, on the western side as far
liteloldegate, and then by liteloldegate towards the west as far as
a single stream between the meadow of Roger atte Meres en the

76
eastern side, and the arable- land ef the said Roger on the western
side, and so by that stream direct beyond the land of the said
Roger te another stream between the land of the said Roger on the
eastern side, and land of Alexander the Knight en the western side,
and so by the same stream direct as far as Mikeledegate, and then
by Mikeledegate towarde the west as Manmergate, and so by
Manmergate direct towards the south as far as Cranesgate, and
then by Cranesgate towards the south against Rogersdrove Nelson,
and so by Rogersdrove Nelson direct towards the south as far as
Gibbesdrove, and then by Gibbesdrove towards the south as far as
Asgerdik, and then by Asgerdik towards the west as far as a single
Henendik, which is on the western side ef Bakenesdole, and
so by the said Henendike direct towards the south as far as the
Communedik ef Holbech and Quappelade." This deed is dated
4th August, 1370. [Bishop Buckingham's Memoranda, (Bishops'
Registry, Lincoln,) folio 94.
It is possible that these disputes about the tithes and
the boundaries of the Parish of Holbeach which was appropriated
to the Bishopric, and the Parish of Whaplode which belonged to
the Abbot and Convent of Croyland, may have occasioned the
prolonged visit ef the Bishop of the Diocese to Holland in the
year 1361, to which allusion has been made on a former page,
especially as in the year A.D. 1358, three years previous, we found
another entry, which reads as fellows: — "A.D. 1358, x. Kal Apr.
The Parishioners of Holbeche te pay tithes substracted, and to pay
their Hay tithes in Hay, and not in money. [Bp. GynwelPs
Register of mem. fol. 155.]"
In 1371 (45 Edward III.) an inquisition was taken at
Lincoln at which it was arranged that the amount levied on the
parts of Holland, ^35 izs, 6d., should be sustained by the various
towns as follows : — / s- d. £ s. d.
Tidd .. .. 100 Bicker .. .. o 13 4
Sutton . . . . 200 Wigtpft . . . . 016 o
Gedeney .. 1 13 4 Algerkirk.. .. 144

77

£

s.

d.

/"

s.

d

Fle^'t . . .

1

10

0

Sutteron . .

0

16

8

Holbeach

I

15

0

Kirton

,

6

8

Whaplode

I

15

0

Frampton

I

0

0

Multon . . .

I

16

8

Wyberton

0

'3

4

Weston . .

0

17

8

St. Botolph .

0

15

0

Croyland

. 6

13

2

Skirbeck . .

0

'3

4

Spalding

I

16

8

Toft . . .

0

•3

4

Pinchbeck

2

0

0

Freiston . .

0

16

0

Surfleet . .

. O

16

S

Butterwick

0

6

8

Gosberton

1

4

4

Bennington

0

'3

4

Quadring

0

>S

0

Leverton . .

0

12

5

Swineshead .

. 1

0

0

Leake

I

2

3

Donington

I

0

0

Mangle . .

0

16

0

This enumeration amounts 10/^34 8s. lod., but the specified
amount was/'35 12s, 6d.. of which the Wapentake of Elloe was to
pay £\(i 17s. 6d., that of Kirton £i\ 5s., and that of Skirbeck
£1 los.
[Copy of a paper in Boston Corporation Archives, signed by Thomas
Middlecott and Thomas Coney, and said to be a "careful transcript
from an old parchment wi.l " given by Thompson in his History of
Boston.]

Clergy of Holland in A.D. 1377.
In the year 1377 Parliament granted to King Richard II. a
subsidy of four pence to be paid by every person in the kingdom,
male and female of fourteen years of age and upwards ; and this
was followed by another subsidy ef twelve pence [er 15 shillings ef
our money] from every beneficed clerk and four pence [5 shillings
at the present day] from those unbeneficed. In the immediate
neighbourhood of Holbeach we find that taking the parishes of
"Multon, Quappelod, Holbeche, Flett, and Gedney," 53 clergymen
were assessed, of whom seven were taxed as being beneficed, and
46 unbeneficed. They are thus given on the back of the Roll at a
part much injured and read only with difficulty : —

78
Weston — Dns Johes vie xijd. ; dns Hugo cap poch iiijd. ; dns
Joh Dalby iiijd. ; dns Ric. cap iiijd.
Multon — Dns Johes vie xijd. ; dns Will cap poch iiijd. ; dns
Laur. cap poch iiijd.; dns Wills pcurator iiijd.; dns Johnes cap
iiijd. ; dns Wills Dalby iiijd. ; dns Thom cap capelle iiijd. ; dns
Thom. Wright iiijd. ; dns Walters Friday iiijd.
Quappelod — Dns Johes vie xijd. ; dns Phus cap poch iiijd. ;
dns Thom. cap iiijd. ; dns Will, cap poch iiijd. ; dns Thom. Athelard
iiijd. ; dns Henr. Neudik iiijd. ; dns Gulfridus de Renceby iiijd. ;
dns Johnes Dorand iiijd. ; dns Thom. Toumepayn iiijd. ; dns Will.
Fozdik iiijd. ; dns Will. Scriven iiijd. ; Johnes Oldeman diacon
iiijd.; Wills porter sbdiacon iiijd. ; Johnes Pokok sbdiacen iiijd.
Holbech — Dns Simon vie xijd. ; dns Thom. cap poch iiijd. ;
dns Will. Wastnays iiijd. ; dns Thom. cap bnfic xijd. ; dns Ric.
Boucher iiijd. ; dns Henr. de Maryng iiijd. ; dns Johes Husbond
iiijd. ; dns Johes Martinsone iiijd.
Flett— -Dns Adam Rect xijd. ; dns Rob. cap poch iiijd. ; dns
Simon de Gedney iiijd. ; dns Johes de Swaneten iiijd. ; dns Johes
de Tilney iiijd. ; dns Johes de Sutt'ton iiijd. ; dns Ric. de Lene
iiijd, ; dns Johes Gardn'' iiijd. ; dns Henr. Bakist iiijd. ; dns Henr.
cap Rob. Braunch iiijd.; dns Joh cap Johis Hode iiijd.
Gedney — Dns Waltus Kect xijd. ; dns Johnes vie xijd. ; dns
Will, iiijd. ; dns Rob. iiijd. ; dns Nichus iiijd. ; dns Will. Robin
iiijd ; dns Will, de Quappelode iiijd. ; dns Johnes Cappe iiijd.;
dns Bartholomeus iiijd.; dns Radus de Freston iiijd. ; dns Rob.
Loueden iiijd.
Sutton— Magr. Laurenc vie xijd. ; dns Thom. fil Ade iiijd. ;
dns Nich. May iiijd. ; dns Johes Clement iiijd. ; dns Will Nonne
iiijd. : dns fil Siois iiijd.; dns Will Godahale iiijd. ; dns Will. Brune
iiijd. ; dns Joh Rihall iiijd. ; dns Ric. Hardy iiijd. ; dns Symon
Dovier [or Dodier] iiijd. ; dns Johes Batilsdon iiijd. ; dns Johes
Sker hare iiijd. ; dns Symon Baldeware iiijd. ; dns Thom. fil Willi
iiijd. ; dns Will, de Lincoln iiijd. ; dns Will, fil Henr. iiijd. ; dns
Galfridus Kyng iiijd.

79
Tydd — Dns Thom. Rect xijd. ; dns Will, cap iiijd. ; dns
Bartholeme iiijd. ; dns Johnes iiijd. ; dns Rob. iiijd. [Extracts from
Clerical Subsidy, Lincoln Diocese 2 Richard II. mem, i, dorso.]

These entries are not without interest. They give us a
glimpse of the state of these parishes at that period. Vicarages
appear te have been founded in most of them, and there were
parochial chaplains and other clergy connected with them. At
Holbeach there were two beneficed clergy. Sir Simon de Paris, the
vicar, and Sir Thomas, who was a beneficed chaplain. Mention is
also made of a parochial chaplain and five other priests, or eight
clergy in all. This subsidy was collected in the Archdeaconries
of Lincoln, Stow, and Leicester, and the Deaconry of Rutland, by
the Abbot of Barlings.

Another subsidy was granted [4 Rich. II. , A.D. 1381J by
the Parliament held at Northampton, of Twenty groats on all
Prelates, Clerks, Procurators, and Presbyters, and a subsidy of
Three groats on all deacons, sub-deacons, and acolytes of 16 years
old not notoriously mendicant. Here follow "The names of the
Rectors, Vicars, and Chaplains in the Deanery of Holland." These
are in the subjoined order, and a side note informs us that " every
one in this Deanery paid vis. viijd."

Tydde.
Magisr. Thomas Haroudon,
Rector de Tydde
Dns. Johes Gildale, caplls. poch.
Dns. Barthus de Neuton, caplls.
Dns. Rob'tus Cok, caplls.
Dns. Wills, de Repingale, caplls.
cantar. and valet xls.

Sutton.
Prior de Castelacr, Rector
de Sutton
Magr. Laur. Barmr. vicar
ibm.
D. Thomas Adamson, capll
poch.
D. Nichus May, caplls.
D. Simon Atris, caplls.
D. Johes Clement, caplls.

rt

a

ca

•T3

OJ

'.¦^

¦o

">

0

.

XI,

CO

'^—*

.= "0

8o

D. Walterus de Walsyngham,
caplls.
D. Johes filius Simonis, caplls.
D. Wills Abraham, caplls.
D. Johes Maier, caplls.
D. Wills Brone, caplls.
D. Thomas Dekyn, capll.
D. Ricus Hardy, capll.
D. Thomas fil Gene, capll.
D. Johes Lov'yngton, capll.
D. Wills fil Henr., capll.
D. Johes Man., caplls.
Gedenay.
Dns. Waterus, Rector de
Gedenay.
D. Johes de Castr., vicar ibm.
D. Johes Spendlyve, capll poch.
D. Johes Husband, caplls.
D. Nichus, caplls. dni. Phi.
Spensr. Militis.
D. Johes caplls eiusdm.Phi.
D. Barthus caplls serviens dni.
Robti. Rose
D. Will. Male, caplls.
Flete.
Dns. Adam de Knarysburgh,
Rector de Flete

D. Rob'tus Wygtoft, capll poch.
D. Wills Gloyer, capll. poch.
D. Henr. serviens Robti.
Blanche
D. Johes de Welle, capll.
D. Johes de Sut'ten, capll.
D. Johes Parker, capll.
D. Ricus Loue, (Love.?) capll.
D. Johes Wynstowe, capll.
D. prbitr. Thoe de Flete
D. Thomas Campion, caplls.
Holbech.
Dns. Epus Lincoln, Rector de
Holbech
D. Simon de Parys vicar ibm.
D. Hugh, capll. poch.
D. Johes Stalker, capll. poch.
D. Rob'tus Warde, capll. cant.
dni, Hugonis de Daker que
Cantaria taxata de novo ad
V. marc
D. Wills Wastenes, caplls
D. Wills Foredyk caplls.
D. Thomas Crewmer, caplls.
Sci Nichi & ilia capella,
taxat. ad Centu solidos.
D. Ricus nup. serviens dni
Thome de Holbech.

On another membrane, apart from the foregoing, is what
appears to be a continuation of the Deanery of Holland, viz. : —
Quaplode, Multon, Veston, Spaldynge, Pynchebeke, Surflete,
Gosberkyrke, Donyngton, Byker, which we therefore give :

8i

QUAPLOI).
Dns. Johes Vicar de Quapled
D. Galfidus de Rousceby, capll.
poch.
D. Johes, capll. poch.
D. Thomas Alyngten, caplls.
D. Thomas Athelard, capll.
D. Henr. de Newdyk, capll.
D. Wills Oldeman, capll.
D. Johes Oldman, capll.
D. Ricus Randes, capll.
D. Wills Scivener, capll.
Multon.
Dns. Johes, Vicar de Multon
D. Wills Case, capll. poch.
D. Wills peur" ibm.
D. Wills Dalby, caplls.
D. Walterus Froyday, capll.
Veston.
Dns. Johes, Vicarius de Weston
D. Hugo, caplls. poch.
D. Gilbus Clony capll.
Spaldyng.
Magr. Gilbus, Vicar de Spaldyng
D. Henr. capll. poch.
D. Thomas, capll. poch.
D. Wills Maymound, capll.
D. Robtus Elmyngton, capll.
D. Johes Smythfeld, capll.
D. Wills de Staunton, capll.
D. Johes Goderyk, capll.
D. Robtus Dekyn, capll.

Pvnchebek.
Dns. Thomas Logys, Vicar de
Pynchebek
D. Wills Bullok, capll. poch.
D. Walterus Clement, caplls.
poch.
D. Wills Stalyngburgh, caps.
Cantar ibm qe taxr. ad V. Marc.
D. Thomas Thewer, capll.
D. Wills Bondeman, capll.
D. Adam Butte, capll.
Surflet.
Dns. Johes de Fedyrby, capll.
poch de Surflet
D. Johes de Sawtr. capll.
D. Walterus, caplls. ibm.
Gosbkyrk.
Dns. Egidius, Rector de Gos-
berkyrk.
D. Wills de Brone, caplls. poch.
D. Robtus de Fene, capll.
D. Wills Perys, capll.
D. Thomas Wrygh, capll.
[ .? for Wryghte.]
D. Galfridus ate Chaumbr al.
Botiller, capll.
D. Ricus Grawng, capll.
[Grawnge]
Donyngton.
Prior hospital Sci Johis Jerlm in
Angl. R'. de Donyngt. and
Rectoria non taxa^
D. Thomas Bayns, Vicar ibm.

82
D. Johes, capll. ppch. Byker.
D. Nichus caplls. Cantar ibm. Prier de Botele, Rector de
Canfia valet Cs. annuati Byker, non taxa' hic.
D. Thomas Wyne, caplls. Dns. Nichus, Vicar ibm.
De Johes de Welby, capll. Dns. Johes caplls bte Marie
D. Thomas Lamberd, capll.
D. Thomas Chekyn, capll.
N.B. — After the words in Donyngton and Byker " non taxa''" occur
the words "quia solvit in grosso" but they are struck
through with the pen.
Exchequer Clerical Subsidy, Lincoln Diocese, [4 Rich. II.
according to 2nd Report App. : ii. 175. J5-]
This subsidy is again very interesting, giving as it does the
names of Chantries and their value fer taxation at that period and
besides the names of clergy, we learn the names of knights and
ethers living in some of these parishes ; we see there were
Chantries at : —
Tydde valued at/^2. Will, de Repingale chaplain.
Holbeach Chantry of Hugh de Dacre freshly taxed at
£1 6s. Sd. (5 marks) dns Robert Warde chaplain.
Chapel of S. Nicholas taxed at £1 (100 shillings) dns
Thomas Crewmer chaplain.
Pinchbeck Chantry taxed at 5 marcs dns Will. Stalyngburgh Chaplain.
Donington Chantry which is valued at £^ annually dns
Nicholas chaplain.
The Family of Littlebury.
Robert Littlebury and his ancestors held land in Holbeach
and Whaplode of the Abbots of Croyland as of the^Soke of Gedney
from a period long before the reign of King Edward III. They
began to intermit payment and incurred an arrear

83
For his own and his men's table with the Abbot
of Croyland . . . . . . . . . . £ \o
Farms of tythes in Whaplode .. .. .. /^g
Denariis mutue receptis [money borrowed] . . £ \2
Several horses borrowed and not restored . . £\
Trees bought, IV marcs [not placed under the other figures.]
His funeral legacy £ \o.
All summed up te /6o 13s. 4d.
John Littlebury gave the Abbot divers jewels in payment of
the above rents and debts. On his death the estate came between
his widow and his son Robert, she regularly paid fer her time Xs.
per annum, and en her death 29 Henry VI. A.D. 1451, her sen
came into the whole, and having never paid any rent from his first
taking it, 20 Henry VI. (A.D. 1442) to 32 Henry VI. (A.D. 1454),
he was destrayned on for the rent. [App. to Gough's Croyland 53,
/. 92, apparently from fol. 2ig ot the Abbey Register.]
Sir Humphery Littlebury became Lord of Holbeach about
the year 1325 by marriage with the De Kirton heiress. He was
buried in Holbeach Church where there is a fine tomb new at the
west end of the north aisle, which formerly stood near the chancel,
at the east end of that aisle. The effigy on it is encased in armour,
the hands are joined in prayer, the head rests on a woman's head
in a net, and the feet are supported by a lion. The whole must
have been very rich in colour ; the sides are covered with roses,
richly carved, and there are four niches with canopies. It is a fine
specimen of a medieval tomb of the fourteenth century and C. A.
Stothard in "The Monumental Effigies of Great Britain" (London
4°- 1 8 17) gives two views of it and says " this effigy is in Holbeach
Church, Lincolnshire ; the border of the surcoat formed inte leaves,
the cuisses are semee with cinquefoils heads." Relative to the
application of nails to body armour, the following passage from
(memoirs of) Philip de Comines (book) seems to be in point.
"The Dukes ef Berry and Bretagne were at their ease upon their
hobbies armed only with gilt nails sown upon satin, that they

84
might weigh the less." " It seems in those days," says Stothard,
" to have been the fashion to represent these effigies as standing
on animals, particularly what was meant fer the lien. The more
sensible of these effigies lay their heads on pillows ; but many, like
Sir Humphrey Littlebury, prefer the stomachs of men and
women." The monument is also given in Stukeley and in
" Gough's Sepulchral Monuments, Great Britain [London 1796]."
His Arms on the tomb and on his shield are — Argent, two lions
passant — gardant, gules. His wife's Arms, also en the tomb are —
single barry ef 6 Erm and gules— Dr. Stukeley emits the Ermine.
He is mentioned by Dugdale as being on a commission fer the view
and repair of sea banks in A.D. 1320, and again in 1336 — and
his name occurs in Lay Subsidies as residing in Holbeach in 1327
and in 1332. Some of the Holbeach property which he held and
which went ever te him circa 1325 was alienated in 1463 to
Tanfield and Hoe ef Abbots Waldon, Hertfordshire. [Harl
M.SS. 1^2 pp. i9i-ig2i5.]
The Pedigree ef the Littleburys is given in the " Visitation
of Lincolnshire in 1562-64," edited by Mr. William Metcalf,
F.S A., (London, J. Bell and Sons, 1S8 i), From it we find that Sir
Humphrey Littlebury was descended from Hamon Littlebury of
Littlebury Manor, A.D. 1138, who had a son Humphrey Littlebury
who married the daughter of Simon Montford, and had issue, John
Littlebury, A.D. iigs, and he married Jane, daughter of Robert
Gousall of Gedney. Their sen, Richard, A.D. 1215, took to wife
the daughter of John Lambert, and had a sen Sir Martin Little
bury, knight, who was Chief Justice of England, 28 Henry III.
A.D. 1243. His wife was Anne, the daughter of Sir Henry Roch-
ford, knight, and by her he had a sen Sir Ralph Littlebury, who
married the daughter ef William Shurley, by whom he had a son.
Sir Ralph Littlebury, the father of Sir Humphrey Littlebury,
knight, who married the De Kirton heiress, and thus became Lord of
Holbeach. She was Elizabeth, sister (sic) and heiress of Sir John
Kirton, knight, whose father was Sir John Kirton, the son of Sir
Robert Kirton, knight, whose father was Peter Kirton who married
Elizabeth daughter and heiress of Sir William Woodthorp, knight.

85
Besides Sir Humphrey, Sir Ralph Littlebury had issue, Marian,
wife to Ralph Pulvertoft of Whaplode, and Isabel, wife to Laurence
How, knight, and these were therefore sisters ef Sir Humphrey.
His three children are given as Sir Robert Littlebury, knight, Jane,
wife to Robert Celey, and Anne, wife te Thomas Branche of Fleet.
Sir Robert Littlebury, the son of Sir Humphrey, married the
daughter of Philip Tylney of Boston, knight, and had issue Sir
John Littlebury, knight, Humphrey Littlebury who married the
daughter of Sir Jeeifrey Paynell, knight, and Robert Littlebury who
married Anne, daughter of Sir Thomas Moulton. The eldest son
of Sir John Littlebury, knight, married Alice, daughter to Ralph
Castell, Lo. of Raveningham, Co. Norfolk, and had issue. Sir
John Littlebury, knight, about the reign ef Henry IV. (A.D. I3gg-
141 3) married to Margaret, daughter to Thomas Gorholme, in
whose right he was Lord ef Gorholme. Also Jane wife to Thomas
Pinchbeck, knight, and Thomas Littlebury who had a son William
Littlebury married to Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of — St.
Clair, whose children were Elizabeth wife to John Brograve,
Agnes wife to — Tyrrell, aud Joane wife to John Hartipole.
From the eldest son. Sir John Littlebury who was living in the
reign ef Henry IV., we have Humphrey first married to Elizabeth
Colville, daughter of John Colville, knight, who died sine prole, and
secondly to Margaret, daughter to Sir Roger Kelke, knight, by
whom he had a son, Sir Robert Littlebury, knight, who married Ann,
daughter of Thomas Meeres of Kirton, and a sister Barbara who
married Roger Meeres ef Kirton. And se the pedigree goes on
to Humphrey Littlebury, of Stainsby, and is carried on to the reign
of Queen Elizabeth circa Isgi.
John de Littelbury granted to Wm. de Thorp, knight, and
his heirs an annual rent of /"20 arising and growing out ofthe
Manor of Som'sete, also of all other lands and tenements in
Quappelade. [Close Rolls, 31 Ed. III. Part i,memb. 26 A.D. 1358.]
John Littelbery, knight, released to John le Marchford arid
others all his right in all his lands in Holbech which he
had of the gift of John de Meres and others. [Ibid, gth Rich. II.

86
part I, (25-28) A.D. 1385.] tiis will is at Lincoln dated in 1422.
Letters of administration granted to John Edlyngton, Vicar of
Pinchbeck, and to John Rysby, Vicar of Holbeche. [Early Lincoln
Wills, p. 151.]
John Littlebury, knight, demised to Robert Hag'ham and
others all his right in the manors of Somersete and Gorrams, and
in all ether lands and tenements in Quappelade and Holbeche.
[Ibid, xoth Henrv VI. , part i, A.D. 1427.]

Guilds at Holbeach in i38g.
Six returns were made from this parish in answer to the
proclamation made by King Richard II. in the year i38g, by
which the Sheriff of Lincolnshire was te give notice to Masters
and Keepers of Guilds and Fraternities te make returns as to their
foundation, rules, and manner of life, and possessions " belonging
to the said Guild, and the annual rent and produce of the lands,
etc., and the true value of the goods and chattels, under pain of
forfeiture and loss of the said possessions." The Parliament
of 1381 had directed such returns to be made to the King's
Council in Chancery, and a large number of the original returns
still remain in the Public Record Office, and from the file of
"Guilds in the County of Lincoln," Nos. 1S4 to iSg refer to
Guilds or Fraternities at Holbeach : —
"GuiLDE Corpus Christi
In a certain Chapel in the Parish of Holbeche."
"Certificate of the foundation, rules, etc., ef the Guild of
Corpus Christi in a certain Chapel in the Parish of Holbeche
made by John Bawdry, Alderman of the said Guild, made on
Monday in the Vigil of the Purification of B. M. V. in the 12th
year ofthe reign of King Richard II. , according to the form of the
King's writ, etc., it is set forth as fellows : —

87
In the first place, it is ordained that a certain chaplain
should be in the Chapel of St. Thomas in the Fen of Holbech
[''in palude de Holbech"] and that he should celebrate each year for
the Brothers and Sisters and Benefactors of the same Guild. Also
that the brothers of the said Guild should find continually in the
Chapel aforesaid vi candles in honour of Corpus Christi. Also
it is provided that they should give the profits of the goods and
chattels for the repair or support of the said chapel. Also it is
provided that all the brothers and sisters should assemble at the
said chapel on the day of Corpus Christi, to hear divine service
and to pray for the souls of the brothers and sisters in the same
Guild deceased. Also it is ordained that if any one of the brothers
or sisters shall have entered on the way of all flesh, that all the
brothers and sisters of the same Guild shall assemble at his
obsequies, and thence for his burial, the Alderman or his Deputy
bearing the torch of the Guild shall expend for the living and the
dead a certain alms to the value of one-fortieth to any poor person
coming to it. Also it is ordained that the Lamp of the said Guild
shall be lit at his obsequies for any ofthe brothers or sisters and at
the Mass on the day of his burial. And it is ordained that if anyone
should have entered into the fraternity of the same Guild he
shall pay for the repairs of the chapel aforesaid xviijd. and lib. of
wax. And they possess goods and chattels to the value of Forty
shillings for the support of the Chapel and Chaplain and gifts for
the objects of that Chapel. And there are not any ordinances,
offerings, vestments, or expiations — nor are there more goods or
chattels, or lands, tenements, rents, or possessions, burial fees or
non burial fees belonging to the said Guild otherwise than it is
above stated and declared. [Chancery Guilds, Lincoln, 1S4.]
We find also "The Fraternity of Corpus Christi, founded
in the Church of Holbeche" by a certificate of the same date : —
" The Fraternity of Corpus Christi of Holbech thus began —
Robert Blakewell, Wills de Carton, John de Carton, Alexander de
Carton, John de Waryn, and William Tygo wishing to de honour
to the Body of Christ had agreed that they would find daily in the

88
Church of Holbech whilst Divine Service was being celebrated,
One Waxen Candle burning in honour of Corpus Christi, and also
two wax candles burning called torches at the elevation of the
Body of Christ en each festal day, and te be carried en the Feast
of Corpus Christi before the same Body of Christ. And they do
not make any banquet, unless separately the accounts are set out>
and, for the custody of the aforesaid matters that the wax candles
should be made and sustained, each of these Brothers gives
annually "unum busselum dragu," one bushel of Buckwheat, oi the
value of iijd. And they do not possess any lands ner tenements nor
goods nor chattels. [Chancery Guilds, Co. Lincoln, No. 186.
There was also a certificate ef the Guild of " S. Thomas the
Martyr, chantry in the Chapel of S. Thomas the Martyr in Holbech
in Hoi. in the County of Lincoln, made out by William Richard
son, Alderman of the said Guild, on Monday in the Vigil ofthe
Purification of the Blessed Mary, in the year of King Richard
II. , after the conquest, the twelfth, etc. In honour of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and of the Blessed ]\Iary, and all the Saints, and
of the Beatified Thomas the Martyr, fer the souls of the brothers
and sisters living and departed of the Guild aforesaid.
In the first place it is ordained by the Brothers of the said
Guild that there should be a Guild Chaplain every year celebrating
for the brothers and sisters of the said Guild. Also it is ordained
that the Brothers of the said Guild should furnish xxiiij wax
candles and two torches, burning from the " Sanctus, sanctus,
sanctus " until the " .\gnus Dei." Also it is ordained that all the
brothers and sisters should eat together and en the same day
go together to the Mass and te Vespers, and after those
vespers that they should make obsequies of the dead, to pray for
the departed brothers and sisters of the same Guild, and all the
faithful dead, together with a Mass for their repose on the morrow,
at which Mass any of the confraternity who pleases shall offer and
give one penny for the service ef God. Also it is ordained that as
often as ever any one of the brothers shall have deceased, that all

Sg
the brothers and sisters shall assemble for his funeral obsequies
with two torches and other lights ofthe same Guild, and that they
shall carry the body of the departed to the Church and they shall
offer and give en his behalf one penny for the service of God.
And the aforesaid brothers have goods and chattels to the
value of one hundred shillings, for the support of the Chapel and
lights aforesaid, and for the objects of that same guild." [Chancery
Guilds, Lincoln, No. 183.]
"The Fraternity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary
THE Virgin, in the Church of Holbech.
The Fraternity of the Assumption of the Blessed Marv-, in
the Church of Holbech, thus commenced : —
Certain Plasterers 'or Masons) of the same town, having
devotion to the Blessed Mary and desiring by their trade to
honour her, had agreed that any of them should give annually two
bushels of buck-wheat, ef the price of four pence to support one
candle burning before the image of the Blessed Mary in the ^a.rae
church whilst Divine Service is celebrated, which regulation all the
masons of that town still observe, and still keep up the aforesaid
candles in honour ef the same Virgin. .\nd the brothers ofthe
same Guild make no feastings nor assemble together unless they
separately receive their accounts, nor have they lands, tenements,
nor chattels unless to the value of xxs., which are in the hands of
William Thacker and Hugo I-denius brothers ef that Fratemity.'
[Charuery Guilds, Lincoln, No. 185.]
We find also that the Fraternity of the Holy Trinity had
been founded in the Church of Holbeche and a certificate in
answer to the King's Proclamation which informs us that : —
" The Fraternity of the Holy Trinity in Holbeche thus began
— A certain Simon Sarson, Simon Rogerson, Thomas de Burham,
and certain others, wishing to show honour to the Sacred Trinity

go
had given, viz. — each of them one pound of wax to furnish
one wax candle and two waxen tapers called torches burning at the
elevation ef the Body ef Christ before the image of the Holy
Trinity in the Church of Holbech, whilst Divine Service was daily
celebrated in the same Church, and they had agreed to keep up
that, each of them should give annually to the termination of their
lives, one bushel of buck-wheat, and that they should make one
feasting per annum en the Feast of Holy Trinity, and that they
should then calculate their chattels and expenses ; which certain
Fraternity has no lands, ner tenements, ner anything for their use,
nor have they any chattels except twenty quarters of buck-wheat,
which are valued at xxvi shillings and viijd., which arc in the
hands of Simon Sarson, the warden ef the said, Guild. [Chancery
Guilds, Lincoln, No. 187. J
In Joshua Toulmin Smith's work is given the returns of 4g
Guilds made at this time, A.D. i3Sg, with illustrations of the
ordinances and usages of many early English Guilds, and he quotes
those in and about Lincoln. In the introduction by Miss Lucy
T. Smith allusion is made to the wide spread of Social Guilds,
generally founded by some " body of the folks themselves," who
might sometimes be traders, sometimes not, and she instances the
" Shephirdes Gild " of Holbech. We give below the
" Certificate of Thomas Gryme, Chaplain, warden of the
Fraternity of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary of Holbech, called
Shephirdes Gyld."
" The Fraternity ofthe Shepherds of Holbech thus began —
Certain Shepherds, namely Richard Hast, Thomas Pympen, and
other Shepherds of sheep and other animals of that town, thinking
and believing that the animals in their care might be better in
health, if themselves made devotion to the Blessed Mary the Virgin
especially on this account that they themselves were not able to be
present more often at Divine Service in the Church aforesaid
owing to the charge of those animals, decreed that they should

9'
furnish one candle burning before the image ofthe Virgin in the
Church of Holbech, and also two great candles called torches, en
each festal day at the elevation of the Body of Christ in the same
Church. Also it is agreed between the brothers ofthe said Guild,
that all the brothers of that Fraternity should pay each year,
" unum bussellum London draget," one bushel of London buck
wheat, and that once in the year, viz., at the Feast ef the Nativity
of the Blessed Mary the brothers shall assemble in the Church
of Holbech and there present the aforesaid candles burning, and
afterwards make amongst themselves then a feast in a respectable
place, and after that feast in turn reckon up all their expenses and
costs, as well of the wax as of the other things, and if any remain,
it should be taken care of for the support of the candles for the
following year. And they have chattels te the value of forty
shillings, and they remain in the hands of Richard Pympen,
Richard Crane, Alger Belle, Michael English, and they have ne
further chattels, lands, nor tenements. [Chancery Guilds, Lincoln,
No. 1 88.] These returns are of great interest shewing as they do what
were the practices of the Church of England at that period. The
departed members of these guilds were annually thought of, fer the
dead in Christ are all living souls who have but passed from the
Church Militant to the Church Triumphant, for the church
believes in the Communion of Saints, and we still thank God in
the prayer for the Church Militant " for all Thy servants departed
this life in Thy faith and fear," and those who mourn " the lost, the
dear," know how consoling is the thought that they are in the
presence of God — living souls — awaiting in Paradise their " full
consummation of blessedness.'' The singing of the Agnus Dei,
now questioned, we see by one of these entries was the usual
practice in those days — daily prayer too we learn was customary in
Holbeach Church. There was a Guild of the Plasterers er Masons
of Holbeach, and we see that the difficulty which the Shepherds
and others now feel about their inability to attend Divine Service,
was then felt and provision made to remedy the evil as far as

92
possible. In these and similar foundations abuses undoubtedly
arose which led to their suppression and the interference of the
Crown, but there were seme regulations in such societies which
were undoubtedly helpful in our parishes.
The Manor of Holbeach, A.D. i3gg.
Alianor, wife of Thomas Duke of Gloucester, was one of the
daughters and heirs of Humphrey de Bohun late Earl of Hereford,
who died on Friday the 3rd of October, A.D. i3gg. She held in
County of Lincoln; —
Two knights' fees and a half in the Maner ef Holbeche in
Holland, which William, son of Hugh de Dacre, knight, formerly
held, which said Manor was formerly held ef Thomas de Multon,
and which are worth by the year when they fall £ \2 los.
She held also two knights' fees and a half in Little Paunton,
Great Paunton, and Germethorpe in Kestevene. One knights' fee
and a half in Thoresby in the parts of Lyndeseye. She held no
mere fees in the said County. Anna, aged 17 years, wife of
Edmund Earl of Staflford, Joan (Johanna) aged 15 years, and
Isabel, aged 13, (on the feast of S. Gregory) are her daughters and
next heirs. [See Chancery Itiquis. p. m. i Henry IV^ part i No. 50.]
Isabel her daughter, it appears in 1402 "had taken the
religious habit, and had professed" and by inquisition taken
at Stony Stratford " was in the House of the Minoresses (Aldegate)
in the suburb ef London, on the Feast of S. George last (23rd
April, 1402) on which day she was 16 years old."
Extent of knights' fees in the King's hands by the death
ef Alianor, wife of Thomas late Duke of Gloucester, and of Joan,
one of the daughters and heirs ef Alianor, and by reason of the
minority of Isabel, another daughter who had taken the religious
habit, made before John de la Launde, escheator, at Grantham
1 6th May 1402. The jurors say that by occasion aforesaid there

93
are in the King's hands in the Manor of Holbeche in parts
of Holland, two knights' fees and a half which Thomas, son
of William de Dacre, knight, holds ofthe heirs ofthe said Alianor,
and they are worth when they fall /40.
Anne, wife of Edmund Earl of Stafford, aged 20, is sister
and heir of the said Isabel. [Chancery luquis. p. m. i Henry IV.
part I No. 5 I .
An Inqiuisition was taken at Whappelade 31st October, 11
year of Henry IV., A.D. 1410, by the oaths of :—
John Harecroft of Holbech William Hubbard of Whappe-
William Outee ef Holbech lade
Roger Benet of Holbech John Sutton of Multon
John Osigil of Holbech Lambert Sheppard of Multon
William atte Medewe of Whap- John Helger of Whappelade
pelade Robert Pynder of Whappelade
Symon Calowe of Whappelade Robert Weller, jun. of Holbech
Who say that a separate plot of land, built upon, and two acres
with appurtenances in Holbech, which Nicholas Damson, who for
a felony was outlawed, held en the day of the promulgation of out
lawry, had been in the hands of the King for eight years and more,
who had seized the outgoings and profits by his escheaters in the
County of Lincoln for the time being and still seized them.
Nicholas Damson, a clerk convicted, had held the said messuage
and two acres of land in Whappelade of Robert Hagbech, knight,
as of the Maner of Hagbechall, and the sai-i Robert holds the
waste lands of the said places which the jury assess at vis. viijd.
[Chancery Inquis. p.m. 11 Henry IV]
Ralph Bracebridge acknowledged that he owed to Robert
Basset, Esq., Eighty Pounds, paying at the Feast ef the Purifica
tion of the Blessed Mary /"lo. "Te all the faithful in Christie
whom the present Deed may come, Robert Basset sends greeting
in the Lord. — ^Whereas Margaret the daughter and heiress of
Richard de Boslyngthorp, knight, by her charter released te John
de Multon, knight and Doms. Robert de Eyvile, Rector of the

94
Church of Boslyngthorp, all that messuage, lands, tenements,
meadow, pasture, and marshes, with possession of any salt-pits
etc., which the said Margaret holds in the villages ef Holbech,
Flete, Ame Flete, Whaplode, Algerkirk, and Kyrkton, with the
advowson of the Church of the Chapel of S. Nicholas, situated
within the Manor which had belonged te Laurance de Holbech,
to have and to hold to them, their heirs, etc., by rendering to the
said Margaret/' 10 sterling, to the end ef forty years, and after the
termination of forty years /"40 — which if then in arrears it shall be
lawful that the said Margaret, her heirs, etc., should enter upon
the said messuage, lands, meadows, etc., and whereas the said
Margaret is dead without heirs of her body begotten, and whereas
Ralph Bracebridge, knight, as her kinsman and heir has paid the
said rent, etc., know ye that I have confirmed and ratified to him
immediate possession. — Signed and sealed 7th November, A D.
1409. [Close Rolls 266, II Henry IV., m. 36. J
Adam Fryday of Multon made his will gth April, A.D. 1412,
and it was proved at Nettleham en the 28th ef that month. He
left vis. viijd. each to the fabrics of the churches of Weston,
Multon, Holbech, and Lincoln. " To my son John my messuage
with cottage adjoining on each side of land in Weston called
Bernewell, and all my lands in Holbech." He was one of the
jurors at an inquisition taken at Quappelade 20th October, 1397,
when it was declared that it was not to the prejudice of the King
that a third part of the Manor ef Gedney be assigned to the
Abbots of Croyland. His will is given in Mr. Gibbon's Early
Lincoln Wills, pp. 120-121 .
The dispute between the Abbot of Croyland and John
Pynder, Vicar of Whaplode in A.D. 144-6. being given in Mr.
Foster's book on the Parish Church ef Whaplode, we will here
omit and only state that the order made by the Court of Arches
was addressed " discretis viris eccl. de Multon et Holbeck vicariis
Johi Meadow et Gilberte Dawson," who were to admonish the
Vicar of Whaplode te repair the Chancel within 4 months, or to
appear in the Church of S. Mary le Bow, etc, given at London,

95
15 Kal. Marcij, Ae. Dni. 1450. This has been to us a difliculty for
the will of John Littlebury, knight, at Lincoln, gives us John
Rysby as " Vicar of Holbeche "in 1422, and Stukeley's list gives
the same name as Vicar ef Holbeach in 1460. After search
at Lincoln and Lambeth we can only think that John Meadow
might be an alias for John Ryseby for no other institution to
Holbeach can be found.
The dispute between the Abbot ef Croyland and Lord
Thomas Dacre adjusted by the Bishop of Lincoln in 27 Henry VI.,
A.D. 1447, and which we had copied as it stands in quaint old
English in Bishop Alnwick's Register at Lincoln, folio 24, we also
here omit, Mr Foster having given the same in his work.
In A.D. 1453 "Wm. Enot ef Lynn Epi and Henry Nele
gave the Saints Bell at Holbeach Church. [.See Stukeley in Itin.
curiosum ] The Manor of Holbeach in AD. 1458-9.
A fine was levied between William Marshall, clerk, John
Chaffer, and Robert Louth3'ane, plaintiffs, and Thomas Dacre,
Lord of Dacre, knight, and Philippa his wife, deforcients of the
Manor of Holbeche inter alia, by which the said Thomas and
Philippa quit-claimed the Manor te the said William, John, and
Robert, who rendered the same to the said Thomas and Philippa
for their lives remainder, te Thomas, son of the said Thomas
Dacre for his life remainder, to Thomas, son of John de Dacre,
knight, for his life remainder, to the heirs male of the same
Thomas Lord de Dacre of his body begotten, and in default of heir
male to the right heirs ofthe said Thomas Lord de Dacre, knight.
Philippa died ; Thomas son ef Thomas Lord Dacre died ; Thomas
son of John de Dacre died; and the said Thomas Lord de Dacre
survived them and was seized in fee-hold of the said Manor and
died so seized thereof. " The said Manor is held of Henry Earl of
Richmond by homage and fealty and the yearly rent of xs. paid to
Castle-ward yearly at Michaelmas."

96

Extent and Value.
" There are in the same manor : —
One capital messuage worth per annum
One kitchen and one stable, each worth
30 acres of pasture (6d.)
44 acres and 3 roods arable land (2od.)
20 acres of pasture in one place called
Gayse Park (8d.) 
1 7 acres of several pasture in divers watery
places (acres per annum 6d.)
A certain pasture marsh called Farfurth
marshe, another pasture called the Brent-
yerde, together with another called the
Uppegrisse, which contain 200 acres worth
per annum, clear, 66s. 8d . .
Also the Coneygarth and Ewmarshe con
taining 4 score acres worth per annum . .
Also the Were marshe containing 100 acres
of pasture and 20 acres called the Uppe
grisse, and one plot called the Whit pece
containing 15 acres of land which are
worth per annum S3S. 4d.; the Gret
marsshe 140 acres, the Uppe grisse 20
acres, and Litill marsshe 40 acres, and
lying in the Intoken 8 acres, worth per
annum together ^'4 13s. 4d.
Another called Litill marsshe 10 acres, one
pasture called Mekill Intoken 30 acres
lying between Snowfelde and the Marsshe
Dyke, which together are worth per
annum 20 shillings . .
There are in a place called Snawfelde 30
acres of pasture worth per annum 30s. . .

/•

s. 2 2
15
13

4 13

d. oo
o
4i

'3 4

8 6

3 6 8

6 8

97 / s. d.
Brought forward .. .. .. ig lo loi
Also 10 acres of pasture newly enclosed
lying near Snowfelde worth per annum los. o lo o
and gj acres of pasture worth per
annum gs. 6d. . . . . . . . . o g 6
There are seven houses, called " Salcoth's,"
and 56 acres of Salt area and 56 acres of
pasture, which are all worth per annum
seven pounds . . . . . . . . 700
With two small parcels of land, worth per
annum .. .. .. .. .. 0168
There is a fee rent of Salt to be received
from divers fee tenants 22s. iid. and paid
at the feast ef S. Botolph and S. Michael
and All Angels . . . , . . . . i 2 1 1

Total . . . . 29 9 1 1^
Fair and Market at Holbeche.
A Fair to be held yearly on the day and eve
of Michaelmas, worth nothing by the year
and a Court to be held from 3 weeks to
3 weeks, worth nothing by the year, and a
weekly market en Thursday, worth nothing,
with a toll worth by the year 3s. 4d. ; 034
a view of frankpledge yearly worth 3s. 2d. 032
Chantry j-.elonging to Manor.
There is a Chantry within the site of the Manor and appur
tenant thereto, worth per annum four marks. The presentation of
which belongs to the Lord of the MaMor. h

gS
Of Rent Assize in the said manor, from free tenants, to be
paid yearly, at feasts of Christmas, Easter, Saint Botolph and
Michaelmas. Also the jurors say that William Johnson, Chaplain
and Thomas Braddewe were lately seized in fee of moiety " One
hill and area in Holbeche, one cottage, one acre of arable land,
five pieces of land, one plot of land with buildings thereon, two
messuages and 13-3- acres of land in Holbeche and by charter,
dated 7th Dec, 36 Henry VI. , granted the same te Thomas Dacre,
knight, Lorde of Dacre and Gillesland. Te have and te hold the
said moiety, &c., for life, remainder to Humfrey Dacre, his son
and heirs male of his body, remainder to heirs male ef body of
said Thomas Dacre, remainder to Thomas Clifford (sen of John
Clifford, daughter of said Thomas Dacre) and heirs male ef his
body, in default to heirs of the body of Humfrey ; then to heirs of
the body of Thomas Clifford and lastly to right heirs of the said
Thomas Dacre named in the writ. By virtue whereof the same
Thomas Dacre was seized of the said moiety, etc., in freehold for
life and died seized of such estate, the above said then and now
surviving-."

[Extent and Value of the said IMoiety.]

Said Moiety containing 6 acres of land, every
acre worth per annum 2s. 6d. . . . . 0150
Cottage 12 pence . . . . . . . . 010
Acre of arable land zs. 6d. . . . . . . 026
Of the said 'five pieces of land, one called
Wensgreyne, containing three acres, every
acre per annum worth 2s. 6d. . . . . 076
Second, 3 roods, worth 2od. . . . . 018
Third, worth per annum . . . . . . 040
Fourth, worth per annum .. .. .. o 10 10
Last piece, 6 acres, every acre worth 2s. od. 012 o

99 /• s. d.
Brought forward . . . . . . 2146
The said plot is worth nothing beyond
repirses. The two messuages are worth
nothing beyond repises.
Every acre ef the 13 acres is worth by the
year 2od. . . . . . . . . . . 118
Half acre lod. .. .. .. .. o o 10

£3 17 o
Thomas Dacre held no other or more lands or tenements
in the said County. He died sth January, 36 year (1457-8) and
Ranulph Dacre is son and heir male ef his body, and aged 30 years.
Joan, wife ef Richard Fennys, knight, is cousin and heir of the
said Thomas Dacre named in the writ, viz., daughter ef Thomas
Dacre, knight, son of the said Thomas and aged twenty-six years,
and more. In witness, etc. Given at Bostone on Thursday
aforesaid in the year above said.
If wc have rightly read and set out the particulars above
.yiven of this Manor of Holbeach, it appears to have been worth
nearly/ 30 in the year 1453 and the value of the moiety /"3 17s. od.
We learn that Edward the IV., in the 13th year of his reign
A.D. 1473, gave decision that Sir Richard Fennys should be
called Lord Dacre, heir to " the Mannour of Holbeche " and
Sir Humphrey Dacre vvas to be called Lord Dacre ef Gillesland,
etc. [Collectanea Topographica & Genealogia, Vol. II.]
An Inquisition was taken at Holbech on the Tuesday next
before the Feast of .\11 Saints, 3 Henry VIL, A.D. 1487, by the
oath ef : —

100
William Chircheyerd Richard Wygenale
William Bryde William Jelowghe
John Gaine Gilbert Markham
JohnTigo Thomas Jayeberde
Gilbert Pulvertoft John Skarlet
John Wymer Robert Bawer
Henry Stowe Robert Coke the younger
and William Hornsey.
Who say that a certain Sir William Dacre, knight, father of
Thomas, late Lord Dacre, was seized of the Manor of Holbech,
etc., and he gave the Maner aforesaid, etc., to the aforesaid Thomas,
late Lord Dacre, and to Philippa, daughter of Ranulph, late Earl
of Westmoreland, and to the heirs ef the bodies of the said
Thomas and Philippa, etc. By virtue of which gift the aforesaid
Thomas and the aforesaid Philippa, late wife of the said Thomas,
were seized thereof in the demesne as of fee tail, etc. And after
wards the aforesaid Thomas and Philippa, his wife, died. After
whose death the right of the Manor of Holbech aforesaid, etc.,
descended to Joan, who vvas the wife of Sir Richard Fanis of
Dacre, knight, as kinswoman and. heir of the said Thomas and
Philippa, that is to say, daughter of Thomas, son ef the aforesaid
Thomas and Philippa. By virtue whereof the same Joan entered
on the Maner aforesaid and thereof died seized. And moreover
they say that the same Joan was seized of all those lands, etc.,
which at any time were ef the aforesaid Thomas Lord Dacre or of
Sir Humphrey Dacre, knight, in Holbech aforesaid, in her demesne
as of fee tail, by virtue of an Act of Parliament, 6th November,
12 Edward IV. (1472). The Manor of Holbech, etc., is held of
the King by the third part of one knight's fee. The aforesaid
Joan died Sth March (A.D. 1486). Thomas Fenys, Lord Dacre,
is kinsman and next heir of the aforesaid Joan, that is to say, son
of John, son ofthe aforesaid Jean ; and that Thomas Fenys, Lord
Dacre is ofthe age of 16 years, etc. [Chancery Inquis. p, m.. Line. 3
Henry VII. No. 89.

A writ was dated- at Westminster, 6th July, 22nd Edward
IV., A.D. 14S2 and an Inquisition taken at Boston, County of
Lincoln, gth October in that year, before Stephen Sholton, Escheator,
by the oaths of the following jury :—
Thomas Savell of Boston John Claymmd ef Kirketon
John Botery „ Peter Barneby „
John Bradhowe of Holbeche Richard Lambert ,,
William Bradhowe ,, Richard Trees ef Seterton
Richd. Fyssher ,, John Peese ,,
John Ganne „ Richd. Welby of Algarkirke
Robert Coke of Whaplode Henry ]\Iarrable ,,
Gilbert Pulvertoft ,, Lambert Felde ,,
Alan Thomson of Kirketon Athelard Busshy of Shirbeke.
Who say that it is not to the damage or prejudice of the King or
others, though the King grant licence te Leonard Thernburgh, Esq.,
Thomas Tuthoth, Esq., (Totofte in the Writ), John Stayle, Nicholas
Robertson, William Tymer and William Sibsey, that they give one
messuage, 12 acres of land, 8g acres of pasture, and 400 acres of
marsh, with appurtenances in Holbeche — (and also other property
in ether places in this county) — and may give and assign them to
John Robynson, of Saint Botolph, now Alderman of the Brother
hood, or Guild of Saint Mary in Boston, to have and to hold to
them and their successors in part satisfaction of twenty pounds
worth [libratarum] of lands, tenements and rent, which the king on
the second day ef June, in the 21st year of his reign (1481), granted
by his letters patent to be acquired toward the support of five
chaplains, to celebrate every day in the Church of S. Botolph for
the good estate of the King, and of Elizabeth, Queen of England,
while they live, and for their souls when they depart this life, and
for the good estate of the said John Robynson, and brethren and
sisters ofthe said brotherhood while they live, and fer their souls
when they depart this life.

Moreover, one messuage, 6 acres of land, 32 acres of pasture,
parcel ofthe tenements aforesaid, in Holbeche, are held of the
Abbot of Croyland, as of his manor of Gedney called Abbot Halle,
by the service of two appearances {i,c, at Courts) at Easter and
Michaelmas, and by yearly rent ef 4s. 6d., to be paid at the usual
terms ; and they are worth by the year (clear) 20 shillings. The
Abbot holds his said manor of the King, as of his Duchy of
Lancaster, but by what services is not known, and there are no
more mesnes (or mesne lords, medii) between the King and the said
Leonard. The six acres ef land, 57 acres of pasture and 500 acres
of marsh (residue) are held ef Richard Fynes, lord of Dacre, as of
his manor in Holbeche called Holbeche Halle, by the service of
two appearances at Easter and Michmas, and by yearly rent of
three shillings, at the usual terms ; and they are worth per annum
(clear) four Pounds. And Richard Fynes, lord of Dacre, holds his
said manor in Holbeche of the King, by reason of his Honour of
Richmond — services not known — and there are no more mesnes be
tween the King and the said Leonard, etc, , — as to the said tenements
in Holbeche (here follow also other places, Kirketon, Algarkirk,
Soterton, Skirbeke and Boston). And further the said Leonard,
Thomas Tothothe, John Stoyle, Nicholas Robertson, William
Tj'mer, Willm. Sibsey, etc. (and other names in the other places)
have lands and tenements beyond the gifts and assignments
aforesaid remaining in the towns of Boston, etc., worth per annum
(clear) one hundred marks, which are sufficient for the customs and
services to be done, etc., etc. (mere formal matter).
Thomas Fox, of Little Walsingham, in the county of
Norfolk, yeoman, was bound in /"loo for Ralph Drye, who was
made " bailiff of the manor, and lordship of Holbeche, in the
county of Lincoln," by indenture dated 2nd May, 1497, " at Hurst-
perpounde." The said Ralph was te render an account yearly, and
pay rents due in the house of Nicholas Skelton, mercer of London,
dwelling in the parish of S. Fancras, near the chepe in the city of
London "—the said Ralph Drye receiving 66s. 8d. annuallv as his
fee — failing to account, Thomas Foxe vvas summoned to answer to
Thomas Fenys, knight. Lord Dacre, A.D. 1501. [De Bancho Roll
Easier 16, Henry VII, No. 63, Sec. Roll 152, Sussex].

Thomas Fenys said that en the 6tli October, 1498, in the
Parish of " S. Andrew, in the ward of Baynarde castell, he assigned
Henry Chancy and Robert Levenlhorpe to be auditors," but he did
not account, and refused to do so.
Thomas Fo.xe denied the assignment.
At the trial, Thomas Fen)S appearing, but net Thomas
Foxe, the jury found for the former.
Christopher Haryngion, of Little Walsingham, Norfolk
yeoman, was also summoned to answer to Thomas Fenys, knight —
the pleadings are the same as in Roll 152, but the entry goes ne
further. [De Bancho Rolls same dale. No. 156.]
We further find that Thomas Marcall, of Little Walsingham,
yeoman, was summoned, and the pleadings are the same matter
as the two previous actions, but here ju igm,ent is recorded as
having been given for Thomas Fenys by default of Thomas Marcall.
It appears that the latter was bound with Thomas Foxe in the said
obligation. [De Bancho Rolls, No. 357. J
William Cutler and Nicholas Warley, by Tho. Sloper, their
attorney, demand against Thomas Bawede, Knight, the manor of
Holbeche, with appurtenances, and one messuage and moiety of
one messuage, one mill, 3 saltpits, 200 acres land, 80 acres meadow,
140 acres pasture, 40 acres marsh, 60 shillings rent, and rent of one
hen and two quarters of salt, with appurtenances in Holbeche,
Quaplode and Flete, as his right and inheritance.
Said Thomas vouches John Drakes, who in the usual formal
pleadings makes default. Therefore, judgment that William and
Nicholas recover seisin ef the said manor, etc., against the said
Thomas. And that the said Thomas have of the lands of John
Drakes to the value, etc. And John Drakes in mercy, etc. [De
Bancho Roll, Mich. 17 Henry VII, m, 506. J

104
Elizabeth Lady Scrope had some interest in a great many
manors in Lincolnshire, and amongst them appears Holbeach.
We may take this to be the Elizabeth Lady Scrope, of Upsale and
Masham, who was married a.gain to Sir Richard Wentworth, of
Nettlestead, in Suffolk. Some proceedings between him and her
appear in the De Bancho Roll, Easter and Michaelmas 17 Henry
VIL, A.D. 1502, about the payment nf 1000 marks ; and mention is
made ofthe award of Sir Reynold Bray, knt., Rob. rt Ride, one ef
the Justices ofthe King's Bench, autl Thomas \\ood. one of the
Justices of the Common Pleas, arbit'ators betuee'i '-^ir Kicli.ird on
the one part, and Elizabeth Scrope uf the other paii, ol the uianors
ef Teppisfelde, Litill Stanbridge, co. Essex, the manors of Gowsell,
Elsham, Gedney, Quaplade and Holbech, co. Lincoln, the manors
of Partyngton, etc., co. York, and the manors of Chetham, etc.,
CO. of Kent.
Robbery of Jewels, Plate and Ornamknts at Holbeach
Church, and Riot at Holbkach.
King Henry VII. gave consistency to a court called from the
hall, in which it usually sat, " The Star Chamber" a tribunal
intended for the correction of crimes which the ordinary courts
could not reach. We have found amongst its proceedings an
answer to the complaint of John Partiche, which is quaint and
interesting, and which we have copied exactly as it stands. It is
"The Answer of John Lesse, John Merser, John Bennett, Robert
Thakker and Robert Cristmasse, to the Byll of Complaynt of John
Partriche, gentillman." The Bill itself is missing : —
" The seide defendantes sayne that at the tyme of the
seide assemble supposede in the seide Bill that they were and
yit be paroscheners and inhabitaunt within the parysche of
Holbysche named in the seid bill of complaynt. And that
out of tyme of remembrance of man their within the seide
parische hathe bene accustomed that whan so ever any thyng
or act was to be entreted or concluded for the benefitt or
the well ef the Churche of Holbysche aforeseide, or fer the

'05
amendement of the see dykkes and bankes within the same town,
or for any nder cause or matter concernynge the wealthe of the
same town, it hathe bene uside by all the seide tyme, by cause the
parysche their is gret, ami the parischeners also dwellen wyde and
sondry, that a bell within the seide churche hathe bene usede to
be knollede or rungen i(j thentent that the seid parischeners herynge
the seide bell shulde resorte thider to comone and to entreat of and
uppon suche cause or matter as be above rehersede. And the
seide d( fendauntes sayen that the Friday next after the feast of the
Nativiiic ef our blissede lady last past between a xj ofthe cloke in
the nyght ef the same day, and iij of the clokke in the mornynge
ofthe Satterday ne.xt after, the churche of Holbysche aforeseide
was robbed of as moche jowelles, plate and omamentes, apper-
teynynge to the same churche, as to geder did amount to the
summe of ccc markes sterlynge, or their about. Affter whiche
robbery done and commyttede, that is to say the day and yere con-
teyjned in the seide bill of complaynt, one ofthe belles in the seide
churche, accordynge to the custume aforeseide, was rungen te then-
tent that the paryscheners their shulde assemble and resorte unto
the same churche, to comon treate and devyse, howe and by
whome the seide robberey was commyited and done ; and by what
meanys and circumsiances they myght comme te the sewre know
ledge of the same ; by reasone wheroff the seid defendauntes with
d yverse orders ofthe seide parischeners herynge the seide bell, in
peasable manner repared to the seide churche. to thentent and
purpose aforeseide, and for none oder cause for their whiche
assemble, the seide complaynaunt hathe not only untruly surrmyttede
the matter expressede in the seide bill of complaynt, but iilso, by
his senestre meanys did cause the seide deffendauntes and oders of
the seide paryscheners to be untruly indicted for the seide lawful
assemble, whereoff some named in the seide indictment at the
tyme of the seid assemble were Ix. myles and above frome the
place of the seide assemble. And also that oone of the seide
indictors vvas father in lavve to the said Partryche, and the other
were speciall frendes unto the seide John Partryche, and by his
speciall and senestre labor put uppon the pannell to thentent to
fynde untruly the seide indictment. And that at the tyme of the

io6
said assemble supposed to be dene, the seide complaynant was at
London, or nyghe ther abewte, and net at his house in such forme
as he hathe surmysed in his seide byll, without that the seide
defendauntes assembled ryoutously their selves at Holbysche afore
seide, affter suche manner er to any suche purpose cause or entent
as in the seide bill is untruly surmytted, but only for such cause or
entent, and under suche maner and forme as before in this awnswer
is expressede. Or that the seide defendauntes or any order caused
the seide belles ther to be rungen hawkewarde, or that the seide
defendauntes or any oder assembled in forme as in the seide
awnswer is declared did fall in any contencion or variance amongst
their selffes, er that they, or any of theyme ever entended to pluke
the seide complaynaunt out of his howse in maner and forme as in
the same bill is untruly surmytted. All whiche matters the seide
defendauntes and every of theym shall be redy to averr and prove
as this honorable court shall awarde, and prayen te be dysmyssed
out ofthe same with their reasonable costes and charges by them
susteynede in that behalffe by reason of the unlawfull suyte of the
seide partie." [Star Chamber Proceeaings Bundle z^. No. 192. J
This riot in Holbeach Church may explain the entry which
we have found in Bishop Longland's Episcopate, in the Registers
at Lincoln, for a commission was issued by that Bishop for the
re-consecration of the church and churchyard of Holbeach, which
runs as follows : —
" On the 30th day of the Month of October, Anno Domini
MCCCCCXXX (1530) a commission issued from the Bishop to the
Venerable Father, Lord John, the Abbot of the Monastery of
Thorney, to reinstate the church and churchyard of the parochial
church of Holbeche, Lincoln Diocese, desecrated by the shedding
of blood, according to the usual form." [Bp. Longland's Mem.,
Folio III.] By an Indenture, 14 Henry VIII. A.D. 1522, there vvas a
Demise ef the Lordship and Grange in Quappelode, called
" Pippewell Graunge,'' with all lands in Quappelode, Holbiche,
Spaldynge and Molten, with appurtenances between Thomas

107
Lenton, Abbot of Pippewell, County of Northampton, and the
Convent there, of the one part ; and William Baynthorpe of
Quappelode, yoeman, of the other part, for 39 years, paying the
yearly rent ef fj los. od. The chapel and oblations and woods
(except willows) within the Grange are accepted. The Lessee to
find bread and wine sufficient fer ministration ef Masses within
the chapel. [Excheq. : Aug. Conventteal Lease, Northampton 171.]
Roger Baynthorpe presented by Abbot of Croyland to
Whaplode Vicarage, Sept. ig, 1524.
Another Indenture at Thetford (26 Henry VIIL), 6 Feb.,
1534-5, there was a Demise letting to farm "all their landes,
buyldynges, pastures, fedynges, fennys, medowes, rentes, sutes and
services, profyghtes of courtes, together with all tythes, and one
myll stede in Holbyche," between the Monastery of " Seynt
Sepulchres of Thetford of the one part and Thomas Wilson of
Sutton, in the Countie of Lyncolne, yeman, of the other part,''
lor 40 years, paying the yearly rent of /~3 3s. 4d., "within their
place of Thetford." The Prier and Convent to pay " acre sylver,"
if any be laid. [Excheq, : Aug, Conventual Incases, Norfolk go.]

A Commission to Receive the Vow of Chastii'v at
Holbeach.
In 1542 amongst the Memoranda of Bishop Longland of
Lincoln, there is a Commission te receive the Vow of Jane Robarte,
"The 30th day of the month of March, Anno Domini 1542,
at the Old Temple, London, a Commission was issued to the Vener
able Father, Lord Thomas, Bishop of Philadelphia, to receive the
Vow of Ch'istitv of Jane Robarte of Holbeche, Linc(jln Dioc. and
to hand to her the ring and mantle, and to receive from her the
oath against the Roman Bishop, according to the form of the
Statute en this account promulgated and provided." [Bp. Long-
Ian i's Mem., Folio 223.]

ie8
Another instance of " a Vow of Chastity, at Deddington
in 1393," is given in the first number of Fenland Notes and Queries,
at page 21 ; where it is stated, quoting from Fesbroke's British
Monachism, that men and their wives took them when growing old
and certain hospitals required these vows before admission. The
most common vow vvas, however, that of widowers and widows to
observe Chastity in honour ef their deceased wives or husbands."
"The Bishop of the Diocese issued a Commission; and besides
observing the vow the widow was for life to wear a veil and a
mourning habit. Both were duly consecrated. The veil vvas put
on by the Priest, but the ring only was sufficient, whether they
took the veil er habit er not." The ceremony of such a vow by
Lady Blanch, relict of Sir Nicholas Styvede, knight, in the chapel
ef the Manor of Dodyngten, in Dioc. of Ely, is next given, the
date being 13th March, A.D. 1393. " I, Blanch, heretofore wife of
Sir Nicholas de Styved, knight, vow te God, and to our Hely Lady
St. Mary, and all the Saints, in presence of our reverend father in
God, John, by the Grace of God, Bishop of Ely, that I will be
chaste from henceforth during my life. And the said reverend
father received her vow, and solemnly consecrated and put upon
the said vowess the mantle and ring in the presence ef, etc.''
Jane Robarte was also a widow.
The Bishop of Philadelphia, above mentioned, was Vicar
of Holbeach and his name was Thomas Svvyllingten. He acted as
Suffragan Bishop in this Diocese, then se great in extent, and it
was the existence of such precedents shortly before the Reforma
tion and the appointment (26 Henry VIII.) of certain towns as
Suffragan Sees under the Diocesan Bishop that led to the revival of
such Suffragan Bishops for our English Dioceses within recent
years (A.D. 1870.)
A Lay Subsidy attributed to 34 Henry VIIL, AD. 1542,
gives us names of PL'lbeach inhabitants. One fragment out of a
bundle in a state of thorough decay from damp and scarcely to be
handled without tumbling to pieces, enabled us to make out, at the
top left hand curner, "Lincoln prima solucio " and we extracted
the following names : —

log
" Holbvch.— Wills Storm in  ; Wills Scott in bo  ;
Robtus Scott in bon. ; Thos. Welle in ben. ; Ricus Watson in bon. ;
Johes Cade in bon.; Alben Watson in bon.; Ricus Walche in
bon. ; Alic. Blylt widow in bon. ; Robtus Calowe  ; Wills Barr
Jn — - ; Them's Barr in  ; Plenr. Calowe in bon. ; Ricus Rans
in bon. ; Robtus Blylt in bon. xls. iiijd. ; Nich Rans in bon. xv". x".
Thomas Scott in bon. £^ vis. viiid. ; Johes Rans in ben. /"x vjs.
viijd. ; Johes Burtton in bon. .xxs. ijd. ; Nicolis Foster in bon. /"vij
ijs. iiijd. ; Wills Freman in bon. /x vjs. viijd. ; Wills Erte or Grte
in bon. /viij ijs. viijd. ; Johes A.lman in bon. /"vj ijs. ; Margaret
Kyng widow in bon. xls iiijd.; Johes Molson in bon. xxs. ijd.;
Robtus Staple  xxs. ijd. ; WilT'm Holden in  xls. ijd. ; Robtus
Wryght in  ; Agnet Jakson in b  ; Wills Burnet in  ;
Will"m Cramp in bon.  ; Katt'yn Jakson in bon.  ; Robtus
Jakson in bon.-  -Wills Nele in ben.  ; Will Hawker in bon. ;
Wills  ; Them's Thakker ; Johes Clark  ; Elizabeth
Pers  ; Wills  .
This Subsidy was for all persons possessing goods to the
value of 20S. and upwards. [E.vcheq. Lay Subsidies line. lj;[].
Rectory of Holbeach.
An Indenture made 21st Marche, 1547, between Bishop
Longland, of Lincoln, and John Roydon, "of Cuddesdon, in the
countie ef Oxford, doctor of phisyk," in consideration of " the
faythfull and true service wiche the sayd John Roydon heretofore
hath done unto hym and his Cathedrall Churche of Lincoln,"
demised to him to farm "the parsonage of Holbeche," with "the
glebe lande, medowes, closures, etc.," reserving to the Bishop and
his successors " the collacion and gifts of the vicarage there as
oftyn as yt shall fortune to be voyd,'' and reserving to the vicar his
tithes and " duetys to the said vicariage belongyng, during the
natural life ef John Roydon, for a term of 30 years, for /40
annually in \ yearly payments, his executors to pay, in the event of
his death, £\'^ 6s. 8d., and/'23 13s. 4d. every h year during the
remainder of the years abovesaid. The said John Roydon, or his

executors, at their own proper costs and charges to keep all manner
of repairs " of thacke morter and dawbyng, hedgyng, ditchyng,
clensyng, scouryng and fensyng, etc." [Lincobi Chapter Acts A.D.
I54S-59./"''''' 270.]
As a parcel ofthe possessions ofthe late monastery of Crow-
lande surrendered into the King's hands, there were certain lands
in Tidde with rents in Holbeche worili in a farm oi 50 acres of
land in Tidde, in the tenure of Thomas Littelburye, 4s., to be paid
at the usual terms by the year, and rent ef the aforesaid Tho.
Littelburye fer lands in Holbeche called Halyayrde, near Hurne-
flete and Holbechehorne, 20s., also at Wyndsou. and Asgardyke by
the year. Memorandum : the said 4s. is no part ef any manor, and
the said rent in Holbeche (the soke of which vvas granted to Lord
Digby, Patent 18, James I) is parcell of a certyne soke called
Gedney soke, for which a court is yearly kept at Holbeche, the
rents of which are 43s. iiijd, which Mr. Littelburye hath denyed
payment of for four years, and desireth to buy. The premises wei-e
agreed to be sold A.D. 1545 to Edmund Vaughan, his heirs and
assigns, fer £ 2\. The grant to him is to be found in the Patent
Rolls, 37 Henry VIIL, part 3, m. (3) 43. Yox £\']^ 12s. i id. paid
to the King by Edmund Vaughan, Esq., are granted inter alia, "50
acres in Tidde, now or late in tenure or occupation of Thos.
Lyttelbury, Esq., some time belonging to the monastery of Crow-
land, now dissolved," and "that annual rent of 20s. going out of
lands called Haliarde, near Hymeflete, and in Holbechehorne, and
in Wyndsouer and Algardike." [Aug : Particulars for Grants, 36
Hen. VIII, Vaughan Gratttee.]
Leland, the antiquary, wrote his itinerary about this time, at
the request ef King Henry VIIL, and in his travels he was intent
to find out all that vvas singular or worthy of notice. The following
is his account of this immediate neighbourhood : —
"Kirton berith the name ef the  (sic, dots), or a
wapentake of Low Holand. Painel told me that his name is
written, etc., etc. Oldbeche, in Holand, otherwise called Oldbek."
[Leland' s Itin,, 2nd Ed,, vol. VI. , page 54.]

Aft er mentioning certain names and things in the history of
Croyland, he says " Asewik, a farm about 4 miles from Croyland,
be water aponWtland water. It was the Abbates Place. Dunesdale,
on the hither side of Weland, about 2 miles distant above Croyland_
It is a Seny (sic) place for the make. Quapelode ix miles from
Crowland, and 5 miles from Asewike. Asewik is in Quapelode
paroch. Quapelode, on Wyland, and the stream is Fresh Water
there. Gedeney, 3 or 4 miles from Quapelode, a pretty Tennelet
fer the country, belonged once to 3 sisters. Croyland had one
part, and that sister vvas buried at Croyland. Lord Wenford hath
another part. Lord Pellet hath now the third ¦¦' * * ''•' ''¦'
Holbech, which is about a mile ef Qualelode. Flete, once a
market in hominum memoria. It is but a mile from Gedeney, and
a faire on Saint Magdalen's Day. Thomas Muleton, Knight, had
his castle in the Fenne, halfe a mile from Quapelode ; whereof
seme smale part yet standeth. The Lord Fitzwalter hath it now,
and Lord Marquess hath another part of it. Lord Richard hath
for life the Marquess's part." [Leland' s Itinerary Appendix to Vol.
IV., pp. 152-153, 2nd Ed., 1744.]
Leland, as is well known, was chaplain and antiquary to
King Henry VIII. He enjoyed a canonry at Christ Church, and
other preferments, and had a commission te examine all the
libraries of the cathedrals, abbeys and colleges in the kingdom.
He spent six years in travelling te collect materials, and then
retired to his house in London to arrange the stores ef intelligence
he had collected. But he was overwhelmed with the weight and
number of his manuscripts, and after two years he died insane in
1552 of an overwrought brain, without having completed his under
taking. After passing through different hands, his collections were
placed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford in an unfinished state.
Hearne published his " Itinerary," from which we give the above
extracts.

DIVISION IV.

Period from the Reformation.
AA/'E have seen (page lo) that our island was christianised by
several missions, and the consolidation and unity of the Church
was an accomplished fact before the death of Archbishop Theodore
in A.D. 6go. The clergy mediating to prevent strife and bloodshed
amidst the wreck of kingdoms, the power of the Church would
steadilv grow, and her meetings in Church synods led the way to
national unity, and a national Parliament. The British Church,
from its insular position, and the rare intercourse with Rome,
vvas in a state of perfect independence, and, thrown en their own
resources, the synods ef the clergy exercised much authority.
After the Conquest, the appointment of Norman clergy to the
English sees seriously threatened that independence which the
Church of England had hitherto enjoyed. The secular clergy were
jealous of their Church's liberties, and when Monastic orders were
instituted, and Papal encroachments made, there were many in
England jealous ofthe rights of Holy Church, and by no means
willing to allow her independence, and authority to pass into foreign
hands. The murder of Becket gave te the Roman pontiff much
advantage, ef which he availed himself, and the abject King John
resigned his Crown into the hands ofthe Pope, consenting to pay
a tribute of one thousand marks as the Pope's vassal, That tribute
in 1366 Parliament declared to be illegal, as contrary to the
Coronation oath. The attitude of Bishop Grostete in 1240, and
the protest against Papal " previsions," the passing of the first
Statute of Provisors (2g Ed. IIL, ch. IV), and the first Statute of
Proemunire in 1353, prohibiting appeals to Rome all point to the
struggle against an alien jurisdiction by the English people. John
de Wycliffe, born. in 1320, boldly denounced the acts ofthe Pope
and the poet Chaucer assisted, in his poems, the cause of the

"3
reformer. After his death those who embraced his opinions were
called Lollards, against whom much persecution and severity was
shown, interrupted for a time by the wars of the Roses. Upon his
appointment to the see of Lincoln, A.D. 1521, John Longland felt
"no little discomfort and heaviness" from the number of these
heretics, as he deemed them in his diocese, and applying to the
King Henry VIII a letter was written to the sheriffs charging them
te assist him " in the executing and ministering of justice unto the
said heretics, according to the laws of Holy Church." [Diocesan
Histories, Oxford, page zsg.]
We see, then, how for years there had been a growing desire
in England for a cessation ef those abuses which, through Rome,
had crept into the English Church, and all this contributed to the
Reformation, when the Church of this country was steered through
danger with very little loss of power, and ne loss ef her Apostolic
character. When the English Parliament and the Ecclesiastics of
England had always admitted that the King of England, in his own
dominions, has no earthly superior, what loss of power was that
when, in the year 1534, the Clergy generally, and the Universities,
were requested to sign a form of submission in which this admitted
supremacy ef the King and renunciation of the Pope's authority
were embodied .? Was net the title guarded by the clause inserted
"as far as by the law of Christ it is permitted," words toe much
forgotten now, for it should be remembered that they were adopted
after much discussion, as a compromise, in preference to the words
in the original draft "Ecclesice et Cleri Anglicani cujus protector
et supremum caput is solus est, and to the form which the King
desired "cujus protector et supremum caput post Deum is solus est."
That the Church reformed was the same ancient Apostolic Church
of this land it is evident, for no Deed nor Act of Parliament can be
produced transferring church property from the Church of Rome
to a fresh body. Professor Freeman says of the Reformation " The
popular notion clearly is that the Church was "established" at the
Reformation. People seem to think that Henry VIIL, or Edward
VI., or Elizabeth, having already " disestablished " an older
Church, went on next of set purpose to " establish " a new one.

114
 But as a matter of history, and as a matter ef law, nothing
of the kind ever happened." {j>age 36) "There have been times
and places when a chuich really has been established by an act of
this kind • ¦ • • But nothing of this kind ever took place in
England." (page 32^ "The whole argument must assume, because
the facts of history compel us to assume, the absolute identity of
the Church ef England after the Reformation with the Church of
England before the Reformation." {page 1 -j) Its national character
is shewn by the fact that out ofthe g,Soo clergy then in England,
only 186 seceded from the Church by refusing assent to the
Reformed Offices in issg, while the whole of the laity continued
to worship in the old parish churches till 1570, " when Pope Urban
excommunicated Elizabeth, after which the Romanists, cutting
themselves off from communion with the Church of England,
became a schismatical body in this country." Unthinking persons
imagine that the Roman Catholic Church was abolished in England,
and that a Protestant Church was put in its place, but there is no
trace ef this to be found. In earlier and purer times Church laws
had been made under the authority of the King and English
bishops, and Henry had the sanction and consent of his whole
Church to break from the usurped tyranny of the Roman court,
when in the year 1534 he proposed to the bishops and clergy of
the provincial synods of Canterbury and York this question :
" Hath the Bishop of Rome any more authority in England by the
laws ef God than any other foreign bishop .'"' and received the
unanimous reply : " Ne." [Massingbred p. 2%\.]
The castingoff of the Reman supremacy vvas, then, decidedly
a popular movement — but when Henry proceeded to remodel
existing modes of worship, and to make other changes, there vvas
much difference ef opinion. The total annihilation of the ancient
monasteries ef England caused much discontent and misery. The
first visitation to the smaller monasteries, which resulted in the act
of 1536 empowering the King to dispose of all property "which at
any time within one year after making of the Act hath been given
or granted to His Majesty by any abbot, prior abbess or prioress
under the convent seals, er that otherwise hath been suppressed or

"5
dissolved," enabled the commissioners to coerce the inmates to a
voluntary surrender. They were chiefly ef the Benedictine order,
and the inmates were offered an asylum in some large monastery,
a pension for life, or employment in some other secular capacity.
The second visitation, which resulted in the Act of i53g, vvas to see
hew the inmates ofthe largermonasteries were ready to promote the
King's supremacy.
Croyland Abbey.
In this year, i53g, John Welles, alias Bridges, was called
upon to surrender his monastery inte the King's hands, and joining
in the surrender of the convent, he received a pension for life of
£133 6s. 8d. According to Speed, the income ofthe abbey at the
Dissolution was/^1217 5s. iid. The greater part of its buildings,
such as the choir and transepts, were then destroyed.
According to the survey taken 27 Henry VIII, A.D. 1534,
it had rents of farmheldings, &c., in different villages and hamlets,
viz., in " Gedney, Whaplode with Whaplode Drove, Aswyke, Pykall,
Holbeche /'si 6s. id., Spaldinge, Dowdike and Sutterton, Lang
toft, Baston, Thetford Hall, Mantherpe, Bauthorpe Thirleby,
Bukkenhall, Stamford, Dowsdale, the city of Lincoln 7s. 6d.,
Ingeldesby, Brasingbroughe, SkyrbeKe, Legboroughe, Aylington,
Kyrkeby, Morton, Dewsby, Farforthe and Gosberkerk."
Fees of "iifferent persons connected with the monastery,
amongst whom we find : — s. d.
Richard Pecoke, bailiff of Croyland .. 53 4
Simon Clerk, ,, Gedney 40 o
Robeft™hehon, I bailiffs of Whaplode ^4 00
Thome Rondis, bailiff of Aswyke .. 26 8
Robert Thakker, ,, Holbeche . . 40 o
Robert Kechin, ,, Spaldinge .. 53 4
Robert Litilbury, ,, Langtoft .. 53 o etc.
[Valor: Eccles,, pp. 86, 87.]
The site was granted 4 Ed. VI. , A.D. 1550 to Edward Lord Clinton.

ii6
The following pensions were granted by Abbot John, of
Croyland, just before the dissolution : —
Anthony ORBY, gen.: xx" in Holbeche, i6 Aug.: zg
Henry VIIL (AD. 1537).
Robert Thakker, of Holbeche, yeman, leassed to him the
grange and house of Hillactheo and appurt. in the towne, feldys and
parysshe of Holbeche, with all houses, edifications and buildings
for 40 years, paying to the Abbot, and the convent, or te the Master
ofthe Works, £ \\ at Martynmas in wynter, and the Annunciation
of eur Lady in summer, from the Feste of St. Phylyp and Jacebbe,
the Apostellys next ensuing, the date thereof, Oct. 30, Henry VIII.
(A.D. 1538). [Gough's Croyland App.: No. bo, p, 122.]
Discontent and misery overspread the land when the estates
of monasteries passed into ether hands — the expelled inmates
wandered about and aroused indignation, which led te formidable
insurrections. Speed says that "the Lincolnshire men began a
commotion under the conduct of D. Mackarell, a menke who
named himself Captaine Cebler, and his followers were growne
well-neere unto twentie thousand." [Speed, London, 1632, Book
IX., ch. 2 1. J
Oldmixon's history of England, written in 1739, gives an
account of the rebellion in Lincolnshire under Matthew Makerel,
Prior of Barlings, and also of the great rebellion in Yorkshire in
1536, and the account is much the same as Speed gives. This
rebellion was called the " Pilgrimage ef Grace," and the movement
hastened the downfall of the larger monasteries, which showed
sympathy with the insurrection. Their suppression caused not only
misery to the monks, but to hundreds of sick and aged persons who
were now deprived of an asylum, and it may be ef interest to state
that within 60 years, viz., in A.D. i5g7, an Act of Parliament was
passed for the erection ef workhouses for the poor — and another
Act passed in 1601 provided especially fer the relief ef the poor,
and appointment ef overseers. [Throsby's Hist, of Nottinghamshire,
Vol. II, 4g.J

117
The stately building of Croyland Abbey being destroyed, the
work of demolition and spoliation appears te have gene en in the
district, for Stukeley, the antiquary, of Holbeach, gives us from
the ancient churchwardens accounts, " A booke ef the stuffe in the
chyrche of Holbeche, sewld by chyrchewardyns ef the same,
according to the injunctyens ofthe Kynges Magyste," in A.D. 1547.
s. d.
A.n dni M.CCCCC. xlvii"., Fyrst to Antony
Heydon, the trynite with the tabernacle . . ij iiij
It to W. Calow, thelder, the tabernacle of
Nicholas and Jamys . . . . . . . . vj viij
It to Wm. Davy, on tabernacle of our lady of
pytye . . . . . . . . . . . . iiij
It to Wm. Calew, the younger, on other taber
nacle of our lady . . . . . . . iij vj
It to Antony Hedon, the ymage of the
Anthony . , . . . . . . . . xx
It to Humphry Hornsey on sygne . . . . vj
It to Antony Hedon on ether sygne and a
lytyl tabernacle . . . . . . . . xx
It to Wm. Calow, the younger, the tabernacle
of Thomas Bekete . . . . . . . . iiij viij
It to Wm. Davy, the sygne whereon the ploughe-
did stond . . . . . , . . . . xvi
It to John Thorpe, a chyst in S. Jamys chapell ij
It to Lincone howlde weede . . . . . . iiij
It to Nicholas Foster, the banke that the
George stoode on . . . . . . . . iiij
It to Antony Heydon, ij alters. . . . . . ij viij
It to Wm. Stowe, ij lytyll tabernacles . . . . viij
It to Henry Elman, on lytyll tabernacle . . ij
It to John Thorpe for Harod's coate . . . . xviij

It to Wm. Calow, the younger, all thapostyls
coats and ether raggs
It to Henry Elman for vij baner clothes
It to Antony Heydon en blevve clothe. .
It to Smithes on pece of howlde saye . .
It te Richard Richerson, the crosse and ether
gydys 
It to Mr. Byllysby, ij tablys 
It to Antony Heydon for the coats of the iij

Vllj

iiij

ix

iiij

ix

iij

ij

iij

iiij

iiij

1. s. u.
Sm . . . . iiij ii iiij
A.D.M."-— cccccxlvij s. d.
It te Wm. Callow, the younger, on rod of iyren iiij
It to Robert Gyffon for ij barss of iyren . . v
It te Antony Heydon, xx score and x hund of
latyn at ijs. and xjd. the score . . . . Ixix xi ob.
It to Richerd Richerson ij lytyll tabernacles . . viij
It to John Suger for the chyrche lond . . ij viij
It ofthe burial of Mr. Byllysby .. .. iij iiij
It of John Mays wyffe fer the Dracon. . .. iij

iig
It of Alys Boj'ds debt to xps corpys glide . . ij
It for one bell  /xviii ij
It for seyten vestments and trashe in the chest
in trinete quere sold to Davy . . . . xxxiij iij
It of Wm. Burnit for pillows . . . . . . xvi
It of Wm. Callow, the younger, for eyrne . . xx
1. s. d.
Sm totalis . . xxviij iiij iiij ob.
"More superstiiious ornaments were sold in Queen Elizabeth's
time, 1560." We much regret to say that these eld accounts are net to be
found in the Parish. Old Churchwardens' accounts were seen by
an antiquary in Holbeach in 1853, as the late Col. Chester once
told us. From what we have been able to ascertain, many interest
ing old documents relating to this Parish, were committed to the
flames in the year 1856, when, as eye-witnesses have related, a
bonfire was burning fer three days I An eld Terrier ef this Parish,
which used to hang in the office of the late Mr. E. G. Ayliffe,
probably shared the same fate at the same time I
Many ornaments of Holbeach Church appear to have been
sold by these accounts. Anthony Heydon ; Wm. Callewe, senior
and junior ; Wm. Davey ; Henry Elman ; Humphrey Hornsey ;
Wm. Stowe; and John Thorpe; who were purchasers, were all
residents of this Parish. " The Apostles' Coats," " Harod's Coate,"
and "The Coats ef the Three Kings of Cologne," were some of
the accessories used in the Mystery or Miracle Plays acted in
Churches in the mediaeval times. They were founded on events
recorded in Holy Scripture. The " Slaying of ihe Innocents" v\as
usually performed on Candlemas Day. The principal actor therein
was " Herod," and it would be his coat here sold to John Thorpe.
The Townsley Mysteries was a celebrated collection in which one
of the Plays was " Magnus Herodes " or Great Herod. The scenes

120
were generally enacted by the various Guilds. In the Miracle
Plays of Coventry and in the Guild expenses, under date i4go, is
this entry —
" Md payd to the players for Corpus, Xisti daye."
"Itm: to Heroude .. .. iijs iiijd"
[See Fenland Notes and Queries, 1889. Part 2, p. 65.]
Speaking ef Guilds at Holbeach, vve oniitte 1 to state at page
gi, that they were, as Canon Perry has t Id u^ in [ f.incolnshirf Azotes
and Queries, Vol. I, part ¦>,, p. 6g,] "Institutions of Local Self-help
before Poor Laws were invented," " They answered te the Benefit
Societies, the Burial Clubs and the Trades Unions of modern times,"
and in them " The religious element was very prominent."

The demolition of Church bells in this Cetmty at this period
of excitement, is a loss to history, which is much to be deplored,
and the oldest date on Church bells in this immediate neighbour
hood is that at Fleet Church two miles from Holbeach : —
" Fili Dei vivi miserere nobis. Anno Domini, 1572, IB.,"
and that at Moulton Church, three miles from this town : —
" God speed us, wel sayet Thomas Hill, 1588," —
(Year of Spanish Armada). The devices, medallions, dates, &c.,
on bells, are often very useful to the antiquary. It appears by
these old Churchwardens' accounts, that a bell was sold at
Holbeach in 1547, for/"i8 2S., but the name of its purchaser is
not given. The eldest date on a bell at Holbeach Church is 1648.
Richard Ogle and Robert Walpole, Esquires, together with
Henry Bishop of Lincoln, and Thomas Pulvertoft, were commiss
ioners for the first payment of relief granted te King Edward VI.
by Parliament in the 2nd year of his Reign. Their certificate bears
date 24 April, 3 Ed. VI. [A.D. 1549,] and it was as follows for the
Wapentake of Ellowe in the " Partyes of Holland ": —

/

.f.

d.

Tydd be Marie . .

>3

10

8

Holbyche .

Sutton be Marie . .

24

'7

8

Cowbytt

Sutton sci Jacobi . .

10

1

10

Croylande .

Sutton sci Edmundi

7

9

10

Spaldynge .

Sutton lutton

10

8

0

Pynchebeke

Gedney

22

12

2

Weston

Gedney ffen

2

8

0

Multon

Flete

12

I

0

Whaplode .

£

s.

d.

23

2

0

I

1 1

0

8

4

4

35

12

4

28

18

0

12

4

0

18

10

4

18

0

0

Sum total of Wapentake of Ellowe £'2\g ' i 2
The following were those who paid te this subsidy at
" Holbyche," and the payment was is. in the /" : —
Johes Bennet, in bon, xx" 20s. ; Ricus Betson, 153. ; Galfrus
Blesset, 1 2s. ; John Blytt, 20s. ; Thorn Borowe, zos. ; Johes Burne,
I2S. ; Wills Callowe, 40s. ; Wills Callowe, Jun., 22s. ; Wills Davy,
£3; Robtus Dyker, 10s.; Johes Elman, los. ; Johanna Erie, vid.,
los , Ralen Flete, los. ; Nichus Foster, 20s.; Thom Grene, iSs. ;
Antonius Heydon, 20s. ; Wills Hornsey, 20s. ; Robtus Jakson, i6s. ;
Henr. Jellowe, 10s. ; Johes Leeke, 12s. ; Johes Leyton, los. ; Ricus
Mayne, los. ; Wills Nele, 12s.; Johes Randes, 12s. ; Wills Stewe»
18s. ; Johes Thorpe, 30s. Summa xxiij" ij'
It will be seen that those who paid the largest sums were
William Davy who was assessed in goods, £(>o, and therefore paid
£3, and John Thorpe in £¦30, paying thirty shillings —
[Excheq. : Lay Subsidies, Lincoln JSi].
Holbeach Chantry Chapels.

Beth the Valor Ecclesiasticus taken in 1534, and the survey
ten years later, make mention of Chantries standing in different
parts of this extensive Parish. These were suppressed in the
Reign of Edward VI. and sold about the year 1550. We hope to
give seme account of them. They were —

Wm. Stowe

yeom

John Hornsey

yeom.

Andr. King ,

yeom.

3. The Free Chapel of S. Nich-
I. The Chantry ef the Blessed olas, i mile from Parish
Mary at Holbeach Hum. Church and "near ye
2, The Guild of the Fraternity Wood House"
of the Blessed Mary in 4. The Chapel ef Thomas Bekkyt
Holbech Church. at Holbeach Common, 7
miles from Parish Church.
List of Freeholders in Holbeach in A.D. 1561 :
Wm. Callowe de Holbytche, gent John Bennet de Holbytche, yeom
Thos. Horden ,, yeom.
Hy. Jellew ,, yeom.
James Watson ,, yeom.
Wm. Burnet ,, yeom.
[Taken from Old Lincolnshire, page 207. J
The Manor of Holbeache, A.D. 1564.
Without the Queen's leave first had, Edward Wilson, the
elder, made a licence or agreement with Thomas Barryngton and
Winifred his wife, concerning the manor of Holbeche, and it
appearing in Originalia 6, Ed. IV., Re. 33, that the manor is held
of the Queen in chief, Edward Wilson was summoned, and not
appearing on the 20th of June, 1563, when the writ was returnable,
the sheriff, Adlard Welby, was directed to take the manor into the
Queen's hands, which he did 2nd Oct., 1563.
William Callow, gentleman, tenant of the manor, appeared
by his attorney, 6th October, 1564, complaining that the manor
had been unjustly taken and held from his possession because there
are two manors called " Holbeche " — one that specified in Origi
nalia 6, Ed. IV, of which Gregory Fynes, Lord Dacre, was seized
in his demesne, as ef fee ; and the other, the manor ef Holbeche,
otherwise Baysfelde in Holbeche, which is specified in the fine.
The moiety of this, before the fine was levied, Thomas Barryngton,
Esq., was seized of in fee, and held by knights service of Gregory,
Lord Dacre. He being so seized, the said fine was levied at

123
Westminster 2oth January, 1562-3, and afterwards 26 April, 1563,
granted and recorded between Edward Wilson, the elder plaintiff,
and said Thomas Barryngton and Winifred his wife, deforciants of
a moiety of the manor, otherwise Baysfelde, with the appurtenances,
100 acres land, 200 acres meadow, 100 acres pasture, 2 acres wood,
100 acres marsh, and four pounds rents in Holbeche, Whaplade,
Gedney, Tyd Molton and Cubbett, which they, Thomas and
Winifred, remised and quit-claimed to Edward Wilson, his heirs,
etc. — and Edward gave them /'220 sterling — se Edward Wilson
entered into possession till he was unlawfully removed, 2nd October.
Wm. Callow also says there was another fine in the Queen's Court
at Hertford Castle, zg Jan., 1563-4, between himself, plaintiff, and
Edward Wilson and Marion his wife, deforciants of the moiety of
the maner of Holbyche, called Baysfelde, otherwise Barryngton,
with appurtenances, and of one messuage,^ 200 acres ef land, 100
acres of meadow, 400 acres of pasture, 1000 acres of salt marsh, 2
acres of wood, and four pounds rents in Holbyche, Whaplode, Flete
and Gedney, and said Edward and Marion acknowledged his right
in the moiety, and remised and quit-claimed the same to himself
and heirs, and he gave to them /220 sterling. By force of which
fine he is seized of said moiety in fee, and is ready to verify that
the manor specified in Originalia, and in these two fines are two
separate manors, and not one and the same — prays judgment but
court takes time, and the rolls being searched, it is not found that
this Baysfelde or Barryngton manor is held of the Queen in chief,
but a schedule or extent is found, shewing that they were of — —
Fynes, late Lord Dacre deceased, from whom they descended to
Gregory, now Lord Dacre, as his son and heir. Judgment that the
Queen's hand be removed from the manor, and that Wm. Callow
be restored to his possession. [Excheq. L.TR. Mem: Mich.. 6
Eliz., Ro, sg.]
There vvas a confirmation of the manor ef Holbeche to
Gregory, Lord Dacre, and Anne his wife in A.D. 1581 (27th July),
by writ of Privy Seal. [Patent Roll, 23 Eliz., part 7, m. 27.]

124
In 1554 William Callowe had 54 acres of marsh land in
Holbeiche belonging to Croyland monastery, and 37 acres marsh
or fenland for 21 yimrs, at 33s. lod. rent. [Ibid.: i and 2 Ph. &"
Mary, p. 15, m. 30.]
Violent Tempest of Wind and Rain.
In 1571 Hollingshed gives us an account of a terrible storm
in this district. " Berne (Bourn) was overflowed to the midway of
the height of the Churche. Steeping was wholly carried away. . . .
Item Holland, Leveringto', Newton chappell in the Sea, Lo'g
Sutton and Holbich were overflown, and in thys country also was
great losse of cattell."
The same year Jane Smythe, widow, prays for a writ of
subpoena against Thomas Byrde, labourer. Her husband lately
deceased was John Yarwell, and he was seized in fee of a parcel of
ground called " Carton hurne," and divers other lands thereto
belonging in Holbeche, which he devised by his last will to Jane,
then his wife, until Wm. Yarwell, then his son and heir apparent
should come to the age of 21 — but said William died within half a
year of his father — so she ought to have entered into the ground,
etc. ; but Thomas Byrde, labourer, having got the will and her
writings concerning the premises into his hands, refuses to allow
her, so she wished him to appear in the Court of Chancery.
[Chancery Bills and Answers, Eliz. S.s. ig, No. 4.]
The Spanish Armada, A.D. 1588.
All ranks and orders of men flew to arms, and our national
character never showed to better advantage than when Philip II,
King of Spain, prepared on a scale of unexampled magnificence
for the invasion of our shores — on the zgth of May, 1588, the main
body of the Spanish fleet set sail from Lisbon. It was first seen
in the channel by the English fleet on July 20th. Three contests
followed, July 21, 23rd and zsth, and eur English sailors showed

'25
their supremacy on the ocean. In an evil hour fer them the
enemy's fleet determined to circumnavigate Great Britain, and
suffered severely from a gale ameng the Orkneys, and not one half
returned to speak ofthe courage of the English, and the fury ofthe
storms they had encountered. The following entry at Lincoln is
not without interest : —
" Armour provided by the clergy of Lincoln Diocese, isSs-go.
Holbech, Mr. Weste Vic. A Bill (weapon)."
In 1591 a subsidy or loan was assessed on all persons having
100^ annual lands and upwards, and /'8 annual profits from goods.
Te this subsidy there paid at : —

" Holebeche Lande, Anthonne Coope, Esq., . ,

xv"

Wm. Callowe

pv" xxy

John Keye, gent . .

vi"

Willm. Stowe

ptl xy'

Goode Wm. Cadle Chiglam

P"

Thomas Barnet

viij*'

Those who paid at "Tidd S. Marie, Lutton in Sutton, Sutton S.
James, Sutton S, Edmunds ; then Gedneye, Gedneye ffene and
Flete, just before Holebeche are given, also, Wheplod, Moulton,
Weston, Creilande, are all mentioned.
Part of Croyland Abbey Estate in Holbeach,
AFTER its Dissolution.
In isgg, there was a bill of complaint by John Freman of
Eckton, County ef Northampton, concerning the marshes and
grounds called Abbottes Marsh Upgreund, Upgrasse and Cowfeild
in Holbeache, lately belonging to Croyland Monastery. Reference
to letters patent, dated 8 April, 2 Eliz. A.D. issg, granting the
same to John Dodington and John Jackson and their heirs who
entered and were seized in fee and conveyed them to Henry
Hunston, Esq., Richard Hunston his sen and William Humberston.
William and Henry died, so it descended to Richard as son and

I 26
heir and survivor in possession, said Richard so seized 30th Eliz.
1588, and for a sum ef money te discharge his debts to John Springe,
Esq., son and heir of Sir Wm. Springe, Esq., he sold the same
grounds to said John Springe, who fer /'i.Sso paid to him, sold
these Abbey lands to John Freman of Eckton. He enjoyed
possession till Andrew Ogard, who had married a daughter of
Henry Hunston, and was also Executor of Henry Hiinston's last
will, sought to trouble John Freman's possession. This bill dated
I Sth June, 1599, and the particulars are very lengthy. The answer
to it by Andrew Ogard, the defendant, is dated 28th June, isgg.
The Replication of John Freman bears no date, it is 2 ft. wide,
16 in. high ! The Commission is dated 5th July, isgS. The late
Abbots of Croyland were seized in fee of certain pastures and
marsh grounds in Holbeache, Co. Lincoln, called Abbot's Marshe
Upgreund, Upgrasse and Cowfelde, which they held for the
provision of their house and time out of mind, held by metes and
bounds, distinct from those of other persons, such as were not
enclosed were marked with doles or ditches called Creekes. By
the Dissolution, these grounds came into tiie hands of King
Henry VIIL, and afterwards of Edward and Queen Mary, and then
of Queen Elizabeth who, about the 2nd year ef her reign, granted
them to John Deddington and John Jackson who conveyed them
to Henry Hunston and Richard Hunston his son, and one Humber-
stone, and they by lawful conveyance gave them te John Springe
Esq., son and heir of Sir Wm. Springe, from whom John Freman
purchased them. They were held by known doles and marks, but
lately, Anthony Erby, Johan Merchante, widow, and Thomas
Waters her grandchild, have got possession of certain marshe
grounds with divers deeds and writings, and say their lands lie
within those of John Freman. The answer of Anthony Irby, Esq.,
Joan Merchant, and Thomas Waters, an infant under 18 years
defendants. Irby says, he is a farmer of the marsh adjoining the
Abbot's Marsh " for divers years yet enduring," except some parcels
purchased by Hunston and the reversion in fee of some small part
to said Thomas Waters, and the residue to Joan Marchant. During
his term, and before, owners depastured with their sheep the low
marshes towards the sea, without denial, until the shepherd of the

127
complainant chased the sheep of the defendant, etc. Joan
iMarchant said she hoped to prove that her marsh, except a small
portion purchased by Anthony Irby and some small parcels which
John Thacker, her late husband, bought, and which belongs te
Thomas Waters, as son and heir ef Ann the daughter of John
Thacker, ought to extend to the sea. Thomas Waters, as under
age, offered himself to the consideration of the Court. [Chancery
Bill and Answer, Elizabeth, F. f. i., No. 44.
At the Archdeacon of Lincoln's Visitation fer the year 1605
there vvas the following curious presentment.- —
"Jo Ordinge ef Holbeche for not coming to ye Churche, and
for conjuring making a boat gee against ye streame."
It should be stated that the Pope Paul V. addressed a bull
to the " English Catholics " in 1604, forbidding them to attend the
churches, services, or sermons ofthe Church of England, er to hold
any Communion with its members — notwithstanding the bull of
excommunication in 1570 by Pius V., till the arrival of this bull in
1604 general conformity with the National Church in her public
worship was probably net much disturbed — now the oath of alle
giance and fidelity required to James I. and this bull, violently
interrupted communion between the adherents of Rome and the
Anglican Church — and the above probably gives us the name of a
Holbeach parishioner who refused to attend the services of the
parish church. In 1571 penal laws were passed against the intro
duction ef papal bulls, and again in 1581 against the hearing and
saying mass, and to compel attendance at the services ef the parish
church under heavy penalties. These, however, were not very
rigorously exacted under James I. and Charles I., but the sums
levied from Recusants enormously increased under the Common
wealth ; from 1650 to 1655 the profits on the lands of Recusants,
in the county of Lincoln, were /'33, 000. [Miscell : Excheq. Accounts
see " The Antiquary," Vol. IV., p. 20.]

128
Drainage of Marsh Lands.
In the reign of King James I. a series of destructive floods
made the condition of the fen country very deplorable, and the
King said he could no longer allow these lands to lie waste and
unprofitable. In the 13th year ef his reign, in A.D. 1615, we found
a grant made to " Charles Glenmend and John Walcett, of London,
nominees of the Earl ef Argyll, of certain marsh lands left by the
sea, in Wigtoft, Moulton, Holbeach and Tydd S. Mary, in the county
of Lincoln." It is dated 3rd July, 1615. They were to be drained
at the expense of the Earl, with reservation of a fifth portion and a
rent ef £^0 to the King — and the grant included certain common
lands to the neighbouring townships. [State Papers Vol. LXXXL]
The burial of a John Walcote is thus recorded in the tran
script of the Holbeach register preserved at Lincoln : —
Holbech 1641. "June 15, John Walcote, gent, buried."
Commissioners appointed by K. James I. made enquiry about the
condition of the Fens, and works of reclamation were ordered to be
carried out, taxes to be levied, and if the owners were defaulters,
the fens were made over to certain " adventurers," who completed
works successfully between 1631 and 1634 — but the dispossessed
fenmen riotously fell upon them, and broke sluices and fences
seme seven years afterwards, and the civil war hindered further
progress with such drainage works.
Levying Ship Money at Holbeach.
About the year 1634, King Charles I. resorted to this exped
ient of raising moneyjjwitheut calling together a Parliament. He
wished to build ships for the protection of the coasts, fer Pirates
were doing much damage to trade, and Turks from Algiers were
carrying off our fishermen as slaves. He had also seme thought of
joining Spain in a war against the Dutch. In times ef danger,
English Sovereigns had called on sea-port towns to send vessels of
defence, as when the Spanish Armada threatened England.
Following some precedents, Charles took this step about 1634, but

129
going further than other Kings, he called on every county ot
England and Wales to give him what was called ship money fer
raising a Navy to guard our seas. This gave much umbrage to his
people and such discontent soon broke out into open rebellion.
At Holbeach, vve have fiund the followin.n evidence ef unwillingness
to pay this tax. There were four sets of collectors for Whaplode,
Holbeach, Fleet, and Pinchbeck. The total arrear was/ 1 18 17s. 2d.
The amount was difficult to collect " on account of the extreme
poverty of those assessed." [State Papers, Vol. XXII. p. 156.]
" Accounts of several neglects of collectors employed by Sir
Walter Norton, with such returns as divers of them had made," we
give the following list of places mentioned : —

Parish.

Pinchbeck

Whaplode

Holbeach

Fleet

Collectors.

I William Harvey
t and
! Richard Bagley

Arrears.

/37 '3S- 7d.

Anthony Johnson
James Dawson / 26 4s lod. j
Richard Booth

Richard Darby
Adlard Winshopp

Simon Buck
and
Robert Bishop

£i2 los. 6d.

/iS 13s, 7d.

Remarks.
They forbear to
destrain in regard
that divers suits
are commenced
against collectors.
Collectors failed
to appear.
Alleged poverty of
the persons
assessed and no
goods to destrain
on.
Buck refuses to
pay as he is a
collector and is a
defaulter in his
accounts.

Moulton

John Cock
and
Robert Scarlett

£i

od.

Nothing to
destrain upon.

" Robert Nicholls, Beltisloe, has destrained parcels of Plate of Sir
John Hatcher for/'6 6s. 8d., but cannot get the money in regard
his Arms are upon them." [State Papers, Vol. XXII. page 396.] K

130
A letter from Sir Anthony Irby, late sheriff of co. of Lincoln,
to Nicholas, written from Boston, says: — "I have caused the
bailiffs to make several distresses since I came last down, Richard
Herries, of Holbeach, was, destrained upon Thursday last for/ 20,
which he was in arrear. That night the fold was broken, and the
goods taken out. I have appointed the return of the warrants on
the 2ist, 22nd and 23rd for receipts." [Ibid Vol. 26, p. 20. (Stale
Papers Domestic, Vol. CCCCXVIf., ^2)]
Times of the Civil War.
We know that Oliver Cromwell's army besieged Croyland
Abbey, and that his armed forces were in this immediate neigh
bourhood in 1643, and that the rector ef Fleet suffered for his
attachment to the Royalist cause, for he was removed from his
benefice — even his temporal estate was put under sequestration, and
he was forced to fly for his life. [See Magn : Britan.]
The then vicar of Holbeach was the Rev. John Bellenden,
who " adheared to the forces raised against the Parliament, and
was twice taken prisoner at war." He also was deprived of his
living, which was sequestered te the use ef Mr. John Pymlow
" a Godlie and Orthodox divine." [From a transcript in possession of
Mr. Grange, of Great Grimsby, kindly copied by Rev. Clare Hudson.]
After the restoration there was " a free and voluntary present
to his Majestie," Charles IL, and the following are the names of
those who paid to this subsidy, at : —
" Holbeatch."
Addison, Ed., zs. ; Ampleferd, Thomas, £1 ; Augty, John,
los. ; Augty, Wm., £1; Ayre, Mich , is.; Bellouse, James, is.;
Bellouse, Wm., is.; Bennett, John, is.; Blett, John, los. ;
Boston, Anthony, is.; Brewer, Wm., 2s.; Browitt, Jarvie, ss. ;
Buckworth, Ferdinando, is. 6d. ; Bulward, The., is.; Burden,
Hen., IS. ; Carr, Mich., 23. 6d. : Cawthorpe, Robt., gen., £3 ;
Colliare, John, 2s. 6d. ; Crosse, Geo., gen., £3 ; Darby, Rich.,

'3'
£\ ; Davy, Adler, los. ; Dary, John, los. ; Dawson, Hugh, is.;
Eaglesfield, Peter, 3s. ; Edson, Wm., is. 6d. ; Fleet, John (senior),
2s. ; Foster, Wm., los. ; Freeman, Robt, £1 ; Gardner, Willm.,
los. ; Groves, John, los. ; Griffon, Henr., is.; Goodacres, Edw.,
5s.; Hankins Willm., is. (or Haukins) ; Hankins, James, is.;
Heartt, Josh., gent, £\ ; Hipwell, Willm., 2S. 6d. ; Hockersone,
John, 2S. ; Hunt, John, 2s. ; Ingram, Symon, 2s. 6d. ; Ingram,
Wm., is.; Jacob, Nich., los. ; Johnson, Rob., 53. ; Kitten, John,
IS. 6d. ; Lawrence, Edw., 4s.; Lamley, Peter, is.; Leavin,
Rich. IS.; Leavins, John, is.; March, Willm., 2s. 6d. ; Makerill,
The., 13. ; Money, The., 2s. ; More, Rob., is. ; Okey, Rich., is.;
Oyler, Willm., 3s.; Page, The., 2s.; Reave, Richard, is. ; Russell,
John, IS. ; Saywell, Wm.. is. ; Sloate, Willm., is. ; Smyth, Henry,
2s. 6d. ; Smyth, James, 2s. 6d. : Steele, Robt., is. ; Stephens,
Rich., 5s. ; Tho. Thatcher, /2 ; Warrell, Robt., is. ; Wright, Rich.,
ss. Total, /^22 4s. 6d.
The general receipts were as follows, " Spaulding " begins,
then comes " Pinchbecke," after which " Holbeatch " : —

£ s. d. /¦ s. d.
Spaulding 36 6 o
60 17 6
I 00 o
 98 3 6

54 14 6

Pinchbecke

40 4
14 10

0
6

Holbeatch

22 4

6

Weston

9 "

0

Fleett

16 16

6

Crowland 13 00 6

22 4 6
g II o
16 16 6

Quapload 11 18 6
1130

13

/"237

23 I 6

£ 3. d. £ s. d.
Brought over 237 12 o
Moulton 19 5 6
19 5 6

12 6 o

Gedney

12

7

6

Tidd St.
Mary

12

6

0

Sutton with
Members

3'26

I
'4

80

57 '5 8

/'339 6 8

'32
Each column is added up separately, and there is ne general total
of the Wapentake. We have added up the sum to shew what was
given, er collected, in this neighbourhood.
Farmer's Free School Founded at Holbeach, A.D. i66g.
The need ef a good school in a parish like Holbeach, when
there were few good reads, must long have been felt before the
difficulty was in any way met. The Grammar School at Spalding
was founded by Letters Patent of Queen Elizabeth in 1588, but
Thomas Fleet of Whaplode, Gent, in his will, dated 26th April and
proved 3rd May, 1560, gives us evidence that the want of such a
school was felt in this district, for in the event of certain contin
gencies he left his property so that a " Grammar School " might
be founded at Holbeach. Those contingencies, we presume, did
not happen, so while such a school was founded at Spalding Hol
beach had yet to wait a hundred years ! In 155 1 John Harrex, of
Moulton, yeoman, founded a Free School at that village and in
i66g, by his deed poll, bearing date 28th Feb., George Farmer,
of St. Andrew's, in the County ef Middlesex, Esq , a Customary
tenant of the Manor of Spalding, cum membris, did surrender
all that his messuage and 17 acres and three roods of customary
land holden of the said Manor, in Weston, in the County of
Lincoln, particularly described, unto the use of: —

Thomas Ampleford
Gervasse Brewitt
and Gilbert Aughtie

John Pimlewe, Clerk
George Crosse
Joshua Harte
And their heirs and assigns for ever upon trust and to the intent
and purpose that they, or the major part of them should and might
elect and chuse, with the approbation ef the said George Farmer
or his heirs successively, a prudent and discrete person, who should
be Master er Bachelor of Arts, to teach and instruct the children
of Holbeach aforesaid, in the school house for that purpose erected
in Holbeach aforesaid, without any salary, recompense or other
reward whatsoever to be exacted from or demanded of the parents
or other relations or friends of such children and that the said
feoffees should in recompense and full satisfaction of such school

'33
master as should so by them be elected and appointed with their
approbation, receive and take the rents and issues and profits of
the said premises and pay the same to him quarterly. Full power
to the feoffees to visit the schools when they think fit and for
just and reasonable causes te remove such school master and when
the school is void by death, surrender, removal or otherwise, to
appoint another master, being an M.A. or B.A., and when any of
the feoffees should die the survivors should nominate, appoint and
make choice of a new feoffee, or feoffees, upon the trusts as
aforesaid, "And so as the then present and succeeding Minister
of Holbeach aforesaid be one of the persons, so as to be intrusted,
as aforesaid, and not otherwise."
This deed executed by George Farmer is witnessed by
George Stevens and Thomas Eldred.
Indentures of Lease and Release, 21st and 22nd Sept., 1685,
give Thomas Ampleford, of Holbeach, gentleman, and Gilbert
Aughty, of Holbeach. yeoman, as survivors of the feoffees. John
Pimlow (the Father), George Crosse, Joshua Harte and Gervase
Brewitt being recited as dead, and these two survivors did grant
release and confirm all lands, tenements and hereditaments George
Farmer had left for the purposes of the school, unto the following
persons as feoffees : —
John Pimlow (the son, now vicar) I William Carr

Adlard Stukeley
Joseph Peters
John Stukeley

Edward Davey
John Duke
William March

and Richard Ball.
The several pieces and parcels of land contained it is said about
33 acres, more or less.
By indentures of Lease and Release, dated Sth and gth July,
1690, between Adlard Stukeley and William March ofthe one part,
and Thomas Dodson, of Holbeach, gentleman, and Richard March,
of the same place, yeoman, it is recited that John Warsdale, of
Holbeach, aforesaid, deceased, by his last will, dated Sth of July,
1682, bequeathed to his son, William Warsdale, /'440, to be laid

'34
out in lands within one year of his decease, to be estated upon his
son William during his life, and after his decease to his heirs law
fully begotten, and if he should die without heirs, one half ef said
land to go to John Rose, son of Zechariah Rose, and Dinah, his
wife during his life, and after to his heirs, in default of which to
" the ffree school of Holbeach to the intent that it should be a ffree
school to all the children of the inhabitants of Holbeach for ever,' '
the other half of said land to the heirs ef Anthony Austine, of
Whapload drove, and the heirs of Christopher Smith, of Whapload,
and the heirs of Elizabeth Robinson, wife of Jonathan Robinson,
of Helpringham, and that Adlard Stukeley and William March be
his executors. It is recited also that some part of the / 440 was
expended necessarily for the relief of the said William Warsdale in
life, and for his burial, and that the executors had lately purchased
a messuage and 8 acres of land in Holbeach with some part of the
said money, and since the death of the son, John Rose had also
died without heirs, and so that money to be settled by them "for
the benefit of the school aforesaid." But it is further recited that
Christopher Smith was also dead, and Henry Smith was his
brother and next heir, and reciting that Adlard Stukeley and
William March had with the other part of the money purchased the
messuage and lands mentioned to settle the same to the uses, and
upon the trusts declared it is witnessed that they released, con
firmed, etc., unto Thomas Dodson and Richard March all that
messuage and cottage and seven acres in Moulton, to hold to the
latter in trust, to save them from any demands of said Anthony
Austine or Elizabeth Robinson concerning one moiety of said
money, and subject to the trusts aforesaid in the first place upon
trust for the said Henry Smith, etc.
Indentures again ist and 2nd Feb., i6g8, between Adlard
Stukeley, surviving executor, and the following feoffees of the
school : — Edward Davey
John Duke
and

John Pimlewe
John Ampleford
John Stukeley
William Carr

Richard Ball

'35
It is recited that on the death of William Warsdale, Adlard
Stukeley and William March laid out /'ig6 of his personal estate,
and purchased of Israel Jackson, clerk, and Roger Raney, the
messuage and land mentioned, and by indentures of the 13th and
14th of Sept., 1684, Israel Jackson and Roger Raney conveyed the
same to the executors. It is recited that John Rose died without
heirs, so the said messuage remained to be conveyed and settled on
the school — and in performance of the trust it was conveyed "all
that one messuage, one barn and stable, and 8 acres of land in
Holbeach aforesaid," upon trust, etc., " to the intent that it should
be a ffree school to the children of the inhabitants of Holbeach fer
ever, and according to the tenor and effect ofthe said will."
Holbeach Tithes i6g6.
There are some Chancery proceedings as to these tithes,
dated i6g6, Ralph Pierson, Esq., plaintiff, against Thomas
Hockersten, defendant, about ten brief sheets, from which we have
not made abstracts not having then seen the following allusion to
them, which Dr. Stukeley makes in his " Commentarys 1720,"
speaking of his father' s success in practice as a lawyer, for he
"seldom had a tryal went against him,'' he adds: — "He was
strenuously concerned in managing that famous suit between the
Impropriator of the parsonage of Holbeach and the town, which
they have ever since been sensible of in its good consequences in
relation to the modus of tythes, and there was a notable ballad
made ef it, wherein he had the chief hand, the burden being
(which I remember ever since a school boy) : —
' For George* without Garter
Has lost his sham charter
For tithing lambs after
Not on clipping day.'
¦* " Alluding to Lord George who held it under the Bp. of
Lincoln, W.S." [See Stukeley's Diaries and Letters, vol. 1. page q,
London 1882.]

136
Inscriptions in Holbeach Church : —
Rudulphi Pierson, Arm., died March 21, 171 1, age 65.
Susanna his wife, died Feb. 13, 1713.
Donation to the Schooi, of Holbeach, A.D. 1719.
The will of James Thompson, bearini; da'e ist Novembei:
1719, contains the following words : —
" Item : I give, devise and bequeath to such person as now
is the school master of the school of Holbeach, in the County of
Lincoln and to his successor and successors of that school, the
sum of /"s lawful money to be paid yearly and every year for ever
as an additional salary te teach and instruct 12 poor children of
the inhabitants of Holbeach aforesaid as sKall be approved of by
the minister and church wardens and overseers of the poor of
Holbeach, aforesaid, for the time being, free ef any other payments
te be made for the same, te read, write and cast accounts, and
also the principles of the true protestant religion and according to
and by the Catechism of the Established Church of England."
Suit in Equity about tithes at Holbeach A.D. 1768.
In Mich : Term 1768 the matter of Agistment of Tythes of
unprofitable Stock in the case the Vicar of Holbeach, was heard
and decided in the Court ef Exchequer. We read in the Gentle
man's Magazine, " Right of the Clergy te Agistment of I'ythe."
"Dr. Cecil Willis being vicar of the large and rich grazing parish of
Holbeach, in Lincolnshire, and the revenue there, like other
vicarages, arising out ef what is commonly called " the small
tithes," amounting annually to a small sum, he was induced te
hazard the event of a suit in equity, in order to strike out a new
tithe in some measure proportionate to the impropriator's tithe of
corn and hay, etc By the endowment of Holbeach, the Bishop of
Lincoln is entitled to the corn, hay, wool, lamb and flax; " Dum-
taxat caetera quaecunque quandocunque, quotiescunqne accidunt
pertineat ad propertionem vicarii." Upon these general words

'37
castera quaecunque, etc., Mr. Willis grounded his claim of agistment
for all unprofitable stock. [Gentleman' s Mag : Vol. XL VI., pp. 589-gi,
Dec. 1776.] He published "The matter of Agistment of Tythes
of unprofitable Stock" in 1777, a letter to the Clergy of the Arch
deaconry ef Norwich, and a 2nd edition of his work in 1778, a
pamphlet of 76 pages, which are a review ef the law case.
A Waggon on ihe Roof of the North Aisle
OF Holbeach Church.
Much amusement and talk was occasioned at this town
nearly a century ago, when a party of young men, farmer's sons
from the other side ef Boston, on their return journey from
Norwich, where they had taken their wool, stepping all night at
Holbeach, played a large practical joke upon one of their com
panions, by taking his waggon in pieces, and (unknown to him of
course), setting it together again on the roof of the north aisle of
Holbeach Church ! [This story often narrated still in the parish, has
kindly been communicated to us hy Mr. T. N. Morion, of Liverpool.]
Sacrilegious Ga.m esters in the Church, circa 1783.
It is no legend, vve fear, but a ghastly truth that a gross piece
of sacrilege vvas once committed in the church of this parish,
which has been embalmed in verse by Eliza Cook and Mr.
Rawnsley. From careful inquiry of one or two octogenarians
we can state that four men, whose names are given as Wheldale,
Jonathan Watson, John Key, and William Slater, started one
evening from the" Chequers Hotel" for the church, about the year
1783 ; damaging some of the tombstones, they subsequently paid for
repairs. Three only of them gained access te the church and
played a game ef whist on the altar with a corpse for '• dummy " I
One version of the story says that they disinterred a friend who
had belonged to their jolly quartett, to have a last rubber with him
— the other story is that they found in the church a woman in her
coffin, who had been brought from a distant part of the parish, for

'38
interment the next day, and whose body was testing in the church
for the night. It was a horrible act of sacrilege and profanation of
God's Sanctuary, which Holbeach people blush to speak of when
strangers ask about it. Among the papers of the late Miss Slater
of Holbeach a poem about these gamesters was found, which is
now in the possession ef Canon Hemmans the Vicar; it nearly
fixes the time of the occurrence, for the date 1783 is given below
the lines. And it does more, for it mentions the initial letter of the
surnames ofthe actors in the horrid scene. They are given as " W.,"
and tradition says this was Jonathan Watson, a doctor, who com
mitted suicide seme 20 years afterwards by cutting his arms and
bleeding to death. He was buried off the Spalding road at a spot
still pointed out, a mile from the Church. The next name "K.,"
which will stand for John Key, whose burial at Holbeach is recorded
in 1 8 10, aged 47 years, shewing him just 20 in 1783 ; and the other
name " S.," will answer for William Slater, known as Lord Slater,
who died in i82g in the 74th year of his age, making him 28 at
that time. We think it well te give in contrast to this picture the
reverence for the dead shown just 100 years afterwards, when the
body of the late Capt. Barker, who had been a leading person in
this town, was brought from a distance to rest fer the night in
Holbeach Church, on Thursday, March 20th, 1 8S4. It was a quarter
before ten at night, before the body reached the Church. The
Clergy and the Choir were waiting te receive it. Certainly, it was
a striking sight. The dark night relieved by the few gas lamps in
the street — the spring weekly mart with flaring lights and harsh
voices — and when the carriage drew up and the church doors were
opened, the contrast between all without and the bright light within
the church, the peace and order, and welcome of faith and hope
with which the service commenced, was very striking. About 200
people came, many with hymn books, as if they had come to join
in divine service and not out of curiosity. The service was the
same as that used at Eccleston church en the evening before Earl
Grosvenor was buried, and consisted of a Psalm, a hymn, and a few
prayers. It was a service most solemn and impressive, and a scene
in strong contrast to the other I Again it was night at Holbeach
Church I there was a coffin and a corpse, friends near and sounds

'39
of voices — yet not the drunken revellers at cards — but words of
prayer, and of faith, and hope ! a scene not likely to be forgotten,
and which will dwell more profitably in people's memories than the
remembrance of that sad desecration of God's house committed by
the Sacrilegious Gamesters in those sad days loo years ago. Capt.
Barker was buriel the next day near his parents in Holbeach
cemetery, according to the desire he had expressed. He died
17th March, 1884. The Cato Street Conspiracy.
It is sometimes said that Holbeach was connected with the
Gunpowder Plot ; and we found at the British Museum a "Relation
ofthe apprehension of Henrie Garnet, Provinciall of the Jesuites,
and of the escape of Robert Winton and Stephen Littleton, when
the other Traytors were taken at Holbeache ;" " They came to
Lord Windsor's house • • • • the river Stour, somewhat risen above
her usual, passed by Bell Inn, and so over the heath to Holbeache,
the house belonging to Stephen Littleton, etc.," " Their powder
put to dry, blew up and wounded them, seeing no way of escape,
the Sheriff's officers surrounding the house, opened the gate,
Catesby and Percy were shot and slain. Thomas Winter shot in
the shoulder and wounded with a pike, had his arms held and was
taken alive. The elder Wright (John) seeing his desperate
condition, took Thomas Bates aside and gave him a bag contg.
/30, desired him te escape. Bates got safely thence and
walking warily came in the night to Wolverhampton, where he
lodged." [Harl M.S., ^bo, folio 102].
The mentions of the river Stour, Bell End (altered to Bell
Inn) near Bromsgrove, and Wolverhampton, seem to take the scene
away from Lincolnshire. It is therefore Holbeache, a hamlet in
Worcestershire. The Cato Street Conspiracy, however, eur Hol
beach was connected with, as Arthur Thistlewood, for whom a
reward of /"i, 000 vvas offered on the 24th of February, 1820, at one
time resided near "the Bridge" in Holbeach town, and there were
meetings at a house in Holbeach Hum, as report says. The

140
Conspiracy, of which he vvas the principal agent, was to murder
several members of the Administration while at a Cabinet Dinner
at Lord Harrowby's. ' and excite an insurrection in the metropolis;
and the place of meeting in London was over some stables in Cato
street near the Edgware road. Thistlewood, Brunt, Ings, Tidd and
Davidson, were brought to trial and suffered the extreme penalty
ofthe law. May ist 1820.
In 1833 (April) at Holbeach, near to the Church, was found a
beautiful gold coin ef Richard II. , and again in 1840 (March), i
geld and 250 silver coins in fine preservation, principally of the
reigns of Henry V. and Henry VI. [Exttacts from Stamford
Mercury by Mr. fustin Simpson.]

DIVISION V.

The Parish Church of All Saints, Holbeach.
T^he Church of All Saints is a noble and most interesting
structure erected in the High street of the little market town of
Holbeach, in the Wapentake of Elloe, the parts of Holland, the
Rural Deanery ef East Elloe, the Union ef Holbeach, the Arch
deaconry and County of Lincoln, 12 miles south ef Boston, and
8 miles east of the town of Spalding, and on the branch line of
the Great Northern and Midland Railways (joint), from that town
through Sutton Bridge to King's Lynn. It stands nearly in the
centre of what was the original parish, formerly one of the largest
in England, containing by admeasurement, 21,133 acres of land,
extending from the present seabeach in a! southerly direction, some
21 miles. That original parish has been, within living memory,

'4'
subdivided ecclesiastically, and now contains the daughter parishes
of Holbeach S. John's. Holbeach S. Luke's, Holbeach S. Mark
with S. Matthew, besides the town parish of All Saints, Holbeach.
The population of the entire [larisli bv the census of 1881 was
S,igo; ef this 743 are at S. Marks, 872 at S.John's, and 515
at S. Luke's, leaving a population of 3423 for the mother parish,
which still extends 2^ miles north and south of Holbeach Church.
The Clough district, where it was intended a Church should stand,
lies towards the marsh, 'ind has a population of some 600 people
along the old Roman Bank, where is a brick and wooden mission
building — and the Fen district, where is also a wooden structure
belonging to the mother parish.
All Saints Church is, if we except its north porch, a com
plete specimen of decorated Gothic architecture. Externally it is
very attractive, and has much ornamentation, which rivets attention,
and will bear much inspection.
The plan of this noble House of God consists of a massive
tower at the west end, surmounted by an octangular spire of great
beauty, said to be the largest in " the parts ef Holland," iSi feet
from the top of its table to the ground ; a fine nave of seven bays
with aisles, north and south porches, and a spacious chancel.
The tower, which is massive, has at its western side a small
projecting open porch, with a groined roof, above which is a pointed
window of five lights, with tracery. The belfry windows are of two
lights each, trefeiled with a quatrefoil recess. Divided as these
windows are by transoms, they seem to point to the lateness ofthe
period at which this part of the church vvas built — very late in the
Decorated period. Standing under the tower or western arch we
gaze upwards at a handsome groined arched roof below its first
stage. Above this is the clock chamber, with clock, the dial of
which is on the northern side of the tower, and the dial plate and
hands sadly need restoration. The chimes are particularly fine,
repaired in 187 1 by a public subscription. They need a new barrel,
for they were erected in 1776 by Edward Arnold, of S. Neots. The
tunes are the following : —

'42

1. Ladies of London
2. Riggadoon
3. Oswall's air
4. Lovely Nawcy

5. Lady Chatham's Jig
6. Seeley's Gavett
7. Three General's Healths
8. A Minuet by Norris

g. The 113th Psalm.
Above this floor is the bell chamber, in which are eight bells of
sweet tone. The inscriptions we here subjoin : —
1. " God save our Church, the bells in this steeple.
Likewise all the subscribing good people.
Capt. Edward Northon, James Benson, curate.
John Watson, Wm. Stukeley, John Key, Esqs.
Saml. C. Tyrer, Ed. Jarvis, Ch : wardens, 1770.
2. '•*"
3. " Thomas Mears & Son, of London, fecit 1S07."
4. "arJOHN m HOBSON * RICHARD « DARBY *
CHURCHWARDENS * 1648, H.O." (Royal Arms on the waist).
5. "OMNIA FIANT AD GLORIAM DEI." Joseph Eayre
fecit, 1770."
6. " Edmd. JARVIS, churchwarden — Eayre fecit, 1770."
7. " Recast and made new by the contributions of Jas. Benson,
curate, Wm. Stukeley, Edwd. Northon, Jon. Watson, and several
ethers. Edmd. Jarvis, churchwarden, 1770."
8. " « JOHN * HOBSON * RICHARD ¦& DARBY *
CHWA vB 1648."
The battlements are reached by a stone spiral staircase
at the south-eastern corner of 107 steps, and the tower is crowned
by an embattled parapet, having an ornamented cornice efgurgoyles
and bosses. It is represented with angle pinnacles by Stukeley, in
Itinerorium curiosum, circa 1722, and of these it has evidently
been robbed.

'43
The spire windows are gabled and have hoods and corbels
and each angle of the spire is supported by a buttress, on which is
a Bishop's crozier, etc.
The south porch is entered under an unusually acute lancet
arch. Its inner door is well carved. The south wall of the south
aisle is pierced by six windows, of three lights each, which as well
as the windows which pierce the north aisle have good tracery,
but one in the south has suffered from repairs. The windows
piercing the east and west walls of these aisles have similar tracery,
beautiful examples of the decorated period.
Six piers and two half piers, carrying seven arches, separate
these aisles from the lofty and splendid nave, which is supported
by a cluster of four united shafts. The arches are light and very
elegant — of the lancet kind and reflect much credit on the architect
who composed this structure. The octangular form of the pier
caps and bases point again to the lateness of the period when this
church superseded an earlier and probably smaller fabric, for it
should be stated that it was found at the reseating of this nave
that four of these piers stand en the plinths of the old Norman
Church. The clerestory ef this nave is divided by pairs of buttresses
in each front of three stages, each pierced by two windows. The
arches which are depressed are of two lights, enclosing a quatrefoil.
At the termination of the hood mouldings are numerous corbel
heads of grotesque workmanship. There are 14 windows and the
range is very effective.
The chancel ef large dimensions has two fine windows of
three lights each, trefeiled on its south side, as also one window in
the north wall, and there is a door en the southern side between
the windows, under one of which is the restored Sedilia and a
Piscina with trefeiled orifice, a few feet from the east wall, which
is pierced by a window of good decorated tracery as well as the
other similar window in the north wall. They are of four lights
cinque foiled, and this design is rather a defect for an east window ;

'44

a five light window would have looked better. The chancel is
elevated one step and the sanctuary is inlaid with encaustic tiles.
The altar is raised three steps, and there are within the Sacrarium
encaustic tiles, and well carved altar rails, oak sittings and stalls.
The nave and aisles are now well fitted with oak sittings and nave
covered with a magnificent oak roof, as well as the chancel and
aisles — between the years 1868-1881. The following brief state
ment ef the past restoration expenses from the parish magazine
mav be of interest : —

For the spire. .
Removal of the organ
Clearing out gallery pews, etc.
New roof for the nave
Temporary flooring . .
Restoration ef western entrance
Sundries, including architect

But the expenses incurred were really
And there was subscribed for the parish church

Grand total

£ s.

d.

163 0

e

26 g

0

1 1 10

0

84g e
0
.. .. 70
0
286 18
6
154 4
6
0
/¦i,4g8 2
£
s.
d.
2,168
9
0
h church 2,228
3
3
gofS. Mairk's 1,324
4
2
S. Matthew's 783
7
II
S. Luke's 68g
3
I
^¦5,024 18 s
Which, with the exception of /^i40 from the Church Building
Society, was given or collected by landowners and residents of
Holbeach parish. The roof of the south aisle cost £\%8, and the
north aisle restored by the present vicar the sum ef /~so2 15s. 4d.
He also reseated north and south aisles, which cost £ ^02 3s. 4d.
The font, a fine specimen of the late decorated period, is an
octagon on an octangular shaft, standing near the Tower Arch, in
the south-west corner of the nave — each face is ornamented with
'45
an ogee arch in sculpture, with crockets and finials, and the eight
sides of the font have recessed panels and designs in relief, some
now illegible. The alternate ones have an Angel with a staff in
bend — two other compartments have defaced shields — a third a
shield with a cross, and the fourth a pall couped and pierced.
The north porch seems an after thought. It is a much later
addition to the building, and is in need of restoration. The obtuse
arch with which it opens is decorated with filleting ef trefoils, and
is flanked at the angles by circular towers divided into three stages,
and crowned with battlements. A small door in the north-west
turret gives access to a chamber over the porch, used formerly as a
school, and in the other turret there is a groined cell — the staircase
also gives access to the roof. Above the entrance and on each
side of the porch is a circular headed window, with an external
drip and corbels, giving light to a spacious room.
Dimensions of the Church: East wall to altar step i8 ft.,
on to chancel step 30 ft. ; total length of chancel 48 ft. The nave
is 102 ft., tower 24 ft; total length of church from east wall lowest
door, 174 ft. inside. The north aisle is 20 ft. wide, tower 27 ft
wide, south aisle 21 ft. ; total width of the church inside, 68 ft.

146
DIVISION VL

ADVOWSON, APPROPRIATION. ORDINATION
OF THE VICARAGE.

Advowson.
T^HE Bull of the Pope in 1177, which is mentioned on
page ig, gives Holbeache among the possessions of Spalding
Priory (Cole M.S.S., British Museum, vol. 43, pp 321 — 323.) The
Advowson is first mentioned in a trial at Westminster, when Fulco
de Oiri, who claimed it, agreed to make it ever to Conan Fil Elie
de Holbeche in iig4, for 21s. rents in Holbeach and a pair of
Gilt Spurs at Easter annually. Conan Fil Elie greets by his deed
all sons of Holy Mother Church and confirms te God te Mary and
S. Nicholas of Spalding, the Church of Holbech, " se that by no
right under Heaven it should be sold " (Cole vol. 43, pp. 444 — 6),
but in 1225, in another trial at Westminster, the Prior admits that
the advowson belonged to Sir Thomas de Multon. When Anthony
de Beke resigned the Rectory in 1283 he and Thomas de Multon
claimed the presentation in the King's Court at Westminster, but
released their claim in favour of Lady Matilda de Moleton, " the
Lady of Gilleslaund." Anthony de Beke had the avowson in i2g8,
one ef his executors was Robert de Wylughby, who, on his death
in 1317, was found to hold the advowson in common with John
de Harcourt. In 1332 Henry Burghersh, the Bishop ef Lincoln,
purchased it for /^soo of Sir William de Harcourt, Knight. William
de Dacre, Knight, and Katherine, his wife, claimed the advowson
at Westminster against the Bishop, but withdrew the claim (see
page 64). John Coleman, rector of the church of Mumby, in
1334, releases all claim in 6 acres of land in Holbech together
with the advowson of the church to Robert de Stanford, rector of
the church of Colis of same diocese of Lincoln (charters ef Dean

'47
and Chapter). John de Bohoun, Earl ef Hereford, by deed
(elaborate seal of arms, evidently his), granted license te Nicholas
Belou clerk, Robert de Stanford and John Coleman to give and
assign the church of Holbeche, " which is held under us" {que de
nobis mediate tenetur.) It bears ne date. In 17 Ed. IIL, A.D.
1343, Nichs. de Bealewe, rector of (deed torn) in his charter
quitted claim to Thomas Bishop of (deed torn, probably Lincoln),
of his right in the advowson of Holbech Church, which he had
by grant and feoffment of Doms. John de Wulby and Doms. Wm.
(deed again tern) [charters ef Dean and Chapter]. So the
advowson continued in the Bishop's hands till Henry Rands, alias
de Holbeach, from his birth place, who was translated to Lincoln
from Rochester in 1547, alienated so much from the Bishopric.
Queen Mary desired to restore church property and Bishop Watson,
who was consecrated in 1557, obtained restitution of the plate
and ornaments ef the Cathedral and also procured for the See
some of its former estates. So the rectorial tithes would return.
In times of the Commonwealth an act was passed, gth Oct. 1646,
" for the abolishing of Archbishops and Bishops and vesting their
lands in trustees," power being given to held Courts of Surveys.
The Surveyors returns were completed about July, 1647, Lincoln
is given with : —
" present p'an' " " Future "
[i.e. rents and profits.] [i.e. Improvement.]
/'47 6s. Sd. /^202 13s. 4d.
[Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica, pp. 33 and 34.]
At Lincoln, under " Survey of the Bishop of Lincoln's
estates, temp : Commonwealth " we found
" Holbeach Rectory held by the Lord George, but by what
estate appeareth net, under the yearly rent of 47li. 06 08
Improved value 250 o o

148
In Valor. Eccles. (1534) the value of the Rectory is given :—
£ s. d.
Holbeche. Valued in a farm ef the Rector let
to John Calowe p. annum for . . . . xlvij xiii iiij
From whence pars decima . . iiij xv iiij
Fees and Reprisals.
Fee of Thomas Halle, Receiver General of
the temporalities of the Bishop ef Lincoln xx o o
Fee of Henry Combes, auditor of Ld. Bishop viij xiij iiij
Fee of David Griffith, keeper of the Inn of
the Bishop at the Old Temple, London, in
Holbome . . . . . . . . xj o
The Commissioners seal the returns 3rd Sept., 1535.
Holbeche Vicarage is valued in a Farm of the
produce of the ground, calves, foals, hemp,
Salt, etc., let to Henry Elman by the year
for . . . . . . . . XX xiiij viij
Reprisals in Synadols and procurations to the
Archdeacon of Lincoln, yearly . . . . ix
And the clear value . . . . xx v viij
From whence pars decima . . xl vij
Bacon's Liber Regis (London, 1786, pp. 435-439) says " K.B.
^20 5s. lod., Holbeche alias Holbeche v. All Saints, synods and
proxies gs., 12 acres of land for the repairs ofthe Church." Bishop
Wake's Speculum ofthe Diocese in 1711 says : —
"V: Holbeach.
Den. S. Holland. Families 400, C. 400. 10 Quakers, 20
Presb : ^ Anab : P. Ep. Lincoln. Incumbent, George Arnett, A.M.,
resident, May 28, 171 1. Services Bis quot die Dom." . . . semel
quot die 7""" Cat' die Dom." cent' . . in XL" (prsedicat p.m.) Comm'

149
quot mense praeter 3 maj. Fest. bis in quot. Convent. Presb. Lie.
Revenue R. V. a 60' and So\ In K.B. /'20 5 10, Dec. £2 o 7,
Proc : o II 3." Holbeach Vicarage Val : returned in 1856/^702 —
in 1873 / 930. In 1889 gress £l']b, r\tt £^^b. Eccles: Comrs.
hold the great tithes commuted at/'sooo, and patronage is vested
in the Bishop of Lincoln.
"Remarks. Holbeach. A Monument in ye Church, without
inscription, but said to belong to Dr. Holbeach, sometime Mr, of
Emanuel College, Cant " [Bp. Wake's Speculum.]
Appkopkiation.
( Translation abridged,)
" To all sons ef Holy Mother Church, etc., Simon de Iselep,
canon of Lincoln, and in the underwritten matters acting executor
or commissary deputed by the Apostolic See. Health in the Lord."
He had received letters from Lord John, Bishop ef Ely, with a
Commission or Bull of the Roman Court on behalf of the Bishop
ef Lincoln and so-called to judgment the Archdeacon of Lincoln,
in whose Archdeaconry the Church of Holbech is, the patronage
of which the Bishop had recently acquired, and wished te be
" united and appropriated by us in perpetuity." At a day and
place no one summoned and called appearing before Simon de
Islip sitting as a tribunal, he proceeds to pronounce " our final
decree of Appropriation in manner following": —
" In the name of God, Amen. The year of the Incarnation
according to the Anglican Church, 1334th, and en 6th day of
February, in the ist year of the 3rd indictim ef the Pontificate of
Lord Benedict XII, by divine providence Pope, in the Cathedral
Church of Lincoln, in the presence of me, Ralph, Notary Public,
and of Masters Robert de Thame, William de Burton, Stephen
Hampton, John de Cebeldyk, rector ofthe Church of Weste Kele
Lincoln Diocese, and ethers called together as witnesses before
Simon de Iselep, Canon of Lincoln, Judge or Executor of Bishop ef
Ely. " I, the Notary Public, having seen, read and handled the
seal of that Bishop, to me well-known — and no one appearing to

'50
shew cause — proceed to final judgment. In the name of God,
Amen. John XXII, Pope, of Happy Memory, wishing to shew
favour to Henry, Lord Bishop of Lincoln, directed letters to the
Bishops of Hereford, Ely and Durham, sealed with a true leaden
seal (bulla), with that clause, "ye, or two, or one of you, etc.,"
with the words, " John, the Bishop, servant of the servants of Ged,"
and other letters also for the perpetual memory ef the matter.
The Bishop ef Ely also wrote to Simon de Islep, sending both
letters from the Holy See, so he proceeded en the petition of the
Bishop of Lincoln " that the Church ef Holbech in his Diocese —
the profits and incomings ef which after the taxation of the tenths
do not exceed i8o marks, and the patronage ef which he had lately
acquired for himself and his Episcopal Table should be by us united,
appropriated and annexed." At the Chapter House in Lincoln,
nor in the Church of Holbeche, had any one appeared against the
union — the Bishop had no Church or Prebend appointed to the
uses of his Episcopal Table, and by virtue of tbese Apostolic letters
had only two Churches, viz., Mumby and Wooburne, the yearly
value of which and ofthe Church ef Holbeche according te the
taxation ef the tenths (after deducting the portions ofthe Vicars
to be instituted) amounted to 200 marks mentioned in the said letters,
and the Bishop owing to the temporalities in past times being seized,
had not a place in his Dioc(;se wherein to lay his head, and even
Holbeach er its patronage he had newly acquired at great cost for
himself and his successors, and their necessities if at any time,
which God forfend, their Church of Lincoln shall be despoiled by
the secular powers ofthe temporalities belonging to the Episcopal
Table. " We, desiring these may be honestly received in the
Church of Holbech, for a proper sustenance according to the
Apostolic letters do appropriate, unite and annex the said Church
ef Holbech, to the said Venerable. Father and his successors the
Bishops of Lincoln in perpetuity," reserving the vicar's portion,
there to be instituted, that he might " have a proper support, keep
hospitality, pay the Episcopal dues and other burdens incumbent
upon him, which portion we value at 50 marks sterling." The
certificate ef Thomas de Northwood, Archdeacon of Lincoln, under
his seal is given, acknowledging that he had received the mandate

'5'
of the Reverend Master, Simon de Islep, en the ii Kal February
last past, and by virtue of it cited the said persons, etc. Dated at
Lincoln, 8 Id. Feb: 1334. Here follows certificate ef Ralph de
Strubby, the Notary Public. [Lincoln Book of Charters and Pensions.]
Ordination of the Vicarage.
(Translation abridged.)
" In the Name ef God, Amen. Whereas, we, Simon de Islep,
Canon ef Lincoln, judge or executor of John, late Bishop of Ely,
of pious memory, together with the Venerable Fathers the Bishops ef
Hereford and Durham, appointed with the clause, ' ye, or two er one
of you, etc' — 'for the uniting, appropriating and annexing te the
Table ofthe Bishop of Lincoln two or three Parish Churches whose
income, after deducting those of the perpetual Vicars, shall not
exceed 200 marks, and to do all things in the Apostolic letters
contained,' '¦ We have united, appropriated and annexed the parish
church ef Holbech to the Bishop's Table, the portion of the
perpetual Vicar being deducted, which we have taxed at 50 marks
sterling." Reserving specially to ourselves to declare in what
portion the portion ofthe said Vicar ought to consist, "we ordain
and declare it shall consist in three acres and a half of arable land,
which the rectors of the said church have held as glebe, before the
Appropriation." " Also certain fruits, rents, profits and oblations to
the said church, how, when and se often as they accrue, in tithes
ef sheeves, wool, lambs, flax and hay, which the Bishop of said
church, as rector, holds in his own right, shall pertain te the
Vicar's portion." The Bishop yearly to furnish te the Vicar four
loads ef straw — and to build on the Southern side ef the church a
house which we have assigned for the Vicar's use, and te find new
books, chalices and vestments, at his proper costs and charges,
and repair the same as often as need be. The Bishop shall com
pletely rebuild the chancel de novo, and the Vicar shall bear all
extraordinary burdens, and that this eur declaration may be firm
and continue stable we charge (formal matter excommunicating
all persons contravening the Ordination). Dated at Lincoln,
XV. Kal., Dec. A.D. 1340. [Bishop Burghersh' s Reg. Institutions,
folio 90.]

'52

DIVISION VIII.

Memorials of the Rectors of Holbeach,
A.D. 1225 to A.D, 1335.

Names.
1225 William Fitz Conan
1225 Wm. de Hal
1240 Stephen Rufus
1250 Doms. John Francigena

Names.
1283 Anlhony de Be]!i {resigned)
1285 Bartholomew de Castelle
1298 Thomas de Goldesburgh
1317 John de Botheby

1332 Edward de Bereford.
William Fitz Conan is the first Rector we can record.
From a charter of Ralph, Prior of Spalding, made with " William,
Parson of Holbeche," concerning land in Spalding, it appears
that in the days of King Henry III, and when Hugh de Wells
occupied the Episcopal Chair of Lincoln, Wm. Fiiz Conan was
Rector, circa 1225. [Cole AISS., British Aluseum, vol. 43, p. 176. J
Cole gives the Charter of Conan Fitz Elie de Holbeche,
confirming to S. Nicholas Priory, at Spalding, the Church of
Holbeche, with all pertaining to it, together with the Advowson,
and the witnesses were Thomas and Harvius, the Chaplains of
Holbech, and William, Rector ofthe Church there.
William de Hal, Clerk, was presented to the rectory in
A.D. 1225 by Sir Thomas de Multon, Kt, There was a suit between
Sir Thomas and the Prior (Ralph) of Spalding, Martin de PateshuU
renouncing his presentation. [Institutions Roll q, Bp. Wells, ibth
year. ] Stephen Rufus, a subdeacen, vvas presented to the Rectory
of Holbech, A.D. 1240, by Sir Thomas de Multon, in the sth year
of the Episcopate of Bishop Grostete.

'53
Dominus John Francigena became Rector on the pre
sentation of Sir Thomas de Multon, Knt., in the year A.D. 1250.
Le Neve, or Stubbs (our notes are not clear which !) gives a John
Fransgena, or Le Franceys, as prebendary of Holborn, Diocese ef
London, ist Dec: 1251. [Lih. A, fol. bo]
Anthony de Bek resigned Holbeach Rectory in 1283 te
be consecrated to the Bishopric of Durham. We know little of him
as Rector here, but he became one of the most eminent Bishops
that ever filled the Chair of Durham, and of course much has been
written about him fer which we find we have no space within the
limits of these pages. We will, therefore, refer our readers to
Rymers Fczdera. Vol. i. Part 2, pp. 525-545, 546, 552, 563, 576, etc.—
also to Stephens Biog : Diction: Vol. IV, p. 133, Ed. 1885. Also
to Reg Palet : Dunelm, No 62 of the Chron : and Mom. of Gt, Britain
and Ireland during the Middle Ages, in IV Vol., 1873-8, by Sir T.
Duffus Hardy, the preface to Vol. I. It should, hov\'ever, be here
stated that he was descended from Walter Bek, mentioned as
Walter Flandriensis, who came over with the Conqueror, and
received the lordship of Eresby, near Spilsby, with many other
Manors. From his sons, Walter, Henry, and John, sprang three
great Lincolnshire families, the Beks of Eresby, Laceby and
Boothby. From Henry Bek, lord of Eresby, was descended, about
the middle ofthe 13th century, Walter Bek, Baron ef Eresby, who
had three sons, John, Lord of Eresby, from whose daughter the
Lords Willoughby d'Eresby claim descent, as they obtained through
her their Barony. Thomas Bek and Anthony Bek, the two ether
sons, we first hear of at Oxford, when Merton College was founded.
They were occupying two houses in S. John Baptist's parish, which
were conveyed to Walter de Merton, by Jacob, son of Master Mosey,
a Jew, who stipulated that they should continue to occupy those
houses for three years. They would finish their education at
Oxford, where, "as nowhere else general learning flourished," about
1269, for Anthony assumed the Cross, and went as a Crusader to
the Holy Land in 1270 with Prince Edward, and there a lasting
friendship sprang up. In the will which Edward drew up at Acre,
when wounded by the poisoned arrow, Anthony vvas appointed

'54
executor. Returning in England 1274, he entered Holy Orders,
and became Prebendary ef Dublin, Canon ef S. Clements in
Pontefract Castle, Prebendary of S. Pancras 1278, Tottenham
Court in 1280, Prebendary of Ripen, and had 5 benefices in
province of Canterbury, four of which were Waddington, Surfleet,
Kirton, and Holbeach. Geraldus de Wypens succeeded him at
Waddington. Thomas de Goldesburgh succeeded him at Kirton,
and Adam de Rouceby at Surfleet. He became Royal Secretary,
and was present when Alexander, King ef Scotland, came to do
homage in 1278 at Westminster. The Bishopric of Durham
became vacant by the death of Robert de Lisle in 1283, and at the
special request of the King, July gth, 1283, the Prior and Convent
elected him, although the Archbishop of York disapproved. The
Royal assent was given 28th of August, and he obtained the
temporalities Sept. 4th, and the City of York was the scene of a
grand and imposing ceremony, gth January, 1284, for the King and
the Queen v\-ere present, with a large assembly of all the great
and the noble, who thronged the Church of S. Peter to see the
clergy in their costly vestments, and Anthony de Bek receiving
Consecration at the hands of William Wickwane, Archbishop of
York. It is said the Prior vvas ordered out of the Church, and
that the Archbishop never forgave the King for compelling him to
perform the ceremony ; so inveterate was he that he commanded
Bek, in virtue of his obedience, to excommunicate the Prior and
many ef the Convent, but he answered : "Yesterday I was conse
crated their Bishop, and shall I excommunicate them to-day .'' No
profession of obedience shall induce me to de this inconsistent
act." Perhaps it was this action which delayed his enthronement
till Christmas Eve, 1285. He certainly was a man of vast power,
obtaining ef the Pope the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the year
1306 (Feb. 26), and ef the King, the Principality of Man. As
Stow says he had so great command, that at the Battle of Falkirk,
fought in i2g8 between Edward I. and William Wallace, there
were no less than 32 of his banners in the field. It is said that his
wound in this engagement caused his absence from the siege of
Cserlaveroc, in 1 300, a place g miles from Dumfries. He founded the
Priory of Alvingham, in the County of Lincoln, in which he placed

'55
Prebendaries. He died at his Manor of Eltham, 3rd March, 1310,
in the 28th year of his Episcopate, and was buried in his Cathedral,
behind the High Altar, being the first Bishop interred there since
the burial ofthe Holy S. Culhbert, and se superstitious were they,
" that they durst not bring him in at the doors, but broke a hole in
the wall to bring in his coffin at the end of the Church, which hole
is yet visible." Over his grave vvas a large marble laid, which had this
inscription in old English characters : —
" Presul Magnanimous Antonius hic jacet, unus Jerusalem
strenuus Patriarcha fuit quod opimus Annis vicenis regnabat ser
(illeg :) plenis Mille trecentenis Christo moritur quoque denis."
Bartholomew de Castello, a Chaplain, was instituted at
Buckden, to Holbech Rectory, IIL Kal. Jan. 1285, in the sth
year of the Consecration of Bishop Oliver Sutton, and was pre
sented by Lady Matilda de Moleton, lady of Gyselaund, on the
consecration ef Dominus Anthony Bek, last Rector, as Bishop
of Durham. " The said Anthony Bek and Thomas Multon
claimed the Advowson, but released their claim to said Matilda in
the King's Court at Westminster." This must have been the
Lady Maud de Vaulx, daughter of Hubert de Vaulx, wife of
Thomas de Multon, lord of Burgh — heiress ef Gilleslaund. In a
composition about the view ef frankpledge, between the Prior of
Spalding and his tenants, the name ef a William de Castello occurs
(Cole., vol. 43, p. 245), and the same name holding a tenement in
that town in 1263 under one John Wiles {Ibid., p g4). In a docu
ment about the Nunnery ef Ankervvyke Bucks, the last witness was
Barthol de Castello. Fitz Otto, constable ofthe Tower of London,
was the first witness, and Stow gives Othou as Constable in 1263.
{Dugd., Mon. Aug, 4. p. 231). Bartholomew de Castello sur
rendered the free warren of Totting, in 1285 [Cal. Rot. Chart, et
Inquis. quod Dam., No. 40,/!. 114), and in 1250, under Middlesex,
we read, " Bartholem's de Castelle and Roes his wife give the
King ^ a mark for one writ of the death of their ancestors to the
bench, and the Sheriff of Middlesex was ordered that he should," etc.
[See Excerpta et Rot. Finium ii. Sg, mem. 5, 3rd Cart, on No. 1 1.]

'56
Thomas de Goldesburgh on the death of Bartholomew
de Castelle, was instituted, 14 Kal. Mar., A.D. i2gS, in the 18th
year ofthe Consecration of Bishop Oliver Sutton, being presented
to the Rectory of Holbeche by Anthony de Beke, the Bishop of
Durham. The Institution was at Nettleham, and we are told that
he vvas Rector of Kirketon in Holland —Privilege from the Pope is
recited. We saw at Lincoln his Ordination to the Priesthood,
" 15 post festum S. Lucie Virginis, A,D. i2g6" — and from the
Hari. MSS, British Museum, that Will, de Houla, Prior of the
Hospital of Jerusalem in Anglia, appointed him to the Church of
Kirton. That Institution had a hospital at Skirbeck, near Boston,
endowed with sufficient lands to maintain three priests there and
one at Fleet We learn that Thomas de Goldesburgh became Pre
bendary of South Scarle in Lincoln Cathedral, A.D. 1302-30. (Le
Neve Fast. II. 20^.) One of the same name collated, 20th Sept.,
1305, to Prebend ofRenton, Lichfield (Ibid. I, 622). Our 1 homas
became Archdeacon ef Durham, 6th May 131 1 (Ibid. IIL, 302) —
probably it was he who was Parson of Skipwith, Yorkshire, A.D.
1310 Rot. Origin. Abbrev. vol, II. , 171 b.) He, together with Dom
Robert de Wilweby, knight, was executor to the will of Antony de
Beke (Reg. Pal. Dunelm, vol. II,, p 422.) He resigned Holbeche
Rectory in 13 17.
Magister John de Botheby, a Priest, was instituted at
Stow Park, on the resignation of Dom Tho. de Goldesburgh,
Rector, VIII. Id. Feb. 1317. Patron " Sir Roger Damery, knight,
as guardian of lands, etc., of Sir Robert de Wylughby, knight,
by commission from the illustrious Lord Edward, by the Grace of
God King ef England." {Bishop Dalaerby's Inst., P'olio 6g.)
Livings were held in plurality, so we mention John de Bootheby,
Master of the Hospital of Gretham, in the year 1312 {Reg.
Pal Dunelm Vol. II, p 320,) and John de Beotheby, Rector of
the Church of Ryton, who held certain lands called " Spechines"
en the southern side ofthe Tyne. [Pat: Rolls iS, Ed. II. m., 10.]
Edward de Bereford, a Subdeacen, was presented to
Holbeche Church on the death of Magister John de Botheby the
last Rector. The Institution took place at Stow Park, XII. Kal.

'57
Marcij, A.D. 1332 and the Patron is given as Henry de Bourgh-
werssh. The Bishop it will be remembered had just acquired the
Patronage by purchase and steps were about to be taken to Ordain
a Vicarage at Holbeach.

DIVISION VIII.

List of the Vicars of All Saints Church,
A.D. 1335— iSgo.

'335

Will de Goseberkyrk

1553

Ralph Ryecreft

1349

Thomas Fitz Warren

1560

Thomas West

'35'

Reginald Quappelad

'595

Othoniell Bradbury

'354

William de Houghton

1607

Matthew Clarke

1380

Simon de Parys, died

1627

William Lewis

1380

Adam Glover

i62g

Henry Williamson

'387

Walter Cook

1631

Thomas Bridgman

1400

John Curteys

1632

John Grante

1420

John Rysby

1640

John Ballenden

1462

Robert Jellew

'645

John Pymlowe

1470

John ffysher

1672

John Pymlowe, his son

•473

Henry Boleyn

1711

George Arnett

'473

William Grey born

'729

George Reynolds

'474

Gilbert Haltoft

1730

William Jephson

'479

Henry Ryding

1741

Timothy Shaw

'479

John Lyard

'750

Cecil Willis

'496

Richard Baxter

1786

Edward Bowerbank

1526

John Paradyce

1789

Jacob Mountain

'530

Richard Hays

'794

Edward Maltby

'533

John Holland

1831

James Morton

'534

Thomas Swyllington

1865

Arthur Brook

'552

John Carter

1S72

Fielder Hemmans, present Vicar

'58
^Memorials of Vicars.
William de Goseberkyrk, a Priest, was collated by the
Bishop as Patron to Holbeach X Kal Maij., A.D. 1335. "The
vicarage ef the Church of Holebech being vacant, te be newly
Ordained, which is ef the Patronage of the Bishop. The Bishop
collated into the vicarage William, the sen of Robert, Clerk of
Goseberkirk, a Priest " intuitu caritatis  cum onere persen-
aliter ministrandi & continue residendi." [Burghersh Reg. fol:
Sg.J Licenced to hear confessions in reserved cases (see fol : 310.]
At this time Vicarage House to be built southern side ef the church
and chancel to be rebuilt by the Bishop (fol. go). Probably the
whole Church was then undertaken, as 1340 is the date assigned to
the present building.
Thomas Fitz Wakren, VI. Id., Oct., A.D. 1349, "Thomas
filius Warini," a Chaplain, was collated by the Bishop, at Spalding,
as " perpetual vicar of Holbech."
Reginald de Quappelad was the next vicar, collated at
Bassynghm, 21 June, 135 i, on the resignation of Thomas Clement,
probably an alias for Thomas Fitz Warren.
William de Houghton, on the death of Dems. Reginald
de Quappelad, was admitted " in the Chapel of I\Ianor of the
Bishop of Lincoln," 13 Kal Marcij, A.D. 1354. We saw amongst
Charters of the Dean and Chapter, a deed by which they sold to
the executors of John Gynwell, Bishop ef Lincoln, in A.D. 1362,
/~20 Holbeach tithe, £13 6s. 8d. Mumby tithe, and £b 13s. 4d.
Woburne tithes. Names ofthe executors. Master Wm. de Askaby,
Wm. de Nausby and John de Wersop.
Dns. Simon de Parys died in 1380, and is given in Subsidy
Rolls 1377 and 13S1 as Vicar — -Institution not at Lincoln, nor at
Lambeth. Doms. Adam Glover, a Priest, was collated by the Bishop
29 Jan., 13S0-1, at Lydyngton, in co. of Rutland, "en the death
of Dominus Simon Parys, last vicar there."

'59
Walter Cook, a Priest, collated at Sleaford igth April,
1387, "on resignation of Doms. Adam Glover, last vicar,"
exchanged to Kymundecote.
John Curteys was collated by the Bishop to the Vicarage
of Holbeach, on the ist of May, A.D., 1400. His Will preserved
at Lincoln, is dated 20th March, 141S. He leaves his "Soul
t o God omnipotent, the Blessed Mary and all the Saints and his
body to be buried in the Choir of the Parish Church of Holbeache,"
to the High Altar ef which he left vi'- viij"- — to the High Altar of
the Mother Church at Lincoln vi''- viij"- and to the fabric of the
same vi°- viij"- — to Catherine Curteys the bed which he had at
Croyland — te Thomas, his servant, 40s. — te John Whyte xxvj'- viij"-
The rest of his goods to Sirs Robert Paynton and Richard Spend-
luffe. Chaplains and to John Dokkyng and William Curteys, who
are appointed executors. Given at Holbeche the day and year of
the Lord aforesaid. Ultima Voluntas made before the Chaplains
William Porter, Simon Berret, Robert Poynton, and others the Eve
of S. Benedict Abbot 141 8. William Curteys to have all his lands
and tenements in Holbech and Quappelode for life en condition
that he becomes a Priest to celebrate for the souls ef his Parents
and Benefactors and after his death testator desired the lands and
tenements te be sold and the money distributed to Priests and for
other charitable uses. Supervisors, John Dockyng, Robert Poynton,
Richard Spendluffe, Chaplains, and William Curteys aforesaid.
" Proved at Sleford, 6th day ef May, 1420." {Bp. Repingdon's
Mem. folio !%().) In Gough's Croyland we read "John Veysey
and his wife Cicely, having a son a monk here, gave te the Abbey
a Messuage and 8 acres in Holbech, which the Abbot complained
he was ousted of by Thomas Enderby of Bagenderby, and John
Curteys perpetual Vicar ef Holbech, who had formerly given it to
Abbot John Overton (Thomas .'') and Henry V. an"- 2, had pardoned
all donations. {Abbey Register, folio 71 and 7g.) This suit was in
1433 ^'^'1 John Curteys died about 1420. [Gough' s Appendix No. 37,
/. 68.]

i6o
John Rysby, mentioned as Vicar 1422, in which year he
and John Edlyngton, Vicar of Pinchbeck, had administration
granted for the will of John Littlebury, Knight, (Gibbons' Early
Lincoln Wills, p. 151/ Stukeley's List gives him still Vicar 1460,
yet Vicars of Multon and Holbech in 1450 are said to be John
Meadow and Gilbert Dawson (Cole 44, p. 182/ no such institution
to Holbeach can be found.
Robert Jellow " apud London " became Vicar iSth March,
1462. Patron the Bishop. Died in the year 1470.
John ffyssher, " in utroque jure Baccallareus," vvas collated
to this Vicarage ist September, 1470, at the city ef Oxford, "on
the death of the last Vicar." He resigned 1473. The church of
Goseberkyrk vvas appropriated to the Dean and Chapter ef Lincoln,
27th October, 1471. [Deed Muniment Room of the Cathedral.]
Henry Boleyn, on the resignation ef John ffyssher,
succeeded him 25 March, 1473. We find that Henry Boleyn,
S.T.P., was personally installed Precentor of Lincoln, 22 July,
1473 (Le Neve). [See also Brown Willis, Vol. Ill, p. 84. He
died 14S1, and was buried in the Cathedral (Chanter's Alley) with
this epitaph, " Hic jacet Magister Henricus Boleyn sacre pajine
Professor, Presenter & Residentarius istius Ecclesiae ; Archi-
diaconius Cicestriae, Rector Ecclesiae de Bottesford . . . Anno
Domini 1481, Cujus Anime propitietur Deus, Amen." Collated to
the Archdeaconry ef Chichester, 16 Sept., 1481 (Reg. Cicestrem),
in which year he died.
William Greyborn " apud hichen " was collated perpetual
Vicar of Holbeach, ist Oct , 1473 — resigned in the following year.
Mger. Gilbert Haltofte, on resignation of Mag : Wm.
Greyborn, was collated to this parish, in London, loth Nov. : 1474.
Exchanged to Sheryngton Rectory, in the Diocese of Lincoln.
Henry Ryding " in legibus Baccalarius," presented by the
Bishop as Patron, 2sth June, 1479, at Woburn. Exchanged with
his successor for Addlethorpe, near Burgh-le- Marsh, to which he was

i6i
presented by the Prior and Convent ef Spalding. There was a
Henry Ridyng, Rector of Ratcliffe-upon-Soar in i4g7, who died
there. Sir John Lvard. Rector of Addlethorpe, was collated by
the Bishop to Holbeach, Apud Woburn, Oct. 25th, i47g and was
Vicar here for 1 7 years. He was the son of Henry and Margaret
Lyard, as his will informs us. It begins "Ego Johannes Lyard
perpetuus Vicarius Ecclia de Holbeche, and is dated " Lune prox.
post festum nativiiatis beate Marie Virginis, A.D. i4g6." He left
to fabric of said Church 20s. — to the Guild ef the Blessed Mary
there 3s. ^.d. — to Guild of Holy Trinity there 2od. — to Guild of
Holy Trinity, Spalding 5s. — to Fabric of the Church of Lincoln
2S. — to S. Katherine's Hospital for Orphan's, near Lincoln, i2d.
His executors to sell his six acres of land called " Long Riggie,"
in Holbech, for the purposes ef his will — a priest to pray for the
soul ef his parents and others for four years in the Church of
Spalding, and also in the Church of Holbech — 40s. he leaves te
Alianore, a nun, of Crabhouse, near Lynn, in Norfolk — residue to
Sir John House Chaplain, appointed his executor, overseer Thomas
Welby, Esq., of Gedney. He must have died soon after Sth Sept.,
1496, as that date is the Feast mentioned, and his will was proved
by his executor in London, 21st Oct. of that year — [Will recorded in
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Book " Home" fol. 4.]
Richard Baxter, M.A., was collated by the Bishop at
Lydington 25 Nov., i4g6, " on the death of Doms. John Dyard,
last vicar." He was a member ef the Corpus Christi Guild at
Boston in 151 1. We find a disputed claim te Tithes of the Salt-
coates, and claim ef rent for lands called Parkgall, Holbeche, Flett,
Denby Manor, Lincoln, between ' Robt. Gierke, ef Flette, John
Partryke, Wm. Debbyn, Simon Howell, ef Gedney, and Robert
Houlot, of Sutton, co. Lincoln, plaintiffs against Richard Baxster,
clerk and vicar of Holbeche, defendant. They occupied divers
¦Saltcotes in Holbeche and Flette, in the Duchy of Lancaster, and
by old composition gave to Vicars and Curates of the Churches of
Holbeche and Flette tithes for increase of said Saltcotes — viz., for
m

l52
every pan, 3 bushells sealed according to the ordinance. Conditions
were observed till Richard Baxter, clerk, vicar of Holbeche^ for
no cause but malice will not receive his tithe salt. They will not
annul the old constitution — and said Vicar hath sued divers
citations out of " the audience of Canterbury, and they have
appeared, but cannot depart without answer to the charge of -with
holding his tithe salt," which puts them te damage. They ask for
letters of Privy seal — No answer. [Duchy of Lancaster Pleadings —
Vol. I., c. 10.]
John Paradyce, ALA., resigned 1530. His institution is not
in the Register of Bishop Longland. In a Taxation Book he is
vicar 1526. " M. Johes Padice vicarius xxv''. From whence for
synodals and procurations ix'. Item to two chaplains x" xiij" iiij".
Robert Goddisman cur., Jacob Pecoke, stipend
Ricus Wykeham, stipend Henricus Mone, stipend
Rolandus Witton, stipend Ricus Obrey, stipend
Are all entered v" vi' viij
Georgius Harington slip, iiij" vi' and Edward Peterson.
N.B. — Two of these names, Rebertus Goddisman and Edward
Peterson, are struck out, and in the margin is the word " recessit."
In iS2g a new organ was procured fer Holbeach Church at the
cost of /'3 6s. 8d. It was taken down in isgS (Stukeley).
Doms. Richard Hays was collated at Buckden to this
vicarage August loth, 1530, "on the resignadon of Magr. John
Paradyce (folio 15).
John Holland, M.A., presented by the Bishop 7th May,
1533, at the old Temple. Resigned next year.
Doms. Thomas Swyllington was collated by Bishop
Longland to this Vicarage i sth April, 1534, at the Old Temple,
London, " on the resignation of Magr. John Holland," and he is
described in the Institution Register as "Bishop of Philadelphia."
Le Neve tells us that under that title he acted as Suffragan to John

'63
Longland, who was Confessor to Henry VIIL, Bishop of Lincoln,
Lord Almoner, and very popular for his preaching. The Bishops
of Lincoln, often engaged on affairs of State, discharged Episcopal
offices through Suffragan Bishops having the title of some
distant See. Such was John Tynmouth, Bishop ef Argos, Vicar of
Boston in 1518; Thomas Swyllington, " Bishop of Philadelphia,"
and ethers, shortly before the Reformation. In 26 Henry VIII.
certain large towns were nominated as fit places for Suffragan
Sees, the Incumbents of which might act under the Com
mission ef the Diocesan as his deputies — Bedford, Leicester,
Grantham, and Huntingdon, were named in the Diocese of Lincoln.
[See Lincoln Diocesan Calendar, p. 4.] Thomas Swyllington was
Vicar when the Valor Ecclesiasticus was taken in 1534, and in 1542
he had a commission to receive a Vow of Chastity at Holbeach
(see page loj). In his time, probably, took place

The Robbery of Jewels and Ornaments from
Holbeach Church.
We gave on page 104 an answer to the Byll of Complaynt of
John Partriche, gentlemen, which informed us of this robbery of
jewels, plate and ornaments out of Holbeach Church. Mr. W. J.
Hardy, F.S. A., contributes an article to the Antiquary, January
1 890, [Ao. 1 New Series, page 4] which throws more light on this
incident in our parish history, and seems to give the Bill itself.
The article is written to introduce us " to a curious instance of the
widespread belief existing at the time in the practical utility of
magic." "To the King ewer Sovereign lord," John Patriche,
his true and faithful subject complained, that " about the 6th of
September last '' Holbeach Church was " robbyd and spoyled" of
money and jewels to the supposed value of above 300 marks.
This loss lead the leading men of Holbeach to repair to "Edmund
Nasche dwelling at Cicestre towene" who practiced " inchantement
and wichecraft," and tbey took with them John Lamkyn, of
Holbeach, who seemed also to be skilled in " nigramansi." At
Cirencester John Partiche was named " to be one of the theves,"

164
and in this bill he brings forward his social respectability to prove
his innocence, that he has lands and tenements to the value of
xl marks, and now by this report he had lest " frendshippe and
favour from hym to hys utter undoying in this worlde " unless the
King interfere with punishment. We refer eur readers to the
article. Mr. W. J. Hardy says that as far as he is aware " Lamkyn
alone made answer,'' but on page 104 we have given the answers
of others to this bill which we then thought was missing. Lamkyn
says he had long been resident in Holbeach " teching and
instructyng chyldren in the sciens of Gramer, and having
his lyvyng bythe same'' and wished te find out who had committed
the robbery. He went to Cirencester at the request of Henry
Elman and Richard Gibson, the two Churchwardens ef Holbeach,
and visited Nasche, demanded of him " what knowlege he cowde
tell of the seyd robbery shewyng to hym a payer ef gloves of lether
which were founde in the revestry of the said churche iinmedeatly
after the said robbery was knowen to be dene." The judgments
of the Star Chamber at this period are not extant it is believed, so
we do not know the result of the proceedings, but towards fixing
the date we may mention that Henry Elman was living in Holbeach
in A.D. 1547, when ornaments of the church were sold (see Stukeley's
list from old churchwarden's accounts! he buying " on lytyll taber
nacle." This robbery appears therefore to have been about the
end ef the reign of Henry VIII.
John Carter paid his composition for the first fruits of
Holbeach Vicarage 13th Oct., 6 Ed. VI. , A.D. 1552. The book
for these is in 3 folio volumes, preserved at the Public Record
office — they commence in 1536, when Henry VIII established a
court to receive the first fruits hitherto paid to the Pope.
Ralph Ryecroft paid his composition fer the Vicarage of
Holbeach z3rd January, 6 Ed. VI. , A.D. 1552-3. We did not find
the Institution. His name does not occur at Cambridge, though
the University has regular records of Degrees from 1500. The
Matriculation Register at Oxford only begins in 1564-5.

'65
Thomas West, clerk, vvas collated to the Vicarage on the
28th of August, 1560, " on the death ofthe last Vicar." His Will
is at Lincoln, dated gth May, i5g6, and proved 5th October, " coram
me Theme Randes by Executors and William Weste in person,"
and is witnessed by Clement ff'reckingham (vicar of Whaplode),
Richard fenyhouse and Nicholas ffester " In the Name of God,
Amen — I, Thomas West, minister of Holbiche, doe declare and
make this my testamente and laste Will in manner and forme
followinge — ffyrst and before all thinges I commende my soule unto
the hands ef Almightye God assuredly beleevinge to have free
remission of all my synnes, and everlastinge life throughe the onely
obedience and merrits of Jesus Christe myne onely Saviour and
redeemer." To the poor people ef Holbech X' " the firste whole
week in lente next after my decease." Mentions Isabell his wife
4 Kyen, Wm. Weste his sonne 2 Kyen, sonne Ambrose Weste 2
Kyen, and Elizabeth, his daughter, 2 Kyen — Ambrose 20 sheepe —
William 10, and nephew Robert Shrede, the younger, one cow,
2 sheepe, 4 yearing calves to be divided equally between wife and
children — To wife his mare, and te daughter Elizabeth "the foale
that is to be delivered" — to sonne William bed in greate pallur—
furniture as it standeth, best cheste — greate brass poll, etc., residue
to be divided between wife, sonne Ambrose and daughter, at
discretion of Nicholas flfoster — Mr. Wilson, of Fleete, and Mr.
ffreckingham, of Whaplode — son Ambrose executor, wife guardian
to Ambrose and daughter Elizabeth till 21, or marriage if she
continue a widow. If she marries they may choose Guardians —
Robert Loyall, of Sutton, and father-in-law, Mr. Saunders, of
Boston, supervisors. [Lincoln District Registry Wills]. The vestry
on the southern side ef the chancel of the Church was taken down in
1567. In the survey ef the Fabrics of Churches temp. Queen
Elizabeth, we read ef Holbeach Church, "The. Churche ys in
very good repayre, and very decently kept. The chauncell ys in
great decay. The fault dni Epi Lincoln as the Guardians think."
In the Archdeacon of Lincoln's Visitation is this memorandum in
A.D. 1575 : — " They are without a chest for the safe custody of the
Register Books ; the fault of Robert Jackson and Robert Buddell,
the Guardians." Thomas West was probably the first married

1 66
vicar. This liberty conceded in 1549 was withdrawn in Mary's
reign. Elizabeth was adverse to clerical marriages. Sparrow says
great scandal arose in the Church by the indiscreet marriages of
her Ministers. Thomas West was twice married, first to " Maria
B. West," whose Father, from his Will, we think, was Mr. Saunders,
of Boston, and she was buried at Holbeach, 6th March, 1567. Her
children were Juditha, who was bapt. 15 Aug., 1563, and buried
gth March, 1576, Elena, Bridgeta, and William, who died in
infancy. He married again at Holbeach Church 12th March, 1569,
Elizabeth Atkynson, and had issue, Thomas, born 1570, died in
infancy ; William, bapt. 11 Nov., 1571 ; George, born 1573, died
in 1576; Elizabeth born zg Dec, 1575, died following March;
twins, Ambrose and Elizabeth, born 10th August, 1577. An
Elizabeth Weste married John Makrell at Holbeach 17 June, isgg ;
and the widow West was buried 31 January, i5g7. Thomas West,
Vicarius, was buried 31st May, i5g6. Edward, son of Ambrose and
Elizabeth Weste, bapt. 7 June, 1618. [Lincoln Transcript frorn
Register.] Othniell Bradbury compounded for first fruits of Hol
beach 12 Nov. isg6. He vvas not at either University. Four sons
and two daughters were born while he was Vicar here, of whom
three sons died. His wife's name vvas Mary. Johanes Bradbur)'
filius Othenielis Clerici bap fuit 7 die Marcii, 1603. Elizabeth
bradburye fill othonielis Vic 18 die Jan. 1600. Mary Bradburye,,
the daught. of Otho: minist: bapt the xx of Januar : 1606-7.
[Lincoln Transcript.] Mr. Bradbury died at Holbeach, as appears
by the Register " Sepult 1607" "Othoniell Bradbury, etc., Vic. de
Holbech, 7" die Aprillis."
Matthew Clarke was collated to this ^^icarage ist June,
1607, and compounded for first fruits 23rd of the same month.
His name does not occur at Oxford, but at Cambridge a Matthew
Clarke of Trinity College, 22 April, 1608, became A.B. in 1610,
Fellow of his College, 26 Sept. 1612, A.M. 1614. Matthew Clarke
signs the Transcripts of Register regularly each year till 1627. His
children were Maria, bapt. nth June, i6og, Edward, bapt. 4th Januar.

J 67
i,6ii, Anabella bur. 2nd Oct., 1607. The transcripts give ethers —
ffrances, bur. Nov. 30, i6i6, Rich. bapt. loth May, 1618, Jane
bapt. 22 July, 1619, Adlard bapt. 17 March, 1622, and Jane bur.
IOth Januar. 1623, Elizabeth bapt. 3rd April, 1623, and Mary bur.
i6th April 1627. In 1613-4, J^"- '3' Thos. Newland, clerk, Vicar
of Gedney, aged 50, had licence to be married to Jane Ingram of
Holbeche, widow, aged 40, to be married at Gedney (See Lincoln
Marriage Licences, p. 32.) Matthew Clarke died in 1627. There
was a Thomas Clarke, D.D., instituted to Long Sutton, loth of
March, 1600.
William Lewis, M.A., paid his Composition for the ist
fruits of Holbeach, 16 June 3rd Charles I., 1627. He was collated
by the Bishop as patron, 23rd April, 1627, " on the death of the
last Incumbent." Inducted by Thomas Jackson Gierke. One of
both these names at Emmanuel Cambridge 1603, A.B. in 1607, A.M.
161 3, but he may have been a Northamptonshire man, who matri
culated at Oxford, from Balliol College in 1607. A William Lewis
was Vicar of Milton Bryant, near Woburn, Bedfordshire, from
1619 — 162s.
Henry Williamson, M.A., was collated to the Vicarage
of Holbeach, igth June, i62g and inducted " by the Rev. William
Houlden, Vicar of Whaplode," 20th June, 1629, in the presence of
Richard Burnett, Thomas Wilson, John Allansbee, James Will'mson
and Philip Carrington. He compounded fer first fruits 4th July,, ,
1629. We find he was an Oxford man, son of the Rev. Robert
Williamson, who about 1612 became Rector of Tichmarsh, in
County of Northampton. His elder son was also at Oxford in
1615 — 16, aged 18 years. Henry was born about 1604 and matri
culated from Magdalen Hall, Oxford, zad June, 1623, when he
was 19. We could learn nothing of him at Tichmarsh, but the
burial of his father is there recorded on 30th day of March, 1662 : —
"Rebertus Williamson, S.S.T. Doctor, necnon hujus Ecclesiae
Tychmarshensis per 50 Annos Rector credidit grandaevum corpus
tumulo."

1 68
Thomas Bridgman collated, 4th June, 1631, paid his com
position for first fruits on the nth of the same month. We think
he was ef Magdalen College, Cambridge, A.B. 1604 and A.M.
1608. John Bridgeman, once a fellow of that College, became-
Bishop of Chester 1618.
John Grante, M.A. next held this Vicar.ige, collated to
it " on the death of the last Incumbent," 16th iNIay, 1632, paid
composition for first fruits, 28th of June, admitted at Pembroke
Hall, Cambridge, 4th November, 1624, he took the Degree of A.B.
1627, and proceeded to A.M. 1631." The books of the Hall say
" son of Gabriel Grante, D.D." and the record in the books of
the Archdeacon of Lincoln tells us that this Vicar was inducted by
" Thomas Burlington, Clarke, in the presence ef Gabriel Grante,
Gierke, S.T.P. William Key. John Tilson ,ind Richard Burnett."
We found the entry in one ef the transcripts of Holbeach Register
at Lincoln for the year 1640: — "Mr. John Grant, Vicarie, was
buried July 31st."
John Ballenden was collated to the Vicarage of Holbeach
just before the outbreak of the Civil War, being appointed 3rd
December, 1640, and paying his composition fer first fruits 28th
May, 1 641. Sad evil days were those when the army of Cromwell
was at Croyland in 1 643, when, report says, Holbeach Church lost
its stained glass windows, when Dr. Hazlewood, the Rector of
Fleet, " being disaffected at these changes in Church and State,
was not only remov ed from his benefice," but " forced to fly for
his life," and the Vicar of Holbeach siding with the King fared' no
better. We here give the minutes of the Committee for Plundered
Ministers, which shews that he also suflfered as well as Dr. Hazle
wood: — "Holbeach Vicarage, 1645. Orders ofthe Committee for
Plundered Ministers. Julys, 1645. Whereas it is now proved before
this Committee that John Ballendine, Vicar ofthe parish church of
Holbech, in the county of Lincoln, hath adheared to the forces
raised against the Parliament, and hath been twice taken prisoner
at war. It is ordered that he be summoned to answer the same on

i6g
the — August next, and that the same shall in the meantyme stand
sequestered to the use of Mr. John Pymlow, a Godlie and Orthodox
divine. Referred John Pymlow, Minister of the Word to the
Assembly, te be examined fer the said Vicarage of Holbech,
county of Lincoln. The yearly rent o( £4.-] 13s. 4d., payable by the
Rt. Hon. Edwartl Lord  Farm of the Rectory of Holbech
unto the Bp. of Lincoln, and new under sequestration shall be paid
unto Mr. Pymlow, .Minister of the parish church of Holbech
aforesaid — consisting of 1000 Communicants — for an increase of
his maintenance there. That it be reported to the House." [From
a transcript in possession of Mr. Grange, of Grimsby, copied by
Rev. Clare Hudson.] The transfer of the payment of the tithes
from the Rev. John Ballendine to the gentleman who evidently
satisfied in his examination the tribunal before whom he had to
appear, does not seem to have been a change acceptable to all the
parishioners at Holbeach, for among the Pleas before the Barons
of Exchequer in Hilary term 1650, we found this memorandum,
which we translate from the Latin : — " John Pimlewe, Clerk, Vicar
of the Church of Holbech, in sd county ef Lincoln, before the
Barons at Westminster come 22 Nov : by Saml. Tovey, his attorney,
brought his Bill against Philip Welbye, Esq., to this effect — That
defendant pay to him /22s, because he, John Pimlewe, for five
years past has been, and now is, Vicar ef the Church of Holbeche,
and said Philip on 20th Dec, 1648, vvas occupier and owner of
200 acres ef land in the parish, and within its titheable limits, then
sown with rape seed, of which 200 acres, for forty years before
4 Nov., 2 Ed. VI (1548) there was tithe payable. On 20 Sept.,
1649, Philip Welbye reaped the 200 acres, and had the whole of
the rape seed therefrom without separating the tenth part, or
making any agreement with the said Vicar, and afterwards on 30
Sept., i64g, carried away the whole contrary te the Statute — the
tenth part se taken away was worth /7s, and he was entitled to
demand ^225, namely, triple value ofthe seed carried away. Beth
parties put themselves upon the country, se let a jury be made " —
but the record is so left incomplete. [Excheqs. Pleas Hilary, 1650
m, 6. J

170
The Holbeach Register records the burial of the poor
deprived Vicar as follows : —
1 660 ye usurping Vicar during Oliver's usurpa-
John Balindine tion, deceased Oct. 26, & buried Oct. 28,
a mistake.
The pen is run through the words, "ye usurping Vicar during
Oliver's usurpation," and the word " a mistake " is written below,
and the documents we have quoted shew that John Pimlow himself
was the usurper, and the rightful Vicar died in 1660, the year of
the Restoration. The Holbeach Register is silent from 1613-1657,
and there is in it the following entry : —

Md.
John
Pimlow

Aug. 20. Taking this book into my own care
and keeping, I find three & twente blanke
leaves, & some written cutt out either by Mr.,
Ballenden, late Vicar, or his Clarke."

Parliament in 1653 removed the custody of Registers from'
the Clergy into the hands of Registrars. We found the appoint-'
ment of such a Registrar at Batcombe, in Somersetshire, where
Richard Alleine, the celebrated Nonconformist, was rector, and
Mr. Foster has given us in his book en Whaplode, an entry in the
Register of that parish. It would be interesting to know hew many
such entries exist in the county of Lincoln. They are not always
made in 1653, for here is one in the Register Book at Rippingale,
which the Rev. W. W. Layng once shewed us : —
"Lincoln \ William Leaband chosen to be Parish
Writ ( Register for the towne of Rippingale,'
and was approved of and sworne to
execute the said Office, taken before me the seventh day of;
January, 1655, Geremy Cole." And we once made a note that in
the Parish Register ef Amersham, Bucks, is this entry :—

'7'
"1656, October ye 12. Edward Cutler, the late Register,
then died, and was buried the i4thday ofthe same month," "October
ye 19th, Paul ford was then lawfully elected Register, and sworne
by Francis Russell, Esq., Justice of the Peace, the 20th of the
same month." John Pimlowe, Clerk, was appointed, we have seen under
the Commonwealth in 1645. In the Book of Institutions at the
Record OfRce, in London, is the entry: — " 1661, Oct. 31, John
Pimlow, Clerk, M.A., admitted to the Vicarage of Holbeach in
Co. Lincoln, South Holland Deanery, 31 Oct. 1661, by Bishop of
Lincoln, pleno jure." [Bundle of Bishop's Certificate's, one as
above in Latin.] At Lincoln is the entry in the Institution Book :
" Holbech Vicarage, John Pimlowe, Cleru, on death of John
Ballenden, June 17th, 1662. Palaxm the Bishop." He vvas a
Sizar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, admitted there on 23rd
Feb., i63g and A.B. 1642. It is recorded at that College that he
came from the County of Northampton. In Holbeach Register,
before other entries he records the Baptisms of his children, com
mencing 1646. His will dated i6th July, 1672, was proved at
Lincoln, i ith of October following : — " Sicke in body, but of good
and perfect memory, Thanks be to Almighty Ged, and calling to
mind the incertayne state of this frayle life, and knowing that all
flesh must yield to death when God calls," etc. To be buried in
" Upper Chancel of Holbeach Church under the great stone
beneath the Communion Table." This we know was done. " To
wife Elizabeth his farm, a house and 6 acres of land at Beell's
Hurne — which he purchased of Richard Burnett — for her life,
remainder to son John Pymlowe. Also Beell's Place in Holbeach
a house and 2 1 acres ef land, purchased ef Edward Swift. Also
7, acres he purchased of Wm. Peartree and 3 acres purchased of
Wm. Saywell. To son Baptist Pymlowe half his library, ' if he
attaynes to the dignity of a Scholar.' " To my daughter Clare
Pymlowe my farm at Little Welden, Northants," daughter Hannah
Pymlovve / 100, and his wife and son were left Executors. The
Register of Little \\'eldon yields no information about Clara
Pymlow. She was bora August 28th and baptised 2nd Sept., i64g,;.

'72
Elizabeth Pimlowe, znd daughter, is not mentioned in the will.
She had married William Aughtie, Esq., at Holbeach, 23rd May,
1671. Hannah Pymlovve, to whom was left £ 100, was only 16,
and Baptist, baptised in i6sg, only 13 — his burial, at the age of
22, is given 15 Sept. 1680. "Elizabeth Pimlow, gentw"". February
28th," is given in the burials 1681-2. Mr. Pimlow's interment
at Holbeach is recorded i6th July, 1672, the date ef his will.
John Pymlowe succeeded his father. He was born at
Holbeach, 13th January, 1647-8 and baptised i6th ef the same
month. Admitted a Commoner at Christ's College, Cambridge,
19th April, 1665, "Joannes a Jeanne Pymlowe, natus apud Hol
beech inter Lincolnienses Uteris institutus a M'"- King, An"- aet.
17 adscitus fuit Pensionariis minoribus M'''- Stanford. Solvitq
o I OS. o." Three years after this he proceeded te the degree of
A.B. 1668. In 1675 "John Pimlowe and Anne Salusbury was
married by Thomas Rosse, in ye Parish Church ef Summerton,
April igth, 1675. in Com. Suffolke. William Smith de eodem
Rector. The Rev. W. Rotherham kindly sent us the extract from
the Register of that Parish : " Married in 1674." "John Pimlow,
Clarke, and Annah Salusburie, were married the igth day of April,
75 per licenciam." There were two sons, John and Ambrose, and
five daughters, Clara died in infancy, Frances, Anne, Clare, and
Mary. Anne at the age ef 21, married the Rev. W. Smith, Master
of Farmer's Free School, Holbeach, and was living at Wigtoft
in 1711. John and Ambrose, educated at Holbeach School, went
to Cambridge and fired Wm. Stukeley with the desire of going
there also. They took Holy Orders at Peterborough. John
Pimlow became Lecturer at Boston, Chtuch,, about 1707, at a salary
of about /loo a year. His wife's name was Mary, and they were
resident there in August 1710. Ambrose, the younger son had
" great intimacy and harmony of thought '' with Dr. Stukeley.
Fer him he got the Rectory of Castle Acre and he had also the
living ef Reugham. Afterwards he was presented to Dunham
Mag. by Swaffham, where he died 3rd Sept., 1750. Stukeley says:.
"A good Scholar, & excellent divine, & one of great honesty
& simplicity of manners. He gave himself up too much to a

'73
habit of smoking for 50 years together wh. carry'd off" all the
soap of the blood & kill'd him at 67." {Stukeley's' Diaries, etc.,
Surtees Society). This Vicar of Holbeach lived in an important
period of the development of Civil ancl Religious Liberty. The
Test Act of 1673 compelled all accepting any Public Office to
receive Hely Communion according to the rites of the Church of
England. The Habeas Corpus Act in 1679 and the Bill of Rights
of i68g, were passed in his time. Monmouth's rebellion was in
16S5 and the Toleration Act followed the settlement of William III.
i68g, by which all Meeting Houses were ordered to be registered at
Quarter Sessions. A Licensed Conventicle of the Presbiterians is
mentioned at Holbeach and another of the Anabaptists at Lutton,
circa 1705-23. {Bishop Wake's Speculum at Lincoln). His will is
dated 14 Aug., 1710 and vvas proved at Lincoln, nth May, 1711.
"To be buried in Holbeach Church. Wife Anne Pimlowe left
everything for life — remainder to daughter Frances. If she dies
then to son John Pimlowe of Boston and daughter Anne Smith of
Wigtoft. His books to bs divided between his sen Rev. John
Pimlowe of Boston and Rev. William Smith of Wigtoft and 20s. to
each ef them for mourning rings. Bridget Bray, his servant, 20s.
' for her care of me in my sickness.' Mary Pimlowe of Boston,
his son's wife, 20s. for a mourning ring. Sen Ambrose Pimlowe
of Reugham, in Norfolk, trustee for sale. Executrix his wife.
Witnesses, Ambrose Pimlowe, John Woods and Mary X Celvin."
In the Holbeach Register are the entries : —
"Johannes Pimlowe hujus Ecclesiae, in Annos triginta
novem Vicarius sepultus fuit in Cancello sub Mensa Dominica in
tumulo Johannis Pimlowe Patris et Pragdecessoris ejus Marcij 29
[1711]." The burial, we suppose, of his wife occurs in 1713,
"Buried Anne Pimlowe, April the ig."
George Arnett collated 28 May, 1711. He was A.M. at
Cambridge Comiuis Regiis in 1728, adm : 1731, no college given.
By Holbeche Register " George Arnett, Vicar of this parish, and
Jane Smith, of Sleeford, were married at Willowby, November 20th,
171 1, by Mr. Wyche, Rector." The Rev. W. H.McKnight, Rector of

'74
Silk Willoughby, near Sleaford, kindly sent us the extract of the
marriage in his Register, " Mr. George Arnett, of Holbeach, Clerk,
and Mrs. Jane Smith, spinster, of New Sleaford, were married Nov.
20, 1711, Wm. Wyche, Rector," [Rector ef Silk Willoughby,
i6go-i7i8. At Mr. Wyche's death there was a favourable notice
of his exemplary life in that register, the concluding words of which
may here be given, " Istud denique exemplum pesteris reliquit,
quod qui sapit imitabitur.] By Holbeach Register Mr. Arnett had
5 sons and 1 daughter, of whom only " Matthew Robert " and
" George " appear to have lived — the burials ef the ethers being
recorded. He was instituted to Wakefield parish church nth May,
i72g, and Ann, a daughter, was baptized there that year, gth
October. From her is descended Joseph Matthewman, Esq., of
Stanley Hall, Wakefield, en his grandmother's side. He has in
his possession an etching marked " The Rev. George Arnet, A.M.,
Vicar of Wakefield, Rector of Wheldrake, and Chaplain to Lancelot
Archbishop of York," and being anxious to obtain access to a
pedigree, wrote in 1 874 to Notes and Queries, and from the replies we
gather that the Arnet family were of Scottish descent, and probably
connected with the Arnets, ef Balcermo, county Fife. One con
tributor says that he had found amongst the papers left by a relative
the account of a silver seal of ancient and elegant workmanship,
with this history : — " About the year 1780, er a little before, some
workmen ploughing a part of the enclosed Flodden field, found a
silver seal, which from the Arms turned out to have been that of
Robert Arnot, of Wood Miln (direct ancestor of the Balcormo
family in Fife), who bore the Royal Pennon on that day, and fell at
his Sovereign's side. The seal found its way into the han^ds of an
English gentleman of taste and fortune, and Scottish descent, of
that name, whose Arms it nearly approximated. His successor, a
captain in the Navy, being a sister's son, and so not inheriting his
uncle's name in the most kind and liberal manner transferred it to
the lineal descendant of its gallant owner."
This English gentleman of taste and fortune was " Matthew
Robert Arnet," Usher of the Green Rod, Reading Clerk, and
Clerk of the Private Committees of the House of Peers, 1765-1801,
the only son of Rev. George Arnet, Vicar of Holbeach, botn 172?.

'75
We find a letter from this Vicar to Dr. Stukeley, dated
Wakefield, 20th January, 1734-5. After speaking to the Antiquar
ofthe Stukeley, who went to the Holy Land in the XII century, etc.,
and about the gout he suffered from, he adds, " all the comfort I
have from my physician is patience sir and flannel" ; he adds, " I
hear sometimes from Holbeach, and I hear it is a declining town.
Thank God I have left it, and set my foot upon a rock. I was,
before I left Holland, up to the neck in quagmires, and I should,
before now, have been overhead. The duty of my Vicarage,
especially as I read prayers every day, and preached twice, was too
great; but I struggled with that burden 18 years. I may now
reckon myself akin to a " miles emeritus," for the town finds me
a curate, who is obliged to do all duties except preaching in the
forenoon, and we have a foundation for a lecturer in the afternoon."
[Stukeley's Diaries, 1882. Surtees Society, p. 277.] During the
Restoration of Wakefield Church, new a Cathedral, no record was
kept of stones, nor copies of inscriptions, and the organ covers
many an inscribed slab, and the stone which should mark the spot
of his interment in the Church, cannot be pointed out. He was,
however, buried in the Church isth October, 1750. Dr. Stukeley
was offered Holbeach Church, when he left for Wakefield, by Dr.
Reynolds, the Bishop, who then presented his son, perhaps only
to hold it.

George Reynolds, L.L.B , Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in
1721 was L.L.D. as of Jesus Coll: in 1726. He married at St.
Andrews, Holborn, 3rd Dec, 1724, Elizabeth Thompson, daughter
of Lawrence Thompson, " my Lord Bishop of Lincoln, his father,''
officiating. He lived at Little Paxton, near S. Neots, on the floor
of the chancel of which church there is this inscription: — "Here
lieth the body ef the Rev. George Reynolds, who died June 6th,
1769, aged 67 years and six months. He married Elizabeth,
daughter of Lawrence Thompson, Esq., of St. Neots." On another
slab, " In memory of Elizabeth, daughter of Lawrence Thompson,
and relict ef Dr. George Reynolds, died Oct, 2gth, 1784, aged 83."
He was Archdeacon of Lincoln 12 August, 1725, and same day

176
Prebendary of Brampton Lincoln Cathedral. Appointed to sub-
deanery 27 March, 1732 ; installed, 22 of April. [Bishop's
Certificates.] " Gulielmus Jephson, Collegei Divi. Johannis Evangelistae
apud Cantabrig, A.B. inductus fuit in Vicariam de Holbeche 2g"Die
Mensis Januarii, Anno. Dom. 1730-1" (Holbeach Register.) He
was the only son of the Rev. Thomas Jephson, by Anne, his wife,
and was born at Welney, in Notfolk, of which parish his father was
the curate, under its then rector, Rev. Michael Griggs, who held
Upwell with Welney. He was baptized on 18th Oct., i6g4, and he
had two sisters, Ann and Alice. His early days were spent at
Oundle school, and he was admitted as a Sizar at S. John's College,
Cambridge, Sth February, 1712, aged 17. He was A.B. in 1716.
We have seen he vvas inducted 2gth Dec, 1730, and on the Feast
of the Epiphany, January 6th, 1730-1, he was collated by the
Bishop. The Will of " William Jepson, of Holbeache, clerk," is
at Lincoln, dated 13 Aug., 1740, and proved 15 April, 1741. To
his brother, Thomas Jepson, of Sixhill, co. Lincoln, clerk, is. (if
he demands the same) ; also to brother, John Jepson, of Holbeche,
IS. To wife, Francis Jepson, all my house, etc. at Holbeach,
adjoining the estate of Joseph Smith on the'west, and of William
Derrick en the east. Residue to said wife, who is left executrix.
Witnesses, J. Brecknock, Sarah Sturton, Tho. Sturton. The burial
of his son, William Quarles, is in Holbeach Register, 30 Oct., 1731 ;
as also the burial of " Henry, son of Mrs. Waters, of Stamford,"
and " nephew of Mr. Jephson, 17 Aug., 1733." His own burial is
also in the Register, Sth March, 1741. In Holbeach Church in
1843 there was the inscription: "William Jepson, Mar. 6, 1740
age 64," but is now missing.
Timothy ShaW, B.A., was the next Vicar, collated zsfh
March, 1741. Son of Mr. John Shaw, a farmer, he was born at
Chermingham, Cheshire, in 1715. Sent te Audlem School near
Nantwich, he afterwards finished his education at Cambridge,
being admitted Sizar of S. John's College, 27th June, 1737, taking
the A.B. Degree in 1740 and proceeding to A.M. in i763.^ Two

MeOra^l^ C/iapIamtokuyrace. ijANC Ei,OT,^dj/rcA/ii,i^(^p>a^Th\740.

'77
children were buried while he was at Holbeach, " Jane, the daughter
ofTimothy Shaw, Clerk & Jane his wife," buried " 17th June, 1741,"
and " Timothy, son of Tim. Shaw, Clerk and Jane his wife,
buried 30th Aprill, 1742." About 1744 he appears to have become
non-resident. In 1752 he became Vicar of Bierton, Bucks,
Chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle and empowered 1763 to hold the
Vicarages ef S. Michael, S. Alban and also Bierton, all in the
vast diocese of Lincel'.i. He died at Bierton in 1786. Dr. Lips-
combe gives him this character : " He was indefatigable in the
discharge ef his Ecclesiastical functions and of so friendly and
accommodating a temper that although he constantly officiated in his
Parish Church and its annexed members Stoke Mandeville and
Buckland, he very frequently extended his assistance te the neigh
bouring Clergy of less activity and among his familiar acquaintances
obtained the title of ' The Angel of the Seven Churches,' from
his having at one period no less than that number to provide fer
simultaneously." Cecil Willis, D.D., was the son of the Rev. John Willis,
senior Vicar ef Lincoln Cathedral, where he was probably bap
tized, but recorded in the Register of S. Margaret's at Lincoln after
Aug. 12th, 1722, and before 6th May, 1723, the date being blank in
the Register. He was matriculated at Oxford as of Exeter College,
21 June, 1740. He was A.B. as ef Werton College, 13th April,
1744, and A.M. nth July, 1747, and was presented to Holbeach by
the Bishop, 10 April, 1750, but became non-resident in i75g — in
which year he became B.D. and D.D., 28th June. He was in the
Commission of the Peace, and had a suit in Equity about the
Agistment of Tythes in Holbeach in Mich. Term, 1768. He pub
lished a letter te the Clergy of Norwich about this in 1777, and a
List of the Livings ef England and Wales, London, 1778 — both 4".
We see he was installed in the Prebendal Stall ef S. Martin in Lincoln
Cathedral, 19 May, 1749, and on the 20th April, 1750, he married
Miss Sheeles, ef Louth {Gentl: Mag, April 1750,/. iSS), and
after her death he married on Feb. 14th, 1777, Mrs. Thistlethwaite.
He was buried at the Cathedral, Lincoln, 25 Oct., 1786, as
Prebendary ofthe Cathedral, and Vicar of Holbeach.

'78
Edward Bowerbank was next appointed, 3o''th October,
17S6 He was the son of Edward Bowerbank, ef Lamenby, a
hamlet in the parish of Skelton, near Penrith, where he was born
about 1739. His own baptism cannot be found, but the baptism
ef a sister and brother are there recorded. He matriculated at
Oxford as of Queen's College, and paid the fees of a Plebeian's son,
21st Oct., 1757, aged 18, and took his A.B. in 1761, and proceeded
to A.M. 1765, and became a B.D. 4th July, 1775. We learn that
he became Rector ef Croft and Barningham, in the North Riding
of Yorkshire, where, after a lingering illness, he died June 28, 1805,
most sincerely and deservedly regretted, aged 66, (Gent's. Mag.,
Vol. 75, p, 682). Both these livings were in the gift ofthe Crown,
and he was Prebendary also ef Lincoln, collated 30th Sept., 1779,
when he held the Rectory of Kerby-Underwood, and Buckden
Vicarage {Gents. Mag: Vol. XLIX, p. ^20), collated 12th Sept,
and installed 27 Nov., 17S4, to Asgarby, and collated 25th, and
installed 26 March, 1791, to Langford Manor, Lincoln. Senior of
the two Proctors ofthe University, Oxford, in 1773, and Fellow
ef Queen's College. Married Miss Hughes, of Rochester, ist
Aug., 1778. Jacob Mountain was collated te this Vicarage, 1st Dec,
17S9. His parents were the proprietors of Thwaite Hall, a small
landed estate in Norfolk and he was born there 30th Dec, i74g
and baptised the same day. He was descended from Monsieur de
Montague (heir to the titles and estates of the celebrated Michal
de Montaigne), who vvas one ef those French Protestants driven
from France by the revocation ef the wise and tolerant Edict ef
Nantes, in the year 16S5, when so many migrated into England,
contributing so much to the industry, art and literature of Great
Britain. Monsieur de Montague was father of Jacob de Montague
or Montaigne, who came to England at the same period, and
changing his name to the English form is described in the
pedigree as Jacob Mountain, Esq., Thwaite Hall, Co. Norfolk.
He married Bridget Thompson, a Norfolk lady, by whom he
had issue Jacob Mountain of Reidham Hall, Norfolk, who
married Ann, daughter of Jehoshaphat Pestle, Esq., of Norwich,

'79
by whom he had 3 daughters, Ann, Sarah and Mary, who died
unmarried, and 2 sons, "Jehesaphat" "born and baptiz'd Dec. 4,"
1745, who married Miss Leach, and Jacob, who became
Vicar of Holbeach. Educated at the Grammar Schools ef Wymond-
ham and Seaming, Norfolk, when ig (nearly 20), he was
admitted at Caius College, Cambridge, " i^ years of Seaming
School, Norfolk, Mr. Potter, Master." Re-admitted Fellow Com
moner i2th March, 1774, College Tutors, Mr. Story and Mr. Squire,
A.B. 1774; A.i\I , 1777; S.T.P., I7g3. Fellow of his College, and
well known at his University, he was elected July, 1782, Minister
of S. Andrews, Norwich. On the 18th of Oct., 1783, he married
at Bardfield, Essex, Miss Eliza W. Kentish, coheiress with her
sisters of Bardfield Hall, Essex. Appointed Examining Chaplain
to Bp. George P. Temline, of Lincoln, he was collated 16 Feb.,
and installed 1 June, 178S Prebendary of Caistor, in Lincoln
Cathedral [Le Neve ii,, 128). Rector of S. Bennet, Gracechurch
street, London, October, 1789 {Gents: Mag: Vol. S9ip. 1217). On
ist. Dec, 1789, he was instituted to Holbeach, and was empowered
in May, i7go, to hold with it the Vicarage of Buckden, Hunts.
Enjoying in early life the honour of a particular intimacy with the
statesman, Mr. Pitt, and being distinguished for learning and piety,
he had the best prospect of advancement to Ihe highest office of
the Ministry at home — but the call came te go and lay the founda
tions ofthe Church in a distant part of God's Vineyard, and he
went. Canada had long been under the British Crown — the
splendid achievements of Wolfe had conquered it from the French,
but at the end of the last century that noble province had only a
few English troops te garrison its towns and forts, and the popula
tion chiefly consisted of French Reman Catholics. After the
American War Loyalists, driven from the American Republic flocked
there, and British Statesmen felt they must give to the exiles the
boon of Episcopacy. In 1787 our first Colonial Bishopric of Nova
Scotia was founded, and in I7g3, 28 June {Pat : George HI, p. g)
Letters Patent were executed, constituting the provinces of Lower
and Upper Canada a Bishopric, and en the nomination of Mr.
Pitt, Jacob Mountain, Vicar of Holbeach, was consecrated at
Lambeth 7th July, i7g3, first Anglican Bishop of Quebec {Reg

Moore, fol. 271). In the same year he sailed for his distant Diocese,
and we can think of him going — the voyage and its dangers — with
the greatest interest, and people will say, why go 1 There was work
enough at home-work enough in Holbeach — but the answer is
always the same — and it is unanswerable — would you be a Christian
in this 19th century if S. Paul and others had so reasoned 1 It was
a much needed and difficult work to which he went. A country of
vast extent — impenetrable wildernesses, unnavigable rivers, diflS-
culties needing both his intrepidity and enthusiasm. The labour
ef Visitations must have been very trying, and there was besides the
presence of the richly endowed Priesthood of the Church of Rome —
with prestige and power. But he worked nobly and well. He vvas
expected to live in great State — he ranked next to the Governor
General — held .great receptions, and always drove with four horses
into Quebec on State occasions, being regarded as a great State official,
and with a salary of / 3000 a year he was able to live in grand style.
But the work of the Diocese was carried on with faith and love.
He presided with dignity — erected a Cathedral — and was ever
active in promoting missions, building churches, and establishing
schools. Honoured and lamented he died at Marchmont House,
near Quebec, en the i6th of June, 1825, aged 75 years. The papers
gave an account of his funeral, and there was an ofiicial announce
ment of his death in the House of Parliament in Quebec. We
refer our readers to The Christian Remembrancer, Vol. VII, for 1825,
pp. 393-399- Annals of the Diocese of Quebec in E. Hawkins'
Annals of the Colonial Church ; to the S.P.G. monthly records, 1855,
and Gents. Mag., Vol. 95, Part II, p. 177, fer August, 1825, and
The New Gen : Biog : Diet : Vol. IX., p. 249. Dr. Charies J.
Stewart, son of the 7th Earl of Galloway, was consecrated 2nd
Bishop of Quebec in iSz6, and upon his retirement in 1836 Dr.
George J. Mountain, sen ofthe ist Bishop, (born 27 July, 1787,
when his father was at S. Andrews, Norwich), became 3rd Bishop
of Quebec. West Canada was separated in 1839, and became the
separate Diocese ef Toronto. The third Bishop died F. of the
Epiphany, 1863. May 8, 1808, Mrs. Sarah Mountain, sister ofthe
Bishop of Quebec died. 12 Oct,, 1S12, at Baconsthorpe, Rev. J.
Mountain, his eldest sen, married Frances, youngest daughter of

iSi
Rev. Wm. Burke, Rector of Kirby Bedon, and Swainsthorpe. Rev.
Jehosaphat ^Mountain, D.D., brother of the Bishop, Rector of
Montreal, died April loth, 1817. His sister. Miss Mary Mountain,
died 20 Oct., 1821. His daughter Eliza married Capt. F. Arabin,
31st May, 1823.
Etjward AIaltby, the next Vicar, also became a Bishop,
making the fourth Vicar of Holbeach raised to the Episcopate. He
was instituted 7th April, 1794, and was the fourth son of Mr.
¦George Maltby ef Norwich, being born in that city in 1770-
Educated at the Grammar School of Norwich, and afterwards at
Winchester, to which he was sent en the advice of Dr. Parr, Head-
Master of Norwich Grammar School (from 177S-S3), an excellent
classical scholar. Dr. Joseph Warton, the Master at Winchester,
used to say that Edward Maltby was " the best and most amiable
of men." He was admitted at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, at the
age of iS, on the 26th ef June, 1787, and gained many honours at
the University, though he had to compete with men who were ne
ordinary rivals. In 1790 he took Sir W. Browne's medals for the
Greek Ode and for the Epigram, and again in 1791 for the Greek
Ode^the Craven scholarship 1792, and in that year Senior
Chancellor's Medalist, Eighth Wrangler and, per lit. : Regias, A.B.
in 1792, A.M. 1794. Being ordained Deacon and Priest, he
was appointed to the livings of Buckden & Holbeach, worth /~8oo
a year together. He became also Vicar of Spalding, and
Examining Chaplain te the Bishop of Lincoln, Dr. George
Pretyman Tomline. On the loth July, 1794, he married his first
wife. Miss Mary Harvey, daughter of Jeremiah Ives Harvey, Esq.,
ef Catten, Norfolk. That year he was Prebendary of Lincoln, and
when Heber became 2nd Bishop of Calcutta on the death of Dr.
T. Fanshaw Middleton, in 1822, Mr. Maltby was elected 18th April,
1S23, to fill the justly coveted pulpit of Lincoln's Inn, as his
successor, and was preacher there till 1S33. His first wife died at
Buckden Vicarage 2nd i\Iay, 1S25, aged 54, and on Aug. 31st,
1826, he was married to Miss Margaret M. Green, youngest
daughter ofthe late Major Green, by the Rt. Rev. George Pelham,
Bishop of Lincoln. In 1831 he vvas consecrated te the Bishopric

of Chichester, and translated to Durham in 1836, which he resigned
in September, 1S56, and he died 3rd September, 1859, aged Sg.
His widow died at Buckden 17th April, 1868, aged 84. He was
S.T.B. in 1801, S.T.P. in 1806, and afterwards D.D. In 1802 he
published Illustrations ofthe Truth ofthe Christian Religion, Svo., of
which 2nd ed. in 1803 ; Sermons before the University of Cambridge,
4to., 1806; Sermon on Proper Employment of Time, preached 29th
June, 1S06 ; A Letter to the Freeholders of the County of Huntingdon,
8vo., 1807; Thoughts on the Utilitv and Expediency of the Plans
proposed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. Svo, 1812 ; Lexicon
GrcEco Prosodiacum Auctore T. Morell, S.T.P. olim Vulgatum typis
denuo mandavit permultis in locis correxit, etc., etc, Ed. Maltby, S.T.P.,
4ve., 1815, 2nd ed., 1S24; Sermons at Lincoln's Inn, 8vo., 1S31.
In iSig and in 1822 Sunday single sermons. Fruits of Endowments,
8vo., in 1S40 ; Charges to the Clergy of Chichester and Durham, etc,
James Morton was presented bythe Crown to the Vicarage
of Holbeach. This is usual on the elevation of a clergyman te a
Bishopric. Born ef humble parents, a weaver lad at Kelso, he was
a fine instance of perseverance under difficulties, and an example
of industry to the young, for in his thirst for knowledge he used to
read with his book en the loom before him. "Some are born
great" says Shakspeare, " some achieve greatness." He managed
to put himself to college, teaching in the evening, that he might
hear lectures during the day from men like Dugald Stewart in those
palmly days of Scotch University teaching. Admitted to S. John's
college, Cambridge, Oct. 10, 1812, after he had received Holy
Orders, for he was ordained Deacon 22nd Sept., 181 1, and Priest
20th September, 1812, at Durham — he became in common parlance
a "ten years' man," or what by an older generation would be
termed " a foui" and twenty man." Under the Statute of Elizabeth
a person at least 24 years old at admission with only 3 Terms of
Residence, might after 10 years proceed to the Degree of B.D. by
the usual exercises required of a Master of Arts without passing
the B.A. and M.A. Degrees. So Mr. Morton had the S.T.B.
Degree in 1824. Tutor in the family of Earl Grey, he became
Rector of Stockleigh Pomeroy, near Crediton, Diocese of Exeter

'83
zSth Sept., I S3 1, following the Rev. Mr. Younge, and he was
there till the end of October, 1831, when he was succeeded by the
Rev. J. Lightfoot. To show his appreciation of his learning and
modesty. Earl Grey appointed him to Holbeach, where he became
beloved and respected by many — was Prebendary of Leighton
Buzzard, chaplain to Earl Grey, a magistrate for the parts of
Holland, and many years chairman to the Beard ef Guardians.
He died at Holbeach 31st July, 1865, aged 82, and was buried near
the door en the south side ef the chancel ef Holbeach church.
The following are the inscriptions on the south side of the stone
over his grave, "The Revd. James Morton, B.D., 34 years vicar of
this Parish, and Prebendary of Lincoln, Died July 31st, 1865, aged 82
years — With Meekness of Wisdom, fames III, 13." "Isabella,
only Daughter of James and Margaret Morton, Died February z3rd,
1850, aged n years." "Thy Will be done." On the north side
of the stone, " Margaret, widow of the Revd. James Morton, Died
September 26th, 1873, Aged 6g years. "Her children arise up,
and call her blessed, /Vra. A'ZX/, 28." Author. A Memoir of Dr.
Leyden, Physician, Poet and Oriental Scholar. His Poetical
Remains pub. in 1821, Mr. Morton writing the Memoir prefixed to
it — Monastic Annals of Teviotdale, 1832 ; a sermon called The
Gospel preached to the poor, in 1S37 ; The duty of providing for our
OTjvn, a sermon in 1850. He edited for the Abbetsford Club
The semi-Saxon Legend of S. Katherine, of Alexandria, in 1841,
and for the Camden Society, " The Acren Riwale," a treatise on
the rules and duties of Monastic life from a semi-Saxon MS. of the
i()th century, A.D. 1853.
Arthur Brook, fifth son of Charles Brook, Esq., of
Almondbury, Yorkshire, was the next Vicar. The vicarage was
first offered by Bishop Jackson to the Rev. George Beatson Blenkin,
M.A., Vicar ef Boston before it vvas presented te Mr. Brook, Vicar
of East Retford. He was ef University College, Oxford, from
which he matriculated, 14th March, 1849, being then 18 years eld.
He became a Scholar of his College, and graduated 3rd Clsss Lit:
Hum ; ist Class Math ; et Phys ; A.B. 1853, A.M. 1S55. Ordained
Deacon in 1S54, and Priest 1855 by Bishop of Lincoln, he com-

menced his career of usefulness as curate to his brother. Rev.
Alfred Brook, a parish with a population of 2,940 people. His
brother resigning in 1857, and the patronage falling to Cambridge
University, Sir John Sutton, who had the gift, being a Roman
Catholic, they appointed Mr. Brook purely on his merits, though
a young man lately ordained, and of Oxford University. He vvas
there 12 years as curate and vicar, and his work could not fail to
attract the notice of the Bishop. Holbeach was an immense
parish, and an anxious charge, but in six years he nearly restored
the parish church — obtained an endowment for S. John's church,
which had been a Chapel of Ease, built S. Mark's. S. Matthew's and
S. Luke's churches, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners giving the
endowments. He was called to Holy Trinity, Brompton, in 1872,
and became Rector of Hgckney in 1878, from whence he removed
te Almondbury, his native place, on the death ef Canon Hulbert,
in 18SS, te which he was presented by the Patron, Sir J. W
Ramsden — but to the great regret of all who know him he resigned
the same in the course of three months through failing health.
Mr. Brook married Miss Eliza Jackson, one of the daughters of
the late Bishop Jackson, Bishop of Lincoln from 1853-1869,
afterwards Bishop of London, and they have one daughter born at
Holbeach. He was instituted here January iith, 1866.
Fielder Hemmans, M.A., who is the 43rd vicar since the
Ordination of a Vicarage at Holbeach, was collated to it from
Tetney Aug. 23rd, 1872, and is the present Vicar. Son ofthe late
William Heed Hemmans, Esq., of Walworth, Surrey, he vvas admitted
at Peter House College, Cambridge, 2gth day ef April, 1847, became
2gth Wrangler, A.B. in 1S51, and A.M. in 1854. There is also the
entry in the College Register, shewing when he obtained the
Ramsey Fellowship. " 30 die Octobris, 1855. " Fielder Hemmans
A.M. in Conventu Magistri et Sociorum more solite Juratus,
admittitur ad locum Socii ex fundatione Dominae Marias Ramsey
quem nuper tenuit Dominus Glynn, H. W. Coekson, Magister
CoUegii." Ordained Deacon in 1S51, and Priest 1S52 by the
Bishop of Lincoln to the Curacy of Wragby, in iSsg he was
presented to the Vicarage of Tetney, where he restored the church.

¦85
In 1S72 he was collated te Holbeach by Bp. Christopher Words
worth — has restored the roof ef the north aisle of the church,
reseated the south and north aisle, and obtained an organ for the
church, which without the case cost £b%o, built by Mr. Alfred
Kirkland, of London and Wakefield. The case was the gift of
Thomas Clarke, Esq,, late sheriff of London. Canon Hemmans
is Prebendary of Gretton in Lincoln Cathedral, Rural Dean of East
Elloe, and a Surrogate. He married 7th January, 1874, Miss
Lydia C. Hembrough, daughter of Dr. Hembrough, ef Waltham,
Lincolnshire.

DIVISION IX.

Notices of the Vicarage, The Free School
AND its Masters, etc.
T^HE Vicarage. Conveniently situated near the church, it was
built by Rev. J. Morton between 1834-1^40. A house was
ordered to be built on the southern side of the church so long ago as
1 340, se this site has been for the residence of the Vicars of Holbeach
for 500 years ! By an old Terrier at Lincoln, 1606, we find a survey
was taken ef " Holbeache Vicaridge," by which it appears that
" the hemestall er scite of the Vicaridge " is " scituate and lyinge
betweene the landes of Tristram Coniers, Esq., on the parte ef the
easte, and a Common Sewer called the Eae on the parte of the
weste, and the landes late Mr. Hall en the parte ef the Southe, and
conteyninge by estimacion three acres devided inte one garden, one

i86

orcharde, one yarde, and a curtilage. Item the said vicaridge house
censistethe of six bayes wallethe wth. earthe and thactched,
four Bales whereof are chambred over wth Bordes, and the
whole Buildinge disposed into six Roomes, viz., one hall, two
parlers, one ether house servinge for a Buttrie, and two chambers.
Item wthin the said bounds is conteyned, one house consistinge of
two bayes adjoyned unto^the Vicaridge."

This is signed by 0th : Bradburie, vicar

Wm. Ingram,
Rich X Burnet

\

Ambrose West
Math : Riseley /
/-¦lu .. ^ T>\j f Sidesmen
Gilbert X Butler I
Thom X Peartre /

Church
wardens

John ffester
Rychard farmer
Willm. Kay

Another terrier in 1634 is signed by

Rd. Burnett ( Church
Rd. Darbye ' wardens

It speaks of a messuage and 3 acres, " whereof an orchard lieth
between the common sewer west, a churchway east, the heirs ef
Mr. Brodbury S., the gild of Holbeach N. Also 1 acre between
lands ofthe College of S. John's, Cambridge E., Tristram Conyers
S., Edward Lord George N., and Edward Pynchbeck W. Also
^ an acre between lands of Trestram Conyers, Esq., E. and N.,
Brodgat W., the Lady Ann Boteler S. Also 2 A. between lands of
Rob. ffester W., the new Draine '^., the lands of Thomas Ample
ford. Also one Roud (rood) between land of Rob. ffbster South
and West, and Common Way E. Also i acre between lands of our
Souffran Lady the Queene's Ma''" South and North, Adlard
Stewkley, gent. W., and a feld way E."
In 1638 Parsonage lands include " one messuage, a greete
Barne with other houses, and 15 acres." Parson has only tithe ef
wool and lamb, hay, corn and flax. Rest belong to the Vicar.
" The church and churchyard situate between land of John Davy in
right ef his wife on the east, the common sewer west, and Spalding

'87
gate north." Terrier of the year 1708 mentions "A spacious
vicarage house — 3 rooms on the floor, with a large cellar built up
with brick, 3 stories high, and thacked with reed — the upper rooms
all chambered with dale boards, the lower rooms paved with brick
and several partitions made therein. The parlour ever the cellar
boarded, and closetts therein. The out-houses contain a stable,
with a chamber fer pigeons, brewhouse. barne, all containing about
5 bays, walled with clay and thacked with reed — hen-house and
hog-stie covered with straw. About which dwelling-house are
garden payled in, and hedged, with an orcherd, about an acre of
ground, and a root-ground or kitchen garden of about ^ an acre,
with two great pitts, one for the house, another for watering and
washing horses for the stables, all made at the present vicar's
charges, amounting to upwards of .£'400."
In 1834 an entry in the parish register tells us: — ^" The
Vicarage House, being a very mean building — the part fronting
the west consisting of a parlour, 15 ft. by 14. and two kitchens of
the same dimensions en the ground floor, and two chambers above
built about 30 years before, with a wing behind towards the east,
containing some very narrow and half ruinous chambers of a much
older date— this latter part was mostly pulled down and rebuilt, and
a considerable part added looking towards the church. A coach
house, with stables and a granary over them, was also built. Again
in 1S38 is the entry: — "The offices on the south side ofthe court
yard ef the Vicarage House were added this year." Dr. Stukeley
in his Commentarys informs us that his father, who was church
warden in 1686 was "very earnest in collecting contributions for
rebuilding the Vicarage House."
The Churchyard. This is entered thus in the terrier at
Lincoln in the year 1606, " The churchyarde contayninge by
estimacon  iiij acres." In i84g the area is
given as " upwards of 2 acres, but exclusive of the church
7,600 yards." Church Lands. — The Valor Eccles : informs us that there
are 12 acres ef land for the Reparation ofthe Church. The terrier

ef March 26, 163S, at Lincoln sa3's, "Lands given te be letten by
the churchwardens for the Repayres of the church : — 2 acres in
Holbech abutting on lands ef Anthony Oldfeild, gent., west,
Oldgate south, lands of Sam. Wright east and north — 2 acres
between lands of Tristram Conyers west and north, and hurdlowe
banke south (Hordletree in terrier of 1635). Also 2 acres between
lands of St. John's College, Cambridge, W., Sir John Payton, Knt.,
south, Eagate east. Ravens bank north. Also 2 A. between lands
of Sir Abraham Dawes, Knt., north, Dogdrove gate west. New
Draine S. i acre and 3 reeds in Fleete between Lewgate east,
Rd. Parke west, John Hardwicke S., and Sir Abraham Dawes, Knt.,
N., holden ofthe Harrington fee by 4d per annum." This makes
a total ef ga. 3r. op.
Vicarage Lands. — Another terrier made 31st Oct., i6go,
says, " In Gigglesgate 2 acres abutting on lands ef St. John's Coll.
north. New River west, Ravensgate east, and to be found mentioned
in the 1 2th bound of our Towne booke. Two acres between lands of
Geo. Humble, Esq., east, and Robt. Freeman north, and mentioned
in the 13th bound — 2 acres Hurdletree banke south, Edward Lee,
Esq., east, bound 24th. 2 acres by lands of Mr. Farmer west,
2gth bound. To the Lord Bistiop of Lincoln as Impropriator 5
acres called ffencers-yard, lands of Edmund Lee, Esq., North, and
Robin's Lane West, bound 28th."
The Church lands are set out in a terrier of 1675. The
following table gives their extent and value in 1878.
A. R. p. Rent.
2 3 21 at Fleet /^20 o o
223 at Holbeach 10 o o
2 016 at Holbeach 10 e o
2 2 25 at Holbeach 12 e e

10 e 25 /sz o o

iSg
Hospital of Ari, Saint.s,
This stood as Dr. Stukeley imagined " where now is the
Chequer's Inn over against the Church. I remember the old
stonework, arched doers and windows with mullions, pulled down
when rebuilt by my father, and many ofthe curved stones were laid
in the foundations of the houses he built by the River at the
Bridge," ( Itiner. Curiosum) Of Mr. John Stukeley, his father, he
writes in his Commentarys, " He purchased ef Sr. Gee. Humble
a parcell ef old shops in the Mercat place by the Bridge, & at
vast expence rebuilt 5 new houses thereon.', . " He new built the
Checquer Inn & made fine vaults of brick." [Surtees Society
Stuketeys Diaries, etc., ed. 1882, p. 7.] Se the father of the
Antiquary took down the old buildings about 1683.
Farmer's Free School.
Towards the end ofthe last century, this School was taught
in the North Porch of Holbeach Church. Its Feoffees about that
time were Dr. Maltby tlie Vicar, Edward Northon, Richard
Fawssett, Thomas Eversen, and Jacob Davey. The Master, The
Rev. Robert Hood, contending that it was a Grammar School,
refused to teach, gratis, anything but the Latin and Greek
languages " which are of little or no use te the children of Hol
beach, whose parents chiefly consist of farmers and graziers and
tradesmen, who only require an English education." Great dis
satisfaction arising at a Meeting ef Vestry in 1805, allusion vvas
made to a Meeting held 12th February, i78g, and the Rev. R.
Hood being thought to be negligent of his duty, it was resolved to
seek Counsels opinion, and the Feoffees were ordered to fill up
their number for Dr. Maltby " lives at a considerable distance, but
is willing to join in any measure " " for the good ef the School."
Edward Northon was dead, Thomas Eversen " is become incapable
of acting," Jacob Davey had reraoved to Whaplode, Jarvis Palmer
never had and refuses te act, so Richard Fawssett, vvas the only
resident and acting Feoffee. [Minutes of Vestry at Mr. Sturton's
Office, Holbeach.]

I go
At a Vestry held 31st July, 1S07, Counsel's opinion vvas read
that the School " is clearly fer general purposes, that is te say, net
confined to the teaching of Latin and Greek;" the approbation
of the Founder's heir is necessary, and Mr. Hood was probably
not properly elected — the interposition ef the Court of Chancery
might be sought to regulate his conduct and for the reform of the
charity — Mr. Hood did not further resist the wishes of the Inhab
itants. He died in 181 1. No successor was appointed till 1814,
in which year, a new School-room in Church Street vvas erected.
By the accumulating rents — ¦/ 153, in the hands of Mr. John Key,
Churchwarden, (fines incurred under " The Army Reserve Act,") and
/60 subscriptions, the cost of this building, /"500, was met- The
Room, enlarged and altered, is now used by the Holbeach School
Board as their Boys' Board School.
The houses, known as the Master's Ledge, in High Street,
were built about the year 1846. There were some small cottages
on part of the site which belonged lo the School. After some
Chancery proceedings in 1845, the old cottages were removed and
the present houses built.
The "Endowed Schools Act" putting an end to those
Institutions called " Free Schools," though George Farmer and
others intended their donations to be " for ever," by a new
scheme this School was reconstituted as a second grade "Grammar
School " in the year 1S74, and a new school room was built on a
fresh site behind -the Master's ledge, which vvas opened in
September, 1S77. ^Messrs. Hay & Oliver, of London, were the
Architects, and the cost was £S.^o, The governing body consists
of 13 persons, ef whom the Vicar of Holbeach for the time being
is always to be an ex-oflficio member, six are representative and six
co-optative. The School is intended for 80 Beys, about 20 being
boarders. A certain proportion of free boys are admitted on
passing a competitive examination. The endowment is about
/"183 per annum from about 64 acres of land in Holbeach and
Weston. The present Governors are : —

igi
Ex-officio, The Rev. Canon Hemmans.
Co-optative, Messrs. John Bett; William Bennett Stableforth ;
William Cotnam Worth ; Thomas Angell Lane ; Frederick Augustus
Harrissen ; William Henry West.
Representative, Messrs. John Hardy Carter; David C.
Aspland ; Robert Russell Harper; Charies Webb; Seth Ellis
Blackboum ; William Haslam.
The following we think were Masters ef this School : —

Farmer's F

REE SCH

OOL.

1683

John West

'75'

Thomas Hunter

i6gz

Edward Kelsall

'75'

Richard Gibson

i6g8

William Smith

'783

Robert Hood

1709

Thomas Tipping

1814

Robert Carruthers

'7'4

John Brittain

1 841

Lewis Marcus

1727

William Frankland

1843

T. W. Richards

The Grammar School.
1877 Ralph Adye Ram, M.A.
John West may have been the first Master, fer we find the
entry ef burial at Holbeach, 1613, " July 8, John West, Clarke,
Schoolmaster." One of these names was at Sidney Sussex College,
Cambridge, A.B. 1677, and A.M. 1681.

Edward Kelsall, A.M., Master in 1692, when William
Stukeley was sent there; in i6g7 he became Master of Boston
Grammar School, and in 1702 Vicar of Boston, and died there in
August, 17 19. He used to make the boys take abstracts of the
Sermons in Holbeach Church. From 1694 to 1696, he was Curate
of Fleet. In 1725, at Spilsby, " March 14, Elizabeth Kelsal, Relict
ef Edward Kelsal, Clerk, late Vicar of Boston, buried."

192
William Smith, A.B., licenced by the Bishop 20th June,
i6g8; " a Leicestershire man," says Stukeley, and "chiefly intro
duced by my Father & recommended by Mr. Belgrave." A.B. of
Jesus Coll. Cambridge, i6go, A.M. 1702. Married Ann Pimlow,
daughter of the Rev. John Pimlow, Vicar of Holbeach. In 1700,
he removed to Wigtoft, where he vvas living in 17 10.
Thomas Tipping, appointed about i7og, when the Rev.
Ambrose Pimlow, son of the Vicar, wrote from Outwell, Isle ef
El}', to ask Dr. Stukeley to obtain the School for him. The Doctor
was sorry he had promised Mr. Tipping, who is entered as Master
in Bishop Wake's Speculum at Lincoln, " Holbech Charities. Schola
cum Stip. 40" per annum /"50 — £bo. Mr. The. Tipping minus
diligens." The place " where vve sucked our rudiments ef literature.''
[Letter of W. Stukeley, Surtees Society, ed, 1882, page 146.]
John Brittain. Died 1723. " Master of Holbeach School
and Perpetual Curate of Gedney Fen." Licensed te Gedney fen.
Chapelry, 27 May, 1700. Ordained Priest the previous day. Value of
Gedney fen., £3^ per annum. 50 families in Parish. " School
master ef Holbech, part ef his family reside, and he himself two
nights a week." [Bp. Wake's Speculum.]
William Frankland, " Schoolmaster," was buried Satur
day, 23rd March, 1727. Of Sidney Sussex Coll., Cambridge,
A.B. 1671 ; A.M. 1675. Educated, Public School of Coxweld,
Yorkshire, where " W. Frankland " is still carved on an old oak
panel of that School, confirming the entry in the books of Sidney
Sussex College. " Son of William Frankland, gentleman, ef
Lincolnshire." [College Admission Book.]
Thomas Hunter, A.B., appointed to the Free Grammar
School, 22 Sept., 1741. Born about i6g9, received early education
at public school of Homcastle, admitted Peterhouse College,
Cambridge, July 1st, 1717, A.B. 1720. Wife's name, Mary.
"Buried. Holbeach, 175 1, Januar. nth, Thomas Hunter, Master
ofthe Grammar School."

'93
Richard Gibson, B.A., Curate 1748 ; succeeded also to the
Mastership on the death of Mr. Hunter. Born Midghole, in Co.
York, about 1723. Sizar at S. John's Coll., Cambridge, Jan. 3rd.,
1742, A.B. in 1745. First wife Ann died in childbed in 1751;
he subsequently married Elizabeth Northon in Holbeach Church,
Aug. 29, 1764. Presented bythe Patron, Rev. James Ashley, to
the Rectory of Fleet. Buried at Holbeach, Oct. 4, 1783.
Robert Hood, B.A,, ef Frieston, appointed Nov. 14, 1783 ;
Curate also of the Parish. Admitted Christ's College, Cambridge,
Jan. 8, 1778; A.B., 1782; A.M., 1785; was Curate of Guyhirne
about 6 miles from Wisbech. Died in London, Jan. 13th, 1811.
Aged 77 years.
R.OBERT Carruthers, M.A., Dr. Maltby's Curate in 1804,
became also Head Master of Farmer's Free School; nth Nov.,
1814, a scholar ef Trinity College, Cambridge. He was born
about the year 1775- There was a memoir of him, a few years ago,
in " Chambers' Journal," which we have not seen. He died 20th
June, 1840. He was succeeded by
Lewis Marcus, M.A., Queen's College, Cambridge, elected
in 1840, had been Curate fer some 12 years at Biggleswade in
Bedfordshire. At his proposal and invitation, Mr. Charles Webb,
for some years Parish Churchwarden ef Holbeach Church, first
came to reside here as an assistant to Mr. Marcus in the School
duties ; but the latter resigned in 1843, removing to London where
he became the Vicar of S. Paul's, BunhiU Row, Finsbury. for many
years, and Professor ef Latin in the City of London College for
Ladies at Finsbury. He died about the year 1879. Author of a
book called " Village Psalmody."
Thomas Wallis Richards, M.A., succeeded him in 1843,
and was also Curate. Mr. Webb continued te assist, and the
School was carried on with general satisfaction till 1862, when the
Rev. J. Morton (as Prebendary of Leighton Bosard, Lincoln
Cathedral) presented Mr. Richards to the Vicarage of Leighton
Buzzard in Bedfordshire. No successor was then appointed. Mr.

'94
Webb carried on the School till he retired on a pension when the
School was re-constituted under a new scheme in 1874 and opened
in September 1877.
The Rev. Ralph Adye Ram, M.A., late scholar of Corpus
Christi College, Cambridge, was elected Head Master of "The
Holbeach Grammar School" 12th June, 1S77. A.B. (2nd class CI.
Trip.) 1 867, A.M. 1 870, Deacon in i S6g, Priest in 1 870 ; bythe Bishop
ef Norwich he was Curate of S. Stephen's, Norwich, i86g-73, and
of St. Peter's, Croydon, 1873-77. He married Anne, daughter of
the Rev. W. H. Johnstone, M.A., Vicar of Berden, Essex, and is
the present Head Master. Nonconformity.
Chapels in Holbeach.
Dr. Stukeley mentions that "John Hardy, a Presbiterian
Parson," used to preach amongst the Holbeach dissenters in 1708 —
" one of great Reading and Curiosity & inflamd my Love for
Antiquitys ; I met him by Appointment ig June this year at
Crowland, where we lay a night on purpose to survey the Noble
Remains of the Monastery there." The Methodist Society was
founded in i72g at Lincoln College, Oxford, where John Wesley
was a Fellow, and the Wesleyan Methodists were first formed inte
a Society in 173S, on Wesley's return from America. "Methodist
Preachers," as Wesley styled them, were originally admitted to
their office by a vote of Conference without any laying en of hands.
The addition of this ceremony only dates from a vote of Conference
in 1836. Of those whom Wesley professed to ordain for A.merica
and Scotland, not England, not one was present, ner others claiming
any ordination, in that Conference of 1836. A firm adherent to
the Church of England he wrote a few months before his death " I
live and die a member of the Church of England, and none who
regard my opinion or advice will ever separate from it." Bishop
Wake's Speculum gives at Holbeach " 10 Quakers, 20 Presbi
terians, \ Anabaptists, and mention is made ef a licensed
Conventicle ofthe Presbiterians (1705-23)."

'95
The Wesleyan Chapel stands at the corner of High
Street, in the road leading from it to the Railway Station. On the
outside we read "Wesleyan Chapel 1842." A Tablet inside, we are
told, is inscribed " Elizabeth, Relict of Francis Helliday, Laid the ,
first stone ef the first Chapel July 25th, 1S08." The Society has
also Chapels at the Hum (S. Luke's Parish) built in i S24 ; S. Mark's
erected in 1842 ; S. John's in 1834 and iSSo ; and another at Hol
beach Drove. Outside the Wesleyan Sunday Schools in Barrington
Gate are these stones : —
ist stone — "In memoriam by Mrs. Holah, isth June, 1886."
2nd stone — "In memoriam by J. S. Patchett, 15th June, 1886."
3rd stone — "This Stone vvas laid by T. Clarke, Esq., Sheriff of
London, 15th June, 1886."
The Wesleyan Reform Chapel now " United Methodist
Free Church," in Albert Street has en it the date 1853.
1st stone — "First Stone laid by Mr. Jon*"- Longbottem,
September 20th, 1853."
2nd stone — " Mr. George Clark, Architect."
It was opened 1st Feb., 1854. They have Chapels at S. John's,
S. Lukes's, and in the Drove.
The Primitive Methodist Chapel is behind the Police
Station, the inscription on it is this — "Erected Primitive Methodist
Chapel 1866." They have another Chapel at S. Matthew's, Hol
beach, built in that year. And also on the Roman Bank near the
Clough Board School, rebuilt 1864.
The Baptist Chapel in Albert Street has the date " Baptist
Chapel, 1845."
"The Union Church," separated from the Baptists about
the year 1 87 1 . Their Chapel is on the road to the Cemetery from the
town. The Stone outside is inscribed "Laid May 20th, 1872, by
J. Ruston, Esq., J. P., of Lincoln." This religious body are Con
gregationalists.

ig6
The Assembly Rooms are situated on the road to the
Cemetery. The Site was purchased in 1825 and the Rooms were
built soon after. They are used for Petty Sessions, County Court
Meetings, Concerts, etc The Shares, £ \o each, are dated nth
Feb. 1S33. The Market House was erected by public subscription
in 1S44. The Corner Stone vvas laid on Thursday 13th June, 1844,
and it vvas opened in October of the same year. The Committee
were 13 in number, and consisted ofthe following names :
John Johnson David Jackson
Alfred Mills Richard Hickson
Thomas Sturton Thomas West Curtis
Edward Key Henry Ward
Thomas Holliday William Thomas
Edward Hoff Thos. Ed. Savage
and John Pearson Savage.
Together with seme shops it was bought by the Local Board in
1868 for /g2S.
The Gas Works were erected in 1834 by Mr. G. Malam,
who afterwards became a bankrupt. In 1849 they were the property
of Ashley Maples, Esq., of Spalding, and Wm. Crosskill, Esq., of
Beverley. They passed inte the hands ef Mr. Ellis, of whom they
were purchased by a Company under the Limited Liability Act in
/"io shares, who have carried on the works. They are on the
Boston Road.
The Cemetery. About 1S49 there was a general con
currence of opinion that the Church Burial Ground should be
closed, when William Lee, Esq., C.E., a superintending Inspector,
on the petition of some of the Inhabitants, visited this Parish. The
evidence ef the Rev. J. Merton, Vicar, says "The present Burial
Ground is objectionable on account of its being in the centre of the
Town, as well as on account of the great number of interments.
The average number of interments for the past 20 years is 95 per
annum." The closing of the Churchyard was therefore recom-

'97
mended, and a new Cemetery was consecrated 23rd Nov., 1855,
which cost /"s, 000 and comprises about 6 acres. "The Southern
portion of the ground and Chapel erected thereon are consecrated
for Burials according to the Rites of the Established Church of
England and Ireland." The Northern portion and the Chapel
erected thereon are unconsecrated, and any duly authorized Minister
" or Preacher of any Congregation may officiate therein, provided
the service er ceremony be decorously and religiously conducted."
The Cemetery is nicely planted and is well kept.
"Ancient Burial Ground, discovered 1868." A Memorial
Stone with this inscription is to be seen on a small plot of
ground near the Railway. Human Remains were found there in
April 1 868. Stukeley says that there was '"Another (Chapel) in
Wignal's gate, near Holbech hall, by the river side, dedicated to
S. Peter. About 17191 saw many corpses dug up in the yard at
making a ditch there." The Rev. Arthur Brook, late Vicar,
exchanged some land behind the Vicarage for this plot of ground.
The Bishop was present when this stone was erected, and spoke of
the purchase of the ground as a good deed. It has also the in
scription " Waiting fer the Redemption of the Body."
The Manors of Holbeach.
In 1849 it was stated that there were two Manors in the
Parish of Holbeach having copyhold tenants, the one called the
Manor of " Holbeach Abbotts," and the other the Manor of " Hol
beach Pipwell." Mr. Key said in his evidence before Wm. Lee,
Esq., the Inspector of the General Beard ef Health. " Richard
Caparn, Esq., is Lord of the former, and my late and present partner
and self of the second. "Holbeach Lord Dacre" is a third small
Manor without copyhold tenants. There is a Court Leet of the
Abbott's Manor, and Courts Baron of all. The Court Leet has
jurisdiction over the whole Parish, and appoints the pinder, but
does not exercise any jurisdiction over nuisances or encroachments,
or anything affecting the sanitary condition of the Inhabitants."
Mr. Richard Caparn, is still Lord of the Manor of Holbeach

igS
Abbotts, and Mr. Samuel Kingston, Lord ef the Manor of
Holbeach Pipwell. Of the latter Manor, from the Court Rolls in
possession of Mr. J. Willders, Holbeach, we made the following
list of Lords : —
1697 William Cawdron and his wife; and Nich.
ffeatherstone and Ann his wife. (Adlard
Stewkley, gent.. Steward.)
1707-13 Nicholas Featherstone, lord. (Thomas Eldred,
Steward.)
1724 Richard Smith.
1737 Mr. Wm. Smith, a Minor. (Mr. Robert Harby
his Guardian.)
1751 Mrs. Ann Harby.
1761 Mrs. Ann Carter, widow. (Walter Johnson, of
Inner Temple, Steward.)
1769 Thomas Stanser, of Grantham. Courts held at
Blue Bell, Whaplode.
1775-98 Mrs. Mary Smith. (John Hunnings, her
Steward.)
1803-n William Smith. (Samuel Tunnard, Steward,
John Key, Deputy-Steward.)
1834 Devises under thf^ "Will of William Redgerson, Esq.
1843 John Johnson, Thomas Sturton and Edward Key.
1849 Thomas Sturton and Edward Key.
1864 John Harris, William Newton, John P. King.
1871 Mr. Samuel Kingston.
The Holbeach Local Board was formed by an Order in
Council dated 3rd July, 1S50, and confirmed by Act of Parliament,
dated isth August, 1850. It consists of g members, 3 ef whom are
annually elected. Mr. John Longbottom was its first Chairman.
Mr. W. C. Worth, of Christie House, Holbeach Marsh, has
presided over its proceedings for many years.

'99
The Union Workhouse stands partly in Fleet Parish, but
very near to the town of Holbeach, on the boundary, part of the
buildings being in Holbeach. Holbeach is the head of a Union
comprising n parishes, containing an aggregate population in 1841
of 16, gg7 inhabitants ; in 1861, 18,403; and in 1871, ig,28i. It
extends over an area of 107, 2gg acres. This building was erected
in 1837 at a cost ef £b,ooo. It has since been enlarged in 1851,
in 1863, and in 1871. Mr. Richard P. Messop, is Clerk to the
Guardians, Mr. Percy Jenner, Master.
The Police Station is in the High Street, towards the
East end of the town. It was built in 1858. Mr. Caban, Super
intendent.

County Council. The Parish of Holbeach is in the
Administrative County of the Parts of Holland, and is divided into
three Wards : —
Holbeach Town — which is represented by Mr. J. H. Carter
(Conservative), elected in 1889 by 9 votes.
Holbeach Hum Ward — represented by Mr. W. C. Worth
(Independent), elected in iSSg by 133 votes.
Holbeach St John's Ward— represented by Mr- J W. Boor
elected by 46 votes.
Mr. R. Merry of Holbeach, was elected an .Alderman at the
first meeting ef the Council.
A School Board for Holbeach was formed under a
compulsory order, and elected 10th March, 1875. It has a Beys'
School in Church Street in the Town, a School at S. John's, and at
S. Luke's and Holbeach Clough.

200

DIVISION X.

Short Biographies of Dr. Stukeley and others ;
together with
Short Notices of the Curates of Holbeach.

Laurence Holebeck, a learned Monk, dier' A.D. 1410.
Bred up at Ramsey, and taking his name from Il.lbeai h, his natal
place, he became net only learned in the tongues and wits of those
times, but well skilled in Hebrew, which was so great a stranger to
the times in which he lived. [Extract from Magn. Brit., 1720.]
Fuller speaks of him as having " made an Hebrew Dictionary which
was counted very exact according to those days. I. Pits, doth
heavily complain of Robert Wakefield (the first Hebrew Professor
in Cambridge) that he purloined this Dicticnary to his private use."
[See Fuller's History of the Worthies of England endeavoured, 1662,
New ed. by John Nicholls, Vol. ii, 2 1 .]
Henry Holbech, D.D., " ef the House ef Crowlande,"
sometimes called Henry Rands, was born at Holbeach, and was
"a true favourer ef the Gospel, and made much use of in the
reforming and settling of the Church." (Strype, Vol. II, p. ii, pp. 167
&• lbs.) Cranmer, in a letter te "Crumwell," begs for him the Priory
of Worcester in the year 1535, and he was appointed Prior ef the
Black Monks there March 13th, 1536. It is stated that he was a
student of Cambridge. He vvas consecrated, at Lambeth, Bishop
Suffragan of the See of Worcester by the title of Bishop ef Bristol,
24 March. 1538, and held the Priory of Worcester at the same time.
At length, iSth ef January, 1540, he was- made JDean ef Worcester,
se he was last Prior of the Monastery there, and first Dean of
Worcester by the foundation Charter dated 24th January, 1541.
He was advanced to the Bishopric of Rochester 3rd May, 1544, and
made Bishop of Lincoln gth Aug., 1 547. Probably he had promised

the rapacious courtiers of the youthful King a ready compliance
with their wishes, for we find him at ence, viz. • 26th Sept., 1547,
confiscating the Estates belonging te the See (the property of his
successors) giving up all the principal Manors and rich revenues,
reducing the Bishopric from being one of the wealthiest to one of
the poorest in the country. Rymers Foedcra, Vol. xv., p. bb, prints
a list ef them. Such was this pliant tool whom these courtiers ef
King Edward VI. found to succeed such men as Cardinal Wolsey,
Bishop Attwater and John Longland, and we are net surprised that
his memory is not held in profound admiration at Lincoln, nor can
we in Holbeach be proud ef one who took the name of Holbeach
from his natal place, according te a custom then usual amongst
men of the Ecclesiastical profession, but it is easy to misjudge
these whose let was cast in very difficult times. He is said te have
been the first married Prelate. He educated the Duke of Suffolk
and his brother Charles, who died at his house at Buckden ef the
Sweating Sickness. He was one of the compilers of our Liturgy,
one ef the Commissioners in the disputation at Oxford on the
subject of the Eucharist (i54g), and he sat en Gardiner's trial. He
died 12 August, 1551, and was privately buried in the Cathedral.
His Will, duly registered in the Prerogative Court ef Canterbury.
is dated 2nd August. 1551, and was proved by his widow 3rd
October following. .-Abstract of Will of " Henry Holbech al's
Rands, Bishop ef Lincoln." To Thomas Randes my sen /40 to
bring him up in learning, and also the profits of the parsonage of
Gainsborough. To Judith mydaughterat 18 or marriage /looand
3 " honest fetherbeddes," To be buried where my Executors shall
think most convenient. My tenants at Netlam to have /^4 towards
fencing their fields from foreigners. Te Mr. Nicholas Alambridge,
Physician, a horse. To Thos. Tailor, my servant, £b and a
gelding. Te Edmund Foster, my servant, / 5 and a silver spoon.
To Richard Claimende, my servant, £s To John Bearde, my
servant, /"s ; to each other servant 40s. To Mr. Richard Morry-
senne. Knight, my gilt bowl and cover that remaineth at London.
Residue ef personality to Dame Johane, my wife, and I appoint
her and Mr. Nicholas Bullingham, Archdeacon of Lincoln, my
Executors. Supervisor, Sir Francis Askewghe, Knt. Codicil, 5

Aug., 1551. To Sir Francis Askewghe a gilt cup and cover. To
John Randes, my brother, £3. To the 5 children of Thomas
Randes, my brother deceased, each 20s. To Mr. Thomas Larke
£b ; to Richard Henry £ \o te bind him apprentice ; to Brandonne
ef Huntingdon, and his wife, each a ring. My lands, etc., to
remain to Dame Johane, my wife, for life, in the remainder to
Thomas Randes my son and his heirs, etc., remainder te Judith
Randes my daughter, her heirs, etc., remainder to Henry Randes,
son of Thomas Randes dec, remainder to the daughters of the sd.
Thomas Randes dec, remainder to my own heirs general. [P.C.C.
Book "Bucke," fol. 28.]
Arms. Azure, on a chevron Or, 3 Roses Gules, barbed Vert
a Canton Ermine, was confirmed by Wm. Camden [Clarenceaux]
2g July, isgg, to Thomas Rands, Esq., of Lincoln, " sen and heir of
Henry Rands of Holbech, D.D., which Henry fer his learning,
wisdom, etc., was rais'd by King Henry VIII. te the Bishopric
of Rochester (1544) and afterward of Lincoln." [Gwillin' s Display
ot Heraldry, bth ed. 1724,/!. 12 i.J
George Farmer, who left a Free School to Holbeach, was
the son of Bartholomew F'armer, ef Ratcliffe Culey, near Atherstone,
Co. of Leicester, gent., who is mentioned in the Visitation of
Leicestershire in i6ig, and married Ursula, daughter ef Robert
Mottes, of Whitchurch near Aylesbury, ef which union there were
six sens and two daughters. George was their fourth son, and he
was born about 1600, for he is menti'->ned as one of the Protho-
netarys ofthe Court of Common Pleas in i6ig, aged ig years, and
of Holbech, Co. Lincoln, Esq. He married Elizabeth, daughter
of John Oldfield, at Spalding, on 26th ef August, i62g, and had
four children, two sons, Edward and Thomas, and two daughters,
Mary and Elizabeth. The eldest sen Edward was knighted 14
July, 1660, and is described as being of Holbech. George Farmer
appears to have lived latterly in S. Andrew's Parish, Middlesex, and
he was buried 14 Dec, 1670, Sir Edward Farmer probably re
moved to London on his father's death. He married Margaret,
daughter ef Sir Thomas Hewitt of Pishiobury, Herts., Kt., sister

203
and co-heir of George, Viscount Hewitt of Gowran, Ireland. She
died before her husband and left issue, George, eldest son, died
unmarried after i6gs. Edward, 2nd sen, living in London in 1700,
then aged 30 and unmarried. Daughter Ann married Richard
Mice, Esq., both living 24 Dec, i6gs. Henrietta married — Lewis
living a widow in ibgs. Arabella and Margaret both unmarried,
living in 1695. Sir Edward's Will describes him as of Kensington,
Middlesex, and is dated 24 Dec, 1695, and was proved by his 2nd
sen Edward 17th August, 1696. He left /'20 to the poor of
Holbeach. His brother Thomas, George Farmer's 2nd son, was of
Casewick (par. of Uflington) Co. of Lincoln. His will speaks of
his only son Edward Farmer, and daughters Elizabeth, Katherine
and Margaret, and his brother Sir Edward is mentioned. It is
dated 16th Feb., 1681-2, and was proved 24 May, 1682. [P.C.C.
Cottel 56 ] That son Edward of Hough on the Hill married
Christiana Hatcher of Stamford Aug. 25, 1698, and had a son
Thomas bapt. 16 Sept., i6gg Mary, eldest daughter of George
Farmer, married Sir John Evelyn of Godstone, Surrey, Bart., and
died without issue. Elizabeth Farmer, his znd daughter, married
Sir Henry Beaumont, 2nd Bart, ef Stoughton Grange, Leicester
shire, and had a numerous issue. The Baronetcy still exists.
Dr. William Stukeley. His Ancestors came originally,
we are told, from Great and Little Stukeley in Huntingdonshire,
but he tells us they had lived for many generations at Holbeach.
We are able in these pages, where any account of the " Arch
Druid," of whom Holbeach is justly proud, must necessarily be
brief, te give some gleanings of them not given in the published
accounts ef the great Antiquary. Holbeach Register gives the
baptism of Thomas Stukeley, son of William, 19th Sept., 1581, and
"William Stukeley, junior, sepultus 10 die Octobus," in that same
year. Wm, Stukeley, of the Parish of S. Sepulchres, London, Gent.,
in his Will dated 31 May, 1606, and proved 11 January, 1608-9,
gave to his wife Barbara lands in Holbech lately belonging to the
College of Thetford, and other lands there called Pulvertofte, and
divers other lands belonging to the Guild held on lease for 36 years
after his decease, remainder in case of Barbara's death to Anthony,

204
one of the sons of his brother Robert Stukeley. To Joel Stowe, his
brother-in-law, he left 6 acres of land near Spindle howe holt
(which was situated in the 4Sth bound of this Parish near Coney
Garth) and this was a parcel ef the estate ef the Guild of Holbeach.
Wm. Stukeley in his Will further mentions his wife's daughters
Isabel and Bridget Hunnett, and his wife's daughter Mary Hartwell,
and Frances, the daughter of his brother Robert Stukely. This
Robert was living in Holbeach and paid te a lean to Charles I. in
1612 By his wife Mary he had 5 sens and 2 daughters. Adlard
the eldest was born about 1597; Moses buried 30 Oct., 1618;
Robert; Anthony buried 12 January, 1625 ; John; Jane buried 2
Dec, 1630 ; and Frances who married Richard Balder of Sutton S.
James, and had two children Elizabeth and William. Adlard
Stukeley, the eldest son, vvas father of Dr. Wm. Stukeley's grand
father. Adlard, when 23 years old, had licence to be married to
Miss Elizabeth Hobson, aged 15, of Whaplode. "Her parents
consent, surety Edmund Hobson, of ff"olkingham, gent. Te be
married at Spaldinge or Whaplode. [Gibbons' Lincoln Marriage
Licences, p. 94.] His mother Marie Stewkley, after his father's
death, married Richard Webb of Peterborough, Co. Northants,
gent., at Holbeach Church, licence for marriage, April 3rd, 1618.
The same year her sen Moses was buried 30 Oct,, and she was
*nterred the same day. He subsequently married, in 1619, Eliz.
Durrant of Croyland, a widow. Adlard Stukeley by Eliz. his wife
bad issue: Esther bapt. 28th April, 1622, " marry d into the Family
of the Kymes at Boston, who lived in Rochford er by seme
Richmond Tower." (Stuketeys Commentarys). John, grandfather
of Dr. William Stukeley, born 4 January, 1623-4, and bapt. on the
nth of the same month (Lincoln Iranscripts). He married first
Jane Dowman who " was buryed in Uffington Quire, 23 Dec, 1662,"
by whom he had 2 sens and 2 daughters, and he married afterwards
Ellen Crossland by whom he had no children. The eldest sen
Adlard Stukeley was educated al Moulton School, was brought up
to the profession of the Law, and lived at the house called Stukeley
House in Holbeach. He died in London 1705-6, and was buried
there. One ef the daughters was Jane, who married John Ample
ford. John Stukeley, the youngest son, was born at Uffington in

205
October, 1657. "After his father died his elder brother Adlard
took him to be his clerk in the business of the law at Holbech in the
old seat of the family." He lived at the house now called "Littlebury
House " and was residing in Holbeach in 1682. He married 28
May, 1686, Frances, 2nd daughter of Mr. Robert Bullen of Weston,
who lived at St. Lambert's, near the Sea bank. He " sett his heart
upon impreveing the Town where his ancestors had lived for many
generations." Dying in London 28 Feb., 1705-6, he was buried
" in the burying Place of the Family in the North East Isle of
Holbech Church, where all his .¦Ancestors of his Name (except his
Father) who had lived in the Country, & the Fletes had been
inter' d for some Centurys. We made a very handsom burying for
him, and the Expence ef all together could not be under /loo.''
He was 4g. His wife Frances died 8 July, 1707, aged 3g. She
was bprn at Skidbrook, near Louth, Their children were Dr. Wm.
StuKeley, Adlard Stukeley, Frances, and Robert, John and Jane
who died young. William Stukeley was born on Monday, 7th Nov.
16S7, " between 7 & 8 at night .... in my Fathers (more probably
my Uncle Stukeleys) house in Holbech in the chamber the south east
corner of the house next the Garden (as I suppose) called the blue
chamber. This house my Fa''- bought of Mr. Thacker with g or
10 acres of ground under it, which he improvd very much by
building a great part of the house, new wainscotting, cieling, etc.,
and the pastures he planted with trees, the orchard with Fruit."
[Surtees Society Stukeley's Diaries, etc., p. 6. J He was bapt. 21st
Nov.. 16S7, by the Rev. John Pimlow, Vicar. About i6go he
" learnt the first Rudiments ef Letters ef Mrs. Collingwood, an old
decay'd Gentlewoman at Holbech," a widow, who was buried at
Holbeach 7 Feb., 1697: in 1692 he was put te the " Free School
at the Church there, which was founded by the Family ef the
Farmers.'' In i6g4 he learnt te write of Mr. Coleman " who taught
us in the Quire of the Church," and who vvas buried some years
after " in the churchyard of Holbech, in the north east corner
between the Church & Quire." He matriculated at Cambridge
in the Spring of 1704, admitted Pensioner Corpus Christi or
Bennet College, Nov. 20th, 1703. Took the Degree of M.B. in
1708, M.D. in 1719. Became a Fellow of the Royal Society, 20

2o6
March, 171S, and Fellow and Secretary ofthe Society ef Antiquaries,
which he refounded. Married at Grantham in 1728 Frances,
daughter of Robert Williamson of Allington. Ordained at Croydon
July 2oth, 1729, he was presented in October following to the living
of All Saints'-cum-3. Peter's Rectory, Stamford, having refused the
Vicarage of Holbeach then vacant, offered lo him by Dr. Reynolds,
Bishop of Lincoln. He also refused other preferments. He com
menced practice at Boston in 1710, removed to London and Fellow
of R. C. of Physicians 30 Sept., 1720, Censor 1725, delivered the
Gulstonian Lecture in i 722. In that year he removed to Grantham.
At All Saints, Stamford, he signs the Vestry Book for the first time
24 March, 1723-30, and fer the last time 5 April, 1748. His wife
Frances was buried there Sept. 1st, 1737. He married again at
Gray's Inn Chapel, ig January, i73g-40, Elizabeth, only daughter
of Dr. Gale, Dean of York, and sister to his friend the Antiquary.
In 1747 he received the Rectory of S. George's, Queen's Square,
London, where he lived till the close of his life. Seized with
Apoplexy 27th February, 1765, while en a visit to his friend the
Rector ef East Ham, the Rev. Joseph Sims, B.D.. he lingered till
March 3rd, when he died, and vvas buried in the churchyard ef
East Ham, Essex, on the gth, at a spot he had selected in his life
time, but by his own particular desire no monument was erected
to denote where his ashes repose. By his first wife he had three
daughters, Frances born 17 June, 1729, married Richard Fleming,
castle yard, Holborn, an eminent Solicitor, on the 7th December,
1752; Mary, buried 7 Aug.. 1732 ; and Anna born 15 Aug., 1733,
married Richard Fairchild, M.A., Rector ef Pitsey in Essex. By
his second wife he had ne issue. Of his principal publications we
may mention : The Itinerarium Curiosum, in 2 Vols, folio, with
numerous plates, London, 1724; The Medallic History of Carausius,
2 Vols. 4te, 21 plates, London 1757-sg. Stonehenge and Abury,
folio, London, 1743 ; Descriptions of Arthur' s Oven, Graham's Dykes,
and various other Antiquities ; Palceographia Britannica, or Discourses
en Antiquities relating to the History of Britain," 3 Nos. in 4to, the
last two were published at Stamford in 1746 and 1752 ; a Dissertation
upon Oriuna the supposed wife of Carausius, 410, London, 1751 ; An
Account of Richard of Cirencester, Monk of Westminster, and of his

207
Works, 4to, London, 1757 ; Palceographia Sacra, 2 Nos. 410, London ;
Antiquitates Royston, 2 parts, folio. He published also some Ser
mons and Medical Tracts, particularly : A Treatise on the Cause and
Cure of the Gout, from a New Rationale, and A Dissertation on the
Spleen, etc. Dr. Stukeley's sister Frances married Wm. Johnson,
Esq., of Boston, " a magistrate and customer and collector of that
Port," he died before 1778, and his widow lived in South End,
Boston, and was buried there ig April, 1778, aged 84. His brother
Adlard Stukeley was educated at Moulton School, and in Feb.
1710-n was "designing to be an Apothecary." He practiced at
Grantham, where he was living about 1726. He was a member
of the Corporation, and served the office of Mayor fer the year
1744-S ; he was buried there nth of June, 1752, and the Register
there contains entries of his family. Dr. Wm. Stukeley's cousin,
Adlard Squire Stukeley, born in i6g8, was living at Holbeach in
1728. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in Feb.,
1718, and is described as "Gent., Holbech ; withdrew on going into
the Country {Gough's Min., London i7g8, 4to.)" He died June 13
1768. His mother Sarah died in 1730, aged 67 (See Tablets
in Holbeach Church). His wife's name was Elizabeth. His
daughter Sarah bapt. 28 Sept. 1736, married in 1761 Walden Orme,
Esq., of Peterborough. She died Feb. 20, i7g4.
List of the Curates.

I62S

Paul Paucke

1 80s

1632

Banckes Anderson

1840

'744

John Austin

1844

1748

Richard Gibson

1S62

'75°

George Ibbetson

1863

'753

Thomas Bowman

1S71

1760

Thomas Purcell

1871

1761

James Benson

1875

'783

Robert Hood

1876

'794

James S. Mackenzie

1883

'796

George Bailey

1S84

'797

Charles Rushworth

18S7

Robert Carruthers
Richard Mence
Thomas Wallis Richards
John James Hodgson
Thomas Green
W. J. Rawson
G. W. Macdonald
John James Wimperis
John Henry Spokes
James Humphris
Francis George Riley
Arthur William Drake

208
In 1628 and 1632, Paul Paucke and Banckes Anderson sign
the Transcripts to Lincoln ef the Holbeach Registers, as being
Curates of Holbeach.
John Austin, was born in 1714, the son ef William Austin,
a citizen of Lincoln, he proceeded to Balliol College, Oxford, from
which he matriculated Sth July, 1732, aged iS. Became A.B.,
1736; A.M., gth July, i73g. Curate in charge of Holbeach from
1744-174S, when Mr. Shaw vvas Vicar.
Richard Gibson, born at Midghole, Yorkshire, about 1723,
son of Abraham Gibson, Esq., of that place. Admitted Sizar S.
John's College, Cambridge, 3rd January, 1742. Was A.B., 1745,
and Curate of Holbeach, 1749, and on the death of the Rev-
Thomas Hunter in 175 1, he succeeded him as Head Master of
Holbeach School. On the 26th of August, 1782, the Rev. James
Astley Patron presented him to Fleet Rectory. He died at Fleet
2nd Oct., 17S3, and was buried at Holbeach.
George Ibbotson, son of a gentleman of Sheffield, was
born about 1720. Educated at the Public School there, he
proceeded to Cambridge and was admitted a Sizar at Magdalen
College, 22nd July, 1739, aged ig. Became A.B. in 1742 — was
Curate to Rev. Cecil Willis from 1750-53.
Thomas Bowman, was born about 172S, son of John
Bowman living then in London. He was educated at Christs' Hospital
where he became a Grecian, and was admitted a Sizar at Pembroke
Hall, Cambridge, 16th June, 1746, aged 18. Became A.B., 1749,
and A.M., 1753, in which year he succeeded Mr. Ibbotson as
Curate to Mr. Willis. On tke death ef the Rev. James Savage he
was presented to the Vicarage of Martham near Great Yarmouth,
about the end of the year 1758. A zealous Calvinist, he published
"A Review of the Doctrines of the Reformation in a series of
letters te a young gentleman preparing for the Ministry," printed
at Norwich, 1768. The preface shows that he was a strong Calvin
ist, and he wrote a further defence of the system in seme letters
to the London Magazines. Author ef " Cawsteniana, or 12

2eg
Discourses te the Inhabitants of the Parish ef Cawston, Norfolk,
8vo., 1 79 1," — "Thoughts on the discipline ef the Church of
England," in a series of letters te a young clergyman, i2mo.,
London, I7g3- "Seven Discourses on the principles ef the
Church ef England, te which are prefixed 3 letters to a Clergyman."
Interesting information of this past Curate of Holbeach has been
gathered from Mr. Henry Robersen, a very old gentleman, living
at The Limes, Reepham, near Cawston. His grandfather, Henry
Robersen, about 1760, attended Church regularly, and for his
strong tenor voice was much sought after by the Church Choirs of
those days. At Booton Church, Norfolk, Mrs. Elwin, the Squire's
wife, always curtsied to him when he had finished singing ! and at
Marsham Church, 3 miles from Cawston, the congregation used to
say, " When Harry Robersen attends here, he raises the roof."
All this shews he used to iiear different Clergy, and let his voice be
heard in the congregation. In 1766, he heard a sermon in Norwich
Cathedral which pleased him, and learning that the Preacher was
the Rev. Thomas Bowman, Vicar of Martham, only 25 miles from
Cawston, he communicated te a friend and neighbour, Mr. Garwood,
the fact ef his having heard this sermon se much to his mind, and
the two friends rode, one Sunday te Martham, to hear this Preacher.
Finding he would preach again at a village on their way home,
probably Bastwick, they were overtaken by the Vicar who talked to
the strangers he had seen in his Church. Interested in the simple
tale how one of them had heard him preach at Norwich, hew the
other had been pleased te hear the account of the sermon, how
both had come the long way te Martham : the Rev. Thomas
Bowman took the step, the propriety of which might be called in
question, of offering to come over to Cawston to address them.
The scene of the first meeting was a kitchen in Mr. Long's farm
house, and here at intervals he came to address numbers of people,
and the room twice enlarged was still found net big enough. In
1770 Mr. Bowman became acquainted with a Mr. John Thornton,
who belonged to a family of bankers in London noted for their
alms deeds and desire to encourage what was called " Evangelical
Religion," and to him he mentioned his successful work at
Cawston. He readily fell in with the idea of erecting a large room

210
in Cawston for these meetings, and at his expense a building capable
of holding 250 or 300 people was built 250 yards from the Parish
Church, but in the other street of Cawston, which was well filled in
the evening and had always a goodly gathering in the morning.
Mr. Bowman procured an organ, and taught one Barnabas Brett,
a youth, to play it. He wrote out a form of prayer to be used in
his absence, and there was a regular system of sermon reading.
Two conditions were imposed, the first of which some would do well
to reflect over: — i. This Meeting House vvas never to be opened
when service was being held in Cawston Church. 2. No person was
allowed to hold any other service at anytime er under any pretence
without Mr. Bowman's or Mr. Thornton's sanction or direction.
The hours ef meeting were g.15 a.m. and 6.15 p m., service in
Cawston Church being at i r o'clock. On one occasion, finding
that Mr. Brettingham Robins, whom he had appointed reader,
was in failing health, Mr. Bowman slipt a note into Mr. Henry
Roberson's hand which read as follows : " 17 April, 1782. If Mr.
Robins should not be able, and Mr. Garwood should refuse to read
at any time before I come again, I earnestly desire that Henry
Robersen should read and continue te read till he hears further
from me. Thos. Bowman." So Mr. Robersen began to read
and continued te do so, unless prevented by illness, fer 63 years,
viz. till 1845. He died 20th January, 1846. Towards the close of
his life his eldest son. who has se kindly furnished this information,
asked him to express by Will his wishes about this Room, his
feeling being that it might fall into the hands of Dissenters. His
father saw no way of preventing what his son feared, so in 1846 the
building was turned into cottages, after being offered to the Vicar
as a National School. Mr. Bowman's organ was handed over for
use in Cawston Church. Appointed te Martham in 1758, he held
the Vicarage 34 years, dying there in June i7g2. He was buried
in the Chancel on the north side ef his predecessor, the service
toeing read by the Rev. S. Webster. His widow, Mrs. Sarah
Bowman, survived him ; ber Will is dated 17 Nov., 1815, as appears
by a wooden tablet on the south doer of Martham Church.

Thomas Purcell licensed as " Curate of Holbech " Aug.
4, 1760. He is entered as Clerk and A.B. at Lincoln. We could
not find this name at Oxford, nor at Cambridge.
James Benson, Curate, presides at Vestry Meetings from
the year 1761 for many years. Of him also we could obtain no
information. Robert Hood was admitted at Christ's College, Cambridge,
Sth January, 1778 ; A.B. in 17S2 ; A.M. in 17S5 ; came to Holbeach
from Frieston in 1783, was Master also of Holbeach School, and
died in iSn. On the floor of Holbeach Church are inscriptions
jast becoming illegible: "In Memory of John, son of Robert and
Martha Hood, who died February 23rd, i7g4, aged i year the 7 of
March following." " In memory of Martha Hood, relict of the late
Rev. Robert Hood, died Dec. 15, 1S38, aged 83," and on the lower
part of the same stone "Also their sen, Henry Waldow, surgeon,
died July 24, 1821, aged 32."
James Stuart Mackenzie, bom about 1762, was admitted
as a Pensioner at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, 22nd June, 1787.
He was A.B. in 1792; A.M. in i7gs; and Curate of Holbeach in
I7g4; on the nomination ofthe Duke of Norfolk in I7g5, he became
Curate of St. Mary's, Thetford, and en the nomination ef the
Corporation was appointed to the preachership there. In July,
1S06, we find he was instituted te the Rectory of Quiddenham,
Norfolk, on the presentation of the Earl of Albemarle. His mother,
Mrs. Elizabeth Mackenzie, formerly of Cambridge, died at Thetford
5th April, 1808, aged 76 years. He died Nev. 25, 1811 ; and in
March, 1S15, his widow was married to Mr. Downing, of Thetford.
On a marble tablet at Thetford, fast becoming illegible, is this
inscription : " In Memory of the Rev. James Stuart Mackenzie,
M.A., Rector of Bracon Ash and Quiddenham, Norfolk, for 15 years,
Preacher and Curate ef this Parish, whose faithful ministry was
closed Nov. 2Sth, 1811, in his 4gth year." " He that now goeth on
his way weeping and beareth forth good seed, shall doubtless come
again with joy and bring his sheaves with him."

George Bailey was born in 1767, his baptism being in the
Startforth Registers, near Barnard Castle. Admitted a Sizar at
Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, ist June, 1787 ; the youngest sen of a
gentleman of Blaisfield, near Bowes, Yorkshire. He became A.B.,
i7gi ; A.M., 1S02. His father was Mr. William Bailey of Blades-
field near Bowes. His mother's name, Susannah; bapt. 17 June,
1767. For an account of his brother, John Bailey, who died June
4, iSig, aged 68. — See Fordyce's Hist, of Durham, p. 7g.
Charles Rushworth, was the son of Edward Rushworth
a mason ef Beverley, where he was born and was baptized in the
Minster, 2g March, 1771. Educated at Beverley School, he
became a Sizar at S. John's College, Cambridge, Feb. 5, i7gi ;
was A.B. in i7g5, and became Fellow of his College that year;
A.M. in i7gS, and S.T.B. in 1806. He was Dr. Maltby's Curate
from I7g7 till 1S04. He vvas elected one of a Committee at the
" Vestry Room, Holbeach, 17 May, 1798," when it was unanimously
resolved " That an armed Association, within this Parish, should be
iramediately formed upon such terms, and to consist of such
members, as the Committee, hereinafter mentioned, shall determine,
consisting of: — Jno. Eversen, Jno. Rogerson, Revd. Charles
Rushworth, George Allenby, Wm. Slater, Ried. Fawssett, Thos.
Dixon, Saml. Palmer, John Phipps, Ried. Birks, Joseph Barker, er
any seven ef them, " to enable His Majesty more effectually to
provide for the defence and security of the Realm during the
war." [Similar entries in Vestry Book for the year 1803, at Mr.
Sturton's Office, Holbeach.]
Robert Carruthers, of Trinity Coll., Cambridge, or
dained at Buckden, gth June, 1805 ; was licensed the same day
to the Curacy of Holbeach, with a house, etc., and a stipend of
/'so per annum. He was elected Head Master ef Holbeach
School, 14 Nov., 1814. His services were very acceptable te the
people, in both offices, and they raised a subscription to augment
his salary, getting him to give an afternoon Service in the Church
on Sundays. Of him we have spoken on page ig3. He was born
at Penrith about the year 1775, and went to S. Bee's School before

213
he went to Cambridge. He married Mary Cranksham of an eld
Lancashire Family, and their children were Robert, Charles
William, Henry Edward, Richard, George, James, and Sarah. He
was a personal college friend ef Dr. Maltby, and knew him when
Vicar of Beckton near Woolwich. He died 20th June, 1S40, aged
65 years ; and was buried near the South Porch ef Holbeach
Church where there is a stone on which is this inscription : " In
Memory of Robt. Carruthers, M.A., late Scholar of Trinity College
Cambridge, Curate of this Parish for years, and Master of the Free
School He died June 20th, 1840, aged 65 years." "My Witness
is in .Heaven, and my Record is on High,"
Richard Mence. His grandfather was Richard Mence, of
the City ef Worcester, where his father, Samuel Mence, was born
about the year 1781, who was sent when 17 to Trinity College,
Oxford in i7g8, and took his B.D. Degree in 1814. His son,
Richard Mence, was born at Highgate about the year 181S, v\'ent to
the same college at Oxford, of which he was an Exhibitioner, and
from which he matriculated 26th June, 1835 ; A.B. in Nov., iS3g;
and Curate of Holbeach en the death ef Mr. Carruthers ; A.M. in
April, 1842. Whether the father was a preacher at Highgate, er
Master of the School there, we de net know. Afterwards he was
Rector of Ulcombe, near Maidstone, about 1856. His son Richard
left Holbeach in 1842 for Weldon, Northamptonshire, where he
was till i860, and at East Carlton, Northants from i860 till 1864,
when the Trustees of the Rev. J. J. Miller presented him to the
Rectory of Bockleton, near Tenbury, Worcestershire. He was still
Rector there in i88g and a J. P. for the county of Worcester.
Thomas Wallis Richards succeeded Mr. Mence as Curate
and became Head Master of Holbeach School. Fer his genial
manners, talented sermons, and diligence in school work, he was
much appreciated and was a general favourite, many of |the parish
ioners being sincerely grieved when, in the year 1862, he was
appointed by Mr. Morton to the vicarage of Leighton Buzzard,
where he is still labouring. He was Scholar and Taylor Exhi
bitioner of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, A.B. (1st Senior

214
Opt.) in 1840; A.M. in 1844; Deacon, 1840; appointed to the
Curacy of St. Andrew's, Worcester, and ordained Priest there in 1841 ;
became Mathematical Master at Oundle Grammar School, 1842-
43; Curate of Holbeach, 1843-62; elected Headmaster of Hol
beach Free School in 1848. Author of several sermons.
John James Hodgson, M.A., of Magdalen College, Cam
bridge, was ordained Deacon in 1858 and Priest in 1859 by the
Bishop of Ely. Was Curate to the Rev. J. H. Henderson, M.A.,
of Holy Trinity, Ely, and afterwards to Rev. John Robinson, ef S.
Lawrence in the City of York. In May, 1862, he came to Hol
beach, and commenced an active attempt of house to house
visitation, and was very diligent amongst the poor in times ef sick
ness and trouble. When the Rev. R. K. Arbuthnot was appointed
to S. Luke's Holbeach in 1S74, Earl Fortescue appointed him to
the living of Semperingham, which Mr. Arbuthnot vacated, the
present Vicar of Holbeach having made it conditional that he
should receive the appointment. There he was winning his way,
when the sudden summons came, for he met with his death in an
affecting manner — while in the act of amusing his children with a
gymnasium he had just erected, by a sudden fall his spine was
injured and caused his death in the course ef a fortnight. — He
died at Semperingham 2Sth August, 1S77, and was buried in that
churchyard, the present and the former Vicar of Holbeach con
ducting the funeral service by his own special desire. A funeral
sermon was preached by the Rev. P. S. Wilson, M A., Vicar ef
Horbling. A plain Stone Cress, erected te his memory, has the
following inscription : — " // is I, be not afraid." J. J. Hodgson,
Vicar of this Parish, 1S77. " I believe in the Communion of Saints."
Thomas Green, was Lupton and Hebblethwaite Exhi
bitioner ef S. John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated
A.B. 1863 ; A.M. 1S67. Ordained Deacon in 1863 and Priest in
1865 by the Bishop of Lincoln, he was Curate of Holbeach from
1864-69. He married the youngest daughter of the late Joseph
Chamberlayne Barker, Esq., of Mattimore House, Holbeach, and
in 1869 became Curate ef Tittleshall, Norfolk, which he held till

2'S
1871, when the Rev. T. W. Richards presented him to the Vicarage
of Stanbridge, near Leighton Buzzard, which he still holds. In
1879 he was presented also to the Vicarage of Tilsworth, Diocese
of Ely, Patron the Trustees of the late Sir E. P. Turner, Bart.
William Ignatius Snell Rawson, of S. Augustine's Col
lege, Canterbury, 1S63; was ordained Deacon by the Bishop of
Madras in 1868 ; and Priest by the Bishop of Lincoln in 1870. He
was an SP.G. Missionary in India, working at Jumbelamudugu in
the Telagu Country; catching jungle fever he returned te England,
and though 'he much desired to retum, the Society were unwilling,
after the report of their Medical Officer, to allow him. He was Curate
at Hawksworth, 1S70-71 ; and was at Holbeach in 1871-72, under
the Rev. Arthur Brook, taking sole charge of Dawsmere or Gedney
Dr'^ve End Church before the: coming into residence of the Rev. G.
H. Foxton. Afterwards he went to Stroxton where he was 1872-74;
in sole charge ef Temple Bruer, near Grantham, 1874-81, when he
obtained the Vicarage of Meatheringham, which Lady Chaplin
procured for hira from the Patron, the Marquis ef Bristol. He is
a member of the Society of Mission Clergy of this Diocese called
" The Novate Novate," a motto which means " Break up your fallow
ground." Grant William Macdonald is grandson ef Lt.-Col.
John Macdonald, F.R.S., M.R.A.S., the youngest son of Allan
Macdonald, Esq.. of Kingsburgh, who married his cousin, the
celebrated Flora Macdonald of Milton-in-Skye, who saved the life
of Charles Edward Stuart, commonly called " The young Pre
tender," when after the battle ef Culloden in 1746, she took him in
an open boat to Skye, disguised as " Bctty Burke " her servant
maid. By this marriage there were seven children, and the youngest
son was Col. John Macdonald, who was born at Fledegray in the Isle
of Skye, 3eth Oct., i75g ; served under the East India Company in
India ; became Grand Master ef the Freemasons at Sumatra ; and
his observations en the diurnal variation of the Magnetic Needle
were published in the transactions ofthe Royal Society in 1796, a
Fellow of which Society he was elected in 1797. On terms of

2l6
intimacy with Mr. Pitt, he was selected in 1804, as one of his Field
Officers in the Cinque Pert Volunteers, and reconnoitred the
Harbour of Boulogne to obtain information as to the state of
preparations fer the threatened invasion of England by the French.
He resided then at Dover, but latterly at Exeter where, in the
Cathedral, he was buried. He died i6th of August, 1831, aged
72. His sen, Major-General William Pitt Macdonald, was a
godson of the Statesman after whom he was named ; served
for 46 years in the Indian Army ; vvas recommended for C B.-ship
after the China War, but his papers were unfortunately lost in the
wreck of the Steamer Memnon on her passage te England, and
before copies could be sent, the Duke of Wellington had closed his
books. In his Staff duty as Paymaster of the Forces, he vvas
known throughout the Presidency as " good eld Pitt Macdonald."
and from his readiness to assist them he was called " The Ensign's
Friend." Twice married, he had a large family of 16 children. On
his death, 12th March. 1H67, which was very sudden, much S)'mpathy
was evinced — the Madras Masons took no little pride in him, and he
had lately been made Grand Master for Coromandel or Southern
India. They founded a Lodge to his memory. Grant W.
Macdonald was born at Trichinopely, 24 October, 1846. He was
his eighth son, and was sent to England in 1859. Educated at
Cheltenham College and afterwards at S. Mary Hall, Oxford,
where he graduated A.B. in 1872; A.M. in 1888. Ordained
Deacon, 24th Sept., 1871. at Grantham Parish Church by Christ
opher Wordsworth, Bishop of Lincoln. He was licensed to the
Curacy ef Holbeach under the Rev. Arthur Brook, Vicar. Ordained
Priest in Lincoln Cathedral, IV. Sunday in Advent, 1872. On
July 4th, 1872, he married at Laverton Church, Somersetshire,
Louisa Edith, third daughter ef the late Rev. Alexander Benn
Russell, B.C.L., Rector of that Parish. After serving 8 years
as Curate ef Holbeach, he was appointed to S. Mark's Vicarage,
by the Vicar of Holbeach, en the resignation of the Rev. John H.
Jowitt, who was appointed to the Vicarage ef Alford.
John James Wimperis, of King's College, London, was
ordained Deacon in 1863 and Priest in 1865 by the Bishop of

217
Durham; he was Curate of Crexdale from 1S63-66; East with
West Rudham, Norfolk, 1S67-68; St. John's, Walworth, 1868-70;
St. Thomas', Stamford Hill, 1870-71; St. Leonard's, Shoreditch,
1871-74; St. Stephen's, Haggerstone, 1874-75; and Curate ef
Holbeach, 1875-76. He was appreciated as a good extempore
preacher, but only worked here for 16 months. His wife was the
daughter of a naval officer of the name ef Brickweed, and her
mother, Mary D. Brickwood, dying of cancer, was buried at Hol
beach Cemetery, 28 January, 1876, aged 66. Afterwards he was
Curate ef Netherton Dudley, 1S76-78; St. Matthew's, Luton, 1878-
80; S. John's, Walworth, 1880-83 ! S. M., Southwark, 1884-80.
John Henry Spokes was ordained te the Curacy in Advent
1S76, born at Cholsey, in the county of Berks, igth Feb., 1853, he
is the only son of John Henry Spokes, Esq., by Maria Elizabeth,
his first wife. He was educated at All Saints' Grammar School,
Bloxham, near Banbury, and at the age ef 20 went te S. John's
College, Cambridge, graduating A.B. in 1876, and A.M. in iSSi ;
Deacon in 1876; and Priest, 1S78; was very popular at Holbeach,
received a handsome side-board as a testimonial when leaving and
another tribute of esteem from' the Clough District where he had
laboured. In 1883 he was appointed First Incumbent of Sutton
S. Nicholas er Lutton by the Rev. Ed. Leigh Bennett, M.A., the
late aged and highly respected Vicar of Long Sutton, and there he
is still working, and doing good work.
Arthur James Humphris was born at Cheltenham where
his father was churchwarden ofthe Old Parish Church, educated at
the Grammar School there, and afterwards at the Theological
College at Gloucester, he was ordained in 1878 by the Bishop of
Worcester for the Bishop of Hereford, and was Curate of Whit-
bourne under the Rev. G. Belief, 1S78-80: ordained Priest by
Bishop of Hereford in iS7g; Curate of S. Paul's, Bow Common,
1880-83; Curate of Holbeach in 1883; subsequently Curate of S.
Michael and All Angels, Isle of Wight in 1884; and Vicar of
Warton, near Atherstone, the same year where he is now living.
Patron the Vicar of Polesworth, val. £1^3, pop. 6eo.

2l8
Francis George Riley was Johnson Exhibitioner of
Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge, A.B. in 1S78 ; A.M. in 18S1 ;
Deacon, 1SS2; Priest, 1883, by Bishop of Worcester; Curate
of Kingsbury, in County ef Warwick, 18S2-84; he became
Curate ef Holbeach, 1S84-87, when he left for the Curacy of
Sudbury. He now holds that of Braintree, in the diocese of Ely,
to which he vvas appointed in 1S88.
Arthur William Drake, the present Curate of Holbeach,
is the son of the Rev. William Drake, M.A., Hon. Canon of
Worcester Cathedral, Chaplain inordinary to the Queen, Rector of
Sedgebrook with East Allington, near Grantham ; Ordained Deacon
in 1876 by the Bishop of Manchester, and Priest in 1SS5 by the
Bishopof Lincoln; he was Curate of S. Stephen's, Salford, 1876-
80, under the Rev. T. Wheeler, Rector ; Curate ef S. Andrew and
S. Mary, Stoke, in Lincoln Diocese, 1SS6-87, under the Rev. F.
Jesson ; he was appointed to All Saints', Holbeach in the year 1887.

DIVISION XI.

Inscriptions in Holbeach Church,
Registers, etc.
AA/^HEN Col. Holies, about 1640, visited the Lincolnshire
Churches he, found in the Church of Holbeach the following
Armorial Bearings and Inscriptions, which we give from his notes
preserved in the British Museum.

219
HOLBECH.
fuxta Cancellum. Tumulus Lapideus cum effigie Viri super
Scutum gestantis binos Leontes ambulantes cere ebuerso Litlebury.
Ex utroq Latere quinquies Litlebury & ter
3 Bars Ermyn  Kirketon.
In Fenestris superioribus ad Boream.
G. 6 Escallops Arg  bis  Scales.
ISa : a Fesse betw. : 6. Escallops Arg. — sepius —
a saltier engrayld betw. : 4 Cressets \
fitchy  I
Eadem Insignia super pectus Viri in
Fenestra Orientali ad dextram Cancelli  Bradow.
Fenestre Austales. Arg. on a Bend. B. 5 Crosses humets Or.
Geo. Sibsay.
Arg. on a Cheuron betw : 3 Leopards heades sa : ) t r 1
as many Annulets of y° first  '
Barry of . 6 . sa. & Arg. in cheife. 3 Annulets of ye 2d. —
In eadem Fenestra sup pectus Viri eadem
Insignia.  a Lyon rampant semy de Mullets Or —
Or on a Fesse. 6. Flowers de Lize of y° first ) ™ r, ...
betw : 4. of y" 2" 
B. a Crosse Patonce Arg 
Orate pro aia. Dni. Roberti de
Eyuill militis &  militis.
Sup. borealem ptem.
Barry of. 6. & ye Annulets. | The Fesse & Flowres de Lize. |
Duo milites super Scuta genibus pronis.

Tumulus marmoreus ere fixus juxta Monument. Litlebury.
Orate pro aia Johanne Welby, quendam uxoris Ricardi Welby
senioris & filie Rici Leyke milit. que obiit i8° die Decembris Ano..
Dni. 1488.
Sa. a Fesse betw : 3 Fleures de Lize Arg  Welby.

Leyke.

Arg. on a Cheife. 6. an Annulet, ouer all a Bend
engrayld. B 
Alter Tumulus juxta hunc Epitaphio ablate.
[Page 236 Line, of Harl: MSS. 6829. Coats of Arms not copied.]

Mural Monumental Stones, Holbeach Church, iSgo.
Canon Hemmans has kindly arranged for us the Mural
Tablets new in the Church in the following order, beginning with
the Chancel, then going Westward by the North Aisle and East
ward by the South Aisle. The dates have been carefully com
pared with the Stones, and except where mentioned, they are all of
Marble :—

Chancel. — South.
I. Sam' Richardson ..
2. Sigismund Richardson . .
3. Charles Coop, Organist (on Zinc)

Date.

Age.

Feb. 10, 1736

56

Jan. 4, 1747

32

Jan. 25, 1875

69

Chancel. — North.

4-

Philip Ashley (on Stone)

Dec. ig, I7g4

50

Margaret, his wife

May n, 1788

47

Levina Davey Foster

Sep. 4, i7g3

56

S-

Isabella Morton . .

Feb. 23, 1850

12

6.

John Wm. Willders (Zinc)

Ap. 6, 1876

'9

North Aisle.
7. Adlard Squire Stukeley
8. Sarah Stukeley

June 13, 1768
Jan. 31, 1730

67

N.A. — East Wall.

Date.

Age.

g. Elizabeth Wood
10. Thomas Wood

Aug. 4, 1S23
Nov. 8, iSi2

58 '9

12.
'3-14.

'5-16.
'7- 18.
19.
20.21. 22.

North Aisle.
William Willders
Ann, his relict . .
Thomas Ayliff . .
Susanna, his widow
Jonathan Calthorpe
(Stone evidently part of a larger one.)
Joseph Barker
Elizabeth, his wife
Harriett and Mary
{Richard Fawsett
Mary, his wife . .
William Bingham
John Eversen . .
Thomas Eversen
Margaret, relict of last
Charlotte Phipps, their daughti
Richard Ball
Elinor Ball & Mary her Infant
Ann Sisson, wid. . .
Joseph Harrisson
Charles Harrissen

Noy. 22, 1805

57

March 2g, 1S20

63

June 21, 1847

57

Ap. g, i868

75

Feb. 27, 1711

25

March 1, 1837

76

Ap. 3, iSn

3'

Ap. 8, iSn

7'

Feb. 24, 18 ig

76

Aug. 14, 1S24

69

Jan, 2g, iSoi

61

June 17, 1808

67

Jan. 10, 1827

Si

March 14, 1840

70

June 21, 1721

68

Jan. 24, 17 1 8

42

Feb. 16, 1833

70

Nov. 11, iSog

40

Ap. g, 1825

22

South Aisle.
/ John Northon . .
Avis, his ist wife
Mary, their daughter . .
23. and eight other children of
John and Margaret
Margaret Sutton, wid.
J Margaret Northon [wid.j
24. Edward Northon

Ap. 27, 1751

54

Sep. IS, 1724

27

May 30, 1734

n

Nev. 22, 1750

78

Nov. 7, 1779

76

Ap. 23, 1797

60

25-
26.27.
28.

29.
30-3'- 32.
33-
34- 35-36.37-

j William Slater .
( Charlotte, his wid.
Edw. Werley
Jas. Brecknock . .
John Watson
Elizabeth, his wife
/ Jacob Davey . .
j Ann, his wife . .
\ Ann Catherine, their child
Jane Davey
Elizabeth Watson
Martha Sturton (Brass)..
John Wilkinson . .
Saml. Palmer . .
Ann Palmer
William Brown . .
Mary, his relict . .
Edward Blithe Vise (Brass)
Sarah, his wife. .

Date.

Age

July I, 1829

73

Jan. I, 1849

84

Oct. 26, 1763

25

Dec. 23, 1746
66
Feb. 14, 1771
64
Ap. 4, 1768
57
Feb. 2, 1833
84
Sep. 6, 1813
61
March 16, 1755
24
Dec. I, 1773
34
Oct. 29, 1851
'3
Ap. 2, 1771
58
June 19, 1741
40
Sep. n, 17S1
72
Ap. 4, 1811
39
July 23, 1S14
39
May 17, 1S73
84
March 19, 1857
62
38.
Outside the Church on the
South Wall of the Chancel.
John March
George Palmer
Levina, his wife, formerly the
widow of John March . .
Jacob Palmer . .
Jarvis Palmer . .
Edward, Gee., John, Sarah
died in infancy
Feb. 14, 1736
27
Feb. 8, 1751
44
Oct. 10, 1769
59
Feb. 20, 1764
23
Nov. 10, 1768
29
39-
40.
Outside the Tower on
South Wall.
i John Ash
( Elizabeth, his wife
Oct. 7, 1760
71
Nov. 30, 1746
66
Thomas Ash
Oct. 27, 1772
'4
223
Monumental Stones on the Floor of
Holbeach Church, iSgo.

North Aisle.
. Adlard Stukley
2. Sara Stukley
3. Jana Stukley
4. Thomas Ampleferd
5. John Ampleferd
6. Jane Ampleferd
Mary Bennett
Rich"- B. Fawsett
John Harris
Martha Hood
Henry Waldow, her sen
Surgeon.
10. John Hoed
Elizabeth Yarburgh
Sarah Phipps . .

Date.

Age.

March 4, i6g4

—

Oct 28, i6g2

—

Aug. 23, i6go

2

March 30, 1700

66

Jan. 12, 1701

29

Oct. 3, 1706

39

Feb. 2, 1776

—

Dec. 3, 1778

6

Nov. 15, 1711

45

Dec. 15, 1S38

83

July 24, 1S21

32

Feb. 23, 1794 I
March 30, iSoo 79
May 16, 1802 56

'3- 14.
'5-
16.

West End of North Aisle.
Martha Bennett .. .. July 19, 1731 64
Lucius H'^- Disney .. .. Oct. 17, 1727 —
John S. Bennett .. .. March 31, 1766 63
William Eversen .. .. Oct. 13, 176 1 46
Mary, his Relict .. .. March 16, i7gs 84
Sarah Callow  Feb. n, 1738 4g
Henry Callow .. .. .. July 23, 1724 11
Jonathan Barnard .. .. Ap. 13, 1721 27
S""- Ralph Pierson . . . . March 21, 1711 65
Susan Pierson .. .. Feb. 13, 1713 —

Under the Tower.
18. Bartholomew Northon .. .. Ap. 27, 1763
19. Tho'- Eversen Harrison . . . . Aug. 8, 1795
20. Susan Nutten  Dec. 5, i6''g
Some others defaced and illegible.

42 3

224

22.
23- 24.
25- 26.
27.28.2g.30. 3'-
32. 33-34-

South Aisle.
John Rix . .
Martha, his Relict
j Edward Davey
Mary, his wife
Jacob, Mary, Jacob and Edw, died
Wiir- Davey 
Ann, 2nd wife, afterwards Ann
Rhodes
Mary Davey Key
f Esther Betham . .
'Levina Robinson
(John Key
^Susanna, his Widow
/William Slater ..
(Charlotte, his Relict
fZachariah Johnson
'Elizabeth, Relict ofthe same . .
John Northon
West End of South Aisle.
Michael Keightley
Mary, relict of same
George, their son
Esther Ratcliffe . .
( Ann Thompson
' John Terry Elston
Avis Northon
Elizabeth, her daughter
John Northon . .
Mary Francis Rix (compare 21)
Fragments, etc., found in
THE South Aisle and
buried.

Date.

Age.

May 27, 17 1 8

42

Feb. 7, 1730

59

March 19, 1754

36

July 21, 1748

34

Infants.

Nov. 14, 1770

'4

Feb. 2, 1787

74

May 26, 1801

32

Nov. 28, 1766

27

March 3, 1823

79

Jan. 10, 1810

47

June 27, 1841

—

July 1, 1829

73

Jan. 1, 1849

84

Sept. 26, 1826

65

Ap. 28, 1852

92

Ap. 2, 1814

68

Oct. 20, 1785

67

Ap. 13, 1794

75

Ap. 19, 1787

32

Feb. 11, 1724

32

Sep. 30, 179s

75

Feb. 14, 1794

8

Sept. 1 1, 1724

26

July 23, 1719

—

May 17, 1731

—

Oct. 



35. John Cole
36. Margaret Heale .

March 21, 1765
Ap. 10, 1710

26

225 Date. Age.
37. Will" Fisher 
38 B" Hart, M.A 
39. Ann Bernard (compare No. 16) Oct. 24, 171 8 Inf.
The Stone to the memory of John Ampleford, No. 5 above,
has on it this inscription not now so legible as some years ago
when we copied it : —
" Hix jacet in tumulo pulchra de stirpe Johan"'''
Ampleford Atavis hic remanere suis ;
Pallida Mors subito rapuit juvenilibus annis
jEtatis verno tempore raptus erat.
Ultimus e maribus generosa stirpe creatus
Ultimus Antiqui Nominis ille fuit
Deplorant Proles sua-se Charissima conjux
Deplorant Socii flentque dolentque sui
Obiit XII Januarii Anno Dni 1701"
iEtat XXIX" "
The Mural Monument on Page 222, No. 30, has on it these
words: — "Here lyeth the Body of Jane Davey, Spinster, the
Daughter of Jacob Davey, late of Holbeach, Gentleman, by
Margaret his wife, who Departed this Life the Sixteenth day of
March, 1755, Aged Twenty-four years. Extremely Affable, Court
eous, Humane and Charitable. As she was greatly respected while
living, so at her death was universally lamented.
Life is a journey of a Winter's Day,
Where many breakfast and then pass away ;
Some few stay dinner and depart, full fed.
Fewer that sup and then retire to bed."
The Mural Monument, No 7, has on it these words : — "Sacred
To the Memory of Adlard Squire Stukeley, Esq., For many years
one of His Majesties Justices of the Peace For these Parts. He
died June. 13th, 1768." The next tablet. No. 8, has this inscrip
tion: — "Here Lyeth the Body of Sarah Stukeley, the widow of
Adlard Stukeley, late of Holbeach, Gent., Who dyed the Thirty- First
day of January, 1730, In the Sixty-Eighth year of her age." Q

226
" A Mother who with every Grace was[Blest
With all the ornaments of Virtue drest
With whatsoe'er Religion recommends
The best of Wife" of Mother' and of friends
And tho by Death her Body's turned te Dust
Tis fit we still commemorate the just
T'was here she did adore the Highest Lord
Who to her Soul great comfort dyd afford
T'was here she did with Pleasure and Content
Receive God's Holy Word and Sacrament
Since then S*"* lov'd this sacred Place so well
T'is very meet that here her name should dwell."
On the floor ofthe North Aisle (Ne. 6) : —
" Here Lyeth the Body ef Mrs. Jane Ampleferd Who
Departed this Life 3 day of October 1706, In the 3g year ef Her
Age." This was Jane Stukeley, daughter of John and Jane Stukeley,
and sister te Mr. John Stukeley the father of Dr. Wm. Stukeley, the
Antiquary. She married in i6g2 (day and month not given) John
Ampleford, the last ef a long line, who died in 1701 whose monu
mental stone in Holbeach Church we have above given.
At the West end of the North Aisle is this Inscription,
Mural Monument, Page 221, No. 22: — "Charles Harrissen of
Jesus College, Cambridge, died the gth of April, 1825, aged 22."
" Weep not for Him in His Spring Time He Flew,
To that Land Where the Wings ef the Soul are Unfurled ;
And new, Like a Star Beyond Evening's cold Dew,
Looks Radiantly Down on the Tears of This World."
In 1722 a curious grave stone was erected in Holbeach
Churchyard which is still to be seen, but the inscription is becoming
illegible and should be restored : —
" In memory of Mary, the wife of John Middleton
Who departed this life Aug. ye Sth 1722
She'd 20 young teeth after 72 years old
And at 76 her Corp" was laid in Mould."

227
Communion Plate. The Paten is inscribed : —
Tho" Whelldal.
Humph^ Ashworth.
Churchwardens, Holbeach, 1766.
The Chalice has the same inscription as also has the Lid to
the Chalice which is used as the smaller Paten.
Church Furniture, etc in 1724. In a long Terrier at
Lincoln, occur these words " In Church : — 6 bells, 1 clock, and
chimes, a large Bible and Prayer-book, 3 surplices and hood, 2 large
silver Communion cups, 2 silver patens, i large silver salver, a
Communion table, with a cloth of crimson velvet ornamented with
gold fringe, a pulpit cloth, a desk cloth, a cushion, all ef crimson
velvet with gold fringe, i candlestick ef fine brass, with 18 sockets."
In Morton's Lincolnshire Churches mention is made ef this in the
year 1843: — "In front of the pulpit is a brass Chandelier of
eighteen lights." This is not now in the church.
The Pulpit was erected by the Rev. Arthur Brook, vicar, as
a memorial te his father who died about the year i86g. It is exe
cuted principally in oak, but its architectural beauty is heightened
by a mixture of teak and ether woods. In the central compartment
is a figure ef eur Saviour in the attitude of teaching and blessing ;
on the north side, in the order of their position we find in each
compartment, Abraham representing the Patriarchal Dispensation ;
Moses, the Law ; Elijah, the Prophets ; on the other side are the
figures of three New Testament Saints: S.John, one of the 12
Apostles; S. Paul, the Apostle ef the Gentiles; and Simeon, "a
just man and devout " who did not see death " before he had seen
the Lord Christ." These figures are carved in oak from moulds
made expressly for this work. On the base, under each figure are
appropriate emblems : the Cross refers to our Lord ; the Tent and
Altar to Abraham ; the Tables of the Law te Moses ; the Chariot
and Horses ef Fire to Elijah ; the Eagle to S. John ; the sword to
S. Paul; and the Setting Sun to Simeon. The figures are very

228
effective. On the upper border is carved in clear letters " Blessed
are they that hear the Word of Ged and keep it ; " and round
the lower border " I believe in the Communion ef Saints." The
Book Rest, also carved in oak, was the gift of R. Caparn, Esq.,
Solicitor, Holbeach. Mr. Christian designed the Pulpit, and Mr.
J. Forsyth was the sculptor.
The Organ Case has on it these words : — " »{< To The Glory
of God, The Adornment ef His House, And in Remembrance of
Holbeach His Native Town. This Organ Case was given A.D.
1 888, by Thos. Clarke, Esq., Sheriff ef London and Middlesex, A.D.
1885-6." The Parish Registers.

Vol. I. Parchment. Births, Mar
riages and Deaths, A.D.
1560-1612. For the year
1606 are no entries.
,, II. Parchment, Births, Mar
riages and Deaths, 1657-
1701
,, III. Parchment, Births. Mar
riages and Deaths, 1701-
'738.
„ IV. Parchment, Baptisms and
Burials, I73g-i8i2.
Marriages, i73g-i7S4.
,, V. Paper, Marriages, 1754-
'774-
,, VI. Paper, Marriages, 1774-
'796.
„ VII. Paper, Marriages, i7g6-

Vol. VIII. Parchment, Baptisms,
1813-1831.
IX. Parchment, Baptisms,
1S31-1850.X. Parchment, Baptisms,
1850 te present time.
XI. 'Parchment, Burials,
'8i3-'839-
XII. Parchment, Burials,
i83g to present time.
XIII. Parchment, Marriages,
'813-1836.
XIV. Paper, Marriages,
1837-1850.
XV. Paper, Marriages,
1850-1866.
XVL Paper, Marriages,
1866 to the present time.

Extracts from Registers. — There are entries of the
baptisms and burials ofthe Fletes about 1560. "Matthew Leake,
filius will: bapt. 24, die Febuarii, 1571. Thomas Wylbe sepult

229
fuit 29, die Januarii, 1576. Simon Leake sepult fuit 10 die, Feb:
an" 1579 — etc. One or two entries about 1563, " ques periitin aqua
Sepult fuit." "Thomas Gybson minister: sepult fuit 12 die
Decembris, 1589." "Amy Rands sepult fuit 6 die, Marcij Ao. (1598).
" Thomas Rands, filius Richardi, bapt. 29 die, Sept. Anno supr
dixit." 1668, Kathren, dautr. of Thomas Welbj'e, gent., Nevemb.
17." Thomas Welbie, gentleman, buried April 30, 1673, etc.
Many curious extracts might be made had we more space.
"Damayolda Christand fil populi bapt. eod' die (gth May, 1604)."
Burials, An Infant ef Joshua Hartt, unbaptized, March i6th, 1659.
„ Richard Ellet, a child purified in ye water. Aprill ye 21,
1662.
,, 1663, Alice Hockeston, a virgin, January 20.
,, 1670, a male and female child of John Mackrells, Januar. 25.
,, 1671, Tabitea Bell, a mayd, Octor. 6.
,, 1672, a child ef Longs, Dec. loth.
,, 1 68 1, a stranger, Levis, as is suoposed a wayfareing woman,
Jan. 31.
„ 1683, John West, Clarke, a Schoolmaster, July 8.
,, 1684, John Hardman, a passinger, August 13 buried.
„ 1693, a manservant of Mr. Pimlowe's, came from Pinchbeck
Feb. 6.
,, 1696, Anne Richardson, wid., Anabaptist between May 1-27.
,, i6g6, John Lee, a left handed writing master, a stranger,
July 30.
i6g7. William Shepperd and Mary Boyall married at Deeping,
Octob. 25.
i6gg. Burial. John, son of William and Elizabeth Brown. He
is clockmaker.
1700. Burial. Anne Denham, a stranger, buried Oct 21.
„ Burial. A child of Yorkshire woman, Ann Denham, A
Docheffe, December 8.
„ Marriage. William Smith Clarke and Ann Pimlow, Dec.
31st. John Pimlow, vicar. Amen.
1700-1. Abraham Norman, self murderer, buried at the lane called
Whitcross Mar. n.

230
1701. Burial. A stranger's child, Aug. 22.
1703. Burial. James Ascough, Apothecary and Chyrurgian,
March 5.
1705. Burial. Thomas Hurst. He a long man.
1713. Married Benjamin Gibberson, of Norwich, and Anne Miller,
ef Spalding, October 15.
,, Married Bartholomew Walles and Hester Ripley, both of
Swineshead, March 3.
1714. Buried Aviss Woodbine, widdow, who dy'd in ye 103d year
ef her age, as by her own words Oct. 17.
,, Baptism. John, son of John and Jane Granger, they being
travellers. May 7.
1715. Henry Layton, son ef Henry and Eliz Layton, who was
drowned accidentally by waiding.
1716. Buried widow Levins, an Anabaptist, Dec. 20.
,, Baptizd Elizabeth Bell at Woman's Estate, May 2.
i7ig-2o. Buried old Widow Pool, a very antient woman, g March.
1723. Buried Eliezer Huddlestone, a stranger, who was a courage
bater.
1726. Buried Mr. Wm. Vorley, writing master and clerk of this
parish, 26 May.
1729. John Millington, clerk ofthe parish, buried 21 December.
1730. Buried John Worfeliliew, a pauper, his leg cut off by Mr.
Bailey, 28 October.
1734. Sarah Iroenea, wife of Jonathan Mercer, Non con Preacher,
March 23rd.
1748. Marmaduke Foster, schoolmaster, 45, buried April ist.
1749. Henry Moates, master of the Poor House, June 23rd.
1756. William Wheeler, many years clerk of this parish, buried
July 2nd.
,, William Burwell, schoolmaster, buried Oct. 21st.
1765. Rev. Wm. Ray of Welden, Northamptonshire, and Mary
Maynord '^f this Parish, married Nov. gth.

23'
"Briefes Collected in the Parish of Holbech, i6gg."
The following are some only out of many entered :
Collected for A briefe fer Drury lane, in Middlesex, A losse
by fire, Losse 70,320 lbs. Collected towards it eight shillings ten
pence, April the 23rd, 99.
Lancaster Brieffe, losse two thousand i hundred 20 lbs.
Collected towards it eight shillings eight pence farthing. Dis
tressed protestants of ffrance Vaudois Piedmont 300,500" souls
and upward. Collected in the parish ef Holbech (sum not stated).
Contributions on Letters Patent.
1659. Fer East Retford Com. Nottingham, towards the
repayring the parish church, the summe of seventeen shillings,
delivered unto  , and received his acquittance June 20,
1659- Upon a letter patent under the authority of Richard Lord
Proctor, and dated December the 20, 1658 — with the royall armes
on it under Olivers — but the letter under regards this — given by
my wife. Collected fer Seuthheld and Soulboy in Suffolk^, the summe
of seventeen shillings three pence on a briefe, August 28. Money
given by me, Aughty, Churchwarden.
Collected Novem. 1 65 g, the summe ef thorteen shillings and
fourpence for the parish of Metheringham, in the countie, on a
briefe, the money payd to tall Dickinson. 21 Decembr. 15. i65g,
a receipt for the same given.
Gathered for Markett Harborough and Little Bowden
Church, in the countie of Leicester, May loth, the summe of ten
shillings and sixpence delivered to John K-im May 28 — Willm.
Edgsen. Gathered for Thomas Smyth, of Holborne, countie of
Middlesex, for who the sum ef five shillings and delivered.

232
Gathered for Hexam, com. Northumberland, for a fire, the
sume of eight shillings, and delivered.
Jan. 31, 63. Gathered for Grantum fire happy the 30th or
May, 63, the summe of on eleven and sixd, this delivered to Mr.
Dodson, of Gedney, on an acquittance.
April 24, 64. May 8, 64. Gathered for the said fire in
Grantam fire — 1646 — for Edward Christian, the brief from Mr.
Stanley ofthe court, and delvd to him P 12 — 4s. o.
May 1, 64. ffor Dhoorsen Bridge Church northmpt,
8 — 2 — od., and payd to Nath Borton upon and acquit May 15.
November, 1664. Fer Tinmeuth, in Northumberland, for
repairs of the church, 3s. 6d., given te Mr. Thomas Wallett for
before sayd. The same time, 3 — 4.
April 16, 1665. A briefe read for the repayre of Bridges
house cast down by water fflouds in Northompton shire, the money
in Garvise Brewett's hands (amount net stated).
April 23. Two requests read out of Sessions, in Spalding,
for Cowell, of Quapload, and Henry Davison, ef Witeam on the
Hill, for the losse of some horses, in the hands ofthe present
churchwardens. Collected for the Theater Royall and the residue of the
property that was burnt at the same time in London the summe
12s. id., delivered in at the Visitation 1673.
Irish Protestants, ye sd. brieffe collected 2lb. 6s. 8d.
Brieffe for Bishops Lavington in Wiltshire, 5360 pound lost
by fire, collected 12s. lod,, June 8, j6go.
M"- the 21 day of May, teing the Lord's day. Anno 1665,
Richard Rusfoet, of Holbech Drove, did publickly appear before
all the Congregation, and did acknowledge his errour and action to
be illegal in sloping and obstructing by force, denyall and all other

233
wayes, our passage in procession the fifth day of May, Anno above
sayd, by the west side of the old Drayne, beginning: at — Page, his
house and soe homeward. And did crave the people's compassion,
with promise never te de the lyke himself, or to stir up others.
Before John Pymlow, Vicar.
Thomas Ampleford,

, Guardians.
Will. Carre,
Robert Calthorpe Edward March Richard Darbie
Joshua Hartt John Davie Will. Burnett
John Thacker Richard Burnett cum muliis aliis quos non est
Jarvisse Brewett Nicholas Jacob narrand locus.

Transcripts of Holbeach Registers at Lincoln.
The Parish Registers being silent for the year 1606, and
from 1 61 2- 1 657 we obtained from Lincoln the Transcripts from the
Holbeach Registers (annually sent signed by the vicar and church
wardens), which Mr. A. Gibbons, ef Lincoln, copied for us. They
are complete from 1615-1640 inclusive, excepting the following
years, 1617, 1626, i62g, 1636 and 1637, which are missing. We
have the year 1606, but not these for 1612, 1613, nor 1614. The
following names are seme that occur in them : Makrell, Weste,
Foster, Roberts, Stewklye (1615), Webb, Moses Stewkley (161 8),
Wm. Burton, clke., and Ann Kettleburrew married in 1618,
Harrison — Ester Dau. of Adlard Stewkley, gent., and Elizabeth,
his wife (.1622), Clipson, Hobson, Ampleferd, Ullett, Collyer,
Moore, Jackson, Davy, Darby, Ingram, etc.
1 615. Burialls. A pore woman dying in the streete ye 2gth of
M'che.
,, Mrs. Phillip Wildbore, a mayden, the xijth of M'che.
,, Margaret Periree, an Almswid : the 18th of March.
1622. Burialls. Adam Smythe, a poor beye, the 20 of March.
1624. Edward, sen of Willm. Wright, and Vanity, his wife, bapt.
ye same day (5th Sept.)

234
1628. The dau ef Geo. Scott and Ellen his wife, bur unbapt. 26
Marche.
1630. Robert Whalley, soraetyme an apothecary, bur 3 of
November.
1633. John Barker, Gierke, and Katherine Web were married 8
day ef Aprill.
,, Richard Moore, clerke, and Mary Cleasby married the i6th
daye of October.
1633-4. Gabriell, ye son of John Grante, clerke, and Elizabeth, his
wife, bapt. 24th of ffebruary.
1634-5. Mary, dau ef Richard Moore, clearke, and Mary, his
'wife, bapt. 7th of ffe;buary. (Another entry buried on
the gth ffeb)
1 63g, Alice Wright, daughter to Nathaniell Wright, and Tomising,
his wife, April i6th (burial).
,, Jane Wright, ye wife of Robebert Wright, November 4
(burial).
,, Ann Miller, orphant, December 24 (burial).
1640. John Walcote, gent., was buried June 15th.
,, Mr. John Grant, vicarie, was buried July 31st
,, Robert Tillsen, a widdow man, was buried Decemb. i6th.
,, Easter Tomson, daughter of Mageret Tomson, a poor
wanderer, vvas buried ffeb. . . .
Tradesmen's Tokens.
Mr. Justin Simpson says that since he wrote his list of
Lincolnshire 17th Century Town Pieces and Tradesmen's Tokens,
he has found the following unpublished one (i) of Holbeach, obs. :
" Will. Carre, Sadler, The Sadler's Arms," rev. " In Holbeach,
1666, W.C." Holbeach Charities.
I. Richard Darby. A terrier of 1075 has the entry " The
poor of Holbeach, given by Richard Darby, late Hobson, the
parcel next South-west, formerly one acre, and 2r. lop., with a

235
messuage," but now they measure six acres. This consists ef two
parcels, the one 5a. 3r. 26p., the ether 3a. 3r. 24p. The Rent is
distributed in the general Dele Fund on S. Thomas' Day. " Dotals
Paup' de vice distrib." [Bp. Wake's Speculum.]
2. Old Worhouse and Land. In Gilbert's Parliamentary
Returns, land occupied by the poor, with a workhouse thereon, is
mentioned. Rent, /'3 per annum. Date of Return, 1785. In a
copy of a terrier of 1661, is the entry"The poor ef Holbeach 3
acres of land given bv R. Davye, Junior, late Ampleford," and the
terrier of 1675 describes it, "River west next the Bridge." This
land clearly is for the poor and net the Parish. The Rent in 1S78
was ^'30. 3. Thomas Bradley, by Will 26 July, 1724, gave £100 to
the Churchwardens and Overseers ofthe Poor of Holbeach te be
laid out in Government and ether securities, and the Interest to be
distributed en Michaelmas Day te five poor widows of this Parish.
Until iSio, the money remained in the hands ef Mr. Key, a
Churchwarden, who distributed /'i annually, but dying insolvent,
/'70 was ultimately recovered which, in 1816, vvas placed on
mortgage at F'leet. The Interest is still distributed annually.
4. Sarah Stukeley, in 1730, desired her son, Adlard
Squire Stukeley, te set apart, two acres ef Pasture Land, within 3
months of her death, Trustees to receive the Rent and distribute
yearly the profits in Plums and Bread ameng poor widowers and
widows of this Parish on S. Thomas' Day. In 37lh Bound is the
entry " The Poor ef Holbeach, a gift from Madam Sarah Stukeley,
Banks west." Next entry, "The Vicar ef Holbeach, the last west
la. 2r. op." Mr. Walter Johnson: 'New River runs through it,
sweetly purling along.' "
5. John Everson, 21st June, iSoo, gave by Will to the
Vicar, Churchwardens, and Overseers, land — the Rent to be
distributed in Bread to Poor Residents ef Holbeach.

236
6. Jacob Davey, by Will dated 26 January, 1833, gave a
messuage, farm and lands, to Mrs. Sturton, with several remainders,
and overcharges the same with a perpetual Rent-charge of £z to
Churchwardens and Overseers to distribute Coals to four needy
widows of Holbeach Drove; and after giving a cottage and 10
acres ef land to J. Johnson, Esq., for life, with remainder over, he
charged the same with a perpetual Rent ef £1, which is annually
distributed. 7. Duncombe's Charity. A plot ef ground given by Ed.
Duncombe, Lord of the Maner of Holbeach D' Acres. Two parcels
let on lease 6th April, 1770, for gg years; Buildings, a dwelling
house with workshop and other buildings ; a dwelling house and
shop, original ground rent ef /4; a dwelling house used as a
Retail Beer-shop : a dwelling house adjoining it. Property well
situated in Holbeach.
Land, 2 acres 3p , lets for los. Rent charge, £ \ 10s.
Gilbert's Parliamentary Returns, 1785, mentions land given by
Thomas Ampleford, producing/^! los. ; it is regularly paid out of
g acres, generally called Kirton's land.
Land, £ i 10s. A charge paid out of a farm of 100 acres in
Holbeach Marsh. £2 charge paid by Sir J. Hawley, formeriy by
Sir Joseph Banks, supposed te be in lieu of £2 formerly paid fer
land mentioned in the Table ef Benefactors.
8. John Morse, of Montague Square, London, in 1S42, by
his Will bequeathed the annual dividend of /~ioo, three per cent.
Consols to be expended in the purchase ef Blankets and Warm
Clothing and given away by the Minister to the most deserving
poor who shall belong to the Church of England and attend its
service. This is always in the hands of the Vicar of the Parish.
g. Bishop Maltby, Vicar of Holbeach, i7g4-i83i, left
/^loo to the Vicar and Churchwardens to be invested and Interest
to be paid for the benefit ofthe poor. Date of Charity, 1858.

237
10. James Thompson's Gift of £5, (page 136) is by a new
scheme divided between the Vicars of the Churches of Holbeach
and distributed by them in their Parishes, in prizes for progress in
Religious Knowledge.

DIVISION XII

Chantry Chapels and the Modern Churches
AT Holbeach.
T^R. STUKELEY, in Itinerarium Curiosum, says: "There was
formerly a Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, at Holbech
Hum, near the ancient seat of the Littleburys, standing 1515;
another chapel thereabouts, dedicated to S. Nicholas : another in
Wignals gate near Holbech Hall, by the river side, dedicated to
S. Peter. About i7ig I saw many corpses dug up in the yard at
making a ditch there. Another in the fen ends. An ancient guild
of Corpus Christi stood near Barley pit, where is new a house once
belonging te Moses Stukeley, who owned the estates thereof." As
nothing seemed to be known at Holbeach about these buildings,
nor about the sites on which they stood, we searched at the Public
Record OflSce in London, and found that they were swept away by
the Act for the suppression of Colleges and Chantries, 37 Henry
VIII, c. 4, which was passed in the year preceding that King's
death, their dissolution being accomplished on the accession of
King Edward VI. , by the Act 1, Ed. VI, c. 14. In an extensive
parish like this such buildings were bearing some witness for God
in places remote from the House of Prayer at Holbeach, and such
wholesale dissolution of sacred buildings must have been severely
felt.

238
The Chantry of the Blessed Marie at Holbech Hirne
is given in the Valor Ecclesiasticus taken about the year 1534, when
the first fruits of benefices ceased to be forwarded to Rome, and were
transferred to the Crown. In i37g 2 Richard II, mention is made
ofthe chantry ef Sir Hugh de Daker, in Holbeach, "which
chantry was taxed at 5 marks." The chaplain then was Sir Robert
Warde, and the value is given at £3 6s. Sd. We think it is this
chantry chapel which is referred to as situated within the manor,
and in the gift of the lord ef the manor on page g7.
The Valor says in the preface that "a chantry is a private
foundation for the commemoration ofthe dead (preface, page 5.)"
Its Chaplain was Robert Lyne, and its annual income was said
te be . . . . . . . . . . /"vi ijs. iijd.
from which there were yearly outgoings paid to divers
persons as follows : — To Lord Dacre iijs. iiijd ; to the
lord Marques id. ob ; Thome | Lyttylbury xxijd. ;
Abbot of Croyland, ijd. ; Mr. | Knevet, xjs. vid. ;
M'Harygten, ijd. ; Glide B'te | Marie de Boston, xijd. ;
Heirs of Simon Lots, viijd. ; M' Thymolby, xd. ;
Vicar de Holbeche, xxijd ; fee of . . . . xxi 6
bailiff there 3s. 4d. 
And it is valued clear this year, ob' £1 o vij
From which four tenths 10 i
In the Miscellaneous Papers, Augmentation Office, Vol. 67, page
311, we read, "Parcel of land and Possessions ef the Chantry of
Holbeche Hirne in the aforesaid county is valued in a farm of one
chapel there, covered with thatch, with the chapel-garth (the
chapel yard er ground round it), containing by estimation half an
acre without buildings, but (taxed or) assessed at xxd." The Com
missioners appointed te visit it in 1547 thus report, " Chapel ofthe
Blessed Mary at Holbeche Hirne." The jurors are ignorant of the
foundation, but certain lands and tenements were left by Thomas
Rowold, with the intention that a perpetual annuity should be
given for celebrating the Divine Service in the said chapel to pray
for the souls of himself and kindred. The incumbent is James

239
Pej'cock of the age ef 58 years. There are no communicants in
the parish, but the number of people is 748. The lands and
possessions are valued at £3 gs. 3d. Rents resolutes per annum
(that is sums paid out), 6s. 'j^d. Clear annual value of the lands
and possessions aforesaid, after deducting the Reprisals, /s 3s. i-Jd.
The goods, chattels, and other ornaments of the said chantry, one
chalice of silver weighing 8 oz., valued at gs. 6d. Memorandum:
That one Thomas Callow by his last will dated 6th October, 1526,
gave lands and tenements in Holbeche valued as underwritten for
the space of gg years — twenty two years ef which are expired as an
augmentation le the Priest's wages, to sing and pray at the said
chapel of Holbech Hirne. Value of the lands and tenements,
£1 2s. ; Rents resolute, 2od. ; clear annual value of possessions,
deducting Reprisals, /"i e 4d ; goods and chattels, none. [Chantry
Certificates, Lincoln, No. 86.]
The King granted to Wm. Cicill, Esq., and Lawrence
Eiresbie, gent., and their heirs for/"n2g 2 7 J, among ether lands
" all that our Chapel with a thatched roof, and all that eur parcel
ef land te the same adjoining called the chapel garth, containing
by estimation ^ an acre, with appurtenances in Holbeche Hirne,
Lincoln, and late of the chantry, lately dissolved." Dated at West
minster, 27th June, 3rd Ed. VI, is4g. [Particulars for Grants, 3
Ed. VI, Sec. I.]
A pension was assigned 22nd June, 2 Ed. VI. , A.D. 1548,
to Peycoke (James), Incumbent, late Chapel of S. Mary, at
Holbeche yrne in parish of Holbeche, oi £^ 12s. 6d. [Excheq.
Q.R., Ancient Miscell., A.D. 1548, Holbeche, Lincoln.]
And again. Exchequer, Q.R. Miscell: Augmentation Book, ^,
A.D. 1554, April 4, we translate from the Latin : "At Lincoln, the
same day appeared personally James Peikoke, of Gedney, in county
of Lincoln, priest, formerly chaplain of the chantry ef the Blessed
Mary, of Holbeche, in the county of Lincoln aforesaid, and shewed
free patent of King Ed. VI. , under the seal of the Court of
Augmentation, and his own Arms of the date. First day VIL, Anno
Regni Sui Secundo, by which it is conceded to the said James an

240
annual pension of iiij"'- xij'- vi"-, to be paid at the feast of S. Michael
and Easter, equally per annum : and he is curate of Gedney fen,
and received for his stipend iiij""-, and was never married, nor has
he any annual income, as he says."
Pensions. Jacobi Pecocke nup Incumb : Capell be Marie
apud Holbeche Hirne per annum iiij xij vj. [Excheq,, Q.R., Mis
cell, 32, fol. iS, A.D. 1555-6 ]
By Terrier of i74g kindly shewn to me by Mr. Willders,
" copyd from one sent to rae by Mr. Wheeler, the Town Clerk,
the r6 July, i74g, by rae, Benj. Cook," the original bearing date
16th day ef July, 1653, we find the lands belonging to late Hum
Chapel held by Sir Thomas Dawes, and had previously been
held by Hunston — 15 acres, i rood, standing in the 51 bound of
the parish, which included " All the lands from New Pitt, being a
piece of common in the Hum Field by the highway, to the Hum
common called Rush Piatt, and by the common sea dyke to the
place where the Hum Cross stood, hard by Grassland Stow, near
the Great House by Norman's Drove, through Humfield to dove
coat pasture, and overwart Hurnfield by the straight to New Pitt
again. The Hum Chapel is mentioned in the 52 bound — 3 acres,
I rood — and again n acres in the 53 bound — and 8 acres in the
S4th — 4 acres and 3 roods in the 56th — the roods " given to ye
Hum Chapel by Thos. Callow '" — four roods again in the 58 bound.
In 1 5 So there is a patent which recites that all those mes
suages, lands, etc , demised to John Peste, in 156S, in the towns
and fields of Holbeche, Holbecherne and Fleete, in co. of Lincoln,
appertaining to the late chantry ef S. Mary, in Holbeche, and then
in tenures of divers persons, viz., Wm. Davye, John Hayton, Wm.
Robinson, James Pigott, John Clarke, John Leighton, John
Bennett, Wm. Wright, and the chaplain of said chantry or their
assigns (all large timber trees, woods, underwoods, mines and
quarries excepted) be surrendered to be cancelled, to the intent that
other letters patent and another devise be made for 21 years from
25 March, 1580, to George Carleton, Esq., at the yearly rent of
/S 3 'i- [Patent Roll, 22 Eliz., part 2, m: 18.]

241
Chantry Priests. If this was the Chapel ef Sir Hugh
de Dacre given in Subsidy Rolls in 1 381, its Chaplain then was
Sir Robert Warde. The Valor Eccles. gives Robert Lyne, Chaplain
in 1535, and Jaraes Peyceck must have succeeded him. We have
not been successful in the search for other Chaplains ef this
Chantry ; none are to be found at Lincoln. Stukeley gives
Dominus Neel, Richard Wytte, Sir John Scapull (obiit 1524), Sir
John Manning, as Holbeach Clergy between 1508-1550, but these
names also we have been unable to trace. In the 56th Bound
occur the words " by the Coraraon Ways te the Cress where the
Chapel stood," we think therefore that this Chapel of S. Mary's
stood near the Hum Cross, and that S. Nicholas Chapel stood
near the Wood House, perhaps near the house where Mrs. Welsh
resides. Fox's Low.

Guild of the Fraternite of the Blessed Marie in
Holbech. The Valor Eccles. A.D. 1535 mentions this as "The
Chantry of the Blessed Mary in Holbech." The annual income
is said to be .. .. .. .. £s ns. 6d.
from which, for Reprisals — yearly outgoings — viz., lo :

Master Littylbury
To the Heirs of
Thomas Sybsey
Guild of the Blessed
Mary of Boston

s. d.
2 4

5 o

s. d.
5 o
To the Prior of S.John o 2
To the Rector of Flete o 6
To the Vicar of Hol
beche . . ..07

Valued clearly this year £$ 5 2
From which for tenths 010 6
So its value was £4. 14s. Sd. The subsequent survey says the
foundation is not known, but lands and tenements were given by
divers persons for a chaplain to celebrate in the Church of Holbech
for their souls. The value of the lands and possessions is given as
S3S. gd. per annum. Rents Resolute and other Reprisals out of
the same 7s. gjd, clear value ef possessions, deducting Reprisals,

242
4SS. loj-d. Goods, chattels, etc., ef the said Guild, one chalice of
silver, weighing 10 oz. — ns. 6d. Memo™-: " Thomas Callow by his
last will gave lands and tenements for gg years to augment the
Priest's stipend in Holbech, called ' Our Ladye's Guild Priest' — lands
and tenements valued per annum, 3g shillings. Rents Resolute and
ether Reprisals per annum, 2s. 7d. — clear value 36s. sd. — goods,
chattels, and other ornaments, none." [Chantry Certificates,
Lincoln, Roll 33, No. 87.]
The Guild ef the Blessed Mary, of Boston, had lands and
tenements in divers villages, viz., Boston. Kirketon, Donington,
Quadring, Holbeche, Quaplode, and others, as by the rental
/'323 15 4. [Chantry Certificates, Lincoln, Roll 33, No. 131.]
The possessions of this Guild were granted to Wm. Cecil
and Lawrence Eresby. Stukeley says : " His father's brother,
Anthony " purchased the Estate ef the Guild of Holbech," which
is still in the hands of the Graves's, of Sutton, his Descendants.
The terrier of 1653 gives landowners ef the 2nd Bound, lying
between " Ye Common Dyke south, Asgardyke north, Robbs
Drove east, and ye Headings west, beginning at Common Dyke" : —
" Wm. Graves — late StuKeley- — late the Guild of Holbech
(south of land ef John Bonnail, Esq., 6 acres) — 2 acres and i acre."
In the 4th bound, which included " All the lands between
Common Dyke south, Asgardyke north, Dogdrove Gate east, and
the Headings between Holbech and Whaplode west, beginning at
Coramon Dyke" : —
" Robt. Noble, late Francis Stukeley, gt., late the guild of
Holbech — 4 acres " —
" 3 Roods " belonging to this Guild are recorded as lying in
the S3 Bound.

24 3
N.B. — "The Battlefields" are mentioned in the 47th,
4gth and soth Bounds ef this Parish. They are situated at the
back of the cemetery, between it and Washway, and tradition says
there was a battle fought here between the Littleburys and the
Fletes. A pension was granted by Sir Walter Myldemay, Knight,
and Robert Keylwey, Esquire, 20th June, 1548, by' Letters Patent
to Robert Keyll, a Priest, lately celebrating at the late guild or
Fraternity of Saint Mary, in the Parish Church of Holbeche, in
the county of Lincoln, ef sixty six shillings and eight pence, from
ist April, 1548, for life.
[The Parish of Whaplode comes next, and others also. See
Excheq. Ancient Miscellaneous Augmentations ™].
In Cardinal Pole's Pension Book we read : — [Latin] " Pen
sions. Robert Belle, lately incumbent of the Guilder Fraternity in
Holbeche, annually Lxvj'- viij"-. [Excheq. Q.R., Miscell : Books
3^, fol. 18.]
Guild Priests. — By Valor Eccles: John Gossell in 1535.
In 1547 Robert Keill, aged 40 years. In 1555 by Cardinal Pole's
Book, Robert Belle is given as Incumbent.
The Free Chapel of S. Nicholas in Holbech. — The
first institution to this chapel, which we noticed at Lincoln, is in
the year A.D. i3ig — and we have seen on pages So and 82, that
its existence in Holbeach Parish is mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls,
A.D. 1381 — and another allusion to it in the Close Rolls, A.D.
i4og. [See page g4.] It was founded by Lawrence de Holbeche,
Knight, in his lifetime, and was situated within the Manor ef
Holbech, which he held ef Sir Ranulph de Dacre by Knights
service — and in i3ig, en the death ef Thomas de Wragby, he
instituted to it Ralph de Elton. There is mention of it in the
Valor Eccles : where it is valued in all its outgoings, profits, emolu-

244
ments, oblations, etc , at 50s. — from whence for tenths 5s. The
Commissioners in 1547 ^^i'^ that the chapel "is distant from the
parish church one mile, and that it was founded by Lawrence
Holbeche, Knight, with the intention that one chaplain should
perpetually celebrate the Divine Service in the same for the soul
ofthe founder, and others. No other chaplain is there, but the
chapel aforesaid, together with the lands and tenements, was
collated by the Patrons of the same to a scholar or student of
Cambridge or Oxford. The present incumbent is Richard Thorp,
aged 17 years, a scholar studying in the college of the Queen at
Cambridge. He receives annually for the land and possessions ef
the said chapel, forty shillings ; goods, chattels and other orna
ments, none." [Chantrv Certificates, Lincoln, Roll 33, No. 85.]
Sir John Perient gave for this and other property in Lincoln
shire, '¦ S. Nicholas Free Chapel, in Holbeche, and the site of the
same," the sum of £3,^-11 los. iifd. [Particulars for Grants 2,
Ed. VI. , Lincoln^]
A Pension was assigned. Letters Patent, i Sept., 1548, to
Richard Thorpe, Incumbent of the late Free Chapel ef S. Nicholas
in the Parish of Holbeche, of 35s. annually from ist April, 1548.
[Excheq. Ancient Miscell., Aug. ''e'.] Cardinal Pole's Book also gives
" Pension ef Richard Thorppe, lately Incumbent of Free Chapel of
S. Nicholas, in H!olbeche. [Excheq. Q.R. Miscell: Books 32., fol. ig.]
B/ the terrier alluded to of i74g being a copy of one made
in 1653, we find S. Nicholas Chapel mentioned in the 53 Bound
of this parish, which contained " All the lands frora St. Nicholas
chapel, wch stood in Dame Amies, near ye Wood-house, by a way
to the Mill hill, wch is at Tills Stow, and by a common way to
Littlebury Hall yard to a new Pitt, and by a straight overwhart
hurnfield te Dove coat lane, and from thence by Norman's drove
to Shepperd's Bridge, which is at Priestfield corner, and se by the
lane to Woodhouse again, where the last bound ended near Washer
Whel." 6 acres of land belonging to S. Nicholas Chapel are

245
mentioned in the 52 bound, landowner, " Sir "I'homas Dawes,
late S. Nicholas chapel." " Darae Amies, late Irby, a messuage,
3 acres" is given in the 53 Bound — 4 acres belonging to S. Nicholas
Chapel in 54 Bound. In the 5 Sth Bound 3 acres belonging to S.
Nicholas Chapel are mentioned.
Chaplains of S. Nicholas' Free Chapel.
As given in the Bishops Institution Registers at Lincoln : —
A.D. 13 ig died Thomas de Wragby.
X die Kal Maij, i3ig. Rudulphus de Etton, or Echan,
a priest presented by Lawrence de Holbech, Knight te the Chantry
of S. Nich. in Manerio ejusdem. [Bp. D'Alderby's Inst., fol. 76.]
1 33 1. John de Bothmeshull, a subdeacen, presented to
the Chapel ef S. Nich. in the Manor formerly ef dominus Lawrence
de Holbeche, by John de Boselingthorp, Patron.
n Ide Junij 1354. William de Toftrych, a Priest, was
presented by Margaret Deynill de Aylyngflete on the resignation
of John de Bothemeshull, the last chaplain.
Dec. 7th, 1J72. Thomas de Crowinere, er Crowmere, a
Priest, was presented by Sir Peter le Strange, Knight. [Bp-
Buckingham's Inst., Vol. I., fol. 5 i.J
Aug, 26th, 1382. Roger DE Wishall, a Priest, was presented
by Master John de Senshale, Rector ef the Church ef S. Botulph,
John Wisbech Roger de Welby de Multon on the death of Thoraas
Crolkeraere, the last chaplain. Instituted " at Netellam."
Oct. 27, 1388. William Pers, presented by Dora, de
Thorp, Robert Nerthwade, Rector ofthe Church of Kreltherp, and
Nicholas S., te the Chantry for the soul ef Lawrence de Holbech
Knight, on the resignation of Roger Wishale.

246
March 11, 140S. Dns. Robert Q'wyte, a Priest, presented,
by Rd. Welby, of Multon, Thos. Kyddale, of Ferreby, Wm.
Callowe, of Holbeche, Esqs., and Wm. Curson, of Kymburleye,
gent., to the chantry founded in Holbeche Church for the soul of
Sir Geoffrey Holbeche, Knight — Instituted apud Bukden. [Bp.
Chedworth's Inst., fol. 15.]
141 8. William Porter, Chaplain, died 1423. In 141 8 he
witnessed will of John Curteys, Vicar of Holbeche.
Sept. 22, 1423. Richard Spendeluffe instituted apud
Lidyngton, on the death of William Porter, last Chaplain.
Feb. IOth, 1471. Dom'- Thomas Bolvman, a Priest, on the
presentation of Johanna Welbye, widow, Thomas Kyddale, Will'-
Calowe, John  , Robert Curson, and William Pulvertoft.
The Brass at the West end of the North Aisle of Holbeach
Church has on it this inscription : — " Orate p aia dne Johanne
Welby quodam ffilie Ricardi Leyke Milit' | Nup uxoris Thome Welby
Armig obiit xviij die mensis | Decembri Anno dni Mcccclxxxviij
cuj' aie' ppicietur De' Ame."
1535. Christopher Tamworth, given in Valor. Eccles. as
Chaplain, was Rector of South Mediety of Leverton, Vicar of
Frieston and Rector of iTngoldesby. 3rd Oct. 1538, he was
collated to the Precentorship of Lincoln Cathedral, and 23 Oct. to
the Prebend, ef S. Martin. 20th Oct. 1544, he was installed Pre
bendary ef Dunholm, alias Dunholme, in Lincoln Cathedral, on the
the death ef George Smith. Died 13 January, 1545, and buried in
Cathedral, where in '• Chaunter's Aisle" was a plate of brass at the
foot ef a portraiture of raarble with these words " erate pro anima
Christopher Tamworth, etc." and there is added this epitaph on his
grave " Clerici Presentorio Ecclesie Cathedralis Lincoln qui quidem
Christopherus obiit 13 Die Mensis, Jan. A.D. 1545, cujus anime
propitietur Deus." [Brown Willis, Vol. Ill, pp. 18, 86.] He was
the son of John Tamworth, living in 1515, and his pedigree is
given in Thompson's History of Boston, ed, 1856, p. 587.

247
1545- Richard Thorpe, of Queen's College, Cambridge,
Incurabent when this Chapel was dissolved.
Chapel of Thomas Bekkyt at Holbech CoM^ Not
mentioned in the Valor. Eccles., but described in the subsequent
survey, when the jurors say that " the said Chapel is distant from
the Parish Church seven railes, and is constructed fer the perpetual
ease of the inhabitants ; the Incurabent is Richard Cherilickom,
aged 30 years." Thoraas Callow gave lands as by his last Will,
6th Oct., 1526. Salary not known. He is appointed perpetual
Priest. Number of population 70. Lands and Tenements are of
the annual value ef 18 Shillings, given by said Thomas Callow,
and valued bythe year 31s. 6d. Rents resolute 3s. gd. Clear value,
reprisals being deducted, 27s. nd. Goods and Chattels, i Chalice
of Silver of the weight ef 7^ oz., 4s. Sd."
Farms in Holbeche given by Thomas Callowe to the Church
there. Farms in Whaplod, Newdygate and Wyleygate (Line),
given by Thomas Callowe to the Chapel of Thomas Bekket at
Holbeche. [Particulars for Grants, 2 Ed. VI. , sec. i.J
This was, we suppose, the ether Chapel sold te Wm. Cicill
and Laurence Eiresbie, " all that eur ether Chapel covered with
straw, and that our land called the Chapel garth, containing by
estimation J a rood in the Parish of Holbeche." Dated 27 June
3rd Ed. VI. , iS4g. [Partie. for Grants, 3rd Ed. VI., sec. i.J The
last entry on the Rell of Pensions granted 20th June, 1548, by Sir
Walter Mildemay, Knight, and Robert Keylwey, Esq., was to
" Rich. Cherylickon, stipendiary Priest, lately celebrating in the
Chapel of Thomas Beckett, at Holbeche Common, in County of
Lincoln, a certain annuity ef 20s. ef legal English money as Annual
Pension, from the Feast ef Easter last for 60 years." [Excheq.
Ancient Miscell., Aug. "J " Bounda Prima" ef the Parish of Hol
beach in 1653 included "All the Lands between the Coraraon Dyke
South, Asgardyke North, Fleet Land Mear East, and Robb's Drove
West, beginning at Common Dyke."

248
Landowner. Sixling, Wm., late Wm. Rusfoet, late Hen.
Chapman, late Holbeach Drove Chapel, ye Common Dyke West,
North and South, ye next East colt 1 rood o perches.
This " Disestablishment and Disendowment " process must
have seriously crippled the position of the Church in so extensive a
Parish as was Holbeach, and three hundred years passed before
any step in the right direction could be taken I Then a Chapel of
Ease was built at
Holbeach S. John's in AD. iS3g.
The Foundation Stone was laid 14th June, i83g, by
Margaret, wife of the Rev. James Morten, Vicar of Holbeach.
The following entry relating te this is recorded in the Holbeach
Registers : " iS3g. The distance ef the southern division of the
Parish, called Holbeach Fen and Holbeach Drove, from the Church
having long been felt by the inhabitants as a great inconvenience,
which could not be remedied only by the building of another
Church in that quarter, the Bishop of Lincoln gave, last year, the
munificent sum of eight hundred pounds for this purpose, and a
subscription was set on foot, the success of which, though proraeted
by few ef the town's people, encouraged the committee, to whom it
was intrusted, to set about the building. A plan, designed by
Robert Ellis, junior, of Fleet, being approved, the foundation stone
was laid en the 14th of June this year, a very rainy day. A few
silver and copper coins were placed in the cavity of the stone, and
a glass bottle containing the following writing on parchment : ' The
Corner Stone of this Church, called the Church of St. John, in
Holbeach Fen, was laid by Margaret, the wife ef Jaraes Merton,
B.D., Vicar of Holbeach, on the XIV day of June, in the year of
Our Lord MDCCCXXXIX. This Church was built and endowed by
voluntary subscription ; John, Bishop of Lincoln, gave / 800,
George Toraline, Esq., ga.ve £300, R. Dodds, Rector of Fleet, /'2eo,.
J. Morton, Vicar ef Holbeach, /"loo. The Duke of Somerset gave
an acre of land.' " The building was duly consecrated, but was

249
served at first from Holbeach till the Incumbency of the Rev.
Arthur Brook, when it was separated by an Order in Council in
1867, forming it inte a separate Ecclesiastical Parish. A pretty
little Church was built at Holbeach Drove in 1S70 by the liberality
of the late Miss Charington of Spalding.
Clergy. The Rev. W. Patchell, B.A. of Dublin, was the
first Vicar ef Holbeach S. John's. Ordained Deacon in 1847, and
Priest in 1848, by Bishop (Kaye) ef Lincoln. He was Curate of
St. Mary's, Nottingham, and in 1855 was appointed to the newly
formed District ef Gedney Drove End, where service was held only
in a School Chapel, and where he obtained subscriptions towards
the building of the Church at Dawesmere, but was appointed to
the charge ef Holbeach S.John's in the year 1867 as the first
resident Vicar. In 1872 he became the Vicar of Tathwell in this
County, where he is still living.
The Rev. Robert J. Leslie, T.C, Dub., B.A. 1S51, M.A.
1862, succeeded him in 1872, appointed by Christopher Wordsworth,
Bishop ef Lincoln. Ordained Deacon 1851, Priest 1S52, by the
Archbishop of Canterbury te the Curacy of East Mailing, he resided
there two years. At Maidstone in 1S54, Bingham iSss-iSsg,
and in sole charge ef S. John Baptist, Nottingham, iS5g-66,
Curate in charge of Tathwell, Lines., 1S67-72. Author ef A Book
of Poems, 1S50 ; Sermons on the Common Prayer; An Appeal for
Additional Curates ; A Ray of Light cast on St. Bartholomew' s Day,
1864; Life of Charles Leslie, non-juring Divine, Svo, Rivinglon,
18S4 ; Life of Bishop Leslie, Svo, Rivinglon, 1885 ; and a Pamphlet
on the Reform of Convocation.
Though nel a Church in our Parish we here mention the
erection of Sutton Bridge Church, A.D. 1843 —
Shortly after the building of a Church at Holbeach St. John's
this Church was erected, and Mr. W. H. West, of S. Mark's, has
shown us the following extract from the diary of his father-in-law,
which may be ef interest : — " 2g Aug. 1843. Drove Mrs. Peck and
the Misses Beales to Sutton Wash to witness the Consecration of a

25°
New Church there. The Bishop of Lincoln preached a good
Sermon from the gth ch. of Matthew, 36th verse. After.the service
dined and drove te the Guy's Head. Saw the tide come in. Back
to tea at the Bridge Inn, and home by 10. A very interesring day,
and to me a memorable one, being the second Church I have seen
opened for the service ef God, and I hope for the comfort of
many." [Diary of the late Mr. John Peck for the year 1S43.J
S. Mark's with S. Matthew's,
Holbeach Marsh, A.D. iS6g.
The Farraers in the Marsh were anxious for a Church in the
district north of the Parish Church, even in the days of the Rev. J.
Morton. The Rev. Arthur Brook determined to lose ne time in
supplying the spiritual wants ef this District. The great tithes had
lately fallen into the hands of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners,
about /s,ooo a year, and he felt they were bound to recognise its
" local claims " — ^they had lately restored the Chancel of the Parish
Church. At a Meeting, Aug. 21, 1866, Mr. Brook was able to
announce that the Commissioners had promised to endow the
District of S. John's le the South of the Town, and also to endow
two other Districts to the North of the Town with /300 a year and
a Parsonage, provided that a suitable Church was built in each.
It was determined le build one Church at that part of the Roman
Bank called "The Hum,'' and the other in the Marsh. A difficulty
arose about the site of latter Church. The late Joseph Ward, Esq.,
a large landed proprietor, went to Lincoln with a plan of the District,
and the Bishop thought two Churches were needed instead of one
in the Marsh. In May 1867, it was resolved te build two and have
only one Clergyman te serve both, a larger Church te the West at
a cost of /'i, 000, and a smaller towards the East at a cost oi £boo.
Mr. Ward gave the site for S. Matthew's Church, and stipulated
that he would only subscribe provided a Church was built on his
estate. The site for the other was net so easily determined, but
the Crown at length gave it — \ an acre fer the Church and Church
yard, and I acre fer a Parsonage House. The Committee resolved
te make their own bricks. The Duke ef Somerset's agent perraitted

25'
them to use the clay off the farm then occupied by Mr. J. D. Vise,
now in the tenancy of Mr. W. H. West, and Abraham Watte of
Holbeach, undertook to have 80,000 ready. The builder allowed
/"131 for what he used. Tenders were received May 29, 1868;
that of Mr. Bennett, ef Lynn, for /"i,ooo was accepted — by the
omission of the Vestry this was reduced to £gSs. After the Church
was built there was still a good deal to do — a large pit to fill in at
a cost of /"12, a bank to be removed £3 4s., a fence /^34 7s. 6d.,
gates / 13, and quick to be planted and altar plate /"n 12s. »
a bell costing / 20, altar /'lo, font £8, consecration fees
£ib lbs. lod., etc., so that the cost really was /^i332 17s. 4d. It
was at first proposed to ask E. W. Garland, Esq., the owner ef the
Leadenhall Estate, te lay the first stone, but this was ultimately
dene by Mrs. Brook on Sunday, July 19, 1S6S. The short service,
of which the stone laying formed a part, was held at a i past 5
o'clock. The choir of the Parish Church of All Saints led thf
responses and the singing, which was hearty en the part ef the
large congregation. The Rev. Arthur Brook, Vicar of Holbeach,
in a short address before the service, explained the religious
character of the act of stone laying as being an earthly work with a
heavenly meaning, pointing to the one foundation of the Christian
Church, which is Jesus Christ.
The following written statement on parchment signed by the
Vicar, Curates, and Churchwardens ef the eld Church, and also
by several members of the Church Committee, was placed, with
one er two Coins of the present Reign, under the Foundation
Stone — " This Foundation Stone of a Church to be built thereon
and dedicated to the Glory of God, the Father, the Sen, and the
Holy Ghost, under the name of S. Mark the Evangelist, was laid
on the 6th Sunday after Trinity, being the igth day of July, in the
year ef our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight,
in the Thirty-third year of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen
Victoria, and in the Fifteenth year of the Consecration of John>
Lord Bishop of Lincoln, by Eliza, wife ef Arthur Brook, M.A.,
Vicar of Holbeach and Prebendary of Lincoln."

252
The Bishop came to Holbeach en the Festival of the
Epiphany, 1 86g, for the Consecration, and the following is an account
of the Service published at the tirae in the Parish Magazine : —
" The Bishop of Lincoln (Dr. Jackson), consecrated this
Church on Wednesday, January 6th, the Festival of the Epiphany.
At nine o'clock the Bishop breakfasted with the principal inhab
itants ofthe Marsh District, in the little Inn near the new Church.
At ten o'clock the Service began. The Bishop took his seat at
the Holy Table, and the petition requesting him to consecrate the
Church was presented by the Vicar, in the names of the Inhabitants
of the District : it was then read aloud by the Registrar. After
this the Bishop and Clergy walked to the West end of the Church
and back te the East end, repeating by alternate verses the 24th
Psalm. The Deed of Conveyance was then presented te the
Bishop, who reverently laid it upon the Holy Table, and then,
turning le the Congregation, read a brief exhortation explaining
the purposes ef Consecration, and offered up special prayer to God
that he would grant His blessing. After this, Morning Prayer was
said, including special Psalms and Lessons suitable fer a Cense-,
oration. In the first part of the Service for Holy Communion the
Gospel was read by the Rev. J. H. Jowitt, the future Vicar ef
Holbeach Marsh, and the Sermon was preached by the Bishop.
At the end ofthe Prayer for the Church Militant the Congregation
left the Church and stood in the Churchyard while the Bishop and
Clergy walked te the entrance gate and back to the porch,
repeating by alternate verses the 4gth Psalm ; a hymn was sung
and special prayers were offered up. The Lord's Supper was then
administered lo those who desired to partake of that Holy Sacrament
of Love and Thanksgiving. The Offerings collected at the Service
amounted to /^i2 13s. 6d., to be expended in laying out the
Churchyard. It vvas a day much to be remembered by all who
dwell in that District — a forerunner of many blessed days, it is
hoped, to be spent by the Clergyman and the Parishioners in true
christian fellowship, 'serving God acceptably, with reverance and
Godly fear' and being ' at peace among themselves' "

?53
S. Matthew's Church, 3 miles from S. Mark's, in the
North Eastern corner of the Marsh was built at the same time.
Mr. Joseph Ward, alarge farmer and landowner there, gave the site.
The foundation stone was laid the XIII Sunday after Trinity, 6th
of September, 1868, by the daughter of Mr. Ward. An inscription
engrossed en parchment, the same as that used at the slonelaying
at S. Mark's, with the alteration of names and dates, was placed
under it. The Church vvas not finished till Monday, April 5th,
1869, when it vvas consecrated by Christopher Wordsworth, the
newly appointed Bishop of Lincoln. It is worthy of notice that
Bishop Jackson, who had been translated to London, performed
the last act ef Consecration in the Diocese by setting apart the
Church of S. Mark to the glory of God and for the good of souls,
and that the new Bishop performed the first act of Consecration
which fell to his lot after he was made Bishop when he dedicated
the Church ef S. Matthew as a Chapel ef Ease te S. Mark. We
are indebted to the Parish Magazine fer a full account of the service
which vvas held on that day : —
"A most interesting ceremony took place en Monday last in
the Parish of Holbeach, viz., the Consecration of a Chapel of Ease
in the newly constituted District Parish of St. Mark. Some years
age, the Marsh farmers of that Parish, living most of them five, and
many seven or eight miles, from their Parish Church, asked that a
Church might be built in the Marsh. Their wishes, however, were
not carried into effect until the Rev. Arthur Brook, formerly Vicar
of East Retford, was appointed by the present Bishop of London
to the Vicarage of Holbeach. Side by side with the Restoration of
the Parish Church, which was commenced en a costly scale and is
not yet finished, a plan for building two Churches in Holbeach
Marsh, between two and three miles from each other, was set on
foot. The Crown, as owner of the land, gave the site fer one
Church, and Mr. Joseph Ward, a farmer and considerable pro
prietor, gave ground on which the other Church has been reared.
The whole neighbourhood were a festal garb — on every side might
be seen vehicles ef all sizes and descriptions bringing friends te the
great event. The Church was crowded: visiters, both clergy and

254
laity, the farmers and their friends, and the labourers who had a
holiday on the occasion. It was with difficulty that the precession
up and down the Church, consisting of the Bishop and his
Chaplain, and eight other white robed Priests, with the Church
wardens of the Mother Church, could make its way. Never could
any service be more heart-stirring, whilst the Bishop's extempore
address on the last three verses of S. Matthew's Gospel was
full of thought and love : ' Because all power, not brute force, but
duly constituted authority had been given to Christ, therefore He
gave the commission to his Apostles, who have transmitted that
commission te Christ's pastors in all ages ' ; a running commentary
on the second Psalm ; and the application ef those inspired words
to such of our rulers as would break asunder the bonds which have
so long bound together Church and Slate, ' whilst He that sitleth
in the heavens laughs thera 'to scorn' were especially striking.
There were forty Communicants. The Service ended, the Bishop
adjourned te Mr. Ward's, and afterwards to Mr. Caudwell's, both
of whom kept open house, where their tables groaned with
hospitable fare. At both houses the Bishop said a few fatherly
words, and rejoiced the hearts of his hearers. It may also be added
that both Churches are built by Mr. Christian, his designs being
carried into execution by Mr. Bennett, of King's Lynn."
The contract was for /~S5o, but with bricks /^79 5s. gd.,
Seats /"24, Architect /~34 igs. od., the total cost was £'770 iSs. 8d.
The Parish ef S. Mark, Holbeach Marsh, was declared to be
a duly constituted Parish fer all Ecclesiastical purposes by an Order
in Council which appeared in the London Gazette of April 6th,
i86g. S. Mark's Church has an apsidal Chancel, Nave and South
Porch. It is the only Church in the Parish of Holbeach which at
present has stained glass windows. The central window of the
Aspe was decorated by Christraas Day in 1873, and was given by
the family of the Rev. J. H. Jowitt. It represents our Saviour with
His Cross. S. Matthew, S. Luke, S. Mark and S. John were
inserted by Septuagesima Sunday, 1874. Mrs. Jowitl's friends
subscribed for the windows representing S. Matthew, S. Luke and

255
S. John. S. Mark's was put in by harvest offertory and subscriptions
from some of the Parishioners. Another window represents Ihe
Brazen Serpent. A larger window in the nave, near the pulpit,
represents in one light the Sewer, and in the other the Miraculous
Draught of Fishes. It was given by Mr. John Teesdale, and under
il is a brass plate with this inscription : — " To the Glory ef God,
and in Affectionate Reraembrance ef Louisa, The Beloved wife of
John Teesdale, Died, Dec. znd, i86g. Aged 44. Also of Mary,
Their Second Daughter, Died March 26th, 1S74, Aged 18."
Oil Paintings. Three Paintings, formerly in Holbeach
Church, were sold at a public auction in Holbeach, 2nd October,
i88g, and were purchased by the Vicar of S. Mark's who has hung
them in S. Mark's Church. They had been for many years in the
possession of Mr. James Longbottom, of the Rectory farm, who
purchased them from the contractor when the Eccles Coraraissioners
restored the Chancel of Holbeach Church. Morton's Lincolnshire
Churches in 1843, thus speaks ef these Paintings — " Over the Altar
is a painting ef the Last Supper, flanked by full length figures of
Moses and Aaron, to represent the Gospel triumphant over the
Law. And these are cased in a screen ef heathen architecture.
Under a Corinthian arch sits the Saviour in the act ef consecrating
the elements ; and the two chief personages in the Jewish dispen
sation are placed under Grecian pediments supported by pilasters."
Clergy. — Rev. John H. Jowitt, first Incumbent. Or
dained Deacon 1855, Priest 1856, bythe Bishopof Oxford. Curate
in Diocese of Lincoln at Walkeringham i8s7-g, ^""^ afterwards
travelling secretary ef the Additional Curates' Society in the early
days when his district comprised 13 Dioceses. Vicar of S. Mark
i86g. Collated to Alford bythe Bishop 2gth March, iS7g, where
he died iSth November, 1882, and was laid te rest in Rigsby
Churchyard, near Alford, on Wednesday, November 22nd.
Rev. G. W. Macdonald, 2nd Vicar, admitted at Lincoln,
I Sth April, i87g.

256
The value of the Living, nominally /^36s, is new in the
gross only £283, and heavy rates and taxes. The Rateable value of
the District is £1 1,408 los. and the acreage is 9,240. It is still a
part of the Parish of Holbeach for all civil purposes. Mr. Jowitt
built a National School at S. Mark's in 1870. The present Vicar
has built a School at S.Matthew's in 1885, obtaining a site near
that Church from Mr. J. Ward and Mr. Joseph Caudwell.
S. Luke's, Holbeach Hurw,
Was next built. The Site was chosen in the summer of i86g_
The Vicar, the Rev. A. Brook, gave the land. The foundation
stone was laid en Sunday, Aug. Sth, i86g, by Sarah Rebecca, wife
of J. Hurlen Barker, Esq., J. P., ef the Hum Hall, and the Church
was consecrated 23rd Nov., i86g. The Bishop preached from the
text "He loveth our Nation and hath built us a Synagogue." The
part then consecrated was the Nave only. When the foundation
stone was laid the following inscription on parchment (in a bottle
with a few coins) was signed by the Vicar and Churchwardens and
embedded in the stone :
" This Corner Stone of a Church to be built thereon and
dedicated to the Glory of God, the Father, the Sen, and the Holy
Ghost, under the name of S, Luke the Evangelist, was laid on the
Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, being the eighth day of August, in
the year ef Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-
nine, in the Thirty-fourth year of the reign ef Her Most Gracious
Majesty Queen Victoria, and in the First year of the consecration
of Christopher, Lord Bishop of Lincoln, by Sarah Rebecca, wife
of Joseph Hurton Barker, Esq., J. P., of the Hum Hall, near
Holbeach." The cost was /800. Area of the District 3,24g acres.
Population in 1868, 526. Date of the legal formation of the
District — An Order in Council dated March 31, 1870, published in
London Gazette of April ist, 1870. The Chancel was undertaken in
1870, when a generous proposal to devote £230 to the purpose
originated the movement. It was built by Captain J. H. Barker

¦Li ' -'^f

S. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, HOLBEACH.

257
and his wife in memory of their parents, and the Bishop again
visited the Church, on March ist, 1871, to consecrate the Chancel
and the surrounding Burial Ground.
Clergy. — Rev. Walter Hill James, first incumbent. Of
Balliol College, Oxford, A.B. 1850, A.M. 1856, Deacon in 1853,
Priest in 1854, by the Bishop of Exeter. Curate of S. Kenwyn,
Cornwall, 1853-55 ; Heavitree, 1857-58; St. Mary Major, Exeter,
1858-60. Vicar of Croft, Diocese ef Lincoln, 1860-65 > Curate
of Torwood, 1865-67; Rector ef Trevalga, 1S67-70; Vicar of
S. Luke's, Holbeach, 1870-74, when he was appointed to the
Rectory of Fleet, near Holbeach, which he now holds, on the
resignation of the Rev. James Jerram, whose daughter he married.
Rev. Robert Keith Arbuthnot, Trinity College, Dublin,
A.B., 1861, A.M. 1864. Deacon i86i, Priest 1862, London.
Curate of S. Martin-in-the-Fields 1861-63, of Kimpton, Herts.,
1864 to 6g. Vicar of Sempringham & Pointon, Lines., i86g-74,
and Vicar of S. Luke's, Holbeach, 1874-80, when by exchange with
his successor he became Vicar of S. James', Ratcliff, Diocese of
London. He was appointed Chaplain to the Worshipful Company
of Coopers in 1884. He married Agnes, daughter of the Rev.
E. T. Vaughan, Rector ef Harpenden, Herts.
Rev. Ferdinand Wilhelm Becker, of Exeter College,
Oxford, was A.B. 1850, A.M. 1853. Deacon 1850 by the Bishop
of Worcester, Priest 1851 by Bishop of Exeter. Curate of Hewels-
field, Gloucester, 1850-52; Overbury, Worcester, 1853-63; All
Saints, Walworth, 1866-70; S.Mary's, Haggerston, 1870-71 ; Curate
of S. George's, Kensington, 1871-72; Chaplain ef S. Olave's
Union, 1867-75 ; Curate in charge of S. Matthew's, Ealing, 1872-75 ;
Curate of S. Michael and All Angels, South Hackney, 1875 ; Vicar
of S. James', Ratcliff, 1875-80, when he exchanged with the Rev.
R. K. Arbuthnot. And so are there Churches again in the outlying parts of the
great Parish of Holbeach, instead ef only one Church in the Town
for the whole Parish, and these, with two Mission buildings, are
offering the Gospel Message and the Means of Grace to all the

2s8

people hard by their own doors, when, for so long, some of them
had lived remote from the Church's ministrations. Of the Clergy
who have lived and worked in any part of this Parish we have
spoken, and we have gathered up what we can of their lives, while
recording all we could ascertain of the past History of Holbeach.
The naraes of a few Chaplains we have met with should be
mentioned — " Simon de Capella," one ef the jury at an
inquisition at Spalding. [Dugdale Man.
Angl., New Ed., 1821, ///, 26.]
" John Paul de Holbeche," ordained at
Peterborough.
"John Slerr"- de Holbeche."
"William Crosby." [Early Lincoln Wills,
page 156.]
" John Clerk " capellanus. [Stukeley's List
in Itin. Cur.]
" Thomas George." [Stukeley's List — see
Ordinations, 1451.]
" Sir John Welby."
"Thomas Gybson, precher," buried at
Holbeach.

Holbech A.D. 1326.
'398 '399'432'4501460
'474 iSSg

In the Biographies we omitted to mention Mr. Samuel
Fotheringham, a Quaker ef fortune and learning, who died at
Holbeach, 16th July, 1745. "Eminent for his learning in general,
as well as mathematics, mere particularly algebra, and the doctrine
of fluxions and chances (though no gamester) ! He was the first
man in England who invented a clock with two hands, one showing
the true tirae, and the other the apparent time, at all seasons ef the
year, according te the eccentricity ef the earth's orbit, and obliquity
of the ecliptic, as settled by Dr. Flarastead, which was raade by
Mr. John Berridge, late of Boston, now of London : he was affable
and charitable, of an engaging conversation and courteous be
haviour, to people of all persuasions." \^Gent's. Mag., 1745.]
Nor should we omit to mention William Rippin, who also
died at Holbeach, 12th October, 1S57. Catching a severe cold in
his eyes, which resulted in amaurosis, he found himself, at the age

259
of 28 years, totally blind ; but instead of being crushed by this
misfortune, by untiring eiiergy and perseverance, he became one of
the cleverest of blind men, could repair clocks, watches, and
musical instruments, and the only aid he required was in unpinning
and pinning the hair spring which was dene by his wife, who is
living at Spalding at the present time, and can vouch for these
facts. Every watch he knew by the touch and every customer by
his voice. He was leader of the Holbeach Brass Band.
We omitted to give these brasses in Holbeach Church,
which we here record : —
Near the Chancel. "In Affectionate Remerabrance of Edward
Blithe Vise, Surgeon, who died May the 17th, 1873, aged 84 years.
Also in loving Memory ef Sarah, His Wife, Who Died March igth,
1857, Aged 62 years."
Holbeach Church is well lighted with handsome gas stand
ards and brackets. Under a bracket in the Chancel on the North
side is a small Brass inscribed — " Presented by Louisa Johnson,
In Memory of her Dear Son, Sturton Hargate Johnson, Accidentally
Drowned, Nov. gth, A.D. 1871, Aged 20^'''-"
The Brass on the Wall of the South Aisle has this
inscription : —
" In affectionate remembrance of Martha, daughter of Thomas
and Martha Sturton, born October 24th, 1838, died October 29th;
1851. She was buried in the South Aisle of this Church."
The Will of Henry Winckley, of Holbeach, yeoman, was
proved in the Consistory Court of Lincoln, 30th July, A.D. 1698,
by Henry Winkly, the Sole Executor. He mentions his son
Henry, and his kinsraen Henry Winckley of Peakirke, and John
Chapman. To be buried in Moulton Churchyard near his wife.
Witness, Elizabeth Cleypoele and John Winkely. Seal of John
Stukeley ef Holbeach, father of the Antiquary. From documents
collected by William, Winckley, F.S. A., ef Flambards, Harrow-on-
the-Hill, it seems to be proved that the family fled into Lincoln
shire " during seme civil er religious commotion." The Will of

26o
William Wynkley, husbandman, of Irby in the Marsh, Lincolnshire,
was proved at Lincoln the last day of Feb., 1542, and Richard
Trafford was married there in 1541. He was fifth son of Sir
Edmond Trafford of Lancashire, who died in 1533, and his brother
George, the 2nd son of Sir Edmund, married Helen, daughter and
heiress of William Roberts of Holbeach ; and Henry Trafford,
Abbot of Salley, who was executed in 1537 for being concerned in
" The Pilgrimage of Grace," was brother of Sir Edmund Trafford
and uncle of Richard Trafford of Irby, which being a small parish,
there vvas probably some connection between these two families,
presuming both came from Lancashire. Salley Abbey was only 5
miles from Winkley, the ancient seat of the Lancashire Winkleys.
The Winkleys of Harrow-en-the-Hill are descended from William
Winkley, who was born at Tydd S. Mary in 1741, and their pedigree
is deduced from Waller Winkley, Churchwarden ef Lutton or Sutton
S. Nicholas in 1705. We trust that Mr. Winckley will obtain further
information as a reward for his diligent researches inte the past
history of his family.
We have now brought our labours to an end, and trust that our
readers will think we have given them a variety of reliable informa
tion. Let us hope that the long chain of the Clergy of this Parish
we have given will have served to show that the Church of England
is no " New Church founded at the Reformation," but a real and
living branch of the Church Catholic in this realm ef England —
that Church ence founded by our Blessed Lord Himself — the Body
which brought first to our shores the glorious Gospel of Hope and
Love — which left ne part ofthe land without a minister to proclaim
the truth as it is in Jesus — which has striven here — as she is
striving in all the world, te bring disciples into His Fold — no
simple National institution called into existence by a vote of
Parliament, for she existed even before any Parliament sat — a
Divine Incorporation with a continuous life flowing to Her from
Her Exalted Head — afflicted sometimes, yet never forsaken —
according to the true promise of Him who said "Lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world."

A DDENDA.

The Population of Holbeach cannot easily be obtained
correctly, as the district of the Census enumerators took nd notice
of the Ecclesiastical Parishes, and in S. John's Parish a part of
Gedney and Fleet are included in the District of the Ecclesiastical
Parish. 1588. Articles exhibited against John Walpole and William'
Stowe, concerning Mr. Carlton's engine lately overthrown upon the
Sea bank at Holbech. Co. of lincoln, employed in draining the
Fens. [State Papers, Vol. 2, page 3-] o ; Vol. CCXIX, 13, 1588.] i^
James Brecknock, Apothecary, Holbeach, died in 1746,
(see page 222.) Descended from William Brecknock, buried at
Diddlebury, Salop, 20th Dec, 1574, whose son Roger was there
bapt., 17 Sept., 1551; he was of Radcliffe and ef Hucknall Torkard,
Co. of Nottingham, and his wife Mary died 30 Nov., i6n. He
died in 1639. James Brecknock, their fourth son, was born 17
January, 1602, became Vicar of Spondon, Derbyshire, buried 25
Sept., 1674. His eldest son, James Brecknock, born 12th October
1643, became Vicar of Weston, Lincolnshire, and was buried tliere
ist April, 1 69 1. The second son Roger, born 18th April, 1646,
was Vicar of Meatheringham, and was buried i3Feb., 1700. James
Brecknock, Vicar ef Weston, married Mary, daughter of John
Fleming, at West Lynn, Sth June, 1676, and she was buried in S.
Stephen's Churchyard, Norwich, 26 Sept., 1716. Their eldest son
was James the Apothecary, who was born Aug. 31, 1681. He
married Anne, daughter of John Lillie, Esq., New Sleaford, on
nth of March, 1704-5. She died Aug. Sth, 1735, aged 53, and
there were eight children. He married again, Margaret Davey,
widow, daughter of Adlard Stukeley, nth Feb., 1735-6, by whom
he had no issue. She died in 1765. His daughter Anne married

Samuel Palmer of Whaplode, in 1731. Their 7lh son, Samuel
Palmer, married Ann Goulding of Whaplode, ig Oct., 1772. Their
son Samuel married Ann Barker ef Baumber, whose only surviving
child married William Carbutt, 7th April, 1825, father of John
Carbutt, new living at Holbeach Hum. [Family Memoranda in
possession of Miss Carbutt, Albert Street, Holbeach.]
In 1656 William Holmes gave /200 to be lent in sums of
/io lo poor tradesmen for 3 years without any interest. Also
/"400 to help to place and maintain two Scholars at S. Mary
Magdalen College, Cambridge. This was laid out in the purchase
of forty acres of land at Holbeach, near the Roman Bank, which
then produced a rent of /~2o per annum, now let on lease at £bo,
and the accumulation ef unapplied rents about 1827 was /~2,500
stocK in the three per cents, besides the rent of the said estate at
Holbeach. [See History of Wisbech 1827, by Wm. Watson.]

ERR A TA.

Page 13 line 26 for "quouting"
16 „ 18 „ "Eari Allan"
5 ,, "Catterton"
6 „ "Cobbdyke"
13 „ "Mangle"
5 ,, "accepted"
12 ,, "Qualelode"
26 „ "Lincoln Writ"
23 „ "43rd Vicar"
15 „ date " 1 140 "
„ "1613"

1 u ,,
55 .,

55 ..

77 ..

107 „
in ,,
170 ..
184 „
'8s „
'9' ..
214 „
214 „
, 231 „
'9'5
22 24
read quoting.
„ Earl Alan.
,, Casterton.
., Cobledyke.
,, Wrangle.
,, excepted.
,, Quapelode.
,, Lincoln Kest.
,, 44th Vicar.
,, date 1840.
„ „ 1683.
,, "Semperingham" ,, Sempringham.
j» j» )» ,»
„ " tall Dickinson " „ Will Dickinson.
List of Subscribers.

Andrews, Mr. Willl-vm, F.R.H.S., 2 Park Row, Hull.
Arbuthnot, Rev. R. K., M.A., S. James' Vicarage, Ratcliff, London, E.
Baily, Mr. Charles, Clumber House, Frome-Selwopd, Somersetshire.
Barnes, Mr. Thomas Henry, HeatherclifF, Walton-by-Clevedon, Somersetshire.
Bathurst, The Venerable, The Archdeacoii, Hoi well Rectory, Hitchin.
Blake, Miss, ij Fortfield Terrace, Sidmouth, Devonshire.
Bennett, Rev. S. Leigh, The Vicarage, Long Sutton, Lincolnshire.
Blenkin, The-Rev; Canon, G;B., Rural Dean, The Vicarage, Bbston.
Boyd, Mr. William, 4 Cowper Mansions, Cadogari Gardens. London, S."W.
Cust, The Lady Elizabeth, 13 Eccleston Square, London, S.W.
Caparn, Mr. Thomas, Petersfield, Hampshire.
Carbutt, Mr. John, Holbe.nch Hurn, Holbeach.
Carruthers, Mr. G. E., Yarborough Villa, Ventnor, Isle of Wight.
Carter, Mr. John Hardv", Pelham House, Nottingham.
Caswell, Mr. C. J., At ye sign of ye Bull in Horncastle.
Caudwell, Mr. Joseph, Thimbleby House, Holbeach S. Matthew's, Holbeach.
Chalon, Col. T. H. T,, Inworth Grange, Near Kelvedon, Essex.
Clarke, Mr. Thomas, late Sheriff of London and Middlesex, 33 Bloomsbury
Square, London, W.C.
Colun, Rev. John, M.A.. The Vicarage, Whaplode, Near Spalding.
CoLLINGS, Mr. J. LiNDON, Innox Hill House, Frome-Selwood, Somersetshire.
Craggy, Mrs. A., The Manor Farin, North Newbald, Near Bruff, East Yorkshire.
Curtis, Mr. "Thomas West, High Street, Holbeach.
Dawkes, Mr. Henry, The Chequers Hotel, Holbeach.
Duckworth, Mr. Ku.ssell, The Cloisters, Bath, Somersetshire.
Elwell, Rev. Henry, S, Mary Magdalene Vicarage, Harlow.
EwEN, Mr. J. England, 26 Hough Green, Chester.
Farrow. Mr. Charles J., The School House, S. Mark's, Holbeach.
Francklin, Mrs. J., Snetlisham Lodge, Snettisham, King's Lynn. (2 copies 1
Foster, Mr. Joseph. 2 1 Boundary Road, Finchley Road, London, N.W.
Foster, Mr, W. E,, F.S. A., Lindum Road, Aldershot. (2 copies.) .
Garland, Mr. Edgar W., Walcot, Torquay. (2 copies.)
Gibbons, Mr. Alfred, 4 Minster Yard, Lincoln.
Gray, Mr. Henry, 47 Leicester Square, London, W.C.
Green, Rev. Thomas, Stanbridge Vicarage, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. ,
Griffiths, Rev. George P., S. Mark's Vicarage, Cheltenham.
Gulliver, Rev. Charles H., Clifton Terrace, Forest Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
GURNHILL, Rev. J., East Stockwith Vicarage, Gainsborough.
HANNAM,'Mr. George, J.P.,- Bromstone-House, 'Near-Broadstairs,<Kent.

Harper, Mr. Robert Russell, M.R.C.S.E., Littlebury House, Holbeach.
Harrisson, Miss Jane, Stukeley House, Holbeach. (2 copies.)
Harrisson, Mr. John Carter, Mattimore House, Holbeach.
Harvey, Rev. George T., M.A., Vicar's Court, Lincoln.
Hemmans, The Rev. Canon, Rural Dean, The Vicarage. Holbeach. (4 copies.)
Renville, Rev. Edward, M.A., Chipping Warden Rectory, Near Banbury.
Higdon, Mr. Francis G., The Crown Lodge, The Clough. Holbeach.
HuDSO.N, Rev. J. Clare, M.A., Thornton Vicarage, Near Horncastle.
James, Rev. Walter H., M.A., The Rectory, Fleet, Near Holbeach.
Jackson, Rev. J. Russell, M.A., J.P., Rural Dean, The Vicarage, Moulton.
Jeans, Rev. G. E., M.A., Shorwell Vicarage, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Kingston, Mr. S.\muel, Lord of the Manor of Pipwell, Spalding.
Lane, Mr. T. A., High Street, Holbeach.
Layng, Rev. W. W., M.A., Rippingale Rectory, Near Bourne.
Lincoln, The Very Reverend the Dean of. The Deanery, Lincoln.
Lowis, Miss, S. John's, Holbeach.
Macdonald, Mrs. W. P., 5 Devonport Road, Shepherd's Bush, London, W.
Macdonald, General R. M., 80 Oxford Gardens, Netting Hill, London, W.
Macdonald, Miss Violet, S. Mark's Vicarage, Holbeach.
Maddison, Rev. A. R., Vicar's Court, Lincoln.
Massingberd, Rev. W. O., South Ormsby, Near Alford, Lincolnshire.
Matthewman, Mr. Joseph, Stanley Hall, Wakefield.
May, Mr. Charles G., East End, Holbeach.
Meatheringham, Mr. W. B., Keightley House, Holbeach.
MiLLNS, Mr. WlLLr.4M, Registrar of Births, etc., Holbeach.
Mills, Mr. William A., Gurney 's Bank, Holbeach.
Mitchell, Mr. E. J., The Stamford, Spalding and Boston Bank, Holbeach.
Mitchell, Mr. H. E. „ ,, ,, Kettering.
Mitchell, Mr. Thomas J., The Bank, Bourne, Lincolnshire.
Moore. Col. C. B., F.S.A., Frampton Hall, Boston.
Morton, Dr. John, Eastgate House, Guildford.
Morton, Mr. James, Town Clerk's Ofiice, Kidderminster.
Morton, Mr. T. N., 40 Eastbourne Street, Liverpool.
Mossop, Mr. Richard P., Solicitor, Holbeach.
Ogden, Miss, Girls' National School, Holbeach.
Patchett, Mr. J., Willowtree Farm, Holbeach S. Mark's.
Peckover, Mr. Alexander, F.S. A., Bank House, Wisbech.
Peet, Mr. Henry, 97 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool. (2 copies.)
Pitts, Mr. William, Holbeach Marsh, Holbeacli.
Randall, Mr. Joseph, Bank Chambers, George Street, Sheffield.
Roberts, Mr. W. B., The Manor House, Hampton-on-Thames.
Rogers, Rev. George, M.A., Vicarage, Gedney, Near Holbeach.

Richards, Rev. T. W., M.A., The Vicaiage, Leighton Buzzard, Bed
fordshire. (2 copies.)
Ridlington, Mr. J., Southend, Boston, Lincolnsliiie.
RiDLiNGTON, Mr. Walter, Churchwarden of Holbeach, Barrington Gate,
Holbeach.
RussKLL, Rev. A. H. Monckton, M.A , Whitnash Rectory, Nr. Leamington.
Rcssell, Rev. Henry, M.A., Layham Rectory, Near Hadleigh, Suffolk.
Russell, Mr, H. B., Bank House, Wells, Somersetshire.
Russell, Mr. Charles O. Hannam, Whitnash Rectory, Leamington.
Sanderson, Rev. E. Manners, M.A., The Vicarage, Weston S. Mary,
Near Spalding.
Scott, Mr. R. T., The Bursary, i New Court, S. John's College, C.imbridge.
(2 copies.)
Simpson, Mr. Jistin, S. Martin's, Stamford.
Sisson, Rev. M. J., Chaplain H.M. Prison, Cambridge.
Smith, Rev. Clement, M.A., The Rectory, Washfield, Tiverton, Devon.
Smith, Major-General W. H., 2 Lindum Terrace, Lincoln.
Smith, Mr. Edgar, The Village, S. Mark's, Holbeach Marsh.
Smith, Mr. John, 2nd No. 64, East Frith, S. Oswego, United States of
America.
Snarey, Mr. William, West End, Holbeach. (2 copies.)
Spalding, The Gentleman's Society, Spalding.
Spokes, Mr. John, Slough, Near Windsor.
Spokes, Rev. John H., M.A., Lutton Vicarage, Long Sutton. (2 copies.)
Stoodlev, Rev. T. A., M.A., B.C.L., The Grammar School, Spalding.
Sturton, Mr. J. P., Solicitor, High Street, Holbeach.
Swan, Mrs. 32 Camberwell New Road, London.
Taylor, Mr. George, The Stores, S. Mark's, Holbeach.
Triffett, Mr. Josiah, High Street, Holbeach.
Venables, The Reverend the Precentor, The Precentory, Lincoln.
Vincent, Mr. John A. C, 17 Hart Street, Bloomsbury, London, W.C.
WiNCHEL.SEA AND NoTTiNGHAJi, The Right Hon. The Earl of
Welby-Gregory, Sir William, Baronet, Denton Manor, Grantham.
Webb, Mr. Charles, Barrington Gate, Holbeach.
West, Mr. W. H., Somerset House, Holbeach Marsh.
Wheeler, Mr. W. H., Market Place, Boston.
Willders, Mr. J. Warin, Solicitor, Holbeach.
Winckley, Mr. William, F.S.A., Flambards, Harrow-on-the-Hill.
Winckley, Rev. A. R. T., B.A., Curate of Christ Church, Battersea.
Worth, Mr. W. C, Member ofthe County Council and Chairman Holbeach
Local Board.
Worth, Mr. Percy, Christie House, Holbeach.
Worth, Miss, Christie House, Holbeach.
Worth, Miss Maud, Christie House, Holbeach.

Index of Subjects.

Abbey of Croyland, 12, 14, 17, 27, 30,
46, 6s, 74, no. III, lis, "7.
125, 159, 168, 200, 238.
Abraham, Wm., 80.
Accidents, Sad, 41, 214.
Accounts, Churchwardens, 117, 119,
164.
Acre Silver, 107.
Addison, Ed., 130.
Adventurers, The, 128.
Advowson, 20, 48, 61, 146, 147.
Agnus Dei, 88.
Albemarle, Earl of, 37, 38, 54, 70, 211.
Aldermen, 86 — 88, lor, 199.
Alexander, Pope, 19.
Altars, 23, 117, ISS, 159, 227, 251.
Alvingham Priory, 154.
Alyngton, Thos., 81.
Amies, Dame, 244, 245.
Anabaptists, 148, 194, 229, 230.
Ancient Burial Ground, 197.
Angevin, Wm. le, 24, 37.
Ankerwyk, The Nunnery of, 155.
Antiquary, The, 117, 119, 127, 163, 203
Apostle's Coats, 118, 119.
Apothecary, 138, 207, 222, 230, 234.
Apprentice, An early, 202.
Archbishops, 17, 58, 147, 174.
Archdeacons, 25, 127, 149, 160, 165,
175, 201.
Argyll, Earl of, 128.
Armada, Spanish, 124, 128.
Armed Association, 212.
Armour, 83, 125.
Arms, 84, 129, 147, 174, 202.
Army Reserve Act, 190.

Assembly Rooms, 196.
Athelard, Wm., 56.
,, Thomas, 81.
Aughty Family, 130, 132, 231.
Austin, Wm. and John, 208.
Ayre, Mich, 130.
Bampton Lecture, 9.
; Banks, 5, 74, 84, 105, 188, 205, 251-
Baptist Chapel, 195.
Bardney Abbey, 12.
Barker, Capt., 138, 139, 256.
Barley Pit, 237.
Barlings, 79, 116.
Barrington Manor, 123.
Baston, 32, 33, 115.
Batcombe, Somerset, 170.
Baysfeld Manor, 123.
Becket's Murder, 112.
Becket, Thomas Chapel, 87, 88, 117,
122, 247.
Beckton, Vicar, 213.
Bells, 95, 105, 120, 142; Demolition
of, 120.
Benefice, 42, 130, 168.
Bequests to Poor, 66, 67, 165, 203,
234—237.
Beverley, 24, 25, 196, 212.
Biographies, 200, 258.
Bishops, Lavington. 232.
Bishops, Vicars made, 42, 108, 162,
163, 179, 181, 182.
Black Monks, 200.
Blund, Wm., Knt., 47, 48.
Books, 151, 173, 182, 183, 200, 206,
208, 244, 249.
Boundaries, 58, 73, 74, 75, 76.

Boston, 3—5, 22—25, 45. 67, 77. 85.
,101, 130, 163, 165, 172, 191, 204,
238, 241—245.
Bounds, The Parish, 188, 204, 240,
241. 242, 244, 249.
Bread, Assize of, 30.
Bradley's Charity, 235.
Brook, Rev. Arthur, 183, 184, 197,
. . 249, 250, 251, 253.
Bridge, 139,189, 235, 250.
Briefs, 231, 232.
Calsewath Deanery, 46,
Candles, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91.
Candlesticks, 118.
Canopy over the Sacrament, 118.
Cardyke, 3.
Castello, 155.
Castleacre, Priory of, 46, 51, 172.
Cato Street, 139.
Cathedrals, 23, 109, 147, 156, 160, 177,
179, 180, 193, 201.
Cawstpn, Norfolk, 210.
Cemetery, 195, 197, 243.
Chalices, 151, 227, 239, 242, 247.
Chancel to be built " de novo,'' 151,
158.
Chancel in decay, 165.
Chantries, 80, 82, 97, 121, 237, 247.
Chapels, Pre-reformation, 80, 94, 121.
„ Nonconformist, 194, 195.
Charities, 192, 234 — 237.
Chastity, Vow of, 107, 108.
Chandelier, 227.
Chequer's Hotel, 137, 189.
Chimes, 141, 227.
Church Clock, 141, 227.
„ Lands, 17, 118, 187, 188.
„ Property, 12, 17, 227.
,, Dimensions of, 145.
„ Way, 186.
,, Yard, 71, 106, 186, 187, 196,
205, 226.
„ Desecration of, 106, 139.
Civil War, 130, 168.
Cologne, Kings of, 118, 119.

Coins, 5, 140, 234, 248, 251, is6.
College of S. John, Cambridge, 186,
'88, 193, 208, 212, 214, 217.
College of Thetford, 203.
Communicants, 169, 239.
Communion Plate, 227.
Confession, Vicar to hear reserved, 64,
158.
Congregationalists, 195.
Conventicle, 149, 173, 194.
Cook, Eliza, 137.
Corpus Christi Guild, 86.
County Council, 199.
Crabhouse, Nun of, 161.
Cross of Holbeach, The, 27.
Dacre Family, 56, 72, 93, 95, 99, 100,
122, 123.
Daily Service, 90, 91.
Danes, II, 12.
Darby's Charity, 234.
Date of Church, 63, 158.
„ Vicarage, 63, 151.
Davey's Charity, 222, 236.
Dawsmere, 215.
Deanery of Holland, 45, 46, 48, 79, 148
Denby Manor. 161.
Deprived Vicar, 170.
Destrier (a War Horse), 22.
Dodyngton Manor, 108.
Dogdyke, 16.
Domesday Book, 2, 14 — 18.
Donyngton, 66, 82.
Dhorson Bridge Church, Northants,
232-
Drayne, Old, 233.
,, New, 188, 235.
Drainage, 58, 128.
Dugdale, 19, 20, 68, 69, 70, 71, 84.
Durham Fordyce's Hist, of, 212.
Duncombe's Charity, 236.
Eccleston Church, 138.
EUoa, Elloe or Ellowe Wapentake,
4, 19, 20, 26, 31, 35, 38, 48, 58,
59. 77. 140.

Elman, Henry, 117, u8, 148, 164.
Eltham Manor, 155.
Ely, Bishop of, 18, 59, 63, 149—151.
Endowed Schools Act, 190.
England, Church of, 9. 10, 91, 112,
113, 114, 236, 260.
Equity, Suits in, 136.
Eresby, The Beks of, 153.
Etymology, 2.
Eucharist, 201.
Evesham, Abbot of, 11.
Everson Charity, 235.
Excommunication, 74, 114, 127, 151.
Fabric of Church, 94, 159, 161, 165.
Fairs, 25, 28, 30, 97.
Falkirk Battle of, 154.
Farfurth Marsh, 96.
Farmer, George, 132, 202.
Fens, 13, 20, 87, III.
Fleet, 16, 22, 28, 43, 71, 77—80, 85,
94, in, 123, 125, 129, 131, 161,
165, 1S8. 208.
Fleet Church, 46, 47, 161.
,, Churchyard, 71.
,, Market, 22, in.
,, Rectors of, 78, 193, 241, 248, 257.
Fletes, Family of, 131, 205.
Fotheringham, Sam., 258.
Frampton, 18, 45, 77.
Freeholders of Holbeach, 122.
Freemasons, 215.
Free Warren, 24, 25, 29, 33, 66.
Freckingham, C, Vicar of Whaplode,
165.
Free School, 132—135, 136, 189.
Frankpledge, 28, 29.
Gadenton, 32.
Gainsborough, The Parsonage of, 201.
Gayse Park, 96.
Gaywood, 22.
Gas Works, 196.
Gedney, 24, 38, 46, 59, 66, 67, 76, 77,
78, 80, 84, 115, 121, 161, 167.
„ The Church, 46.

Gedney, Manor, 94, 102, 104.
,, Vicar of, 78, 80, 167, 240.
„ Market, 22.
Gildas, 7.
Gilt Spurs Rent, 2 1 .
Gloucester, Duke of, 42, 92.
Gosberton, 45, 66, 77, 81, 160.
,, Church appropriated, 160.
Grammar School, 132, 189—191.
,, Science of, 164.
Great Floods, 42, 44, 47, 124.
Grantham Fire, 232.
Green Rod, Usher of, 174.
Grimsby, 23, 130, 169.
Guilds, 86 — 92, 120, 161, 197, 203, 204,
238, 243.
Guilesland, 47, 98, 99, 146, 155.
Gulstonian Lecture, 206.
Gunpowder Plot, 139.
Guthlac, St., II, 14, 16.
Guynwell, Bp. of Lincoln, 71, 56.
Habeas Corpus Act, 173.
Hackebeche, Sir Robt., 43, 93.
Hallgate, 58.
Harecourt, William de, 61, 146.
,. John, 48.
Harod's Coat, 117, 119.
Harrox, John, 132.
Hay Tithes, 76.
Hayton, John, 240.
Hazlewood, Dr., 168.
Hebrew Dictionary, 200.
Hemmans, Canon, 157, 184, 191, 214,
220.
Herries, Richard, 130.
Hobbies, 83.
Hobson Family, 142, 204, 233.
Holbeach, i, 2, 14—40, 42, 43, 45—59,
61 — 80, 82 — 95, 97 — 102, 104 —
III, 115-125, 127—141, 144, 146,
147—152. 157—177. 179—186, 188
— '95. '97—209, 211—220, 225,
226, 228, 231, 233—249, 251 to
end.

Holbeach Church, 19, 20, 32, 45 — 48,
61, 63, 65, 71, 73, 75, 83, 87—91,
94, 95, 104 — 106, 117, 119, 120,
122, 127-137, 140, 146, 149, 158,
161, 163, 166, 168, 169, 171 — 17s,
183, 186 — 189, 204, 205, 211, 218,
220, 222, 223, 227, 241, 243, 246,
247, 248, 250, 251, 253, 257, 259.
Holbeach Common, 122, 247.
Hurn, 5, 55, no, 139, 156.
'99, 238-240, 250, 256.
,, Cross, 240, 241.
,, S. Mark's, 250 — 252, 254,
25s. 256; Vicais, 255.
,, S. Matthews, 141, 253-4.
,, S. Luke's, 141, 256. Vicars,
257-
,, S. John's, 141, 248 — 249.
Vicars, 249.
,, The Manor of, 15 — 17, 19, 25.
26, 34. 43. 47, 48— S3>
55, 68, 71, 92, 95—100,
102 — 104, 122, 197, 236,
245-
„ Rectors of, 148, 151, 152 —
157-
„ Vicars of, 63, 64, 78 — 80,
94, 95, 108, 130, 148, 158
-185, 187,189,191—193
196, 197, 205, 208, 213,
214, 216, 220, 227, 236,
248, 249, 250, 251, 253,
256.
,, Curates of, 162, 193. 207 —
218.
,, Vicarage of, 148, 184, 185,
187, 188.
Holbech, Dr., 200.
Holdernesse, 53.
Holebech Laurence, 200.
Holies, Col., Notes, 218 — 220.
Holinshed, 124.
Hospitals, 67 — 71, 81, 156, 161, 189.
Houlden, Wm., Vicar of Whaplode,
167.
Hunnings, John, 198.
Hunston, Henry, 125, 126.
Hurdletree Bank, 188.
Impropriator, 135, 188.
Ingulph's Chronicles, 13, 14.

Inhabitants, Some Past, 56, 57, S9, 60,
61, loi, 109, 115, 117 — 119, 121,
124, 125, 130, IJ2, 133, 196, 197,
212.
Inquisitions, 24, 26, 28, 35, 53, 6r, 67.
70, 7', 93, 99. 10'-
Inscriptions on Bells, 142.
,, in the Church, 136, 176,
211, 218, 225, 226, 246.
,, in the Churchyard, 183,
213, 226.
Institutions at Holbeach, 71.
Inundations from the Sea, 42, 44, 47,
124, 128.
Ipswich, 42.
Irish Protestants, 232.
Ismania de Capelade, 21.
Itinerary of King John, 23.
Jackson, Israel, 135.
Jerusalem, Patriarch of, 154.
Jewels, Robbery of, from Church, 104,
163.
Jury, Names of, 26, 35, 43, 53, 61, 67,
70. 72, 93, 100, lOI.
John Baptist, St., Chapel of, 14.
John, King, 21—23, "2.
John, of Jerusalem, Hospital of St.,
81, 156.
Jutes, 8.
Katherine's, St., Hospital, Lincoln, 161
Kele, West, Church, 149.
Kings of Cologne, 118, 1 19.
King's Books, 148, 149.
King Henry VIL, 104.
King's Brothers, The, 25.
Kirby Bedon, i8i.
Kirby Underwood, 178.
Knights' Fees, 24, 26, 27, 36, 37, 48,
49, 54, 68, 92, loo.
Knights of Holbeach, 26, 47, 48, 55,
99, '"•
Lamp of Guild, 87.
Lancaster, Duchy of, 38, 41, 161.
Landisfari, Diocese of, n.
Lecturer at Boston Church, 172.
Lee, AVm., Esq., 196; Edward, 188.

Leland, no, ni.
Leuca, A.. 27.
Liber Regis. 148, 149.
Liberty, Civil and Religious, 173.
Lincoln's Inn Pulpit, i8r, 182.
List of Rectors and Vicars, 152, 157;
Curates, 207 ; Free School Masters
191.
Littlebur;.- Family, 82. 83. 84, 85. 86,
no. 115.
,, Sir Humphrey, 55, i7, 59,
64, 83.
His Monument, 55, 83, 84.
Local Board, 198.
LoUards, 113.
Long Sutton, 56, 59, 66, 67, 76, 78, 79.
121, 131, 161, 165.
„ Vicar of, 78, 79, 167, 217.
Lords, Of the Manor of Pipwell, 198.
Loyalists in America, 179.
Macdonald, Flora, 215.
Magic, Practical Utility of, 163.
Magnetic Needle, 215.
Market on Thursday granted, A.D.
1252, 24, 25, 28, 29, 97.
Market Place, 31, 49, 189.
,, House, 196.
Marriage of Clergy, i65.
,, Licences, 167, 172, 204.
Martham, Vicar of, 209.
Mattimore House, 214.
Metheringham, 215.
Meeting House at Cawston, 209, 210.
Methodist Society, 194.
Midghole, Yorkshire, 193, 208.
Monuments, Mural, in Church, 218,
220 — 222.
Monuments, on Floor of Church, 223
-225-
Morse's Charity, 236.
Mortmain, The Statute of, 69.
Moulton, 39. 45, 4S, 55, 59, 66, 67, 72,
77, 78, 81,93, 94, 121, 123, 128,
129, 132, 134, 207.

Moulton School, 132, 204, 207 ; Church,
45, 48, 94 ; Manor, 72 ; Vicars, 47.
78, 81, 94, 160; Poor, 67.
Nantes, Edict of, 178.
National Schools, 249, 256.
Nausby, Wm. de, 158.
Neville, Earl of Westmoreland, 42.
,. Testa de, 35, 37, 38.
Newland, Rev. T.. of Gedney, 167.
Nicholas IV., Pope, 45 — 47.
Nicholas, S., Chapel of, 80, 82, 94, 97.
122, 237, 243-7; Chaplains, 245.
Ninth Garb, The, 65.
Nonconformists, 170, 194, 230.
Nones, 64.
Northwood, Thos. de, 150.
Notes and Queries, 2, 108, 120, 174.
Notary- Public, 149.
Nuns, 92, 161.
Nunnerj-, 155.
'•Novate Novale." meaning of lerm,
215.
Oak Panel, 192.
Oiri, Fulco de, 20, 22, 38 ; Robert, 35,
36 ; Lambert, 21.
Oldmedowe Family, 60, 65.
Ordination of the Vicarage, 63, 151,
158.
Ordinge, John, 127.
Organ Case, 185, 228.
Organs, 144, 162, 175, 185, 210.
Ornaments, 104, 119, 163.
Our Ladye's Guild, Priest. 242.
Oundle School, 142.
Overton, Thos., 159.
Page, Thomas, 131.
PaineU, no.
Palfreys, 22.
Papal Encroachments, 10, 112.
Paris Family, 60, 67, 80, 158.
Partriche, John, 104, 163.
Patriarch of Jerusalem, 154.
Paj-nell, Sir J., 85.
Pecche Bartho : 25.

Pecoke, Rich , 115.
,, James, 162, 239, 241.
Pedigrees, 84, 202, 204, 260.
Pensions of Chantry Priests, 239, 240,
243, 244
Peterborough, Monastery at, 11.
Peter's, S., Chapel, 21, 197, 237.
Philadelphia, Bishop of, 107, 108, 162,
163.
Pilgrimage of Grace, 116, 260.
Pimlow, Rev. John, 130, 132, 171, 173.
Pinchbeck, 2, 26. 45, 46, 58, 66, 77
121, 129. 131, 229; Church, 45
Vicar of, 81, 86, 160; Poor of, 66
Chantry of, 81, 82.
Pipwell Manor, 107, 197. 198.
Pitt, The Statesman, 179. 216.
Plasterer's Guild, 89. 91.
Plays, Miracle, lig.
Police Station, 199.
Pope, Privilege from, recited. 156.
Population, 141, 199, 239, 347.
Prescotes, Church and Vicar of, 72,
Prcemunire, Statute of, 112.
Provisors, Statute of, 112.
Pulpit, 227.
Pulvertoft, 55, 85, loo, 101, 203, 24b.
Pynder, Robeit. 93 ; John, 94.
Quakers. 148, 194, 258.
Quappelade, 14, 10.21,23, 3°, 3-— 39,
43- 45- 50, 53— 55, 59, <", bb, (>:.
74. 78. 81. 94. luO. III. 115. 121,
125. 159; Church, 14, 45, 75 94,;
Vicars, 81. 94, ibj, 167.
Quo Warranto, Proceedings de, 28. 30,
32—35-
Rands. Henrj-. Bishop of Lincoln,
147,200; Thomas, 201 ; John, 109,
121 ; Richard, 81.
Rape Seed, Tithes of, 169.
Raveningham, 85.
Recusants, 127.
Register Book, Parish, 170, 174. 187,
203, 228 ; Chest for safe custody
of, 165.
Registers, Extracts from. 170, 172, 173,
228-234.

Register of Honour of Richmond, 39.
Registrars, 170, 171.
Reformation, 112 — 114.
Doctrines of the, 208.
Relief of Poor, 66, 116.
Rents, 50, 123, 124, 146, 239.
Retford, East, 183, 237.
Richmond, Earls of, 17, 19, 40, 41, 52,
52, 68, 72.
Rigge, Long, 161.
P..ights, Bill of, 173.
Rippingale, 18, 54, 67, 79, 82, 170.
Rippin, William, 258.
Robarte, Jane, 107 ; see also page 260.
Rodgerson, Wm., 198 ; Simon, 89,
Roos, John de, 51 ; James de, 68.
Roman Pitcher found, 5.
Royalist Cause, 130, 16S.
Roydon, Dr., 109.
Rysby, John, Vicar, 86, 95, 157, ibo.
Ryton Church, 156.
Sacrilegious Gamesters, 137.
Saints Bell, 95.
Salt Pits, 49, 51, 97, 103.
School Board, 190, 195, 199.
Seaming School, 1 79.
Sermons, 182, 183, 191, 209, 214. 249,
250, 254.
Service, Daily, 90, 91.
Shepherd's Guild, 90.
Ship Money Levied, 1 2S.
Skirbeck, 2, 23. b7, 77, loi, 102, 115,
156.
Skipwith, Parson of, 15O.
Spalding, 4, 2i, 22, 23, 27, 32, 39. 42,
45, 46. 59. 64. bb. 77, 81, 115, 121,
131, 132, 140, 152, 158, 161, 181,
230; Vicar. 81, 181 ; Priorj', 19, 32,
42,45, 146.152; Prior, 20, 21, 27,
33, 38—40, 58, 65, 66, 81. 152.
Spanish Armada, 120, 124, 128.
Spilsby, 42. 66, 191.
Stained Glass Windows, ibS. 254.
Stanford, Robert, 61, 62, 146, 147,

star Chamber Proceedings, 104, 106,
164.
Stuart, Charles Edward, 215.
Stukeley, Adlard, 133, 186, 198, 204;
Adlard, Squire, 220, 225 ; John,
104, 133 ; Moses, 204, 233; Sarah,
225, 235; Dr. Wilham, 4 5, 135,
160, 175, 187, 189, 192, 203-7, 226,
237-
Sturton, Thos. and Sarah, 176, 196,
198 ; Mr. J. P., 184, 212 ; Martha,
259-
Suffragan Bishops, 108, 163.
Sutton Bridge Church, Consecration
of, 249.
Sweating Sickness, 201.
Swineshead Abbey, 23, 32, 40, 66, 230.
Swyllington, Thos., 108, 157, 162.
Teesdale Brass, 255.
Temporalities, 148, 150, 154.
Terrier, 119, 185, 187, 188, 240, 244.
Test Act, 173.
Teviotdale, Monastic Annals of, 183.
Thakker, John, 127; Robert, 115,
116; Thomas, log, 131; Mr.
Thakker, 205.
Theatre Royal, Brief for, destroyed by
nre, 232.
Theodore, Archbishop, 11.
Thetford, 32, 33, 107, 115, 203, 211;
Prior of, 40.
Thompson, Alan, loi ; Ann, 224 ;
James, 136, 237.
Thorney, 12, 106.
Thistlethwaite, Mrs., 177.
Thistlewood, Arthur, 139, 140.
Threckingham, 18 51, 64, 66.
Thurkilby, Walter de, 25, 26, 27.
Tichmarsh, Rector of, 167.
Tinmouth Church, 232.
Tithes, 83, 136, 149, 151, 162, 169,
177, 186.
Toleration Act, 173.
Toppisfelde Manor, 104.
Totting Free Warren, 155.
Tradesmen's Tokens, 234.
Trafford, Henry, Abbot of Salley, 260.

Transcripts, 166, 167, 168, 204, 233.
Trinity, Fraternite of the Holy, 89, 90,
161.
Tydd S. Mary, 21, 26, 30, 38, 46, 59,
67, 76, 79. 82, 121, 125, 131, 2bo.
Tygo, Roger, 56, 61 ; John, 100; Will,,
87.
Tylney, Philip, 85.
Uffington, 203, 204.
Ulcombe, Rector of, 213.
Union Workhouse, 199, 235.
Usher of Green Rod, 174.
Utility of Magic, 163.
Vallibus, John de, 33 ; Oliver de, 23.
Vaux, Oliverde, 18; Maud and Hubert
de, 155-
Vestments, 87, 119, 151.
Vestry Books, 189, 206, 212.
Veyse, Richard, 72.
Vicarage, 185.
Vicars and Rectors of Holbeach, 152 —
185.
Vise's, Dr. Brass, 259.
Visitations of Archdeacon, 127, 165.
Volunteer Armed Association, 212.
Voluntary Gift to Charles II, 130, 131.
Vorley, Wm., Writing Master, 230.
Vow of Chastity, I07, 108.
Waggon on Holbeach Cliurch, 137.
Wake's, Bishop, Speculum, 148, 173,
192. 194, 235.
Wakefield, Vicar, 174,
Walpole, Robt., 120.
Wapentake, 15, 16, 19, 26, 29, 30, 33,
38, 48, 58, 59, 77, 120, 140.
War, American, 179.
,, China, 216.
Warde, Sir Robert, 80, 238, 241.
Ward, the late Mr. Joseph, 250, 253,
254-
Warsdale, Wm., 133, 135.
Welby Family, 26, 82, 122, 161, 169,
220, 228, 229, 24s, 246, 258.
Weldon, Little, 171, 213, 230.

Welland River, 3, 30, 31, III.
Wesley, John, 194.
Wesleyan Chapels, 195.
Wesleyan Conference, 194.
Weston, 13, 18, 19, 38, 59, bb, 07, 77,
78, 81, 121. 131, 132, 205; Church,
45, 94; Vicars, 47, 78, 81.
Whaplode, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23,
24, 36, 55, ^7, 93, 94, 101, 115,
121, 129, 132, 134, 165, 170, 189,
198, 204, 242, 243 ; Church, 14,
45, 75, 94; Vicars, 81, 94, lbs,
Ib7, 170.
Whappelode, Alexander de, 20.
Wheeler, William, 230, 240.
Wheldrake, Rector of, 174.
Wliist Players, 137
Wife, The Squire's, 209.
Wignals Gate, 197, 237.
Willis, Cecil Dr., 136, 137, 177, 208.
Willoughby, Silk, 172.

Winckley Family, 259.
Windmills, 50, 51, 10;.
Winwood, Battle ol, 10.
Whinshopp, Adlard, 129.
Witchcraft, 163.
Workhouse, lib, 119, 230, 235.
Worcester Cathedral, 23, 200.
Wrecks of the Sea, 26, 28.
Wright, John. 139; Jane, 234; Rubcit,
234; Richard, 131; Tliomab, 81;
Wm. 240.
Wylughby, Robert, 46, 146, 156.
Yarwell, Wm., 124.
York, 24, 62, 154, 174.
Yorkshire, lib, 15b, 129.

YALE UNIVERSITY UBRARY

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