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Yale Center for British Art and British Studies
'c^/>^-t?^>-^^^t-^C?L^
lUttstrati&t ^ap^rs
ON THE
HISTORY AND AfflQUITIES
OF THE
CITY OF COVENTRY;
COMPRISING THE CHURCHES OP ST. MICHAEL, HOLY TRINITY, ST. NICHOLAS, AND ST. JOHN;
THE GREY FRIARS' MONASTERY ; ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL AND FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL ;
JESUS HALL, BABLAKE HALL, AND ST. MARY'S HALL.
jltom ©rigiital, anti mostly unpufiUsl)El( IBocummts.
BT
THOMAS SHARP, ESQ.,
Atttlim' of "A Dissertation on the Coventry Mysteries'' "An Epitome of the County of Warwick,"
" Concise History of Coventry," A'o.
CAEEFULLT EB-PEES'TED FEOM AN OEIQ-INAL COPT.
TOitI Corrections, ^Tjiiittons, anti a firief plentotr of tfje author,
BT
WILLIAM GEORGE FRETTON.
PRINTED FOE THE SUBSCRIBERS.
1871.
BIRMINGHAM :
PRINTED BT HALL AND ENGLISH, HIGH STREET.
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CONTENTS.
Editor's Preface .
Address to Subscribers
List of Subscribers
LIFE OF MR. SHARP
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH—
Foundation, Endowment, and General History
Act for Payment of Tithes
List of Vicars
History of the Fabric
Chapels —
Our Lady's, or Drapers'
Mercers' St. Thomas's, or Cappers'
Dyers' or Mourners'
St. Andrew's, or Smiths'
Girdlers'Lekborne
Chantries— Merynton's .
Shepey's, or St. Laurence's
Haye's, or All Saints' .
Preston's Crosse's, or St. Katherine's
Pyseford's
Taylors' and Shearmen's
Tate's Copston'sSt. Matthew's
Altars —
High Altar .
Our Lady's .
Jesus Trinity St. John's
St. Ann's
St. Katherine's
St. Thomas's
St. Andrew's
St. Laurence's
All Saints' .
Obits, or Anniversaries
Lights ....
Vestments Communion Plate, &c.
Rood Loft
Chancel, Quire, and Altar
Page.
Page.
V
ST. MICHAEL'S CHUBCH, Continued-
vi
Vestries
50
vii
Consistory Court
50
IX
Nave . . .
51
Porches .
51
Pulpit .
52
ral History 1
Reading Desk ....
53
59
Lectern . . . . .
53
Font
54
15
Organ . . ...
54
Stained Glass ....
57
. 24
Candlesticks, Standards, &c. .
61
. 28
Steeple .... . .
61
. 29
Bells, Clock, and Chimes
65
31
Churchyard . ....
68
. 32
Miscellaneous
69
. 33
. 34
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH—
Foundation, Endowment, and General History
71
List of Vicars ....
75
35
35
Chapels—
36
Our Lady's .
81
37
Jesus .
82
37
Marler's . ...
83
. 38
St, Thomas's
83
39
Butchers'
84
. 39
Dyers'
84
39
St. Andrew's ...
84
40
Mercers' ...
85
Barkers' or Tanners' Aisle
85
. 40
Chantries—
. 41
Cellet's, or Corpus Christi
85
. 41
Percye's ... . .
87
. 42
Chantry of the Holy Cross
88
42
Lodyngton's
89
42
Allesley's
89
. 42
Marler's
90
42
Altars-
. 42
Hi gh Altar .
90
. 42
Trinity
91
. 42
Jesus
91
. 43
All Saints' .
91
44
Holy Cross . . ...
91
, 45
St. Mary's, or Our Lady's .
91
. 46
St. Thomas the Martyr's
91
47
Obits and Anniversaries
91
. 47
Jesus Hall . . . . .
94
IV
CONTENTS.
Page.
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, Continued-
Vestments .94
Communion Plate , . 95
Rood Loft ... . 96
Chancel, Choir, and Altar . . 96
Vestries 98
Consistory Court ... .99
Nave . . ... 99
Lantern and Transepts . ... 100
Porches 101
Pulpit .... .101
Lectern and Reading Desk . . . 102
Font .102
Organ 103
Stained Glass ... ... 107
Candlesticks, Standards, &c 109
Steeple ¦ . . . .109
Bells, Clock, and Chimes .... 113
Churchyard, &c. . . . 116
Jesus Hall . . 117
Reformation . . . . . 120
Miscellaneous . . 121
ST. NICHOLAS'S CHUBCH . . . .127
BABLAKE CHURCH OR CHAPEL—
Foundation, Endowment, and General History 130
Wardens ... .... 141
Rectors . . . . 141
Chapels— Our Lady's . . , 142
St. John's . . , .142
Altars— High Altar . . 143
St. Mary's . . .143
Trinity . . . .143
St. Katherine's 143
Obits, or Anniversaries . . 144
Vestments, Ornaments, Plate, &c. . . 145
Chancel and Choir . , . 147
Sepulchre . . . 147
Vestry . . . . 149
BABLAKE CHURCH, Continued-
Books .... ...
FontOrgan ....
Bell Tower, Clock, and Chimes
ST. JOHN BAPTIST'S, OR BABLAKE HALL
ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL AND FREE SCHOOL
Free School .
John Hales .
Library
Masters
Eminent Scholars
GREY FRIARS .
Eminent or Remarkable Characters belonging
to the Grey Friars
Christ Church
ST. MARY'S HALL
General Description
Crypt
Kitchen .
Lobby and Staircase
Great Hall
Windows Inscriptions Paintings
Tapestry .
Cushions, &c. .
Oriel
Mayoress's Parlour
Minstrel Gallery
Small Council Chamber
Old Council Chamber
Tower Armoury and Arms
Account of Receiving Henry VI, & his Queen,
Receiving Prince Edwarde
Receiving Prince Arthur
Appendix — Translation of Documents
1455
Page. 149
150 150151
153155
160
166172176
192196
204208 210216216
216217217
217
218 219220
222
223223224224224
226 226228
231 233
237
PLANS.
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH
HOLY TBINITY CHURCH ,
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH .
FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
ST. MARY'S HALL
Page. 1
71
130160
210
EDITOR'S PREFACE.
Of the original (and only) edition of this very scarce book, about t-welve copies were printed for
private distribution among the author's friends, upwards of fifty years since, and it is now so rare
that its existence is unknown to many persons interested ia Local History.
In its preparation, the author consulted the ancient charters and muniments of the city, the
church books, with many authentic documents belonging to the Corporation and Gilds, together
with others in private hands.
In its original form each paper was separately paged, and formed a complete section
independent of either of the others. It has been considered advisable in this edition to adopt a
consecutive paging throughout for the convenience of indexing, and for the connection of the series.
The type of the original edition was entirely composed by the late Mr. "William Reader, about
the years 1816-17, then printer and half proprietor of the Coventry Mercury, and the whole was
worked off by him after business hours.
Every care has been taken to ensure a perfect copy of the origiaal, and in making such
corrections of the text as have been rendered necessary by the changes that have taken place since
Mr. Sharp's description was printed, the integrity of the author's design has been preserved, and,
wherever possible, the additions have been given in Mr. Sharp's own language, from his later works.
As it has been impracticable to compare the items extracted by Mr. Sharp with the original
manuscript, all quotations have remained untouched, and their responsibility rests entirely upon the
correctness of the former transcription, except in cases where a manifest error has occurred. In
making these corrections, reference has been made to the interleaved copies of the author and
printer, in both of which are numerous marginal notes and additions ; all the more important of
which have been incorporated in this edition : these, together with additional matter from other
sources, will be found marked in brackets, and their authority given in foot notes.
A desirable alteration has been effected in the arrangement of some of the papers, so as to
secure uniformity in the general plan. The article on St. Mary's Hall has been entirely recon
structed, and many additions made thereto, as will be seen from the fact that in the original copy
five pages only are occupied in the account of that buUding, while in this edition it has been
extended to seventeen pages.
The principal additions consist of about 50 pages of letter-press ; a portrait of the Author,
from a private plate, etched by Mrs. Dawson Turner, from a drawing by J. S. Cotman, Esq., in 1823 ;
and five full page plans of the principal edifices treated upon in the work, viz. : — St. Michael's
Chitech, Holt Teinitt Chueoh, St. Johh's Chuech, Eeee Geammae School, and St. Maet's
Hall. These plans, having been drawn to a uniform scale, beside showing the details of each,
exhibit exactly the relative sizes of the buildings ; and as none have hitherto been printed, it is
believed they vnll add considerably to the interest of the volume. Translations of the more im
portant Latin extracts are also appended.
The Editor begs to tender his respectful acknowledgments to Mrs. P. Wyley of the Charter
House, Coventry, one of the surviving daughters of Mr. Sharp, for supplying information required
in compiling the biographical sketch ; he is also indebted to T. D. Edwards, Esq., son-in-law of
Mr. Sharp, for several additional particulars.
He desires to offer his thanks to J. Staunton, Esq., of Longbridge House, War-ndck, for his
kindness in allowing access to the collection of Mr. Sharp in his possession, and for permitting him
to make numerous extracts from the interleaved copy of the author. Likewise, to Mr. WilUam
Reader, of London, son of the late Mr. WUliam Reader, of Coventry, for the loan of his father's
copy of this work, as also for his own very acceptable notes ; and to Mr. John Astley, of Coventry,
for occasional reference to his local collection.
W. G. P.
ADDRESS TO SUBSCRIBERS.
When the proposal for a new edition of this work was issued, in July, 1869, it was only in
contemplation to publish a verbatim reprint, with a few necessary corrections, and it was not
anticipated that a list of subscribers would have been obtained more than sufficient to meet the
outlay required for this purpose.
In consequence, however, of the liberal response that has been made to the circular, we, the
promoters of this reprint, are enabled to give several additional features thereto, trusting they
will considerably enhance the value of the work, and amply compensate for the unavoidable delay
in producing it.
These new features comprise, besides additional matter, a portrait of Mr. Sharp, from a private
plate kindly lent by Mrs. P. Wyley ; five full-page plans, drawn speciaUy for this work by
Mr. T. W. Whitley ; and translations of the most important Latin paragraphs in the volume,
supplied by the Rev. J. .1. Soden, M.A., of the Pree Grammar School, Coventry ; to all of whom
we tender our most respectful acknowledgments.
Thanks are also due to the printers, for the great care exercised in fulfilUng their part of this
undertaking. Regretting that a work of such a thoroughly exhaustive and comprehensive character on the
subjects upon which it treats should be practically inaccessible, we have ventured upon its
republication, by subscription, and hope, that in thus offering an opportunity of securing a copy
of this extremely valuable record of Local History, drawn from sources to which there is now
no access, compUed by one who was most ultimately acquainted vdth the antiquities of his native
city, we are producing a graceful memorial to the merits of Mr. Sharp as an Antiquary and
Historian, whieh has been too long delayed.
WM. GEO. PRETTON,
EDWIN MANDER,
JOHN LTNES.
C'ovENTEr, Apeil, 1871.
SUBSCRIBERS,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF CLARENDON.
¦ THE LORD BISHOP OF WORCESTER.
• H. W. EATON, ESQ., M.P., HYDE PARK, LONDON.
A. STAVELEY HILL, ESQ., D.C.L., Q.C, M.P., LONDON.
•W. BROMLEY-DAVENPORT, ESQ., M.P., BAGINTON HALL.
• THOMAS BERRY, ESQ., MAYOR OF COVENTRY.
Aldridge, Mr. J. L., Coventry
Anstey, Mr. Thomas, Coventry.
Astley, Mr. John, Coventry.
Baker, Mr. John, Coventry.
Baynes, Rev. R. H., M.A., Vicar of St. MiohaePs,
Coventry.
Barton, Mr. G. S., Coventry.
Begbie, Mrs., Stenton Lodge, Tunbridge Wells.
Birmingham Free Libraries
Bloxham, M. H., Esq,, F.S.A., Rugby.
Bourne, C. W., Esq., Blackheath, Kent.
Bourne, Mrs., Kenilworth.
Bracebridge, C. H., Esq., J.P,, Atherstone Hall.
Bree, Rev. W., M.A., Rector of Allesley.
Browett, Thomas, Esq., Solicitor, Coventry.
Brown, John, Esq., M.D., Coventry.
Bushill, Mr. Thomas, Coventry (2 copies).
Caldicott, Major R., W.E.V., Goundou, Coventry.
Cash, Mr. Joseph, Coventry.
Chappell, Mr. William, Jun., Coventry.
Chater, Mr. William, Coventry.
Clarke, Mr. Thomas, Coventry.
Cohen, Mr. Philip, Coventry.
CoUins, Mr. D. E., Coventry.
Cooper, Mr. Jonathan, Coventry.
Cooper, Mr. W. D., London,
Cormouls, Mr. P., Kenilworth.
Coventry Institute.
Crofts, Mr. T. W., Coventry.
• Dalton, Mr. R. A., Coventry.
DarUngton, J., Esq., J.P., Meriden Hall.
Dewes, Thomas, Esq., Solicitor, Coventry.
Doggett, Mr. Edward G., Bristol.
• Drake, The Rev. Canon, M.A., Rector of Sedgebrook,
Lincoln.
¦ Dresser, Mr. Luke, Coventry.
Edmonds, Mr. Charles, Birmingham.
Edwardes, T. D., Esq., London.
English, Mr. Charles, Birmingham.
Evans, Bev. C, M.A., Grammar School, Birmingham.
Evans, William, Esq., Solicitor, Birmingham.
Eyton, J. W. K., Esq., P.S.A., London (2 copies).
- Flint, Mr. Charles, Coventry.
- Franklin, Mr. William, Radford.
Franklin, Mr. F. W., Radford.
Freeman, Mr. Charles, Coventry.
Fretton, Mr. W. G., Coventry (3 copies).
Fretton, Mr. J. H., Coventry.
¦ Gooch, Rev. P., D.C.L., Rector of Baginton,
• Grover, Rev. J., M.A., Free Grammar School, Coventry.
Green, Mr. Thomas H., Coventry.
Gulson, John, Esq., J.P., Coventry.
HalliweU, J. 0., Esq., F.R.S., Kensington.
Hands, Mr. Richard, Coventry.
Hart, Mr. James, Coventry.
• Hewat, Mr. John A., Walsgrave.
Hewitt, Mr. John, Coventry.
Heginbottom, Mr. Henry, Coventry.
Hinds, Mr. James, Coventry.
Hine, Mr. John, Coventry.
Hmit, W. 0., Esq., Stratford-on-Avon.
Hunter, Rev, Thomas, London.
Jackson, Mr. C. B., London.
Joel, Mr. Levin, Coventry.
Jones, J. C, Esq., F.S.A., Loxley, Warwick.
• Kirby, T. H., Esq., Solicitor, Coventry.
via
SUBSCEIBEES.
Kirshaw, J. W., Esq., F.G.S., Warwick.
Knutton, Mr. F. C, Hadley, Salop.
Lloyd, Mr. George, Coventry.
Lynes, Edward, Esq., M.D., Coventry.
Lynes, Mr. John, Birmingham (3 copies).
Mander, Mr. Henry, Wall Hill House, Allesley.
Mander, Rev. J., Lecturer, St. Philip's, Birmingham.
Mander, Mr. Edwin, Coventry (3 copies).
Marriott, James, Esq., J. P., Coventry.
Martin, Rev. W., M.A., Vicar of St. Mark's, Coventry.
Masters, Mr. Henry, Coventry.
Matterson, Mr. Henry, Coventry.
Maycock, Mr. James, Coventry.
Mercer, Mr. T. J., Coventry.
Minster, R, H., Esq., Solicitor, Coventry.
MuUoney, Mr. S. W., Coventry.
Newman, Mr. J., London (4 copies),
Odell, Joseph, Esq., J.P., Coventry.
• Odell, William, Esq., J.P., Coventry.
¦ Perkins, Mr. John Weston, Coventry.
Petre, E., Esq., J.P., Whitley Abbey.
• Phillips, Mr. G. S., Coventry. .
¦ Price, Mr. Henry, Coventry.
Reader, Mr. William, London.
Rollason, Miss, Leamington.
Rotherham, Mr. John, Coventry.
Rotherham, Mr. John, .Jun., Coventry,
Rotherham, Mr. Alexander, Coventry.
Seymour, Arthur, Esq., Solicitor, Coventry.
Sharp, Mrs. J., Bayswater, London.
Simms, Mr. D., Coventry.
• Slingsby, Mr. William, Coventry.
Smallfield, Mr. J. S,, London.
Smith, Mr. Samuel, Coventry.
- Smyth, Mr, Ralph, Coventry.
Soden, Rev. J. J., M.A., Free Grammar School, Coventry.
- Stevens, Mr. Thomas, Coventry.
Stone and Co., Messrs., Coventry.
Sutton, Mr. John, Coventry.
Taylor, Mr. Jeremiah, Coventry.
¦ Thickens, Rev. William, M.A., Vicar of Keresley and
Coundon.
Timmins, Samuel, Esq., F.R.S.L., Birmingham.
Turton, Mr. George, Coventry.
¦ Vale, Samuel, Esq., J.P., Coventry.
• Ward, Mr. John, Coventry.
Warwickshire Natural History and Arohsologioal
Society.
Waters, Dr. Edmond, Coventry.
White, Mr. Ebenezer, Coventry.
Whitley, Mr, T. W., Coventry.
'Whittem, James Sibley, Esq,, Wyken.
• Wigston, Mr. Thomas, Coventry.
• Willerton, Mr. Thomas, Coventry.
Williamson, Mr. William, Coventry.
. Wilson, Rev. A. W., M.A., Vicar of Holy Trinity,
Coventry.
¦ Wyley, Mrs. F., Charter House, Coventry,
• Wyley, Mr. John, Coventry.
Young, Rev. J. R., M.A., Rector of Whitnash.
Jlmotr of C|)0mas Sjjarp.
The subject of this memoir was the only son of Mr. Thomas Sharp, residing m a house in Smithford
Street, Coventry, distinguished by the famous efiigy of " Peeping Tom." In this house he was born
on the 7th of November, 1770. He received his education at the Pree Grammar School. Por some
four years he resided vrith his uncle, Mr. Henry Sharp, by whom it was intended he should study for
the Church. His father dying in 1784, at the age of forty, he returned home to assist in managing
the business, which he subsequently conducted on his own account.
At an early age he displayed a taste for the study of the antiquities of his native city, and one
of his first contributions in this department of hterature was a lengthy reply to an article on
St. Mary's Hall, by the late Mr. Gough, contributed by that celebrated antiquary to the pages of the
"Gentleman's Magazine." Mr. Sharp's communication appeared in the same periodical in 1793,
under the signature " S," an initial he frequently adopted in his subsequent contributions. An
article on St. Michael's Church, pubUshed in the same volume, and signed " PhUarchaismos," was
also written by him. Among his most intimate friends and feUow- workers at this period were Mr.
George Howlette, watch manufacturer, and Mr. John Nickson,* manufacturer, both of this city.
In 1792 Mr. Howlette was elected Mayor, and thus access was obtained to the numerous books
and documents preserved in the city treasury at St. Mary's HaU. This opportunity was eagerly
taken advantage of by such ardent students of local history as Mr. Sharp and his two friends, and
they at once proceeded to carefuUy examine their long-neglected contents. Mr. Sharp's classical
knowledge rendered him most competent to investigate the Latin records, from which he made
numerous extracts ; he afterwards arranged them under their several heads, together with other
portions selected from the records in EngUsh, the examination of which department had been under
taken by Mr. Nickson. Many of these writings had been hitherto unexplored, and the information
thus obtained formed the basis on which Mr. Sharp compiled his valuable works on the " Ancient
Mysteries," and other local works, and to these records frequent reference will be found in the
foUowing pages. These coUections were intended as a groundwork for the compUation of an
elaborate history of the City of Coventry. In the same year proposals for a work of this kind
were issued by Mr. J. W. Piercy, and it was supposed that the materials coUected by Mr. Sharp
would have been available for this purpose. The project, however, did not meet with sufilcient
pubUc support, and was ultimately abandoned. A few years later Mr. Sharp took steps for the
pubUcation of a work of this kind, and in 1808 had actuaUy entrusted his MS. into the hands of
some individual for arrangement preparatory to printing. It appears from a letter written to him by
Mr. Douce, in 1809, that not being satisfied with the manner in which the preparatory work was
proceeding, Mr. Sharp had relinquished the idea, much to the regret of himself and his antiquarian
friends. * Mr. Nickson was a member of tlie Society of Friends, and died at Leamington in 1830, aged 70.
X MEMOIE OF THOMAS SHARP.
In 1793 Mr. Sharp contributed to Mr. Nichols' "History of Leicestershire" a drawing and
description of a crucifix of copper gUt, 22 1 inches high, an engraving and account of which wiU be
found in the fourth volume of that work.
During the excitement caused by the Prench Revolution in 1797, and when it was considered
by the government necessary for the defence of the country to accept the services of Volunteer
Associations, Mr. Sharp enrolled himself as a member of the 1st troop of Warwickshire Volunteer
Cavalry, in which he continued to serve until the corps was disembodied.
He did not confine himself to antiquarian pursuits, but constantly laboured in promoting the
welfare of the public institutions of his native city. He was elected a member of the Drapers'
Company in 1802, was chosen master of the Company in 1809, and was a trustee of the Charity
School founded by Mrs. Katherine Bayley, from 1807 to 1831. In 1794, and again in 1809, he was
elected accountant churchwarden for St. Michael's Church, and from 1810 to 1819, continued to
hold ofiice as one of the Wardens. During this period he was most indefatigable in his attention to
the repau's of that edifice, and in the investigation of its history. He also rendered essential service
by his advice and assistance during the repairs and alterations carried on at Trinity Church and
St. Mary's HaU.
Por many years prior to 1836 Mr. Sharp acted as Treasurer to a fund subscribed by gentlemen
in Coventry for a special purpose, but which at that period was not required. As only two of the
original subscribers were then Uving, Mr. Sharp signified his wish to appropriate this fund (amounting
to upwards of £700) towards the estabhshment of an Infirmary in Coventry, and for that purpose
placed it in the hands of a number of gentlemen who were earnestly engaged in the endeavour to
found a Hospital. He had thus the pleasure of handing over the carefuUy-husbanded fund, vdth
which the premises at the top of Little Park Street were purchased, in 1837, and of seeing the
Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital estabhshed on a firm basis, with a fair prospect of its proving
a great blessing to Coventry and the surrounding district.
About the latter part of the last century Mr. Sharp, together with Mr. Nickson and
Mr. Howlette, in order to iUustrate their copies of Dr. Thomas's edition of " Dugdale's Antiquities
of Warwickshire," engaged Mr. Henry Jeayes, a drawing master then Uving iu Coventry, to visit
every parish to take sketches of the seats of the nobUity, manor houses, churches, and aU the civil
and ecclesiastical antiquities then existing in the county. The original work was afterward divided
into five hundreds, forming as many separate volumes, for which Mr. Wm. Reader printed fac-simUe
title pages, and presented to those gentlemen. Much credit is due to them for their self-imposed
labour and expense, as many of the most remarkable of these edifices are now much altered in ap
pearance or have entirely disappeared. One of these copies contained upwards of 670 additional
illustrations, viz : — 108 engravings, 40 original drawings of brasses, 223 of churches, and 300 of
various antiquities. In 1820 Mr. Sharp and Mr. Reader visited, or caused to be examined, nearly aU
the churches in Warwickshire, for the purpose of procuring rubbings of ancient monumental brasses ;
from these impressions, reduced drawings were made and inserted in the work above mentioned.
The originals were afterwards disposed of to W. Staunton, Esq., of Longbridge, Warwick.
In 1800 Mr. Sharp communicated to the "Gentleman's Magazine" an account of a British
torques, and some ancient British couis, and was a frequent contributor to the pages of that valuable
periodical. He also wrote an account of an ancient gold ring or amulet, weighing loz. ISdwts. Bgrs.
troy, found in Coventry park in the autumn of 1802, upon which was engraved the crucifixion, and
MEMOIE OF THOMAS SHAEP. XI
several singular devices and inscriptions. This paper was read before the society of Antiquaries in
London, on May 23, 1816, and was pubUshed in the 18th vol. of the "ArchsBologia." An engraving
of this ring, with a simUar account, wUl be found in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for June, 1803.*
The plan of Coventry, pubUshed to accompany the Beauties of England and Wales, was drawn
by Mr. Sharp, and there is little doubt that he suppUed information relating to Coventry, to the
compUer of the Warwickshire section of that work. The map bears date May 1st, 1807, and was
engraved by Roper.
He married on the 26th of Dec, 1804, Miss Charlotte Turland, of Barnwell, in Cambridgeshire,
and, having retired from his retaU trade, removed to premises in Little Park Street (now No. 91),
where he resided many years, carrying on a wholesale business. Much of his leisure was spent in
the arrangement of the stores which he had accumulated, portions of which, relating to the
principal ancient pubUc buildings in Coventry, were printed gratuitously by Mr. Reader, for
distribution among Mr. Sharp's friends. The present volume is a reprint of these papers.
In 1825 he pubUshed his most important work, entitled, " A Dissertation on the Pageants, or
Dramatic Mysteries, anciently performed at Coventry by the Trading Companies of that City ;
chiefly with reference to the vehicle, characters, and dresses of the actors. CompUed in a great
degree from sources hitherto unexplored ; to which are added the Pageant of the Shearmen and
Taylors' Company, and other municipal entertainments of a pubhc nature."t This is a work of great
antiquarian value and interest, and of itself would be sufficient to estabUsh Mr. Sharp's reputation
as an antiquary. The particulars were mainly extracted from the muniments in the Corporation
Treasury and from the ancient account books belonging to the various city companies. It was
printed and pubUshed by Merridew and Son, of Coventry (230 pp.). The illustrations were drawn
and engraved by Mr. David Jee, an artist residing in Coventry. The work was most favourably
reviewed by several ofthe leading periodicals ofthe day. J
The "Retrospective Review" thus speaks of it: — "The work is a most laborious and valuable
addition towards a complete history ofthe early drama and the stage; and Mr. Sharp was eminently
qualified to undertake and execute the arduous task, for which he is entitled to the gratitude of the
literary world." Sir Walter Scott, in a letter to Mr. Sharp in 1826, thus expresses his opinion of
the work. " I have received great pleasure from your beautiful and masterly edition of the Coventry
Mysteries. I have not been more struck for this long time with an antiquarian publication ; for both
the carefulness and extent of research, as weU as the interesting selection of iUustrations, raise it
to the very highest class among books of that description."
The Pageant of the Shearmen and Taylors had been before printed in a less perfect form, by
Mr. Reader, in 1817 (28 pp.), the impression beiag Umited to about 12 copies. To this edition was
appended the account of the visit of Henry VI. and his Queen to Coventry in 1455, the Receiving
of Prince Edward, 1474, and Prince Arthur, 1498, with many curious verses written on those
occasions ; and two specimens of civic poetry from the City Leet Book, 1494, occupy 14 pages
more. Hone, in his "Ancient Mysteries," refers to it, as being the transcription of a "Coventry
gentleman of curious research in ancient lore, who printed it for the purpose of bringing it more
* This ring is now in title possession of his Son-in-law, T. Dyer Edwardes, Esq.
t The impression was limited to 250 on royal, 75 on imperial 4to, and three on extra large paper.
t Mr. HalliweU, in his introduction to " Ludus CoventriaD," describes it as containing a most curions and valuable collection of
information relative to the plays once performed in Coventiy.
XU MEMOIE OF THOMAS SHARP.
immediately to the knowledge of his .antiquarian friends." The latter portion, although mostly
reprinted in the "Mysteries," has been inserted in this volume, as furnishing interesting Ulustra-
tions of the manner in. which the citizens of Coventry celebrated the visits of Royalty in the olden
time, and also as shovring the care with which, fortunately, aU events of pubUc importance were
recorded in the City Leet Book.
On the completion of the "Mysteries," Mr. Sharp proposed publishing an edition, in 2 vols.
8vo, of " The Ludus Coventriie," or sacred plays, formerly represented at Coventry on the festival
of Corpus Christi, from the MSS. in the Cottonian Library in the British Museum, vdth notes and
iUustrations ; but there not being a sufficient number of subscribers to justify him in proceeding
with the work, it was abandoned. It has since been pubUshed by the Shakespeare Society (1841),
in 1 vol. 8vo., under the able editorial care of J. 0. HalliweU, Esq. Mr. Sharp's interest in our local
sacred drama did not however cease, for we find him editing a pageant called the " Presentation
in the Temple," as performed by the Weavers' Company, Coventry, copied from the original,
unexpectedly discovered in 1832, and printed for the Abbotsford Club in 1836, to whom it was
presented by John Black Gracie, Esq. He was also editor of the " Ancient Mysteries and Moral
ities " from the Digby MS. in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, printed for the members of the same
Society in 1835, at the expense of the Club.
The interesting volume entitled "KenUworthlUustrated;" or the History of the Castle, Priory,
and Church of KenUworth, with a description of its present state, pubUshed in 1 vol., 4to, by
Merridew and Son, Coventry, in 1821, was the joint compUation of Mr. Sharp and his friend
Mr. WUUam Hamper, of Birmingham.
He contributed to Dr. Harwood's "History of Lichfield," Captain Smith's "Ancient Dresses,"
Mr. Hone's pubUcations ; and to numerous other works he suppUed important information.
Mr. Sharp's knowledge of engraved portraits and their arrangement was so extensive and exact
that he was enabled to iUustrate a copy of " Grainger's Biographical History of England" vdth
such skUl and success, that he afterwards disposed of it for upwards of £1000.
He had for many years been a coUector of ancient coins, and his cabinet contained a great
number of both Roman and English, the most important of these was a half-florin of Edward III.,
which is beUeved to be unique ; it is the rarest of the EngUsh gold series, and is now in the British
Museum. An account of this coin, with an engraving (from a drawing suppUed by Mr. Sharp) ,
vdll be found in the " Gentleman's Magazine " for October, 1800, p. 945. He also collected a series
of thfrty-three Coventry tokens, which he subsequently had engraved ; and in conjunction with Mr.
John Nickson and Mr. E. W. Percy, of Leamington, had twenty-four medals struck at Birmingham,
on which were represented the more important of the ancient and modern buildings in Coventry.
A few impressions were taken in sUver and copper, and the dies immediately afterwards destroyed.
Mr. Sharp compUed " A Catalogue of Provincial Copper Coins, Tokens, Tickets, and Medalets,
issued in Great Britain, Ireland, and the Colonies, during the 18th and 19th centuries, arranged
according to Counties, &c., with particulars of their fabrication, names of the artists, and miscel
laneous remarks illustrative of the rarity of particular specimens : described from the originals in
the collection of Sir George Chetwynd, Bart., of Grendon HaU, co. Warwick."* Of this work
* This catalogue is one of the most comprehensive of the kind in the language. Dm-ing its compilation Mr. Sharp resided for some
months at Grendon.
MEMOIR OF THOMAS SHAEP. SlU
sixty copies were handsomely printed in 4to for private use, by Messrs. Nichols and Son, in 1834.
In 1835 Mr. Sharp was occupied at Grendon HaU in forming coUections for a Memoir of
Sfr George Chetwynd's grandfather, Walter Chetwynd, Esq., of Broeton HaU, Stafi"ordshire, who
was Under Secretary of State for the Home Department under the celebrated Lord Chesterfield,
in 1745. His familiar acquaintance with ancient manuscripts rendered him weU-qualified for the task he
undertook in 1832 ; the arrangement of the large and valuable coUection of muniments belonging
to the Corporation of the City of Coventry ; and for the serdce so ably rendered he was presented
by the CouncU with a piece of plate, suitably inscribed, as an acknowledgment of their satisfaction.
He also arranged the numerous deeds and other MSS. belonging to the Church of the Holy Trinity,
Coventry, and compUed a suitable index.
Mr. Sharp took an active interest in the formation of the Warvdckshire Natural History and
Archaeological Society in 1836, of which he was one of the vice-presidents, and, in conjunction with
his friend, Mr. Staunton, acted as Honorary Curator of the archaeological section. He continued
his connection with that institution untU his death.
In 1835 he wrote "An Epitome of the County of Warvdek," containing a brief historical and
descriptive account of the towns, viUages, and parishes, with their hamlets. It is a most useful
and convenient handbook, and was pubUshed in demy 8vo, 200 pp., by Mr. John Merridew.
His last work was the "History and Antiquities of the City of Coventry," and was announced
to be completed in eight parts, each containing a copper-plate engraving, with sixteen pages of
letter-press. It is also entitled "A Concise History of Coventry, Ancient and Modern," and was
printed in two sizes, both of which exceeded their originaUy intended Umit ; the large paper copy
reached 180 pp., and the smaller 172 : the matter in the smaUer edition is also more condensed. Por
some reason, however, neither of them were completed. It was pubUshed by Mr. Henry Merridew,
of Coventry, shortly after the author's death, and this wUl probably account for its incompleteness.
In the prospeclnis reference is made to a " first edition of this work, pubUshed some years since."
This was the " Guide to Coventry," pubUshed by Merridew and Son in 1824, a presentation copy of
which bears Mr. Sharp's own acknowledgment of authorship.
Mr. Sharp was for many years an intimate friend and correspondent of the late Mr. WUliam
Hamper, of Birmingham, whose letters he carefully preserved, and, a short time before his last
Ulness, presented a large collection of them to Mr. Staunton.* With many other learned contem
porary antiquaries he maintained a frequent correspondence. Among these may be mentioned
Sir i^ancis Palgrave, Sir Walter Scott, Mr. Dawson Turner, Mr. Prancis Douce, Mr. J. H. Markland,
Mr. Pitcairn, and Mr. Salt. He was intimate with Mr. John Carter, and Mr. John Britton, the
celebrated architectural antiquaries.
On declining business, about the year 1834, he removed from Coventry, where he had resided
for over sixty years, to Leamington, when his Warwickshire collections were, by purchase, added to
those of WiUiam Staunton, Esq., of Longbridge House, near Warwick.
* They bear date from 1806 to 1831, the last of them, dated April 30, is unfinished, and is probably the last letter Mr. Hamper wrote,
as he died on the 2nd of May. Mr. Sharp was one of Mr. Hamper's executors.
XIV
MEMOIE OF THOMAS SHARP.
The foUovdng is a list of the more important of them : —
Manusoeipt Collections foe Histoet of Coventry.
Vol. I. 1. — Companies and Trades.
2.— Royal Visits.
3. — Military and Political History.
4. — Recorders.
Vol. II. 5, — Commons and Lammas.
6. — List of Mayors, with minor Annals.
7. — Manor and Park of Cheylesmore, and
Fee Farm.
8.— White Friars.
9. — City Walls and Gates.
10. — Trinity or Shew Fair, Procession, and
Peeping Tom.
11. — Gaol Hall and Gaol, Bridewell, Various
Modes of Punishment, Mayor's Parlour,
Crosses, Hospitals, City Insignia, Mis
cellanea, and Payments to Public
Performers.
Vol. III. 12.— The Cross.
13. — Chapels : — St. Margaret's, St. Christo
pher's, St. Mary Magdalene's, and St.
James's.
14.— The Plague.
15, — Parliaments and Councils.
16. — Population.
17. — Coinage.
18. — Carthusians, juxta Coventry.
19.— The Gilds.
20. — Biographical Memoranda, and account
of persons elected to Parliaments and
Councils.
21. — Sundries : — Antiquity, Derivation and
Topography, Legends, Topography of
Priory, Miscellanea.
22.— Charities.
Books and Manusceipts eelating to Coventet.
" Dugdale's Coventry," inlaid and illustrated with 104 drawings and 126 engravings — foUo.
" Sharp's Antiquities," with MS. additions, drawings, and plates. Only twelve privately printed — demy quarto."'
" History of St. Mary's, Coventry," from the " New Monasticon," with MS. additions equal to the text, drawings,
and plates. Manusceipts in Folio.
Laws of St. Mary's Gild,
Cartulary of St. Mary's.
Burton's Collections.
Accounts of Trinity Gild. (2 vols.)
Accounts of Smiths' Gild. (2 vols.)
Accounts of Diers' GUd. (2 vols.)
List (alphabetical) of the contents of the boxes in
Coventry Treasury.
Volume containing proceedings at the Parliament held
in Coventry, Hen. VI. c. 38, relating to Richard,
Duke of York; Queen of France's Letters; Tam worth
Charter ; Manner of Keeping Parliament.
Inventory of Goods, Merchandise, Jewels, Plate, &c.,
of Richard Marler, Alderman, of Coventry, made
June 17, 1577.
It is impossible to over-estimate the serdces Mr. Sharp has rendered in reference to our local
history; no man has done so much in this respect for Coventry since the day of Sfr WUUam Dugdale;
and if we were to extract from the existing accounts of this city aU relating to its antiquities that had
been contributed directly or indirectly by Mr. Sharp, the remaining portion would be very meagre
indeed. To him we are mainly indebted for iiUing in the detaU of our ancient history, of which
(as regards Coventry) Dugdale laid the foundation : and could Mr. Sharp's design have been fuUy
carried out, the History and Antiquities of Coventry, such as his master mind had conceived, would
have been second to no other local record in comprehensiveness and general interest.
Mx. Sharp was very methodical in his arrangement of matter, a good classical scholar, and a
remarkably neat and expeditious penman : he was an able draughtsman, and had an accurate and
extensive knowledge of books, coins, manuscripts and engravings. He was by no means an inferior
poet. In person he was tall and thin, and of gentlemanly demeanour. In the true spirit of an
enlightened enquirer his stores were ever open to his friends.
* The present work is a reprint of the above.
MEMOIE OP THOMAS SHAEP. XV
His last Ulness was very lingering, attended with great debUity, and he died at Leamington on
the 12th of August, 1841, most deservedly esteemed and regretted. His remains were interred in
the new burial ground attached to St. Michael's Church, Coventry, just within the mclosure, and his
monument bears the foUowing inscription, written by Mr. George Eld, his friend and feUow
labourer — undeeiteath best the eemains op
THOMAS SHARP,
IK GEATEPrii EECOED FOE THE MEMOET OP WHOM
THIS TOMB IS BEECTED BT HIS PAMILT.
HE WAS DISTWGIIISHED FOE HIS I/ITEEAET ATTAINMENTS,
AND PAETIC0LABLT FOE THE ZEAX AND ABILITY
WITH WHICH HE DEVOTED HIMSELF
TO ELUCIDATE THE ANTIQUITIES OP THIS ( HIS NATIVE ) CITY.
BELOVED BY HIS PEIENDS, AND EESPECTBD BY HIS FELLOW CITIZENS,
HE DEPAETED THIS LIFE IN HIS 7lst YEAE,
12th AUGUST, 1841.
In 1869 a stained glass window (a description of which wUl be found on page 60) was placed
in the Mercers' Chapel, in St. Michael's Church, by his famUy. At the foot is the foUowing
inscription : — " To the glory of God and in Memory of Thomas Sharp, who entered into rest 12th
August, 1841, aged 71 years." The lower right hand panel is fiUed with the arms of Mr. Sharp.*
On a shield azure, within a border or, charged with eight roundlets, a pheon argent.
Crest, an eagle's head erased, ducaUy gorged or, holding in the mouth a pheon argent.
Motto, "TTAE NEC METVAM."
In the same grave with Mi. Sharp are interred his sister Martha, who died Pebruary Sth, 1798,
aged 25 years ; and several members of the Bosworth famUy (of Broomfields), to whom he was related.
He had a family of nine chUdren, two of whom died in their infancy. His widow and seven of
his chUdren surdved him, four of whom are stiU Uving.
Mr. John Nickson Sharp, his second son, who displayed a simUar taste for the pursuitsv of his
father, entered the service of the E. I. Company, in the Royal Engineers, where he attained the
rank of Major. He died at Lahore, in India, about the year 1857. On his death the remainder
of his father's valuable hbrary and coUection was dispersed.
* The colours in the windows are wrongly tinctured. The above description is taken from an impression of Mr. Sharp's own seal.
S^ MICHAEL'S CHURCH.
COVENTRY.
St JUitija^rs Cjjurtli, CotottE*
Although it is e'pident, that Coventry^ from its population and consequence, required
and doubtless had, one, if not two parish churches, at the time of the Norman survey^ yet
none occur in Domesday ; and the first notice we have of this Church, is Ranulph Earl of
Chester's grant of it to Laurence, Prior, and the Convent of St. Mary, in the time of King
Stephen. The Charter* recites^ that many persons, as well clergy as laity, affirmed and by
their testimony certified, the same to be the right of this Monastery, and accordingly he
grants thereto, the Chapel of St. Michael, situated in his fee, at Coventry, and all other
Chapels, within the Town or without, being in his fee, and in their parish, together with
tithes and all other benefits. The Chapels are 14 in number, viz. Ansty, Shilton, Wyken,
Binley, Whitley, Pinley, Stoke, Stiviohall, Eccleshall (or Exhall) FoleshiU, Keresley,
Whabberley, Sponnet, and BisselUe, evidently bespeaking St. Michael's to have been a
primitive Saxon parish, with these its numerous dependencies, and thus proving the
antiquity and importance thereof.
From the circumstance of Swift de Coventre, Nigell, Morne de Eccleshall, Viell de
PolkeshuU, and Syward de Eolkeshull, being amongst the witnesses to this Charter, it appears
to have been executed at Coventry. Hugh OyveUoo, son of Eanulph, confirmed this gra'nt ;
and Ranulph Blundeville, his successor, gave the tithe of his lands and rents in Coventry,
" command all his oflGicers, upon pain of a grievous curse, to make due payment of them."
About this period, some question arose as to the right of the Bishop in the advowson ;
for Geoffery de Muschampf Bishop of Coventry, at the desire of the afore-named Ranulph,
grants the Chapel of St. Michael to Ralph de Maynwaring in frank almoigne, and institutes
him therein. Shortly after, the Bishop's claims assumed a more decisive character, and the
Prior, in 1 241 §, by an ordinance of Hugh Bishop of Coventry, wholly renounces the Chapel
of St. Michael with its appurtenances.
Another ordinance || is in consequence made, in which the previous disputes with the
Prior and Convent are recognized ; and the Bishop ordains, that the Prior and Convent shall
receive annually from the Vicars of St. Michael, 30 marks, 20 of which are to be paid to
Ralph de Maynwaring above-named, so long as he lives in orders ; and in case of his dying
or relinquishing the religious profession, the same 20 marks are then to be applied to the use
of the Church of St. Mary. A like sum of 30 marks is to be annually paid to the Church
of Lichfield, by the Vicar; and finally, the Bishop and his successors, are to appoint the
Vicars of St. Michael, who are to be responsible for the payment of the 60 marks to the
Churches of Coventry and Lichfield.
* Register of St. Mary's, fo. 76. f St. Mary Magdalen's Chapel at Spon End, Coventry. This was also
a Hospital for Lepers, founded by Hugh Kevelioo (or Cyvelioo), reign of Henry 2.
t Liber Albus (at Lichfield) fo. 183. § || Idem, fo. 98.
I ST. MICHAEL S CHUECH, COVENTEY.
The preceding ordinance is without date, but from the circumstances of Adam, Arch
deacon of Coventry, being one ofthe witnesses, who succeeded Alexander de Hales in 1242,
and the Bishop's decease happening on the 7th December, 1241, we ascertain very nearly the
time of its execution. The See remained vacant until 1245, owing to the death of one can
didate before consecration, and the King (Henry 3) objecting to the next person nominated;
but, in 1245, Roger de Weseham was consecrated at Lyons, without the King's knowledge,
and soon afterwards some remarkable proceedings occurred respecting this Vicarage. It
appears from the documents given at foot,* that during the vacancy in the bishoprick, the
Vicarage of St. Michael also became vacant, and that, in violation of the King's prerogative
in such cases, the Archdeacons of Coventry and Salop put Henry de Crok into possession of
the said cure, appropriating, in conformity with the above recited ordinance, 30 marks yearly
out of the profits of the church, to the Canons of Lichfield, and 30 marks to the Monks of
* Rex. Vic. "War. salutem. — Cum ratione nostri regiminis, Ecclesiarnm & Libertatum ipsarum dati sumus a
divina Clementia ex debito defensores, injurias, & violentias a quibuscunque personis occasione quacnnque illatas
eisdem habemus cum industria propulsare, & justitia rationabilifcer vindicare. Hinc est, quod cum alias tibi
prteciperimus, ut vim laicam inventam in Ecclesia Sancti Michaelis de Coventria, in ipsius prEejudicium & dilecti
Clerici nostri R. de Leyc' quern ad prsdictam Ecclesiam Sancti Michaelis prsesentavimus, k, quern in possessionem
ejusdem a Domino Papa delegati Judices induxerunt, ne Ecclesia ilia formam Castri assumeret, amoveres, tanquam
in perniciem libertatis Ecclesiastics introdnctam, ut vim laicam inventam non valens alitor amovere, nisi speoialiter
per ingressum, qui tibi clausis EcclesiEe ostiis non patebat, pro ingressu fractionem ostii quam fecisti, cujus forsan
occasione fractionis & ingressus praster intentionem nostram & tuam, aliqui laesi fuerunt, ut nostro pareres mandate,
rato, coram Coventr' & Lichfield Episoopo habuimus &, habemus plurimum & acceptam, tanquam nostro nomine
regaliter expeditam. Quia vero occasione hujusmodi fractionis & ingressus, dicto R. Rectori Ecclesiae prsedictEe,
nihil de jure ab aliquo potest vel poterit imputari, quia dictum factum, non suum sed nostrum fuisse penitus
protestamur; &. quia dictus Episoopus tam dictum R. & sues, quam omnes illos qui tecum fuerunt tunc temporis,
nominatim de facto excommntionis sententia innodavit; videntes ipsam in prfejudicium regise dignitatis, verum
potius Eoolesiasticas libertatis latam fuisse ; Tibi praacipimus, quod monitis & precibus inducas Episcopum diligenter,
ut dictam sententiam quantocius studeat revocare. Quod si noluerit facere, sciat ipse, et hoc sibi dicas, quod ad
ipsius Baroniam manum nostram, quam cito nos super hoc certificaveris, extendemus; ratione nam que Baronise
Juramento de conservandis terrenis honoribus dignitatis regise est astrictus. Quia magis ofEendere vel vituperare
(Nos) non possit quam per suas excommunicationes subtrahendo Subditos fideles nostros, a nostrorum prsceptorum
executione, cum alias nostra Jurisdictio non valeat explicari, nisi sint qui nostris mandatis pareant, ut tenentur; super
transgressione vero Juramenti, altissimum ultorem poterit expectaxe. Taliter hoc prseceptum nostrum adimplens,
quod regise dignitati pro defectu tui nihil debeat deperire propter quod reputemus merito nos ofEensos.
Teste meipso, apud Woodstock, 26 die Augusti, Anno Regni nostri 30. ( Clans. 30 S. 'S M. 5 dors.)
The Writ to the Bishop of Lincoln proceeds in the same words and tenor, to " studeat revocare," after which it
continues : —
Hoc autem vobis signiflcamns — ut illins facti inteUecta plenius verltate, si forsitau dictus Episcopus vobis
denunciaverit, dictum R. Clerioum nostrum Excommunicationis sententia innodatum, ei propter hoc uUam molestiam
inf erratis, nee publicari illam sententiam facialis, prtesertim cum minus juste sit lata, & non de jure, licet de facto
contra defensionem libertatis Boolesiasticse, quod ex praemissis apparet, &o., in prejudicium Regis dignitatis. — Teste,
ut supra. Rex Prioribus de Thurgarton & de Derb. & Archid. Stafiiord. salutem. — Monstravit nobis Radulphus de
Leycestr. Rector Ecclesiaa Sancti Michslis de Coventr', quo cum decedente H. de PateshuU, quondam Coventr' &
Lichf. Episcopo, dicta Ecclesia Sancti Michaelis, tam de jure quam de facto vacaret, sicut per Inquisitionem quam
inde fieri fecimus nobis constitit, & constat manifeste, licet magistri Adam' de Hoo, quondam Archid' Coventr' Th. de
Wymundeham, & Petrus de Radenour, Archid. Salop, post mortem ipsius Episcopi de Ecclesia ipsa sic dixerint
ordinand' videlict, quod triginta marcs de eadem Ecclesia cederent in usus communes Canonicorum Lichfield, & alia
triginta marcse, in usus Monaohorum Coventr', & residuum ejusdem Ecclesife in usus vicarii qui pro tempore
deserviret eidem. Nos fraudem illam dignitati Regife lactam usque ad tempus oportunum dissimulare volentes, &
invenientes per inquisitionem prsdictam Ecclesiam illam esse vacantem, prsfatum R. Clericum nostrum ad dictam
Ecclesiam vacantem ratione Episcopatus Coventr' & Lichfield, vacantis c& in manu nostra existentis, duximus prssen-
tandum. Qui quidem R. vacario per dictos Magistros ad deserviend. ilii Ecclesiae assignato possessioni ejusdem tunc
incumbente, ad Judices delegates literas Apostolicas impetravit, per quos possessionem dictaj Ecclesife finaliter est
adeptus. Et quia coUationes tam Ecclesiarnm Parocliialium quam Prsbendarum spectantes ad Episcopu' ipso
superstite, ad nos spectant sede vacante & manifeste derogerentur dignitati nostrs, si Ecclesia prsedicta, quam post
mortem prsedicti Episcopi vacantem invenimus, a prsfato Clerico nostro, cui earn ratione regis dignitatis contulimus,
evinceretur, vobis prohibemua, ne in causa ilia de cstero procedatis. — Teste ut supra. (Clans. 30 S. 3.M. 5, dorso.)
ST. MICHAEL S CHUECH, COVENTEY. 3
Coventry. The King connived at this proceeding until a fit season, and then presented
Ralph de Leycester, his clerk, declaring the former appointment to be null and void.
Whereupon, the Vicar cited R. de Leycester before the Pope's Delegates, and likewise kept
forcible possession of the church with armed men against him. The King, informed thereof
by Ralph de Leycester, issued a writ to the Sheriff of Warwickshire to remove the force ;
who, repairing to the church with the King's Clerk, and finding resistance, broke open the
church doors, and in the scuf&e some were wounded, contrary to the King's and the Sheriff's
intentions. The King avowed this act to the Sheriff as his own, being done by virtue of his
writ and for his honour and service, yet the new Bishop excommunicated both Ralph de
Leycester and all those who assisted the Sheriff; whereupon the King issued his writ to the
Sheriff of Warwickshire, dated Woodstock, 26th August, 30th year (1246), directing him to
repair to the Bishop, and admonish him forthwith to recall his excommunication, under pain
of his Barony being seized into the King's hands in case of refusal ; he being obliged by his
oath in respect of his Barony to maintain the King's honour and dignity, whom he could
not more offend or dishonour than by excommunicating his subjects and officers for obeying
his commands, which none would thenceforth execute if they should not be protected against
such unjust excommunication. He likewise directed a writ to the Bishop of Lincoln,
commanding him not to molest Ralph de Leycester by reason of this excommunication, nor
yet to publish it against him. Similar writs were issued to the Pope's Delegates not to
proceed in this cause to the dispossession of his Clerk, and to the Dean and Chapter of
Lichfield and the Vicar, not to prosecute the cause, all of which bear the date above
mentioned. The King's firmness was successful, and Ralph de Leycester remained
unmolested in the Vicarage until 1249, when, either by his death or removal, the Vicarage
became vacant and Richard de Sallow was appointed by the Prior.
The Prior and Convent, however, were so desirous to recover the patronage of this
Church, that in 1248 (32 Henry 3) a fine was levied* at Reading, whereby in consideration
of the Prior giving up to the Bishop and Cathedral of Lichfield, the perpetual advowsons of
Ryton and Bobenhall (whereof they have ever since been prebends), it was agreed that the
Ghapel of St. Michael with aU its Chapels, should revert to the Prior and Convent, and that
they should have the advowson of the same for ever. In the foUowing month, viz. at
Warwick, 3. kal. Julii, 1248, William de Kilkenny, Archdeacon of Coventry, Richard de
Gloucester, Treasurer of Lichfield, William de Monte Pessua, Subprior of Coventry, and
Richard Dean, of Poywicke, appointed to make a final accord and arrangement betwixt the
Bishop and Prior, ordained and decreed amongst other things, that upon the decease of any
of the Priests then incumbents of the Chapels belonging to St. Michael's, the Prior and
Convent should provide secular Priests and other fitting Ministers, and allow them proper
and competent support. Also that 24 marks per ann. should be assigned to the Vicarage of
St. Michael, out of the fruits of the said Church, by the Bishop's official and the Archdeacon,
with two discreet men, chosen on the Prior's part and sworn. I.'o the Archdeacon of Coventry,
for Procurations, 4 marks per ann. ; and because the Cathedral of Lichfield had used to
receive 30t marks per ann. from this Church, they ordained that the same sum should for the
future be paid out of the Rectory of Southam, the patronage of which belonged to the said
Prior and Convent, and that all future Rectors, at their Institution, should swear faithfully
to perform this payment. In case the present Vicar of St. Michael's, Ralph de Leycester,
should die, or vacate his living before the decease of the existing Rector of Southam, the
Prior and Convent are to be accountable for the 30 marks, until the Rectory of Southam
* Liber Albus, fo. 178. f ^i^., from 1241, being only 7 years, and not " of ancient time," as stated by Dugdale.
4 ST. MICHAEL S CHUECH, COVENTET.
becomes vacant. On the llthf August, 1249, the Prior having presented Richard de Sallow
to this Vicarage, the parties appointed in the preceding instrument taxed it at 24 marks per
ann., and assigned to him the oblations, obventions, and small tithes of St. Michael's only,
reserving to the Prior all tithes, &c., of the Chapels in this parish, and the great tithes and
other emoluments in St. Michael's. Moreover, they assigned out of the said Vicarage a
pension of 100s. to the Prior and Convent, payable quarterly, "pro decimis p'hbz que inter
oblacoes solebant diebz d'nicis offerri." In the same year, Roger de Montealto and Cecily
his wife, remise and quit claim to the Prior and Convent all their right in the advowson of St.
Michael's, with the Chapels belonging thereto ; and after this it seems reasonable to conclude
that no question could arise (with the Bishops) respecting this advowson; yet in 1260 Roger
Meylard,§ or Molend, appropriates St. Michael's Ghiwch, with its Chapels and appurtenances,
ecclesiastical and secular, temporal and spiritual, to the Prior and Convent of Coventry.
The instrument is dated Sallowe, 5to. non Martii, Ao. 1260; and though the cause of this
appropriation does not appear, it is the last interference of the Bishops in this advowson.
In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, 1291, St. Michael's, with its Chapels, was valued at
50 marks, or £33. 6s. 8d., and the Vicarage at 7 marks'Tf and a half, or £5. The Prior's
pension was taxed at £3. ; and in another Taxation, 32 Hen. 6|| 1454, the Prior is charged
for St. Michael's, according to the same valuation, and the Vicarage at £5, as before.
In the Inquisitiones Nonarum, 14 and 15th Edward 3 (1350-51), St. Michael's, with
its chapels, was taxed at 50 marks, viz., for the ninth sheaf, fleece, and lamb, 40 marks ;
and for the glebe, with tithe of hay, and other fruits, besides the aforesaid ninths, 10 marks.
Anno 1522, tho King (Henry 8) caused a general "proscription" to be made
throughout England for musters amongst the laity, and ordered the clergy to return the value
of their benefices, and amount of their substance; this was done upon oath, before the
Recorder in Coventry, and the original document is preserved in the Corporation Archives,
from whence the following account of clergy belonging to St. Michael's Church is
extracted : — The lorde George Grey is Vicar of the p'issh 1 „™„ _).
Church of seint mighell, in Coventr', which '> . „
is worth yeirlie to hym - )
The Priests of the p'issh of seint michell.
''Sir Richard Shurley hath yeirlie in Stipend viij li.
He is worth in goods xx ma'cs.
Sir Thom's Grene haith yeirlie in Stipend vj li xiij s iiij d.
He is worth in goods xviij li.
t Liber Albus, fo. 274. In this Charter St. Michael's is first styled a Church.
§ Extract from Rot. Molend. in Dugdale's Collections, Ashmolean Museum — the original Roll is lost.
t Misprinted in Dugdale 8i Marks. || Nero, DX. Cotton MS.
"¦ The appellation of " Sir," by which the country clergy were formerly distinguished, owes its origin to the
language of our Universities, which confers tlie designation of " Dominus " on those who have taken their first, or
B.A. degree. The word domimis was naturally translated " Sir," and thus the term became applied to the inferior
order of clergy, and did not imply any claim to the order of Knighthood. Dr. Percy says the title was applied to
readers of the Service only, who were not as yet admitted to preach. It was not entirely disused until the end of
the reign of Charles 2.
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
Stipend. Goods.
Sir Roger Couohe
5 6
8
16?.
Sir Rich'd Edmoudes
6 0
0
40s.
Sir John Wells
5 18
4
51.
Sir Thom' Morres
5 6
8
7 7 0
Sir Robt. Abbats
5 6
8
5 Marks
Sir Willm. Baillie
6 0
0
8 Marhs
Sir Willm. Danyell
5 6
8
il.
Sir John Wigston
6 0
0
%l.
Sir Richd, Colt
5 13
4
40s.
Sir Henry Ins
5 6
8
il.
Sir Roger Walker
5 13
4
31.
Sir Willm. Torre
6 0
0
iOs.
Sir Willm. Smyth
5 6
8
30s.
Sir Willm. Granger
5 6
8
30s,
Sir Willm. Walker
5 6
8
40s.
Sir John Pare
5 6
8
36s.
Chauntrie p'sts their.
Sir Rauf Shore haith a Chauntre, which is worth by yeire vij. marcs.
Sir Thom's Holes viij m'rcs.
Sir Henry Dakin vij m'rcs.
Sir Rich. Cokks j
Sir Thomas Byrde > amount torn off.
Sir Richd. Tedde J
From the preceding statement it is evident that the Church of St. Michael had at this time
a vicar, 18 parochial chaplains, and 6 chantry priests connected with it; and in 1533, upon
a taxation* of the clergy in this diocese in the second part of a subsidy, the numbers and
•payments were as follow : — D'ns Georglus Grey nup' vie' ib'm iij li.
D'ns Ric' Schyngulton curat' xvj s.
and 18 others at 6s. 2\d. each
In 1534, 26th Henry 8, the Vicarage is stated by Dugdale, from a MS. of Sir Simon
Archer's to have been rated at £65. 10s. 6d. per ann., out of which there being annually
paid £2. 15s. 4d. to the Archdeacon of Coventry, for procurations and synodals : to the
Prior of Coventry an yearly pension of 100s., and to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield
33s. 4d., there remained £56. Os. lOd., being the clear yearly value. f
The emoluments of this Vicarage, after the dissolution of the monasteries, appear to
have been materially lessened, insomuch that upon the accession of Queen Mary, and for a
subsequent period of four years and a half, the church remained without a Vicar, in
consequence whereof an Act was passed for the payment of both the Vicars in Coventry,
which being somewhat curious, not generally known at length, and forming the basis of the
present Vicarial Rates in Coventry, is given verbatim as follows : —
Anno Quarto et Quinto PMllippi ^J' Marice.
AN ACT FOR THE PAYMENT OP TYTHS, IN THE CITY OF COVENTRY, 1558.
Cum Privilegio Regie Magestatis.
Forasmuch as in the City of Coventry there hath been (before the time of ye seism, & ye declining from the
Catholick Faith and true religion of Christ) two notable Benefices or Vicaridges, the one called the Vicaridge of St.
Michael, the other the Vicaridge of the Trinity, the right and title of the Patronage whereof is now most lawfully
desoendid and vested in ye Queen's Majesty, ye tyths, profitts, and casualtyes of w'ch Benefices, before ye sd scisme,
* Harl. MSS. 594, fo. 116. f See the Valor Ecolesiastious of Henry 8, 1584.
6 ST. Michael's chuech, coventey.
were sufficient and able to find two grave and learned Incumbents & Vicars, altho ye sd tyths, profitts, and casualtyes,
stood and depended only upon ye devotion of ye citizens & inhabitants of the said City, & now since ye sd disorders
and scismaticall time, in ye religion of Christ, ye goodwills & devotion of ye people is so much decayed, that the
said Benefices be not able conveniently to find any Incumbent of any honest estimation and learning, in so much yt
ye greatest Parish in ye sd City, called St. Michael's, in Coventry, hath, & yet doth remain these four years and a
half without any Incumbent or Vicar, by reason the profitts & emoluments of ye same are so small, yt no learned or
apt Priest will be content to accept or receive the same, & so is very like stiU to remain, if remedy be not ordained.
And because there is no ordinary way by the law or statutes of ye Realme, at any time heretofore made or
provided, to enforce the minds and devotions of the sd inhabitants to pay any other kind of tyths and dutyes to any
of the sd Vicars, than they themselves shall think meet, by reason whereof it is very like yt ye Patronages before
remembred shall remain & be of no value or estimation ; and yt also ye Catholick and devout people inhabiting in
ye sd City shall want & not have the Sacraments of ye Church to them ministred, according as it is meet for Xtian
people to have.
For reformation whereof, be it enacted by ye authority of this present Parliament, yt ye citizens and inhabitants
of ye sd City of Coventry, and suburbs of the same for ye time being, shall yearly, without fraud or covin, for ever,
pay their tyths to every of ye Vicars of ye sd two Parishes before rehearsed, & their successors for the time being,
after the rate, order, and proportion hereafter foUowing (yt is to say), of every tenn shillings rent by year, of all and
every house and houses, shops, warehouses, sellars, and stables, & of every of them within the City and Liberties of
ye same, twelve pence ; and every 20s. rent by year, of all and every such house and houses, shops, warehouses,
cellars, and stables, & every of them w'thin ye said City and Liberties, two shillings ; & so above the rent of 20s.
a year, assending from ten shillings to ten shillings, according to the rate and portion aforesaid.
Item, yt when any lease is, or shall be made of any dwelling house or houses, shops, warehouses, cellars, or
stables, or of any of them, by fraud or covin reseiving less rent than hath been accustomed to be, or is now paid ; or
yt any such lease is, or shall be made without any rent reserved upon the same, by reason of any fine or income paid
before hand, or by any other fraud or covin, then yt in every such case, ye tenant or farmer, tenants or farmers
thereof, shall pay for his or their tyths of the same after the rate aforesaid, according to the quantity of such rent
or rents, as ye same house or houses, shops, warehouses, sellars, or stables, or any of them, were last lett for, without
fraud or covin, before ye makeing of such lease.
Item, yt every owner or owners, whether inherit'r or inherit'rs of any dwelling house or houses, shops, warehouses,
sellars, or stables, or any of them, within the said City and Liberties, inhabiting or occupying the same himself or
themselves, shall pay after such rate of tyths as is abovesald, after the quantity of such yearly rent as the same was
last lett for, or aifter the quantity of such yearly rent as ye houses shall be rated at, by such persons as ye Lord
Chancellor shall appoint by Comission for the same.
Item, if any person or persons have taken, or hereafter shall take, any mease or mansion place by lease, and the
taker or takers thereof, his or their executors or assignees, doth or shall inhabitt in part thereof, & have or hath within
eight years last past before this Order, or hereafter shall or will lett out the residue of the same, that then in such
case the principal farmer or farmers, or first taker or takers thereof, his or their executors or assignes, sliall pay his or
their tythes, after the rate aforesaid, according to his or their quantity therein, & that his or their executors or
assignes shall pay his or their tyths after the rate above said, according to the quantity of his or their rent by the
year. And that if any person or persons have, or shall take divers mansion houses, shops, warehouses, cellars, or stables,
in one lease, and letteth or shall lett out one or more of the said houses, and keepeth or shall keep one or more in his
own hands, & inhabitteth in the same, that then ye said taker or takers, and his or their executors or assignes, shall
pay his or their tyths after the rate above said, according to the quantity of the yearly rent of such mansion house or
houses, reserved in his or their hands, and that his assignee or assignes, of the residue of tlie said mansion house or
houses, shall pay his or their tyths, according to the quantity of their yearly rents.
Item, if such farmer or farmers, or his or their assignes, of any mansion house or houses, shops, cellars, or stables,
hath at any time within eight years last past, or shall hereafter lett over all the said mansion house or houses,
contained in his or their lease, to one person or to diverse persons, that then the inhabitants, lessees, or occupiers of
them, and every of them shall pay their tyths, after the rate of such rents as the said inhabitants, lessees, or
occupiers, and their assignee or assignees, be or shall be charged withal, without fraud or covin.
Item, if any dwelling house within eight years last past was, or hereafter shall be, converted into a warehouse,
store house, kilne house, or malt house, or such like ; or if a warehouse, store house, kilne house, or malt house, or
such lite, within the said eight years was, or hereafter shall be, converted into a dwelling house, that then the
occupier or occupiers thereof shall pay tyths for the same, after the rate above declared of the rents of mansion
houses. Item, that where any person shall demise any dye house, brew house, kilne house, or malt house, with implements
convenient and necessary for dying, brewing, or makeing and keeping malt, reserving a rent upon the same, as well
in respect of such implements as iu respect of such dye house, brewhouse, kilne house, or malt house, that then the
tenant shall pay his tyths after such sort as is abovesald, the third penny abated.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 7
Item, that when any mansion house with the shop, stable, warehouse, timber yard, tenter yard, or garden, or
orchard, belonging to the same, or as parcell of the same, is or shall be occupyed together, that if the same be here
after sever'd or divided, or at any time within eight years last past, were sever'd or divided, that then the farmer or
farmers, occupier or occupiers, shall pay such tyths as is abovesald, for such shop, stable, warehouse, timber yard,
tenter yard, or garden aforesaid, so severed or divided, after the rate of their several rents thereupon reserved.
Item, that the said citizens and inhabitants shall pay their tyths yearly (that is to say), at ye feasts of Easter,
the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, and the Nativity of our Lord God, by
even portions.
Item, that every householder paying lOs. rent or above, shall for himself or herself, be discharged of their four
offering days; but his wife, children, servant, or other of their family, takeing their rites of the church at Easter
shall pay 2d, for their four offering days yearly.
Provided always, and it is enacted by authority aforesaid, that if any house or houses which hath been, or here
after shall be, lett for ten shillings rent by year or more, be or hath been, at any time within eight years past, or
hereafter shall be, divided aud leased into small parcell or members, yielding less yearly rent than tenn shillings by
year, that then the owner or owners, if he or they shall dwell in any part of such house, or else the principal lessee
or lesses, if the owner or owners do not dwell in some part of the same, shall from henceforth pay for his and their
tyths, after such rate of rent as the same house was accustomed to be lett for before such division or dividing in two
partyes or members; and the under farmer or farmers, lessee and lessees, to be discharged all tyths for such small
parcells, parts, or members, rented at less yearly rent than 10s. by year, without fraud or covin, paying 2d. a year
yearly for their four offering days.
Provided always, and be it enacted by authority aforesaid, that for such gardens as pertaine not to any mansion
house, aud which any person or persons holdeth, or shall hold in his or their hands for pleasure or to his own use,
that then the persons so holding the same, shall not by virtue of this act pay any tyths for the same ; but if any
person or persons, which holdeth or shall hold any such garden, containing half an acre or more, doth or shall make
any yearly profitt of the same by way of sale, that then he or they shall pay tyths for the same, after such rate of his
rent as is herein first above specityed.
Provided also, that if any such gardens now being of the quantity of half an acre or more, be hereafter by fraud
or covin, divided into any less quantity or quantityes, then to pay tythes according to the rate aforesaid.
And it is further enacted by authority aforesaid, that if any variance, controversy, or strife, do or shall hereafter
rise in the said City for none-payment of any tyths, or if any variance or doubt arise upon the true knowledge or
division of any rent or tyths, in the liberties of the said City, or of any extent or assessment thereof, so that by any
colour or means any house or houses, or other things before mentioned within the said City, shall escape without
rateing or assessment, or otherwise be discharged, or if any doubt arise upon any other thing contained within this
bill or act, that then upon complaint made by the party grieved to the Mayor of the City of Coventry, for the time
being, the said Mayor by the advice of the Councell of the said City, shall call the said parties before him, and make
a final end of the same, with costs to be awarded at the discretion of the said Mayor and his assistants, according to
the intent and purpose of this present act; and if the said Mayor make not an end thereof, within one month next
after complaint to him made, or if any of the said parties find themselves grieved, that then the Lord Chancellor of
England for the time being, upon complaint to him made, calling to him the two Chief Justices of England for the
time being, shall make finall order in the same cause or causes, as to him and them shall seem meet, and shall award
such costs as to him and them shall be thought convenient.
Provided always, that if any person or persons take any tenement for a less rent than it was accustomed to be
taken for, by reason of any great mine, decay, burning, or such like occasions or misfortunes, that then such person
or persons, his executors or assigns, shall pay tyths only after the rate of the rent reserved, in his or their lease, and
none otherwise, as long as the same lease shall endure.
This Act continued unrepealed until 19 Geo. 3, 1778 (as stated in the preamble to the
new Act), though not enforced because it would now become an intolerable burthen on the
Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Michael, and a subject of endless expense and litigation.
The Vicar and Parishioners having at this time come to an agreement to raise by a rate
certain sums of money to be paid the said Vicar and his successors, in lieu of the payments
and all rights and claims under the Act of Philip and Mary, application was made to
Parliament, and an Act obtained " for establishing certain payments to be made to the Vicar
of the Parish of 8t. Michael, in lieu of tithes, and for repealing so much of an Act of the
4th and 5th of Philip and Mar]/ as relates to the payment of tithes in the said Parish." By
the provisions of this Act, a rate of Is. in the pound is granted to the Vicars of St. Michael,
O ST. MICHAEL S CHURCH, COVENTRY.
upon all houses, gardens, or buildings, of the yearly value of £10. and upwards, and of 6d.
in the pound, when under that sum, and of not less value than £6. beneath which amount
they are not rateable, neither are public buildings.
Prom several ancient terriers it appears that the Vicars of St. Michael are entitled to
All tithe of flax within the Parish, and
All the small tithes of Keresley, Shortly, Pinley and Whitley.
There is no Vicarage House belonging to St. Michael's; but in 1772, a communication
was made to the Vestry, that a person* desirous of remaining unknown, was disposed to give
£1 00 to the Church Trustees, the interest thereof to be annually received by the Vicar, until
a perpetual Vicarage House should be annexed to the Church, and afterwards appropriated
towards the repairs of the same, which money was received under the proposed conditions,
and the interest is annually paid to the Vicar.
Of the Rectory, only one notice of consequence has occurred, being an entry in the
Prior's Register, fo. 130, to this effect : — ¦
The Prior of Coventry and his Successors, Rectors of the Church of St. Michael, had
wont to have of right lOs. for tithes of the Herbage of the said Park (of Cheyles
more) and 3s. 4d. for the tithes of the mill there, and the tithes of the wood, as it should
happen, and the tithe of deer, as most plainly appeared in the accounts of divers of the
officers and farmers there. The Corporation of Coventry are the present rectors, having by
deed, bearing date Jan. 30, 1565, pm'chased the rectory of Queen Elizabeth for £186. 3s. 4d.,
together with the Rectory of Trinity.
It may be here mentioned, that in 1563t the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield certified
there were 503 Households belonging to this Parish Church, and that in 15 70 J, in
consequence of a petition to the Court of Exchequer from the Vicar of St. Michael, setting
forth that " his charge of households and people was double that of the Vicar of Trinity,"
and the living 1 1 but £47. 3s. 2d., whereas the living of Trinity amounted to £30, it was decreed
that £6 per annum should hereafter be paid the Vicar of St. Michael, and deducted from the
£14. 6s. 8d., which, by a previous decree (in 1562), was ordered to be paid annually by the
Mayor out of the £50 Feefarm rent of this City.
[Extracts from Common Council Book relating to the tithes : —
1561, 3 Nov.— City Tithes let for 8 years at £12. 18s. 4d. per annum.
1603, 11 May — Divers persons refuse to pay according to their assessments. Ordered, that any inhabitants refusing be
called before the Alderman of their Ward and his Deputy, and if they then refuse, the Alderman then to commit
them to prison until payment is made.
1603, 17 Dec. — Tithes of St. Michael and Trinity Rectories leased for 21 years to Henry Breres, at £60 per annum.
1636, 18 July — Agreement with Panting to allow £100 for 8 years and house rent ; he demising his Tithes, except
Keresley and Whitley, and reserving all his fees for weddings, &c., and offerings paid half-yearly. Curate
preaching the Wednesday's sermon to be a confirmable man, approved by Mr. P.
1647, 10 Nov. — Assessment of Trinity, £60, St. Michael's, £64, ordered to be raised to £100 for the Vicar of Trinity
and £124 for the Vicar of St. Michael.] '
* Dr. Burgh of Coventry.
f Harl. MSS. 594, fo. 116. By way of comparison, the following numbers are given from the same certificate.
Birmingham, 200— Coleshill, 110— Sutton Coldfield, 1 1 4— Solihull, 160— Sow, 39— FoleshiU, 40— Wykin, 24.
X Burton's Book, 264. || St. Michael's Vicarage is rated in the King's Books at £26. 15s. 6d. Patron the
Lord Chancellor. The value as given in Liber Ecclesiasticus in 1835 is £472 a year. The living is in the gift of
the Crown.
ST. MICHAEL S CHURCH, COVENTRY. 9
LIST OF VICARS.
Of these, the flrst whose name has been discovered, is
RALPH DB MAYNWARING, who was instituted by Geoffrey de Muschamp, Bishop
of Coventry and Lichfield, at the desire of Ranulph Blundeville, Earl of Chester, probably
towards the latter end of the Bishop's life, as he died in 1208, and Maynwaring was
certainly Vicar in 1242*, in which year he licenses a Chapel at Pinley, near Coventr}^, on the
application of Geoffery de Langley, saving his vicarial rights : — his successorf was
RALPH DE LEYCESTER, who occurs as Vicar in 1246, having been presented
thereto by the King, Henry III. ; but, in 1249, the Prior and Convent of St. Mary's
presented RICHARD DE SALLOW; from which time until 1537 the patronage of this Vicarage
continued without interruption in the said Priors and Convent.
GUY DB TYLLBBROKE, was probably the next Vicar, occurring as such in a deed
of gift by him of certain land, &c., about the year 1290, to support a light before the High
Altar in St. Michael's, to which Thomas Pavi, who was Prior of St. Mary's from 1279 to
1293, is a witness. His successor was
WILLIAM DB BILLBSLEY, appointed 6 non. Martii, 1296. In ]313| he gave
two messuages to St. Mary's, and was succeeded 11 Kal. Sep. 1322, by
JOHN DE SCHULTON, Rector of Stretton-under-Fosse, who resigned; and on 7 id.
Junii, 1323,
JOHN DB KENT was instituted, who exchanged; and on 16 Kal. Martii, 1331, was
succeeded by
JOHN DEVBREY, Rector of Bradham, in the Diocese of Norwich, who occurs as
Vicar in 1350 : but in 1356 I meet with
WILLIAM ANTONY; and likewise, in 1360, with
THOMAS BERTUYLE or BBRTBVYLE ; whose successor unquestionably was
WILLIAM DB PECK, appointed 15 Kal. Sep. 1361, but who continued Vicar only
untn 14 Kal. Dec. 1362 ; when he was succeeded by
ROBERT DE WENTBRIGG or WBNTEBRUGGE; after whom I find, in 1369, a
member of the Trinity Gild here,
JOHN DE TOFTES; and again, in 1383,
THOMAS WODEHALB ; whose successor I meet with in 1386, being
JOHN BERNARD; and it appears from the Register Skirlaw, that in 1388, he
exchanged with
JOHN DE LODBLAW, Rector of Whitchurch; and on 7 October, 1395, was
succeeded by
THOMAS DB STANLEY, who resigned; and on 6th February, 1402,
THOMAS DB TUTTEBURY was appointed, and held the Living scarcely a month,
for in consequence of his death, * Langley Cartulary, Harl. MSS. 7.
f "Maynwaryn, and after him Leycester, were p'sons of the Rectorye of St. Myohaell's." MS. in Treasury, temp. Eliz.
t Cartulary of St. Mary's, fo. 115 b.
10 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
JOHN WAKERING succeeded on 9th March, in same year, but exchanged on 29th
July, 1409, with
WILLIAM GLYM, of Ludyngton, in the Diocese of Salisbury; and he was also by
exchange, succeeded 10th January, 1418, by
ROBERT THRESK, of St. Nicholas, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; after whom was appointed,
on 19th November, 1419,
RICHARD LBYOT, Doctor of Laws ; whose successor appears to have been
JOHN COMBER, who, in 1425, was admitted a member of the Trinity Gild, and
resigning this Vicarage, December 10, 1431,
JOHN HEYWORTH was appointed ; to whom succeeded, on 22nd January, 1436,
WILLIAM GLYM, Vicar of St. Michael's, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne (and probably
the same person who held this Vicarage from 1409 to 1418) ; he was followed by
THOMAS WORSREP alias CHESTERFIELD, appointed June 19, 1441 ; and his
successor it seems was
LAWRENCE BOTHE, as upon his resignation, on 31st August, 1457,
JOHN TWISSB, LL.B., was presented, upon whose death succeeded, on the 23rd
October, in same year,
THOMAS EDMONDS, doctor of physio (or as his name is written in the Smiths'
Company's and Trinity Gild's Accounts, Edmunds) ; after whom I flnd
WILLIAM KNYGHTON, Vicar of St. Michael's, in 1473 admitted a member of the
Smiths' Company, and probably about the time of his appointment to the Vicarage ; — he
must have been followed by
JOHN GILBERT, who in an order of Leet, Anno 1500, is recorded to have given 40s.
to the Common Box, and is there called " Sr. John Gilbert, late Viker of both p'ish Ghirches,
in Coventr.' " His successor in this Vicarage, by exchange, was
JAMES PRESTON, S. T. P. Rector of Houghton, in the diocese of Winchester,
appointed 20th Sept. 1488 (in which year he was admitted a brother of the Corpus Christi
Gild), and succeeded on his death, April 26, 1507, by
JOHN VESEY, LL.D. on the presentation of Willm. Shragger, by grant of the
Prior and Convent upon this vacancy, arising from an exchange. John Vesey, alias
Harman, the munificent patron of Sutton Coldfleld, was presented to this living, out of the
usual and accustomed manner. In 1510, he was admitted a brother of Corpus Christi Gild,
by the name of " Mr. Feysse, doctor of lawes, and Vicar of St. Michael ; " and his name is
continued in their books, until 1518, from which circumstance, it seems reasonable to con
clude, he remained Vicar of St. Michael, until he was preferred by Henry 8, to the Bishopric
of Exeter, being consecrated Dec. 6, 1519. He was, says Godwin, well learned, wise, and
in great favour with the King, who sent him sundry times in Ambassages to Foreign
Princes. Of all the Bishops in the land, he was accounted the best courtier, and although
well reported of for his learning, better liked for his court-like behaviour.
Amongst his numerous preferments, may be reckoned Chaplain to the King, Dean of
Windsor and Exeter, Prebendary of Sarum, Chancellor of Coventry and Lichfield, Arch
deacon of Chester, and Lord President of the Marches of Wales. He built Stonebridge,
near Meriden, Curdworth and Water Orton Bridges, procured the incorporation of Sutton
Coldfleld, his native Town, and founded the Free School there. He resigned his Bishopric
in 1551, and retired to his favourite residence. Moor Hall, near Sutton Coldfield, where he
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 11
died at the advanced age of 103, in 1555, and was buried in the Church of Sutton Coldfleld,
which he had enlarged by building two side aisles. His monument on the North side of the
Chancel, has a cumbent whole length figure of the Bishop in his pontificals, but represents
a middle-aged person. He had also the government of the Princess Mary.*
The next Vicar, incompletely printed by Dugdale, from the Register Blythe, " D. Georg " was
LORD GEORGE GREY, appointed May 6, 1520, upon his predecessor, Vesey, being
made Bishop of Exeter. The list of Mayors with annals, which Dugdale so frequently cites,
as belonging to Hales, ofthe White Friars, has the following account. Anno 1520 —
" My Lord George marques Dorsett was staylled Vicar of St. Mychells."
This designation of him, however, is incorrect, as he was the youngest son of Thomas,
Marquis of Dorset, who died 20th Sept., 17 Henry 7, 1501, and consequently brother to the
second Thomas Marquis of Dorset, then living.
In 1528, he was made a brother of Corpus Christi Gild, and probably did not live much
longer, or resigned this Vicarage, as
RICHARD MANCHESTER occurs as Vicar, 1532, a member of Corpus Christi Gild,
and RICHARD NBTHBRMILL was Vicar, on 31st Jan., 1534, as appears by an extract
from First-fruits Office ; upon whose death succeeded
ARTHUR DUDLEY, one of the King's Chaplains, appointed 6th Feb. 1537, by the
King, upon grant from Geo. Earl of Huntingdon, and Francis, his son and heir, to whom
the right of presentation was given by the Prior and Convent.
JOHN RAMRIDGB, the succeeding Vicar, was presented by the Prior and Convent,
on 7th Feb. 1538, being the last Vicar appointed by them. Our City annals record, that
in 1544, by his procurement, one Thomas Saunders was falsely accused to the King's
Council of Heresy, for the which he lay in the King's Bench three quarters of a year. The
same annals relate that, in 1547, Dr. Ramridge, and Henry Hybert his parish priest,
recanted their popish errors in St. Michael's Church; and in the following year, that Edward
Cox, a temporal man, was admitted by the King's Council to be Vicar and preacher of the
same Church. It is not improbable that there is a little confusion of dates here. Cox, most
likely, was appointed by the Council, whilst Ramridge was under examination and probably
suspended ; but after his recantation, he would doubtless be restored to the Vicarage, and
it appears that he held it until 1552, in which year, upon the 17th March,
HUGH SYMON, or SYMONDS, succeeded upon his resignation. He was appointed
Vicar by Edward 6. This Symonds was a Protestant of Worcester, and having in a sermon,
soon after the accession of Queen Mary, expressed something against her proceedings, he
was, in August, 1553, sent for to the Council, and, in the course of that same year, deprived
by Commissaries from Sampson, Bishop of the Diocese, on account of his being married.
By the Act of Parliament, 4th and 5th of Philip and Mary (vide p. 6 ante) it appears that
no successor was then, Jan. 1557-8, appointed, the church being four and a half years without
a Vicar — the reason assigned being the smallness of the emoluments of this living ; but it
rather seems to shew a paucity of Catholic Priests qualified for such a considerable cure.
* Fuller says of him, that he almost destroyed the Bishopric of Exeter, not only shaving the hairs (with long
leases) but cutting away the limbs with sales outright, insomuch that Bishop Hall, his successor in tliat see, com-
plaineth iu print, that the following bishops were barons but bare ones indeed. * * He robbed his own
cathedral to pay a parish church, Sutton in this county, where he was born, whereon he bestowed many benefactions,
and built 51 houses. To enrich this, his native town, he brought out of Devonshire many clothiers, with desire and
hope to fix the manufacture of clothing there, but in vain.
12 ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
On the death of Mary something was done; as the City Annals record, in 1558, that
" good Ministers were this year sent to Coventry."*
According to the Bishop's Register,
WILLIAM IRELAND, was appointed Vicar, Sept. 22, 1577; whose successor on
26th March, 1583, was
WILLIAM HINTON, S. T. P. In the following year, upon the resignation of Dr.
James, he was made Archdeacon of Coventry, and in 1596, Precentor of St. David's. He
was Vicar of this Church 40 years, making Coventry his constant place of residence, and
endeavouring to promote the temporal and eternal interests of his parishioners. The objec
tions of a part of his congregation to receive the Sacrament kneeling, caused him much
trouble, the particulars of which will be found in the next chapter. He annually clothed as
many poor children as his son and heir was years old.f
In 1623, becoming infirm, he resigned the Vicarage, but continued Archdeacon of
Coventry until his death, which happened in 1631. He was buried in St. Michael's Church,
probably in the Chancel, though there is no gravestone or memorial remaining, but a
note in Dr. Thomas's Edition of Dugdale says he was buried near his wife; who was, I
apprehend, Maria Hinton, whose portraiture, on a brass plate, is fixed upon the north
wall of the Chancel; she died in 1594. He was interred in the night, " being (say our MS.
Annals) the first great person that was buried in the night in this City."
SAMUEL BUGGS, D. D., upon the resignation of Archdeacon Hinton, was appointed
to this Vicarage, Nov. 4, 1623. He was probably Curate, or assistant to the Archdeacon,
previous to his resignation, as he dedicated a Sermon preached at Paul's Cross, July 8,
1621, entitled David's Strait, to the Mayor, J Aldermen, &c. of Coventry, and styles himself
" Bachelor of Divinitie, sometime Fellow of Sidney -Sussex College, in Cambridge, and
now Minister of the Word of God in Coventrie. London, 1622, printed." In the same
year he printed the Speech of Dr. Philemon Holland, delivered unto King James, at
his late being at Coventry. " Together with a Sermon preached in the audience, and
published at the request of the worthie companie of the practisers of the military garden,
of the said well-governed Citie of Coventry." Both works are in 4to, printed by John
Dawson, London, 1622.
On the 20th June, 1626, he was also made Vicar of Trinity, and dying in 1633 was
buried in the South aisle of St. Michael's Church, where is a flat tomb stone, having his
arms, and the following inscription—"' Here lieth ye body of Mr. Samuel Buggs, D.D.,
and Vicar of both Parishes, who died in 1633 1|." His successor in St. Michael's was
WILLIAM PANTING, appointed 22nd May, 1633; and one of our Puritan City
Annalists, recording the death of Dr. Buggs, adds, " in whose room came two worthy
teachers, blessed be God." It seems, however, that the new Vicar's puritanism was not
sufficiently strong for the temper of the times, or else that our Annalist was mistaken in his
* It appears, however, from an entry in the journals of the House of Commons, 1561, that Hugh Symonds was
reinstated, as he and his successors were exonerated of £144 arrearages of tithes of this Vicarage ; and again in
Burton's MS. he is recorded as Vicar iu l.j(J9.
t Li 1598, it is recorded in the Council Book that the city agreed to give Dr. H. 20Z. per annum in augmentation
of his livin.g, or to make up his Vicarage WOl. at his choice. In 1610, assistance was allowed him, 51. being paid
Mr. Drax for Wednesday's lecture. In 1616, Mr. Buggs ordered 101. as lecturer.
X The Corporation presented 31. 6s. Hd. to him for this dedication.
II In tlie year previous to his death the city withdrew the allowance for the lecture, and the Vicar refused to
lecture as usual in either church on Wednesdays and Fridays. Disputes also appear to have arisen touching the
right of the churchyard.
ST. Michael's chuech, coventey. 13
opinion of Mr. Panting, for on March 22, 1642,* he was dispossessed of the living, which was
sequestrated by the Parliamentarians, who invited
OBADIAH GREW, D.D., in 1642, at that time Master of the Free School at Atherstone,
to become Minister of this Parish, and certainly he did their choice much credit. This
"painful divine," and worthy parish priest, was born at Atherstone, in 1607, admitted, in
1624, a Student of Baliol College, Oxford, and ordained at the age of 28 years, by the
Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. In 1632, he was elected Master of the Free Grammar
School, in his native town; and having, in the beginning of the civil wars, joined the
Parliament party, and taken the covenant, he was invited by the Corporationf and some
principal citizens, to become Minister of this large parish, in which situation he was greatly
and justly admired for his conscientious discharge of the ministerial duties.
The soundness of his doctrine (says Wood, as those of his persuasion have told me), the
sanctity and prudence of his conversation, the vigilancy and tenderness of his care, were of
that constant tenor, that he seemed to do all which the best writers upon the pastoral office
tell us should be done.
As he sided with the Presbyterians against the hierarchy, so he joined with that party
also, against the design of destroying the King. In this, as in other things, he acted both
with integrity and courage, of which, amongst others, we have the following instances : —
In 1648, when Cromwell, then Lieut. -General, was at Coventry, upon his march towards
London, Mr. Grew took this opportunity to represent to him the wickedness of the design
then visibly on foot, for taking off the King, and the sad consequences thereof, should it
be carried into effect, earnestly pressing him to use his endeavours to prevent it, and
obtained his promise for it. Afterwards, when the design became more apparent, he wrote
a letter to him, reminding him of his promise, and had it conveyed (by a person who was
afterwards Mayor and Alderman of Coventry) to a messenger then in waiting, at Whitehall,
who delivered it into Cromwell's own hands. At another time, upon occasion of the rising
in Cheshire, he was required to read in the Church, on the sabbath day, the proclamation
against Sir. G. Booth, and threatened by Lambert's soldiers, then in Coventry, with the loss
of his place if he refused, yet he would not do it. He was a man of great generosity, a proof
of which he gave when his predecessor, Mr. Panting, having from necessity sold his library,
some part whereof being purchased by Dr. Grew, and afterwards desired again, with an offer
of the purchase money, he returned the books but refused the money, knowing Mr. Panting
had more need of it than himself. In 1651 he passed his various degrees in divinity, and
in the ensuing Act completed that of Doctor, when he preached the Goncio ad clerum, with
applause. In 1654 he was appointed one of the Assistants to the Commissioners of War
wickshire, for the ejection of such as were then called scandalous, ignorant, and insufficient
Ministers and Schoolmasters. He continued at St. Michael's (not without considerable dif
ficulty in obtaining his " allowance," some particulars whereof are given elsewhere),
esteemed and beloved by his parishioners, until his Majesty's restoration ; after which, in
pursuance of the Act of Uniformity, in 1661, he resigned his Benefice, though Bishop
Hacket was very urgent with him to conformj and allowed him to preach a month beyond
"¦ " Spent by the appoyntment of the Parish, to gaine the Sequestration, by Rob. Kinge, in 2 jorneys to London,
il. 12s. lOd." Ch. Accounts, 1643. In 1638 a suit with Mr. Panting cost 301. 14s. lOd. Three years afterwards Mr.
Aspinall was allowed 251. as lecturer.
t Purefoy, at that time Recorder of Coventry, and a very active and zealous supporter of the Parliament, most
probably recommended him, his own family residence being in the neighbourhood of Atherstone.
X Vide the Bishop's Letter, p. 23.
14 ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
the prescribed time. He then delivered his farewell Sermon, and afterwards restricted his
labours to a few private hearers, his prudence making him avoid numbers as much as pos
sible. In 1665, when the plague alarmed the City, he began to keep open meetings, but
was forced by the Oxford Act to remove. In 1672 he returned to Coventry, and being
licensed, held public meetings* until 1682, when that liberty being recalled, and the doctor
continuing to preach, he was informed against, and underwent an imprisonment of 6 months
in Coventry Jail, being then aged and blind. Upon his release he again left the City, but
attached to his flock ; and his eye-sight being gone he kept an amanuensis, and dictated a
Sermon to him every week, which being read afterwards to several short-hand writers, it was
again transcribed and read at twenty different meetings of small numbers to avoid the
penalties of the law. This practice he continued until the Revolution, when he once more
returned to the City, and preached as long as his voice could be heard, which was within a
month of his decease, happening on the 22nd October, 1689, aged 82, and he was buried in the
Chancel of St. Michael's Church. He was a man of uniform piety ; familiar in conversation ;
courteous to the mean; acquainted with and esteemed by the great; very studious, even when
blind and in prison. He married Mr. Wm. Sampson's widow (who was the mother of Dr. Henry
Sampson), and by her had one son. Dr. Nehemiah Grew, an eminent physician, and the first
and most eminent vegetable anatomist and physiologist of this country, who died in 1711.
He published " A Sinner's Justification by Christ, or the Lord Jesus Christ our Right
eousness," delivered in several Sermons on Jer. 23-6, 8vo., 1670; and "Meditations
upon our Saviour's Parable of the Prodigal Son," being Sermons on Luke 15, 1674, 4to. ;
both written and published at the request and for the common benefit of his quondam
parishioners. His successor was
SAMUEL FEAKB, M.A., appointed to this Vicarage, Nov. 12, 1662, chiefly by the
care and selection of Bishop Hacket. He was allowed £5 towards the charge of removing
his family to Coventry, and £8 annually, till 1666, for house rent. Upon his death succeeded
GEORGE DOWNING, M.A., Archdeacon of Coventry, and Chancellor of Lichfield,
being collated Archdeacon March 10, 1672, and presented to the Vicarage of St. Michael,
on the 25th of the same month. He was installed Chancellor of the Cathedral Church of
Lichfield on the 18th of May, 1676, and dying in 1684, was interred in the Chancel of
his parish Church, at Coventry. His successor was
ISAAC FOX, M.A., who, in 1687, had an annuity of £20 granted by the Corporation
of Coventry, in addition to his Vicarage, which was confirmed by an instrument on condition
of his residence. It remained unpaid till 1691, when an order was made for payment so soon
as any money was in hand.-f He died April 1, 1722, being interred in the Chancel of this
Church. He published "A Sermon preached at the Funeral of Mary Lady Bridgeman."
London, 1702, 4to. His successor was
THOMAS EDWARDS, M.A., who died 27th September, 1756, aged 85; and was
succeeded by
JAMBS PARKER, M.A. ; upon whose death, in 1768,
BENJAMIN TOMS, Clerk, was appointed Vicar, J and dying March 1 5, 1 793, aged 63,
was buried in St. Michael's Church, at the West end.
"' In St. Nicholas' Hall, commonly called Leather Hall, in West Orchard, where seats aud galleries were put
up. — History of Warwickshire, 8vo, published by Aston, Coventry, 1817, p. 302. f C. C. B.
X It was during his incumbency that the Act referred to in p. 7 was p.issed, repealing portion of the Act of
1558, given on p. 5. The law costs of Messrs. Payne and Chambers, and Mr. Inge, amounted to ('>5ll. lis. 8d. of
which the Vicar agreed to pay 295^. 16s. 3d., aud the remaining 355^. 18s. 5d. was promised by the parishioners.
Reader's notes.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 15
ROBERT SIMSON, LL.B., succeeded, being instituted in 1793. [He was the eldest
son of the late Dr. Simson, of Bishop Street in this City, was in early life in the military service,
and was present at the Siege of Gibraltar in 1779. He was an eye-witness of the wreck of
the Royal George in 1 782. For the first 40 years of his incumbency of St. Michael's he rarely
had assistance in the performance of his clerical duties, and was a constant resident among
his parishioners. In 1843, a portrait was subscribed for by the parishioners, and painted by
Mr. David Jee, an artist of the city. It is placed in the Vestry as a mark of respect, and in
commemoration of his connection with the parish for half a century. He died on the 16th
of May, 1846, aged 84, and in the 54th year of his incumbency.
JOHN BROWNRIGGE COLLISSON, B.A., received the living from the Crown in
June, 1846. His occupation of the Vicarage is chiefly remarkable for the litigation which
ensued in consequence of the demands of the Vicar in reference to a rate he proposed to levy
on the parishioners for the increase of his stipend, and for the provision of additional
Curates. After extending over several years, judgment was deHvered by Lord C. J. Campbell
against the Vicar on the 28th May, 1850. The subject of re-pewing the church had occupied
the attention of the Vicar and Wardens since 1844, and it was during the incumbency of
Mr. Collisson that this desirable change was effected. In 1851, the church was lighted with
gas, and on the 7th of December in that year, was opened for evening service. In August,
1858, Mr. Collisson* preached his fareweU sermon to the congregation of St. Michael's,
having exchanged hvings with
SIDNEY HENRY WIDDRINGTON, M.A., Rector of Walcott, Bath. In early life he
held a commission in H. M. Service, but afterwards entered the ministry. He held the
living for over five years, during which period he manifested an unwearied interest in the
welfare of his parishioners and the city, and exerted himself constantly in ameliorating
the distress that existed during the last few years of his incumbency. The restoration of
the church was continued, and on the 7th of January, 1864, he exchanged livings with
ASHBY BLAIR HASLEWOOD, B.A., Incumbent of St. Mark's Church, St. John's
Wood, London. A lawsuit arising out of an alleged misrepresentation of the value of the
living, judgment was obtained in favour of Mr. Haslewood, in the Court of Queen's Bench,
in May, 1865. In January following, he exchanged the Hving with
ROBERT HALL BAYNES, M.A., Incumbent of Holy Trinity Church, Maidstone, the
present Vicar.]
HAVING given an account of the Foundation and Endowment of the Church, with a
List of the Vicars, our next enquiry shall be directed to the fabric itself, endeavouring to
throw some Hght on the progress of its erection, and connecting therewith the Church
History of St. Michael's. Proceeding chronologically, the first notice that has occurred, is
Anno 1392. The Master of the Trinity Gildt covenants with John Pountfreit, priest,
and others, to apply the rents and profits of a tenement in Dead Lane, in aid of the works
of this Church.
1401. AHoe Wyschard bequeaths "ad fabrice d'ce eccl'ie, ijs," to St. Mary's Altar.
» He died at Nice on the 6th of June, 1863.
t Original in Treasury Box, 76, the words are " in auxilium operis d'ce eccl'ie s'ci Mich'is," &o.
16 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
1444. An Order of Leet respecting bawds and common women, levies a fine of 10s.
" ad opus eccl'ie."
1480. A serious dispute arose between Thomas Deram, Prior of St. Mary's, and the
City, and a long and minute Bill* of complaint, was presented at the Leet by him ; amongst
other injuries he complains, that his " plumhouse by the wellyarde yate," was lent by his
predecessors "to the byldyng of Michell Churche," and the Churchwardens wrongfully keep
possession. "Also ye Churchewardens of Michell Churche, have lopped the trees growyng in the Churchyard, and ther
maken byldyngs, which thei owe nott to doo, ffor such thyngs longen to ye p'son & not ye p'ishon's, by ye co'ien lawe,
Sc now late have made newef byldyng upon ye seid Churchyard, afore the Drapery dore, wt'out eny compossission
made wt the seid prior and Convent, p'sons of the same."
To these particular complaints, the Mayor and his Brethren made answer as foUows :
" That ye seid plumhouse was nev'r in the possession nor in p'pte to ye said prior, nor eny of his p'decessors,
nor lant to the byldyng of the seide Chirche, but ye Churche wardens of ye seid Churche now late div'se yeres, have
suffered the seid prior to have a dore out of the seid plumhouse, to cast his led there, at their suffraunce, for which
occupacon the same Churchewardens owen to have a recompense, & the seid dore to be stopped up. Nev'rtheles, yf
ye seid prior can p've that the seid plumhouse owe to be his, thei will not be ayens the right.
" As to the xiiij article, the seid Meir & his Brethern sayii, that as for lopping of eny trees, ther ben ther but
few to loppe, & full fewe have ben lopped in effecte ; and yf eny such trees wer lopped, yei have ben lopped by the
Vicar and his deputeez, & not be p'isshon's ; and as for the forseid newe bildyng a yennes the Drapery dorre, ye
forseid Meir & his Brethern seyn, that ye grounde whereuppon the seid bildyng ys sett, ys no p't of Chirchyarde,
although nowe of late tyme sythen ye last byldyng of seint Miohell Churche, the p'isshon's kepe their p'cession weye
in the strete, adjoynyng to the seid byldyng ; but ye grounde wheruppon ye seid byldyng is, afore the last byldyng of
ye seid Chiirche, was p't of the high weye, of old tyme occupied wt sialics, the ffrount therof & the litell grounde
wt'iu the stalles sett out be the Churchewardens, be suffraunce of ye Meir & Co'enaltie, which be poynt of Chart'r &;
tyme out of mynde have had p'fit of p'pstures, aud in p've yr'of the p'cession meye on ye South syde of ye seid Churche
of seint Miohell, afore the last byldyng of the seid Churche was wher tho South bayc of the seid Cliirche ys nowe ;
and more ov'r the forseid Prior agreed to the seid newe byldyng, and yrto assented full gently."
To this the Prior rejoined, that the Convent would make proof of their title and
possession of plumhouse when required ; and denies that the grounde in dispute was " waste
grounde," but parcell of the Church yard, " and wher' thei sey, that the seyd Prior lycensed
so to bygge J, and soo therto was agreed. Therto seith the same Prior that he gaff no such
Hcens, nor nev'r made such a grement as in theire answer is supposed."
This long extract from the Leet Book, besides its intrinsic curiosity, will, in connexion
with the two articles immediately preceding it, furnish the only positive information we
possess concerning the re-construction of the body of this Church, which Dugdale conceived
" from the fashion of the building was built about the 12th of Henry 6, 1433, or the greatest
part thereof in that form we now behold it." The "new work" then begun upon this
Church, and the mention of which strengthened his conjecture as to the period when
this great undertaking was actually effected, will hereafter be shewn to have been the com
pletion of the steeple from the battlements to the top of the spire ; but the important work
of re-edifying and enlarging the body of the Church, may reasonably be comprised betwixt
the years 1400 and 1450 — perhaps but little before 1420 ; and this will very well accord with
the principal architectural character of that part of the structure.
* Leet Book, fo. 2;i7, et seq.
t This " newe byldyng " was, apparently, certain small Tenements, on the south side of the Church and adjoining
thereto, which were pulled down in 1674. X Build.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 17
The Choir and Chancel, together with the Drapers', or Lady's Chapel, are of an earlier
period; and it is evident that the erection of St. Mary's Hall, subsequent to the first body
of the Church, interfered with the enlargement of its width at this time, as appears from
the northward inclination of the new work, from the direction of the Choir and the Drapers'
and St. Laurence's Chapels. 1|
We have now to record a Royal Procession, and visit to this Church, in 1451, thus
minutely described in the City Leet Book*. The King (Henry 6) came to Coventry, on
the 21st of September, and remained in the Priory there, until Michaelmas eve, when he
" sende the clerke of his closet to the Churche of seint michell, to make redy ther his closette, seyeng, that the
kyng, on mich'as day, wolde go on p'cession, & also her there hygh masse. The meyre & his counsell remembreng
hem in this mater, specially avysed hem to prey the Bysshoppe of Wynchesterf to sey high masse afore the kyng.
The Bysshoppe so to do, agreede withe all his herte, and agayne the kynges comeng to sent miohell churche. The
meyre & his peres cladde in skarlet gownes, withe ther clokes, and all oder in ther skarlet gownes, wenton unto the
kynges chaumbur durre, ther abydeng the kynges comeng. The meyre then & his peres doeng to the kyng due obey-
saunse, when he come fro his chambur, Toke his mase & here hit afore the kyng, all his seyde breduru goeng afore
the meyre, till he come to sent michells, & brought the kyng to his closette. Then the seyde Bysshoppe in his
pontificals arayede, withe all the prestes & Clerkes of the seyde Churche & of Bablake, withe Copes apareld, wenton
in p'cession abowte the Churcheyarde. The kyng devowtely, withe many odur lordes folowed the seyde p'cession
baieheded, cladde in a gowne of gold tussuf, furred withe a furre of marturn SabuU, the meyre bereng the mase
afore the kyng, as he dudde afore, tille he com ageyne to his closette. At the whyche masse, when the kyng had
offerd, & his lordes also, he sende the lorde Bemond, his Chamburlen, to the meyre, seyeng to hym hit is the kynges
wille that ye & your bredurn com & offer, and so they dudde. And when masse was don, the meyre and his peres
broughton the kyng to his Chaumbur, in lykewyse as they fet hym, save only that the meyre withe his mase, went
afore the kyng, till he came withe in his Chambur, his seide Bredurn abydeng at the chambur durre, till the meyre
cam ageyne. And at Evesong tyme, the same day, the kyng be ij for his body & ij yomen of the crowne, sende the
seyde Gowne & furre, that he were when he went in p'cession, & gaf hit frely to god, and to sent miohell — Insomyche,
that non of the' that brought the gown wolde take no rewarde in no wyse."
This remarkable event is alluded to in the ancient Tapestry of St. Mary's Hall, in one
compartment of which the King is represented at his devotions, clad in a Oown of Gold Tissue,
and amongst his attendants is the Bishop of Winchester (then Cardinal), Lord Beaumont, &c.
In 1488 John Lusterley, of Coventry, gives by will " vj cowpull sparres " to this Church,
when, probably, one of the Chapels was building ; part of them being evidently of subsequent
construction to the body of the Church.
Some considerable work appears also to have been going on in 1500, in which year
Thomas Parker, " Maist'r Massone, off the warke off Sent Michellis," and Margaret his wife,
were admitted into the Smiths' Company.
1517. Willm. Pisford, amongst his numerous bequests to Religious Houses and
establishments, gives 40s. to the repairs of this Church.
At the Reformation, in common with other rehgious edffices, it suffered certain di
lapidations, under the pretext of removing or destroying papistical objects. Sir John
Harruigton§, in his Brief View of the Church of England, 1608, says,
II This inclination is by some writers considered to have been intentional and symbolical of the falling aside
of the Saviour's head when he died.
=" Leet Book, fo. 156, 156 b.
t Afterwards Cardinal Beaufort. X Tissue, or cloth of gold. § Nugse Antiquse.
18 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
" The Pavement of Coventry Church is almost all Tombstones, and some very ancient ; but there came azealous
fellow, with a counterfeit commission, that for avoyding of superstition hath not left a penny-worth, nor one penny-
bredth of brasse upon the Tombs, of all the inscriptions, which had been many and costly."
From hence, until 1611, nothing remarkable occurs in the general history of this Church,
but the following Letter* came then from King James on the subject of Imeeling at the
Sacrament, which it appears was at that time received by many persons in Coventry! standing
or sitthig. " To o'r trusty and well beloved the Maior, Aldermen, and Sherives, and other our Officers and loving Subjects
of our Cytie of Coventry. And to Dr. Hinton, Archdeacon of Coventry and Vicar of the Parish Church of St. Michaell,
in our said Cytie.
" JAMES R. — Trusty and well beloved, we greet y'u well. We have been informed of a thing continued among
y'u in that our Cytie of Coventry, whereof we intend a p'nte relormacon, according to that w'ch is by Law estab
lished in this our Church of England and Commaunded, and as we take yt, in all places els of this our Kingdom observed,
as we our Self in our person doe carefully perform yt ; although we doubt not but that y'u and the whole world are
assured that we detest both idolatry and supersticon as much as any whosoever. The said Disorder noted wth y'u
is, that y'u refuse to receive the blessed Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ kneeling, but receive yt, for the
most parte, standing or sitting. We have hereof given espeoiall Charge to our Servant the Bishop of that Diocesse to
see this abuse reformed. Yet of our Princ'ly favour towards y'u, and for that we find in our said Servant your
Bishop, a desire to effect this by good means and gentle persuasions rather than by legall proceedings against any, we
have thought good first to signifie our pleasure aud to admonish yw of our dislike thereof, presuming that the same
shall so worke wth yw that there shall not need any other means to draw yw to that wch Duty and Piety do bind yw
to. We therefore liereby signifie unto yw that we hould yt an unsufferable disorder in a well settled Church and
State that any perticuler Society or Cytie professedly and publicly (especially in religious accon), should doe the
contrary of that wch the Ordinances of that Church and State doe Commaund ; and that we are resolved by noe means
to give so much as the least way to any pretence of prescription or indulgence heretofore afforded to patronize such
an enormity, but doe require of yw, both by your Example and by all such authority as any way is Committed unto
yw, and otherwise, that yw endevour to bring all our Subjects of that Cytie to the performance of that wch in this
Case both yw and they are by our Ecclesiastical Lawes Commaunded, as yw tender our good opinion of your
Government in your places, or respect or displeasure for the contrary. And we doe also hereby Charge yw. Doctor
Hinton, the Vicar of the Parish Church of St. Michael, witin that our Cytie of Coventry, and Archdeacon there, that
yw, both in your own person observe the Canons of o'r Church in that Case established for the receiving of the said
holy Communion kneeling, and likewise that yw doe see the same to be performed by others, that both in private, by
conference, and in publique by exhortacon in preaching, yw endeavour to draw all of y'r Cure and jurisdiccon to
perform this duty wch Law justly enjoyneth and we, uppon so good a ground, require of them. Hereof we require yw
not to faile. as yw tender o'r displeasure for the not doing thereof. Given under o'r Signet, at o'r Pallace of
Westminster, the fourth day of February, in the eighth yere of our Raigne of Great Brittain, Fraunce, and Ireland."
Upon occasion of granting a new Charter to the City, in 1621, the King remembering
this act of Nonconformity, refused to pass it until he was certified that the Orders of the
Church were complied with. Whereupon the following Certificate from the Bishop was
procured, addressed to Sir Sidney Montague : —
" Salutem in Christo Jesu.
" Sir, — Whereas you desire to be certified of the number of such persons as are refractory in the City of
Coventry and refuse to kneel at the Blessed Communion, I cannot now directly certify, but I am persuaded there are
not above seven of any note who do not conform themselves, whom also I have had in conference ; but how they
stand I cannot tell, but shall hereafter enquire further into them. This is all I can answer at the present. Thus
commending you to the protection of the Almighty, I rest, " Your loving Frd.,
" Tho. Coven, et Lichff."
When the above was shewn to the King, he said he required a more full Certificate : and
the following was procured with all expedition : —
"¦ Leet Book, fo. 425 b.
f Annals 1611. Great trouble iu Coventry about the receiving of the Communion, then were seats made for
the people (in the Chancel) ; before this time they took it standing, but now they are commanded to take it kneeling,
to the grief of many.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 19
" My very good Lord, — Whereas I am advertised from Mr. Hopkins, one of our Aldermen, that your Lordship
would have me certify unto you the conformity here in Coventry in kneeling at the Holy Communion, I do assure
your Lordship that generally all do conform, and it is rare at a Communion, of peradventure a thousand persons or
more, to find one or two that offer to use any othet gesture ; and, for the Magistrates, there is not one, but all do use
the reverend gesture of kneeling ; neither do I know of half seven of any note but they do the like. Indeed there
were some few with your Lordship, but there are only three of any note but are now conformable ; the names I cannot
presently write, but at your Lordship's coming here I shall be able to certify, as your Lordship also hath a note of them.
And thus I think it my duty to relate, and so humbly take my leave.
" Coventry, this 20th of June, Your Lordship's to command,
1621. " William Hinton.
" To the Rt. Reverend Father in God, my very good Lord the Ld. Bishop of Coventry & Lichfield, at his House
in Lambeth." " To my Honble. Friend Sr. Sidney Montague, Knt., one of the Masters of Requests on his Majesty.
" Sir, — I am importuned to give you a more exact Certificate concerning the Nonco'mity iu the City of
Coventry, which, because I could not perform upon my own knowledge, I now do it from my information from mine
Archdeacon, which you may read above-written, and which I commend to your wisdom to use as you shall think fit,
only I can say this Advertisement is the Testimony of a credible person, being a Doctor and learned Divine. And
thus commending you to the protection of the Almighty, I rest,
" Lambeth, June 21st, 1621. Your loving Frd.
" Tho. Coven, et Lichff."
A disposition to resist the estabhshed and customary forms of the Church still manifested
itself in Coventry, and our MS. Annals notice, that in 1631, the Bishop left orders with
the Ministers and Churchwardens, that all men should sit uncovered in the time of divine
service ; and as a proof of the puritanical temper of the City at this period, one of our
annaHsts writes in 1635 —
" Also the Communion Tables were altered, w'ch cost a great deal of money ; and that which is worst of all
three stepps made to go to the Comm'n. Table, altar fashion — god grant it continueth not long."
During the unhappy period of the Civil Wars, these principles experienced an
extraordinary degree of excitement, and Coventry became remarkable for its zealous support
of the Parliamentary measures, both in Church and State ; accordingly, in 1643*, the
foUowing item appears in the Church Accounts :
" pd for beere in the Vestrey, when ye Covenat was taken at seueral tymes — 5s. Id."
" pd for ingrossing Covenat — 6s. 8d."
In 1646t, an order was made by the Committee for plundered Ministers, which states
that the parish of St. Michael consists of near 4000 Communicants, beside the constant resort
of Strangers thereto, and 6L has been heretofore settled on the Church for a weekly lecture J
there. The sum of £44 is ordered to be paid in increase of the said Lecture, out of the
Rectory of Brailes, in the County of Warwick, sequestered from WilHam Bishopp recusant.
Signed Miles Corbett.
In 1648§, the City Council ordered, on the motion of Mr. Obadiah Grew, Minister
of St. Michael's, that £75 should be paid him out of the funds of that House, besides what
he has already received this year; and that £120 per annum, with £8 for house rent, be
* Original penes T. S.
t In 1628, The Bp. of Coventry & Lichfield signifies his approbation of Mr. Chiardner's " preaching the Lecture
according to the desire of the City, so it be with the consent of the Vicar ;" and from the Annals it appears, that in
1629, a Lecture on Friday, " began again & was continued."
X In the same year's Accounts is the following item, " Spent by the appoyntment of the Parish to gaine the
Sequestration, by Rob. Kinge, in 2 Jorneys to London, il. 12s. \0d,
§ Common Council Book, fo. 78.
20 ST. Michael's church, Coventry,
aUowed him for supplying the Vicar's place, untU some further course be taken by the
Parliament, or otherwise ; the City in the mean time receiving the Vicar's dues. In con
sequence of their exertions, an Act was passed in 1650, by the Parliament, "For the more
frequent preaching of the Gospel, and better Maintenance of the Ministers, in the City of
Coventry;" by which an assessment, not exceeding Is. 6d. in the pound, or in the whole
400L is directed to be made, out of which the Minister of St. Michael's, is to receive £120
per annum — the Minister of Trinity, £100— and the Assistant Minister or Lecturer, £100.
In the City Treasurer's accounts, for 1651, is the following item : —
" pd for the new Act of Parl't for the maintenaunce of the Ministers of Coventry, the printing of it, and
charges in going about it, 21^. 12s. Gd."
It seems there was a backwardness in paying the Ministers under this Act, for Purefoy,
the Recorder, in January, 1652-3, writes to the Corporation, in behalf of " their worthye
Ministers," who he hears are much neglected in the payment of that small portion which
is allotted them.
" I will be bolde to say (he writes), that never a Cittye in England, is less charged in their payments to theire
ministers, nor any that I know hath more eminent and deservinge men. My humble request to yw therefore, is, that
yw would be pleased to be exemplarie yr selves in payinge what the Act of Parliament layes on yw, in particular,
that soe others may be quickened by yr examples ; and likewise boeth in word and actions, incourage and stirre up
others to doe theire dutye therein, and what shall fall short in yr assessments, that yw will, as formerly, make good
out of the Councell house. Truly, yw have formerly binne worthylie famous for yr especial care of yr ministers,
I beseeche yw let there not be a decleution in these times, the men having not binne att any time more deservinge
then now, and I believe none of yx predecessors where more affectionate to soe good a worke then yr selves ; and,
therefore, I truste yw will not fayle to give a good issue to this business."
Notwithstanding this interference by the Recorder, Grew, and Bryan, the Ministers
of the two Parishes, found it necessary to address the following Letter : —
Mr. Maior Sj' Gent. — Wee have long refrained from expressing o'r deep sense of yo'r Strang neglect of us ; but
fearing that longer silence may be o'r sinn, we must deal faithfully. You consider not ye greatness of ye sinn, nor
the very great danger of thus witliholding yo'r ministers' maintenaunce. For besides yor breach of covenant wth us,
and promise to us (and how great this sin is you may se, Ps. 15). It is a robbing of God. Mal. 8, 8, 9. If you
think to qualify ye case, because this was the ministry of ye old Test, you can'ot be ignorant, that the Lord hath
taken the same care for his ministers in the New. 2 Cor. 9. If you make yor being in straits an excuse, we say this
is the way to increase them, and to intangle you more. Pro. 20, 25 It is a snare to ye man. And if the hire of
Labourers in yor harvest, being with held, Cryes, and the Cry enter into ye eares of ye Lord of Sabaoth, James 5, 4,
you may judge what a noise the cry of ye hire of Labourers in ye Lord's harvest being kept back makes. Truly
Mr. Maior & Gent, we may say as sometimes St. Paul did to ye Gal. we are affirayd we have laboured amongst you in
value. For did or ministery effectually worke upon yor hearts, they could not be so straightned toward or persons.
We beseech you judge not or pen rash in these hints ; for wee are serious : and we beseech ye Lord to perswade
yor hearts to more serious thoughts of ye case, wch though it be ours, yet not so much ors as ye Lord's. He yt
despiseth you, despiseth me : we hope you will not put us to further complaints ; but lessen or burdens, by
enlargeiug your due care for those who take care of yor soules ; and are in the Lord,
" S'rs, yor humble Servants for yor eternall good,
" JOHN BRYAN,
" May 25th, 53. " OBADIAH GREW."
The duty of providing for their Ministers was evidently a source of much difficulty
and trouble to the City rulers, as well as a very important political consideration to them ;
and a Letter from Robert Beake, written from London, cluring his Mayoralty, upon the
subject of fixing on his successor, conveys this sentiment in very strong terms : after
mentioning that " providing for the Ministers," is one of the objections made by the person
then applied to, he adds —
" in truth, lett me tell yow from my experience, I founde nothing lay soe close unto me, as yt, & I dare prophecy.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 21
that unless an effectual expedient be founde out, to give life to that busines, yo'r very goverm't will tumble, for I
dare confidently tell yow my thoughts, yt they ai-e the sinews of it, & therefore, as ever yow would preserve the
repute of the place, lett them be in yo'r thoughts."
In order to preserve uninterrupted the religious history of this Church, during the
early part of the seventeenth Century, two remarkable accidents which occurred during
divine service, have been passed over in their strict chronological order ; the first was in
1623, and is thus related in our City Annals : —
" The 9th of July, being Wednesday, there happened such a thunder clap as is seldom heard ; a little before it
lightened exceedingly, and immediately the thunder-bolt was seen to descend upon the Church by those without ;
one Mx. Marson (a stranger) was preaching, his text was ' Be sober and watch, for the end of all things is at hand :'
and the thunder-bolt fell, just as he was opening that part of his text, ' for the end of all things is at hand,' which
did strike such amasement and astonishment into the Congregation, that they verily thought the world had been at
an end, or else that they were surprised by their enemies ; for upon the faU of the thunder-bolt, there was a crack iu
one of the large pillars of the Church, and several great stones were bruised and removed in the steeple about the
upper battlements, that it was wonderful to behold. The strong wall in the Church, on the left hand as you go into
the Belfrey, close unto the dial of the clock, ou the south side, was also bruised, and at the same time was seen by
the whole congregation, fire like small burning coals fall into the belfrey, to their great astonishment, but
providentially no person was injured. In the afternoon, the Mayor caused a sermon to be preached to move to
repentance, and a very numerous company met to pray and return thanks."
The other accident occurred also on a Wednesday, being Aug. 18, 1634, on which day
(say our City Annals), the people being assembled at St. Michael's Church, to hear divine
service, a great stone feU from the highest part of the Church battlements, through the roof
below, into the Sheriff's seat, making as much noise as though the roof itself was falling, and
broke into pieces ; one of which struck Gilbert Walden, on the shoulder, near his ear, and
stunned him so much, that he was carried home, but recovering himself, he came again to
Church, and caused public thanksgiving to be made to Almighty God, for his deliverance
from that sudden danger. No other person was hurt.
Resuming a chronological arrangement again, the next article selected is an fextract from
the Church Accounts for 1659, by wliich it appears that the Church was then used (or rather
abused) for the electing of Members for the City ;
" pd. for clensing the church & seats after the choyoe of Parliam't. men — 10s."
We now come to the time when, upon the Restoration of Charles II. legitimate Ministers
were appointed, according to the constitution of the Church of England, and its regular dis
cipline was again introduced. On the 22nd June, 1662, Bishop Hacket administered the
Sacrament in this Church, on which occasion £8. 15s. Od. was collected for the poor. The
City Annals say, he was gallantly met by the Citizens and preached at St. Michael's Church
on the Sunday. Of his benevolent sentiments, zealous and truly pastoral conduct, in promo
ting the religious welfare of his Churches in Coventry, the following Letter bears ample
testimony; it is dated on the 15th of November, subsequent to his visit to the City, and
addressed to Christopher Owen, Esq., then Mayor.
" Oood Sir, — I profess my self beholding to you, that you have given mee occasion to write unto you, that
I may contract a friendship with you, as I did with your deserving predecessor'*. And I am not a little comforted,
that since your former painfull divines would leave their places (wch no persuasion of mine could prevent), you have,
by my travail and diligence, a couple substituted in their cures, who are wel approved to yourself and to your brethren
for the present, and are likely to maintain that good opinion wth loiall, vertuous and reasonable people, for the time
to come. And because I have had the cheife interest to bring them in, I will be vigilant over their diligence and
* Church Accounts, sub anno.
22 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
good behaviour, that God may have glory from them and the Cittie comfort for hereafter. You do a very kind and
Christian office to have a care for the maintenance wch may support them in encouragement and a fair condition.
If a competent supply of oile bee not provided, the light will goe out in ye lamps of the temple. Goe on I pray you
still in that providence and justice, and God will bless you for it. I have drawn up the enclosed paper, to bee sent to
Mr. Aislet by your conveyance that the King's allowance may not be substracted from those two divines, that verie
well deserve it. Sr present my service, my praiers, my love, my best intentions of benevolence, to the noble cittie of
Coventry, to the chiefe govemour, yourself, and to all your brethren, not forgetting the good Ladies and all vertuous
females, that love God aud ye King, in this comprehension. And so much as a mean Bishop is able to do and perform
to the good of your publique, or anie private person, co'mand it from
Your faithfull and humble servant,
" Lichfield, Novem. 15, 1662. JOH. LICH. & COVEN."
His successor Bp. Wood, gave 40s. to the poor on his first coming to Coventry, in 1671,
and afterwards presented a large SUver Plate or Dish to the Church.
The next remarkable event is the Visit of King James II. to this Church, on 2nd of
Septr. 1687, when he touched upwards of 300 persons for the EvU, on which occasion
" there was so great a throng,* that the very gaUeries cracM again."
In the Church Accounts for the same year, are the following items :
" pd for levyling the West Church door and spreding Sand when ye King was here— Is. dd.
" pd for cleanseing the Church when the King had been here — 10s."
In the night of June 23, 1786, the Church was broken into, and a Box stolen out of the
Vestry, containing the whole of the Communion Plate, together with the crimson velvet
hangings and cushions, belonging to the pulpit and reading desk, with their rich gold
fringes and tassels.
[The internal arrangement of this Church was, until lately, singularly objectionable ;
aHke inconsistent wdth the architecture of the building, and inadequate to the wants of the
parish, and was the result of a series of alterations and additions rather than a comprehensive
design. Pews of all shapes and sizes, with a number of galleries, disfigured the whole area,
while the accommodation for the poor was both insufficient and destitute of comfort. f Mr.
Richard Burgh, by wrill bearing date the 28th September, 1803, and proved in 1813, shortly
after his decease,! ^^^^ o^^ thousand pounds, to be applied to the purpose of repewing the
Church, on condition that no portion was to be expended in the repairs of the existing pews,
but that until the Vestry could agree upon a uniform plan, and obtain the necessary funds
for carrying out an entire reformation in the interior fittings "becoming the dignity" of the
» Wanley's Diary, Harl. MSS., 7017.
f It appears from the Church Books that the appropriation of seats prevailed at St, Michael's from a very early
date. The entries of money payments being made for such exclusive accommodation extend from 1564 downwards.
In 1598 it appears the income of the Church was augmented by rents for sittings paid by the Corporation and
Companies ; and in 1612 (the seats being then apparently all appropriated) sittings on the benches were assigned,
as will be seen by the following entries : —
Rd. of George Smith Serieunt for a rowme upon the benche under the Sherriff's seate for lyfe ijs.
Rd. of Arthure Browne for his life upon tlie benche before the Maior's wife ijs.
Also in 1615
Red. of Richard Butler for his sonne Richard's place on a benche in the alley that leads to the Egle si]d.
From an entry made of the resolutions passed on the 26th February, 1615, the practice of letting seats for life
was to be thenceforth discontinued, and a " yearly rent, to be quarterly payed " substituted, and that no lettings were
to be made of any seat or room in the Church, by the Wardens alone, but by consent of the Vestry. This entry is
signed by the then Mayor, W. Snell, and the Vicar, W. Hfnton, aud others.
X He died on the 29th December, 1812, aged 69, and was buried in the Chancel of St. Michael's Church.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 23
building, the bequest should be aUowed to accumulate for that purpose. Strict injunctions
are also made in this instrument that the intended alterations shall be made with the consent
of the majority of the Vestry, and that the contributions of the parishioners shall be added
to his bequest. In accordance with the donor's wiU, the legacy was placed out at interest,
and in 1820 the parishioners determined to carry into effect his intentions on an extensive scale.
A grant was promised from the Society for Enlarging Parish Churches, on condition of a certain
number of free seats being secured for the poor. Plans were advertised for by competition,
the approved designs being by Mr. Stedman Thomas Whitwell, of London, a native of this
City. His proposed alterations were bold and novel, though not in character with the proper
arrangement of a Church. They comprised chiefly, the sweeping away of everything from
the interior, except the organ, the replacing of this one arch further westward, the erection
of a state gallery across the entrance to the Chancel (thus restoring the ancient Roodloft,
and hiding partially the incongruous altar piece), removing the pulpit to a central position
between the state gallery and the organ, and so disposing the pews, that each individual
should sit with his face to the minister ; taking care that the character of the architecture
should be strictly followed in the fittings throughout. Kneelings were provided for 2,700
persons, the works were contracted for, and on the point of being carried out, when unex
pected circumstances intervened to suspend the execution of the design, which, happily, was
ultimately abandoned.
In 1844 the matter was re-opened, and at a meeting of the Vestry it was resolved to
remove all the pews and galleries, and to substitute open seats of oak, a large proportion of
which should be free and unappropriated. A Committee was appointed, by whom the
services of Messrs. Scott and Moffatt was secured; and in March, 1849, the work of renova
tion commenced, the details of which will be referred to under their several headings. The
expense ofthe alterations was £3,710. 10s. 5d., towards which, grants were made from the
Society for promoting church accommodation in the Archdeaconry of Coventry of £300, and
the Incorporated Society for promoting the enlargement, building, and repairing of churches
of £100, in addition to the legacy of Mr. Burgh and its accumulations, and a liberal sub
scription Hst from the citizens.
On the completion of the re-pewing, the cleaning of the walls was begun, and in course
of a few years the whole surface was thoroughly cleared from the coatings of whitewash
which for centuries had been accumulating. The injured and decayed stonework was restored,
the floor new laid, the tracery in the windows replaced, and the glazing newly done all round
the church, except the clerestory of the nave.
By the alterations the accommodation was increased from 1357 to 2474, being a gain
of 1,117 sittings; this number has since been still further augmented.
In 1854, the work of external restoration was begun, and the walls of the church have
been entirely recased, excepting the tower and spire, the chancel and the clerestory; the
pinnacles have been replaced, the churchyard walk enclosed by an iron railing, and the waU
raised, aU the cross footways being stopped — this latter alteration was effected in 1851,
the churchyard being at the same time planted with trees.]
24 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
CHAPELS.
OUR LADY'S, or the DRAPERS' CHAPEL, also caUed Gapella supra montem, or " the
Ghapel on the Hill," both in importance and antiquity claims a precedency of notice. It is
situated on the North side of the Chancel, and was erected about 1300, as appears from the
following account of two documents, formerly preserved in the Archives of the Drapers'
Company (but no longer to be found), and thus described in a Catalogue of their Charters
and Writings, some time before the year 1700.
" No. 288, 700 Indulgencies for 720 days, for building the Chappie & CharneU house of St. Michaell, Coventry,
dated at Rome, the 8 year of Pope Boniface (Anno 1300)."
" No. 227. Indulgencies for 40 days, for all persons coming to confess theire sins before the altar of the
blessed Mary, of the Church of St. Michael, the Archangell, in Coventry, upon the Nativity, Conception, Annunciacon,
& Assumpcon of the Glorious Virgin Mary, for 8 days after each Feast, dated St. John in Lateran, the 1 7 of the
Calends of April, in the yeare of our Ld. 1300, in the 8 yeare of Pope Boniface."
By a deed* s. d., but certainly as early as Edw. I. or IL, John the Son of Willm. the
Painter (Pictoris), and Wymark his Wife, for the health of their souls, and the souls of their
ancestors and successors, give to God, and the light of the Blessed Virgin, in St. Michael's
Church, one pound of wax, to be received annually at Michaelmas for ever, out of certain
land in Coventry.
In 1350, an Order was made by the Master and Fraternity of St. Mary's Gildf, that all
their priests should say Matins, Vespers, and other services in St. Michael's Church, " en le
Schapel de n're dame."
Edward Prince of Wales, by Letters patentj, under his privy Seal, dated London, 1st
Deer. 47 Edw. 3, 1373 (not 45th as in Dugdale), grants Licence to John de Burgh, priest,
Wm. Lyberd, John de Pountfreit, and two others, to give two messuages to a priest and his
successors for ever, to celebrate divine service every day at the Altar of our Lady, in St.
Michael's Church, for the souls of Henry Dilcock and Margery his Wife, Robert de Whatton
and Maud his Wife, and others. And Licence also to Henry de Congeston and John de
Pountfreit, to give a messuage for the same purpose.
Richard 2, in his 16th year, directs a Writ of ad guod dampnum\\, dated Nottingham,
5tli July (1392), to Thomas Ralegh, his Escheator, in the County of Warwick, to enquire
into certain Tenements, intended to be given " in auxilium sustentacionis cujusdem CapeUam
"divina ad altare beate marie virginis, in Ecclesia sancti Michaelis, de Coventre, in honore
"ejusdem virginis, & pro animabus omnium fldelium defunctorum, singulis diebus celebratur
"in perpetuum." Inquisition was made upon Oath, on the 9th of July, by certain persons,
who declared that no injury would ensue, and accordingly the King grants his licence, dated
Nottingham, 3rd Aug.§ 16th year, 1392, to John de Pountfreit, under which, by deed, dated
12tli Sept. following, he confirms to John Onley, Master, and certain Members of the Trinity
Gild, two messuages, and the reversion of three others for the purposes above stated.
* Original penes T. S. f Vide Laws of this Gild.
X Original penes T. S. Ad quod dampnum 44 Edw. III. || Original penes Drapers' Company, No. 70.
§ Original penes Drapers' Company, No. 147.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 25
On the 26th of the same month, an Indenture* of agreement is executed, to which are
parties the said John Onley, John Pountfreit, Richd. Clerke, Richd. Dodenhale, and 4 others,
and John Percyf, Wm. Wolf, Rowland Damet, and others, which recites the Grant of John
Pountfreit, and likewise that the aforesaid Richd. Clerke, Richd. Dodenhale and others, by
deed dated 6th Sepr. gave two messuages and 24s. Rent, and also that the said Percy, Wolf,
Damet, and others, by deed bearing date Sepr. 20, gave two messuages, with the reversion
of two more, for the finding of certain priests, and other pious and devout works as in the
King's Licence more fully appears. The aforenamed Master, and the members ofthe Trinity
Gild, according to the intent and meaning of the said Licence, and for other benefits and
good reasons, ordain and unanimously appoint as follows, viz., that they will elect and provide
for ever, an honest priest, devoutly to celebrate daily at the proper hour, the Mass of the
Holy Virgin Mary, with Notes, at the Altar of the aforesaid Virgin, in St. Michael's Church,
and also to sing, or chant solemnly and devoutly, every day, after the hour of Vespers, before
the said Altar, the Antiphone caUed salve regina, wdth such usages and ¦ customs, or other
Antiphones of the Virgin, as the time will best allow, and the Chanters see expedient, with
the Psalm de profundis, for the souls of the Founders immediately afterwards, without notes.
The said Master and Fraternity shall also find, for ever, competent and honest priests as many
as have before time attended there, to sing both with the Organf and without, and both at
Mass time and Antiphony, sufficiently to minister with the said priest, devoutly and solemnly
as their offices are required. They shall also provide, for ever, all the necessaries and orna
ments about the said Mass and Antiphony, viz., books, chalices for the altar, vestments, wax,
and other lights, and every other thing before-time accustomed. Also, they shall annually
appoint two men from their Fraternity, or others, being parishioners of St. Michael's, to be
Wardens ofthe said Altar of the Virgin, who shall be overseers, governors, and aiders of
the fulfilment of all these premises, and receive the rents || and profits of all the tenements
aforesaid, rendering an annual account to the said Master and Fraternity.
In 1401, Alice Wyschard bequeaths 2s. to St. Mary's Altar.
1491, Thomas Bradmedowe, of Coventry, draper, by will, desires to be interred in the
Chapel of our Lady.
1493, John Wylgryse, of Coventry, gentleman, directs his Obit§ to be kept " in Capella
beate Virginis, ac omnium sanctorum, infra ecclesia Sancti Michaelis;" and bequeaths 3s. 4d.
to the Altar. This is the only instance that has occurred of the Chapel being so caUed.
In the Accounts of the Corpus Christi Gild, 1495, is the following entry :
" Also he [the Master] ys charged wt money that he Receyvid of the wardens of owr lady Chapell, of seynt
my'ell Churche, the wyche was geffyn for to lycens the p'st of this gyld, to syng owr lady masse for a yere, xxs."
[In 1517 William Pisford bequeathed to the Drapers' Craft, towards their Priests' wages, 6s. %d., and to every
other craft that had either priest or pageant, to the augmentation of the service of God or to the worshipping or
upholding of the laudable custom of the city, 8s. id. a-piece.]
* Idem, in Corporation Treasury Box, 96.
t The Original Licence, of Rich. II. for both these grants, dated 5th Augt. is in the Corp. Treasury, No. 17, and
includes other large donations to the Trinity Gild.
X 1550 Mr. Nethermyll owed the Drapers' Company for " a pare of orgaynes iijK."
II 7th Henry i, 1405, John Hornby and Robt. Esturton " Custodea Capelle altaris beate marie, in ecclesia s'ci
Michaelis, sub Roberto Shipley, magistro Gilde s'oe Trinitatis," let a tenement for 40 years, at 40s. rent.
§ He gave to the Drapers' Company the Star Inn, in Earl Street, the rent of which was to pay for this Obit
to be celebrated on August 12, yearly, at an expense of 12s. id. — Trinity Church Accounts.
26 ST. Michael's church, coventey.
In 1518, John Haddon, draper, of Coventry, by wiU, desires to be "buried in oure
Lady Chapell, wt'in saint mighell Churche, by Kateryn my wife;" he also provided for
the support of a priest, by the Drapers' Company, " to singe in the Chapell of o'r ladye,
in the Churche of saint Mighell," receiving an annual stipend of £6 ; and amongst other
bequests, he gives " to the Drapers' Chapell, for som ornament therto, yU." being the first
time that appellation has been noticed, and shews, that from the Drapers having been
accustomed to support a priest there, it began now to be indifferently caUed Our Lady's,
and the Drapers' Chapel.
A previous instance of the interment of a wealthy Draper has been given in 1491, and
many subsequent* ones occur ; indeed the circumstance of several important documents,
relating to the building and endowing of this Chapel, already noticed as existing in the
archives of that Company, proves how intimately they were connected with it, notwith
standing the Trinity Gild were the patrons and chief supporters thereof, as will further
appear by the ensuing extracts from the accounts of that Fraternity, and the last of their
ordinances, which is as foUows : —
" Et insuper ordinatum est, quod hostite Capellai beate 3Iarie de Monte, in cimiterio S. Michaelis, fient apertse
quolibet die festo, ab hora Matutina, usq. ad finem altfe MissK, in Ecclesia S. Michaelis. Et in diebus ferialibus, a
tempore Matutinarum, usq. ad finem Missas B. Marias, in Ecclesia predicta. Et quando aliquis presbyter ibidem
celebrarit, fiat campana pulsata qualibet die ad quamcunq. celebrationem Missarum cujuseunq. Presbyteri cum
accederit. Et quod ad horas Vesperarum, hostile sint apert^ durante hora Vesperaium in Ecclesia parochiali."
From these two som'ces we also learn the additional fact of this Chapel being knovm.
by the name of Capella heatce Maria de Mmite, or the Ghapel on the Hill.f
" 36 Henry 6 (1458) p' caiidel exspend' in Capell' Montis.
" 37th, p' vino p'sbit' ad selebrand' missam, apud Capelle Montis, p' totum ann'
" 39th, p' emenda'coe fenestrar' capelle mont' iiijs. jd.
" 6 Edw. 4. 1466, p' emendac'oe fenestr' capell' sup' mo'te.
" It' Joh'i Barbo' p' a torche to the chapell on the hyll, weynge vij lb. & di' p's ijs. vjd.
" Sth, It' p' fact' ped' oinius calice, ad cap'lla sup' mo'te, p'derat' iij unc' & di' vijs. iijd.
" 12th, It' sol' p' a candelstyk of tree wt flowirs set on hit, to stond on the Awt' at the chapell of the hiU, to
bere a candell in ye wynt' tyme, iiij(Z.
" 13th, R' Thome BradmedoweJ, p' sepultura sui s'vient' in capella in Cimiterio sc'i mich', xx(Z.
"19 Hen. 8, 1527, Expences in carrying 5 load of timber, squaring it 1 day, and bread and ale for
" The Chapell on the hill," 5s. 2d.
"24th, It' res' of Sr Roger Walker, for a g'ave in the Chappell on the hill, iijs. iiij(^.
" 30th, It' for a lock & a key, at the Chapell dore on the hill, & for mendyug the holie water stok|| there, xijd."
The Chapel door mentioned in the Statutes of the Trinity Gild, and in the extract from
their Accounts last given, most probably refers to a door within the Church, in that partition,
or separation of it from the building at large, which was common to most or all the Chapels.
It is barely possible that an outer door is intended, in which case it can only refer to the
Charnel House door, beneath the Chapel, there being stairs leading from thence up into it,
though long since disused. — Should this be the case (though there is but little reason to
think so), it may serve to account for the Charnel House being unoccupied as a receptacle
" Julian Nethermyll, a wealthy draper, and one of the mayors of Coventry, was buried there in 1589 and a
very handsome monument was erected over the place of his interment. This altar tomb, which is of alabaster and
richly sculptured, though much mutilated, has been removed during the recent restorations to the west end of
the church. — Ed.
the church. — Ed. i { Bradmedowe himself was also buried there, see 1491 ante. || Stoup.
t So called probably from its elevated situation as compared with the western extremity and the surrounding
neighbourhood.
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry. 27
for Bones, in 1587, when it was let by the Parish for 3s. 4d. a year : how soon afterwards
possession was resumed, and the building applied to its original purpose, does not appear,
but in 1640, a charge occurs in the Church Accounts of 5s. "pd for cleansinge the
Charnel house, & layeing the bones and scuUes in order," and it was so used until the late
restorations. Perhaps the parish might not obtain possession of the Charnel house untU the
dissolution of the Gilds and Chantries, in which case, an easy solution is afforded to the
fact of their not sooner occupying it.
The earliest Book of Accounts, belonging to the Drapers' Company, commences in 1534,
in which the payment of their priest's salary is called " an auncient custum," and an entry
occurs the same year of " expenc', skowryng and swepyng the chapell, viijt^." ; also sundry
charges for tapers, lights, altar cloths, and the priest's salary, which was £6.
In the same year, certain Rules were agreed upon, gathered out of " auncient bookes ;"
and amongst others, " Agreed that ev'y mastur shall pay toward ye makyng clone of oure
lady chapell, in saynt mycheU's churche, & strawyng ye setus wt Rusches in somer, and
pease strawe in wyntur, every one yerely i^d." ; and afterwards an order was made, that
the Freemen of the Company, should sit in the Chapel every Sabbath day, and their
apprentices before them.
" 1553 Russys & pestrawe for the chapellys, ijs. (Drapers' Accounts.)"
From a valuation of the possessions of the Chantries in Coventry, 2 Edw. VL, preserved
in the Corporation Treasury, it appears that the Society of Drapers possessed certain lands
and tenements of the yearly value of £6. 19s., given by John Symonds, to support a Priest in
St. Michael's Church, and perform an annual Obit for him, paying to the Priest £6. 13s. 4d.
and for his Obit 5s. 8d.
In the Rental of the Manor of Cheylsmore, 4th or 5th of EHzth. is the foUowing item :
" Our Lady Chauntry in St. Michael's Ch. in the tenor of the Drapers, for 3 Houses in Little pk St. 18d., and
a hen or 3d. or a corn of pepper, 21d."
Drapers' Accounts. " 1535, Itm payd for myndyng of the wyne bottells (at the Chapel) ijd.
1539, " Itm receved for a Chales weyng xxij unc' and a q'rtne and ij Cruetts sylvr weying viij unc' vii. iiijs. vd.
ob. 1549, " payd for whyt lymyng the Awter, iiij(^. payd for carryng awei the bords of the Autr vjd. payd
for carryeng awei the cofer viijd. 1554, Detts owyng to the occupashuu Mr. Nethermyll, ffor a payre of
orgaynes, iijZi. Payd for beryng the orgyns frome master Nethermylls iiijd. Mr. Nethermyll, ffor a challys
weyng xvj oz. and hauffe iijli. vjs. viijd. Mr. Ryley, for a Corpustus, an albe, & a vestement, xxs. iiij(^. 1556,
payd for ij taperys for the sepulkur, & the wax for the awter all the yere, xiijs, 1576, payd for paynting our
chappell, xiiijs. 1581, payd for mendyng oure Chapell wyndow, vs. iiijJ."
The Company of Drapers, in 1687, expended £7. 15s. 7d. " for lininge & worke in ye
Drap's chappie," they also paid a yearly Rent of 2s. for it in 1586 (being then first charged) ;
but in 1599, it was advanced to 10s. and so continued to 1697, when the Rent totally ceased.
The Consistory Court was formerly held in this Chapel, and it appears to have been fitted up
for that purpose in 1634. — Vide particulars under that head.
[In 1830 the roof was taken off and repaired, new timbers being substituted where the
old were decayed, and the carved ornaments carefully restored ; the ancient oak stalls, or
misereres, with their singular and grotesque carvings, and richly-panelled fronts and ends
repaired and re-arranged, the finials, where gone, being replaced ; and three oak screens of
open perpendicular tracery collected from the fragments of carved oak remaining in different
28 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
parts of the church, were erected on the south side and west end of the chapel. The work
was performed by a Mr. Lines, a skilful carver in wood, under the superintendence of Mr.
Wm. Reader, at that time accountant Churchwarden. During the general restoration, the
south screens were removed, and alterations aud additions made in the arrangement of the
stalls and sittings ; the floor also being raised. The chapel is now used for the week-day
services. At the south west corner is a turret stair leading to doorways now blocked up,
formerly giving access to the two rood lofts extending across the western extremities of this
chapel and the choir, as also to the roof. At the foot of this turret is a strait stair leading to
the crypt below. When this portion of the church was restored, the bones which occupied
this crypt were removed and buried, and indications of an altar were discovered : the piscinae
and aumbry still remain. The coffins and their contents in the larger vault adjoining were
also removed and buried, and the rubbish which had accumulated there cleared away, thus
laying open an extensive crypt, separated by octagonal pillars into two aisles, and groined
with stone. The probability is that these crypts were originally used as Mortuary Chapels,
the service being performed in the smaUer eastern crypt, which had access to the Lady
Chapel above, while the bodies of the dead were temporarily placed in the western chamber.]
Of the MERCERS' CHAPEL no documents have been discovered elucidatory either
of its erection or early history under that designation. The only mention of the Mercers'
Chapel (by that name) before the Reformation, is a minute in an ancient Account Book,
preserved in the Corporation Treasury, of an annual payment of 2s. by the City Wardens
for light in it.
The present Account Book of the Company of Mercers commences in 1579 (aU older
ones being lost or destroyed), and in that year occurs a charge of "xijti. pd to the churche
wardens of St. Michaeles, ffor o'r chappell;" the rent was advanced to 6s. 8d. in 1598, and
this payment was continued until 1712, when it entirely ceased.
Various charges for repairing the Chapel and for painting, window mending, Hning and
making seats, &c., appear in these accounts, the last is in 1685.
" pd for repayryng the Chappell in the Church, 71. 2s. 6d."
A few others are selected.
'¦ 1591, pd. for peastrawe for the Seates in the chappell, vjd. 1593, pd for mendinge the Carved worke in
o'r Chapell, vjd.
" 1684, a Stone layed at the Chappell dore Sd."
[In the Church Books are the foUowdng entries :
" 1563, Reseved of Henry Hethe for the Mersares xij(Z."
" 1599, The Mercers pd the Churchwardens 6s. 8d. for this chapel."]
The situation of the Mercers' Chapel will, on reference to the plan of this Church, be
found to be at the east end of the south aisle ; and the door above-named was the entrance
to the Chapel from the Church, where the pews terminate in the south aisle ; the separation
is still retained, the Chapel continuing unoccupied. The door in the Church waU
opposite the Drapers' Hall, was made in 1750, about which time the communication from
this Chapel into the Vestry was also opened, precisely in the place where the altar formerly
ST. Michael's church, coventey. 29
stood. In the Church Accounts, from 1645, amongst many other items of a similar nature,
occurs the following : —
" pd Betson, for taking downe a Crucifix on the Topp of ye mercers Chappell, Is."
This I conjecture to have been a stone Cross on the centre of the battlements, over the
east end of the Chapel ; as it is improbable that the oak roof, although ornamented with
various carved heads and other devices, ever contained a Crucifix in the number, and from
the present state of the Chapel no other suitable situations appear. In Schnebbelie's Anti
quaries' Museum (4to. 1791), is an engraving of the head of a dying man, carved in oak, of
great merit, which is stated to have been taken from the roof of this Chapel in 1778, "when
a new roof was constructed." It should rather have been said when the roof was repaired,
as other carvings yet remain. There is a further error in describing the Mercers' Chapel to
be " in that part of the Church which was founded [built I suppose is meant) in the reign of
King Stephen," — it adjoins the Chancel, which probably has some remains of that period ;
but this Chapel is a subsequent erection to either the Chancel or Drapers' Chapel, and the
east window was an obvious imitation of that in the latter.
[On the south side of the east window are the remains of a niche, formerly occupied by
a fuU length statue of the patron saint either of the Church or this Chapel ; below is a large
recess, and among the rubbish removed therefrom during the restorations, was found the
bracket which formerly supported the image, richly carved, still bearing traces of its original
colouring; this has been replaced. The canopy is gone. Close to this recess is the only
altar tomb remaining in Coventry bearing recumbent effigies : this is to the memory of Ralph
SwiUington (Recorder of the city in 1515), and his two wives. Within the same enclosure
are two other tombs, the western one, known as " Wade's " tomb,* very richly sculptured,
but much mutUated, and bearing no inscription.
A similar turret stair to the one in the Lady Chapel gave access to the rood screen
which formerly separated the Mercers' Chapel from the south aisle : the doorway, still
traceable, indicates the height of the old screen. The one now standing has been recently
constructed, the tracery, which is very rich, having been like that in the north side, formed
from fragments of carving removed from other parts of the church. On its eastern side are
a few more misereres.]
St. THOMAS'S, or CAPPERS' CHAPEL, is on the South side of the Church,
adjoining the centre porch, from the east side of which was formerly a communicationt into
the Chapel, without entering the Church. It was founded according to the MS. Annals of
the City, in 146 7, J by the Fellowship of Woollen Card-makers, and the architectural
character of this Chapel very well corresponds with the time assigned for its Foundation.
In 1518, John Haddon, Draper, bequeaths "to the awter of Saint Thomas vjs. viij(£."
* John Wayd, mercer, lived in Coventry in 1557 ; this may be his tomb.
f Traces of which still remain.
} It must not be concealed, however, that in the Accounts of the Trinity Gild, 36 Hen. 6, 1458, is a charge for
" candel," both for Capell' mentis, and s'ci 'Thome, in eoc'lia s'ci Mich'.
30 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
In 1531, By an Act of Leet,* which states that the Card-makers for many years and of
long continuance, have had the governance, repairing, and maintaining of St. Thomas's
Chapel, and of the ornaments, jewels, and lights of the same ; it is ordained, in consequence
of the Card-makers being a declining Company, and the Cappers numerous and wealthy,
that the latter should be associated with them, in the governance, repairing, and maintaining
of this Chapel, and sit together therein, to hear divine service; every householder, or
shopkeeper of the said Companies hereafter paying annually 12d. towards the support of the
same, and on the Translation of St. Thomas yearly, offering Id. at high mass there. This
measure was shortly followed by an entire conveyance of the Chapel to the Company of
Cappers. By Indenturet dated Sth Jan., Hen. 8, 1536, the Masters of the Card-makers and
Sadlers' Company convey to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Com'y. "ther Chappell, wt'in the
p'ishe Churche of seynt MicheU, named seynt Thomas Chappell, & the Cardemakers and
Sadlers Chappell, wt all & sing'ler ther ajDp'tencus, ornaments, vestyments, juells, & imple
ments, to the same exp'ssed in a Cedule annexed," reserving to the said Fellowship,
convenient sitting for 4 persons of their Craft, " under the nether Wyndowe, on the south
side of the said Chappell, betwene the Imag's of the Trinitie & saint Sebastiane," for which
they were to pay 16d.' yearly.
" Here after ensue the p'ticulers & certentie of the ornaments, juells, goodes, & implements, app'teynyng to the
Chappell mencioned in thyndentures hereunto annexed :— " Furste, a masse Booke & a Chalese. It' a vestement of
Rede Velvett, wt sterres of Golde. It' an albe, wt an ammyse, a stole, & a phanc'n:|: of the same. It' a Corp'as, & a
case of grene borde Alysander,|l wt a Grose of silver & ov' gilt, compased wt perle & p'cious stones, and sett in silver
& gilt & enameled. It' a vestment of Rede Damaske, wt albe, ammyse, stole, and phan'con of the same, wt a Corp'as,
& a Case of Rede Velvett, wt iij lyons cowchant. It' a vestement of blake silke, wt white Columbynes, wt albe,
amyse, stole, & phauc'n of the same, & case of Eede silke. It' a vestement of White fustiane, steyned§ for lenton,
wt albe, amyse, stole, & phanc'n of the same. It' ij auter clothes of the passion, for lenton, and a frontell^ of the
auter. It' ij auter Clothes, counterfeit Cloyth of golde, wt compase in a Sheilde It' oon Auter Cloith of blewe
silke, steyned wt lyberds hedes of gold rased. It' a frontlett of blake damaske, wt R. and J. & sterres of golde. It'
iiij pelowes** of yalow silke, wt lyons of Eede. It' a pelowe of p'rple velvett. It' ij lynyne auter Clothes. It' a
towell. It' an Auter cloithe steyned, wt an Image of seynt Thomas. It' a pax wt a Crucifix of marie & John. It'
a table of the Mounte of Sjmay.tf It' iiij Candelsticks of Mastelen to sett uppon the Auter for tap's, and ij for
Talough Candells. It' a small pax, wt a crosse of Iverey. It' a pax of Jh'us, of marie, of petre. It' ij pagiont Clothes
of the passion. It' a frontlett of blewe velvett. It' a vestement of blewe wolsted, wt R. &; J. of gold. It' ij great
standerds of candlesticks of latten. It' a peire of Auter Clothes of Crissommes.Jf It' Cloithe of tho liff of seynt
Thomas. It' v pencells of blewe, wt Cuppes of golde. It' a vestement of blewe satten, of the gift of Sir Roger
Douche, wt albe & amyse of the same. It' a Rede vestem't of satten, of the gift of Sr. John EUigge, wt albe, amyse,
& stole, of the same. It' a Corp'as of blake velvett, of the gift of my ladle Marler. It' ij auter clothes of diap'. It' a
pece of Cloith of golde in a box. It, a frontelett of silke and golde, wt pecocks."
By another Indenture, §§ dated the 28th of the same month, the Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Commonalty, convey and surrender the Chapel, Vestments, &c.j to the Cappers' Company
(with the reservation sittings to the Sadlers before mentioned), and from that period various
entries occur in their Book of Accounts, a selection from which here follows :
1539. The Cost for the Aowter It'm pd for the Aowter, xs. It'm pd for ij candelstekys, ijs.
It'm pd for Say, Red, & Gren, viijs. viij<^. It'm pd for makeing of the oortens in the chapell, sviijd.
It'm pd for corten hokys, ijd. It'm pd for coUoryng of the cortens, ijs. ijd.
It'm pd foi' howkyng the chappell clothes ijd. It'm Ress, of the Crafts box, towards the by'ng of the
aowter, xxs.
"¦ Leet Book fo. 357. f Original in Treasury. { phanc'n — phannon, or fannon — a Corporas, vide Ducange.
II borde Alysander : probably silk embroidered ; French, Borde.
§ steyned— painted. ^ frontell — to hang under the tapers.
** pelowes — pillows, or cushions for the altar, to rest the mass book upon.
tf The Mounte of Synay — The Decalogue, or perhaps a representation of Moses receiving the tables.
XX Crissommes — The Chrisom was a white cloth, put on infants at the time of their Baptism, and worn seven
days; it was usually supplied by the Priest, and returned at the expiration of the seven days.
§§ Original in Treasury.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 31
Also, we have broughte in ij cheld's aowbes, the weche we geve to the crafte.
1543. pd to ye craft's chapplen, for hys wages, xxxs.
1544. payd to Sir Pastys our pryst, for his hoUyerys wagys, xls.
1546. pd for holoweng ye challes, :s.vjd.
1548. Resette of the chappell Kepars. — Reseved for iorn yt belonged to ye chappell, xvjd.
Reserved for ij battelments ov'r ye alter, ij,s. — R'c for ye sakring bell, xijd.
R'c for a pese of sylvr yt was at ye masse bok, xviijd. — R'c for a masse bok, vji^.
p'd at the Crane, when they craft dyd see ye vestments, iijs. xd.
pd at ye sellyng of ij standers of brasse, viijd.
1549. spent at ye crane, at they delyv'yng up of ye ornaments of ye chappell, vjd.
1552. The Ressete for Chappell stuiie. — R'c of John Stone, for a table of the altar, ijs.
R'c of the goodman lyttley, for vij pylloes, iijs. viijd.
R'c of the same lyttley, for iiij candelstykys for tapers, iiijs. xj<^.
1556. payde for paintynge off xvj yards* in the chappell at iiijti. the yarde, ixs. iiijtZ.
[1563. Reseved of Henry Hethe forthe Kappars (Chapel chamber) ijs. — Church accounts.']
In 1628,t a controversy having arisen betwixt the Parish of St. Michael and the Cappers'
Company concerning this Chapel, it was agreed that the Parish should pay £15 to the
Cappers, on their surrendering the Chapel (with their pageant house), reserving to the
Company six convenient seats, for which they were to pay 4d. each. Accordingly, on 24th
March, 1629, the Company received £15, and executed a deed J of surrender, when the
Chapel became and has since remained the entire property of the Parish.
In 1726, the Company of Cappers expended in repairs of the Chapel, and building
the pews, £11. 7s. Id.; at which time it was agreed by the Parish, in consequence of the
old staircase leading into their Chapel chamber being broken down, that a passage from the
South GaUery should be made at the charge of the Company, in consideration of their
giving up the ground on which the stairs stood.
This Chamber is over the porch, adjoining St. Thomas's Chapel, and retains (somewhat
incorrectly) the name of Cappers' Chapel to the present time : it continues to be used for the
Meetings of that Company according to its original destination.
[On the 5th October, 1829, a circular stone staircase was discovered leading from the
floor of the church to this chamber, the dirt and rubbish has been removed, and the former
means of access being closed on the removal of the galleries, it is now used for its original
purpose. A window has also been made in the north wall of the chamber, filled with stone
tracery, and clear glass, through which may be seen the window of stained glass on the south
side, bearing the arms of the Company and other emblems. This room was formerly a
parvise, or priest's chamber: the lintel of the fireplace is formed of the incised lid of a stone
coffin ; the walls bear some inscriptions referring to periodical repairs by the Company of
Cappers and felt makers, and the room is furnished with ancient and substantial fittings.]
The DYERS', or as it was subsequently caUed, the MOURNERS' CHAPEL, is on the
south side of the Church, betwixt the first and second porches. The place where the Altar
stood, at the east end, is very obvious, and the piscina yet remains. It appears also from
the corbels, and a second tier of windows, that in its original state there was a chamber over
the Chapel, probably for the use of the Priest. Underneath is a stone crypt, formerly used
as a place of interment for the famiHes of Strode and Inge.
* Probably certain texts of Scripture, portions of which still remain, though almost illegible, supposed to have
been extracts from Christ's sermon on the mount.
t St. Michael's Church Account Book. X Original in parish chest.
32 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
In the Accounts of the Dyers' Company, are various entries illustrative of their
establishment in this Church, some of which are subjoined :
" 1463, It' payd to our prest for all the hoU yer, for his seler', at iiij tymes of the yer, vl. vjs. viijd.
" 1476, It' paid for a chalis of xxij unc' & ij quarterons le unc' price of vs. viijd. s'ma. vjl. vijs. vd. — It' paid for
a vestement, iiij marcus.
" 1501, Sir John Hylag, the Dyers Priest, was made a brother of the Company, and he promised " at the owr of
hys deth" to give 40s. in money to them, and " a boke caulyd a pres'seynar""," with other things.
" 1527, It' paid for a loke & a key to hit, to ley in the challis, in the vestre y't the prest synggs wt all, iijd."
In 1607 the following entry is found in the Church Accounts :
" Pd to a mason for settinge up the small pyller in the diers netherX chappell, xiijs. iiiji^."
This extract proves the existence of the chamber over the Chapel, in 1607, but how
much longer the separation continued has not been ascertained.
From the immediate vicinity of this Chapel to the most accustomed door of entrance to
the Church, it was so highly convenient for the attendants upon a funeral to wait in, if too
early for the service, at a period when the custom prevailed of bringing all corpses into the
Church, before proceeding to the grave, that by degrees it obtained the name of the Mourners'
Ghapel, as appears by the following extracts from the Church Accounts :
" 1639, pd for mendinge the Mourners Chappell dore, &d.
" 1659, the Chapel called the Mourners Chapel, on the south side of St. Michael's Church, let to Mrs. Strode,
wife of William Strode, Esq., deceased, for a burial place for her family, paying a fine of 20 marks and 5s. annual rent." J
[The following also occur : —
1568 for pavynge the Momare's Chapel iiije?.
In 1599 the Dyers paid the Churchwardens 4s. for their two seats.]
The SMITHS', or ST. ANDREW'S CHAPEL, as its name imports, was supported
(perhaps founded) by the ancient Company of Smiths, whose weU preserved Books of
Accounts supply numerous articles illustrative of this religious establishment. The first
items that occur in these Accounts are in 1449.
" It'm a tabyll afor ye p'st, viijd. payed to Syr John Radfford, our p'st, for his salary, vjli. vjs. viijd.
In 1469 the Company supplied their priest with a Copy of the service for the Jesus
Mass (which was begun in this City in 1464), as appears by the following entry : —
" If peid for wrytyng of the messe of the v wounds of onr lord, viijd.
" liii, Exp'n for goyng to Combe, to halowe the Vestment in wyn ic cakes, xviijd.
" 1480, It'm, payd to seynt andrewe auter, for the jaket of cloth of gold, vjs. viijd."
1518, John Haddon, draper, bequeaths as foUows, by Will: — ¦
" Item, to the Smythes awter, in wax, to be spent at masse tymes, vjs. viijd.
* pres'seynar — processional, a book containing such parts of the Service of the Romish Church as were used in
Ecclesiastical processions. f Lower.
IX This payment having been discontinued the crypt was relet to W. Inge, Esq., in 1747, ou payment of 10
guineas, and an annual rent of one penny. The last interred here was Mrs. Inge in 1S23 : the east end of the vault
was permanently closed during the late alterations, and the western portion set apart for the gas apparatus. The
wooden rails which formerly separated it from the church were at the same time removed.]
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry. 33
1535, Thomas Forman, of Coventry, by Will,* dated 12th Jan. desires to be buried in
St. Michael's Church-yard, before the Smiths' Altar; he gives also to the said Altar, 20d.
and orders that 26s. 8d. be quarterly paid for four years, for the stipend of a Priest, to sing
at the Smiths' Altar, where he likewise directs his Obit to be kept.
" 1548, payd for takyng down of our imagys afore myghalmas, and settyng them up a gayne, iiije?. Payd to
the church wardens for owr tabarnacuU over ye awter, ijs.
" 1553, payd for makyng of new festments, vs.
" 1558, Item for iij awter close weshyng iiij(i.
" Item for iij tapers at Chrystumas, and a candle ageynst xij day, xijd.
" 1560, It'm for a peynttyd clothe for ye Smythys aut'r, xd."
In the absence of positive information as to the precise situation of this Chapel, it would
appear from the directions for Forman's interment (see above), and some other minor
circumstances, that it was betwixt the North Porch and the western extremity of the side
aisle there ; and that the Altar stood betwixt the windows, in an ornamented recess, divided
by tracery into two compartments, in each of which a whole length figure, painted upon the
wall, was discovered in 181 7. The figures were in blue drapery, being long gowns ; and over
each of then- heads a nimbus was discernible, but the painting was too much injured, previous
to its discovery, to allow of an attempt at appropriating them : the back ground was red. To
the conjecture that this was the Smiths' Chapel, the only difficulty that presents itself is the
fact of this part of the Church being of subsequent construction to the period when the
Accounts of that Company commence, being probably erected about 1500, 15 of Henry 7,
when some considerable work was going on at the Church ; and therefore, unless we suppose
that before this time the Smiths', or St. Andrew's Altar, was in another part of the Church,
or united with one of the Chantries, this appropriation cannot be correct. Between the
easternmost window and the North Porch is a staircase, leading to the roof over this Chapel,
and which formerly communicated with a stone pulpit, that projected into the Church yard ;
in Beighton's drawing of the Church, engraved for Dr. Thomas's edition of Dugdale, the
pulpit is shewn, but has been since destroyed, though the door in the wall and some other
indications are still visible.
The GIRDLERS' CHAPEL, is entered from the North Porch, turning eastward, and
was connected (as appears by its name) with the Company of Girdlers ; but as that ancient
Society has been many years extinct, and none of their books or documents have been
preserved, our account of this Chapel must be limited to some scanty notices in the Church
books, and of these the earhest is in
" 1563, It'm, reseved of henry hethe, for the gordelares, iijs."
This was an annual rent paid for the Chapel, and in 1585 is thus expressed : —
" R' of the Gyrdelers for theyre chamber, iijs.
" 1599, R' of the Gerdlers, for theire Chapell & chamber, vs.
" 1600, pd for lathes & nayles to siele under the Girdelers chamber, ixd.
" 1626t, The Company of the Girdlers for their Chappell, Library, and Chamber, pay p' aun'm, vs.J
" 1639, pd for payntyng the piUers in girdlers chapell, inter alia.
" 1661, for clensing ye Girdlers Chappell, 8s.
*' Copy in Treasury. f From a Fragment in the Parish Chest.
{ The Girdlers' last payment for their seat in this church was in 1669, the company having been reduced in 1667
to 6 or 7 persons, parted the money among the remaining members, and dissolved the gild.
34 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
1725, At a Vestry Meeting, " a Faculty was ordered to be obtained, for pulling down ye old seats, near the Font,
on the west part of the Church ; & likewise for pulling down the Girdlers' Chapel, by the north Porch; the materials
to be used in building a Gallery on the north side of ye Church."
From the preceding extracts it appears, that there was a room or chamber over the
Chapel, in which probably the meetings of the Company were occasionally held (in like
manner as the Cappers, in their Chapel Chamber). The preceding extract, 1626, mentions a
Library, as weU as Chamber, which, most Hkely, was a division of the Chamber, in which the
Books of Accounts and other documents belonging to the Company were kept, and perhaps
they also had some printed books for the use of the members, such circumstances being by
no means unusual, and the Book of Martyrs generally occurs in the number. The Chapel
and Chamber were separated from the body of the Church, on the south side, by a partition
filling up the two arches, the lower part of which formed the backs of the seats underneath
the north gallery.*
The Altar stood under the east window, on an elevated floor (the latter stUl existed in
1820), and a, piscina on the south side of it still remains at the east end of the chapel. The
east window consisted originally of five lights, but was fiUed up with stone work betwixt the
mullions and tracery ; and if not in this state before the Reformation, was so done shortly
afterwards, as is evident from a compartment in its right hand division, having had, in large
and ancient black letters, the following portion of a part of the 2nd Chapter of PhiHppians
(discovered in 1817) :
*' SEr&ant became l^kz unto men, anU toas founlie in ijgs apparel as a man. ^t
J)umiileti Ijgm selfe, anU became obetitent unto tije teatf), e&en t|je Ireatlj of tije Crosse,
tfjerefore ffioU also Ijatf) exalteU Ijtm, ani gifaen Ijtm a name, Mjid) is a&o&e al names,
t§at at tlje name of Sesus e&erg knte sljouHr tiotoe, of tlj^nges in Ijeben ant tfignges in
earti)." In the opposite division the preceding part of this passage, commencing at the 4th verse,
had been written, but was too much injured to be recoverable.
Amongst the bequests of John Hadden, in 1518, is 6s. 8d. to "Lekborne Chapell," to be
spent at Mass times, in wax. This Chapel was in St. Michael's Church, but no further notice
of it has been discovered. As an instance has occurred in Trinityt Church, of a Chantry
being called by the name of the existing Chantry Priest, it is possible that a like circumstance
may have happened here. *' Removed during the recent restorations.
f Vide Percye's Chantry, where, in the time of John de Belton, it is called Belton's Chantry.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 35
CHANTRIES.
HAVING now completed our survey and account of the various Chapels in this Church,
as far as they can from existing documents be ascertained, we next come to a consideration
of the Chantries ; and of these the most ancient is —
MERYNTON'S CHANTRY, founded in the 1 7 of Edw. 2 (1323), by Hugh de Merynton,*
for two priests to sing Mass daily, for the health of his soul, Agnes his wife, and for the
souls of his ancestors, and all the faithful deceased ; being endowed with £8 yearly rent.
[In 1534 Thomas HoUeys was keeper of Merynton's Chantry; and the Friars Carmelites (White Friars) paid to
the priest annually 20s.— Valor Ecclesiasticus.]
In the 26 of Henry 8 (1534), the yearly value amounted only to 100s., but upon the
Survey taken in the 37 of Henry 8 (1545), the revenue was certified to be £8. lis. 8d., and
payments 22s. 4d., leaving a clear yearly income of £7. 9s. 4d. It is observable that, in this
latter Survey, the Chantry is said to be founded " for one Presto." In the 2nd of Edward 6
(1548), upon coming into the possession of the Corporation, the revenue is valued at £6. 3s. 4d.
No documents remain, whereby any particular situation in the Church, where this
Chantry priest officiated, can be ascertained.
SHEPEY'S, or ST. LAURENCE'S CHAJSfTRY,t was founded in the 4 of Edward 3
(1330), by Laurence Shepey, of Coventry, who endowed it with one messuage and two shops,
for the maintenance of a Priest to sing Mass daily, at the Altar J of St. Laurence, for his soul,
the souls of his Father and Mother, Maud his Wife, Adam StanydeU", and Alice his Wife,
with aU the faithful departed.
[In the Original RoUs it is recorded that Jordan de Shepeye grants a fine to the King
of six marks for licence to give a house in Coventry to assign to a priest to celebrate mass
for his soul, and aU the faithful deceased daily, in St. Laurence's Chapel.]
In the 6 of Richard 2 (1382), John Shepey, Dean of Lincoln, added hereto one more
messuage for the maintenance of two priests, to sing Mass at the said Altar, for the founder
(his grandfather), Jordan Shepey || his father, also for the good estate of the said Dean whilst
he lived, and for his soul after death, with all the faithful deceased.
The Anniversary of William Whitohurch§ in the 2nd of Henry 6 (1423), is directed to be
kept in the Chapel of St. Laurence the Martyr, in St. Michael's Church. — Vide Obits.
•* Hugh de Merynton paid a fine of 20 marks to the King, for licence to found this Chantry. — Rot. Origin.
f In the Patent RoUs it is called " Cantaria s'ci Laurentii."
X In the Abrev. Rot. Originalium, Rot. 39 — it is capella s'ci Laurentii, instead of altari.
II He was second Mayor of Coventry, A'o. 1346.
§ Mayor in 1400, and his portrait, in stained glass, is in St. Mary's Hall.
36 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
In 1518, John Haddon, draper, bequeaths "to the awter of saint Lawrence, in wax, to
be spent at masse tymes, vjs. viijcL"
1566, " Charges'* of St. Larrans chapell. lime, quarries, and labour, lis. Id.
1612, "pdfor making! ^ place in St. Laurance Chappell, to hange the [Drapers] Companies bucketts in, xiiijt?."
In the Survey, 37 of Henry 8, 1545 (wherein this Chantry is said to be founded
by Jordan Shepey), the revenue is stated to be £4 and reprisals 20s. 5d. — clear income
59s. 7d. — which, ia the same Survey, is declared to have been given by "the late prior
of Coventre, unto one John Aston, nowe Curate of the p'rsshe of Sowe, in Augmentacon of
hys lyvynge, for that the mynewte Tythes of the seyd p'rrshe ys worth but YJli. by yere to
the Curate." It is valued at £4 in the Corporation Valor, 2 of Edward 6, at which time
78s. 2d. was paid out of it to the Vicar of Sow, by order of the King's Commissioners. In
the RoU of PensionsJ, 1555, is a payment of 100s. to Rich. Smythe, formerly Incumbent of
" Sheldon's Chauntrie, in Coventrie," which I conceive to be an error for Shepey's, being the
nearest resembUng name amongst the actual Chantries in Coventry.
By a reference to the plan of St. Michael's Church it will be seen that Eastward of the
North transept (formed in part by the Girdlers' Chapel) is a side aisle, parallel with the
Choir and Chancel, containing five large windows, the three Easternmost of which comprise
the Drapers', or our Lady's Chapel, built about 1300. The other two windows bear a general
resemblance to those in the Drapers' Chapel, but a slight inspection either of the exterior or
interior of this part of the aisle will shew it to have been subsequently erected, though at no
distant period. I conjecture, therefore, that here was Shepey's, or St. Lawrence's Chantry,
which being founded 30 years after the Drapers' Chapel, perfectly accords with the minute
variations in its architectural character, from that portion of the aisle, and the extract above
given from the Drapers' Accounts, in 1612, shews that the fire-buckets belonging to this
Company were hung in St. Laurence's Ghapiel, which, from the probabiHty of their selecting
a situation as near to their own Chapel as possible, so materially strengthens this conjecture
as to leave little doubt of its correctness.
HAYE'S, or ALL SAINTS' CHANTRY, was founded in the 12 of Richard 2 (1388), by
Henry del Hay, of Coventry, Girdler, and endowed with three messuages for the maintenance
of one priest, to sing Mass daily at the Altar of All Saints,\\ for the good estate of Richard 2,
Ann his Queen, and the said Henry, during their lives, and afterwards for the health of their
souls. In the Survey, 37 of Henry 8 (1545), this Chantry is incorrectly said to be founded
by Richard Hays ; the revenue is certified to be 21s. 7d., after deducting 9d. for reprisals,
and was given " to one Henry Roundall, now Vyker of Foulsell, by the late Prior of
Coventrye, whyche Chauntrye ys annexed to the seyd Vycaryge of Foulcell, in Augmen
tacon of hys lyvyng there : and the seyd Vycaryge is worthe by yere but Ixxviijs." The
Corporation Valor, 2 of Edward 6, is only 6s. 8d. per annum; 13s. lOd. being paid out
of it, by order of the King's Commissioners, to the Vicar of FoleshiU.
In the absence of any positive evidence where this Chantry was situated it might be
conjectured, from the circumstance of the founder being a Girdler, that the priest officiated
* Church Accounts. f Drapers' Accounts. J British Museum, 1816.
II Cantaria Omnium S'ooram. — Patent RoUs.
ST. Michael's church, coventey. 37
in the Girdlers' Chapel, which might be the case, notwdthstanding the Girdlers supported a
Priest of their own (as probably was the fact) : to this it may be objected that the Girdlers'
Chapel is obviously of more recent erection than the foundation of Haye's Chantry ; but it is
equally evident that many Chantries must have been removed at the grand rebuilding and
enlargement of the body of the Church, and probably this was in the number.
PRESTON'S CHANTRY was founded by John Preston, Merchant, of Coventry, in the
13 of Henry 4*, 1412, for two priests to sing Mass daily, at the Altars of the Holy Trinity
and the Blessed Virgin, within this Church, for the good estate of the said John Preston,
during his Hfe, and for his soul after death, and the souls of his Parents and Benefactors, and
all the faithful departed. To support this he gave six messuages and one shop, with a
chamber over it, in Coventry, all which in the 26 of Henry 8, 1534,t were valued at £5. 9s. Od.
per annum, beyond reprisals, but in the Survey, 37 of Henry 8 (at which time it appears there
was but one priest), the clear yearly value was only £4. 6s. lid., and the presentation is
therein stated to be " in the gyfte of the late pr'orye of Coventre."
The Corporation Valor, 2 of Edward 6, is £3. 16s. 4d. In 1555, WUUam Mathew,
formerly Chantry Priest here, received a pension of £4. 4s. lid. per annum. The Altar of
the Virgin was in the Chapel dedicated to her, but the situation of the Trinity Altar has not
been ascertained.
CROSSE'S, or ST. KATHERINE'S CHANTRY, was also founded 13 HenryJ 4,
1412, by John Scarburgh, PhUip Baron, Laurence Cooke, and Thomas Henryes, who gave
five messuages and £4. 6s. 6d. annual rent in Coventry, to the Mayor and Commonalty, and
their successors for ever, to find a certain priest who should sing mass daily, at the Altar of
St. Katherine, in St. Michael's Church, for the good estate of King Henry, during his life,
and for his soul after his decease, as also for the soul of John Crosse,\\ late Merchant of
Coventry, and the souls of all the faithful departed.
The Trinity Gild celebrated the festival of St. Katherine, in this Chantry or Chapel, as
appears by the following extract from the accounts of that fraternity : —
" 36 Hen. 6 (1457) Exp' fee in festo s'ce Kat'ine. — Inp'mis in una pietanc' f'ca p'sbit'is de babl', vjs. viijd.
" It'm in j cerge cere exspend' in ardend' ante Imagine s'ce Kat'ine in eccli'a s'ci Mich'is infra CapeUam d'ce
Kat'ine, pond' vjli. iiij(?. It'm in oblac'one admissam, viijd. — Sma. vijs. viijd."
Wm. Pisford, of Coventry, by will, dated May 2, 1517, directs his body to be buried in
the Chapel of St. Katherine, in the Church of St. Michael,§ before the Image of St. John the
EvangeHst, and beside his three wives. If He bequeaths also to the mending and renewing
of such vestments as be belonging to one** Altar of St. Katherine, in St. Michael's Church, 20s.
* Ad quod dampnum, 18 Hen. 4, 20.
t Robert Abbott, Clerk, was then keeper of the Chantry. — Val. LJccl.
X Ad quod dampnum, 18 Hen. 4, 28. || He was Mayor in 1894, and gave the Font to this Church.
§ 6s. Sd. to be paid for his burial. *i Annis, Joan, and Eleanor.
'*'* From the peculiarity of this expression, and the fact of there certainly being an Altar dedicated to St. John, in the
Church, and an Image of him in this Chapel, I am led to think St. John's Altar was here also.
38 ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
In 1578, John Haddon, draper, gives "to the auter of Saint Kateryn, in wax, to be spent at
masse tymes, vjs. viijcZ."
In the Corporation Treasury is also the mutilated copy of a will, dated 10th of November,
36 of Hen. 8, 1544, only one year previous to the Survey, by which the Testator (whose name
is lost) directs his Obit to be kept annually in " St. Kat'yns Chapell, in saynt MiohaeU's
Churche," with eight Priests, two Clerks, and two Children of the said Church.
This Chantry does not appear in the Survey, 37 of Hen. 8, 1545, and Dugdale after giving
the account of its foundation as above, concludes, " But when this Chantry was dissolved or
altered I find not." The Obit of the founder, John Cross, was kept by the Mayor, BaiUfis,
and Commonalty, as appears under the head " Obits," and was continued until the supression
of these Anniversaries by Edw. 6. From an undated memorandum in the Corporation
Treasury, it seems this Obit was kept on the 13th February, and the Wardens paid 6s. 8d.
annually towards it, which sum was "given to the priest in said Chantry," from which
circumstance, it appears reasonable to conclude that the establishment continued until nearly
the time of the dissolution ; for notwithstanding the Chantry Priest was certainly discontinued
before the survey 37 of Henry 8, yet that the establishment of St. Katherine's Chapel remained
until that time seems very evident from the preceding extracts and remarks.
It is worthy of observation that the Obits kept by the Mercers' Company were
solemnized in St. Katherine's Ghapel (vide Wood and Braytoft, in Obit list) ; and the Obits
performed by the Company of Drapers were, as might be expected, kept in their own, or our
Lady's Ghapel, from which I infer that the Mercers' Chapel was originally Crosse's Chantry,
or St .Katherine's Ghapel, which coming by gradations, now impossible to define, under the
care and patronage of that Company, lost its original appellation in the same manner as the
term our Lady's Chapel gave way to that of the Drapers', which, even before the Reformation
was called indifferently by either title ; and this will account for the Chantry not appearing
in the Survey 37 of Hen. 8. Had the ancient documents of the Mercers' Company been
preserved this would have been satisfactorily explained.
PYSEFORD'S CHANTRY was founded only a few* years previous to the dissolution
of these religious estabhshments by WilHam Pyseford, who endowed it with lands to the value
of £26. 9s. Od. per annum, out of which was paid £20. Is. 4d. as under, and there remained
£6. 7s. 8d. & a. d.
Stipend to the Priest . . 6 0 Of
Wine and wax used in the Church 0 10
To six poor persons in the Alms House, 74d. every week . 9 15 0
Two Obits . 1 10 0
William Wygston, Steward . .... 068
Humf. Walker, BaUiff . 10 0
This is the account in the survey, 37 of Hen. 8, wherein it is also stated, that
" The seyd Chauntrye was ffounded by one Wyllm. Pyseforde, to thentent to ffynde on preste to syng Messe
dayly w'tin the Churche aforseyde, and to fynde vj pore men and there wyves. And the seyd preste to have yerely
* His will bears date 1515, but the precise time of his founding this Chantry does not appear.
f In 1534 John Wygston was keeper (priest) of this Chantry, and he was paid his stipend of £6 bv the Master
of Trinity Gild. •'
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry. 39
for hysstypend, vjli. aud ev'y the seyde vj pore men and there wyves suche as have bene honeste householders and
now faulen in to decaye and pov'te, w'tin the same cyte ev'y weke vijd. ob'. ev'ry cople to pray for the soules of the
seyde Wyll'm aud hys parens for ev'r."
In the Corporation Valor, 2 Edw. 6, the income of Pisford's Chantry is stated to be
£13. 6s. 8d., out of which £9. 15s. Od. was, by order of Sir Walter Mildmay and Robert
Kelway, Esq., his Majesty's Commissioners, given to six poor men and their wives, 7|d.
weekly to each "for the king's alms."
As the founder of this Chantry was buried in St. Katherine's Ghapel (as were also his
three wives), it is very probable his Chantry Priest officiated there.
TAYLORS' and SHEARMEN'S CHANTRY.— "Of this Chantry's Foundation" (saith
Dugdale) "I flnd nothing, but in the Survey of the 26 of Hen. 8, it was certified to be of the
clear yearly value of £2. 16s. 6d. ob. per ann., over and above all reprises." The subsequent
survey, 37 Hen. 8, is sUent with respect to this Chantry, and no other notice of it has occurred ;
perhaps it may be in some degree confounded with the estabhshment of St. George's Ghapel,
in Gosford street, at that time supported by the Company of Shearmen and Taylors. Certain
it is, this Company had seats in St. Michael's Church, and their arms, in stained glass, are
in one of the south clerestory windows, nearly over the spot formerly occupied by their
sittings ; but this is not a necessary consequence of the Chantry, and without better evidence
there must remain some degree of doubt as to its existence in this Church.
[WiUiam Pyseford left 6s. 8^. to this craft towards their priests' wages.
In 1584 John Scott was keeper of the Taylors' and Shearmen's Chantry. At this period they had a water mill
and houses in Coventry. — Val. Eecl.
In 1599 the Taylors paid the Churchwardens 4s. for 4 seats. — Ch. Accounts.
By a record preserved in the Tower of London it appears that certain liberties were granted in the 19th year
of the reign of Hen. 6 to the Taylors and Fullers.]
TATE'S CHANTRY.— The first notice of this Chantry that I have met with occurs in
the survey, 37 of Henry 8, which, under the above head, merely states that there was a
certain annual pension of £5. 6d. 8d. paid by the Dyers' Company, in London, at four
quarterly payments, to a Chantry Priest singing Mass daily in the Church of Saint Michael.
In 1555 Thomas Elysson, the last Chantry Priest, received an annual pension of 100s.
With respect to the time of its foundation, we are without any decisive information, but
as no notice of the Chantry is found in the previous survey, 26 of Hen. 8, it seems reasonable
to fix it betwixt those periods ; and the short duration of this establishment will account for
the Httle information we possess respecting it.
COPSTON'S CHANTRY.— This Chantry was originally attached to the Priory, and
its early history was connected therewith, but at the dissolution it was transferred to
Saint Michael's Church, and in the Survey, 37 of Hen. 8, is certified to be of the yearly
value of £11. 7s. 2^d. The erroneous returns made by the Commissioners of this Sm-vey,
with respect to the Pounding of the various Chantries, and other particulars connected
with the establishments, have been before adverted to : in the present instance, without
the slightest reference to its removal from the Priory Church a few years before, this
40 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
Chantry is stated to have been " founded by Wyll'm Copston, for the fyndyng one preste to
synge Messe w'tin the seyd P'ishhe Church of Saynt Mychell."
In the Corporation Valor, 2nd of Edw. 6, the revenue of this Chantry is stated to be
£4. 13s. 8d.
ST. MATTHEW'S CHANTRY.— Of this Chantry the only notice I have met with is
an entry of the following receipt in the City Chamberlain's Accounts for 1547 : —
It' for the murag of St. Mathewe's Chauntree, xviijd.
There is no evidence of its being in this Church, or any date whereby to appropriate it,
and the only motive for introducing the item here is a desire to preserve it for future
iUustration. — (See Preston's Chantry, page 37.)
ALTARS.
Thomas Bradmedow, of Coventry, Draper, by WiU*, dated 1491, directs that 11 torches,
price 2s. 4d., be given on every Good Friday, to St. Michael's Church, viz : one to every Altar.
This determines the number of Altars at that time : and in the following attempt to par
ticularize them, much historical and Ulustrative matter wrUl be introduced, tending to elucidate
this portion of our ecclesiastical antiquities.
HIGH ALTAR.— In 1401, AHce Wyschard, bequeaths, " sum'o altari sc'i Mich' ij.s."
1430. In the City Leet Bookf is the following article :
" Hit is to have in mynde, yt hit is ordenyd that the Crafte of the wire drawers, shall kepe the Canape ov' the
hye Aut'r in Saynt Mich' in Coven' as hit apparrith by indent'r made, the w'ch tenor folowithe iu thies wordes :
" This indent'r witnessithe, that the furst day of September, the yer of the raign of kyng henr' the sixte, aft'r
the conquest the ixth, John Sheldon (and 4 others), wardeins of the wire drawers, of the Citie of Coven' w't John
Stafford (8 others), w't oy'r whurthy men of the same Crafte, in the name of all the p'sones of the Crafte, havyng
hur devoc'on to AUmyghty God, & to the blessid Sac'ament, the w'ch is all C'isten mennys boleve, cousideryng a
devout thyng callyd the new Canape, ov'r the awt'r in the church of saynt Michael's, of the said Cite, in the w'ch the
blessid Sac'ament is wurthely at this tyme kepte, the wh'ch kepyng must have cost & rep'acon cam before Thom'
Paynell, then maio'r of the said Cite (14 others named), & oy'r moo in saynt mary halle, p'aying & desiryng of
devoc'on yt thei have to ye said sac'ament, & wm-ship to ye said Citie to have the kepyng and the gov'nance of the
forsaid Canape, & all thyngs longyng y'rto. The w'ch the said Maior, and oy'r wurthy men, grauntyth them hur
petic'on. And this indent'r is regestered in a boke, callyd the meyr's Regest'r, in saynt mary hall beforesaid, for
p'petuall remembraunce y'rof to be had in tyme comyng."
* Penes Drapers' Company. f fo. 56 b.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 41
" 1493, John Wylgryse, Gent'n bequeaths to the High Altar, 3s. id."
" 1495, A charge occurs in the Chamberlains' Accounts, of 32. given to ye newe wark of the high Aut'r of seynt
Michael's." " 1517, Wm. Pisford bequeaths to the high Altar, for his forgotten Tithes GI. 13s. id."
" 1518, John Haddon bequeaths "to the high awter of saint Michael's Chirch for tithes and offeryngs forgotten, xls."
[Fox relates that in 1556 one Thomas Moore, of Leicester, being asked what he saw at
the Altar in St. Michael's Church, Coventry, answered, "I see fine deaths with golden
tasseUs, and other gay gere hanging about the Pix,* but what is in I cannot see."]
OUR LADY'S ALTAR. — This was of course in the Chapel of that name, or Drapers'
Chapel, under which head notices of it will be found.
JESUS ALTAR. — By the following memorandum extracted from the Ancient Leetf
Book, of this City, it appears that the Mass caUed Jesus Mass, was first used in Coventry,
in 1464. " Md'quod in tempore Johannis Pynchebeke, major, tuncfuit missa do J 'lie incepta, per labore' predict! Joh'is
Pynchebeke, anno Edwardi quarti quinto."
[The MS. annals of the City record that in 1491 the Mass of Jesus in St. Michael's
Church was in that year suspended.]
In the Smiths' Company's Accounts, for 1469, is this entry : —
" It' peid for wrytyng of the messe of the v wounds bf our lord viijd."
In 1491 Thomas Bradmedowe bequeaths " to the mayntenaunce of the Messe of Jh'u weekly songen in the said
Chirche, xs."
1492, " Sir RafEe, prest of Jh'u masse," admitted a Brother of the Smiths' Company.
1493, " John Wylgryse bequeaths 20d. to Jesus Altar."
1517, " An order of LeetJ was made, that every Oificer belonging to the Mayor, shall be ready to bring him to
Jesus Mass, on the Friday, and after to wait upon him in the Market, tiU he go home to dinner on pain of 2d."
1518, John Haddon bequeaths to " Jh'us awter," for wax, 6s. 8d.
We learn from the above particulars, that the Mass of Jesus commenced in Coventry
anno 1464, during the Mayoralty of John Pynchbek, who was the cause of its being intro
duced here ; that it was celebrated weekly, on Fridays : and that it was customary for the
subsequent Mayors to attend this Mass, previous to their going into the Market : from which
latter circumstance, connected with the fact of the Mass being begun in Coventry, through
the means of one of the Mayors, it seems probable that he was also in some degree con
sidered as its Founder, though no documents have been discovered to prove this. A priest
was specially appointed thereto in 1492, as appears from the Smiths' extract, and so early as
1469 the same Company obtained a copy of the Mass service, but it must not hence be
hastUy inferred that the Smiths' Company had any particular connection wdth the establish
ment, since we know that their own regular Priest said Mass in the Smiths' or St. Andrew's
Chapel, and we have the foUowing item in the Church Accounts, for 1563, relative to the
situation of Jesus Altar, " Rec' for iiij Sets before Jh's awter, vs."
which does not correspond with the presumed station of the Smiths' Chapel, that being too
distant from the pulpit to have seats before it.
* The casket in which the host was preserved. f ^°- 200. { fo. 324.
42 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
TRINITY ALTAR. — The two Chantry Priests, founded by Preston, were to sing Mass
at the Altars of the Holy Trinity and the Virgin.
ST. JOHN'S ALTAR.— In 1517, Wm. Pisford bequeaths £6. 13s. 4d. to this Altar, and
in the account of Crosse's or St. Katherine's Chantry, I have suggested that it was probably
in that Chapel.
ST. ANNE'S ALTAR.— 1518, John Haddon bequeaths "to the awter of saint anne,"
6s. 8d., for wax.
ST. KATHERINE'S ALTAR, in the Chapel of that name ; further particulars of which
will be found under the head, Crosse's Chantry.
ST. THOMAS'S ALTAR, in the Cappers' or St. Thomas's Chapel.
ST. ANDREW'S ALTAR, in the Smiths' Chapel.
ST. LAURENCE'S ALTAR, in Shepey's Chantry.
ALL SAINTS' ALTAR, in Haye's Chantry.
The preceding list includes every Altar known to have existed in this Church ; and it is
observable that it exactly completes the number specified in Bradmedowe's Will, anno 1491,
before-mentioned. As an appendage to this article, a summary account is given below of the number of
Priests belonging to St. Michael's Church at difierent periods, presenting an accurate view of
this portion of the establishment at certain times previous to the Reformation.
The Obit of WiUiam Whitchurch, 2nd of Henry 6, 1423, is ordered to be celebrated with
20 Priests belonging to St. Michael's Church.
Richard Woode's, with 9 Priests.
Richard Braytofte's, with 10 ditto.
John Haddon' s, with 12 ditto.
And Thos. Bradmedowe's, with 12 ditto.
The general History of this Church contains, pp. 4 and 5, particulars of its officiating
Ministers, consisting, in 1522, of a Vicar and 18 Priests, beside 6 Chantry Priests; and in
1533, a Vicar, Curate, and 13 Priests, exclusive of those belonging to the Chantries.
An order of Leet* was made in 1491, respecting the Companies' Priests, in the following
words : —
Also, that all Crafts and mysteries w'tin this Cite, yt fynde P'sts to syng & pray for them, that they gyfe straitly
in charge to their seid P'sts, to kepe the quer dayly, as well uppon the week dales as uppon the holydaes in encreasyng
of dyvyn s'vice dayly to be songen in the P'ish Chirches of ye Cite." '
¦^fo. 269, b.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. ' 43
OBITS, OR ANNIVERSARIES.
The Trinity GUd annuaUy celebrated a general Obit in this Church, on the feast of the
Annunciation, the charges whereof amounted to 6s.*
The ensuing lists of Obits, kept in St. Michael's Church, is extracted from the Certificate
of aU the Lands and Rents, given to the Maintenance of Obits, or Lights, within the County
of Warwick, 1st of Edward 6, with occasional additions and illustrations : —
Obits kept by the Mayor, BaiHffs, and Commonalty of Coventry.
John Crosse (Mayor 1394). On the Sunday after St. Blase, Costs 13s. Id.
Richard Ley (Mayor 1489). On the 2nd of March, Costs 12s. Id.
WiUiam Forde. On Friday before Cleansing Week, Costs 26s. %d. — Amongst other charges is 2d., " for openyng
the Altar." John Garton. On 31st of March, 26s. Sd. given to poor people, Costs 42s. 5d.
f On 29th April, " in bread, ale, & wyne, iijs. iiij(^. ; to priests and clerks, iijs. viijd. ; to the Maior,
to see the same donne, xxd. ; to ye M'r of the Trynytie Guilde there, xij(?. ; to ye M'r of Corpus X'pi Guilde there,
xiid. ; to ye M'r of Saint John's, xijd. ; to the swearde bearer, viijd. ; for ryngyng, viijd. ; to the bellmanf, iiijrf. ; to
the poore people, vjs. viijd. ; for the paulis of bothe the guildis, viijd. ; for wax, vj^. ; for settyng the herse and
oHrynge, iijd. — Som'e, xxjs. vd."
Simon Birches. On 20th May, Costs lis. id.
Richard Sharpe (Mayor 1432). On 1 Sth of June, Costs 31s. Id.
John Smythe. On 1st of August, Costs 6s. 3d.
William Whitchurche (Mayor 1400). On Saturday before the Assumption, " bestowing yearely thereat in breade
Sc wyne, vs. vjd. ; in chese, viijd. ; to priests and clerks, iiijs. ijd. ; to the Maior, to see this doone, iijs. iiijfi. ; for
ryngynge, viijd. ; for the paule, and to the bellman, viijd. ; for waxe, vjd.; to the poore people, vjs. viijd. ; for settyng
the herse and ofEeringe, iijd. — Som'e, xxijs. vd."
By the original tripartite Indenture§, dated the 20th of January, 2nd of Henry 6, 1423,
it appears that WilHam Babyngton, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and William Botoner,
of Withybrook, Feoffees of Agnes, the late wdfe of Whitchurch, conveyed a Messuage, in
Earl Street, to the Mayor, BaUiifs, and Commonalty of Coventry, on condition that the City
Chamberlains should for ever cause this Obit to be kept in the Chapel of St. Laurence the
Martyr, with 20 Priests, belonging to St. Michael's Church (and other particular directions),
at the charges of 20s. The Mayor, BaiHfis, and Commonalty, covenant to pay 40s. annually
to the Trinity GUd, in case the Chamberlains neglect to keep the Anniversary, as appointed;
and in this event, the Master of the Gild (who is a party to the deed) covenants to perform
it, and that every Master of the said GUd shaU annually be sworn to keep the Anniversary in
manner and form prescribed.
Edmund Brogreve (Mayor 1448). On the Vigil of St. Thomas the Apostle, Costs 25s. lid.
Richard Stoke (Mayor 1858). On the Eve of Thomas k Becket, Costs 14s. 9(?.
Henry Butler, Recorder from 1454 to 1488. On New Year's Eve, Costs 19s. lid.
Obits kept by divers Companies.
Richard Wood and Margery his Wife. By the Mercers, in St. Katherine's Chapel, on the Friday before the
Purification, Costs 16s. 2d.
* Accounts of Trinity Gild. f Name wanting in the original. J For giving notice of the Obit.
§ Original penes T.S.
44 ST. Michael's church, Coventry,
Richard Braytofte, (Mayor 1443 and 4.) By the same Company, and in the same Chapel, on the Feast of St.
Anne, Costs 22s. ?,d.
John Haddon (Mayor 1499.) By the Drapers' Company, in our Lady's Ghapel, inter alia, " for a drinckynge
aft'r the Obit, for the fellowshipp of the Drapers, Priests, Sc Clarks, xs." Costs 34s. 0\d.
Thomas Bradmedowe (Mayor 1462.) By the same Company, and in the Chapel of Our Lady, Costs 18s. id.
John Symonds. By the same Company, Costs 22s. id.
Isabel Povie. By the Cardmakers, in St. Thomas's Chapel, Costs 6s. 6d.
Richard Norris. By the same Company, and in the same Chapel, Costs 8s. id.
Thomas Forman By the Smiths' Company, Costs is.
Roger WaUeys. By the same Company. Costs 6s. 2d.
Richard Plumpton. By the Churchwardens of St. Michael, Costs 10s. id.
John Colame, or Colman. By the same, Costs 10s.
William Cooke, of Coventry. By the same. Costs 6s. Id. — He was a merchant of the Staple of Calais, and, in
1522, gave certain property for the celebration of an Obit, or anniversary Mass, on the day of his burial.
William Pisford, also by Will, dated May 2, 1517, directs an Obit to be annually per
formed for him, on the day of his decease, with 10 Priests, 2 Clerks, 2 Choristers, &c., &c.,
amounting to 20s. 6d., as follows : —
[To ten Priests id. a piece, to two Clerks id., to two Choristers 2d., for lights Gd., for setting forth of the hearse
2d., for the pall 2d., for ringing 8d., to the Bellman id., for bread and ale 20d., spice 20d., in wine 20(?., to the Mayor
20d , to the Steward Gd., to the Sword-bearer id., to the Poor People 6s. 8d ]
In 1520, 12th of Henry 8, Letys, Widow of John Saunders, enfeoSs* certain persons
in Penny Field, of the yearly value of 46s. 8d., for the use of Corpus Christi Gild, on con
dition of their keeping an Obit on the 2nd of August, yearly, in St. Michael's Church, for the
souls of John Saunders, and Letys, Agnes, and Alice, his wives, as is commonly used for
men of worship in this City.
And in the Corporation Valor, 2nd of Edward 6, I flnd a charge of 16s. 2d. for the Obit
of Richard Ward, payable out of three Messuages in Coventry, not included in the Certiflcate
from which the preceding extracts are made.
LIGHTS.
Guy de Tyllebrooke,t Vicar of this Church, between the years 1279 and 1293, gives to
God and the Church of St. Michael, for the sustaining one Lamp, before the High Altar
there, all his lands and buildings, on the South side of St. Michael's Church, in frank
almoigne ; so that WiUiam OoUe, of Coventry, and his heirs, hold the same for supporting
the said light and its appendages, day and night for ever, with good oil and a clear lamp ;
reserving to the Prior 6s. per annum, and to his own heirs Id. at Easter annually. The
Churchwardens are empowered to distrain for non-performance, and for each day and night
the light is not well supplied, a fine of 2d. is to be paid by the possessors of his lands and
tenements, towards the building of the said Church, and a like sum to the Archdeacon of
Coventry. And all persons who shall convert this gift to any other use, directly or indirectly,
shall, ipso facto, incur the malediction of Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin, St. Michael, and
All Saints. The witnesses are Thomas, (Pavi), Prior of Coventry; Reginald, Subprior; Robert
de Billesley, Sacrist; Sir Nicholas de Segrave, Sir Geofirey de Longueville, and many others.
'* Original in Treasury. f Original penes T. S.
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry. ' 45
By another Deed,* executed at the same time, and having the same Witnesses, WiUiam
CoUe acknowledges receiving the aforesaid land and buildings of Guy de Tyllebrooke, on the
terms recited in preceding deed, and swears on the EvangeHsts faithfully to perform aU the
Covenants, on pain of the greater excommunication.
By a third deed, bearing date on the day of Pentecost,t 1350, Henry le Pleur and his
Wife, after reciting the original grant, undertake to WiUiam Luff", Master of St. Mary's
Gild, and Sir Richard Baddesley, priest and brother of the same Gild, the keeping of the
said Lamp (for the health of their souls, and the souls of their parents), binding themselves
and their heirs, for due performance of the premises, with a covenant of distress, for neglect
and fines as before, together with a like malediction.
The nature of this last deed will be better understood when it is known that, subsequently
to the original grant, St. Mary's Hall (which belonged to the Gild of that name), had been
erected upon the land and site of the buildings charged by Guy de Tyllebroke with sup
porting the aforesaid Lamp, and Henry le Fleur and his Wife hereby exonerate the Brethren
of the Gild from this charge.
VESTMENTS.
VESTMENTS. — Under this head, the first extract for our purpose, is from the City
Leet Book, J which records as follows : —
1426. " Memorand' yat ye iij day of Januar', the forseid Mair (Giles Allesley,) did come|| afore him c'tein
p'sones in sainte maiie halle, yei beyng ye chirche Reves of saint Migel's, of Coventre, and asked of yayme ye
dettes yt were owyng of ye tyme of kyng henri ye iiij, to go to ye use of ye vestiments of ye forseid chirche.
And so yei giving good wiUe, g'aunted, as a RoUe wole make menc'on, ye whiohe is in ye maires bagge, of ye
which ye asketh alowance of his charge."
In the account of Trinity Church, under the above head, will be seen a somewhat similar
extract, dated on the 6th of February following ; and at the close of the two articles, the
amount is given " S'ma xxxvZi. vs. jd." They are so obscurely worded as to leave it a
matter of some doubt whether or not this was money borrowed from the City purse, or of
other persons, for the purchase of Vestments, in the time of Henry 4, and which the Mayor
and Council now discharged the Churchwardens from claiming allowance for the amount;
yet such appears to be the most plausible construction of these entries.
The next article, in point of chronology, is the gift of a gown of " gold tissue, furred
with a furre of marturn sabuU," by King Henry the 6th, to this Church ; the particulars of
which, as also of his attending high mass here on Michaelmas day, 1451, have already been
given. Anno 1517, WilHam Pisford wills, that there be bought four Copes of a suit,§ and to
be given to the Church of St. Michael, in Coventry, to the value of £40 or £50.
* Original penes T. S. f Original in Treasury Box, 85, No. 128. X Fo. 43.
II calle seems to be required here, and is the word used in the entry immediately ensuing, respecting Trinity parish.
§ Vestments for Bishops and Priests.
46 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
In 1518, John Haddon, bequeaths " a sewte of Vestments of blak velvet, of the price of
yU. sterling." 1558, "This day,"" the Churchewardens of the P'ishe Churche of seynt Michell, brought into the councell
house, a suyt of vestyme'ts of blewe velvet, a Canopee of clothe of gold and a baner clothe of blak velvet
whiche thei before had receyved out of the councel house ; and also another Coopp of blewe p'ple velvet, Sc two
Auter Clothes of white damaske."
COMMUNION PLATE, &c.
No Inventory, or account of the Church plate before the Reformation, has been dis
covered, and the earliest item is in 1564.
" pd for a new Com'union Cupe mayd off a Challis."
1684, Simon Norton,t Mayor. " At a Council House, held 12 March, 1683 — 4. Forasmuch as there hath been
anciently in ye Treasury of this Citie, a cloth of gold, charged to the Maiors of this Citie, in the Indenture of the
citie's plate, by the name of a Paul, wch hath been divers times used in hanging about the pulpit at extraordinarie
times, partly iu respect, it is conceived, that the same hath been an ancient ornament of the church, & for that it
appereth the citie hath not any use for the same — this house being informed that it will make a fit and convenient
cloth to cover the communion table, in the parish Church of St. Michael, in the sd citie. It is therefore agreed, and
this house doth freely aud absolutely bestow Sc give that cloth of gold, unto the said Parish Church for the purpose
aforesaid. And it is ordered, that in the Indenture of the citie's plate, the same shall be put out, Sc that neither the
Maior that now is, or which hereafter shall be, shall in any wise be chargeable with yt clothe."
In an Inventory of the Church goods, dated the 11th of April, 1659, is as follows : —
" Item One large Silver and gilt Bole.
One Silver Sc gilt Bole, wt a Cover & some Gilt uppon it.
4 boules of silver with Covers, of Mr. Walden's Guift.
2 Reere boules the Churchwardens' Guift.
1 large Silver flagon, the guift of Mr. Henry Smyth, and others.
1 Carpet being Cloth of tishue " (the Gift of the Corporation above described).
" 1678, The Lady Bridgeman gave a Carpett of redd Silke Damaske, with a Silke and Sylver Fringe."
N.B. This was formerly used occasionally to cover the pulpit.
" 1683, Sept. 2. The Lord Bishop of this dioses gave this Church a Large Silver Plate."
" 1684, pd for a new Bole, and changeinge the plate, £20."
The robbery of the Church, in 1786, has already been noticed; and from thence until
1804 the parish continued without any Church plate, but at that time, the late Mrs. Yardleys
presented the Parish with a new and handsome set, consisting of a flagon, two cups with
stands and covers, and two dishes, all of silver gilt, and weighing 140 ounces.
* Council House Book, p. 19. f Council House Book, p. 623.
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry. 47
ROOD LOFT.
The situation of this is easily discovered by the traces of a door in the large pillar, on
the North side of the Choir, within which are stairs communicating with the high roof of
the Church, and formerly serving also, as an ascent to the Rood Loft or Gallery, which ex
tended across the entrance into the choir, at the elevation marked out by the door before-
mentioned. [It also gave access to the Rood Loft, which extended across the west end of
the Lady Chapel. A similar winding stair exists in the south pillar, by means of which
access is gained to the roof of the Mercers' Chapel and South Aisle : and which also
formerly communicated with the Rood Lofts of both the Choir and Mercers' Chapel.]
On this was placed the Rood or Cross, with the flgure of our Saviour upon it, and
Images of the Virgin and St. John, with probably several other Saints : lights were kept
continually burning beside them, which were generally supported by pious individuals, or
pubHc bodies : — to this, in St. Michael's Church, the Company of Drapers were contributors,
as is seen in the ensuing extracts : —
In the Book of Orders of that Company, compUed in 1534, /rom old and ancient Boohs,
is the foUowing : —
Allso hyt ys a greed, yt ew'y mastr shaU paye for ew'y prentys, toward the lyghte in ye Rode loft, and ew'y
Juineman, iiij(Z. and (if) he have no prentys, to pay for hymsellfe, iiij(?.
Amongst the receipts of this Company, in 1534 : —
" It'm, rec'd for ye Rode lyght money, xvs.
Payments. — " It'm, payd for the Rode lyght to Enderbe, xiijs. iiij(?.
1545, It'm, payd for tendyng the lyght in ye Rod loft, xvjd."
CHANCEL, QUIRE, AND ALTAR.
[The chancel (measuring from east to west, and inclusive of the apse) is 93 ft. 3 in.
in length, 32 ft. 8 in. in breadth, and 49 ft. 5 in. in height.* It is separated from
the adjoining chapels by three arches, the central one on each side being wider than
the others, the south-east arch near the vestry door having a peculiar twist, owing
probably to a settling of the foundation. The apse is five-sided, and the clerestory has six
windows on each side fiUed with perpendicular tracery, and having a series of quarterfoiled
panels along the bases of each, the mullions being continued down to the arches. The roof
is of very slight pitch, of panelled oak, with carved bosses at the intersections of the timber
framing. There is no chancel arch, and no indication of provision having been made for one.]
* As given by the late Mr. W. Reader.
48 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
" 1618, pd for making Sc gilding Stars (for the Chancel roof).'"*
" 1689, pd for Frames, for Lord's prayer, the beleite, Sc Comaundements, il.
pd for workinge them, GI. 10s. pd for 81 bookes of gold, 31. 5s. id.
pd for oyle, for couUers for them, 11. 8s. id.
pd for iron crampes for Stone battlem'ts, and irons to hange the 3 tables, 11. 5s. id.
pd for chipping the pillers & masonry aboute ye battlem'ts, dl. 13s.
pd John Atkinson, for writinge 10 Co'p'tementes, 21. 17s. 8d.
pd Thomas Hopes, for writinge 16 do. 51. 18s."
" 1640, pd for layeing the small piUers in the East wyndowe, in oyled CoUours, and for quarryes within the
rayles of the Communion table, il. 10s.
payd for skaleing the small pillers in ye east windowe, 26s. 8d."
" 1645, pd Hopes, for puttinge out 4 Incense Cupps on the heads of the 2 Comp'tments, in the Chancell, and
for putting out the 4 Golden I'res, in the name of Jesus, Is."
To this striking instance of fanaticism might be added the sale of the Brass Eagle,
taking down the Font, and removing a Cross from the top of the Mercers' Chapel, all in the
same year.
We are now come to the period when the late Altar-piece was put up, and the Chancel
underwent an alteration, wherein it is matter of much regret that the good taste of the
directors and contributors was not equal to their liberality. As the fitting up of a modern
Church, it would have been deservedly called a handsome, costly, and appropriate Altar-
piece, but here it was almost everything it should not be. Utterly discordant with the
venerable and majestic structure which contained it, it could only excite disgust instead of
pleasure ; and the inteUigent visitor to this noble Church must have lamented that a more
appropriate and consistent finish was not given to the beautifully arranged east end, the
form of which (so unusual in Parish Churches) affords an opportunity of displaying the
abilities and correct taste of a competent Architect to great advantage.
But to return from this digression, it appears that in 1 743, Mr. Joseph Vernon, having
bequeathed £42 to the Church, in case a new Altar-piece should be put up within two years
after his decease, a subscription was entered into in furtherance of the plan; and in 1747,
Mr. Hiorne, of Warwick, engaged to take down the old Altar-piece, and make two wings,
in stucco work, according to his design given in, for £43. 18s.t
Some alterations were in the ensuing year made in the plan, and both the Chancel and
Altar floors raised : it was also determined to have mahogany rails before the Altar, at the
charge of 20 guineas. [The old Communion Table and Rails were removed in 1 748 by Thomas
Wormlayton to the west end of the Church; the table is now placed in St. Andrew's
Chapel, and is used for the distribution of the weekly doles of bread. The rails (the carving
of which is particularly grotesque) were a few years since temporarily removed to the Chapel
of St. Mary, Red Lane. The Altar-piece, which was of Italian style, covered the lower half of
the east windows of the Apse. The Centre-piece was a painting representative of the
Descent from the Cross.]
The following extracts are from the Church Accounts :
" 1747, pd. Mr Hiorne, of Warwick, for taking down and raising the Altar piece, 231. 18s. Gd."
" 1748, pd. Mr. Wright, for the stocco for the wings of the altar, G51.
pd. for the frames for the curtains of ditto, 21. lis."
* This ornamentation includes only the apse and one bay of the chancel.
f In 1744 the Drapers' Company gave ten guineas towards thia altar-piece.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 49
pd. for painting the curtains, 181. 18s.
Cloth for do. 21. 9s. lOd.
pd. for the rails of the altar, and erecting the first new stalls, 531.
pd. for the remaining part of the stalls and Communion table frame, 501. IDs.
pd. for the marble steps and raising ground at the altar, i9l. Is. Gd.
pd. for the iron gates, 71. 7s.
Ipd. Mr. Downes, for painting and gilding. 111. 17s. 3d.
pd. Mr. Hiorne, for the marble slab, 10/. 10s."
As no item of charge appears for the Painting (over the Communion Table), and orna-
m.ented Marble compartment, in which it is placed, I conclude the expense was defrayed out
of Mr. Vernon's Legacy, and the Parish Subscription.
1750, The parish agreed to borrow 2001. at 3^ pr. cent, for 3 years, to discharge the debts for ornamenting the
East end of the Church.
[In course of the restorations the whole of the incongruous altar piece, with the monu
ments and wainscoting were cleared away, and the windows restored to their former depth.
Traces of the original reredos were discovered, but in too mutilated a condition to be restored,
and were altogether removed. In 1860 a new reredos was erected from designs by Mr. James
Murray, an architect of this city. The central portion consists of flve cusped and foliated
arches, very highly enriched, having crocketed pediments over the arches, with pinnacles
between, and a pierced parapet connecting the whole series. Within each of these recesses
is a group in fuU relief representative of one of the great sacrifices ; Abel, Noah, Melchisedek,
Abraham, and our Lord's last supper with his disciples. The arcading is continued in plainer
style beneath the other four windows, the arches being supported by piers of Devonshire marble.
Within the head of each arch is a medallion of one of the apostles or prophets, all of which
are turned eastwards. Between each of the windows is an elaborate niche containing a figure
of an evangehst, the outside niches having angels bearing scrolls inscribed with suitable
texts. The material used is Bath and Caen stone.
In 1866 a still further improvement was accomplished. The chancel and apse were
paved with encaustic tiles, two series of marble steps being constructed within the apse, the
upper series forming a platform on which is placed the altar, at the back of which is a stone
rotable bearing the candlesticks. This raising the altar has obstructed the view of the
reredos, which is much to be regretted, and might have been avoided by placing the table
forwarder. The table itself is modern, not at all in character with its surroundings. It is
covered with a rich crimson velvet cloth embroidered with gold and coloured silk. Sittings
for the clergy officiating, with suitable desks and kneelings, with a new brass altar rail from
the Skidmore's Art Company's works, complete the fittings. There is no sedilia or piscina.]
In the church accounts I find the Quire, or Choir, distinguished by three several
appellations, viz., the new, the little, and the great ; and from a comparison of the various
items given below with the church itself, it is evident that the great quire is the portion com
prising the two eastern bays of the present chancel; and the new or little quire (for both
mean the same thing) the remaining bay terminating at the rood pillars.
" 1563, Rec. for seats abowt the new quier, iiijs.
" 1589, pd. for makynge ij seats in ye lyttel Quear, iijs.
" 1612, pd. to Arthure Browne, for wrytynge aboute the greate*' quere, xj.s.
" 1621, pd. for painting both the Galleries in the Quire, GI. 18s. id.
pd. for enlarging the little Gallery, on South side the Quire, 31. 10s.
pd. for building a new Gallery on the north side the Quire, 121. 19s. lOd.
* Painting the Commandments, Creed, and Lord's Prayer probably.
50 ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
[It appears from an entry in the City Council book, November 20th, 1600, that the
Wardens of the City were, from that time, to pay to the Wardens of St. Michael's Church
for the seats of the Mayor, his wife, and the Sheriffs, three seats, 40s., annually. In 1636 a
question seems to have been raised as to the City's right to the seats in the Chancel, for on
November 20th an order was made that the best legal opinion should be had upon it.
1685, September 10. Ordered that this Corporacion give twentie markes towards wainscoateing the ChanceU
in Si^Iichaell's Church, and other necessary repaires about the said Chancell, C.C.B.]
VESTRIES.
The original and most ancient Sacristry, or Vestry, is on the North side of the Chancel,
and consists of a series of 3 Chambers, the last being behind the Altar, as may be seen in the
ground plan of the Church. The Room on the South side, now used as a Vestry, is of much
more recent erection, and evidently an^xcrescence, forming no part of the original plan of
the beautiful Bast end of this Church.
[It has been suggested eventually to restore and continue the Ancient Sacristry entirely
round the Apse, as originaUy intended, and thus supersede the present Vestry, which is in
shape Hke a ship's cabin, and contains a few ancient stalls and chests, with the necessary
recesses for the robes of the clergy and choir. One of the chests, containing the Church
books, is of large size and is richly carved. Within this Vestry the Probate Court was
formerly held.]
A few items, connected with the subject of the Vestry now in use, are given below :
" 1604, pd. for stufle to perfume Sc ayre the vestrie, iiij(^."
" 1678, pd. for Imbatteling the Vestry, 1^. 0.s. 8^."
" 1697, pd. to 4 men that helped at the Fire'*, in the Vestry, and for beer, 6s."
" 1698, rec. for old burnt silver, wch belonged to ye parish, 16s. 3d."
" 1750, ordered that a new door into the Vestry, out of the Mercers' Chapel be made, with stone steps,
convenient and handsome."
CONSISTORY COURT.
This was formerly held in, the Chapel of our Lady, or Drapers' Chapel; and the following
entries in the Church Accounts refer to the fitting of it up, and preparing for a meeting in
it, in 1634. " Paiements for the Consistorie : —
400 paving quarries, at 2s. Gd. per hundred, 10s.
3 rodds of Iron, to hold up the head of the Wainscott, 4s.
3 Burthen of Rushes, strewing and flowers. Is. Gd.
For Wainscott for the Consistory and a Table, 9^. lis.
pd for washing and brushing the Chapell, 2s. Sd."
* The Register was destroyed by this Fire, aud other articles of value burnt. It is also recorded in the City
Annals, that in 1569, "the Register Books of St. Michael's Parish were destroyed by some who were so eacrer to burn
Popish Books, that they burned the Registers, because they had some marks of Popery in them."
ti'
ST. Michael's church, covenI^ry. 51
t
THE NAVE.
[This important part of St. Michael's Church is remarkable for its extremely light and
graceful appearance ; its long range of tall and slender columns and arches of vast span are
truly grand, and strike the spectator with surprise, whilst the noble range of Cler^ory
windows above pour in a flood of light which only wants the mellowing aid of stained glass
throughout to produce the most beautiful effect. The roof is of low pitch, of oak, panelled,
with carved bosses at the intersections, the tie-beams and other principal timbers being
moulded, and the whole of the exterior covered with lead. The Nave is separated from
the aisles by six arches on each side, resting on lofty piers, each bay of the Clerestory having
two windows flUed with perpendicular tracery, which is continued down from the transome
to the top of the arches in panels, simUar to those in the Chancel. An extra window is
added to the northern Clerestory west of the aisles, and one over the west door. The union
between the nave and chancel has never been completed, as may be seen by observing the
unflnished state of the great piers : many ofthe muj^ons too have imperfect bases. On the
western faces of the rood piers are canopied niches, flUed in March, 1861, with statues of
SS. Peter and Paul. By reference to the western wall it will be seen that the former nave
was of considerably less altitude than the present one, the Hne of the old roof being
distinctly traceable ; portion of the tower lights being also seen below the present roof.
The width of the original nave is also shown by the portion of its northern wall still attached
to the tower. The length of the Nave is 157 ft. by 52 ft. 8 in. : the entire length of the
church internally is 240 ft., its breadth at the west end 119 ft. 3 in.
The sittings are all of oak, with carved panelled ends. The free seats occupy the centre
aisle, and are plain open benches fitted with backs, book boards, and kneelings. The pave
ment of the nave and aisles consists chiefly of inscribed stones, but few of which occupy
their original positions. The remainder of the flooring is of red and blue tiles, but a few
fragments of the old encaustic pavement may stiU be seen in St. Andrew's Chapel.]
PORCHES.
[There are four principal entrances to this Church, three of which have external Porches.
The south Porch, opposite St. Mary's HaU, is the most ancient, and though now in a line
with the south wall of the adjacent Chapels, formerly projected beyond the south aisle.
The addition of the Dyers' and St. Thomas's Chapels has destroyed the external appearance
of this feature. The outer door has a trefoil-headed arch, the roof groined with stone. The
western Porch is deep, and projects on the north side of the tower ; roof elaborately groined,
and the external face restored. The north Porch is shallower than the others ; a flight of
steps communicate with the Churchyard. The roof is of stone, groined; and appears to
have formed a balcony within the Church. The doors of these three entrances are apparently
original, and are of massive perpendicular work. There was formerly a doorway at the west
end of the south aisle; this was superseded many years since by the south-west door
opposite St. Mary's Hall. A small priest's door opposite St. Mary's Street, gives access to
the Mercer's Chapel.]
ST. MICHAEL S CHURCH, COVENTEY.
THE PULPIT.
The old Pulpit is peculiarly elegant and appropriate in its design and ornaments, and
appears to be about the date 1409.* It formerly stood near the flrst pUlar westward
from the north Rood pier, and by an entry in the Church accounts for 1602 it appears that a
canopy (somewhat resembUng the one removed at the restoration) was then suspended over
it, though afterwards substituted by an unsightly oak sounding-board, utterly discordant
with the design of the Pulpit.
" 1602, pd for payntyng and varnyshynge the pulpytt, and the tester and pinacle over it."
" 1644, pd for settinge upp the Canopie of the pulpitt heigher, and cuttinge the rodd shorter, &c., 2s. Gd."
" 1635, pd for payntyng the pulpitt after the Canopie was raised, Is. Gd."
" 1639, pd for taking down & setting up the Coronet, 5s.
Mending the Coronet of the pulpit, 4s. Gd. — A Quire of Royal paper for it. Is. 8d.
pd for couUers & paynting the pulpitt."
The usual appendage of an hour-glass was not wanting to this Pulpit, as wiU be seen in
the ensuing items : —
[" 1586, Payed for an howre glasse, iiij(?." — Church Accounts.]
" 1602, pd for ij greate houre glasses, ijs. vjd.
pd for the pyllar whereon the houre glass standeth and for Iron work to the same, ijs. viijd."
" 1687, pd for a pillar of Iron for the houre glass, & for payntinge it redd, 2s. Gd."
" 1640, pd for altering the staffe of the Hower glasse, and for gilding it and the glasse, 15s."
" 1693, pd for guildiug of the Irons w'ch beare ye houre glass, 9s."
[At the general restoration of the Church this pulpit was removed to the western side
of the south rood pier, cleared from its paint, its carvings restored, and an appropriate stair
and handraU fltted thereto. The Pulpit is of oak, hexagonal in form, each face having two
compartments formed by ogee arches in the head, richly ornamented with cusps, foliations,
crockets, and flnials : it is supported on a pillar with moulded base. In 1869 a new memorial
Pulpit was erected in its place ; it is hexagonal in form, constructed chiefly of brass, with
brass columns at tho angles, having richly foliated capitals, connected by an elaborate cor
nice, in which is an open tracery bearing polished agate, cornelian, and onyx stones. The
panels are of open brass work, having sacred monograms and emblems in their centres.
Beneath these panels is a belt of rich interlaced foliage, resting on a massive moulding, which
unites the bases of the columns. The pedestal is chiefly of wrought-iron, most artistically
but conventionally treated : the whole of the ironwork being gilt and coloured. The steps are
of oak, with brass handrail, and wrought-iron supports, detached from the Pulpit. It was
executed by the Skidmore's Art Manufactures Company. A band of brass bears the following
inscription in church-text characters : —
" To the glory of God, and in loving memory of Ernest Edward, their only son, this pulpit
was erected in this Church by Robert Arnold and Sarah Dalton, Easter Day, 1869."]
'* Gentleman's Magazine, Sep., 1 852.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 53
READING DESK.
[The old Reading Desk occupied a position west of the pulpit, on the north side of the
nave; it was of oak, square in form, and decorated with carving of late and inferior
character, and was large enough to accommodate two officiating clergy at the same time. At
the re-seating of the Church it was removed, and a massive Prayer Desk substituted, consisting
of a solid oak book board, supported on chamfered and bracketed ends, connected by
perforated panelwork ; this was placed on the southern side of the north pier. In October,
1869, it was superseded by one of metal, similar in design to the Pulpit, and executed by
the same company. The book board is of oak, and has beaten metal ornaments round the
hollows of the moulding. The centre piece of the design is the emblematical figure of the
Lamb.]
LECTERN.
The city MS. annals record that in 1358 William Botoner gave the brass eagle to
St. Michael's Church ; it stood in the little quire, just at the entrance into the chancel, and
in the centre of the aisle.
" 1564 It'm pd for skoreinge the egoU, vjd." — Church Accounts.
[" 1564 paid for the stoUe before the egell & neylles, iijd." — Church Accounts.]
" 1 602 pd for settinge up an other desk upon the back of the egle, viijd."
[" 1626 two long seats striking through the little quier as farr as the eagle. — Fragment in vestry.]
The charge for scouring or cleaning the eagle occurs regularly until 1645, when it was
condemned by the ruling powers and sold.*
" 1645 Rec'd of Chamberlaine Smyth for ye eagle and foote, sold by order of a vestry, for 5d. the lb. — SI. 3s. id.
— It must, therefore, have weighed 392 lbs.
[An oak lectern with double sides, turning on a plain octagonal pillar with moulded
base, was placed in the choir at the restoration. In 1867 a new brass lectern was
substituted : its base is hexagonal in form, bearing on its faces enamelled medallions of the
four evangelists and the emblem of the cross — on this rises a shaft supporting a ball, on
which rests an eagle with out-stretched wings bearing the book rest. Connected with the
base and shaft by open tracery are three standards having richly ornamented capitals, two
of these are fitted with holders for wax lights. This is also the work of the Skidmore's
Art Manufactures Company. Round the base is the foUowing inscription : —
" To the glory of God and for the use of St. Michael's Church, Coventry, this lectern
has been placed in this church from a legacy by the late John Royle, SoUcitor of this city,
MDCCCLXVII."] * The money to be used in repairing the leads and battlements.
54 ST. Michael's church, Coventry,
FONT.
The earliest notice respecting the Font is an article in the City MS. Annals, recording
that John Crosse, who was Mayor in 1394, "built the Font, in St. Michael's Church."
In 1602 is a charge " for payntinge the fonte and the pinacle over it ;" and another
in 1618, for painting the font and mending the Cover, but it is doubtful whether this was the
Font given by Crosse. From certain items in the Church Accounts given below it is evident,
however, that the Font then in use did not accord with the puritanism of the time (being
probably ornamented with carved figures of Saints, or some more objectionable representa
tions), a new one was in consequence had, and the old Font removed.
" 1645, pd for levellinge Sc paveinge, where ye old font stood, 2s.
pd for makinge the new font, 11.
pd for makinge the top or bole of the new font, 13s.
pd the pewterer for making the bason, 9s.
pd Hopes, for couUeringe & guildinge the font, 11. 12s."
In an Inventory of the Church Goods, in 1659, the following articles belonging to the
old Font are found : —
" 1659, Item, the Cover of the old Font.
It'm 2 wyre Chaynes belongeing to the old Font.
Some marble Stones belongeing to the old font" (and in a subsequent hand is added) " set up in the font
againe."
And the MS. Annals mention that, in 1662, "the Font was set up in St. Michael's Church
again." This new setting up of the Font, I apprehend, was only a partial alteration of the
Reformed one of 1645, above mentioned. It is octangular, with rude, sHght, and incorrect,
trefoil-headed compartments.
[A new oval font of white veined marble, with a flat mahogany cover, and raised on a
series of steps, was presented by Lord Eardley (who represented Coventry between 1790
and 1796), the old one being placed in the Dyers' Chapel, and subsequently painted stone
colour ! At the restoration the fonts changed places, the more ancient one, the basin of
which is of Purbeck marble, being cleaned from its coating of paint and placed on a free
stone basement in front of the organ. It has latterly been again removed to the west end of
the north aisle, it being in contemplation to form the Dyers' Chapel into a Baptistery, in
which will be placed a new font, more suitable to this noble Church. The marble font has
been placed in the Mission Chapel, Whitefriars' Lane.]
ORGAN.
Very Httle of early date is recorded. In 1505 "John Gylbard, organ player of seynt
mych'," was admitted a member of the Corpus Christi Gild. In 1554 and 1556 items appear
of payments on account of a pair of orgaynes belonging to the Drapers' Chapel (see
page 27); from thence until 1730 we are without an item, unless a charge in the Church
Accounts for 1676, of 16s. for gilding a pipe, refers to the Organ.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 55
In 1 730 an Order of Vestry was made, that a Faculty should be obtained for erecting
the Gallery on which the present Organ stands ; and on the 22nd of August, 1 733, Dr.
Thomas Deane was chosen Organist, wdth a salary of £40 per annum ; himself engaging to
play twice every Sunday, and provide an able Organist to officiate every Wednesday and on
holy days.
These entries serve to show when the Organ was built, but it is something remarkable
that no other traces of its erection exist in the Parish Books, with the single exception of
the foUowing entry : —
" 1743, pd Mr. Rd. Bosworth the Balance for the Organ, 59Z. Os. Gd."
The builder of this Organ was Mr. Thomas Swarbrick,* a German, of Warwick, who
certainly performed his engagement to the parish in a most creditable manner ; few churches
or even cathedrals being possessed of so complete and fine-toned an instrument.
The celebrated Handel performed once or twice upon this Organ, and gave his decided
testimony in favour of its excellence ; peculiarly commending the Double Diapason, Vox
Humana, and Bassoon Stops. The SweU is much admired for its compass, sweetness,
and admirable efiect, and there was formerly also a Swell in the Choir Organ, a circumstance
of very unusual occurrence.
It is highly probable that the Organ was purchased by subscription,t but the want of
precise information upon so recent an event shows the importance and value of contempo
raneous notices, however trifling and superfluous they may appear at the time. The minute
entries in the pubHc accounts of our ancestors, and their practice of recording passing events
of no apparent moment at the period, cast a Hght upon their manners, customs, and acts,
without which our knowledge on those points would indeed be very imperfect.
In 1 763 some repairs and alterations were made, pursuant to an Order of Vestry, 3rd of
May, which directs that the Organ should be put into repair, by Edward Davies, for £84, the
keys new hung, the Swell raised higher, and enlarged, to take G a flfth below its former
compass ; the triple part of the Vox Humana to be added, and the new Sesquialtra made
complete by three additional ranks of pipes. [In this alteration three remarkable stops in
the echo or SweU Organ were removed, the Harp, Lute, and Dulcimer, in consequence of the
difficulty of keeping the strings in tune. J]
An entire and thorough reparation again took place in 1818, when a Dulciana stop was
added, and an octave of pedals, a communication between the three sets of keys by means
of couplers was also introduced, making this noble instrument as perfect and complete as
possible for that period.
* He also constructed the Organ in Trinity Church, St. Mary's, Warwick, Stratford-on-Avon, St. Saviour's,
Southwark, Solihull, the Grand Organ at Amsterdam, and one for Lichfield Cathedral, which latter was removed on
the alteration of the Choir there, and a very inferior instrument substituted in its stead.
t There is a tradition that Edward Hopkins, Esq., gave a considerable sum towards its erection. [In the
Drapers' Accounts, 1737, is an item showing that ten guineas were given to St. Michael's Organ by order of the
Company.] [X Another account gives the date of their removal as 1747.J
56 ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
[The repairs and additions were made by Mr. William Young of this city, under the
direction of Mr. M. Payne, then organist. Prom an account supplied by the latter the
following particulars are extracted, as shewing the extent of the organ at that period. In
the Upper Choir organ, swell, and echo, were 9 stops, and the number of pipes 390. In the
list of stops are the following, removed during subsequent alterations. Vox Humana Treble,
Octave Flute and Cornet. Its compass was then from D in alt. to fiddle G. The great Organ
comprised 955 pipes, acted upon by 15 stops. The Clarion Bass was then called the Sacbut.
The Trombone has disappeared. The Lower Manual or Choir Organ and Swell contained 325
pipes with 9 stops. Among the stops were at that time the Flageolet and German Flute, since
substituted by others. The compass of the Choir Organ was from D in alt. to middle D.
The compass of the whole Organ ranged from D in alt. to double G, long octaves. It had
two double Diapasons reaching down to GGG, and the total number of pipes was 1,670.
The largest pipe measured 16 feet high by 11 inches in diameter, and the smallest f inch
high and j inch in diameter. At this period Mr. Payne says there was only one other
instance besides this of an organ possessing three whole sets of keys, that of St. Katherine's,
near the Tower of London.
In 1835-6 it was entirely rebuilt (with the exception of the Diapasons and some of the
reed stops) by Bishop of London, and is now one of the best and most complete instruments
in this country. The keyboard was brought forward 6 feet from the front of the instrument,
the organ removed 9 feet backwards, and the compass extended to F in alt., a GG sharp
being also added. The swell organ or upper manual, having a compass of from G gamut to
F in alt. comprised the following stops : Clara Bella (open wood), Open Diapason, Principal,
Hautboy, Trumpet, Cremona (to E below middle). Vox Humana Bass, Double Diapason
Bass with connecting Bass to Choir Organ.
The great Organ or Middle Manual comprised — Open Diapason (metal through, east
front). Open Diapason (metal through, west front). Stopped Diapason, Double Diapason
(wood through), Clara Bella, Principal, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Sesquialtera (4 ranks). Mixture
(2 ranks). Tierce, Trumpet, Clarion, Solo Trumpet (to flddle G).
The Lower Manual or Choir Organ contained Open Diapason (metal to E below gamut).
Open Diapason (wood through). Stopped Diapason, Principal, Flute, Dulciana (to gamut),
Cremona, Bassoon.
An octave and a half of pedals were made to act on the great and Choir Organs, an
octave of pedal pipes from CCC to CC added, the largest of which is on the same scale as
those of St. Paul's Cathedral, London, being 22 inches diameter. Five composition pedals,
acting on the stops of the great Organ, and three coupler stops to connect the several
Manuals with each other, or all together. The whole was revoiced, and for sweetness and
mellowness of tone cannot be surpassed. The cost of its renovation was as foUows : —
Mr. Bishop — Repairs and Additions
New Wind Chest, &c. ... '
Re-gilding Organ Pipes
Mr. Lines — Removing the Organ and enlarging the Gallery
Mr. Connor — Staining and Varnishing Organ and Gallery
Mr. Worton — Curtains for the Organ and Ironwork
Messrs. Cooper and Summers — for Brass Ornaments, &c....
Total expense of altering Organ and Gallery 758 3 g
. £439 0 0
. 50 0 0
. 45 0 0
£584 0
0
206 2
I
4 5
0
8 5
2
5 11
3
ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry. 57
The Organ was re-opened on the 6th of April, 1836, by Mr. B. Simms, then Organist,
and the expenses attending the ceremony- and the performances on the day of opening, and
on the following Sunday, amounted to £1 70. 9s. lid., raising the total amount to £928. 13s. 5d.;
to meet which, subscriptions to the amount of £496. 7s. 8d. were coUected. The receipts on
the opening day were £263. 13s., and on the Sunday foUowing, £109. Is. lOd., making a total
of £869. 2s. 6d.; leaving a deficiency of £59. lOs. lid. In 1838, another grand performance
was held, which cleared ofi' all the remaining debt, and left a surplus of about £30, which
remained in the hands of the Committee to meet future repairs.
As the Organ then stood, it extended, together with its adjacent gaUeries, across the
nave, between the fourth and fifth pillars from the rood piers, and was supported on eight
Corinthian pillars, the whole reaching a height of about 50 feet ; the style of the architectural
supporters and the case of this noble instrument had been selected with the bad taste that
prevaUed in the early part of the 18th century, not a single feature coinciding with the
character of its magnificent receptacle. Access to the Organ and GaUeries was obtained by
a large staircase on each side. Behind the Organ was an open space sufficiently large to
have formed a moderately sized Church, unoccupied by anything save the font. Wh.en the
interior was restored the gallery was removed, the Organ being placed on a platform at the
west end ofthe Church; a small gaUery for the singers extending in front. Subsequent
improvements have been at several periods made to this fine instrument, under the direction
of its talented organist, comprising additions to the pedals, new wire work, &c. On the last
occasion, in 1868, the pitch was raised a semitone, the whole Organ re-voiced, and a new
stop, the " Flute Harmonique," introduced. A new case is still requisite to make the Organ
appear in keeping with the building.
A brief account of the Organists wUl conclude this section. Doctor Dean was a
very able musician, and was Organist from 1733 to 1749; he was succeeded on the 7th
of August, 1750, by Mr. Capel Bond, an able performer and composer; he was Organist of
both Churches. On his death, in 1790,* Mr. Woodrouffe succeeded him at St. Michael's.
On his death, in 1818, Mr. Matthew Payne was appointed. As a performer, he was emi
nently celebrated, he held the office for ten years, and died on the 29th January, 1828, aged
53. The OecUian Glee Society erected a stone over his remains in the new burial ground of
St. Michael's Church, which also commemorates his brother William, a skilful player and
singer. Mr. Edward Simms, the present Organist, was elected in February of the same
year.]
STAINED GLASS.
Under the head of Ancient Stained Glass, the coUections are very scanty ; and the work
of reformation proceeded here with so much zeal, that not a particle of the original glazing
remains in the whole series of windows upon the ground floor. Whether it feU a sacriflce to
our City Reformists, or was destroyed by "the feUow with a counterfeit commission,"!
*' He was buried at Binley. f ^i^e p. 18, ante.
58 ST. Michael's chuech, coventey.
who stript off all the brasses from the tomb-stones, is now a vain enquiry. What escaped in
the clerestory windows has, from accidents and neglect, or to fill those in the Chancel, been
so greatly reduced as to be of little importance or interest. Of the arms mentioned by
Dugdale, the following remain in one of the north clerestory windows, viz., Treanton and
Stafford, being Nos. 4 and 5, in Hollar's plate ; besides which, and unnoticed by Dugdale,
are Treanton impaUng Stafford; the like with Bedford, No. 10; also Treanton impaling
argent, a cross gules, and in a fourth shield, Bedford quartering Treanton. In another of
these windows is a fleur-de-Hs or, on a field azure, surrounded with the garter and motto ;
and likewise Treanton impaling azure, a beU or, with the letter 3 upon it — concerning
which Humphrey Wanley, in his Diary, preserved in the British Museum,* writes under the
year 1693 as follows, "There is now an A upon a bell, in one of the North windows of St.
Michael's Church, in the middle aisle, shewing that one Abel was the donor of that window;
for there is set in the old black letter, • qui hana fenestram fieri fecit ;" the inscription
is gone, but amongst the fragments coUected in the Chancel windows is a repetition of the
device. The arms of Risdon, No. 7, in Hollar's plate, with a second shield, having the arrows or
instead of argent, remain in one of the south clerestory windows ; and the arms of the Shear
men and Taylors' Company, unnoticed by Dugdale, are in another : — there is, also, a kneeling
figure of a man, bareheaded, clad in a red gown, and in the attitude of prayer before a table,
with a rich covering, on which lies an open book ; a scroll wdth deo gracias, proceeds from
his mouth, and over his head is groc' de london, the name of the person being unfortunately
wanting. Notwithstanding two of the apse windows are altogether filled with ancient stained
glass, there are not many perfect figures remaining ; by far the greater portion being mere
fragments, put together for general effect. Here are retained, apparently in their original
form, and in tolerable preservation, a series of angels, or rather perhaps, cherubim whole-
length figures, entirely covered, except the hands, feet, and faces, with feathers ; having four
wings, and standing upon wheels.f Bach hand holds the end of a scroll, which forms a
semicircle over their heads, and has an inscription in black letter, some of which are
subjoined. " Gloria tibi trinitas. Gl'ia laudis resonet i' ore om'i s'ctor'. equalis una deltas.
" & nu'c & imp'petuu'. filio sc'o sim'l p'aclito i' s'cla p'heut. Laus & p'beius gl'ia d'o et eri."
One of these figures supports a shield, bearing the five wounds of Christ; and there
are three others with the weU-known description of the Trinity, "Pater est Deus," &c.
arranged in the form of a shield. Amongst the fragments, it has already been remarked is
the device of A upon a bell, for the name Abel ; and there are several parts having con
siderable merit, particularly the Apocalyptic Lamb, with the Resurrection, and Judas kissing
our Saviour. In one of Randle Holmes's volumes, J in the British Museum, containing Notes taken in
Warwickshire, by Augustine Vincent, in 1592, is the following notice : — " Orate p' a'iabus
Ric'i lichfeild a [c] — oldis ux' qui istam fenestram in his merchant's gowne, & his wife
wt[out] any arms." It is not perfectly clear from the MS. whether these figures were in
one of the windows of St. Mary's HaU, or this Church : Lichfield was Mayor of Coventry
* Harl. MSS. No. 7017. f Vide Ezekiel, Chap. 10. J Harl. MSS., No. 2129, fo. 133 b.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 59
in 1395, and contemporary with Whitchurch, and the other Mayors, whose portraits are in the
east windows of that Hall, but inasmuch as these are represented without their wives, and
no inscription records that they or any other of the personages there represented, gave
the windows in which their portraits appear, I am inclined to place the above in St. Michael's
Church. We have no account of such figures in St. Mary's Hall, where if they ever did exist,
it must have been in one of the West windows, and long since destroyed.
1 709 Pd for mending the Chancel windows with painted glass, 6s.
1747 Pd for 3 glass wheels in the windows above the altar-piece, 3s.
1748 Pd for repairing the painted glass at the altar, 9Z. 15s. Gd.
1751 a legacy of 101. by Mrs. Shakespeare, directed to be laid out in the purchase of painted glass for repairing
and making uniform the windows over and near the altar. — Church Accounts.
[During the last few years a complete change has taken place in the appearance of the
windows, the whole of the glass in the lower portion of the church having been renewed, and
some in the upper. The only windows remaining as they were 20 years ago being those of
the Clerestory above the Nave — a notable feature in this change being, that most of the
new stained glass windows are memorials. A brass plate near the Vestry tells us the history
of the apse windows. " The three easternmost windows of this apse have been filled with
stained glass to the glory of Almighty God in memory of Adelaide, Queen Dowager, widow
of his late Majesty King WilHam IV. The centre window was the gift of the Right
Honourable B. BlHce, M.P., as a memorial of his long connection with the city of Coventry as
one of its representatives in Parliament." They were placed here in 1853. The subjects of
these windows are taken from scenes in the Hfe of our Saviour. The two other windows
of the apse are constructed of fragments as before alluded to, put together with very little
regard to symmetry.
The east window of the Lady Chapel is in memory of Col. Hood, who commanded the
Grenadier Guards at the battle of the Alma, and fell in the trenches before Sebastopol,
October 18, 1854, aged 45. It was erected in 1857 by the inhabitants of the city and
neighbourhood.* The next window is the gift of H. W. Baton, Esq., M.P., and was erected
in 1869. The subjects are from the Hfe of King Solomon. The central north window bears
this record : " In remembrance of the great and good Albert Emmanuel Prince Consort, who
entered into immortality December 1861." The tracery is filled with heraldic emblems ; the
subjects illustrated in the lights are taken from the Hfe of Moses. Subscriptions for defray
ing the expense were opened by a' coUection at the special service held in this church on the
day of the Prince's funeral, and it was erected the year following. The remaining window of
this chapel, westward, was placed here in April, 1868, and is in memory of WilHam, 2nd Earl of
Craven, and eighth Baron Craven, who died on the 25th of August, 1866, aged 57. The
iUustrations are from incidents in the life of David.
The east window of the Mercer's Chapel was erected by the inhabitants of the city and
neighbourhood in memory of another Crimean warrior, Major-Gen. Adams, of Anstey Hall,
who died at Scutari on the 19th of December, 1854, aged 49, from wounds received at the
battle of Inkermann. He commanded the 18th Royal Irish during the war in China, and the
2nd Brigade of the 2nd Division at the battle of the Alma and siege of Sebastopol. The
lights are filled with figures of our Lord and his twelve apostles, and St. Michael, the patron
saint of the church. The next window westward is in memory of Mr. WUliam Lowe, who
'* The subject is the Ascension. This window has been beautifully engraved by Mr. 0. Jewitt, in the
Building News of Sept. 10, 1858.
60 ST. Michael's church, coventey.
died March 6, 1868. There are four groups Ulustrative of the Nativity, Descent from the
Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension; at the base of each group is an emblematical panel.
The second window on the same side is in memory of Thomas Sharp, Esq., F.S.A., author
of this work, who died on the 12th of August, 1841. The subject of the window is a
selection of four groups from the parables of the Faithful Servant, the Good Samaritan, the
Pharisee and Publican, and the Pearl of Great Price. The last panel on the right bears the
arms of Mr. Sharp. The remaining window is the gift of the Misses Lea, and was placed in
its present position in 1869; the subjects chosen being four illustrations of the parable of
the Ten Virgins.
Passing the screen into the south aisle, the first window is one dedicated by the Church
wardens and Vestrymen to the memory of Henry Lea, Esq., who bequeathed £1000 to this
church for ever. The four lights bear the single figures of SS. Stephen, Mark, Luke, and
Paul ; beneath which are small groups in panels. The second wdndow, the inscription
informs us, was erected in 1862 by the late Thomas Soden, Esq., Mayor, and his six children,
to perpetuate the memory of Elizabeth, a beloved wife and mother, who died in 1861. The
subjects illustrated are the four acts of mercy — Feeding the Hungry, Clothing the Naked,
Relieving the Weary, and Visiting the Sick. The space unoccupied by the groups in each
panel is filled with enriched quarries instead of tabernacle work, leaving the figures clear
and distinct. In St. Thomas's Chapel, the east window was erected in 1861 by the Vicar and Church
wardens, in memory of Archdeacon Spooner, who died in 1857; the subjects in the upper
row of lights are from the book of Exodus, those in the lower from the New Testament.
The more eastern of the two south windows in this chapel is only partiaUy stained, the centre
Hght being filled by a canopied group representative of the three Marys at the Sepulchre, to
the memory of John Royle, Esq., who died November 9, 1866 ; erected by his widow,
Mrs. M. A. Royle. The south window of the room of the Cappers' Company over the south
porch is of stained glass, and bears the arms of the Company and City in its two compartments.
Over the west door is a stained window of geometrical pattern, and over the north porch
the small window was filled in 1860 with stained glass by Mr. Henry Masters, in memory of
his wife, the subjects being taken from the Te Deum. The east window of the Girdlers'
Chapel is not a memorial window, the expense having been partly met by a balance from the
Queen Dowager's memorial windows, and the remainder by subscription, and a liberal
donation by Mr. John Ward, then Churchwarden. The subjects are taken from the
Resurrection. It was erected in 1860.
In St. Laurence's Chapel are two stained windows, the eastern one to the memory of the
late Charles Dresser, Esq., Mayor in 1857, through whose instrumentality, while Church
warden, the evening service was established. He died on the 30th of April, 1862, aged 45.
The subjects are selected from the book of Genesis. It was placed here in 1863.
The next window was erected at the same period, to the memory of William Wilmot,
Esq., Mayor in 1858, who died January 8th, 1860, aged 51. The subjects are also taken
from Genesis, beginning with the Creation ; the Scriptural narrative being continued on Mr.
Dresser's window.
The Clerestory Windows in the Chancel, six on each side, have been recently filled vsdth
stained glass, in geometrical patterns. These are not memorials, the expense having been
borne by the Vestry.]
ST. Michael's chuech, coventey. 61
CANDLESTICKS, STANDARDS, &c.
In Wanley's Diary* before -mentioned, is a particular account of Mr. George Bohun, of
New House, near Coventry, presenting, in 1692, the iron- work and ornaments of the brass
chandeliers or " candlesticks," in this Church.
" The Ironwork weighed 2 cwt. 8 qrs. 22 lbs. and the flowers 13 lbs. The Candlesticks (says Wanley), are about
8 feet from the ground, measure about 2 yards, and the Ironwork, 14 y'ds more, being iu all from the floor to the
roof of the Church, about 18 yards." [Having become quite worn out, and rendered useless by the introduction of
gas, they were sold for old metal.]
[In 1851, the Church was first lighted by gas, the corona standards, &c., being designed
and executed by Mr. F. Skidmore. The treatment adopted was at that time novel, and
the effect strikingly impressive. Bach standard consists of a twisted column of brass
from which springs three curved branches ornamented with ivy leaves of beaten brass ; a
centre piece rises above the branches, and is similarly decorated. Bach of these four portions
bears three jets ; every standard therefore has twelve burners. The standards near the altar
are larger and more ornamental, the two at the organ smaller. Attached to the pillars in the
side Chapels are also branches of similar design. The corona suspended in the centre of the
Chancel is of elaborate character ; it bears two tiers of six branches each, making 36 burners
in aU. The total number of burners in the Church is 410. The appearance of this Church
when Ht up for evening service is singularly beautiful.]
Having now completed the survey of the Church, our next objects of consideration are
the Steeple and its appendages, and the Churchyard.
STEEPLE.
The Tower of this exquisite specimen of the architectural skill and religious spirit
of our ancestors was finished in 1394, and the Bells hung in 1429; three years afterwards
the upper work commenced, recorded by the City Annals in the following words : " 1432,
Then began the new worke on St. Michael's Steeple, from the Battlements to the top of the
Spire." From the same Annals we learn, that the building of the Tower began in 1373, and
was 21 years in completing, having annually, during that period, £100 expended upon it
by two Brothers, named William and Adam Botoner,t principal Inhabitants of Coventry, and
each of whom served the office of Mayor twice, viz., Wm. in 1364 and 1366, and Adam in
1374 and 1385. There is a tradition recorded in some copies of the City Annals, that a
brass plate was found in the Church, with the following inscription, in old English characters,
* Harl. MSS. No. 7017.
f He was Uncle to the celebrated William de Woroestre, aUas Botoner, whose Itinerary waa printed in 1778, by
Nassmith, from the MS. in C, 0. CoU., Cambridge.
62 ST. Michael's chuech, coventey.
but I do not think it entitled to any credit, and only mention it here to express that
opinion : — William and Adam built the tower,
Ann and Mary built the spire,
WiUiam and Adam built the church,
Ann and Mary buUt the quire.
It may reasonably be conjectured, that this delicate structure, carried to an elevation of
fuU 100 yards, would, from its exposed situation, require frequent attention and repairs;
and the Church Accounts furnish abundant testimony of the care bestowed upon the City's
chief ornament.
The earliest Book commences in 1563, and an entry occurs in 1573, for repairing the
Battlements and Steeple.
In 1580, considerable work was done, as the following extract shows :
" Charges aboute the Steple.
payed to George Arter for poyntynge ye steple, vijl. ijs. viijd.
payed for iij quarter Sc halfe of lyme, xiijs. iiijrf. payed for egges, viijs. iiij(Z.
payd for glovers pecis, woode, Sc tallowe, aboute the lyme, vs. vj^.
payd for a load of sand, vijd. ob. payd for iiij stryke of mawlte and gryndyng, vijs. viijd. ob.
payd for vj gaUons of worte more, ijs. payd for gatherynge of slates & oyster shelles, iij^. q'r.
payd to Cooksou for the cradle & 3 other puUesses, vs. viijd."
Sundry other charges for ropes, pulleys, poles, &c.
" payd for mendynge the wethercooke, ijs. vj<^. payed for payntynge the same, vjs. viijd."
The preceding extract exhibits a striking instance of the care and zeal which directed
the pointing of this Steeple : the mortar was composed of the best lime (for which an extra
price was given), and instead of water, tempered with sweet wort, whites of eggs, and size.
Whether the oyster shells were calcined, or inserted into the joints of the stonework where
open, may be a matter of doubt, but the slates were certainly used for the latter purpose,
of which many proofs remain.
In 1589, the Steeple was again repaired, and various charges appear for ropes, getting
up of ladders, materials for pointing as above ; and also —
" pd for gyldynge the wethercooke, xxijs. pd for vj pounds of waxe, vs.
pd for ij pounde of Rossen, iiijrf."
Another reparation and pointing of the Steeple took place in 1606 : —
"pd John Brookes, for poyntynge the steeple, xl.
pd for the spyndle that bearethe the weathercocke, & for crooked crampes for the steeple, 12 score
Sc 4 pounde, iijZi.
pd for takyng downe the weathercocke & settinge it up againe, Sc for puttyng in the Iron crampes, iiijZ.
pd for guyldynge the weathercocke, xxiijs. iiijrf.
pd for ij greate stones for the steeple & carriage, xs.
pd for a barre of yron to laye the stones upon, 331b. vijs. iijd.
pd for ij crampes of yron for same stones, 71b. xxjd.
pd iij workemen for layinge them up, iijs."
With sundry charges for scaffolding, soldering, &c.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 63
I apprehend that the " two greate stones " form the present top of the Spire ; and the
Iron cramps, in the foregoing and succeeding extract, remain to the present time.
Our City Annals mention, that St. Michael's Spire was, in 1622, "clenched with Iron
bars round the top ; " and accordingly, the Church Accounts of that year furnish particulars.
The setting up of ladders cost £4. 6s. Od., two chairs were had, and £.3 10s. Od. was
expended in fixing iron cramps about the Steeple. The pointing mortar was composed of
lime, eggs, wort, smiths' scales, and sand; the weathercock was new gUt, and the spindle
refixed. Thomas Sargesson and Hugh LusseU received £26. 13s. 8d. "for the worke."
[The particulars of two accidents occurring in connection with the spire in 1623 and
1634 will be seen by reference to page 21.]
In July, 1655,* the Steeple had a breach by a thunder clap, which brought down 2 bays
of the high roof of the Church, and cost £200 repairing.
[July 16. In the City Accounts an item is charged of 2s. given to two men who were
sent up into the Steeple to see what harm was done. On the 8th of December, in the same
year, £3 was paid by the Council towards the repair of the Steeple, torn and broken by the
thunder and lightning, which cost the parish above £100.
In 1674, some ignorant person employed in re-hanging the bells, cut through the stone
groined roof constructed in one of the upper stories of the tower, which had been placed
there with a view of strengthening and bracing that part together : the remains of the
vaulting may stUl be seen in the bell chamber.]
" 1676t, this year part of St. Michael's Steeple taken down and repaired."
" 1694, 9th Aug. the Steeple was considerably damaged by lightning, in consequence whereof, Henry and Geo.
Cotton were appointed to repair it, each to receive 5s. per day, and undertaking "to doe the said worke well, and to
make honest tolerable dayes worke for the s'd wages."
Charges extracted from the Church Account for that year.
" Mending the Steeple and a Pinnacle, 19Z. — Iron Cramps for the Steeple, 11. 19s. — Ironwork abotit the same
time, 11. 8s. 7d. — Gilding the Weathercock, 11."
[1706, Battlements repaired.]
" 1727, 1 May, the Spire being lately damaged by lightning, ordered that it be immediately repaired."
About the year 1730, the Parishioners thinking, perhaps, that the Dragon had been long
enough at the feet of their Patron Saint, and ought to have an ascendancy in his turn, agreed
at a Vestry Meeting, held May 25, 1730, " that Laurence Wright should make a figure of a
Dragon of copper, 1 J yards in length, and to gild the same, finishing it in a substantial and
workmanlike manner, and to receive for the same 7 guineas and the old weathercock."
But the dragon was not long sufi'ered to retain this elevation, for the Parishioners soon
discovered that serious damage to the Spire was to be apprehended, from the too great weight
and bulk of the gilded monster, and, therefore, wisely ordered the same Laurence Wright, on
the 19th of January, 1 732, " to make a weathercock and globe of copper, not exceeding 201bs.
weight," which was accordingly done, and the dragon sold in 1734, for £4. 4s. Od. A wag,
* MS. Annals. f Mem.
64 ST. Michael's chuech, coventey.
at this time, who also thought the fabric in danger from the heavy peal of bells, observed
that the good people of St. Michael's were sacrificing their Church to Bell amd the dragon.
" 1743, pd towards taking down the weathercock, 11, 10s.— 3 Strikes of Malt for mortar forthe Steeple, 10s. Gd."
" 1750*, a large stone struck out of the Spire on the east side by lightning."
" 1770, the Spire was repaired, and the weathercock re-gilt, when an order was made that a Conductor be put
up in the Steeple, and to terminate in the Well of the White Horse Pump 1 "
The apprehension of injury to this beautiful Tower and Spire became so general, after
the new and enlarged peal of ten bells was hung in 1774, that a Committee, consisting of
the neighbouring noblemen, gentlemen, and principal inhabitants of the parish, was
appointed on the 19th of June, 1793, to examine into the state of the tower, and conduct
the necessary repairs.
On the 17th of July foUowing, the late Mr. Wyatt, and Mr. Potter, of Lichfield,
attended the Committee, and gave their decided opinion that the bells had been a considerable
injury to the tower, and would continue so whilst in their present situation. They also stated,
that a frame might be constructed from the ground to carry the bells ; and that after the
tower had been properly secured, and the bells so placed, the ringing would be of no injury
to the building. The bells were immediately taken down, and the reparations of the tower
commenced — the decayed and fractured stones being taken out and replaced by new ones,
and strong bands of iron let into the stone at different intervals, and completely surrounding
the exterior of the tower, were screwed to bars of equal dimensions within side — thus
rendering the fabric, in the opinion of the architect, as strong as when first buUt.
A frame-work designed by Mr. Potter (and which has been universally admired for its
design and execution) was, in October following, ordered by the Committee, and completed
at the expense of £507. The reparation of the tower being completed, and the frame-work
finished, the bells were hung upon it in December, 1794, and have since remained there,
being as much as thirty feet lower than their original situation.
The total charge for this work was £2,649. 4s. 9^d., of which £1,861. 10s. 5d. was
obtained by subscription, and the remainder discharged by money raised by the parish on
annuities. In the year 1818, that same spirit of anxious regard for the safety and security of this
beautiful Spire, which has been abundantly evinced in the foregoing extracts, led to a
further examination of it by Mr. Potter, who recommended an immediate repair of the
pinnacles of the tower, and the taking down and rebuUding of about eight yards of the
summit of the Spire, being very much out of perpendicular. In conformity with this advice,
two of the pinnacles were repaired and cramped, at an expense of upwards of £100, the
Spne carefully pointed with cement, and more than eight yards of it rebuUt, under the care
of an ingenious architect (Mr. Hay) .
The Weathercock was also re-gilt and fitted upon a new spindle, so contrived as to
contain a supply of oil, &c., for many years, it having been found that the old spindle had
no such provision, and in consequence, the Weathercock not readily turning, occasioned
a very considerable stress upon the top of the Spire, to the manifest injury of the fabric.
The charge of this reparation and rebuilding of the Spire, amounting to between £300 and
* MS. Annals.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry. 65
£400, was defrayed by subscription, an appeal being made to the principal inhabitants of
the city, in order that the parish might be relieved from an additional rate.
The old conductor having been removed during these repairs, a new one was put up in
1 830, the work being done by Mr. Worton of Earl Street.
[It is the opinion of Mr. Scott that the tower was originaUy open to the church by
means of the fine lantern arch behind the organ, and that the whole of the interior to the
groined arch before mentioned was visible from the floor. This is evident from the fact that
the surface of the waUs in the interior of the tower is highly enriched with mouldings and
panel work. Owing to the opinion formed on the report of Mr. Scott in 1851, the ringing
of the bells was discontinued for about two years, but resumed on the report of Mr. Wyatt
that no danger was to be anticipated from their being rung as usual.
In 1861, in consequence of several stones having fallen from the spire, fears were
excited as to its security, and Mr. Frith was employed to examine and repair it; the means
he employed were novel, and attracted much curiosity. Instead of erecting scaffolding, as
had been done on former occasions, he ascended the interior of the spire as far as the highest
opening, and succeeded by an arrangement of pulleys in reaching the summit. The
Weathercock and BaU were removed, the stonework thoroughly repaired, and the conductor
refixed. The Vane and Ball having been regilded were then replaced. The BaU is a foot
in diameter, and weighs 5 lbs. ; the Weathercock is 4 ft. 4 in. high, by 4 ft. 3 in. from beak
to taU, and weighs about 33 lbs. : both are of copper. On the occasion of the marriage of
the Prince of Wales the electric light was shown from the summit, the apparatus being fixed
by Mr. Frith.]
BELLS, CLOCK, AND CHIMES.
The City MS. Annals mention under the year 1429, that the BeUs were then hung up in
St. Michael's Steeple; and as the tower was only finished in 1395, perhaps this was the first
regular peal put up in it.
The following Order of Leet was made in 1467* : —
Also y't ye Clerks of both Chirches ryng both daybell & curfewe in due tyme, & y't ye clok be duly kept up ye
peyn of ijd. at ev'y default.
In 1488, say the MS. Annals, " This year was great peace throughout the realm, and
for joy the Churchwardens of St. Michael's, and other well-disposed people, brought to
St. Michael's a great BeU, and called it Jesus Bell, this motto was written about it : —
' Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judeorum, in me miserecordia.' "
In 1496, the ensuing Order of Leet,t for regulating the prices of ringing death peals
was made : —
Hit is ordeyned at y'is p'sent lete, that all man' p'sones that hereaftur woll have the belles to ryng aft'r ye
decesse of eny their trends, they shall pay for a pell ryngyng w't all ye belles ijs., xxd. y'r of to ye Chircheward, &
iiij(i. to ye clerks.— And yf he woll have but iiij beUes, xvjd., xijd. to ye chirch & iiij<^. to ye clerks. And as for iij
beUes, ev'r p'sone y't woll have theym, to paye but iiij<^. to ye clerks.
* Leet Book, 202 b. f Leet Book, 279 b.
66 ST. Michael's chuech, coventey.
1607, the 3rd and 4th Bell* of St. Michael's Steeple were cracked and cast again; the
4th Bell was cast three times before it was in tune. — 1674, March 18,
The Vestry agreed with Henry Bagley, sen., Sc H. B. jun., of Chacomb, in Co. Northampton, that they shall have 55Z.
for casting the 6 BeUs into 8 tuneable ones, of as deep a tone and sound as they now are, to be recast by 24 June next.
It appears from our City Annals that the new peal was considerably lighter than the old
one. [The old six BeUs were taken down May 26th, 1675, broken to pieces, and cast into
eight on the 29th May, 1675. The weight of the old six was as foUows : —
Cwt. qrs. Ihs.
1st BeU ... 10 3 9
2nd , 11 1 0
3rd „ 13 2 6
Cwt. qrs. lbs.
4th BeU 17 3 14
Sth „ 23 1 2
6th „ 30 I 5
Ctot
qrs. Ihs.
6
I 11
Sth BeU
6
2 26
6th „
8
0 9
7th „
9
3 21
8th „
Cwt. qrs.
as.
12 1
7
14 0
14
17 2
12
25 0
12
In aU 5 tons 7 cwt. 8 lbs., being 6 cwt. 3 qr. 81bs. heavier than the newer peal of eight.
1675, April 28. Ordered that the treble beU of Bablake, now cracked, shaU be deUvered to Bagley, the bell-
founder, to be new cast and made tuneable to the bells in St. Michael's Steeple, and placed there to make those beUs
more weighty. C.C.B.
The weight of these beUs is given below.
1st BeU
2nd „
3rd „
4th „ Total, 5 tons 0 cwt. 1 qr.]
The mottoest upon the BeUs in St. Michael's Steeple, copied by H. W[anley], January
17, 1690—1. 1. Cantate Domino oauticum novum. 1675, H. B.
2. Henry Bagley made mee, 1675.
3. T. E. F. Georg Dowmng, A. D. V. S. M. 1675.
4. I ring at six to let men know,
when too and from theair worke to go, 1675.
5. Richard Coling, John Remington, Thomas Redhead, Humphrey Thacker, John Lilley, Ralph Phillips,
Churchwardens, 1675.
6. Henry Bagley made mee, 167S.
7. I ring to Sermon, with a lusty Bome,
that all may come and none may stay at Home, 1675.
8. I am and have been caU'd the Comon BeU,
to ring when fier breaks out, to tell, 1675.
In 1774, a new peal of 10 BeUs was contracted for, with Pack and Chapman, of London,
according to the ensuing proposals made by them : —
To recast the 8 present Bells into a peal of 8 musical ones, both in tone and tune,
to weigh 5 tons a little more or less, at 28s. per cwt. recasting ... ...£140 0 0
8 new Clappers, weight 2 cwt. at 9(i. per lb. ... ... ... ... ... 8 8 0
Two new Trebles to make a complete peal of 10, to weigh 12 cwt. a little more or
less, at 6^. per cwt. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 72 0 0
1' wo new Clappers, 501b. at 9<Z. ... ... ... ... ... ... I 17 6
£222 5 6
' MS. Annals. t MS. Wanley, British Museum.
ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
67
The weight of this new peal was as foUows :-
1st BeU
2nd „
3rd „
4th „
5th „
1st Although I am both light and smaU,
I will be heard above you all.
2nd If you have a judicious ear,
You'U own my voice to be sweet and clear.
3rd Such wond'rous pow'r to music's giv'n,
It elevates the soul to heav'n.
4th While thus we join in chearfid sound.
May love and loyalty abound.
Sth To honour both of God and King,
Our voices shall in concert sing.
6th Music is a medicine to the mind.
Cwt.
qrs.
lbs.
... 6
3
2
6th BeU ...
... 7
0
8
7th „ ...
... 8
1
13
8th „ ...
... 9
0
0
9th
... 9
2
21
10th
INSCRIPTIONS.
Cwt.
qrs
lbs.
11
2
16
14
0
26
17
1
23
23
0
20
81
1
14
Total, 6 tons 18 cwt. 3 qrs. 3 lbs."
7th
8th
9th
Te ringers all that prize your health and happiness,
Be sober, merry, wise, and you'll the same possess.
Te people all, that hear me ring.
Be faithful to your God and King.
In wedlock's bands all ye who join,
With hands your hearts unite.
So shall our tuneful tongues combine
To laud the nuptial rite.
10th I am and have been call'd the common bell.
To ring, when fire breaks out, to tell.
In the previous account of the Steeple mention has been made of lowering the Bells, and
hanging them upon a frame-work unconnected with the Tower and rising from the ground.
The Bells were disposed in two heights, the lighter ones being uppermost, but in 1804, when
the tenor was recast by Mr. Bryant of Hertford (having been cracked in 1802), they were all
new hung, and placed upon one level, stUl supported by the detached frame-work.
It has already been observed that the Tower of this Church was finished in 1395, and the
preceding article shows that a Peal of BeUs was hung there in 1429. The usual appendage
of a Clock and Chimes was presently added, as we learn from the following items : —
1465, 21st January, The Mayor and Council granted 40s. annually for keeping the Clock aud Chimes in St.
Michael's Church, to be paid by the Wardens.
1467, Ordered — alsof yt ye Wardeyns of yis Cite, shall amend ye Clok & ye chyme, &; aft'r yt ye keper yrof to
kepe it well, up' ye peyne to lese his ofiice.
1577|, Pd for tymber & makyng the barrell for the chyme, vs. Sundry old iron also given this year to Henry
Bankes, for altering the " Chyme and settinge hit newe."
1584, An order of Council was made that Henry Bankes should keep the Clock and Chimes of St. Michael and
Bablake for 21 years ; to set them in good repair, and keep and leave them so ; receiving 171. 13s. id. at the seaUng
of his agreement, and 31. yearly fee.
The foUowing items from the Church Accounts show that a Gloch Dial once disfigured
the beautiful Tower of this Church, an instance of bad taste which it is to be hoped will not
again be witnessed.
1626, Paid for taking doune the diall, Gd.
1627, It' for makinge a Cocke for the dyall that Doct'r Hinton gave to the Church, 7s. Gd,
1689, pd for scowringe the hand and washinge ye dyall in ye church, 2s. 2d.
[_* These weights, as given in the original, are retained ; but in another account the 4th bell is given as
21 lbs. heavier ; the 7th, 20 lbs. lighter ; the Sth, 2 lbs. lighter ; while the weight of the 9th bell is therein stated to
be only 19 cwt. 0 qrs. 20 lbs.
The smaUest bell measured 2 ft. 6 in. by about 21 in. thick (at the bow) ; the largest, 4 ft. 9 in. by 3f inches in
thickness. The Clappers weighing 2 cwt. 3 qrs. 10 lbs., their weight has since been considerably increased. The tone
of the lowest bell is D.J t Leet Book, 207, b. X Church Accounts.
68 ST. Michael's chuech, Coventry.
1649, pd for coulloring the dyall hand, Sd. 1650. pd for keeping the Clock & Chymes in order, 31.
1650, A Cable rope for the chimes at St. Michael's, xxviijs.
1 676, The Chimes were directed to be set in order at the City expence, and tried for a quarter of a year, for
which 30s. was allowed. 1680. Geo. Tagg allowed 31. by the City to make the Chimes go on 3 tunes.
1690, The Chimes'* were made to strike the 113th Psalm as before, they having for some time been made to
strike Lilli Surlero.
1778, March 28th. i'he Parish agreed to order a new set of Chimes and a Clock, which
order was most admirably executed by Mr. Worton, of Birmingham. The Clock was put
up in the course of that year, and the Chimes completed in the year foUowing, costing
together £277.
Chime Tunes in 1818. — 104th Psalm — Sir C. Sedley's Minuet — Mudge's Air — Shady Bowers — Highland Laddie —
Step in. — Lass of Patie's Mill.
[Some years since the Chimes were entirely re-arranged by Mr. WilHam Worton, of
Coventry, and harmonized. The order of the tunes, as now played, is as follows : — Sunday,
Easter Hymn ; Monday, The Bells of Meriden (composed by Mr. M. Payne) ; Tuesday, Aar
(composed by the Rev. R. Mudge, Rector of Little Packington) ; Wednesday, The Heavens
are telHng : Thursday, Step in; Friday, 104th Psalm; Saturday, The Lass of Patie's MUl.
The Chimes and Clock are under the care of the grandson of the Mr. Worton who constructed
them nearly a century ago.f
On the 13th of Pebruary, 1870, Greenwich Time began to be kept.]
The entries for Ringing are, for greater perspicuity, collected under one head below.
1586, Pd for Ringing, against the quen of Skots, xijd.
1587, Pd to ringers, at mr. maiors Com'aundement, at death of the Scottishe Queue, xvjd.
1588, Payd the Ryngers, at the rejoicinge of the over throwe of the Spanishe flette, ijs.
1590, Pd for rynginge my L. byshop twice into the Cittie, & furthe of the Cyttie, viijd.
1629, Pd the Lord Bishop's man, because the Bells did not ring when his L'dship was in Town, 6s. Sd.
1642, Pd for ringing, when the Lo' Brooke came in with his army, 8s. Gd.
1654, Pd for ringing. May 23, being a day of thanksgiv'g, 2s.— 1656. Pd ditto, Feb. 20, ditto ditto, 2s. Gd.
1662, Pd for ringing, when ye L. Bishop (Dr. Hackett) came first, 7s.
1665, Pd the Ringers, at the overthrough of the Dutch, Ss.
CHURCHYARD.
The foUowing orders of Leet were made respecting the Churchyard : —
1419 J: — hit is ordenyd, that noo man put tymbr ne kydde, ne carry none thourho the churchyard, upon peyne
of forfature of the forsaid tymbr and kydds ; and that no man lay noo donge therein, upon the peyn of xij<^. at ev'y
defaute ; Also that noo man pyse in the church yard, ne defile hit in noo man'r wise, upon the peyn of vjd. for e'vy
defaute w'tout eny grace.
1426.11 Hit is ordeynid that all the hordes of the hovell, anenst the drapery dore, be taken a wey, after that
Charter be cryed & p'claymed, and a wall there made in enclosyng the Chircheyard.
1 435.§ 'The order (at the Leet) yt yey prior be not suffered to make no more off ye Ston wall, undur yey priory
in seynt mich' Churche yerd, unto the tyme that hyt may be p'ved be they priour's evydenoe, that he hath right therto.
* Wanley's Journal.
t Mr, George Worton, of Earl Street, who has recently completed an entirely new set of Chimes for the Parish
Church, Sheffield, and another for Todmorden Church, Lancashire.
X Leet Book, fo. 1. || Idem, fo. 3S. § Hem, fo. 92.
ST. Michael's church, coventey. 69
Some particulars of the Churchyard in 1480 wUl be found in the account of the dispute
with the Prior, p. 16 ante.
[In an account of a Procession of Benedictine Monks in 1497, it is stated that the Mayor
and his brethren, with the City Companies, " stode und'r ye elme in Seint Michel's Chirch-
yard."*] 1620, City Annals, This year the pales of the Church-yard repaired.
1697, p'd for 2 elms, and setting them in Ch.-yard, 2s.
It may be necessary to remark that both Trinity and this Church, as well as the
Cathedral, stood in one common cemetery, and there are occasional obscurities arising from
this circumstance. In the account of Trinity Churchyard, under the date 1516, mention is
made of " the arber, in saynt mygheU's churchyard."
In the year 1 784 a single row of houses, reaching nearly from the Tower of this Church
to the south-west corner of the Churchyard, and a double row extending from thence almost
to the steps at the western entrance of the same, were taken down, the site added to the
Churchyard, and consecrated in June, 1786, the purchase-money being raised principally by
annuities. Additional burial-ground being still wanting, a piece of land opposite the north
east corner of the Churchyard (the site of the Bishop's Palace) was consecrated in 1793, and
has been since used for that purpose.
[1822, The broad walk down the middle of the Churchyard repaved.
In 1848 the Churchyards in the City were closed in consequence of the opening of a new
cemetery in the year before, and no interments now take place in any of the old burial grounds
within the City, except in existing vaults, or brick graves. In 1851 the small footways
through St. Michael's Churchyard were stopped, the broad walk widened to 18 feet, newly
paved, and inclosed with iron palHsades, the wall raised, and trees planted ; an avenue of
Hmes now shades the main thoroughfare, and adds greatly to the beauty of the Churchyard.]
MISCELLANEOUS.
Under this head wUl be found, chronologically arranged, a number of articles which do
not fall under any of the previous divisions, and yet are perhaps sufficiently interesting and
descriptive of ancient manners to have a place here.
1523,t Enacted at this p'sent lete, that no beggers of this Citie, from yensfurthe shall begge w'tin the two p'ishe
churches of this citie, in the tyme of godd's s'vice used ther, upon peyne to be punyshed by imp'sonment of the
stokks, by the space of a day and a nyght ; and that ther shall be on' c'teyn p'son assigned by the meyre for the tyme
beyng, to viewe & execute yerely the seid acte.
1564, J Reseved in the xij days, iiijli. ijs. xd.
This was the mode in which money was obtained for repairing of Churches previous to
* LeetBook, p. 281. f Leet Book, fo. 838. J Church Accounts.
70 ST. Michael's church, Coventry.
raising it by Levies; and an order of Vestry was made ,in 1624, that the Churchwardens
should revive the ancient custom of collecting at the Church doors, the twelve days in
Christmas, towards the repairs of the Church, or pay £3 each in Heu.
1576, pd for a nett to catche ye stares,''' in the church yjd.
1581, pd for hearbes to strawe the church, viijd.
1584, pd for vj bolts for the bres, vjd. pd for bird lyme, iijd.
1687, pd for bowe & bolts & lyme for catching stares, iiijs. iijd.
These bird bolts were blunt headed arrows, used for the particular purpose of shooting
at birds, and discharged from a Cross-bow. In Deuce's IUustrations of Shakespear, Vol. 1,
p. 164, several varieties of them are represented.
1599, pd for candle spent on St. Hughe's night, vjd.
1603, pd for golde, sylver, & workmanshippe, Sc a frame for the Kynges Armes, xlvjs. viijd.
1606, pd for burying a straunger that laye a long tyme deade in the mydle woodds, xijd.
[1613, 1 July, Gallery going to be erected in St. Michael's Church. The Corporation agree to give 51. if the
coUection is insufficient, C.C.B.— 1619, GaUery built, MS.]
1615, pd for kyllyng the battes in the high rooffe, viji^. — pd for gyldyng & payntynge the kyng's armes, and for
flouryshing the Queenes armes, xxiijs. iiiji^.
1681, Md' a Licence was granted by Mr. Samuell Buggs, Vicar of St. Michael's and Trinity, to Mrs. Christian
Hales, to eat flesh (for the preservation & recovery of her health), for eight dales, after the date thereof, being dated
Febru. 28th, 1631.
1635, Febru. 3, Md' this day, Rowland Wilcox, Gent., and John Wightwicke, Esq., did put into the poores box
vjs. viijli. each, for lycence to eate flesh en dayes by law p'hibited.
1645, pd for a quire of writing paper, to ingross the receipts of the Citizens, for the poore Inhabitants & Soulders
of Lester, 5d.
1646. This year, the Church Accounts for 1641, 2, 3, 4, and 5, were all passed together;
which strongly marks the unsettled state of affairs in the City at that period.
1650, pd for washing out ye King's Arms in 3 places, Is. Gd. — 1651, pd for paynting the States Arms, & setting
up, il. 3s.
[1651, 16 Jan., Mending and altering the places in both Churches where the Sword and Mace stand, C.C.B.]
1656, A collection for Paul Isaiah, a converted Jew, for his reliefe, 11. 10s. (his signature is at foot).
1657, Feb. 20, a day of solemn Thanksgiving, for discovery of a wicked design to kill the Lord Protector,
collected 11.
1659, Feb. 8, a day of Humiliation, for " Blessinge" of the Parliament, collected 11. 12s. lid.
1660, pd for removinge the Table of Armes (the States), id. — pd for painting the King's Armes, GI.
1661, 22 January, a day of thanksgiving, for ye subdueing ye RebelUous Company of Sth Monarchy men,
coUected 31. 3s. id.
[1671, Magistrates and their wives' seats repairing, 281. Is. lid., C.C.B.]
1672, an order of Vestry was made, that the small Tenements adjoining the Church, on the South side, opposite
the Drapery, should be sold and pulled down, the annual rent being only 16s. and much injury done by them to the
Church. In 1674, they were sold for 121., reserving the lead, tiles, and stone.
1688, pd for two Books of thanksgiveing, for him called ye Prince of Wales, 2s.
1699, pd for Tarr to catch the Swifts, within ye Church, 2d. — 1697, pd for painting the King's Arms, 21. is.
[In 1707, an Order of Vestry was made on the 13th October, for making a lower Gallery
in the north aisle, every boy in the Free School sitting there to pay Is. yearly. In 1722,
the Churchwardens were ordered to wait on Mr. Jackson, the Master, and inform him that
the Vestry required 30s. per annum for the above seats, or they should let them to others.
In 1761, it was agreed that the Galleries round the Church should be made uniform, if the
proprietors consented ; and the necessary faculty was procured in 1 764.]
TRINITY CHURCH. COVENTRY.
SCALE.
!0l2 ^xinitu Cjjttrtfj, Coft^nttg.
" Of this (using the words of Dugdale), the first mention I find, is of its appropriation
to the Priory in 44th Hen. 3," 1259, and we are without any distinct evidence of the time
of its foundation. A subsequent article will show that in 1391 the Chancel was so much
ruinated and decayed as to require rebuUding, from which circumstance, in the absence of
positive evidence, we are warranted in inferring an origin considerably antecedent to the
44th of Henry 3 ; and it has already been remarked in the account of St. Michael's Church,
that Coventry at a much earUer period required two Parish Churches. Twenty-eight years
after the appropriation of this Church to the Priory, viz., in 1287, indulgence* and pardon
of 40 days were granted to aU such as shall devoutly frequent the said Church, contribute to
the making or sustaining the Hghts, or other ornaments belonging thereto, either by gift or
legacy, or with pious mind shall say the Lord's Prayer and Ave for the good estate of
Thomas, Prior of Coventry, and the Convent there, Henry Pistor and Agnes his wife,
Robert de Licheffeld and Agnes his wife, with their children, Robert de Chilterne and Maud
his wife, and for their souls after death, as also for the souls of several persons specified who
are interred in the Cemetery of the said Church, and for the souls of aU the faithful deceased.
The Prior and Convent of St. Mary being now patrons of this Church, we find in 1391t
a composition between the Prior and certain parishioners of Trinity for rebuilding the
Chancel, which in this instrument is said to be in such a state of ruinj and decay from its
antiquity as not to be sustained without rebuUding.
In reverence of the Holy Trinity therefore, and for the furtherance of divine worship,
the said Prior and Convent consent that the old Chancel shaU be puUed down, and a new one
constructed of the additional length of twenty-four feet eastward.
In aid whereof they agree to pay an annual pension of 100s. for eight years, and to
furnish six trees from their wood at Packwood fitting for the purpose, the said parishioners
at their own charge providing all other materials and paying for workmanship. The Chancel
thus re-edified was to be supported and kept in repair at the joint charge of the parish and
Convent. In 1448, John Lusterley, a wealthy merchant of Coventry, directs his body to be interred
in this Church, and bequeaths 40s. " ad fabrice eccl'ie."
The next occurrence is an agreement§ between the Prior and Convent, and John Meneley,
Vicar of this Church, bearing date 31st July, 1456, respecting tithes, by which it is settled
'* Original penes T. S, f Idem.
X " Ita ruinosum veterem Sc deformem ao eximina vetustate ad tantam debilitatem devenir' qd absq' novo
construo'coue congrue no' poterit sustentari." § Burton's MS. 238, 4,
72 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
that the Vicars of Trinity are to receive aU the small tythes in the said parish and Chapelries
of St. Nicholas, St. James (at "WillenhaU), and St. Cedd (at Coundon), together with
the oblations and obventions of St. Margaret's Chapel, newly erected at Gosford Green,
and aU other Chapels which may hereafter be founded within the said parish, and without
the precincts or enclosure of the Monastery, paying 100s. annuaUy to the said Prior and
Convent, " j}' decimis p'sonalib'z que inf ohlac'oes ab antiquo solebant diehis d'nicis offeri ;"
which payment continued until the dissolution of the Priory, and is recognised in the Prior's
Rental, preserved in the Exchequer, in the following terms : — " Vicar' Eccl'ie s'ce Trinit'
sol' an' Officio Thes', 100s. No'ie pensionis ut in pl'ito Recuperationis ejusd' inter Priorem
et Conventum et Vicarium."
In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, 1291, this Church was valued at twenty marks, and
the Vicarage at two marks ; and in another taxation*, 32nd of Henry 6, 1454, the same
valuation is put upon the living. In the Inquisitiones Nonarum, 14th and 15th of Edward 3,
1340 and 1341, it was taxed at twenty marks, namely : fifteen marks for the ninth sheaf,
fleece and lamb ; and for the glebe and other fruits, five marks. The returns of the clergy
belonging to this Church in 1522 upon the King's "proscription," more particularly noticed
in the account of St. Michael's Church, were as foUows : —
" M' Thomas Orton, doctor of lawe, is vicar of the Trinitie Church, which vicarage is worth yeirlie, xxvZ.
It'm he haith a p'bend' besid's lichefield, which is called [Oloughton or Ufton] which is worth by yeir, v marc's,
he is worth in goods, CI.
It' he haith a vicarage at p'ors Hardwyk, in Warr'shire, ov'r the yeirlie value of xij m'rcs.
Sir Will' Miln', p'ishhe p'ist, haith yeirlie in stipend, viijl. he is worth in goods, v m'rcs.
Sir Xpofer Yve, ...
Sir Henry Marler, ...
Sir Rich'd Shokborow,
Sir Nich. Wykys, ...
Sir Laur. OUe,
Sir Thom's Alen, ...
Sir John Elyge, ...
Sir Thom's Helme,
Sir WiU. Amorson,
Sir John Bateman, Ch'untrie P'ists their :
Sir Thomas Hix & Sir Simon f have oon Ch'untrie, which is worth to theme yeirUe, xijl.
They have goods, Ixs."
The preceding article shows that the establishment of Trinity Church at this time
consisted of a Vicar, eleven Parochial, and two Chantry Priests J. In 1533, upon a taxation§
of the Clergy, in the second part of a subsidy, it was as foUows : —
" Mr. Nich. Doryngton, vie', xxxs. D' Ric. Schurleye, cur', xvjs."
Seven others, 6s. 2\di. each, and two Chantry Priests — one 6s. 2|d., and the other 6s. 8d.
The Vicarage was in 1534, 26th of Henry 8||, rated at £33. Is. 6^d. per annum, out of
'» Cotton MSS. Nero D. X. f Sic
X 1560, payd to ye clarkes (7 in number) for ther wagis for ye hole yere, xvj Z. xviijs. iijd. — Cliurch Accounts. In
the Certificate of Obit Lands, &c., 1st Edw. 6, 1547, it is stated that there are "ij stipendarye priests, having eohe of
them viij ma'kes payed them yerely, by the churche wardens of the trynyte churche."
§ Harl. MS. 594. fo. 116. || Dugdale, from a MS. of Sir Simon Archer.
Stipend.
Goods.
5 6 8
xl.
8 m'rks
nothing
5 6 8
40s.
5 6 8
40s.
5 6 8
20s.
5 6 8
20s.
5 6 8
xl.
5 6 8
40s.
5 6 8
40s.
5 6 8
26,?.
HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
73
which a pension of 100s. was paid to the Prior; 16s. in procurations and synodals ; and to
the Churchwardens, 20s. yearly for a quit-rent for the Vicarage house, leaving the clear
yearly value of £26. 5s. 6d. In 1546, 38th of Henry 8*, the gross value of the Vicarage
was estimated at £21. 2s. 4d., deducting from which 100s. for the pension formerly paid to
the Prior, and now due to the King, with 1 6s. procurations and synodals, there remained clear
£15. 6s. 8d.
In 1550t the Vicarage was leased by the then Incumbent, Wm. Bennett, to two persons
of Coventry for seven years, paying an annual rent of £6. 13s. 4d., and a fine of twenty marks.
The Vicar covenanted to pay all pensions and other charges due from the Vicarage before
the date of this agreement, and not to resign his appointment without consent of the lessees.
On the accession of Queen Mary he was removed from this living, being a married man ;{ and
from the Churchwardens' Accounts, it appears that the profits belonging to the benefice in
1553 amounted to £3. 19s. lO^d., viz. — s. d.
Midsummer Oflferings
Michaelmas ditto
Midsummer ditto
Tythes at WUlenhaU...
Coundon Tythes
Lammas Tythes, called Garden Rents
Weddings and Offerings for the whole year
Further receipts for' weddings and other things..
For purification of women the whole year, 76 at 2d. each
Offerings at burials ...
For Tythe Pigsll
Upon the suppression of the Priory of St. Mary, this Church, in common with St.
Michael's, so materially suffered in its emoluments and support that it became necessary to
make a new and competent provision for the Vicar, which was done by Act of Parliament of
the 4th and 5th of PhiHp and Mary, given at length in the account of St. Michael's Church.
In 1568§ a decree was made in the Court of Exchequer that the Vicar of Trinity should
receive £14. 6s. 8d. annuaUy in augmentation of his stipend, out of the possessions of the
Crown, in Coventry, but upon a representation of the Vicar of St. Michael's,Tf who stated that
the Hving of Trinity was worth £30 per annum, and his own only £47. 3s. 2d., wdth twice as
many households and people in his charge, it was, in 1570, decreed that in future £6 should
be paid to him, and only £8. 6s. 8d. to the Vicar of Trinity.
The certain income of this Vicarage is, in 1647, stated not to exceed £80 per annum,
and below is a Hst of particulars : —
The tithes of all house rents
17 Sermons
The tithe barne""*
[St.] Nicholas Churchyard
WillenhaU Churchyard ...
Pension from the King ...
Tithe milk 74 3 4
... 5
Ili
... 6
2
... 8
3i
... 6
8
... 1
4
... 12
1
... 14
8
... 6
6
li 12
8
... 0
n
... 9
11
..£55 0
0
.. 5 13
4
.. 1 13
4
.. 2 10
0
.. 0 13
4
..8 6
8
. 0 6
8
"' Original in Corporation Treasury. f Original in Trinity Vestry.
X See extract at the end of the series of articles on this Church.
These generaUy produced Sd. each, once Wd., and occasionally only Gd. § Burton's MS. 264.
T Hugh Symons. *¦"' St. Margaret's Chapel, Gosford Green.
74
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
Subsequently to the restoration the Vicars of Trinity received an irregular and uncertain
income under the Act of Philip and Mary, not without frequent disputes, until the year 1778,
when on an application to Parliament in the 19th George 3, that Act was repealed, and a
new one granted, entitled " An Act for the better providing of a maintenance for the Vicar
of the parish of The Trinity, in the City of Coventry ;" the preamble to which states both that
the rates and assessments under the old Act had become in process of time much diminished
in their true value, and that differences and suits between the Vicar and inhabitants had arisen,
in attempting to carry it into effect. To end such controversies, and provide a sufficient
income for the Vicars of Trinity in future, and to be in lieu of all tythes and other ecclesiastical
dues within the city and suburbs of Coventry, except such Endowments, Bequests, and
Stipends as have been or may be bestowed upon the Vicar, and excepting all Surplice Fees,
an annual rate of Is. in the pound upon all houses, gardens, or buildings, is granted to the
Vicar, houses under the value of £6 per annum excepted.
The Corporation are proprietors ofthe Rectory by purchase in 1565 from Queen EUza
beth ; and the foUowdng extract from the Church Accounts shows that as rectors they con
tributed to the repairs of the Chancel.
M'rd', it doth appeare under the handwritinge of hugh Loton, beinge Churchwarden in the yeare 1619, that he
w'th the rest of his brethren receaved of Mr. Henry Harwell, then being Maior of the City, and p'son of the tithes,
vl. ijs. xd. for the buUdinge of the window in the Chancell of the Parish Church of Holie Trinitie in Coventrie with
stone, together with glasinge & iron worke, w'ch window is neare the vestree door.
This money was laid out as follows : —
paid to Thomas Sargeson for stone worke, iijl. — paid Thomas Hopkins for iron worke, xiiijs. ijd.
paid Goodman Shaw for glazing the window, xxviijs. vijd. Sume is vl. js. xd.
In 1639, however, it seems they objected to making further payments, for an order of
Vestry, dated 25th of AprU, states the resolution of the parish not to allow any part of the
charge for leading or glazing the east window ; that the impropriators shaU pay the same as
of right belongs to them, and empowers the Vicar and two other persons to correspond with
the Bishop* concerning the said window, or any other matter arising out of it.
The result of this correspondence does not appear, but on the 21st of September, 1654,
an entry in the Vestry Book records that an agreement was made between the Mayor and
Common CouncU, and divers of the parish, that the city should aUow 40s. per annum for
and in lieu of the Mayor's, &c.. Seats, and the parish to bear the charges of repairing the
Chancel from time to time, thus setting the question completely at rest.
[In 1665 the spire was blown down by a terrible gale of wind, doing great damage
to the Church in its fall. Particulars of its rebuilding will be found under the article
" Steeple." In 1786 the east end of the Chancel was rebuilt. In 1826 considerable repairs
were in progress which occnpied a period of six years, the tower and other portions being
recased. In 1843 the entire restoration of the external face was commenced under the
architectural superintendence of Mr. Hussey, of Birmingham ; the work being executed by
Mr. Akroyd, buUder, of this city. At Easter, 1854, it was determined by the Vestry to
remove aU the gaUeries and reseat the interior, which was eventuaUy carried out from plans
* 1640, paid for expenses to goe unto our reverend Byshop to setle the difference betwixt the city and parish,
concerning the repaire of the east window, xxxvjs. vj<^.
HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 75
prepared by Mr. G. G. Scott, and the Church was reopened on the Sth of June, 1856.
Descriptive particulars of the changes thus effected will be found under the several sections.
On the 18th July, 1858, an ordination was held in this Church for the first time within this
city since the Reformation.
The estates belonging to this Church yield a rental of about £1000 per annum, which
is appropriated to the maintenance of the fabric. The living, like that of St. Michael's, is
in the gift of the Crown, but the income is far greater, being provided for by a rate granted
by special Act of Parliament obtained in the 19th year of George 3, cap. 57. This rate,
unrestricted in its limits, produces over £800 a-year at Is. in the pound, while that of St.
Michael's is defined to be not less than £280 nor more than £300 per annum on a rate levied
at 6d. in the pound.]
LIST OF VICARS.
The first of these that occurs in Dugdale's list is Henry de Harenhale, who, it appears
from the Register of Bishop Langton, was appointed 10 Cal. April, 1298; but that there
must have been Vicars long before is evidently shown in the preceding history of this Church,
and the name of the first Vicar is actually preserved in the Cartulary of St. Mary's, though
unfortunately without a date, a tenement in Well Street being therein described* to have
been given the Prior and Convent before the Statute of Mortmain, by Ralph de Sowe, the
first Vicar of this Church, for the celebrating of his Anniversary — we may therefore com
mence the Hst with the name of
RALPH DE SOWE, first Vicar.
HENRY DE HARENHALE, appointed 10 Cal. April, 1298; and in May, 1333, John
de Beulton, was deputed his assistant (on account of age and infirmities apparently), for he
died in the foUowing year, and was succeeded by
JOHN DB HOLLAND, appointed 2nd Non. September, 1334. The next Vicar was
JOHN GRENEBURGH, Clerk, whose appointment bears date 4, Id. Januar. 1346;
GILES FILLILOD, or PYLILODE, succeeded, Non. Septemb. 1349; on whose
resignation WILLIAM SWET, was appointed. May 8, 1380, but by exchange,
JOHN DE AMCOTES, Rector of Akeworth, in the diocese of York, was admitted
Vicar, March 12, 1381 ; and it appears he was shortly succeeded by
JOHN BRIDESTON, who exchanged with
WILLIAM GAMELL, Vicar of the Prebendal Church of Prees, being appointed
16th October, 1383. His successor was
NICHOLAS. CROSBY, presented on the 15th January, 1421, by "Ric. JJmfrey,
domiaellus," on whose death succeeded
'¦ fo. 97, quod q'nd'm ten' cu' p'tin' P'ior Sc Con'tus h'uern't ex dono Ranulphi de Sowe, p'im' vicar eccl'ie s'ce
Trinitat' p' anniv'sar' suo ante statute, &c.
76 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
JOHN MENELEY, being appointed Vicar, 20th December, 1443. He was also a Canon
of Lichfield, and in 1453, appointed Prebend of Offley, in the Diocese of Lichfield and
Coventry. — Whether his immediate successor was
THOMAS BOWDE, is not perfectly clear, there being no notice of his appointment in
the Episcopal Registers. He certainly was Vicar in 1499, as will be seen by reference
to the account of Jesus Hall, in the succeeding pages, of which he was the Founder, and at
his death bequeathed all his interest therein to this Church. He died in 1508, and was
succeeded in the same year by
THOMAS ORTON, Doctor of Laws, and Vicar of Priors Hardwick; he was, in 1510,
made Prebend of Oloughton*, or Ufton, in the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry ; to whom
followed (but at what period has not been discovered),
RICHARD COLLETT, as upon his resignation,
NICHOLAS DARRINGTON, S.T.B., was instituted, January 23, 1527; and
succeeded by
ROGER CAPP ; the time of his appointment does not appear, but upon his deathf
WILLIAM BENET was instituted Vicar, on 5th November, 1 546. He was deprived
on the accession of Queen Mary, for being married, and succeeded by
GEORGE BROOCHE, M.A., August 8, 1554. The next that occurs is
GEORGE CHE STON, who was appointed 6th AprU, 1568, and his successor was,
ANTHONY FLETCHER, who was instituted May 4, 1576; and shortly foUowed by
HUMPHREY FENNJ, who became Vicar, 21st February, 1577. [He was a learned
and successful preacher ; he was for some years minister at Northampton, and above 40 years
at Coventry. He was several times imprisoned for nonconformity.] Our MS. Annals
mention that in 1584 or 5, "was a great contention between Mr. Fene and one Griffen, a
Welshman, for the Vicarage of Trinity. Mr. Fene restored to the great joy of many, and
the said Griffen dismissed." [In 1591, an information was laid against him and others for
attending the associations and classes, subscribing to the Book of Discipline, refusing the
oath, &c., and they were committed to the Fleet prison. After an imprisonment of some
length they were released. Mr. Fenn is supposed to have spent the remainder of his life in
Coventry. II] He was superseded in the Vicarage of Trinity, by
RICHARD EATON§, who succeeded on 12th January, 1590; and after him was
appointed THOMAS COOPER, S.T.B., on 8th May, 1604; whose successor was
SAMUEL GIBSON, instituted January 2, 1610; he was foUowed by
'* He was succeeded in his Prebend of Oloughton, in March, 1522 ; when he most probably ceased to be Vicar of
this Church. f Original document penes T.S.
X In 1641, was published, " The last WUl & Testament, with the Profession of Faith, of Humphrey Fen, Pastor
of one of the Churches of Coventry." [Vol. 19, Tracts London Institute.]
[II In 1582 Mr. Fenn is recorded in the Church books to have paid for the Vicarage, and for a room over St.
Thomas's Chapel, 20s. His son Humphrey Fenn, the younger, was appointed in 1624 Lecturer at Bablake.]
[§ In the City Council Books are the following entries : —
1598, 14th April, Richard Eyton to have GI. 18s. id. annuaUy, at Michaelmas, in augmentation of his living
during pleasure.
1602, Sth May, 11^. 13s. id. granted to make up his pension of 81. Gs. 8d. 201. per annum. Other entries of
gratuities paid to succeeding Vicars occur.]
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 77
JOHN STARBSMORE, M.A., appointed May 15, 1618, after whom,
SAMUEL BUGGS, D.D., was instituted, 20th of June, 1626, having been about three
years Vicar of St. Michael's also* ; upon whose death succeeded
HENRY CARPENTER, on the 4th of May, 1633; and being in 1635 appointed to
a Hving of greater value, the parishioners prayed the Lord Chancellor to allow him to return,
offering to give lOZ. per annum, in addition to the income of the Vicarage; but on the 27th
of April, 1636, he was succeeded by
JOSEPH BROWN; to whom foUowed
ROBERT PROCTOR, appointed 18th of May, 1638; and upon whose death in July,
1643, a parish meeting was held, when it was agreed, that they would, as far as possible, exert
themselves to procure the appointment of Mr. JuHus Herring, as his successor ; and a letter
was taken to Mr. William Jessonf, one of the City " Burgesses," to get the business effected,
but their endeavours proved ineffectual; and in 1644 J,
JOHN BRYAN, D.D., was appointed, and though afterwards a great and deserved
favourite with his congregation, he was evidently not received with great cordiality. An
order of Vestry, made on 6th May, 1644, states, that Mr. John Bryan, being come to the
Vicarage, by power of the Parliament, to reside here, he shall have the Vicarage House, at
the usual rent of 20s. ; but, on the 12th August, the Parish allowed five or six teams to bring
his goods from Barford (near Warwick) to Coventry. [On December 7th, 1646, was held a
disputation in Trinity Church, betwixt Mr. Bryan and Mr. Grew (two Presbyterians), and one
KnoUes, and a London Draper (Independent), concerning the Baptism of Infants, jj] And
that he had gained the good opinion of his hearers, in 1647, appears from a Vestry order,
which mentions that Mr. Bryan h&Yrng freely left his parsonage of Barford, worth £140 per
annum, to come to them, whereas the certain income of Trinity is only £80 the parish under
take to make that sum good, and coUect it ; and further, if the allowance from Parliament is
not paid, to add £20 a year more to this Salary. In the Churchwarden's Accounts for 1652,
occurs the following item : " pd the charge in going with Dr. Bryan to Sturbridge, touching
the difference between the Towne of Shrewsbury§ and the p'ish, touching Dr. Bryan's stay
here, £2. 3s. lOd. ; and in 1659, "pd the ringers of Trinitie & Bablack, when the Dr. came
from Shrewsbury, 3s."
On the restoration of Charles 2, he was removed for Nonconformity, having been
strongly soHcited by Bishop Hackett to conform, and retain his Vicarage. He continued to
reside in Coventry, until his death [March 4, 1675], and his Funeral Sermon was preached
by Mr. Wanley, his successor, who thus speaks of him : "' He was a man of uncessant
labours and ind.efatigable pains ; as God had lent him a strong and able body for many years,
so he spared it not at all, but made it serve him in that insatiable thu-st and desire he had
after human and divine knowledge. And this diligence of his was crowned with an answer
able blessing from above, being arrived, in point of ability, as another Saul, higher than his
brethren by the head and shoulders ; especially in political and polemical divinity.
['•' In 1631 there was a dispute between the Mayor and the Rev. S. Buggs about stopping a cartway between the
two churchyards. The MS. Annals, in reference to his death, quaintly remark, " Two worthy preachers came in his
room, blessed be God."]
t The expenses for this " Journey to Parliament," were allowed in the Church Accounts, amounting to 31.
X 1644, pd for riding to London, to bring an order of sequestration from the Parliament, touching Mr. John
Bryan's being our Minister, 11. 16s. ^d. || Dugdale's Diary.
§ Dr. Bryan's eldest son, John Bryan, was, in 1652, appointed to St. Chad's Church, in Shrewsbury ; but what
dispute there was between that Town and Trinity Parish, respecting Dr. Bryan's stay in Coventry, has not been
ascertained.
78 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
" His humility was equal to his eminence of parts ; and while upon all occasions he
owned what the hand of Providence had raised him up unto, he was mindless of the place
where he sate, and willingly condescended to the meanest when they stood in need of help.
He had a liberal hand and more liberal heart, giving the tenth of his estate for many years
to the poor. He was the censurer of no man, but if he saw a naked place no one was more
ready with the skirt of his garment to cover it. He was constant and regular in his Christian
duties, unwillingly admitting of interruption in them. His discourse was a kind of continual
preaching, neither was he less careful of his thoughts than his words ; and it was his custom
daily to run over a Catechism in Greek, Herbert's Poems, or some of the liberal sciences,
giving as a reason for so doing, that it kept his thoughts from roving to worse matters.
During his iUness and affliction no repining or murmuring words escaped him, but cheerfuUy
submitting to his distemper (which he said mocked the skUl of the physician), he only desired
patience might have its perfect work.
" He was of a grateful spirit, and few that came to visit him parted without a thankful
acknowledgment of his love to them, and prayers for their bodies and souls ; and even the
greatest and worst of his enemies had a share in his prayers. Thus eminent in grace, he
wanted not a peaceful quiet conscience, and his evidences for a better Hfe were undisturbed ;
he had that hope which was as an anchor to the soul, and he doubted not but as he was in a
state of grace so he was within a step of glory. He died without a sigh or groan, and as
one that was falling into a long but sweet sleep ; and this was the comfortable end of this
reverend person, whom few (says our Author) knew better than myself."
Another writer commends his talents for educating youth, for which it seems he was
admirably qualified, and sent forth a great number of nonconformist Ministers. He was also
well versed in the Popish controversy, on which subject he frequently preached; and a great
textuary, being able to discourse extempore upon most places of scripture. He had three
sons,* ejected Ministers. In the preceding notices of this pious minister it has been observed
that he was in the constant habit of reading Herbert's Poems ; and that he had a practical
taste for poetry appears from a religious poem entitled " Harvest Home, being the Summe
of certain Sermons upon Job 5, 26. One whereof was preached at the funeral of Mr. Ob.
Musson, an aged, godly Minister of the Gospel, in the Royally Licensed rooms in Coventry ;
the other since continued upon the Subject, by J. B., D.D., Late Pastor of the Holy Trinity
in that Ancient and Honourable City, &c. London, Printed for the Author, 1674, 4to." In
the Preface he describes his " Treatise to be an earnest and token of his hearty thankfulness
to his noble and most worthy friends for sundry expressions of their bounty in his now
declining age." He Hkewise published "A Discourse of dwelling with God; on Ps. xci., 9.
A Sermon called The Virtuous Daughter; and a Discovery of the probable Sin causing the
great Judgment of Rain and Waters. A Sermon preached in Coventry, Dec. 23, 1646."
His successor was
NATHANIEL WANLEY, M.A., selected by Bishop Hackett, for this situation, and
instituted therein October 28, 1662. He was born at Leicester, in 1633, educated at Trinity
College, Cambridge, admitted B.A. 1653, and M.A. 1657. It seems very probable that his
* In Wanley's Diary, British Museum, is the following account of the funeral of one of his sons : — December 27,
1689, Mr. Gervace Bryan, Preacher to the Noncomf ormists at Leather Hall, deceased at 3 of the clock in the morning,
and was buried about 3 of the clock in the afternoon, December 31st. It is thought that there was about 1000 people
at his bm-ial. He was buried at the Church of the Holy Trinity, and had a sermon preached for him at Leather Hall.
He was a very worthy man, and a learned preacher. His enemies had nothing to say against him at his death nor
funeral.
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 79
first appointment was to the Rectory of Beeby, in Leicestershire, as in 1658* was published
"Vox Dei, or the Great Duty of Self Reflection upon a Man's own Wayes, by N. Wanley,
M.A., and Minister of the Gospel, at Beeby, in Leicestershire. London, 1658, 12mo."
Dedicated to Dorothy, Countess of Sunderland. Upon his coming to Coventry £5 was
given him, by an order of Common Council, towards his charge in removing. He married
a daughter of Mr. Humphrey Burton, Coroner and Town Clerk of that City, by whom he
had two sons, Samuel, who died young, and Humphrey, the celebrated Hterary antiquary.
He pubhshed "A Discourse of Constancy, in two books," translated from the Latin of
Justus Lipsius. London, 1670, 8vo. The dedication, dated Coventry, October, 1668, is to
"his very Worthy Friend John Harewell, in the Middle Temple, Esquire." In 1678 he also
pubhshed " Wonders of the Little World," folio ; a work containing a vast assemblage of
remarkable anecdotes, principally collected by extensive reading ; a few are contemporary.
Upon his presenting this book to the Council House of the City they voted him £10. f After
his decease the Funeral Sermon of Dr. Bryan, before aUuded to, was printed under the
foUowdng title : " Peace and rest for the Upright ; being a Sermon preached at the Funeral
of the Reverend Dr. John Bryan, sometime Minister of Trinity, in Coventry. By that
Worthy Preacher of God's Word, Mr. Nathaniel Wanley, Master of Arts, deceased, and
Successor to the said Doctor, in the aforesaid Parish. London, printed for John Smith,
Bookseller, in Coventry, 1681, 4to." In Nichols' Leicestershire, Vol. IV, p. 273, et seq., is
printed " The History of the IUustrious Family of the Fieldings, compiled out of many
Private Evidences, Charters, and Records, &c., about the year 1670; by Nathaniel Wanley,
M.A., Vicar of Trinity Church, Coventry." There is a preface by the author, and the
original work, written upon fine parchment, is in the possession of the noble family whose
history it records.
No other works of his have been printed, but the Harleian MS., No. 1579, contains two
Poems by him, and No. 6430, various Letters ; neither of the articles being of public interest
or of much importance : they were doubtless placed there by his son Humphrey whilst
Librarian to the Earl of Oxford. He gave to the Free School Library the foUowing MS.,
"Musica Ecclesiastica membrand script," in 4to.
From a note communicated by Baker, of Cambridge, to Hearne, and prefixed to his
Benedictus Abbas Petroburgensis, it appears that Wanley was not whoUy free from puritanism;
his words are, " He was educated in bad times, and might receive a tincture from the times."
Upon his death, in 1680,
SAMUEL BARTON, was appointed, viz., on 22nd December, in the same year, but he
soon vacated the Living ; as
JONATHAN KIMBERLBY, was instituted on the 15th of June foUowing (1681).
He was educated at Pembroke College, Oxford, in 1673 took his degree of M.A., and soon
after, says Wood, became a famed preacher in the University, which carried him to the
Vicarage of Trinity Church in Coventry. { He was subsequently Prebendary of West-
"¦ In the Catalogue of Sir William Musgrave's Collection of Engraved Portraits, sold in 1800, article 108, class
Clergy, contains " Nathaniel Wanley, 1675, title page." This I have never seen.
[f The Drapers' Company gave him GI., and the Mercers' H., with Ss. to his son for bringing them a copy of the
book. It was afterwards reproduced in quarto, and a new edition, with a few engravings, was published in 1806 in
2 vols. 8vo., edited by Wm. Johnston.]
[X Iu the City Council Book is the following entry : — 1681, 21st September. This house, taking into considera
tion the abUities and industry of Mr. Jonathan Kimberley, the present Vicar of Trinity, and his extraordinary pains
in preaching God's holy word, and likewise expounding in the summer season the Catechism, and considering the
smallness of the Vicarage, do for his encouragement allow 301. per annum.]
80 HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
minster, and Rector of Baginton and Leamington, in the County of Warwick. In 1684 he
was appointed Prebend of Colwich, in the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry ; and resigning
the Vicarage of Trinity in 1712,* was, in the year following, made Dean of Lichfield, where
he died March 1, 1719, and was .buried in the Lady Chapel of that Cathedral. His grave
stone, inscribed as follows, was removed when the Cathedral was repaired, and the Choir
enlarged. Hie jacent reliquiae reverendi et venerabilis viri Jonath. Kimberley, S. T. P. hujusce eccl. dignissimi nuper
decani ; vir fuit propter ingenii acumen, morum suavitatem, vit« sanctimonium, erga ecclesiam et rempublicam adeo
conspicuus et venerabilis ut amplissima meruerit encomia, ea vero modestia tanta humilitate prteditus ut vetnerit
omnia. Obiit supremo die mensis Martii, A.D. 1719, aetatis su» septuagesimo.
He published " Of Obedience for Conscience sake ;" a Sermon preached at the Assizes
held at War-wick, 7th August, 1683, on Romans, 13 — 5. London, 1684, 4to.
SAMUEL KIMBERLEY, S.T.P., succeeded to this Vicarage, on the resignation of his
Father, and his institution bears date Feb. 17, 1712. On the 2nd of March following, he was
made Prebendary of Hansacre, in the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry; and in 1719, the
Prebend of Pipe Parva was also given him ; at which time he was a Canon Residentiary of
Lichfield, and Vicar of Baginton. He died June 27, 1734, and was buried in Trinity
Church. JOHN MACKLIN was in the same year appointed to the Vicarage ; upon whose death,
in 1752, NATH. GERARD, M.A., succeeded, and having been Vicar 21 years, died on the 3rd of
April, 1773, being interred in this Church. His successor was
JOSEPH RANN, M.A., instituted in 1773. He pubhshed in 1776, and four following
years, an edition of "The Dramatic Works of Shakespeare," with Notes, in 6 vols. 8vo., and
dying September 13, 1811, [aged 79 years, was buried in the chancel of Trinity Church.
His monument is in the Archdeacon's Chapel.]
JOHN DAVIES, M.A., FeUow of Trinity CoUege, Cambridge, [performed the duties of
the Vicar from the time of the death of the last incumbent, but was not formally inducted
till August, 1815. In 1819, a gold cup was presented to him by the Directors of the Poor,
for his voluntary services in preaching on Sunday Evenings at the House of Industry. He
died on the 24th of August, 1828, aged 62 years, and was buried in Trinity Church. He was
much beloved by his parishioners, great numbers of whom attended his funeral.
WALTER FARQUHAR HOOK, M.A., Chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, son of the
Dean of Worcester, was born in 1 798, educated at Winchester, and Christ Church, Oxford ; was
inducted into the living, on Saturday, 13th of December, 1828. He read himself in on the
following day, but did not preach until February 15th. He greatly interested himself in the
welfare of the parish, in promoting the cause of education, and in the repairs of the fabric of
his Church. In October, 1835, he was presented by his congregation with a handsome
service of plate, weighing 363 ounces, as a testimonial of regard and esteem. f In 1837, he
took his degree of D.D., and was appointed to the Vicarage of Leeds, where he accomplished
a series of reforms in the Ecclesiastical condition of that large parish that will ever render
his name famous and dear to the people of Leeds. During the 22 years he held the Hving
the Parish Church was rebuilt, besides 20 other Churches in the parish; 17 parsonage houses,
"¦ At this time Trinity parish contained 697 houses.
t In 1838, his portrait, painted by Rosenburg, was placed in the Vestry, at the expense of the Vestry.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY. 81
21 schoolrooms, and the number of Clergy was increased from 25 to 60. By an Act of
Parhament passed in 1841, the old parish was divided into 17 parochial districts. In
February, 1859, he was appointed to the Deanery of Chichester, which he still retains, and in
his new sphere he has continued to labour with unabated energy. The work of restoring the
Cathedral has been mainly owing to his exertions. His Hterary labours have been most
remarkable and extensive.
JOHN HOWELLS, for 34 years Curate of Tipton, Staffordshire, succeeded Dr. Hook.
He held the living for over 19 years, and died on the 31st of December, 1856, aged 79 years.
He was buried in Coventry Cemetery, and was succeeded by
WILLIAM DRAKE, M.A., Second Master of the Grammar School, and Lecturer at
St. John's Church. After holding the Vicarage until 1864, he exchanged livings with the
Rector of Sedgebrook, near Grantham, Lincoln,
ALFRED WILLIAM WILSON, M.A., the present Vicar.]
The Prior and Convent of St. Mary's becoming Patrons of this Church, on its appro
priation to that Monastery, in the 44th of Henry 3, exercised the right of presentation to
the Vicarage, with only one exception before noticed, until the dissolution, since which time
the Patronage has been in the Crown.
CHAPELS.
OUR LADY'S CHAPEL.— The earhest mention of this Chapel that I have met with is
in the Cartulary of St. Mary's,* wherein, in 1364, certain land is described to be adjoining
that of WUHam de HuU, nunc capeUe, s'ce marie in eccl'a s'ce Trinitat.
By an Indenture of Agreement between the Master and Brethren of Corpus Christi
GUd and the Churchwardens of Trinity in 1392,t it appears that the Gild aforesaid held four
messuages, three acres of land, and £1. 6s. 8d. yearly rent, with sundry reversions, for the
finding an able priest to sing mass at the Altar of our blessed Lady, for the good estate of
King Richard and Anne his Queen, the whole realm of England, and all those by whom the
said Altar is sustained or amended, and for their souls after death. The said priest is to be
caUed St. Mary's Priest, and appointed by the Master of the Gild and Churchwardens.
He is to be at divine service on Sundays and double Feasts in the Chancel, and at
Matins, Hours, Masses, Evensong, CompHn, and other offices used in the said Church, and
also daily at Salve in our Lady's Chapel, unless hindered by reasonable cause.
If of vicious or dishonest Hving the said priest may be removed, and in case the Gild
fail to provide an able one they are to pay 8 marks per annum to the Churchwardens until a
priest is provided, and every Master of the Gild shall be sworn to fulfil truly all the premises
aforesaid. ¦* p. 101, a. t penes, T. S.
82 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
December 1,* 6th of Henry 4, 1404, WiUiam Southam and Richard KnoUes, merchants,
and John Heydon, priest, aU of Coventry, with Hcence from the King, bearing date at
Coventry, 10th November preceding (for which they paid 10 marks), and a like licence of the
Prince, dated also at Coventry the 9th of November (for wliich they paid 100s.), grant to
the Master and Fraternity of Corpus Christi Gild, 1| messuage, 1 mill, 4 acres of land, and
24s. 2d. rents, for the perpetual finding a priest to sing our Lady's mass, and other divine
service, at St. Mary's Altar, in the Church of the Holy Trinity. 1440, Robert Melborn's
Anniversary is directed to be celebrated in our Lady's Chapel.
In 1454* Emot Dowte bequeaths several tenements to St. Mary's Altar; and in 1477*
an Indulgence of 40 days was granted by the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield to aU those
who should devoutly come thither and hear mass solemnized, or pray for the souls of certain
benefactors thereto, or contribute to the Hghts and ornaments of the Chapel, with a Hke
indulgence also to Trinity Altar.
Richard Clyff,t "late Parson of Saynt George, in London," in 1492 bequeathed by
Will to Trinity Church, being his native parish, a Tenement in Well-street, " to the intent that
the messe of our Lady Saynt Mary the virgyn ther, may be obs'rved and contynued the
bett'r to the Laude of AUmighty god heraft'r."
In 1519, Nich. Burwey bequeaths 3s. 4d. to this Chapel.
The Corpus Christi GUd, in 1543, J purchased
ij yards brugs satten, for to mende Vestyme'ts in o'r ladyes chappell, vs. a yard of bokram, vd. one skene
of silke Id. ob. and paid " for workema'shypp, xijd."
1554,11 The "Receipts of our lady land, for the whole year," was £13. 12s. lOd.
Wm. Hyndeman, alias Joyner, of Coventry, Alderman, and Butcher, by WiU,§ dated
25th of August, 1558, directs his body to be buried in "our lady's Chappell, or els in the
bodye of ye churche, against Jesus Alt'r." " It' I gyve & bequeath to ow'r lady's chappell,
towards ye repai'yng of ye alt'r, xijc?. and yf the saide alt'r be newe made, w'thin a twelvemonth,
then I wyU that my executors shall gyve to ye makyng of ye saide al'tr, vjs. vHjci." And in
the same year, Richard Nicklyn, Alderman, directs his body to be buried in our Lady Chapel
here, giving to the Altar, 2s.
JESUS CHAPEL.— The MS. Annals of Coventry record that, in 1478, the Mass of
Jesus began in Trinity Church ; from whence, in the absence of better information, we may
conjecture that about this period the above-named Chapel was fitted up, or founded, though
as there is no trace of endowment or appointment of specific Priests, it is hardly probable
that it was endowed. In 1.558, William Hyndeman, named in the preceding article, bequeaths
to Jesus Altar, 12d. and if not buried in our Lady's Chapel, he desires to be interred "in the
bodye of ye churche, against Jesus Alt'r." An expression which certainly at first sight
conveys an idea that the Altar was in the body of the Church, and consequently the Chapel,
» Orig. penes, T. S. f Originals in Trinity Vestry. f GUd Accounts,
II Churchwardens' Accounts. § Copy in Trinity Vestry.
HOLT TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 83
but agadnst may as weU mean the end or side, as any other part, and then all the difficulty is
removed, for most assuredly Jesus Chapel was not in the body of the Church.*
In the Churchwardens' Accounts for 1560, are the following charges :
It'm for pavyng of ye hyghe awter & Jesus awter viij;?.
This was for making good the floor after removing the Altars.
It'm for carrying in ye organs in to Jesus chapell, iiijA
1561. It'm payd for coUeryng ye pyUar at Jesus awter, vjd.
It is obvious that the necessity for this colouring arose from the removal of the Altar in
the preceding year.
MARLER'S CHAPEL is on the north side of the Church, and eastward of the
north transept, and was, untU a few years ago, separated from the Church, as in its first
state; but in 1589 a seat is described in the Churchwardens' Accounts as being "in
Mr. Marler's Chapel;" and
In 1574 is the following item in the same Accounts :
Receyved of Mr. Wade ffor the carved wyndowes, oute of Marlares chappell, xxs.
Beneath this Chapel is a Charnel-house, into which there used to be an entrance from
the Churchyard, but in 1698 an order was made that the Porch or Pent-house leading into the
Charnel-house be taken down, and the wall made up, and also a trap door made within the
Chapel, and a ladder to go down.
[This chapel is now thrown open to the north chancel aisle and filled with sittings. The
bones having been removed and buried, the crypt is now closed ; it was formerly lighted by
three windows, the barred openings of which stiU remain on the north side. The inner roof
is of black oak, of low pitch, the western bay being covered with rich carvings of a very
late period, in which the vine is the leading feature. In the north waU is a piscina, and
south of the east window is a large plain recess. In the west wall are indications of a
hagioscope or squint, an opening in the waU to enable persons in the transept to see the
elevation of the host.]
ST. THOMAS'S CHAPEL adjoins the north porch on its eastern side, [occupying the
space between it and the north transept. It formerly communicated with the porch by
means of an early doorway divided by a shaft (having a foliated capital) into two openings
trefoUed in the heads ; within the outer arch is a circular opening. For many years this
doorway was walled up, but at the restoration of the church it was re-opened, and is now
fiUed with oak panel work, the upper portion of which is glazed. The ceiling is of oak,
paneUed, of very sHght pitch. Beneath it are the remains of a crypt, now occupied as a
coal cellar ; and above is a room, to which access is obtained by means of a steep stone stair
[* It is most probable that Jesus Chapel occupied the South Transept for the following reasons : it was in the
part of the Church nearest to Jesus HaU, and communicated with that portion of the churchyard in which it stood
by an external door, stUl observable on its western side. A passage formerly existed beneath this transept which was
known as the Jesus Passage. The position of the piscina, which is an elaborate one, and other indications, show that
the floor of this Chapel was at least 9 ft. above its present level. It was probably separated from the Church by an
open screen.]
84 HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
adjoining the porch, constructed in the thickness of the wall : this also communicates with
another room above the porch.]
In 1564* it appears that this chapel was fitted up with seats for the general use of the
congregation, and further charges for workmanship and materials there occur in 1570. [At
the general re-seating in 1856, this chapel was filled with sittings corresponding to those in
the body of the church.]
Previous to the Reformation there were several other Chapels in this Church, little more
than the names of which are now known ; and, excepting the Butchers' Chapel, no documents
have been discovered serving to identify their situations ; the evidence of their existence
will, however, be found in the following extracts : —
BUTCHERS' CHAPEL.-
1561.*' It' payd for swepyng ye churche in ye bochers chapell, xijd.
1568. It' payd for makinge a Seayt at the Bochers Chappell dore, vijd.
In the 9th of Henry 8, 1517, at a meeting of the Butchers' Company it was agreed that
the Master shall keep his dinner, and make his offering on St. Luke's day, and the Company
kept two Obitst in this Church.
In 1627 is an item of "^the charges of taking up & new casting & layinge ofthe leads
near the Vicar's house, over the Butchers' Chapel."
The last item proves this Chapel to have been on the south side of the Church, and
I apprehend it was eastward of the transept, being the space into which the south door
of the Church formerly opened, and which, undoubtedly, was one of the ancient Chantry
Chapels in this Church : the door was enlarged in 1 774, " according to a plan by Mr. Pickford,"
and was executed in the same bad taste as the windows there. This door is now removed,
and its place occupied by a window.
In the accounts of the Trinity Gild, 36th of Henry 8, 1544, is the following item :
" candel in eccli'a sc'e Trinit'," though for what particular service or establishment there,
does not appear.
DYERS' CHAPEL. — In the Churchwardens' Accounts are the foUowing notices in
reference to this Chapel : —
1578. It'm, payed ij carpenters for ij dayes worke in the dyers chapell, ijs, viijd.
1600. A seat is described "next to the Staires of the Diers Chap.," and there is
also mention of a window in the Chapel.
1631. making a door for the diers Chapel Stairs.
ST. ANDREW'S CHAPEL.— The Churchwardens' Books have the foUowing item :—
1566. "pd for makinge up an arche ov'r Saynt andro's chappell, ijs. viijd."
" Churchwardens' Accounts. f Churchwardens' Accounts.
HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. ' 85
MERCERS' CHAPEL. — In the same records, 1589, a Seat is described as "under the
Mercer's ChappeU."*
BARKERS' OR TANNERS' AISLE.— The Tanners' or Barkers' was a very ancient,
and, from their supporting both a Priest and Pageant, a somewhat opulent Company.
Their records are destroyed, but as the Company certainly maintained a Priest.t and also
celebrated the Obit J of John Butler in this Church, we are warranted in concluding that they
had an estabhshment if not a Chapel there.
1565. pd for mending leads ov'r Barkers ayle, " inter alia."
1598. Leade and other Charges for the Tanners lyle, 191. 8s.
On the 17th of March, 1752, an order of Vestry was made that the seat at the west end
of the Church near the south wall, caUed the Tanners' Seat, should be enlarged and set in
places or single sittings at Easter.
Of the foregoing Chapels in this Church, the situations of three only have been
ascertained ; but there is a piscina against the south wall, nearly opposite the font, proving
that an altar was near adjoining ; there are also traces of an altar in the present Consistory
Court, and both a locker and a piscina, in the old Vestry, which has undoubtedly been a
Chapel.
CHANTRIES.
CBLLBT'S, or CORPUS CHRISTI CHANTRY, was in the South transept over the
Vault. " Collet's Chantry," says Dugdale, " was founded by one WiUiam CeUet, in Edw. 3rd
time, for one Priest to sing mass dayly for the soul of the said WilHam and his parents : but
I find no more than pne only Priest presented to it by the Prior of Coventry, scil. 4 Cal. Oct.
1356," Of Corpus Christi Chantry, he could only discover the appointment of three Priests
successively in Edward 3rd time ; " but when it was founded, by whom, or how dissolved (he
writes), I cannot say.'
. ))
Now that these were one and the same Chantry, called by different names, will appear
from the following document, dated at Coventry, on St. John Evangelist's Day, 1329, || 3rd
Edward 3, by which Richard de Solihul, Priest of Coventry, grants to Sir John de Caldecote,
Priest, and his successors, secular Priests, in Corpus Christi Chapel, adjoining Trinity Church,
a CurtUage of Land, and a Tenement in Broad-gate ; with reversion of three other tenements
by consent of Henry de Leycester, then Prior of Coventry, and for the health of the souls of
WiUiam Celet, Thomas Celet, and JuHan his Wife, parents of Mr. WilHam Celet, Richard le
Mercer, and PetronUla his Wife, and the said Prior Henry, as also Henry and Letice, his
"¦ Richard Marler was a Mercer, aud it is possible that Marler's and the Mercers' Chapel were the same.
t Pisford's WiU. } Certificate 1st of Edward 6.
II Original in Treasury, Box 105. ad quod dampnum, 1 Edw. 3, No, 29.
86 HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
parents, and Sir William de Hereford, for all the faithful living and dead, for holy mother
Church, and for the good estate of the Cathedral Church of St. Mary, in Coventry, with the
Prior and Convent of the same. The said John de Caldecote and his successors devoutly
to perform divine service for the souls before named, to bind themselves by oath, to personal
residence, and not to undertake any other office that may in the smallest degree impede
the daily celebration of divine service, with Placebo, dirige, and commendation, the 7 Psalms
and 15 Psalms, with Litany and this prayer "deus cui p'pu est miserere," or "deus
omniu' conditor' " (unless by rule it is said by the Choir) .
The said John de Caldecote and his successors, shaU also swear to preserve the BuUdings
in repair, and neither conduct themselves dishonestly nor insolently ; failing in any of these
points, the Prior and Convent shall have power of removal. Concerning the Vestments,
ChaHces, and ornaments of the said Chapel, the Priest shall sustain and preserve them, and
provide Bread, Wine, and Wax. The Vestments belonging to the Chapel are a loose robe,
closed before and behind, and a long Vestment (CoUobrium), reaching to the heels ; these
are in no wise to be omitted. The Oblations received in the Chapel are to be given the
Vicar for the time being, and on the death or resignation of the Priest, the Prior and Convent
shaU, within fifteen days, appoint a successor to be approved by the diocesan.
Moreover the Prior and Convent grant, that the enclosure between Trinity Church
and the Chapel aforesaid, as constructed by Master William Celet, shaU continue undisturbed,
so that the parishioners are not impeded by the said Sir John, or his successors from entering
therein, while divine obsequies are celebrated.
The Patronage of this Chantry was soon disputed, for in an ancient MS. in French,
written in the time of King Edward the 3rd*, " amongst numerous complaints by the Prior
and Convent against Queen Isabel, in one of which the following is a translation : —
" Also, my said Lady hath in like manner drawn to her the Advowson of one Chantry, in Coventry, lately
ordained by Mr. Wm. Seletts, whereof the Collation is to the said Prior, and she hath given it to one of her Clerks, by
reason whereof the Almes for which that was ordained, are unserved and sinfully deceived."
By the famous Tripartite, 29th Edward 3, 1355, however, it was determined, that the
Advowson should revert to the Prior and Convent, and accordingly, the Queen executed a
Deed to that effect, wherein it was provided, that the Priest then holding the Chantry should,
by a new Collation of the Prior, be continued in the same. The Corpus Christi Gild seem
to have assisted in the serving of the Chantry, for at the foot of an inventory of their jewels,
plate, and vestments, in 1493, is the foUowing : —
It'm a nodyr Chalys that longs to Corpus x'pi ChapeU, & that ys in the kepyng of St. x'pofer Ive.
In 1519t., Nich. Burvey, Fishmonger of Coventry, bequeaths to this Chapel, 3s. 4d.
1529J. The Prior and Convent appoint Su- Thomas Per'tt, to CeUet's Chantry, with the
perpetual Vicarage of Stoke ; the conditions of his appointment are very strictly conformable
to Richard de SolUiuU's grant.
In the 37th of Henry the 8th, 1545, this Chantry was certified to be of the clear yearly
value of £3. 8s. 8d. after deducting reprisals, 8s. 3|d. It was also certified that WilHam
'* Burton's MS. p. 112. f Orig- penes T.S. f Orig. in the Treasury.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 87
Henryson, Vicar of Stoke, was appointed thereto by the late Prior and Convent, in
augmentation of his Hving, being only worth 40s. per annum. His name appears in the
Pension RoU,* 1555, 2 and 3 PhUip and Mary.
Will'me Stoke, aUas Henryson, Incimib' Cantaria vocat CeUet's Chauntrie, p. an. 60s.
In 1548,t 2nd of Edward 6, the rental to the Corporation, who had then purchased
the possessions of this Chantry, was £2. 3s. 8d.
NAMES OP THE CHANTRY PRIESTS.
(6) 1329, John de Caldecote. . (7) Roger de LaUeford. (8) 1342, John de Caldecote.
(9) 1349, Henry de Aston. (10) 1356, John de LaUeford. (11) 1861, Thomas de Pulteney.
6 Deed, anno, 1329, supra. 7— 8 Northb. f. 40 b. 9 Northb. f. 48 a. 10 Northb. f. 60 a. II Strett. fo. 11 a.
PERCYE'S CHANTRY was founded by WiUiam Copston and Peter Percye, for two
priests to sing mass for their souls and their parents for ever, within the parish church of the
Trinity. J Dugdale, after describing it as the most ancient Chantry in this Church, but
without specifying the precise period of its foundation, proceeds to notice the endowment of
it in the " 23rd of Edward 3,|| 1349, by Nich. Percy, John de Fylingley, and Henry MoUyng,
with six messuages, one shop, six acres of land, and 40s. rent, lying in Coventre, for main
tenance of one priest to sing mass dayly at the altar of AU Saints, for the good estate of the
said Nich. and Beatrice his wife, and of John Percy, priest, whilst they should live in this
world ; and for their souls after their departure hence : as also for the souls of John Percy
and Peter Percy ; and of the father and mother of the said Nicholas, with all the faithful
deceased." The advowson of this Chantry was soon given to the Prior and Convent ; but
in the 46th§ of Edward 3, 1372, John de Belton,T[ priest, was appointed by the Bishop of
Coventry and Lichfield to a moiety thereof, on the presentation of John Percy.
" ad medietatem p'petui Cantarie, que vocat' Cantaria de P'cy, iu eccl'ia s'ce Trinitatis, Coventr' de novo fundat',
& ordinat' n're dioc' vacant' ad quam p' Joh'em Percy, de Coventr', Capell'm veru' ejusd' Cantarse hac prima vice
duntaxat patronu' nob' p'sentatus existis te admittimus & Capell'm p'petuu' instituimus cano'ce iu ead'm.
This John de Belton, with WilHam his brother, in 1389, in an indulgence** granted by
them to WUHam Holderness, are thus described : ," Camerarii Custos & confratres x'pi
pauperum hospitalis S'ci Thome Cantuariens' in Urbe Roma;" and in 1378 William was
presented to the second moiety of this Chantry, on presentation of the aforenamed John Percy.
In the 9th of Henry 4,tt 1407, another priest was added to this Chantry, towards whose
maintenance WUHam Botonor, John Egerton the elder, and John Drye, of Coventry, priest,
gave one messuage and twenty-four acres of land, lying in Coventry.
In the 26th of Henry 8, 1534, the value of it was certified to be £10. 10s. per annum,
beyond aU reprises; but the survey, 37th of Henry 8, 1545, states the clear revenue to be
£11. 19s. 8d., and the payments £2. 4s. In 1548, rental to the Corporation, £5. lis. 8d.
¦* Orig. in British Museum. f Accounts in Treasury. J Survey, 37th Henry 8.
II ad quod dampnum, 23rd Edward 3, No. 53. § Original penes, T. S.
^ A Deed of feoffment, in Treasury, 17th Rich. 2, containing a minute description of the possessions of the
Trinity GUd, mentions certain land in the Poddy Croft, as adjoining land belonging " ad Cantar' Joh'is de Belton."
This must mean the above Chantry. '•"* Original penes, T. S.
tt Calendarium Rotulorum Pat. 9th Henry 4, p. 1. m. 29, 2, 12. Ad quod damp, 9th Henry 4, 39.
88 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
Robert Walker and William Queneborough, the Chantry Priests here at the dissolution,
were living in 1555, and received an annual pension each of 100s.
The following is a Hst of aU the Chantry Priests whose names have been discovered.
John de Belton, 1372, admitted to a moiety on the presentation of John Percy.
Will, de Belton, 1378, presented by the same John Percy to the other moiety.
WiU. Lewyn, 6th of August, 1411, presented by the Prior and Convent to a moiety.
Tho. Auston, 21st of October, 1411, presented by the same to the remaining moiety, on
the death of Will, de Belton.
Tho. Duston.
Rob. Fawax, or Fawx.
John Brown, 1430, to the moiety, vacant by death of Wm. Lewyn.
Ric. Bulkyngton, 1449, to the other moiety, vacated by death of Fawx.
Wm. Brasier, a moiety.
John Lewds, 1476, succeeded on the death of Brasier.
John Gylbert, 1480, a moiety.
Rich. Leylond, a moiety.
John HaU, on the resignation of Leylond.
Tho. Bishop, a moiety.
Rob. Crymholm, 1494, a moiety, on the death of Lewis.
Gilb. Shirlacurs, 1497, on resignation of Cromholm.
Will. Eorestoghe, 1504, on resignation of Shirlacurs.
WiU. Dethyke.
Will. Byls, 1510, on resignation of Dethyke.
Nic Scamadyne, 1529, to a moiety.
Rob. Walker, 1541.
Wm. Queneborough.
The situation of this Chantry has not been ascertained.
CHANTRY OF THE HOLY CROSS.— "This was founded," says Dugdale, "in the
30th of Edward 3,* 1356, by WilHam de Davyntre, Henry MoUing, Robert le Spenser,
Gilbert de Peek, Richard de Fillyngley, John Luk, Richard de Godesvowes, Richard de
Northampton, Geffrey de Peek, John le Baxtere, Henry de Whitemore, Adam de Keresley,
and Richard Teynton, of Coventre, for two priests to sing mass daily at the altar of the
Holy Cross, in this Church, for the good estate of King Edward the 3rd, and of IsabeU,
Queen of England, his mother, Queen Philippa his consort, and of aU their children ; as also
for the good estate of the said WiUiam, Henry, and the rest aforementioned ; and Hkewise
of all the brethren and sisters of the fraternity of the Holy Cross, of Coventre, whUst they
Hved, and for their souls after their decease ; and for the souls of all the said King's pro
genitors ; and of the ancestors of the said William de Davyntre, &c. ; for the maintenance
of which two priests they gave seven messuages, fourteen shops, and six acres of land, lying
in this city." Nothing has occurred to determine the situation of this Chantry.
"¦ Ad quod dampnum, 20th Edward 3, No. 53.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY. 89
LODYNGTON'S, or LOGYNGTON'S CHANTTRY, was founded, says Dugdale, " in
the 16th of Richard 2, 1392, by William Haynton and John Bromcote, priests, for one priest
to sing mass in this Church, for the good estate of AHce, the widow of Roger de Lodynton,
and for her soul after her departure out of this world ; and for the soul of the said Roger de
Lodinton, his father and mother, and of aU the faithful deceased."
The survey, 37th of Henry 8, 1545, states the clear yearly value to be £2. Os. 3d.,
deducting 18s. 9d. for reprisals, and that the said Chantry was given to Richard Capenhurste,
Vicar of Exhall, in augmentation of his Hving, the small tithes whereof amounted to only
£3. 6s. 8d. per annum. In 1555 the name of Nicholas Capenhurste occurs in the hst of
incumbents of dissolved rehgious establishments, receiving an annual pension of 40s. In
1548 the amount of rental to the Corporation was £2. 19s. 4d.
In what part of the Church this Chantry was has not been ascertained.
ALLESLEY'S CHANTRY, m St. Thomas's Chapel, was founded by WiUiam de Allesley,
in Edward Ist's time,* for one priest to sing mass daily at the altar of St. Thomas the Martyr,
in a Chapel near adjoining to the north porch of this Church.
The clear yearly value was certified in the 26th of Henry 8, 1534, to be £4. 17s., but in
the 37th of Henry 8, 1545, only £4. 8s. 6d., after deducting for reprisals £1. lis. 2d.
In 1548 the Corporation Rental was 16s. 4d. ; and in 1555 Thomas Barnes, the last
Chantry Priest, is stated to receive annuaUy a like sum of £4. 8s. 6d. as a pension.
In 1564* it appears that this Chapel was fitted up with seats for the general use of the
Congregation; and further charges for workmanship and materials there occur in 1570.t
John de Croxton, 1296.
John de Caldecote.
Nicholas Stacey, 1361.
Richard de Blaby, 1378.
WUHam Bossale, 1397.
John Holberg, 1434.
WilHam Monemouth, 1440.
John Norton, 1463.
Richard Leyland, 1484.
John Smith, 1499.
Thomas Barnes, 1535.
CHANTRY PRIESTS.
Ralph de Stanton.
WUHam de LaUeford, 1336.
Nicholas de Crouland.
John Haydon, 1396.
Roger Repynton, 1429. J
John Thurment, 1434.
WiUiam PhUip, 1453.
Robert Prestwold, 1470.
James Withamsey, 1491.
John Harrys, 152-5.
Walter de Mutton, 1334.
Henry de Aston, 1349.
WUHam Suwet, 1365.
WiUiam Bacon.
WiUiam Deene, 1432.
Andrew Archer.
WiUiam Umfrey, 1455.
John Sutton.
Thomas Bishoppe.
WiUiam Bate, 1534.
"" Dugdale. t Churchwardens' Accounts, sub armo.
X In the Register Heywood his admission is described to be " ad Cant' sancti Tho. Martyris super Tharneram in
eccl. S. Trin. fund. p. W. AUesley.' '
N
90 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
MARLER'S CHANTRY, for want of better information, is by Dugdale (though with
some hesitation) fixed in St. Michael's Church.
It was founded by Richard Marler,* whose WiU bears date 18th of Henry 8,t 1526, and
in the survey, 37th of Henry 8, 1545, is thus minutely described : —
Cantaria, voc' Marler Chauntry.
Revenue (particulars stated) 8^. 14s. 7d. Reprisals, 71. Vis. 9d.
Et Reman' Glare p' annum, 16s. lOd.
Payments. — Stipend of one priest, GI. An Obit, 17s. 7d. Wine and Wax, 21. 19s. 7d.
Thomas Dawnes, Bailiif, 10s.
Memorand'. One Rycharde Marler, WyUyd and declared by hys laste WyU, that hys ffeofEees, beyng seased to
hys use of the forseyde lands and Ten'ts, sholde stand styll seased of and in ev'y p'te and p'ceU of the same, and
that thay sholde p'mytt and suffer the Wardens of the Cytie of Coventrye aforeseyd, for the tyme beyng, and there
Successors, yerely to take, levye, and receyve, all and singler Rents, Revenuewes, yssues, and p'fytts of them, yerely
comyng, for the mayntaynyng of certayne chargs, p'tic'lerly exp'ssed for the dyryge. And also, that the seyd Wardens
sholde well and truly paye unto Sr Harry Marler, preste, duryng hys lyfEe, nyne marks sterlyng, for hys Stypende and
wagis, to be payde to hym q'art'ly, by the hands of the seyd Wardens, to sey Messe in the Chapell, ISylded ov'r the
place of the beryall of the seyd Rychard Marler. And after his decease the seyde Wardens, by the assent of Mr.
Mayer, and syx of hys Bretherne, shold appoynt and admytt an honeste preste to say Messe in the seyd Chappell, to
pray ffor the soule of the seyd JRy chard e Mailer, and for aU xprysten soules, and to kepe dyvyne s'vyse in the quyre.
And he to have the seyde Stypend or wagis of nyne Marks by yere, so long as he shall be of good and prestely cpn-
versacyon and demeanor, wt a p'vyso, that yf the seyde preste be ffonnd otherwyse, aft'r monyc'ou and Reasonable
warnyng to hym geven, he to be removed, and an other to be put in hys seyde rowme, at the dyscrecyon of the seyde
Wardens, by thassent of Mr. Mayor, and syx of hys bretherne, always to be had, for the seyd preste to be admytted
to the same, as by the WyU and Testament of the seyde Rycharde Marler, more playnely yt may appere. And that
one Sir Rycharde Branker, ys the second Stypendarye preste that hathe bene, syns the dethe of the seyd Rycharde
Marler, in the seyd s'vyse, whoo ys payde yerely by the hands of the seyd Wardens.
The will directs aU the surplus revenue to be spent upon the Ornaments of this Chapel,
and reparations of the City's Land and Tenements.
Richard Branker, the second and last Chantry Priest, received in 1555, a pension of 100s.
ALTARS.
The foUowing Altars appear to have existed in this Church before the Reformation.
HIGH ALTAR. — 1448, John Lusterley, Merchant, bequeaths 10s. "summo altari
ecl'ie pd'ce," and a like bequest is made by Nich. Burwey, 1519. In 1558, Richard Nicklyn,
Alderman, bequeaths 2s. to the same Altar.
The ensuing items occur in the Church Accounts for 1560, at the removal and destruction
of it :—
It'm for takyng upp ye steps of ye hy awter, Sc carrying away ye sand, ijs. vjd.
It'm ye pavynge of ye hyghe awter & jesus awter, viijd.
It'm beryng owt ye rammeU of ye auter, vs.
It'm a pece to stoppe ye place wher ye awter stodde, xs.
It'm at ye cum'andement of mr hurt to a carvar, xs.
It'm takyng down ye carvyng abowt ye hye awter, ijs. vjd.
E'd of Mr. Meyr for the panyllyng of ye awter, xxxiijs. iiijri.
R'd for the vayle, vs.
R'd for ye thyng y't ye sacrament was in, over ye awter, xijd.
R'd for a heyre y't was uppon ye awter, vd.
" He was a Mercer, and was Mayor in 1508. f Copy in Treasury.
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 91
TRINITY ALTAR. — The Patron Altar of this Church, we may reasonably conclude,
was neither neglected in the splendour of its ornaments, or ample attendance, but we have
Httle documentary evidence upon the subject.
In 1477, an indulgence of 40 days was granted to this and St. Mary's Altar, the
particulars of which have been already specified under " Our Lady's Chapel."
In 1519, Nich. Burwey directs his body to be interred "in the South Isle (of this
Church), before the table* of the Trinitie there."
It appears from the ensuing entry in the Churchwardens Accounts that this Altar was
endowed with lands to a considerable amount, but nothing has occurred to give further Hght
upon the subject.
1554, Receipts of the Trinitie land for the whole year, 17/. ISs. Sd.
JESUS ALTAR has been already mentioned under the head Jesus Chapel : Richard
Nicklyn, Alderman, in 1558, bequeaths 2s. to it.
ALL SAINTS' ALTAR was in Percy's Chantry, as is there shown.
HOLY CROSS ALTAR was in the Chantry, whose name it bears.
ST. MARY'S, or OUR LADY'S ALTAR, has likewise been mentioned in the account
of the Chapel of that name.
ALTAR OF ST. THOMAS THE MARTYR.— This was in St. Thomas's Chapel
before described.
Besides the Altars already enumerated, there were certainly Altars both in Logyngton's
and Marler's Chantries ; and probably in the Dyers', St. Andrew's, Butchers', and Mercers'
Chapels ; to these may be added, for the reasons afore-assigned, the Tanners' or Barkers'
Altar, making an aggregate of 15 Altars within this Church.
OBITS AND ANNIVERSARIES.
Of these, the Anniversary of Robert Melbom occurs the first in point of time. By
Indenture,t bearing date the 8th of March, 19th of Henry 6 (1440), the Wardens of this
Church, with consent of the whole parish, and in grateful remembrance of gifts and
ornaments, J to the value of Fifty Pounds, given by Robert Melborn, covenant with the
* Query, whether the Altar or figure of the Trinity. f Preserved in Vestry of Trinity Church.
X 1443, this year died Robert Melbom, who gave many jewels to Trinity Church. MS. Annals.
92 HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
Master and brethren of Corpus Christi GUd, to celebrate annually for ever, in the Chapel of
the Virgin Mary, an Anniversary for the souls of the said Robert and his Wife after their
decease, with Exequies and Mass of Requiem, at the cost and charges of the said Wardens.
For the due performance of all which, the present and future Churchwardens shaU, imme
diately after election, be sworn before the Vicar for the time being ; and the Master of
Corpus Christi Gild and his successors shall attend the celebration of the aforesaid Anni
versary, and receive 20d. immediately after Mass is finished.
In 1492, Richard Clyff, late Parson of St. George, London, bequeaths by Will* to the
Church of the Holy Trinity, in which parish he was born, a Tenement in Well Street,
" to the entent, that the messe of our lady saynt mary the virgyn ther may be obs'rved & contynued, the bett'r to
to the laude of AUmighty god heraft'r ; and also that the Wardeyns of the same Church, for the tyme beinge yerely,
for ev'more, obs'rve & kepe w'tin the same Church, in the vigyll of Saynt Alphege, placebo, and dirige ov'r nyght, by
ij well-dysposyd p'stys, there to be said devoutly w'tout note ; and on the morowe aft'r, ayther of the same p'stys,
to say messe of Requiem for the soules of John Clyff, Sc Margarete hys vryff, hys fEader & moder, hys own Soule, all
hys fEreudys Saulys, Sc all Crystyan Saulys,"
On default of performance at any time of this Obit, the Tenement lapses to Trinity Gild.
He also gives his books to the aforesaid Church, excepting "port-houses & sawters, and a
lytyll boke of dyv'se Works of St. Augustyn," otherwise bequeathed.
Robert Burnell, pewterer, of Coventry, by deed of Feoffment, dated 6th of March,
13th of Henry 7 (1497) conveys to certain Feoffees, all his lands, tenements, rents, &c., iu
Coventry, to perform and fulfil his Will, " which is thus :
flirst, I woll, that the Wardeyns Sc kepers of the Ornaments of the Trinite Church, in Coventr', for ev' yerely,
the day of my decesse, kepe an Obbyte, in the seid Church, with direge ov'r Even, and Masse of Requiem, on the
Morowe, for the Soules of me the seid Robert Burnell, my wyffes, our faders & moders, and aU true x'pen Soules ; at
which Direge shall be yerely spent, xvs. in forme ensuyug : flirst, to the Maister of Corpus x'pi Gilde, for the tyme
beyng, to ov'se the direge and Masse .so to be don, xvjd. and to his Clerk for the bryngyng of ye paule, iiij<f. It' to
X pristes of the same Church, iijs. ivd. It' to iij Clerks, vid. to ij Ghyldern, ij^. It' for the wast of ij Tapi's, ijd.
It' to the Clerkes for ryngyng, viij^. It' iiijs. to be dalt iu Almes, the same Day to pore people. It' in bredde & Alle,
at the same Dyrege, iijs. xd. It' to the Bebnan, to goo aboute the Town, iiijfi. and ov'r that, iiij(Z. yerely, to the
p'issh prist, of the Trinite Church, for tyme beyng, for the Beedroule to rememb'r my Soule wekely, ev'y Sonday
in the pulpette.
In the Certificate, 1st of Edward 6, 1547, the charges are stated to be 15s. 6d.
Thomas Bowde, Vicar of Trinity, by WiU,t dated 22nd of March, 1507, having
bequeathed Jesus HaU to the use of the Church, stipulates, inter alia, that the Church
wardens shall pay to the Vicar, or other priest residing in the said Hall, 20d. if they are
present at Exequies and Mass of Requiem, on the day of his Obit, which is perpetuaUy to be
observed. Also to the Mayor of Coventry, if he offers Id. in time of Mass, for the" health
of his soul, the sum of 20d. In like manner, the Master of the Gild, two Sheriffs, two
seniors of the parish, the Vicar of St. Michael, and the Master of St. John's Hospital,
offering one half-penny each, are to receive 5d. To the poor of the parish, " non vagantibus,"
5s., and to the ringers for four peals, 12d.
In the Certificate, 1st of Edward 6, the charges are stated to be 43s.
[Nicholas Burwey of this city, fishmonger, 20th October, 1519, bequeaths his body to be
"¦ Copy in Vestry. f Copy in Vestry.
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTEY. 93
buried in Trinity Church, and directs that his Obit be kept by the celebration of a dirge over
night in Jesus HaU, and a Mass on the morrow, with ten priests, four clerks, and two
children. Among the charges are the following items : —
To every priest, id.; clerk, 2d.; child. Id.; to his relations, id,; to the clerks for ringing four peals. Is.; for
setting forth the hearse, 2d.; for wax, id.; for the pall, id.; for the offering at mass, Id. To be spent after the
dirge — cakes, Is.Gd.; ale, 9d.; wine, Is.Sd.; cheese, Sd.; to the poor in alms, id.
To meet these annual expenses he had put into feoffment his dwelling honse, and some land
known as the "Stripe" on the north side of St. Nicholas' Church. His wife to keep. the
obit and enjoy the estate ; on her death, it was to descend to the Masters of Trinity Gild,
who were to see the anniversary kept ; if it was by them neglected, the Overseers of Our
Lady's rent in Trinity Church were to have it in Hke manner. And to secure the full
performance of his wishes, he leaves Is. 8d. to the Mayor, 8d. to the Town Clerk, and Is. 4d.
to the Churchwardens.*]
Dr. Thomas Orton,t Vicar of this Church, by WUl, dated 1524, directs "that of xlijZi.
left by him in the handes of his sister Joane (his funeralls beinge deducted), there be bought
ground by Mr. Heywood and Mr. Powell to p'forme an Anni'sarye in Trynitie Church, in
Coventrie for ever, of xxvjs. vujcZ."
In the Certificate, 1st of Edward 6, the charges are 13s. 5d.
WUHam Hyndman,J aUas Joyner, of Coventry, Alderman (and butcher), by Will dated
25th of August, 1558, directs his body to be buried in "owr lady's ChappeU, or els in the
boddye of ye churche against Jesus Altar."
It' I wyll to be dault amongst ye poore people, the day|| before my dep'tyng, xxtis. It' my wyll ys, that my
executors shaU see me onestlye brought to ye grownde, accordyng to ye use Sc coostom, as allderme' ar woont to be
buryed,§ towards ye charges wherof, I give xxti nobles, to be leveyd of my qwyck cattell, and yf yt be to lyttle, then
I wyU that Syble, my wyfte, shaU ley downe xxs. more.
After ordering his Obit to be kept at the charge of his wife during her life, he directs —
yt ther shalbe yerly, after the death of Syble, my wyffe, an obbett kept yerlye for evar, in the trynytie church
aforesaide, and that there be bestowyed in dirige & masse, ryngyng, & syngyug, Sc to ye poor, Sc for settyng of ye
hearse, vjs. viijd.
In the Certificate^F of aU the Lands and Rents given for the maintenance of Obits and
Lights within the County of Warwick, 1st of Edward 6, the following Obits are stated to be
kept in this Church : —
Obits kept by the Churchwardens out of the revenues of Lands, Tenements, and Rents
belonging to the Church.
John Padlond, the yearly cost
26
8
Mr. Bowde
43
0
Doctor Orton
18
5
John Hadlaye
15
2
Mr. Bornell
15
6
.John Doun
5
0
John Maynlaye (Vicar, 1443)
7
10
William Baxter &
Sir Richard Bruar
6
a
WOUam Bedell
7
11
Thomas Warren
21
4
* Coventry Charities, 1783, p. 55, and Appendix No. 4.
t Ancient Extract in Vestry. X Ancient Copy in Vestry. || Sic,
§ He gives to the Fellowship of Butchers, lOs., Cappers, Weavers, Smiths, and Shearmen and Taylors, 23, each,
that the said FeUowships may attend his Funeral. t Original penes, W. Hamper, Birmingham.
94 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
viz. " to threten preists iiijs. iiij(2., to thre clarks vjd., to two children ijd., for ryngyng vjd., for setting the
herse ijd., for wax iiij(?., to the Maior xxA, for the paule Sc beUman viijd., to poore people vjs. viijd., for breade and
ale iijs. iiij(i., for wyne and spices iiij<?."
Obits kept by divers Crafts or Companies.
[John Butler's Obit was kept by the Tanners' Company, with part of the revenues of one
croft, with appurtenances in Radford, bestowing yearly thereat 5s. 4d., and for two pounds
of wax, 8d. ; total 6s.
Tedd's Obit was kept by the Butchers, with part of the yearly rent of two stables in the
New Rents (now King Street) without Bishopgate, paying yearly to four priests, 16d., to
their clerks 6d., for ringing 6d., for offering Id., for bread and ale 20d. ; total, 4s. Id. Sir
WUliam Hardy's Obit was also kept by the same gild at a charge of 9s. lid. In 1563, and
for many subsequent years, the Butchers' Company paid the Bailiff of Oheylesmere 13s. Id.
for " the ij Obetts."] s. d.
John Butler, by the Tanners' Company, charges 6 0
Mayster Tedd, by the Butchers' Company 4 1
Sir WiUiam Hardy, by the Butchers' Company 9 11
David Blackwall, by the Whitawers' Company 10 0
JESUS HALL. — Joane Hudson, Widow, kept by the Priests and Commoners of Jesus
HaU, out ofthe revenues of Skots close, without Spon-end, at the yearly charge of 10s.
At the sale of the Gild and Chantry possessions, most of the property bequeathed for
Obits was included in the purchase made by the Corporation in 1552 ; but it appears that
the parish continued for some time to rent from the new possessors their portion, for in the
Churchwardens' Accounts of 1560, under the head "payments for cheff-rents," occurs the
following item :
payd to Jhon sneyd, for obbetts, vij?. xviijs. iiij<?.
N.B. — Sneyd was at that time the CoUector of Rents and Tithes for the Corporation.
VESTMENTS.
In the Leet Book, is this entry in 1426 :
Memorand, that on vj day ofEeverer, ye forseid mayr (Giles Allesley), did calle before in sent Nicholas haUe,
men yt were owyng of ye trinite parishe, dyv'rs somes, of ye time of kinge henry ye fourthe, to go to the use of ye
vestments of ye trinite churche, and so yei grauuted yrto.
Amongst the writings in Trinity Vestry is the foUowing account of Vestments and
banners, sold 1547, in consequence of the Reformation :
Sold the vj day of Jenuery, v copps of red teyssew to Mr. Roghers, now mayre (and 4 other persons), pryce of
ye sayd copes, xii.
I't to mr, Damport & Jhon West, ij other copes of red tessew, iijli. vjs. viijd.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 95
Mr. Jeyner, a cope off red velvet, xxxiijs. iiij<i.
Mr. SchewyU, a grene velvet cope, xxxs.
To bawd'e dosseld, one cope of red velvet, vii.
Mr. Smyth, Ventener, iij cops of whyt damaske, pryce vii. xs.
Thomas Kyrven, ij olde copes, pree xxxiijs. iiij(?.
Jhon Snayde & Thomas Sandars, ij blew copes, price xxxvjs. iiij(i.
Symon Cowten, a whyt cope, xs. bawden doseld, ij olde copes, xs.
Thomas owrrs, on' banar clothe, ijs. Mr. Harford, one banar clothe, xvjd.
Rychard Nonde, on' strem'r, xxA.
The restoration of the Old ReHgion by Queen Mary again introduced the splendid
apparatus of the Romish Church ; and the ensuing Inventory wUl show the state of Trinity
Church in this respect, as weU as containing some other interesting particulars :
An Inventorye'* of goods & platt, xxith of Janwarry, 1558.
Inp'mus on' pyxe of selvar & gyllt. It'm a selver crosse gyltt w't affioot.
It' iij geltt chauUes wethe ye iij patt's.
It' on' brokkoun gylt chauUes wethe ye pattens, weyeing xv o'ns & a d'z.
It' a d'oss of selvur spouns, weyeing xiij ons & a d'z.
It' a paxe of coppar & geltt. It' iiij corporys casses and ij corporys cloths.
It' iiij copps (copes). It' iiij best veystments.
It'm more & coerssar veysmente. It'm iij teynnakouls (tunicle, vide St. Michael's.)
It'm iiij stremars. It'm v bannar clothes.
It' ij peyntted clothes fior ye seypoulkur.t It' iiij haubs (albs.)
It' ij crosses coppar & geyltt. It' a lanttarne to goo a vessetasshoun.
It'm a lampp of coppar hangeyng in ye qeyeur. It' iiij aUtar clothes good Sc bad.
It' viij touwyeUs good & bad, It' iiij wax torchches & iij Rossen torchohes.
It' iiij cheldarnes sourpplesses new. It' a prestes sourpples.
It' a greytt bibbouU yt master damport hathe. It' ij antytfyuers, on manweyll, a graile.
It'm iij pressysynors & ij mas boukks. It' on leyggeyr bookk.
It' a payre of braus candeU steks. It'm a payre of senessars & a shepp (censers and ship).
It'm a huUe wyattur stokk (holy water stock). It' a greytt orggonll of braus in ye queyr.
It'm a ffirountt ffor ye auUtur wethe a ffreng of selkk.
It' ij courttens yt caym ffrom Sr, John ffarmaa chambars ffor lentte.
It' a clothe ffor ye Rood ffor leynttenn wethe ye cords loungeng to itt.
It'm a shoutt of parrels of blew & a nother of w't (white) ffor ij aubs.
It'm iiij woU webs of leyd & iiij peses.
COMMUNION PLATE.
[1560, Spent at Mr. Smythe's at the selling of the plate, 20d.]
1576, payedforsylv' and gylte covers forthe com'unoncoppes,weyengevj onzesaqr' at vijs, an ounze, xliiijs, viijd.
1589, p'd for the rest of the charge of making our ij Communion Cuppes, over and besides that w'ch the
M'rs paid, xxvijs. viji^.
N.B. The MS. Annals of the City record that this year Trinity Church was robbed,
and the Communion cup stolen.
1607, pd for Communion Cuppe & a cover, weighing xxvij oz' & a halfe, at vjs. iiij(?. the ounce, viijl. xvjs, iiijt?.
pd for the caridge of the Cuppe, xijd.
1638, pd for six pewter flaggons for the Communion, iij?. ijs. viijd.
1725, pd for gilding the Chalices & Covers, 101. 19s. lOd.
1774, Ordered that the Communion Plate be fresh gilt.
•* Original in Vestry. j 1560, It'm for lyght to ye sepulcre, xviij<?, — Churclmvardens' Accounts.
96 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
ROOD LOFT.
[The Rood Loft extended across the Chancel one bay east of the Tower piers ; the
doorways giving access thereto are still perceptible between the arches on each side, and also
indicate the position of corresponding screens to the Choir aisles. The following items have
reference to the Rood, and bear date August 11, 1560.*
R' for iij pillars & ye crosse yt ye rode was on, ijs.
Payd for takyng down ye rode & marie and jhon, iiijs. iiij<Z.
„ to ye carpenter for puUyng down ye rode lofft, iiijs. viij<?.]
CHANCEL, CHOIR, AND ALTAR.
[The Chancel measures 86 ft. 4 in. in length, from east to west (including the Sanctuary),
by 20 ft. 10 in. in breadth, and is separated from its aisles by four arches on each side, the
western one being much lower than the other three, from which it is divided by the broad
rood piers. The clerestory is lighted by nine windows on each side, of two lights each, and
presents a much heavier appearance than that of St. Michael's. The roof is of low pitch,
panelled, and decorated with gold and colours, the two eastern bays being the most highly
enriched. On the east side of the tower the old pitch of the roof is visible in the interior,
being high and pointed, and accords with the rebuilding of this portion of the church
in 1391.t] The High Altar was destroyed at the Reformation, some particulars of which, extracted
from the Churchwardens' Accounts for 1560, have previously been given; in the same year's
accounts, occurs the foUowing item :
It'm payd for a table for ye com'unyon, xjs.
being the first Protestant table or altar used in this Church.
1621, pd Arthur Browne for paintinge & writinge at the Com'union table, xxjs.
In 1635, a new Altar-piece was put up, thus recorded in the MS. Annals of the City : —
" Edward Owen, Mayor. — In his year, the High Altar set up in Trinity Church, and cost a
deal of money." The ensuing particulars of it are extracted from the Church Accounts :
The charges of altering the Com'union Table, and raisinge the ground, xxxij K. xviijs. xd.
paid to John Edwards, for 26 yards of Antic worke upon the frame, at IGd. the yard, xxxiiijs. viij<f.
paid more, for 4 yards of Antick work upon the top of the frame, at 4s. a yard, xvjs.
paid to him more, for 26 Anticks upon the bottom of the frame, cut through on both sides, iijli.
The stonemason's charge was £12. 10s. 8d.
This new Altar-piece was by no means agreeable to the Puritans ; but the raising of the
ground and the removal of the Communion Table, gave serious offence to them, and they
avaUed themselves of the power they shortly afterwards possessed, to reinstate it as formerly.
"¦ Churchwardens' Accounts. f See page 71.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY. 97
The foUowing extract from a contemporary City Annalist, shows the vrriter's sentiments,
which were doubtless in unison with those of his puritanic brethren : —
" Also the Communion Tables were altered, w'ch cost a great deale of money : and that which is worst of all,
three stepps made to go to the Comm'n Table, altar fashion — god grant it continueth not long."
It did not last long, for in
" 1641, July 15, it was agreed by the full consent of the vestrymen there assembled, being desirous of the
reformation and alteration of the communion table, which in the yeare 1636, was plased alterrmse in the chansell
of the sayd Church, by the directions and comand of doctor Twisden, chanseler of Coventry and lichfeld, as we have
bine Informed, which hath bine to the great charge of our parish, in raising the ground w'th ascending steppes, and
raUng the table about."
The entry proceeds to state that the money had been better bestowed on the Church in
repairs ; and one of the Vestry, in behalf of the parishioners, is requested to present their
letter to the said Chancellor, desiring him —
" to repaye the said money, and alsoe to paye so much money as shall pay for the alteringe of the ground and
plasing the com'union table desantly in the antient place where it ought to do, and hath done about 60 years past,
according to an order of 1st March, 1640, by the ParUament, that we may not be forced to make complaint where we
doubt not but we shall have redres."
On the 24th of August foUowing, another Vestry meeting was held, and an order made
that the Communion table should be placed in its ancient situation as formerly, the ground
leveUed, and the raUs taken away ; the setting it altar- wise, and raising the ground, being an
innovation contrary to law, and having also caused the parish to expend above £30. It
appears that this meeting was held in consequence of an Order made by the Parliament, and
sent to the Bishop, and by him transmitted to the Vicar.
The appHcation to the ChanceUor, as might be expected, was unsuccessful ; and on the
19th of November, a Vestry order was made, that the charges of levelling should be allowed
out of the Church Estate.
The foUowing items are extracted from the Church Accounts : —
1647, p'd for Cloth for the Communion Table, 21., and embroidering it, 17s. Sd.
1659, p'd for work in the chancel frizes and cornice, 19s. dd.
1661, to Zakeriah Kyrke, of LychfeUd, & Edward Stokes for writing the ten Comaundements, the Lord's P'er,
and the Creed, 301. Canvas for the same, 1 1. 13s. 2d.
1684, to George Cotton, for the steps & squares at the Com'union Table, 121.
for sis long matts for the steps, 8s. id.
p'd for the Banisters, and for making the Communion rayles, int. alia.
p'd for painting iu the ChanceU, 8Z. lis.
for a striped Leather Carpett for the Com' Table, 21. 15s.
1704, p'd for painting about the altar, 21. 10s.
On the 31st of May, 1757, it was ordered, "that Mr. Daniel Bond do execute on or
before the 1st of Nov. next, an Altar-piece, in perspective, according to his plan or draught,
with an addition of a Curtain painted thereon, in a workmanlike manner, for a sum not
exceeding £55. It appears by the Church Accounts that he received £70, and at the same
time, £4. 14s. 6d. was paid for the railing before the Altar, and painting it.
1 759, 3rd AprU. A marble slab for the Communion table was ordered to be purchased,
5 feet 11 inches long, 3 feet 4 inches wide, and 1| inch thick — the price, £6. 19s.
1772, n Leather gilded Covering for the Com' Table, 51.
98 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTEY.
[The Altar-piece was in 1833 lowered in height and repainted in imitation of a stone
screen, from a design by Rickman, by Mr. D. Jee. The Communion rails were also altered to
correspond, two modern massive carved oak chairs* of antique design being placed at the
north and south ends of the Communion table, which is a fine specimen of ancient carving, in
a high state of preservation, and of rather unusual form ; at each end is an extension at a
lower level for the service books. On this table stands a pair of massive gilt candlesticks,
the gift of Dr. Hook, when Vicar. The altar-cloth is of crimson silk velvet wdth green rep
frontal, richly fringed, and embroidered in gold and colours ; it has been recently purchased.
During the restoration of this Church the Altar-piece was superseded by a temporary reredos
of crimson drapery, ornamented with brass monograms, and bearing over the table a rich
metal cross, gilt, having polished stones at the extremities of the arms of the cross. It is
contemplated to erect a suitable permanent reredos when the funds will permit. The north
and south walls are covered to the height of the east window sill label with diaper work in
fresco ; on this ground is painted some figures of angels in quarterfoils. In the south wall is
a piscina cinquefoiled in the head with crocketed pinnacles. The stone sediUa in the same
wall has been restored, together with its richly vaulted canopy ; in front of it is a book rest
on metal standards. A door in the south waU communicates with the Vestry ; opposite to it
is another of similar design, formerly giving access to the old Vestry, but now disused. At
the east end of the north wall is an aumbry, almeryf or locker. The floor is paved with
Minton's quarries, and the three steps leading to the Altar are of black marble, the front of
each step bearing an inscription set in encaustic tiles. A new brass rail has lately been
added, manufactured by the Skidmore's Art Works Company.
The Choir is fitted with oak stalls and open sittings ranging east and west, the termina
tions of each series of the latter bearing richly carved poppy heads. The western stalls
on the south side are ancient, and formerly stood within the altar rails; the remainder
of the stalls are new, fitted with misereres from the Pree School. The sittings for the
ofiiciating clergy and choristers were reconstructed and raised in July 1870; they are placed
within the western bay of the Choir, and arranged to meet the requirements of choral
service. This waS the first choir surpliced in Coventry since the 16th century, and the
change was made on the 23rd of August, 1863.]
VESTRIES.
The present Vestry is on the south side of the Chancel, and in the Churchwardens'
Accounts for 1593, are " Chardgis about the Vesterey," amounting in aU to £18. 9s. 9d.,
amongst which is the foUowing :
It'm pd to the Painter, for drawing the Queenes Armes in ye Vesterey, ijs.
The room at this time fitted up for a Vestry was perhaps one of the Chantries or Chapels
of this Church ; certain it is, that the original Vestry was on the north side of the Chancel,
and after this time (scil't 1593), used as a store room, and for other similar purposes, until
[* One still remains on the north side, the other has been removed to St. Mark's new church.]
f 1462. In the second Deacon's ofiice reference is made to the " neydur Almery be hynde ye hye Awtet."
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 99
within the last few years. It must however be observed, that the old Vestry, as it was
^.fterwards called, bears evident proofs of having been a chapel (probably St. Mary's or
the Lady Chapel,) the piscina and recess for the locker stiU remaining ; and there are marks
of a flooring having originally divided it into two rooms.
1612, pd for carrying tymber into the old Vestrye, xijd.
1614, pd for mending the stone worke over the old Vestrie, vs. viji^.
1632, pd for drawing the King's Armes in the Vestry, xs.
[This old Vestry is now fitted up as a receptacle for the choristers' surplices.
The Vestry is a commodious apartment, and has a fine oak roof with richly carved bosses
at the intersections of the beams. A carved oak table of similar style with the altar
formerly stood herein ;* a painted board on the wall records the twenty gift sermons to be
preached annually, with the amount bequeathed for this purpose, and the names of the
donors. The portrait of Dr. Hook, before referred to, is preserved here. Among the archives
deposited here is a charter for feoffees of the church estate, of the time of James 2, beauti-
fnlly written on vellum, illuminated, with a portrait of the King, and bearing a fine impression
ofthe Great Seal.f]
CONSISTORY COURT.
[This was formerly held in a recess in the north-west portion of the Church, which was
evidently one of the chapels subsequently attached to the original fabric. At its eastern
end, and close under the roof, is the upper portion of a window filled with geometrical
tracery. In the west waU is a tall and narrow niche, apparently intended as a receptacle for
some episcopal insignia. The door is gone, but traces of the hinges remain. The eastern
end is covered with monumental tablets removed from other parts of the Church during the
restoration. The most ancient of these is against the north waU. It is a large table
monument with an elaborately sculptured canopy; the brass having been removed, it is
impossible to identify it.]
1588, pd for mending over the Court ChappeU,J xiiijt^.
1589, pd for 6 dayes Sc halfe worke, about making the Seate for the Bishoppe, in the Consistorie, iiijs. iiij<?.
1627, leading and repairing the long gutter at the west end of the Church over the Archdeacon's Court.
NAVE.
[The Nave is 70ft. 9in. long by 20ft. 6 in. wide; it is divided from the aisles by three
and a half arches, the crown of the semi-arch resting against the tower. The clerestory is
evidently a subsequent addition, as in the choir; traces of the weather moulding being
observable on the west waU of the tower. The arrangement of the clerestory is not in
I* It is now removed to the upper room at Trinity Schools, licensed for Divine Service. This service has,
since the erection of St. Mark's Church, been discontinued.
t Sharp's Concise History of Coventry.]
X From the use of the word " Chappell" here, there can be but little doubt of the Court occupying the site of
one of the Chapels before enumerated.
100 HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
uniformity with the piers and arches of the Nave, being divided into eight principal bays, each
of which comprises two of the windows, and the same number of divisions in the roof.
These windows are filled with perpendicular tracery, the muUions being continued below the
transome down to the tops of the arches, forming, as in St. Michael's, a series of stone
panels below the windows. The west end is entirely occupied by a noble window of seven
lights divided by a rich transome, and having perpendicular tracery in the upper portion.
Below it is an oak -panelled screen glazed with grissailled quarries, having doors on each
side and in front. Two alms-chests of a late date stand wdthin and against this screen.
The fioor is paved with red and black quarries where unoccupied by inscribed stones.
During the reparation of this Church in 1831, some very interesting remains of ancient paint
ings in fresco were brought to light ; the most important of which being a representation of
the Last Judgment, which occupies the whole of the space from the springing of the west
arch of the tower to the roof of the Nave. The whole of the surface was carefuUy cleared
from its numerous coatings of whitewash, and the result has been the preservation of a most
curious, valuable, and Hvely illustration of ancient dress, manners, and feelings.
The seats are of oak, open, with soHd ends, having elaborately carved poppy-head
terminations and carved elbows ; on the face of each is a circular sunk panel, within which
is a quarterfoil and other ornaments differently treated. The front and back of each series
of sittings are enriched with carved panelwork. The aisles are very narrow ; the north aisle
communicates with the transept by an acutely pointed arch, the corresponding one on the
south side being a semi-arch like the adjoining one in the Nave.
The inner roofs are richly iUuminated in gold and colour, after the original design,
sufficient portions of the ancient decoration having remained to indicate its general
character.]
LANTERN AND TRANSEPTS.
[One of the leading features of the late restoration was the opening of the lantern
under the tower, the two lower stories of the interior having been cleaned, obstructions
removed, and a groined vaulting in imitation of stone substituted for the flat ceiling.
The transepts are lofty and weU lighted, both bear traces of having had originally
high pitched roofs The north transept is connected with St. Thomas's Chapel by an arch, the
south pier of which was rebuilt during the late alterations. In the north pier is a doorway
now blocked up. The south transept was occupied until 1855 with the division wall and
roof of the passage adjoining Jesus Hall ; this has been removed, and its area filled with
sittings. Traces of the doorway of the Chapel occupying this transept are observable on
the western wall, and the piscina on the south waU.* When the Organ is removed it is pro
posed to re-open the semi-arch behind the pulpit corresponding to that on the western side
of this transept.] * See note to Jesus Chapel, p. 83,
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 101
PORCHES.
[The north Porch is the most ancient, and has a groined roof, the doorways are very
deeply recessed and of early date ; it communicates with St. Thomas's Chapel by the double
doorway before mentioned. The exterior arch of this porch is paneUed; and above it is a
parapet pierced with quarterfoils. Over the porch is a room to which access is gained from
the church by means of a steep stone stair in the wall. This portion of the church is
evidently the most ancient part of it, and presents many peculiar features. The western
porch was entirely rebuilt in 1841, when the western end was restored, and is of somewhat
similar character to the external portion of the north porch.]
PULPIT.
The Pulpit, which is unusually large, is attached to the south-east central pUlar,
supporting the Tower, and is of very considerable antiquity, if not constructed with the
pillar itself, being composed of simUar materials. In the Churchwardens' Accounts are
several items of charges for painting and other work done at it :
1562, payd to ye paynter for wasshyng ye pulpyt & payntyng yt, iiijs.
1596, pd in charges for making the Wainscott in Sc over the pulpitt, & the Joyners worke, xxxiijs. iiij<?.
1599, pd for mending the stonne in the pulpitt, ijd.
1601, paid for turning the banisters and posts for the pulpitt, ijs. iijd.
1601, Various charges for painting, 23s.
pd for a plate in the pulpitt to hang a hatt onne, iiij(Z.
1619, paid for payntyng of the Church pulpett, iiijZ. paid for amending the stonn work, iijs.
paid for ij yards of greene Silke Fryngg for the pulpett desk, and setting it on, vs.
1634, pd for mending the pulpit, being fallne downe, iijl. xs. xji^.
1659, 23rd Jan. bargained and agreed w'th Thomas Hope and Edw. Stokes, painters, for the work of the pulpit,
the stares thereof, and the Canopie, w'ch is to be laid in stone colour, white and gold, for GI., the Church finding
materials. 1684, pd for painting & gilding the pulpitt, 31. pd for lyning it, &c., 51. 17s.
1725, pd for painting the pulpit, 21.
It had the usual accompaniment of an hour glass.
1603, pd the Smith for a standard for the howre glasse, ijs.
1604, pd for a lardge howre glasse, xiiij (Z.
1632, pd for setting up a turned post, to sett the howre glasse upon, xijd.
1641, Hour glass and stand gilt, 13s. id. 1659, paid for an howre glasse for the pulpit, Qd.
1663, an hour glass for the pulpit, 8d.
[This Pulpit was, in 1 833, repaired and restored to its original state, under the direction
of Mr. Rickman. The incongruous ornaments, additions, and colouring by which, during
the last century, it was defaced, as well as the Reading Desk which totally obscured the base,
having been removed, it now presents as fine and curious an example of a stone Pulpit as
any in this country.* During the recent alterations, a new brass handrail was added.]
* Sharp's Concise History of Coventry.
102 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY,
LECTERN AND READING DESK.
1560, payd for skowryng ye Egle & candell styckes, xd. ,
It'm for mendyng of ye Eagle's tayle, xvj«^.
payd for makyng ye place for ye Egle, xvijd.
1561, It'm payd for grounciUyng Sc makyng ye quere, vjs. viijd.
It'm payd for settyng up ye Egle, xijd.
From the preceding items it seems that the Eagle (which is of considerable antiquity)
was, in the changes that took place soon after the accession of Ehzabeth, set up in the Quire,
where it probably remained until the reign of Puritanism, when it was taken into the Vestry,
and set up there, as appears by the foUowing entries : —
1650, pd for setting up the eagle & scowryng it, 10s.
1654,'* 18 July, Mr. Abraham Watts made a motion that whereas he was informed that this House had an
Intention to sell the brazen Eagle standing in the vestrie, that he might have the refusal thereof when such shall
be made. — Agreed, that if it be sold, he shaU have the refusaU thereof.
The sale, however, did not take place, and upon the Restoration it may be presumed
the Eagle was placed in a position near the Pulpit and Reading desk. An entry occurs in
1662 "for scouring the Eagle, 6s.," which seems to point out the time of its being replaced,
as the former regular annual charge was only 12d., and this ceased after the year 1644.
In 1759 an order was made that the Eagle and Stand be lackered same as the branches.
[On the removal ofthe reading desk, &c., in 1833, the Eagle was placed in the middle
aisle as a reading desk. It is now elevated upon a suitable basement of wood, and restored to
its proper position near the entrance to the choir. The officiating clergy now occupy
suitable desks at the west end of the choir seats ; the reading desk, which superseded the
lectern, having been removed during the recent alterations.]
FONT.
Anno 1448 John Lusterleyt directs his body to be buried before the Baptistery in this
Church, beside his wife Joan.
In what part of the Church the Baptistery was situated, or whether the present Pont
stood originally within it, there is no decisive evidence to show ; and the removal of the
Font in 1645, hereafter to be mentioned, increases the difficulty in determining this point.
In the Constitutions of the Office of Deacon of this Church, anno 1462 (given at length
hereafter), are the foUowing items respecting the Font :
"Also ye sayd dekyn schall hyng a towell a bowt jejfant, at estur aud at wytsoutide. It'm he schaU se y't
ther be iij copys brought down to ye ffant, flor prestys to syng rex sanctoru'. Also ye sayd dekyn schall wordenf a
corp
"¦ Vestry Book, fo. 113 b.
f Will, penes T. S. " corpusq' men' ad sepeliend' infra eccl'iam s'ce Trinit' de Cove'tria, cora' baptist'io, jux'a
i' Joh'e quo'da' uxoris mee." if Warden, ordain,
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 103
barrell, on schere thursday, & on est'r eyyn, & on wyttson evyn, for his p't, a gayn ye byttar,"" bryng wat'r ffor ye
awtars Sc je ffant. Also he schaU fynde a dekyn to bear ye crysmatory to jeffante, wan they go a pressesso'on in
est'r weke." The foUowing item occurs in the Churchwardens' Accounts for 1561 :
It' for fyllyng of ye font all ye yere, iiij^f.
And in 1566, " pd for a locke for the font, iiij<f."
Also in 1590, " pd for hanging upp the top of the fant, xxd.
Unobjectionable as the present Font appears, it did not escape the notice of our Puritans,
being condemned and removed in 1645, agreeably to an order, ma.de October 15, by the
Vestry, that the old Font should be taken down, and a vessel to hold water in for baptism
provided ; also a convenient seat made for women that bring children, close to the wedding-
seat : and this to be done in a month. By the Churchwardens' Accounts, it appears to have
been executed in a plain manner.
1645, " pd for making a new font as foUoweth." The items are all for wood and work
manship, excepting a charge " for painting and gilding the font, 22s." The total charge,
including the pew, was 71. lis. 8d. In 1646, occurs "a bason for the font, 5s."
Upon the Restoration, the old Font (not being destroyed) was brought forth and set up
again, most probably in its present situation. The foUowing items refer to it :
1661, fEor stone for the bottom worke of the ffont, 2s. To Symon Burne, for steps to the font, 11. 2s. Gd.
1662, for setting up the font, 31. 16s. Gd.
1684, for mending the font with playster of paris, 12s. for gilding & colouring of the font, 11., for a peg to
stop the hole iu the bottom of the font, Gd.
1702, for painting and gUding the font, 10s.
[When the Church was restored the accumulations of paint were removed, and indi
cations of the original colours being traceable, it was iUuminated as before, and a very
elaborate metal cover, the work of Mr. Skidmore, suspended over it ; this has been since
removed.]
ORGAN.
Amongst the writings belonging to this Church is preserved a curious Agreement
between the Churchwardens of Trinity, and John Howe and John Clymmowe, Citizens,
and Organ makers of London, dated 1 7th December, 1526, and endorsed " The Indentur
of the Newe Organs ."f
By this Instrument, the parties above-named undertake for £30 to make and set up in
the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, before the ensuing Pentecost, " A Peir of Organs
* A byt or bit, signified a yoke, or two buckets of water, and the person carrying them was called a byttar.
[f Mr. M. Payne, formerly Organist, states that the first organ in this Church was a small one, and was placed
in the cross aisle opposite the Pulpit ; and the second was in the Choir, which was afterwards removed to the Church
at Solihull.] *
104 HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
wt vij stopps, ov'r & besides the two Towers of Cases of the pitche of doble Effaut, wt xxvij
pleyn keyes, xix musiks, xlvj Cases of Tynn, & xiiij Cases of Wodd, wt two Sterrs, & the
Image of the Trinite, on the Topp of the sayed Orgayns ; " the carriage to be paid jointly,
all damages in conveying the Organ repaired at the charges of the builders, and one of them
undertakes, at his own expense, " to come wt the sayd Organs, and sett them up Well,
connyngiie, WerkmanUe, as thei owght to be." Moreover they contract to repair, at their
own charges, any faults in the said Organ arising from " lakk of good & true werkemanshipp,
apon a lawfull warnyng," until Pentecost, 1533.
In 1560, occur the following charges :
It'm, payd for mendyng of ye organs, ijs. iiij(?. for carrying in ye organs into Jesus chapeU, iiijff.
for roppes to ye organ, iijd. to Rychard lynse, ye organ pleer for hys Ernest, jd.
1558, It' a greytt orggonll of bras in ye queyr. (Inventory of Church plate, &o.)
1570, Receyved of the glasier, of stonley, for a payer of balowes, vs.
1583, Received of Richard Gosse, for olde Organ pypes, wayeng eleven score Sc thirtene pound, at iiij<?. halfe
farthing the pound, iiijZ. jd.
It seems highly probable that the Organ did not long escape the zeal of our Reformers
(to whom the Image of the Trinity on the top would be particularly obnoxious), and
although the precise time when it was laid aside does not appear, yet we find that in 1570,
the bellows were sold, and in 1583 the old metal pipes shared the same fate.
The Church remained without an Organ until February 26, 1631, when the City MS.
Annals record that a pair were set up by the procurement of the Rev. Samuel Buggs, the
Vicar. The following items concerning it appear in the Church Accounts :
pd to Mr. Heywood for mending the Organs, xjs, vjd.
paid for a curtain, xviijt^., and a barr of iron for the organ, xijd., in aU, ijs. vjd.
In the same year William Lambe was appointed Organist, with a Salary of £10, which
continued to be regularly paid until the 31st of December, 1640, when an order was made
that his Salary should be reduced to £4, " for tuning the sayd orgenes."
This however was, as may be expected, only a prelude to the entire laying aside of a
practice so highly objectionable to the Puritans ; and accordingly on the 3rd of June following
(1641), an order of Vestry was made, the preamble to which is given verbatim below,
showing the address with which they managed to silence this " squeaking abomination."
Forasmuch as the said P'ish Church is now, by reason of its ancient fabrick & structure, growne into such grett
decay and ruyn as that the revenewes will not amount unto the annuall charges of the repaire thereof, and this
house considering that they are bound in conscience rather to looke to the reparac'ons of this Church than to expend
tlie revenewes of that Church upon things of lesser moment.
A resolution follows that from henceforth no Salary be allowed William Lambe, or
any other Organist, for playing upon or using the Organs now standing in the Church.
One step more only remained to be taken, and this was done on the 16th of November in
the same year, when it was
Ordered — that wheras the orgaynes now standing in tlie Church hath bene formerly sylenced shall betwixt
this time and the 21st day of december, be soiild and taken down for the best advantage ; and if they cannot be
sould betwixt this time & 21 december, then the Church wardens shall have them taken downe, and set them iu the
old Vestery untell they can be sould.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 105
In the accounts for this year, these entries occur :
Pd, expended in sev'all Jorneys about the Orgins, Sc in taking them downe & laying them in the old Vestry
according to order, xxijs. iiijli.
Pd for building up 5 Seats where the Organ stood, xxiujs. iiij<?.
It appears they were disposed of to Sir Henry WUloughby, for on the 5th of October,
1642, an order was made that the purchase money, £30, be immediately procured from him.
In 1651, an item occurs amongst the Receipts, of £2. 10s. 3d. from Mr. Bewley, for 67 lb.
of organ pipes, at 9d. per lb., probably some old pipes which were not sold with the Organ
to Sir H. WUloughby.
Another Organ was purchased and set up in the Chancel in 1684, respecting which the
foUowing particulars are extracted from the Churchwardens' Accounts :
Receipts for the Organ. £. s, d.
Received from most of the Parishioners of this parish as may appear in a roll ... ... 42 16 0
Of the Corporation... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0
Of the Sheriffs, for several fines received by them upon convictions of Conventicles, being
the King's & inf ormers parts ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58 0 0
Received of Mr. Rob. Haywood, Organ-maker, towards the charges of tuneing and mending
the Organ
Paid to Mr. Robert Haywood, of the Citie of Bath, Alderman, for the Organ he set up
in the ChanceU
Pd Thomas Holtham for Gildeing & painting the Organ
Pd to Mr. WilUam Deely for tuneing & mending the Organ
Pd for ye sUke Curtaines in the Organ Lofte ...
Pd for a Licence from Lichfield for erecting of the Organ Lofte...
Pd for the Banisters for the Organ Lofte & stayres (int. alia)
Pd for making ye Organ gallery (workmanship only) ... ... ... ... ... 7126
On 1st of October, the same year, Mr. Harrison was appointed Organist, receiving
a salary of £10, and providing a person to blow the bellows.
In 1689 the Churchwardens were empowered to treat with Mr. Bickerstaffe for the
altering, repairing, and mending the Organ ; he accordingly received £30 and £1. Is. 6d.
(a Guinea) was " paid Mr. Lambe for his Journey to prove the Organ." A new Organist
(Mr. Spencer) was appointed in 1696, with a Salary of £16, and "Mr. Smith, the Organ-
maker," received £30 for repairing the Organ.
In 1712 occurs a further payment of £20 "to Christian Smith, the organ maker, for
mending the Organ," which is the last recorded expenditure upon apparently a very
imperfect and bad Instrument.
In 1731, John Barker was elected Organist, in the room of Spencer, who had resigned;
and on the 25th of July, 1732, the Vestry ratified an agreement, entered into by a Committee
previously appointed, with Mr. Thomas Swarbrick,* for making and setting up a new Organ
according to his draught or model then deHvered ; an Organ Gallery, with ornaments and
decorations as in the draught, and a gaUery or passage on the north side, with RaUs and
Bannisters. The Organ to be with Keys and Stops as specified in his proposals, for which
[* See account of St. Michael's Organ, and note, p. 55.]
120 16
0
2 0
0
100 0
17 10
2 5
2 7
0 15
0
0
0 00
106 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
he was to receive £600, and the old Organ, but not the Gallery ; undertaking to keep it in
tune and repair for six years ; and for this erection a Faculty was obtained in October, 1732.
[In this Faculty it was stated that the organ was to be erected at the west end of the
Church, between the second arches near the pews, supported by four pillars 11 feet in height,
and was to occupy a space of 21 feet in breadth by 7 feet in depth, with stairs and a passage
to and under the erection towards the north porch.]
1747, Thomas Gwyn ordered to tune and repair the organ for £20.
1 752, 26th of May, Mr. Capel Bond was appointed Organist, receiving a salary of £30,
to which, in 1772, £10 was added "as a compliment." In the foUowing year £6. 6s. was
expended upon the Organ, under Mr. Bond's direction ; and in 1 763, Edward Davis received
£32 for further repairing it; also £20 in 1776; and in 1786 it was again repaired by Mr.
WilHams, at an expense of £18. 3s.
[Mr. John Owen was appointed Organist on the 6th of AprU, 1790, and was succeeded
by Mr. Matthew Payne, jun., on the 6th of June, 1797. A payment appears of £31. 10s.
having been made to him for his labour and charges upon the Organ. On his appointment
to St. Michael's in 1818, Miss Jane Lowe succeeded him on the 24th of March, and held the
situation until the 25th of March, 1856, when Mr. Frank Cuissett was elected.
On the removal of the galleries and repewing the Church, the Organ was placed in the
South chancel aisle. Mr. Cuissett resigning in 1860, Mr. H. J. Bailey, (assistant Organist of
Bly Cathedral), was appointed on the 10th of April.
The old Organ being very defective, and in need of extensive repairs, it was decided by
the Vestry to have a new one erected suitable to the building, and a contract was entered into
with Messrs. Foster and Andrews, of Hull, to construct an instrument, at an expense of £800
with the old Organ. It was built partly on the Bast, and partly on the West side of the East
wall of the South transept, an objectionable arrangement, as it prevents the necessary blending
of the two parts of the Organ. In design it is plain, but quite in keeping with the buUding;
the case is of pitch pine, the pipes being unenclosed, but supported round the front by
ornamental ironwork. There are three Manuals, the compass ranging from CC to G ; the
pedals (25- octaves) extending from OC to F. The Great Organ comprises 14 stops : Bourdon,
Teneroon, Open Diapason, Horn Diapason, Stopt Diapason, Principal, Wald Flute, Twelfth,
Fifteenth, Sesquialtera, (4 ranks). Mixture, (3 ranks), Posaune, Solo Trumpet, and Clarion,
984 pipes. The Choir Organ has 9 stops : Dulciana (Bass), Dulciana (Treble), Viola di Gamba,
Stopt Diapason, Gemshorn, Flute, Fifteenth, Dulciana, Mixture, Cromorne, in aU 529 pipes.
The Swell has 14 stops : Sub Bass, Double Diapason, Open Diapason, Stopt Diapason,
Principal, German Gamba, Fifteenth, Piccolo, Mixture, Contra Fagotto, Cornopean, Hautboy,
Clarion, Tremulant ; the latter has no pipes, but is a mechanical arrangement, producing the
effect its name implies. There are 748 pipes in the sweU. The Pedal Organ has 6 stops :
Grand Open Diapason, Bourdon, Principal, Fifteenth, Trombone, Pedal Octave; 210 pipes.
There are 7 Couplers, and 6 Composition Pedals. The whole number of Stops being 50,
and the total number of pipes, 2471. The Organ was opened on the 14th of August, 1861,
by Mr. H. J. Bailey, assisted liy Mr. J. Rogers, Organist of St. George's Church, Doncaster.
The Choir of Worcester Cathedral assisting in the morning service, at which Bishop Spencer
preached.
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTEY. 107
Mr. Arthur Anwill Evans was appointed on the 1st of May, 1862, and was succeeded
by Mr. William Chater, the present Organist, on the 30th of August, 1866. Under his able
management the Choir has been greatly augmented and improved. An organ chamber is
now in course of erection on the east side of the South Transept, into which, when completed,
the Organ will be removed. It is in contemplation to add a Bassoon to the SweU, to im
prove the touch, and to effect other desirable alterations in the instrument.]
STAINED GLASS.
Of this, little more than the name remains; what escaped the destructive zeal of our
Reformers having been so completely sacrificed in the various repairs and alterations of
the windows (of which, excepting a part of those on the North side of the Church, none
retain their original tracery), that only a few fragments exist. The arms mentioned by
Dugdale, are entirely gone, and even the interesting portraits of Earl Leofric, and his ever-
memorable Countess Godiva, so precious to the inhabitants of Coventry, barely survived the
mutUations of the windows*, in 1 775. At this time the portraits being in the window, over the
South door, were of course (with all other stained glass in the South windows) taken down,
and upon re-glazing them were not restored ; for an order of Vestry was made on the 20th
of AprU, 1779, "that the Painted Glass that was formerly over the South door, be put up in
some Window of the Church, where the Committee shall agree upon." Accordingly, in a
compartment of the East window, of what I have, in a former place, supposed to be the
Butchers' Chapel, and into which the South door then opened, was assembled all the stained
glass remaining in the Church, and since removed into the East wrindow of Marler's Chapel,
where, amidst a number of worthless fragments, little known and quite unnoticed, is some
portion of this highly curious subject. Dugdale describes the portraits in these words : " In
memory whereof, the picture of him and his fair Lady, were set up in a South window of
Trinity Church, in this City, about King Richard 2nd's time, and his right hand holding a
Charter, with these words written thereon :
E, Hurtrije, for tije ILO&0 of tifte,
23oe mato €ohtnttt Kohfxet."
The MS. Volumef of Humphrey Barton, so often cited, contains the following account
of this piece of stained glass, written soon after the year 1620: "Note, the Monum't in
Trinity Church Window, on the South side, over against Jesus Hall door. Earl Leoffrick's
picture there having these words :
%ziitxitk, for iLobc of t^te,
0rant Co&mtrg toll ixtz.
* The foUowing is a brief account of this work of destruction, wherein much money was expended, to the offence
of aU good taste : —
1774, 3 Windows at the West end, new built by Mr. Pickford, cost 561. 10s. Gd.
1775, The Windows on the South side, rebuilt by the same person, cost llOl. Is. 3id.
Transept Window on the North Side, by Eglington, and chipping the North side of the Church, 92Z. 2s.
1779, Great West Window, by Eglington, cost 3Sl.
1787, Great East Window, by the same person, together with 2 small ones, and an entire new casing to the East
end of the Church, 140^. t fo, 109.
108 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
Where underneath is Earl Leoffrick's arms, being a spread eagle, being the arms also of that
Monastery. Note, that Leveriok, in the Saxon tongue, is Leoffrick."
Which of the two readings of the inscription on the scroll is most correct cannot now
be determined ; but with all due respect for the memory of our great Historian, I am incHned
to attach considerable credit to that by Burton : at all events, his account is a very inter
esting supplement to Dugdale's, and furnishes some additional information. Only the head
of Leofric remains, which is uncovered, and the hair somewhat short, parted upon the
forehead ; the beard rather bushy, and countenance bespeaking a person beyond the middle
age. His countess Godiva is represented with long flowing hair of a gold colour, and a
coronet on her head, her hands are joined and extended in the attitude of supplication, and
the figure is imperfect below the waist. The heads of Leofric and Godiva are placed
opposite, and facing each other, as, according to the information given me by Thomson,
the old Sexton, they were before this removal.* Somewhat above them, is an imperfect figure
upon a smaller scale, of a female in a yellow dress, seated sideways on a white horse, and
having a crown or coronet on her head, and a large white flowery branch in her left hand,
which the same Sexton always declared was intended to represent Godiva, and formed a
part of the original subject in its more perfect state. t
[In August, 1834, the east window was fiUed with stained glass by Evans of Shrews
bury, the expense being defrayed by subscription. The general character was heraldic, and
comprised the Royal Arms, those of the See of Lichfield and Coventry, the armorial bearings
of the Bishop of the Diocese, Archdeacon Spooner, Rev. W. F. Hook, Vicar, the Earl of
Craven (then Recorder), the City, and the Rectory. In March, 1856, this window was
replaced by one more worthy of its position, in memory of Richard Sawrey Cox, Esq., a
native of the parish, who died on the 31st July, 1853, aged 74. He bequeathed to Charities
in Coventry, London, and elsewhere, the sum of £12,150, of which, £6,000 was distributed
among the leading charitable institutions of this city. There are twelve main compartments,
the lower six are filled with the following subjects from the Old Testament : — Elijah and the
Widow, Moses smiting the rock, Abraham entertaining angels. Job comforted, Elisha raising
the Shunammite's son, Joseph and the Butler and Baker ; the upper series represents the six
works of mercy of our Blessed Lord. The tracery in the head is filled with scriptural
figures and sacred emblems. The window is the work of Heaton and Butler, who have con
tributed other windows both in this and St. Michael's Church. The glass from the old
window has been arranged in the windows of the south chancel aisle, the tracery being fiUed
with glass to correspond.
The east window of this aisle has been fiUed with stained glass to the memory of James
WaU, who died on the 21st of January, 1862, and Ehzabeth, his wife, who died on the 25th
of December, 1859. The subjects comprised are four figures of SS. Thomas, Andrew,
Mary, and Ehzabeth, with six groups representative of scenes from the New Testament
history. It was erected in 1 864.
The east window of the north chancel aisle was the gift of a parishioner, and contains
the figures of SS. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the tracery being filled with appropriate
symbols. This was erected in April, 1860. '» In 1779.
[f This description applies to the fragments as they appeared about fifty years ago ; they are now so reduced
in quantity as to be insufficient to fill the central compartment of the smaU window in which they are placed.]
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 109
The Clerestory windows of the Chancel, eighteen in number, have been fiUed with
stained glass arranged in geometrical patterns.
The centre north window of Marler's Chapel is in memory of WiUiam and Mary Jane
Coleman, and their son, by the surviving children. The three divisions are occupied by
representative figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
The central compartment of the South Transept window was filled in 1856, by the late
Dr. PhilHps, in memory of his father, Edward Phillips, Esq., F.S.A.; the principal subjects
are the Crucifixion and Bearing of the Cross.]
CANDLESTICKS, STANDARDS, &c.
[The Altar Candlesticks were (as before stated) the gift of Dr. Hook, when Vicar.
The old and cumbrous chandeHers and gas fittings have been superseded by a beautiful series
of brass standards more elaborate and massive in character than those of St. Michael. They
consist of twisted columns surmounted by open crowns, from which spring the branches bearing
the burners. The Hghts in the Choir resemble roses, those in the Nave, leaves ; and the
effect is most brilHant. They are the work of Mr. Skidmore.]
STEEPLE.
The steeple, either from its exposed situation or original weakness, seems to have been
in a state of decay and danger long before the period of its destruction in 1665.
In 1563, the foUowing charge occurs in the Churchwardens' Accounts :
Payd abowt the poyntinge of the steple.
pd for xvj gaUuns of wortt, viijs. pd for a stryke of glovers peses, viijd.
wood that Sodd the peses, ijd. — —a bucket, a smaU seve, Sc a hupe to a cowl, xd.
These particulars are extracted to show the care and attention exercised in compounding
the mortar used for this purpose, some further detaUs of which have been given in the
account of St. Michael's Steeple.
In 1579, the steeple was again pointed, at an expense of £16. 8s. 3d.; nevertheless, in
1605, it needed further repair, and an immense number of iron cramps were fixed in it.
1605, Chargis aboute the Steepell.
p'd John Brack, for fastening the loose barre of iron one the toppe of the steepell, and for placing iij 0 and
xxx cramps in the steepeU, ixl. xvjs.
p'd him more for placing Uiij crampes in the BeUery and Battehnents, xxs.
p'd Walters, the Smyth, for vij skore crampes, ij C. xxxvi. at iijd. per pound, is iijil. iiijs. ixd.
p'd him for fitting the spindle to the Wethercooke, and for making the flower de luce one the toppe, iijs. iiij<?.
110 HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTEY.
p'd him for a bolt w'th a ring, and platt Sc cotter to fasten the loose barre of iron, xxd.
p'd him for j C crampes Ij^. at iiji^. p'r lb. is Iiijs.
more for Ixxxx crampes ij C xixl. halfe, at ijd. ob. and for xliiij crampes, IxviijZ. & halfe, at ijd. ob. is iijl.
p'd Robert Knoules for fastening the tale of the Cocke, iijs.
p'd for brasse for the Wethercooke tayle, iiijs. vjd.
p'd Richard Bancke for guildiug the Cocke, xxviijs. p'd for vij C of lead, Ixxjs.
In 1623, the MS. Annals of the City record that this year the Steeple was pointed, and
the top taken down and rebuilt.
An order of Vestry was made on the 28th of April, 1623, that Thomas Sargenson and
Hugh LusseU should point the Spire and Steeple within and without, put a top stone,
all of one stone, on the top of the Spire, and take down the irons now up, putting up again
as many more as shall be needful, and girdles as necessary, with as many cramps wdthin
and without as are requisite, receiving £13. 6s. 8d. for their own work, exclusive of aU
materials. The Churchwardens' Accounts contain various charges foi» pointing, cramping, &c., and
amongst other items, is —
paid to Hamlet Bosworth for guilding the Cock, and for whiting and oyling the girdell of Iron, xxviijs. ijd.
1638, 26th June, an order of Vestry occurs for altering the windows in the Belfry
and repairing the west window of the Church. I apprehend that instead of the windows
" in the Belfery," we should read windows where the bells hung, as an alteration certainly
has been there made on every side of the tower ; the very bad taste of which, and want
of correspondence with the architectm'al character of the windows below, as weU as with
the building generally, seems to warrant a conclusion that the alteration was made at this
time, more especially as the Belfry windows remain unaltered.
In 1652 very considerable repairs were again made at the Steeple, amounting in the
whole to £39. 15s. lid., of which was paid —
To Samuel Blisse, steeple pointer, for 69 dayes, at iijs. iiij<?. p' diem, xjl. xs. and 69 dayes for his sonn, at xijd.
p' diem, iijl. ixs. To Will'm Monck, for 69 dayes, at xviijd. p' diem, vl. iijs. vjd. and for Iron used about the steeple,
viijl. ijs. ijd.
To Edward Stokes, painter, for guilding the weather cock, the spindle, & the starr, xxviijs. vjd.
To Nath. Hewet, for work done about the weather cock, & a new socket, xvijs. vjd.
The pointing and reparation was renewed in 1653, agreeably to an order of Vestry, at
a charge of £23. 6s. 8d. ; Bliss, the steeple pointer, being employed 62 days, and the
foUowing item occurs inter alia : —
for iron crampes to fasten the Carved work about the steeple.
1659, Notwithstanding a very large expenditure upon the Church in 1658, there occurs,
amongst other costly charges for the following year, one for pointing the Steeple, and several
hundred weight of stubbs were used in the joints of the Steeple and Church upqn this occasion.
These frequent repairs, whilst they discover a very laudable attention on the part of
the parishioners, strongly indicate a great degree of decay in the Steeple, and accordingly
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. Ill
we find, that notwithstanding aU their care, it was unable to withstand " a terrible wind*
which blew down the steeple on 24th January, 1665, and by its fall greatly damaged the
Church, and one boy was kiUed."
The foUowing extract from the Vestry Book, while it records the lamentable event,
shews the prompt attention and exertions of the parishioners.
At a meeting for this p'ish, the foure and twentieth day of January, A'o dn'i 1665,
Forasmuch, as this present morning, it pleased God, by an extraordinary tempest, to throw down all the Spier
and uppermost part of the Steeple of this parish ; and that by the fall of the stones thereof, it hath broke down a
great part of this Church, w'th other great damages. The parishioners of this p'ish being now this day on purpose
assembled to take care of the same, desire that (the Vioar and several persons named), taking to their assistance five
or more other parishioners, do employ under them such and so many workemen, labourers, & others, for the laying up
all such timber, lead, stone, irons, & other materialls as are of any use, in some convenient place, & to set on work
workemen & others, to amend all the breaches thereof with all speede possible.
The Corporation, by an order of Council, on the 8th of February following, gave a
quantity of trees, growing in Hawksbury and Coundon Groves, towards repairing the Church,
and making scaffold poles for the Steeple, and subsequently subscribed £100. They also, by
an order of Council, on the 27th March, 1667, allowed stone to be got from the City Quarry,
wdthout New-gate, for the repairs of the Church and Steeple.
A Circular Letter, preserved in the British Museum,t dated the 22nd of the same month,
and signed by the Vicar and several Parishioners, describing the injury done to the Church,
by a storm of thunder and Hghtning, on the 24th of January preceding, says, " It has left us
but the carcasse of one of the goodliest and most ancient Parish Churches in these parts of
England," adding, that £4,000 would be necessary to repair and restore it, and that since
1654, £1,300 J had been laid out upon the fabric in repairs.
* MS. Annals. f Harl. MS. 6850, p. 418.
X The correctness of this statement wiU appear by the foUowing extracts from the Church Accounts : —
1658, £460 was raised by Sales and Fines, in addition to the usual annual income, and continued work and
repairs were done both within and without, from June to January following.
Hope, the Painter, and assistants, received 131. lis. id.. Glaziers iOl. 19s. id.
" The 11th November, 1658, bargained and agreed with Thomas Hope and Edward Stokes, painters, to gilde,
paint, and finish aU the pillars ; capitals black and gold, bases black, piUars white marble, for 151.
Bewley's charge for casting new lead, and laying lead upon the Church, 160Z.
" paid for oyle, gold, and colours imployed about the beautifying of this Church and pulpit this yeare, G21. 18s. lid.
Total expenditure for the year, 6122. Is. 2d.
X659, This year 58SI. 16s. was borrowed and raised by Sales and Pines, the Steeple was pointed. Buttresses on
the West end and north side repaired, some new windows put in, and seats made.
1660, 29th November, 1001. ordered to be equally raised by Levy towards the repairs, also that 201. per annum,
Church Rents, sold for 20 years.
1661, 4th June, 2002. lent on security of Church lands, to receive 20Z. per annum for 21 years.
1662, 27th March, 1002. more ordered to be borrowed.
In 1676, the parish borrowed 4002, to "pay old debts."
The Rental of Church Estate was, in 1620, 662.— 1648, 902.— 1678, 822.-1698, 1262.— 1718, 1292.
WARW. S. A Register of the Hon. bountie and contributions of the Earles, Lords, Knyghts, and Gentlemen,
in the Countie of Warwick, and others, whose names are subscribed, 3 September, 1666, towards the rebuilding and
repair of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinitie, in the Citie of Coventry, which by the great and late Winds,
Thunder, and Earthquake, happening there on the 24th of January last, was broken and thrown down, and a great
part of that Quire and Steeple, and with the fall thereof brake down a great part of that ancient Church, and the
112
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
Thus liberaUy supported and encouraged, the work of restoration proceeded rapidly,
and in 1667, our MS. Annals record, "This year Trinity Steeple began to be built again,
and the Church covered." As no items of expenditure occur in the Church Accounts
respecting this great work, we may reasonably conclude that it was conducted independently
of the usual Church payments, and the accounts are probably lost.* Several Orders of
Vestry connected with it are given below.
1666, 18th July, Forasmuch as the ruyns of this Church are at present very great, and that it wiU require a
great summ of money to set this Church in repaire —
Ord'd that certain persons meet, & consider how the same may be equally raised, conceiving that each person
assessed at Id. by the week, for the relief of the poor, shall pay presently 10s. and so other persons proportionably.
14th August, certain persons named, or any three or four of them, shaU dispose of such letters as are directed
by this parish, to several charitable persons, for the repair of this Church,
29th October, two Churchwardens ord'd to go to such persons in the parish as have subscribed, or promised to
contribute, towards the repairs of this Church, Sc have not brought in their subscription money.
6th December, 1002. borrowed, the subscriptions being insufficient.
1668, in this year the MS. Annals mention, that "Trinity Spire was finished, and buUt
higher than it was before : the height from the Tower being 44 yards, the spindle of the
Weathercock 2 yards, and the Tower 33 yards, making the whole 79 yards."
It may be remarked, that the new Spire was injudiciously made to imitate St. Michael's,
including the beautiful Octagonal second Tower ; but wanting the fiying buttresses, and the
depth of the windows and recesses of St. Michael's Octagon, the Spire, though exceUent, has
the awkward appearance of being built upon two angles, without any advantage whatever
arising from the attempted resemblance of its neighbour.
1673, 10th October, Ordered, that course be taken to obtain moneys subscribed towards
the reparation of the Church, and not paid.
Gallereys, Seats, Leades, and Roofes, all which now lye open to the weather, which will cost some thousands of
pounds to re-edifie the same.
Towards the repairs of God's said house, we subscribe to give the summes of money here particularly
as foUows, viz. : —
Northampton Bazill Denbigh
Rob. Brooke
Sir Thomas Trevor, Bt.
Sir Thomas Norton, Bt.
Sir WUl. Bromley, K.B.
Sir Rich. Rainsford, Bt.
Sir Rich, Hopkins, Bt. ...
Sir Arthur Cayley, Bt. and Wm. Purefoy, Esq.
Lady Willughby . . . , .
Lady Grantham
Mrs. Dilke, of Ryton
Fulke Grevil, Esq.
Sebright Repington, Esq.
WiUiam Chetwind, Esq.
Wald, WiUington, Esq.
Biddulph, Esq. .
.Thomas Corbin, Esq.
John Mattock, Esq. .
Humfry Greswold, Esq. .
Mr. Gotten
A
s.
20
0
20
0
20
0
20
0
10
0
10
0
5
0
10
0
10
0
5
0
10
0
5
0
3
0
5
0
5
0
3
0
2
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
Mr. Brookes
John Harewell, Esq,
John Troughton, Esq.
Henry Greene, Esq.
Mr. Bonham
Mr. Allington .
Mr. John Moredock
Mrs. Harbert, Widow
Mr. Buckley
Mr. Beardesley
William Jessou
William Greene
Tho. Wagstaffe
Tho. Nicholas .
Richard AUestree
Corporation of the City of Coventry
Company of Mercers there
Company of Drapers there
Company of Smiths there
Corporation of the Borough of Warwick
Corporation of the Borough of Leicester
[* The Charity Commissioners reports record that sales of property were effected, and mortgages of
made, to raise money for the purpose of rebuilding it. — Holy Trinity Church Land, p. 282.]
mentioned.
£
s.
1
0
. 10
0
3
0
5
0
1
0
1
0
8
0
1
0
0
10
0
10
10
0
2
0
5
0
1
0
10
0
100
0
20
0
20
0
6
0
. 20
0
S
0
other parts
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 113
In 1674, a part of the Steeple was taken down and built up stronger, and in 1691, one
of the pinnacles having been blown down, and faUen into the Church, an order was made
that the remaining three " being crasey," should forthwith be taken down.
1676, September 17, whereas by reason of the late violent tempest, the Church and Steeple was much injured)
and the parish is indebted 3002. or thereabouts, ord'd that 2002. be borrowed, on security of the Church Estate.
[1692, At this time Trinity Steeple had four large pinnacles on the battlements, but on
the 8th of December, in that year, the south east pinnacle was blown down and broke into
the Church, and on this account the others were taken down to avoid the like accident in
future. MS. The new spire is somewhat loftier than the former one, being 132 feet high,
which, added to the elevation of the tower, (100 feet), produces a total of 232 feet.]
1702, Some repairs were this year made to the Spire; 40s. being allowed for rearing
ladders to the top of it, and an order given that it be pointed and repaired, as necessary.
1702, paid for the new weathercock 16s. paid for guilding it twice, 12. 18s. Gd.
1709, pd for taking down the Images from the Steeple, 10s.
These I apprehend stood in the ill-designed niches on each side the Windows, where the
Bells formerly hung, and which were probably made in 1638.
1717, The steeple was repaired and pointed.
pd Mr. Fawkner for the Weather Cock, 52. — Por gold and laying on, 22. 5s.
1738, Ordered that the four pinnacles on the Tower be rebuilt.
1752, Mr, Hiorn, of Warwick, ordered to examine the Spire, and the crack in it, and give a report in writing.
1757, Ordered that the four pinnacles of the Tower be secured, aud all the others, on the body of tlie Church,
taken down.
1801, 15th September, an order was made that the Steeple should be inspected, and on the 9th June, 1802, an
agreement was entered into with John Chesshire, of Over Whitacre, to take down a portion of the Spire, to rebuild
the same according to his plan, and repair the Steeple generally, for 2482.
1809, 10th October, an agreement was entered into with John Alcott, of Coventry, to take down and rebuild
the four pinnacles for 1082. 10s. And also to take down the Staircase on the south-west side of the Tower, and four
courses of the Tower, rebuUding the same for 952. 10s.
[In 1826, the Tower was entirely re-cased with new stone, but for want of the super
intendence of a competent architect, many old errors were perpetuated, and new ones created,
the present Tower being quite nondescript.*
In 1859, the weathercock and ball were taken down, regilt, and replaced by Mr. Frith,
in much the same manner as described under the same head in the account of St. Michael's
Church.]
BELLS, CLOCK, AND CHIMES.
The first item in the Churchwardens' Accounts, respecting the Bells, occurs in 1563.
" Pd for mendynge Saunsef Bell," or, as it is called in 1573, " the san's Bell."
In 1573, the Parish purchased of the Mayor and Corporation, for £20, a large Bell froni
•^ Sharp's History of Coventry.
t The Sauce, or sanotus Bell, was a small bell, rung when the priest said " Sanotus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus
Deus Sabaoth."
114 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
the Church of the White Friars' Monastery, lately dissolved, as appears by the following
extracts : —
1573, Item, payed for drawynge the bell from the fryers, ijs.
Item, payed for mendynge the church waU, where the beU was broughte in, xijd.
Item, payed for hangynge the bell, xxvjs. viijd.
Item, payd for planks to laye over the hole of the steple under ye beUs, ijs. vjd.
Sundry other charges for clapper, brasses, ropes, and balderick.
1574, Receyved of Mr. Mair and the reste of yo'r worshyppes forthe of the vestrye, towards the payenge for the
greate bell, xvj2i. vs. iiijfi.
Item, payed to Mr. Maoir and his brethren, for the grete bell, at the p'ler dore, xxli.
1577, A new BeU hung up this year, recast at Leicester for 72.
1579, A Bell recast, and bell frames repaired, 112. 10s. Id.
1588, A BeU recast by Mr. Newcom', of Leicester, 102. 17s. Gd.
1595, pd Mr. Newcom', of Leices', for casting of the beU, and for his new mettle he put in, besides the mettell
of the little Bell, xjli. xvjs.
Pd for chargis of iiij men & ix horses, at Leicester, iij dayes and iiij nights, Iiijs. iiij<2.
Pd for Carriadge of the bell to Leic', xs. Total expenses, including hanging, &c., 162. 13s. 7d.
1613, A BeU recast by Newcome, 122. 12s. Gd. 1616, A beU recast by Mr. Watts, of Leicester, 142. 7s. 5d.
1617, Another (the 4th BeU) recast by the same person, price of recasting 102., carriage, new metal. Sec, made
the whole 172. Os. 2d.
1623, This year* the Bell Frames made new.
1625, Watts contracts with the Parish to recast the Sth or tenor Bell, and to warrant it for a twelvemonth and a
day, receiving 15s per cwt. for recasting, and Is. per lb. for new metal. If obliged to cast it twice, he is to receive 20s.
per cwt. In 1626 this entry occurs in the Church accounts, " paid to Mr. Watts, for casting the great Bell, xviij2. xs."
1638, An order was made that the Bell at 5 o'clock in the morning should be constantly rung ; and on the
appointment of a Sexton in ] 642, amongst other orders, is one for ringing at 5 and 6 o'clock in the morning, and at
6, 7, and 8 o'clock in the evening.
1654, 18th July, a new Bellf frame was agreed for, the charge for workmanship being 182., and timber, &c.,
132. 16s. 8d.
And in 1658J the Mayor bought a treble and presented to the Church, making the number of BeUs 6.
In 1709 the Bells were again hung.
1776, 29th July, a new peal of 8 Bells ordered to be cast, by Pack & Chapman, the tenor to weigh 20 cwt., and
the rest in proportion. Pack Sc Chapman received 2842. 4s.
1801, Bell frame repaired by H. Over, at the charge of 262. 15s. Gd.
[Pour of the bells having become cracked, were removed from the Tower to the floor, at
the north-west corner of the Church — and on the renovation in 1855, seven of them were
re-cast by Mears, of London, at a cost of £162. 16s., and the whole peal hung in a timber
campanile, erected in the new burial ground, on the site of the Cathedral nave. The
structure, however, is too weak to allow of the bells being rung in peal, and as soon as funds
wUl permit, it is to be hoped that a substantial Tower will be provided for them.]
Nothing respecting the Clock occurs in the Accounts of this Church previous to 1606,
when a New Clock was purchased and put in the Steeple. From the nature of the items it
may be conjectured that there was not one before, as amongst other charges is £10 for a new
floor to place the Clock upon, and "pdfor hewing the dore in the belfery, two men two
dayes a peece, iiijs. iiijd." (A general reparation of the Steeple took place the preceding
year.) *' MS. Annals and Church Accounts.
f On the 18th July, 1654, Mr. Watts being informed that the Vestry intended seUing the Brazen Eagle, standing
in the Vestry, and the great Bell lying on the same, applied for the refusal when sold, which was promised him, but
no farther account of the Bell is traced. X MS. Annals.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 115
1606, pd to Spuryard, for the clocke making', and for his Corde & ha'mer, vii. xs.
pd more for Cxxxiij pound of lead, and for the casting of it for the plumetts, xvjs. vjd. ob.
pd ffor j Iron to hange the puleys aboute the clocke, waying xviij2i. at iijd., iiijs. vjd.
It'm for 1 C & qr. of great wyer about ye clocke, xvjd.
1609, pd hores hier ij dales, going for the Clock smith to mend the Clock, ijs.
1624, pd John Ley, for kepyng the Clock, vjs. viijd. being the annual Salary.
1714, pd Botterill, the Clookmender, for mending the Clock and Chimes, 32. 10s.
1737, 9th November, a new Clock was ordered, and there is this entry in the Accounts of the next year,
" p'd Mr. Paris for making a new Clock, and iron- work for 3 dials, 572."
The Tower was now first disfigured with these unseemly incumbrances, an order being
made for three Dials on 16th May, 1 738, the charge for painting and gilding whereof was £24.*
1757, paid for gold, colours, &c., for the Dials, 282. 7s. Gd.
1758, I4th March, the Vestry agreed with Rob. Heath, of Warwick, " to put up a hand, proper to shew hours
and minutes on the face of the Clock (not the Dials), and to clean and mend the Clock," for which he was to
receive 102. 10s.
1782, The 3 Dials were ordered to be painted by Mr. Downes, and a fourth new one made.
1783, Repairing the old Dials, and making a new one, 372. 4s. ll\d.
Iron-work about the Steeple and Dials, 182. 18s. lOd.
Mr. Downes for painting them, 202. 10s.
1815, paid Mr. Cherry for painting and gilding the Dials, 232.
In 1623 the MS. Annals of the City record that Chimes were set up in this Steeple, and
accordingly a charge occurs in the Accounts for that year " pd in earnest, to the chyme
maker, xij(2. pd to the chimemakers man Yd. and Qs. Bd. for the man that keepeth the
Chymes." They were paid for in 1624.
Paid to John Ley, for making the Chymes, viij2i. 1639, paid for Repaireing of the Chimes, iij2i. ijs. iiijfi.
And in 1645, they were again "set in order and mended," at an expense of £4. 10s.
In 1655 a further charge occurs of £3. 6s. 8d. "for setting the Chymes in order." And
upon a new Bell being added to the Peal in 1659 the foUowing item appears : —
Putting the 6th BeU into the chymes, & altering the tune, 32. lis.
In 1715 they were removed into a new floor in the Steeple, the charge' for which removal
and putting them in order was £8. 10s. 6d.
The Chime Barrel stUl remains, but has not been used for many years ; the last entry I
find respecting them is in 1 755, when BottriU was appointed to look after them and the
Clock, vrith an annual salary of 40s. By an Order of Vestry, made 25th April, 1 642, it
appears that the hours of playing were at 5, 11, and 8 o'clock, day and night, and there is a
simUar order in 1709.
The following items refer to Ringing : —
1589, pd for Ringing the Lord Bisshopp into the Citty, vjd.
1613, Rec'd for the Lord Barkley, x peales, iijs. iiij(2.
This was at his funeral, and it should be observed that 5 peals is the largest number that
usually occurs.
1614, paid for ringing when the Bishopp came, ijs.
1617, paid for ringing when the King came to Coventrey, vs.
1620, paid for ringing upon the day of Gouri's Conspiracy, ij.9. vjd.
1644, pd for ringing the Sth of July, when Prince Robert (Rupert) was routed, 2s.
pd for ringing for the taking of Shrewsbury, 2s. Gd.
[* These dials were formerly placed on the four sides of the Tower, just below the battlements ; during the
alterations in 1830 they were removed to their present position near the foot of the Spire.]
116 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY.
1654, Given to the Ringers on the thanksgiven dale, when the peace was concluded betweene England &
Holland, Is. Gd.
1660, pd for ringing all night, when the Eling came to London, 12s.
1662, pd for ringing when the Bishop came first to this Citie, 8 days, 10s. for ringing the Bishop in and out
the second time, 6s. for the like the third time, Ss.
pd for ringing at Mr. Wanley's induction, 4s.
1687, pd for ringing when the King was here, 6s. 8a!.
1688, pd for ringing for the Prince of Wales, 2s. Gd. when the Princess Ann was in Towne, 5s. when the
B'ps came out of the Tower, 2s. Gd.
171], pd to the Ringers when Dr. Sacheverell came to Town, 5s.
1717, pd the Ringers at the acquitting the Lord Mortimer, Ss.
CHURCHYARD, &c.
The foUowing extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts will discover many circum
stances illustrative of the ancient state of the precincts of this Church :
1560, payd for a locke for ye churche style, xd.
1568, p'd for pavynge-tyle, and pavynge at the weddynge chorche-dore, xijd.
1563, p'd for mendynge the Leche'" yeatt, xiiij<2.
1567, p'd for a lawke & a kee, a gemell,f iij staples wt a haspe Sc nells for the leche yeatt, xviijd.
The leohe-yeatt was the gate through which corpses were brought for interment. Lice,
or Lie, Saxon, a dead body; hence, lich-way, lich-gate, &c.
1579, Charges for a door made in the "Vote," or Vault, 32s. 3d.
1600, p'd for making ij thimbles, ij hooks, and ij staples, for the gate under the vaulte, going to Mr. Smithes, xd.
The gate to the vault (on the south side of the Church) has long been discontinued.
1588, paid for xij ashes, & setting of them in the Churchyard, iiijs. iiij(2.
1599, " Charges aboute the Churchyard." Amount of labour, £2. 10s. 3d. Lime,
carrying stone, sand, &c., £3. 5s. Id.
pd ,Iohn Seargenson for workmanship & stone, as appeareth by his biU, xvj2. xixs. xjd.
It appears from the above items that the Churchyard was then new walled.
1614, Rec'd for the long stone of the crosse, and the stone it stood in, iiijs.
1615, Rec'd for stones that were under the Crosse in the Churchyard, vjs.
1776, the Churchyard being found too small for the number of interments, an additional
burial ground (part of the site of the Cathedral and Priory Church) was consecrated, and
[was in constant use until the opening ofthe new Cemetery in 1847, when it was closed.
In 1834 the ancient footpaths through the Churchyard were diverted, and a substantial
iron fence put up on the south and west sides of the Churchyard, having suitable 'entrances ;
new footways on these sides being provided for the use of the public, in accordance with a
notice published on the 20th July, 1833.]
"¦ Scandil' eccl'ie s'ce Trinitat, vocat le licheyate. — Cartulary of St. Mary's, p. 92. f Hinge.
HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 117
ARBOUR, or "ERBER."
1561, It' payd to pytts, for helpyng to make the arier in saynt mygheU's churchyard, xij^.
In the conveyance of Jesus HaU and its appurtenances, 1499, to Bowde, Vicar of Trinity,
is described " a vacant ground p'teyning to the seid Church, cal'd the Erber."*
JESUS HALL.
Of this structure, the ancient residence of the Vicars of Trinity Church, no traces
remain, and the very name of it is almost forgotten ; we are, however, able to give some
description of the building from a MS.f of the celebrated Humphrey Wanley, whose father
being Vicar of that Church, resided in a part of it.
"The house (says Humphrey Wanley, in 1693) is, as I suppose, 300 years old, by the
work of it, and, as folks say, was called Jesus HaU. One may see the word Jesus thus cut
in wood yet over the gate of it in two places, Jf^S. As for the HaU, 1 am apt to
think that the present HaU and dining-room, with the place where the stairs are that go to
the dining-room, and the chamber above it, have been but one room, as is apparent by the
work of it ; and I beheve that the old Vicaridge House next adjoyning to it, being before
united, together made up one house, because one may easily perceive that they were so by
the work, and what alterations have been made in some of the windows of the old Vicaridge
House. I remember to have seen a branch painted with the letter '0 in the middle of it.
I always thought that this was some rebus or device the person had chose to express his
name by, who caused those windows to be made, but could not think of any name that it
might allude to ; and in one place I could read —
©rate pxo ai'a,
and then other painted glass put in since ; and presently —
fjujm faicarti funlrat;
but in the dining-room windows of my uncle'sj part of this antient house, I well remember
that about three years ago I saw the same branches, and the l3 up and down in them ; in
one place— ©rate pro a'ia Wifomt BobJtie, ijujus ijicarii fuutiatoris,
which proved my conjecture to be true, he using a bough and a t to express his name by."
The former Vicarage House was erected on a part of the site of Jesus HaU, but the
original structure extended to the south transept of the Church, occasioning the vaulted||
'* 28th Edward III. " a via rege usq ad le herber eccl'ie s'ce Trinitat."— Cartulary of St. Mary's, fo. 91.
t Harl. MSS. 7017. No. 50. J Simon Burton.
II April 6, 1646, an order of Vestry recites that the road from Cross Cheaping, &c., leading through this vault,
being parcel of Trinity Churchyard, had been stopped by certain doors and gates, and that Mr. H. Burton (tenant of
Jesus HaU), in right of the Church, had taken down a pair of gates hanging on the Church walls ; the Vestry deter
mine that the way shaU be kept open, and Mr. Burton defended in this act. " Keping clean the Vault," is a regular
item in the Sexton's charge, and mending or making the Turnabout in the Vault frequently occurs. — In 1724, an
order was made that a lamp for the Vault should be provided.
[In 1819 the footpath under the Vault and south side of the Church was newly flagged, and in 1822 the front of
the Vault opposite the Vicarage House was re-cased with stone. The passage was finally closed in 1834. Traces
of the doorway stiU remain in the west wall of the South Transept.]
118 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
passage underneath the extremity of it, which, without this fact being known, seems an
extraordinary and unnecessary circumstance.
By sundry evidences, bearing date 4th and 8th of December, 15th Henry 7th, 1499,
preserved in the Vestry of Trinity Church, it appears that Thomas Grey, Marquis of Dorset,
sold and conveyed to Thomas Bowde, Vicar of this Church, "a parcell of ground in
Coventrye, wt the housyng theruppon sette," thus described in a deed of Feofiment, dated
the 8th of December —
which p'cell lyeth in Coventr' aforeseid, besid's the p'rish church of the holy Trinite, on the south side the
seid Church, with an entre from the hye Stret, their cald the Spycer-stok, unto the seid p'cell of ground, with houses
theruppon set, w'ch p'cell of ground conteyneth in lengh, from a vacant ground p'teynyng to the seid Church, cal'd
the Erber, & from a house of John Norwode, Squyer, unto the seid entre, xij yards Sc ij fete of the Standard, and in
brede from the seid vacant ground & house, be the space of xxv yards & vj Inchesse of the Standard betwixt the wall
of the p'cession wey of the seid Church, and the ground of the seid John Norwode at the est yend xv yards & ij
Inche of the Standard, and at the other yend a'yenst the seid Stret, xxti yards iiij Inche, &c., &c. And the seid
entre unto the seid Stret conteyneth in lengh ix yards of the Standard, & in brede betwixt oure ground abothsid, a
yard, & di' and in heyeth iij yards, as be meres their is enclosed.
This deed has the autograph of the Marquis, and his large Seal of Arms.
The WiU* of Thomas Bowde, bears date the 22nd of March, 1507, by which, after
directing that at the time of his interment in Trinity Church, every priest having Chambers
in Jesus Hall, shall receive 12d., and every other Priest attending 4d., the Clerk 2d., and
Ringers 20d., beside Id. each to the poor on that day, he bequeaths to the use of the said
Church, for ever, all his right, " ad Domum de nomine Jhesu," by him first founded. He
wiUs also, that the Vicar, or his Substitute, shaU every Sunday in the pulpit pray for the
Soul of Master Thomas Bowde, formerly Vicar and Founder of Jesus Hall, for which he shall
iinmediately receive from the Churchwardens 12d.
It appears by the Will above cited, that besides furnishing a residence for the Vicar,
a certain number of the Priests belonging to Trinity Church (one of whom was caUed the
Archmaster) had Chambers in Jesus Hall ;t How many is not specified, but it may here be
noticed, that before the Reformation no fewer than sevenj Priests were attached to this
Church and paid by the Parish, exclusive of the Vicar. As a residence for the latter only,
such a Mansion was unnecessarily large, and accordingly we find, that after the Reformation,
the Parish allowed the use of the great Hall for the meetings of some of the Companies in
Coventry, thus in the Churchwardens' Accounts for 1565, and many foUowing years, occurs : —
R'ec of the Corvysers, for Jesus hall, ijs. viijd.
An entry in the Churchwardens' Accounts for " 1615, paid Mr. Gibson for the sute of
Jesus Hall, xxxijs. iiijc?.," shews that some question had arisen concerning it, but the parti
culars do not appear.
In 1622 II it was leased to Humphrey Burton, for 61 years, at the rent of 26s. 8d., and
¦" Ancient Copy in Vestry.
t 1510, John Boteler grants to the Commoners of Jesus Hall, for their fuel, aU the Wood growing and to grow
in a certain Grove and field at Exhall ; and in the account of Obits kept in Trinity Church will be seen that the
Priests Commoners of the Hall kept an Obit for Joane Hudson, having, as stated in the original Certificate, " for the
keaping thereof the yearly Revenues of a close, called Skotts land, lying w'towt Span ende."
X Vide p. 72 ante. || Vestry Book.
HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 119
certain gratuitous service to the Vestry, in their annual accounts and rental; and in 1658,
the parish sold it to him, receiving £52 in money, and a yearly fee farm rent of 20s., which
in the following year was reduced to 5s. per annum, in consideration of his giving £15 to the
Parish for the other 15s. Rent. From H. Burton it descended to Mr. Simon Burton, Town
Clerk and Coroner, of the City, who by Will,* in 1693, "left the house he lived in, being
over against Trinity Church, in the vault, to the Minister (Mr. John Kimberley), and his
successors for ever, to live in or let to others, keeping it in repair, and paying 5s. per annum
to the city, as a chief rent."
By a description of Jesus Hall, already given from Wanley's MS., and which in the
original immediately follows the above extract, it appears that "the old vicaridge house"
(as the residence of the Vicar was then called), had been been divided ofiffrom this portion
of Jesus Hall, now bequeathed to the Vicar and his Successors. As early as the year 1582
an item occurs of 20s. received from Mr. Penn, then Vicar, for the Rent of it, and numerous
subsequent entries appear of the same sum being received for Rent, together with various
charges for repairs, down to the year 1693, when the above bequest was made.
There was a stone waU between the Vicar's House and the Churchyard, which being
much decayed, in 1627 was cramped and repaired.
In 1 741, an order of Vestry was made for obtaining a faculty to take down Jesus Hall,
and the tenement occupied by John Barker, Organist, and that satisfaction should be made
to the Vicar, or his successor, for damage or loss.
On the Mth September, 1742, a plan having previously been obtained, another order
was made that the Vicar and his successors should have fuU satisfaction for taking down the
Vicarage House, Jesus Hall, or such other old buildings as are adjoining thereto.
The charges of erecting the new Vicarage House are minutely entered in the Account
for 1744, by which it appears that the Receipts for Materials was £100. 16s. lid.
Payments for BuUding the Parsonage House, £572. Is. 4d.
Exclusive ofthe faculty and sundry other expenses amounting to £30. 7s. 7d.
[On the 2nd of December, 1824, a special jury, summoned for the purpose of considering
the necessity of enlarging the Gaol, decided on the purchase of the Vicarage House, garden,
and other appurtenances, at the price of £842, to be paid out of the County Rate. The
whole of the premises were taken down in April, 1826, and the present Gaol (now superseded)
erected on its site. The Vicarage House stood within the Hne of the high waU opposite the
south side of the Church.
From the proceeds of this sale the present Vicarage House was buUt in 1839, on the
site of the Churchyard of St. Nicholas, up the Radford road.]
J' MS. H. Wanley— Harl. MSS. 7017, No. 50.
120 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTRY.
REFORMATION.
Under this head will be found a variety of extracts, marking the progress of the
Reformation in ReHgion, under Elizabeth, in which point of view they are worthy of
consideration, independently of the illustrations they aflbrd of ancient manners. Some
account of the efi'ects of the previous changes in the national reHgion has been already given
under the preceding title of Vestments, &c.
The flrst portion of the following series of extracts is taken from the Churchwardens'
Accounts, given up the 11th of August, 1560, 2nd of Elizabeth.
R' for iij pyllars & ye crosse yt ye rode was on, ijs. ^' for ye vayle (of the Altar), vs.
R' for ye thyng yt ye sacrament was in, over ye auter, xijd. R' for a heyre yt (was) uppon ye awter, vd.
R' of Mr. Meyer, for the panyllynge of ye awter, xxxiijs. vijd.
R' for the crosse at ij tymes, viij<2.
This was a charge for bearing the cross at funerals.
Payments.
Payd to ye Clarkes (7) for their wagis, for ye hole yere, xvj2. xviijs. iiij<^.
These were the parish priests, exclusive of the Vicar.
It' payd for wasshynge of ye awbbes (albs), viijd. for maumsey for ye clarkes, on pawn sonday, vjd.
for beryng of ye crose & banners, of pawn sonday, vj<2. for cords for ye rode, xiiijt^.
for ye water for ye fownt, ijd. for beryng ye crosse, & banner, & stremers, uppon saynt markes day, Sc saynt
gorges day, viijd. for beryng ye crosse & banner in Crose wyke, viij<2.
for beryng ye crose, banner, & stremer, on holy thorsday Sc wyt sonday, xd.
for carrying in ye organs in to Jesus chapeU, iiij(f. for iij tapers at Ester, iijs. iiij(Z.
to Warnar's wyflie, for betyng candell, xiiij«2. for lyght to ye sepulcre, xviijo!.
for pryckyng songes for ye churche, viijd. for iiij sawters, vijs. ijd.
It'm, iiij salme bokes in meyter xvjd. for a mat to knele uppon at ye salmes, xvijd.
payd for bokes at ye bysshop of cawnterbury's vysitacion, Sc for bokes for o'r prest in ye churche, iiijs.
1561, Rec' for ij posts of ye rode loft, xxd.
1568, payd for Byndyng of iiij synginge bouckes, xxd.
1564, pd for blottinge owt the trenetes abowt the chorche, iiij<?,
1582, pd for puUinge downe the Idols, vjd.
A very large proportion of the preceding extracts are from the Churchwardens' Accounts,
given up 11th August, 1560, and consequently commencing Easter, 1559: bearing this in
mind, it is weU worthy of observation that many items refer to usages peculiar to the Old
ReHgion, and evidently show both that the Reformation proceeded by gradual steps in the
aSairs of this Church, and that it was by no means completed before 1560.
The MS. Annals of the City, anno 1559, record —
" This year were good Ministers sent to Coventry ; the Mayor aud Aldermen made an Act of Leet, and levied
upon every house towards the maintenance of them." And in 1560, " This year Mass waa put down, all Images and
Popish reliques beaten down and burnt in open streets ; the Gospel preached freely."
HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY. 121
MISCELLANEOUS.
The subjoined Hst of articles, extracted from the Churchwardens' Accounts, and not
falHng under any of the previous heads, are here given together.
1565, Pd for makinge the Lantarne & lornes to it, iijs. xd. a cord for it, viijd.
1573, Item, payed for gyldynge of mr. maior's seate, xxxvjs, viijd. a mason for hewynge the pyller in the
same seate, xijd.
1574, Item, for the charges bestowed aboute the enquyrie of the pencioners w'ch dep'ted in this p'ishe, xsijd.
Item, payed to Mr. Denton's'* man for makynge oure byll of enquerie of the pencyoners, iiij(?.
Item, payed to olde ffather Turno'r, for his paynes to enquyer aboute the pencyoners, iijk
This enquiry related to the Pensions granted various Incumbents and Members of
Rehgious Houses, Gilds, and Chantries, at the dissolution of their respective estabhshments,
and was evidently intended to prevent frauds.
1575, The Mayor's seat new lined, &c., and a new standard for the sword put up, costing 10s. whole charge,
32. 14s. i\d. Item, payed for a matte for wemen to kueele on, when they be churched, ijd.
1576, It' geven to Roger yonge, his tonge was cut oute, ijs.
1579, Item, re'd of GefEery laueton, to lycence his mother to be buryed in St. MycheU's P'ishe, vjs.
1583, Paid to WiUm. Handle's doughter, for strawing herbs, to strawe the seate when my lord Barkley came to
Mr. Maior's seat, to his Chaplen's sermon, ijd.
1585, Pd for scowrynge the pewter in the Vestery, and for rosemary and bayes, '\iijd.
1589, Pd for a pece of tymber that made the pore-man's box, xijd.
It'm, pd for a sheete, to bury a poore soldier that died att the salt Peet'r house, XNJd.
The above entry wUl be best explained by the foUowing letter from the Earl of Leicester,
addressed To my loving frends the Maior & his bretheren of the Cytye of Coventr'.
After my hartye Commendac'cons, I have receyved yo'r I'res touchyng boyer, yt dyggeth amongest youe by
Com'ission for salt peter, w'ch I'res, as much as concerneth that poynt, I wold youe had rather written to my L, my
Brother of Warrwick, because he is m'r of the ordinance, & those thyngs app'teine to his ofiice, he wold accordingly
have p'vided remedy therein w'th speede. But nowe I have imp'ted the matter unto hym, & the rest of my lords of
the Counsell, & from them have to signyfye you that youe shall not need to obeye hereafter the said Comission of
boyer, or any other Comission touchyng y't matter that hath bene hitherto granted, for that they shalbe aU called in
very shortlye, & the LI. doe meane to take other order in that behalf ; youe may, therefore, yf Bowyer presse youe
any further w'th his comission, w'thstand hym, & not suffer hym to dygge, as youe maye also any other that shaU goe
aboute to digg or seeke for any saltpeter, by virtue of any Com'ission granted before this daye. So fare ye hartelye
weU. ffrom the Coarte, the xxth of October, 1577. Youre lovyng ffrende, R. LEYCESTER.
1590, Given to one that was CorronaU in Zeland, xx(f. to iij soldiers, ijs.
1597, pd for a stricke, & a hoope, & a gallon, to measure Oate & meale iu the Vestery, bought for the poore, xx<?.
1612, paid ayde money for the King's daughter, the Lady Elizabeth, Mr marriage, xvs.
paid Wolston, for altering the Prince's name in the service booke, ijd.
1614, paid Mr. Gibson, for a stranger that preached on the saboth day, the xxvjth of June, xs.
paid the joyner for the bord for the King's armes, xjs.
paid Arthure Browne, for working the King's armes, vl. xs.
1615, paid him for paynting the Prynce's armes, & the x comandements, xvjs.
1627, paid, given a banished protestant of Moravia, by Mr. Buggs his note, ijs. vjd.
1641, paid for cutting the King's armes out, vs. pd for brasse & filing out, iij 2. xs.
pd for bere for Tho. Hopes when he was guUding of it, ijs.
1643, Payments for taking downe of divers houses and buildings without Bishops gate & Spon gate, by order
and command of the Committee & CounceU of Warr, for preservac'on of this City, & t>ringing the tiies and Timber
into Trinitie Church, xvj 2. vs. vijd, " Denton was Registrar of the Diocese.
122 HOLY TRINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
1646, pd for clensing the Church after ye dispute, 6s. pd for filling up three seates w'ch the salt-peter men
diged (inter alia).
1647, pd Hopes for defacing the K. armes, 3s. Gd.
1651, to the painters,* for making the Armes of the Com'on wealth, to set up in the Church, 52. Ss. sundries
more, 7s. Gd.
1658, pd for oharcole, the Sth of february, being a sacrament day. Is.
1660, pd Hope for the King's Arms, 62.
1661, pd for writing the charitable gifts, & 2 tables for it, and figuring all the seat doors, 42.
1662, to 2 men to keepe off the croude of people from the Bishop at the Confirmao'on, Gii.
1676, Jan. 22, Alderman King had a lease of 500 years granted, at a pepper corn rent, to lay a pipe of lead
through a Lammas close next the Pudding Pit, Barrs Hill,and a several close adjoining, belonging to the Church.
1682, pd 2 Rusha men, which were Redeemed slaves from Algeere, 2s. Gd.
pd for moveing the broken Tombe & paveing the place, Ss. 2d.
Rec'd of Henry Gotten, for Alablaster y't came from the broken Tombe, 7s.
1705, pd for drawing the Queen's armes, 82.
1713, pd for links & pitch to Uluminate the steeple when the peace was proclaimed, 8s. id.
The ancient writings and documents preserved in the Vestry of this Church, referred to
and used in the preceding pages, are numerous and not unimportant ; but there are others
which do not come under the classification that has been adopted, and yet are sufficiently
interesting to deserve preservation here as authentic and curious illustrations of the ancient
discipline and conduct of the English Church, both before and shortly after the Reformation.
The first, in point of time, is a very minute account of the duties of the office of Deacon, in
Trinity Church, dated 1462, and entitled as follows :
M'd y't thes be ye cos'tic'ons off ye offesse off ye dekyn, off ye t'nite churche, made in ye yere oflE our lorde, a
mcccclx and ij yer.
In p'mis, the dekyn schall every day, hopyn ye churche durrs at vj off ye clok, and delyver to ye pryste, y't
syngythe ye t'nite masse, a boke, and a chales, and a vestment ; and wan masse ys don, to se ye sayd boke, & chales,
Sc vestment be leyd up in ye vestre. It' ye sayd dekyn, schall ryng all in to matens, w't hys fiielo, at ev'y com'emo-
rac'on and ix lessons. It'm ye sayd dekyn, schall beyr itorthe ye boks for matens, be longyng to ye sowthe syde off
ye quere ; and wan mateus ys don, to beyr them in to ye vestre a gayne. It' ye sayd dekyn schaU ryng, w't ys
fiellow, to hye masse, and syng in ye quere at ye masse ; and wan masse ys don, to se y't ye chales and ye boks be
lokkyd sure in ye vestre. I'tm ye sayd dekyn schal be at ye churche a gayn be iij off cloke, to help to ryng aU in to
evynsong, yff yt be a com'emorao'on, or a fEeste off ix lessons, or dowbuU ffeste. It' ye sayd dekyn, schall syng evyn
song, ou ye sowthe syde, in ye quer, and yfE yt be wolyday, or dowbuU fEeste, ye sayd dekyn shall be rectur in ye
quer, fEor ye sowthe syde off ye quer. It'm wan evynsong ys don, ye sayd dekyn schall make sure ye vestre, and se
y't all ye boks be in. It'm he schall lokk ye churche durrs, at a co'venyant owr. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall ryng
day bell, w't won bell, every day. It' he schall fynde a dekyn to rede ye gospell, at hye masse, every sonday and
woly day, It'm he shaU se ye fiiorthe off ye quere, and ye fiorthe off ye body off ye churche, be swepyd every tyme
wan yt hathe node. It'm ye sayd deken schall se y't ye leds ovyr ye quer, and ovyr ye body off ye churche, be made
clene, every tyme wan they have node ; and yff yt be a snowe to voyd ye guttars, leste they [be] stoppyd. It' ye seyd
dekyn schall set a fform, at ye p'ory dur, on palm sonday, ffor ye stac'ons ; wen y't ys don, he schall cawse yt to be
set a ffor ye rode, for ye p'ste to syng ave rex. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall bryng a woly wat'r stroke w't wat'r, for
hys p'te, every sonday, for ye p'ste to make woly wat'r. Also ye sayd dekyn schall hyng a towell a bowte ye ffant, at
estur, and at wytsontyde. It'm he schal se yt ther be iij copys browght down to ye ffant, ffor prysts to syng rex
sanctoru'. It' ye sayd dekyn schall every sonday, beyr woly watur of hys chyld'n, to every howse in hys warde, and
he to have ys dewty off every man, aft'r hys degre, quartarly. Also ye sayd dekyn schall se ye woly cake, every
sonday, be kyte a quordyng for every man's degre, and he schall beyr ye woly bred to serve ye pepyll, in ye northe
syde off ye churche, and he to go to them on ye xijth day ffor hys offyrryng, to ye rapa'cone off hys syrples. It'm ye
sayd dekyn and hys felow, schall every p'ncypall ffeste, wayte on ye churche wardens, at ye thyrd peel off ye fyrste
evysong, to a ray ye hye awter w't clothys nessessary ffor yt. Also ye sayd dekyn, shall worden a barrell on schere
thursday, Sc on est'r evyn, & on wyttson evyn, ffor hys p't, a gayn ye byttar bryng wat'r ffor ye awtars, Sc ye ffante.
It'm ye sayd dekyn, schall at every snowe, be w't hys ffelowe, and voyd ye fiorthe off ye stepyll, and caste owte ye
snowe, for rotyng ye tymb'r. Also he schall se in hys quarter, y't ye clapurs off ye bells hyng in ordun, and to se ye
bawdryks be sur, and yffe they be nott, to schewe to ye churche wardens, y't they may be mended in sesen, and to
"' Ordered by Vestry on 20th June.
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 123
shewe to them ye bell ropps iu lyk manner. Also he schall se ye paUm' be brennyd ffor ye askys, yt schalbe dawlte
on aske wensday. Also he schall p'vyd ffor palme on palmsonday, for hys p'te. Also he schall wache ye sepulcur,
on Astur evyn, tyll ye resurrec'ion be don, then he and hys ffelow, schall take downe ye lenttyn clothys a bowte ye
Awter, and a ffor ye rode. Also he schall order, on schere thursday, a byrche besom for ye pryst, y't waschythe ye
Awters. Also iij dyssiplyn rodds for hys p'te. And he schall help to sarve the parechshens, of bred Sc alle, and other
thengs, at mylbornes derege, & meynleys, & other dereg's y't byn made of the churche cost. And hys ffelowe schall
gresse ye bellys, and ffynde greyse ther to, wan they have nede. And they schall have ye p'fetts off ye bells, wan
they ryng for any quors or obett. Also ye sayd dekyn and hys ffelow, schall ryng ye bells at ye cum'yng off ye kyng,
and ye queue, and ye p'nce, yff they fiawte, ye dekyn and hys felow to beyr ye losse. It' ye sayd dekyn schall tende
ye lampe, and to ffeche oyle and ryschys, weyr ye churchwardens wyll asyne ym. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall kevyr
ye pylpyt w't a pall, wan any doct'r prechys. Also ye dekyn schall fynde a dekyn to beyr ye crysmatory to ye ffante,
wan they go a pressessc'on in est'r weke. It'm he schall hyng fforthe ye vykar's banar, on ye churche woly day, and
to take yt down a gayn ye viijth day. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall go w't ye p'ste, wan he gothe to veset ye sek, in hys
ward, or else won in hys stede. It' also ye seyd dekyn and hys ffelow, schall every sonday and hye day, ff olde up ye
Albus & Vestmentts, y't be ocupyed y't day. It'm ye sayd dekyn and hys ffelow, schall helpe ye churche wardens to
cover ye Awter & ye rode, in lent, w't lentyn clothys, and to hyng ye vayle, in ye quere, and ye churche wardens
schall gyffe them money to drynke. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall ryng ye grete bell to complyn, every sett'r day, in
lentt. Also ye dekyn ffeche every quors to churche, in hys syrples, y't dessessythe, in hys ward, & he to have ffor hys
labur. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall, every sett'r day Sc woly evyn, be at churche, w't hys felyschep, and ryng noon, as
ye ffest requerythe. It'm he shall knoll to hy masse, sacryng every sonday and woly day, he won quarter, & hys
ffelow a nod'r, and every p'ssessc'on day, to ImoU ye pressessc'on lyke wyse. It'm at every pressessc'on, to bryng
fforthe pressess'conars, a quordyng ffor hys syde off ye quere, and to se they be born in to ye vestre, wan ye press'c'on,
ys don. It'm he schall se ye durr, at ye hye awter ende, be lokkyd ther, as ye sacramente standythe, and ye manewels
be browght in, at every wedyng, in hys warde, wan ye weddyng ys don. Also he schall have off every p'denar y't
cum'yth, ijd, and ye sayd dekyn, schaU lende to hym a syrples, to go w't ye preste, in to ye pylpyt. Also ye sayd
dekyn, schaU go, on AU halowe day, at evyn, a mong ye pepyll, in ye northesyd off ye churche, and gedyr money off
them, for ye ryngars, y't ryng ffor all crystyn soils. It' he schall ffynde won to ryng a pressessc'on every sonday. and
hys felow lykewysse. [ Cetera desunt.]
The constitutions of the office of Second Deacon are also here given from the same
authority :
M'd y't these be ye co'stituc'ens be longyng to ye offesse off ye sec'nde dekyn, off ye trinitie churche.
Inp'mis, the dekyn shalbe at churche every weke day, alfe owr a ffor vij a cloke, and ryng ye sec'nde bell, a
peele to matens, yff yt be a ffest of ix lessons, or a com'emorao'on, yff yt be fowU'* ffest, he schall ryng ij bells at ye
sec'nde peU. It' ye sayd dekyn schalbe at churche and helpe to ryng all in to matens, and masse, and evynsong, w't
hys ffelow ; yff yt be a ffery, he schall ryng won bell ym selfe a sartayn space, as ye ordynall spesyffythe. It' he
schaU berr fforthe off ye vestre, all sych boks necessary ffor ye northe syde off ye quer, for mattens, & masse, and
evynsong ; and he shall syng in ye quer daly serves, on ye same northe syd ; and yff yt be sonday or woly day, he
schalbe rectur, and be gyn all ye salmys, for y't syd off ye quer ; and wan sarves ys don, he schall beyr all syclie boks
as ys ocupud on y't syde, and ley theme in ther place wych ys ordenyd ffor them in ye vestre. It' he schall do hys
dewty at evyn song in lyke maner. It' ye seyd dekyn, schall syng Curffew every nyght, at viij off ye cloke, and wan
yt is don, he schall serche ye churche all abowte, lest ther be any p'son lyeng in any sete or corner, and yen lokk ye
churche dur sure. It' ye sayd dekyn schall swepe ye fiiorthe, off ye sowthe side hyell, off ye churche, every tyme wan
yt athe nede, and also make clene ye leds off ye same hyell, wan yt ys nede ; and at every snowe, to voyde ye guttars
off ye same hyell, lest ye pypys be stoppyd. It' he shall be subdekyn every sondaye and woly day, at pressession and
masse, & rede ye pystiU. It' he schaU every woly day, help hys felow to folde up all sych albys Sc westments, y't are
ocupyed y't day, and at every pressessio', bryng fforthe pressessc'onars a cordyng for hys syd off ye quer, and wane ye
pressesc'ou ys don, to ley them in ther place a gayn in ye vestre. It' ye sayd dekyn schall have all ye weddyngs, y't
ye women be in hys ward ; Sc he schall keep ye offierryngs at ye masse of ye sayd weddyngs, and wan masse ys don,
he schaU bryng up ye boke y't ye p'ste wedds them w't, & also ye ij tapirs off ye vykars, wyche be ocupyed at ye
masse. It' ye sayd dekyne schall greyse ye bells, and ffynde gresse ther to, he won quarta'r and hys ffellow ye todur ;
and aUso, he schal se iu hys quartar, y't bawdryks off ye balls be sur, & ye clapers off ye beUs hung in ordur, yff they
be nott, he schall schewe ye churche wardens, y't ye bawdryks may be mendyd in seson. It' he schall see ye bell
ropps in lyke manner ; also he schall knyllf ye pressesc'ou every p'sessc'on day, and also every sonday & woly day,
knyll to hye masse, sacryng in hys quarter. It' he schalse ye woly bred be drawlte every sonday, on ye sowthe syde
off ye churche, every man in hys degre, and he to go among them on twylffe day, at evyn song, to have hys reward
towards ye rep'acone of hys syrples ; also he schall be w't hys ffelow, & se y't ye palmes be brennyd ffor askys, a gayn
* full. t knell, ring,
124 HOLY TEINITY CHUECH, COVENTEY.
askewennysday, also he schall p'vyd ffor palme a gayn palme sonday, sufByscyant for his warde. It' ye said dekyn
schall go w't ye preste, wan he gothe to ye sacrament, to any sek body in his ward. It'm he shall feche ever
quorsyc'esi* in hys warde to churche, in hys syrples, and he to have ffor hys labur. It' ye sayd dekyn schall, on est'r
evyn, go to ye churche wardens, and cawse theme to p'vyd ffor coUys y't ye halowd Ayr schalbe off, and ye sayd
deykn, schall se ye coUys be leyd on ye sowthe syde off ye ffont, & he to se they be co'venyautly kyndyld a gayn ye
prest cu' to halow ye ffyr. Also he schall p'vyd for a vessell, and hys ffellow a nodur, ffor ye byttar, wan he schaU
bryng watur ffor ye ffonte. It' he schall wache ye sepulcur, on gode flryday, att nyght ; also he schaU se y't ye dur at
ye hye Awter ende, wer ye sacrament stondyth and ye manewells lythe, be every day lokkyd. Also he schall every
sonday Sc woly day, ryng ye sec'nde peell to matens, at syohe howr as ys wont to be. Also he schall helpe hys ffeUow
to make clene ye fiorthe off stepyll, wan yt athe nede, & also to caste owte ye snowe off ye stepyll, wan ther ys any.
It'm he schall orden on scherthe thursday, at ye wasohyng of ye awtar, a byrche besom, and hys ffelowe a nodur, & iij
dysplyng roddes. It'm ye sayd deykn schall se ther be wyn to powr on ye crossys off ye awters, and also a woly
wat'r stoke, ffor to beyr ye wat'r y't schall wasche ye awters, & hys ffelow a nod'r. Also ye sayd deykn schall go on
all hallow day, at evyn, among ye pepyll, in ye sowthe syde off ye churche, and gedyr off them money, ffor ye ryngars,
y't ryng ffor all crysten soils. It'm ye sayd dekyn schall hyng ye wyrys ovyr ye hy awter, at crystymas, w't yve aud
candyls off ye vyker's coste. Also ye sayd dekyn schall, on ye dedycac'on day in ye mornyng, bryng fforthe in to ye
quer, syche skonsys ffor to set in candyls, ffor ye quer, as be ordenyd ther ffor ye wyntur tym, and he schall, wan ye
seson ys don, (se) y't they be leyd in ther place a gayn, y't ys in ye neydur Almery, be hynde ye hye Awter. Item
he schall delyver to ye churchyng off wemen, a tapur, and bred for woly brede, It'm he schall ryng ffor quorsyces
& obetts, and have alfe ye p'ffet off ye bells, and ye todur dekyn ye wodur alffe. Also he schaU ryng a gayn ye
cum'yng off ye byschop, and off ye kynge, ye queue, and ye prynce. Also he schall every prynsypaU ffest, at ye fferste
evynsong, sens ye pepill, in ye sowthe syde of ye churche. Also he schall ffynd alffe ye ryngars, to ryng a pressesc'ou,
every sonday, and woly day. Also he schall every sonday, bryng hys woly wat'r stok w't wat'r, ffor to be made woly
water, and hys felow lyke wyse. Also he schall ryng to complyn, every f eryall day, in lentt, w't ye ffyrste bell. Also
he schall every day, make redy ye hye Awter, ffor ye p'ste to syng hye masse, and he schall ffeche fforthe ye masse boke
& ye chales, and se ye p'ste have bred & wyne. And he schall cawse a chylde to a tende to ye p'ste at masse ; and
wan masse ys done, he schall beyr up ye boke & ye chales, in to ther place agayn. Also he schalle helpe to sarve at
ev'y drenkyng, aftur ev'y derege done, at ye coste of ye churche.
Illustrative of the state of England at this eventful period, and forming a proper
introduction to the next document in point of date, viz., the Injunctions given to the Clergy,
the ensuing Royal Letter, addressed to the Mayor, Aldermen, &c., of Coventry, about 1538,
will be read with interest.
Trustie & welbeloved we grrete yowe well : and wher as we chiefiie & p'ncipallie regardyng & tenderyng the
quiet rest, p'speritie, Sc trauqyUitie of o'r nobles & comens, & ther cons'vac'ion no les then o'r own, directed latelie o'r
I'res unto you & other Justias of o'r pease, thorough out this o'r realme, concernyng o'r admony'con & gentiU warnyng,
to have suche especiall regard to the dutie of yo'r oiBces, accordyng to the trust we have reposed in you, that not
oneUe for the importnacy it is bothe to us & o'r co'en welth, ye shuld for o'r high dignitie of the sup'macie of o'r
churche, wherw't it haith pleased god almyghtie, by his most certayn & undoubted worde, to endowe & adome o'r
Auctoritie & Corou' emp'iall of this o'r realme, to be sett furthe & exp'ssed in aU o'r subgietts herts and mynds, and
to forsee that the maynteynors of the Bishopp of Rome usurped and feyned auctoritie, w't all his papisticall
sup'sticions Sc abuses wher'wt he hath iu tymes past abused the multitude of o'r Subgietts, of whose yoke, tirran', Sc
skomefull illusion, we have by god's p'veyance delive'd this o'r realme & other his satellites, which secretlie did uphold
his fu'c'on, should be by you diligentlie s'ched, enquired, & tried out, and se brought to o'r Justic', to recieve condign
punyshm't, according to ther dymerites : but also, that tale tellers in the contreyes, & spredders of rumors, & false
inventors of newes, to put o'r people in fear, & to sturr theme to seduc'on, shuld be by you app'hended, & taken Sc
punysshed to the terrible ensample of other. Also that vacabons & valyaunt beggers shulde be advoyded & have
worthy correcc'on. And for the same purpose, to keep Watches, & to se com'en Justice w't indifferencie, and w'tout
eny corrup'con to be obs'rved Sc mynystred unto aU o'r subgietts, like as by the p'port and contents of o'r said Lr'es
ye may more pleynlie p'cieve. We have therupon, beyng credeblie enformed that sondry of you Sc causyug the evill
doers to be punisshed accordyng to ther demerits, have for a tyme so well doon yo'r duties, & endeyvored yo'r selfs in
fulfiUyng o'r said admonyc'ons, that o'r lovyng subgeitts have not been disquyetted of longe season, untill now of
late, that som ungraciouse cov'red & maliciouse p'sones, have taken boldenes to attempt, w't sundre devilishe
p'swasions to move & seduce o'r true subgeits, uayng false lyes & moost untrue rumo'rs ; And amongs thame we
understand, sundry p'sones, vicarres, & curratts, of this o'r realme, to be cheif, the which do bryng o'r people to
HOLY TEINITY CHURCH, COVENTRY. 125
darkenes of ther owne p'verse mynde, not oneUe to blynde o'r comons, do reade so confusedlie, lieroyng ^ hachyng the
worde of god, & such o'r lujunc'ons as we have latelie sett furth, that almost no man understands the true meanyng
of the said lujunc'ons, butt also secretlie have subornated certayne spreyders of rumo'rs & false tales in corn's
which do iuterp'tat & wrest o'r true meanyng & intenc'ones of o'r seid lujunc'ons to meny untrue sences ; for
wheras we have ordeyned by o'r seid Injunnc'ons, for thavoydyng of sundry stryves, p'cesses, & contenc'ons, rysyng
upon age, upon lynyaU disoent, upon title of inheritaunce, upon legyttimac'on or bast'die, or for knowlege, whether
eny p'son is o'r subgiet borne or no. Also for sundry other causes, that the names of aU chyldren cristend
fromehe'ssfurth, w't ther birthe, ther fathers & mothers name ; & likewise all maryges & buryells, w't the tyme & dait
therof, shuld be regest'ed from tyme to tyme in a boke, in ev'y p'ishe churche, suerlie & safely to be kept. They have
bruted & blowen abroad most falcelie and untrulie, that we do entend to mak som newe rep'acon at aU cristenyngs,
weddyngs, & buryells, the which in no wise we ev' ment nor thought upon, alledgyng for to fortifle & colo'r ther false
manyfest lyes, that therin we go about to take awey the Ub'ties of o'r realme, for the conf'macon wherof, they fayn
that Bisshopp Becket, of Caunterbury, which thei heretofore caUed St. Thomas, dyed for, wher in deid, ther was nev'
such thyng doon, ner me't in that ner sithense, for the seid Beckett, nev' swarved ner continewed w't o'r p'genytor
Kyng Henry the second, but onelie to lett that those of the clergie shuld not be puniss'ed for ther offenc's, ner
justified by the v?T'ts & lawes of this realme, but onelie at the bisshops pleasure, & after the decrees of Rome. And
the cause why he died, was upon a wilfuU rescue & affrey, by hym maid & begon at Canterbury, which was nev'theles,
afterward alledged to be for such Ub'ties of the Church which he contended for duryng his life with the Archebisshopp
of York. (Cetera desunt.)
The ensuing fragment,* entitled " Injunctions geven to the Clargy," is without date, but
belongs to the latter part of the reign of Henry 8, viz., 1546 or 1547, being evidently
composed after his 37th year, because the Free School is therein named (though, if the
estabhshment was actually commenced so soon, it must have been in its first and temporary
state, in the church of the White Friars), and that its date is previous to the 1st of Edward 6,
is deducible from the circumstance of the priests of Bablake being named, and consequently
before the possessions of the Gilds and Chantries were seized upon.
This interesting document exhibits a proof of the lamentable state of ignorance into
which many of the clergy were sunk at this period ; and is important as showing the first
steps taken to reheve the parochial poor, a measure then become necessary from the
Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the consequent stoppage of that great source of then-
support. DSTJUNCTIONS GEVEN TO THE CLARGY.
It'm, to thintent, the Priests in, and about the said Citie, beyng nowe but menely or scant lerned, maye herafter
the better come to the knowledge of god & his worde. That all & syngler priests dwellyng, abidynge, or resiant w'tin
the citie of Coventre, except the Vicars of the Churches of the Trynyte Sc seynt Michael's, onelesse they have liefuU
& reasonable excuse, be p'sent at all, & shaU dailye, on the workyng dales, reseve syngler & open lessons of dyvynyte,
to be redde in the co'en schole in Coventre, caUed Kyng henry the eight's free schole, or els where, to be redde in the
seid citie, by the Vicars of the seid Churches, or any of them ; or by any other, that hathe, or shalhave, auctorite to
reade the same, in the seid Citie ; so that the same lessons be redde out of the tyme used co'enly for syngyug of
dyvyne servyce, in the seid churches. And to th'entent, the same maye be the better observed & not neglected, the
co'en dyvyne servyce used dailye to be songe in the seid citie, shalbe don & songe in all the seid churches at the same
& Uke houres, and at noon other tyme ; and that betwene eight & nyne of the clock, before none, no maner of dyvyne
servyce on the workyng dayes, shalbe don in the seid Citie, but that parte shalbe don before & parte after, to thentent,
iu the meane season they maye be at the seid lessons, or at ther studie. Provyded alweye, that thre of the seid
priests, that is to seye, one of the bablake, another of the p'ishe of the Trynyte, & the third of seynt Michael's shalbe
contynually, on the seid werkyng dales, in the seid schole, at such tymes as the scholars use to be in the same, and
there shall teache the yong children that leme ther Alphabetes, or others, in such man'r & fourme as shalbe p'scribed
unto them, from tyme to tyme, by the scholemasters, or scholemaster of the same.
* In Trinity Vestry.
126 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COVENTEY.
Concerning Alms, or Relief to the Poor (from the same Fragment).
-that is to seye, uppon such as for age, impotencye, or sicknes, cannot get ther lyvyng w't ther handes ;
or such as by reason of multitude of children, cannot w't ther honest labour get somoche as will fynde themselfs &
ther chUdren, an honest poore livyng, and in nowise uppon such as be wilfuUy poore, that is, that wiU not labour fo
ther lyvyng, or be drunkerds, whoremongers, dysers, carders, contempners of goddes worde, or such like lewde p'sones.
And that the seid Almesse shalbe wekely, ev'y Sondaie, distributed to the seid poore people, by the kepers of the
keyes of the seid hutche, and that the Vicar or curat of the same p'ishe, shaU kepe a boke therof, to whom & how
moche is geven ev'y dale.
It'm, that the churchewardens of ev'y p'isshe, Sc ij honest men of ev'y p'isshe, by course ev'y sondaie, or
holydaie, shall, at the tyme of dyvyne s'rvyce, go rounde about ther p'isshe churche, two Sc two, that is one churche-
warden, th'other no Churchwarden, w't a boxe in ther hande. (cetera desunt.)
The following directions, addressed " To the Curate and Churchwardens of the
Trynytie p'ishe, in Coventr' " are without date, but from internal evidence, and the name of
the Registrar, are assignable to the period of Queen Mary ; and from the circumstance of
their being addressed to the Curate instead of the Vicar, there is great reason to fix upon
1553, for the time, as in that year the Living was vacant, on the deprivation of WUliam
Benet, for being married. To the curate and Churchewardens, of the Trynytie p'ishe, in Coventr'.
ffurst, to comaunde that p'cessyons be hadde ij tymes a weeke, and ev'ye house withein the p'ishe, one to be
present. It'm, in ev'ye church iiij sermons to be maid by the p'sone or viocar, or by theyre p'curement ev'ye yeare.
It'm, ev'ye Soundaie and holydaie, the articles of the faiethe, the terme com'aundements, the vij deedeUe
Synnes, the vij workes of m'cie, to be rehersed openlie by the curate, at masse tyme.
It'm, that the chyldeme of ev'ye p'ishe cu' before the curate, to be examyned of theyre beleve, to knowe if theye
be weU taught of theyre parents ; this to be done the Soundaies, at a convenyent tyme, to be apoynted by the curate.
It'm, that no benefice be lett to f arme, nor no p'te thereof, without a specyaU lycens graunted by the ordynarie.
It'm, that all suche as have pluralities, do bringe them in to the ordinarie and the Regyster.
It'm, chardge to be gyven to the curate and churchwardens, that in the tyme of dyvyne s'vice, no dawnsinge,
singinge, playinge, nor pastaunce be kept.
It'm, a booke to be hadde in ev'ye churche, & ev'ye soundaie to writte the names of aU that be chrystened,
married, and buryed, ev'ye weeke.
It'm, aU dispensac'ons for dyett, or marryadge, to be exhibited to the bisshoppe or his chaunceUor, wthin a
monethe. It'm that all Churchwardens, from tyme to tyme, do resorte to the Bysshope or his chaunceUor within Six
weekes after theye be chosen, to take theyre othe.
It'm, if there be any ma' or woma' that have anye pues or seates in the quere, theye shaU remove out of the
quere, witldn ffourtie dales next ensuynge. By me, Ric'm Denton, Reg'rm.
St i&tt|j0las's €ijuxt% Ccfentrg.
The early history of this quondam structure is involved in considerable obscurity ; and
it is only once aUuded to by Dugdale, in the foUowing words : — " certain is it, that a great
part thereof (viz. the City of Coventry), and probably the most ancient, stood on the Bank,
without Bishop-gate, North- Westward of the City ; for no less do the Foundations of much
Building there discovered, and a place yet called St. Nicholas's Church-yard, testify."
A confirmatory grant,* by Thomas, Prior of the Holy Sepulchre, in England, of certain
lands to MUo de Coventry, circa Henry 2, contains inter aha, as foUows : — " Ooncedimus etia'
iUis mansuras iUas juxta Gim't'iu/m Sc'i Nicholai, in quib'z manserunt Gladewin' presbit, et
Joh'es rufius."
Wm. de Coventre,t called de Burmyneham, and Bela his wife, grant to John the clerk,
caUed le Bel, their adopted child (alumpno nostro) divers lands and tenements in Coventry
(inter aha) certain land " versus ecclesiam Sancti Nicholai," the deed is s. d., but from Sir
Gefirey de Langley being a party named therein, may be guessed about A.D. 1250.
These are the earliest notices of St. Nicholas's Church hitherto discovered, and we are
Hkely to remain uninformed, both as to the period of its foundation, and in what manner the
celebration of divine service was provided for, until the 42nd of Edward 3, 1368, at which
time Hcence| was granted to John Damaste, Thomas Randolf, William Wolf, Nicholas de
Houton, Thomas de Sutton, Richard Damaste, Edward de Wedonne, John BallesshaU,
WiUiam de Balsalle, and John de Castele, to assign 100s. annual rents, with the appurtenances
in Coventry, unto two Priests, who shaU celebrate mass daily in the Church of St. Nicholas,
"juxta Coventre," in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, and St. Nicholas, and for the good
estate of the said King Edward and Queen PhiHppa, as also for the said John Damaste and
others. There are, however, strong reasons to conjecture that the Corpus Christi Gild,
founded the 22nd of Edward 3, 1348, did immediately connect themselves with St. Nicholas's
Church, and support the one Priest there, stipulated in their foundation Charter. It wUl be
presently shown that afterwards they not only repaired the fabric, and appeared to have had
the entire control and management of the Church, but so intimately were they connected
with it, as to alter the style and title of their fraternity, which in 1488 (as appears from the
Book of Accounts from that year to the dissolution of this Gild, preserved in the Corporation
Archives) was called the GUd of Corpus Christi and St. Nicholas ; and such also is their
designation upon the Seal of the GUd used during the reign of Henry 8, and untU the
suppression. Other incidental notices of St. Nicholas's Church occur previous to the commencement
of the Corpus Christi Gild Accounts, viz., in 1390, six seHons of land are in the Cartulary of
St. Mary's described to be " in campo ex opposita eccl'ie sc'i Nich'i, inter t'ra Joh'is Preston
* penes T, S. f Cart. fo. 49, b. J original penes T. S.
128 ST. Nicholas's church, Coventry.
& venell, subtus Cimit'iu sc'i Nich'i •" and 1419, an order of Leet, that no one shall dig sand
under St. Nicholas's Churchyard, on pain of 6s. 8d. In 1456 it is described amongst the
Chapelries pertaining to Trinity Church, in a composition between the Prior and Convent of
St. Mary's and the Vicar of that Church respecting tythes, by the term Capella S'ce Crucis
Sc'i Nicholai Coventr', but this is the only instance I have met with. The first article in the
Accounts above referred to connected with this Church occurs at the foot of an Inventory
of Jewels and plate belonging to the Gild, Ao. 1493, and is as follows : "Md. that ther ys ij
Chalys that long to Seynt Nycholas Chyrche, and they be in the kepyng of Thomas Owr,
that help'th the prests to syng." In 1501 we find
payd for the Repa'c'on of seynt Nycholas Church, iij 2. xiijs. ijd.
1503, payd to John Smythe, mason, for the makyng of a new butrase on the west ynd of seynt Nycholas
Church, & ov'r the North ComeU, he fyndyng all the stuff & warkemanshyp, iiij2.
The dedication of this Church was also celebrated by the GUd, as appears from the
foUowing item.
1539, spent in bred & ale at the dedicac'on at seynt Nicholas Church, xijd.
And in the same year occurs a payment of 12d. to Priests and Clerks there on Corpus
Christi Day.
1541, It' in exp' of drynking at seynt Nicholas Churche, xijd.
1542, It' pd to p'sts for a dirige & a mase at Seynt Nicholas Churche, on seynt Abdon Sc Senes daye, XMJd, — At
seynt Nicholas Churche tuysday in Crosse week.
It' birche ijd., Russhes ijd,, a pynt mamsey & a looff for hyme that p'eached ijd., ob.
Here terminate the extracts from the Corpus Christi GUd Accounts, but in 1545 is a
charge in the Chamberlain's Accounts* of
costs maid on the Causey, at seynt Nicholas Churche, ixs. xd.
and in the subsequent year it appears from a valuation of the Vicarage of the Holy Trinity,
in Coventry,t that the Church was then in a state of dilapidation, although it was not until
1547 that the Act of Parhament was passed for granting the Gild and Chantry possessions
to the CrowTi. The Harleian MS. 6195, containing extracts from the Council Books of
Edward 6, has at page 6 et seq., a curious and interesting account of the proceedings of his
Privy Council, 6th of May, 1548, in consequence of the determined opposition made to this
measure in the preceding November, by the Burgesses of Coventry in particular, than whom
none " were stiflfer, nor more busily went about to impugne the said article ;" and " declaring
that where that City was of much fame and Antiquity, sometimes very wealthy, though now
of late years brought into decay and poverty, and had not to the furniture of the whole
multitude of the Commons there, being to the number of 11 or 12 thousand houseling people,
but two Churches wherein God's service is done :" proceeding, they say " the Church of
Corpus Christi (meaning St. Nicholas) was speciaUy maintained of the Revenues of such
GUd Lands, given heretofore by divers persons to that and other beneficial uses."
These spirited measures, however, faUed of preserving the Church, although the City
was allowed to purchase the Gild and Chantry possessions at a low rate.
* penes Corporation,
t '' Valet in p'ficua Cemeterii eccl'ie sc'i Nicho'i Coven' (modo in decasu et Ruina existent) p' ann. vs."
ST. Nicholas's chuech, coventey. 129
In Stowe's CoUections, Harl. MSS. No. 539, he says of the Corpus Christi Gild, inter
aHa, "they had a fair Church called St. Nicholas's Church, and 14 or 15 Chaplains*." We
have no clear or certain account of further progress in destroying the Church, and indeed
not many notices of it occur subsequent to this period.
In 1558, WiUiam Bennettf, Vicar of Trinity, leases the Vicarage for seven years, and
amongst other possessions described, is " oone Cloose or pasture, caUide Sayncte Nycholas
Churche yarde," without any mention of the Church, but that some portion of it existed in
1560, appears from the Accounts of tho Churchwardens of Trinity, for that year, in which is
the foUowing entry : —
" payd for beryng ye pulpit to saynt nycolas churche, iiij<?."
Whether the pulpit was carried there to be stored up, or for the purpose of pubHc worship
and preaching, upon some particular occasion, there is no evidence to shew. The pulpit in
Trinity Church is of stone, perhaps coeval with the fabric, and consequently if the pulpit in
question belonged to that Church, it was clearly a moveable one.
Another, and the last item that has been discovered relating to St. Nicholas's Church,
may, in some measure, decide the question as to the purpose for which the pulpit was
removed there : it is from the Churchwardens' Accounts of Trinity, and is as follows : —
" 1581, Item for layinge the tymber together at St. Nicholas Chappell, ixd."
Now, unless we suppose that these " tymbers " were a part of St. Nicholas's Church, then
recently puUed down, the entry seems to designate the building (in whatever state it then
existed) as a store-house for materials belonging to the Mother Church, and in that case, the
pulpit was, in all probabiHty, carried thither for the purpose of preservation only.
The site of the Church-yard is weU known, but not a trace of the Church remains ;
neither does it appear that any part of the fabric existed in Dugdale's time, consequently we
may limit the period of its entire demohtion between 1581 and 1620, or even 1615, for at
that time our great Historian first came to the Free Grammar School, in Coventry, and as
he evinced a very early inclination to antiquarian pursuits, and resided in the City about five
years, such a fact would not have escaped his keen research and observation.
"' In the list of Pensions to Incumbents of dissolved Religious foundations, Ao. 1555, occur the names of four
persons receiving 42, each annuaUy, who are described as incumbents " nuper GuUde Corporis Christi in Bablake, in
Civitate Coventrie," but I conceive this to be an error, and have Uttle doubt that St. Niclwlas should be substituted
for Bablake. f Original in Trinity Vestry.
Balilato CJjuttij ox Cijaptl, CototrB.
Upon the formation of St. John's Gild, 6th Oct., 16th Edw. 3, 1342, licence was
granted to purchase certain Lands, Tenements, and Rents, to the yearly value of £20 for
the founding a Chantry of Six Priests, to sing Mass daily in the Churches of the Holy Trinity
and St. Michael; but so soon afterwards as May 7, 1344, Queen Isabel, by her Charter,*
dated at " Risyngs," grantsf to the members of this Gild, a plat or parcel of ground in
Coventry, belonging to her, called Babbelak, containing 117 feet in length, by 33 feet at the
north end, and 40 feet at the south, with permission to build in the said place a Chapel in
honour of God and St. John, and there to have two Priests singing Mass and other divine
service daily, for the good estate of her Son, the King, for herself, her daughter. Queen
Philippa, and the Prince of Wales, during their lives, and for their souls after death ; and
also for the souls of her dear Lord Edward, late King of England, and John, Earl of Cornwall,
as well as for the Brethren of the same Gild, and their souls after death, and for aU Christian
souls for ever, which grant was confirmed by Edward 3, in his 19th year. The Chapel
was so far finished as to be dedicated in 1350, 6th Non. May, but continued to be enlarged
for some time afterwards.
In 1357, by Indenture,! dated at Coventry, Tuesday, in the feast of the Decollation of
St. John Baptist (August), 31st Edward 3, between WiUiam Walsheman,|| Valet to Queen
Isabel, and the Master and Brethren of St. John Baptist's Gild, after reciting that the said
Master and Brethren, in honour of St. John the Baptist, and for the good success which the
King had on the sea, on the festival of the said Saint, intend to make and finish at Babbelake
a fair and decent Chapel, wherein six Priests are perpetually to perform divine service for the
good estate of the King, &c., &o., the said William Walsheman, out of regard for the Chapel
so founded, by his lady Queen Isabel, grants and agrees to enlarge the said Chapel by one
new Aisle, the length and breadth of the same, and to amortise rents good and sufficient to
support four Priests to sing perpetually with the other Priests of the Gild, for the lives and
souls aforesaid, and for the souls of Gylot Galeis,§ William, formerly Rector of Hannam,
deceased, for the Brothers and Sisters of the said GUd, and for aU Christians for ever. It is
'* Original in French in the Corporation Treasury. f Inquis. ad quod dampnum, 18th Edw. 3. m. 38.
X Original in Treasury, Box 52, in French.
II This Walsheman was evidently in favour with the Queen, who appointed him her Sub-bailiff of Coventry, 15th
Edw. 3, original in Treasury, Box 52.
§ Queen Isabel, 14th June, 21st Edw. 8, granted this Galeis two Acres of Cheylesmore Park, for his Ufe,
paying annually 3s. 4d. He likewise built a House in Bailey-Lane, convenient for Mercery and Drapery, which was
inherited by Walsheman, and Queen Isabel (it being within her Franchise) granted 25th Edw. 8, that all persons
coming to Coventry, on Fridays, with Cloth, of Cornwall, Devonshire, or Ireland, to sell, should bring it there and to
no other place. This building was the origin of the Drapery, and by that title it was given by Walsheman to the
Gild, between the years 1365 and 1369.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 131
also agreed between the parties afore-named, that all the stone and timber of the Chapel,*
begun by Gylot de Galeis, in the new park, shall be taken down and carried to the said
Chapel, to perform the work of the said William before-named ; and the rest of the stone and
timber to remain with the Master and Brethren of the said Gild, for repairing and enlarging
the Chapel of Bablake. For the performance of all which at their proper costs, the said
parties are mutually bound, if it please the said Lady and her good council, to consent
thereto.' Edward Prince of Wales, by his Charterf bearing date at the Manor of Northbourn,
near Sandvrich, September 23, 33rd Edw. 3, 1359, with Hcence from the King, gives to
the Master and Fraternity of St. John Baptist's Gild, a certain parcel of land with its
appurtenances, containing 60 feet in length and 40 in breadth, and contiguous to another
certain parcel of land, upon which the said Master and Fraternity have built a Chapel in
honour of St. John Baptist, to hold the same in capite for ever, in enlargement of the parcelf
of land before-named. \\
Between the 39th and 43rd§ Edward 3 (1365-9), William Walsheman and Christiana,
his Wife, give certain Tenements called the Drapery, to the Master and Brethren of the
afpre-named GUd (then bearing the title of the Gild of the Holy Trinity, St. Mary, St. John,
and St. Katherine) towards the making and building a Chapel within the Chapel of Bablake,
in honour of the Holy Trinity, St. Mary, St. John, and St. Katherine.
This additional work at Bablake was probably carried into efleot about 1375, in which
year our City Annals mention that the Church began, and that the Mayor, Wm. Wolfe,
"was a great helper with his costs and charges."
It is manifest that an error is here committed by the chronicler, in mistaking a partial
work for the general construction of the Chapel. In the transactions of this Gild, a fine^ to
the amount of 20s. occurs in 1379, as being paid "towards the building of Bablake;" and
in 1382, a like sum "towards St. John's Chapel, at Bablake," both shewing that this fabric
was in process of enlargement, and the latter seeming to refer particularly to Walsheman's
new Chapel. ¦* In 21st Edward 3, he had licence granted to found a Chantry in Cheylesmore, consisting of three Priests, one
whereof to be Warden ; and to build a Chapel there, in honour of the Virgin, with a, convenient mansion for the
Priests, amortising thereunto, five messuages lying in Coventry.
f Original iu Treasury, Box 52.
X There is very strong reason for beUeving, that on this ground the hall and apartments for the Priests of Bablake
were built. — vide " Bablake Hall."
II Very shortly after the founding of this Chapel, viz. in 1362, Ucence was given at the request of Queen Isabel,
by the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Robert de Worthin, Priest, to become a Recluse or Anchorite, in a building
constructed for that purpose adjoining the said Chapel ; as appears by the foUowing extract from the Bishop's
Register : —
Rogerus, &c. dilecto in Christo filio Roberto de Worthin Capell, salutem, &c. Precipue devotionis affectum
quem, ad serviendum Deo in reclusorio juxta CapeUam sc'i Jo/i. Baptiste, in Civitate Coventrieusi constructo, & spretis
mundi deliciis Sc ipsius vagis discursibus contemptis, habere to asseris, propensius intuentes ; ac volentes te, considera-
tione nobilis domino, domine Isabelle Regine Anglie nobis pro te supplicante, in hujus laudabili proposito confovere,
ut in prefata reclusario morari possis, & recludi, & vitam tuam in eodem duoere in tui laudibus Redemptoris, liceutiam
tibi quantum in nobis est concedi per presentes, quibus sigillum nostrum duximus appouendum. Dat. apud Heywood
5 kal. dec. A. D. MCCCLXij. Sc consecrationitl- nosfcre tricesimo sexto.
As this is the only account of the Hermitage that has been discovered, it seems probable, either that the
enlargement of Bablake Chapel, or building the HaU and Priests apartments, interfered with the habitation of the
Recluse or that a succession of persons were wanting to follow his example.
§ GUd MS. penes, T.S. % idem.
132 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTRY.
Respecting the estabhshment of Priests here, it appears that Walsheman's grant, before
recited, was to make up the number 6, and the licence of Edward 3, to Richard de Stoke
and Gilbert de Peek, mentioned in the account of St. John's Gild, states the number to
be 7, empowering also the Brethren of the Gild to elect one of the 7 to be Warden, and
the munificent grant of John Percy and others to the united GUds, 17th Richard 2, 1393,
was for the finding of 9 Priests. In 1457, 36th of Henry 6, the payments to them, as
entered in the Trinity Gild Accounts, were as follows : —
Imprimis Solut' p'sbit'as & cl'icis de Babl', p' salar' suo de t'rmi'o Natal, d'ni, xviij2i. xvs.
It'm solut' p' t'mi'o Annunciao'ois be 'marie Virg' xxli. iijs. iiij(2.
Nat' s'ci Johis Bapt'e xxli. iijs. iiij^.
s'ci Mich'is Arch'i xxli. iijs. iiij(2.
In 1461, William Haddon, Warden of Bablake, eleven Priests and two Clerks, con
tributed towards raising and appointing forty men, who went with the Earl of Warwick
from hence into the North, " to resist kyng Henry & queue marg'et*.'^
In 1520, the Account was £86. 4s. 2d. for the four quarters, somewhat exceeding
the preceding payment; but in 1536, it was reduced to £62. 4s. ; in the last year of Henry 8,
viz., 1546, stUl farther lessened, being only £51. 16s. 8d. ; and in the final account of the
Gild BaiHfi", given up October 20, 1548, the sum is £46. 5s.
The ensuing items relate to the repairing of this Chapel : —
1518, It', Alysaund' More for poyntyng in the Chirch of Bablake, & tabardyng in gret, vs.
It', pd for iij qr't lede for the taberdyng Sc for castyng thereof, iijs. xd. ob.
1521, It', pd, to two whytlim's for whitlymyng at bablake by v dayes & di', vs.
It', pd for whitlymyng at bablake by x dayes (2 persons), xs.
It', pd to two paynt's for peyntyng the church of bablake, xxijd.
It', pd for a stryke of glov's pec' for sise, iiijeZ.
In the return made by the Clergy, of the value of their Benefices in 1522 (some
particulars of which have been given in the account of St. Michael's Church), the foUowing
was made by the Priests here : —
The names of the P'ists of Babelak.
Sir Charlys boke, haitih yeirlie in stipend', viij m'rcs, he haith
in goods, vii.
£ s.
d.
Sir WiU. Woodward
8 marks.
goods
4 16
0
Ambrose Marriet
8 m'ks.
4 3
4
Thom's Clarke
8 m'ks.
3 0
0
Will. Godfrey
8 m'ks.
1 0
0
WiU. Levys
8 m'ks,
5 4
0
John Fraby
8 m'ks.
6 0
0
Thom's Elsden
8 m'ks.
0 13
0
Two more names are erased.
Stowe, in his Collections, preserved in the British Museum, has the foUowing minute : —
Bablake CoUege, 1 Warden, 12 Secular Priests, 12 singing men.f
And in Leland's Itinerary, it is thus mentioned : —
There is also a Collegiate Church at Bablake, hard within the West Gate, alias Bablake Gate, dedicated to
St. John. It taketh the name by likelyhood from a Conduct by it. It is of the foundation of the Burgesses, and
there is a great Priviledge, Guild or Fraternity. In this Colledge is nowe a Maister and 8 Ministers, and lately
12 Ministers. * Leet Book, 189 b. f No. 539, p, 87.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 133
Many items of payment occur in the Gild Accounts, besides the annual stipends to
the priests here, a few of which are given below, to show the general nature of them.
1457. It', sex pecias de Kersey, ad val', iij2. xijs.
1460. It' p' hemmyng & markyug de ij bz bourdeclothes, ijd.
It' sol' Ric'o Braytoft, p' iij uluis Sc j qu'rt'na de flflemysshecloth, p' j metecloth p'sbitis, apud bablake,
ijs. iijd. ob.
It' sol' eid'm Ric'o, p' iij ulnis de Busheoloth, p' j' mete cloth, p' lez Dekyns ib'm, xiijd.
1468. It' rec' de Ric'o p'ker, de dubelyn, ij C & di' yryshe yor"* p'cs, vl.
It' v de Nycolas Coke, de debelyn, iij C & xl ti gray yor' p's, vj U. xiiijs. iiijf^.
De V C & Ixxxx li yor' q'd recept' de Ric'o p'ker & de Nycholas Coke, de Hib'nia, exspend' j C & lx li in bord
clothes, toweUs, & awbys, to bablake, & iiij C Sc xxx ti delib' Joh'ni Pynchebak successor' suo,
In addition to these may be mentioned a regular charge as foUows :
It' sol' p'sbitis de bablake, p' Miris, vjs. viijd.
This item is variously written, according to the lax orthography of the time, occurring
in these several ways — hurs, hurys, hures, and as above huris : in a few instances, I have
found the ensuing entry seemingly in place of the above, which does not occur when the
following charge is made :
14th Edward 4, "If p' Gardianos de Bablake, p' piliis, vjs. viijci." — and in the
preceding year, " It' sol' d'no Joh'i Melton, Gardiano de Bablake, p' capicio de lib'ata
gilde, vjs. vuji." from which circumstances I am led to conjecture that the huris may be
a corrupt term for hood ; though it must not be concealed, that in the same year's accounts,
wherein this strange word is found, we constantly meet with pro capicio suo, in other entries
where the Gild gave their livery hood ; and there is still another obstacle in the allowance,
being in the former instance, pro presbiteris, and in the latter for the Warden only. — The
reader must decide for himself.
Amongst several original Petitions to the Trinity Gild, in the possession of the writer,
are the two foUowing, one from the Warden, and one from the Deacons of Bablake.
To the reverent mayster of ye Trinite Gyld, seynt Mary, seynt John, & seynt Kateryn, of Coventre, and to all
ye worschypfuU goverens & Brethren of ye same, Schewyth hym, zour meeke Brother & Chapelyn of ye forseyd
Gyld, John Brydde, y't ye forseyd John be zow worchypfuU serys chosen into ye ofl&ce of Gardyente of yowr worthy
Colage of Bablake, ye whech office to h's power Sc aft' his connyng hayeth kepped into gret travayle & occupacyon.
In most goodly wyse y't in witte may be conceyved of the reward in clothyng of ye Gilde, as hs predyssessurs have
had before tyme, for ye forseyd honest occupacyon devoutly besecheth to zowr p'ifulgent excelens. In bono' de deu'.
Endorsed " non alloc."
To you worshipful and rev'ent maistre and bretheren of ye Gilde of saint Trinite of Coventre, Shewen, yo'r
pore s'vaunts, dekens of yo'r Collage of Bablake, howe yei haue do and wol do as good s'vice to ye said Collage, as
did yei y't occupied before hem. Besechyng you y't yei mowe have ye same salarie & reward as yei hadde, for ziff
yei shuld yay ixd. a weke for yeir borde, as yo'r prestes asken them, hit wold come to xxxixs. and ov', Sc y't oy'r as
miche and so ye remenant of hir salarie to hem bothe, for their s'vic's cometh but to xld. Besechyng you of a
reward of charite. Endorsed " q'al't diaconor' h'ebit p' an' xld.
Besides the Obits, several Festivals were celebrated at Bablake, by the Trinity Gild,
some particulars of which, from the Gild Accounts, are given below : —
36th Henry 6, 1457.
Bxsp'e fact' apud babl', in festo sc'e Trin', in primis in pane, xijd. It' in j Cesfc'r & di' s'vis, ijs. vjd. It' in
'* Yarn.
134 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
drege ryall & confeccions, xxd. It' in iij bz lag' r' vin', ijs. vji^. It' in ij bz lagen' r' vin' exsp' ad domu' Mag'ri,
xxd. It' in j quart albi vini, ijd. ob. It'm in Cirpis, ijd, It'm iiij Torcheberers, xijd. It'm, p'sbitis & Cli'cis, vjs.
viiji. It'm, histrionibz'* Civitat', vjs. viija!. It'm, p' portac'one Crucis p'iiij dies, xvjd. It' p' j Potell r' vin', vicar'
eccl'ie s'oe Trin', Coventr', vd. S'ma, xxvs. ixd. ob.
Exsp' fact; in die S'ci Joh'is Bapt'e, Inprimis p'sbit'is & Cl'icis de Babl', vjs. viijd. It'm in Oblac'one, xijd.
It'm Mag'ra & al' Officiar' Gilde in uno regardo ab antiq'o usitat', iijs. It' histrionibz Civitatis, vs. It'm in cirpis
Sc birchynbowys, iijd. It'm in j lag' de Tyre, xvjd. It'm in j poteU de Malvesey, viijd. S'ma xvijs. xjd.
Ex' fact' apud Babl', in festo Decollac'ois s'ci Joh'is Bap'te, Inp'mis in pane, iiij. It' in s'vis, ixd, It' in j
lagen' r' vin, xd. It'm p'sbit'is & Cl'icis de Babl', vs. ijd. It' in oblac'one, viijd. S'ma, vijs. ixd.
In the 15th of Edward 4, 1475, the entries are as follow : —
Exspenc' fact' in die s'ce Trinitat' apud Bablake. In pane, xix^, It'm in serivicia a sest' & dimid', ijs. iijd,
It'm in speciebz in toto, xxijd. It'm in vino rubio & albo, p' ix galons, viijs. iiij(?. It'm p' uno, quart de Malsey,
iiij(2. It'm capell'is de Bablake, vjs. viij<2. It'm Waytes, vjs. viijd. S'ma xxvijs. viijd.
Expenc' fact' apud Bablake, in vigilia Nativitatis s'ci Joh'is Bapt'e. In primis in pane, xsijd. It'm in serivicia,
xxijd. It'm in vino rubio & albo vij galons & dimid', vs. xd. It'm in vino dulci iiij galons & dimid', vjs. It'm in
annes & confetts, xx<2. It'm in blaunche powder alb', xviijd. It'm in ramis de Byrches & cirpis, iijd. It'm Maiori,
iijs. iiij(2. It'm in oblac'oe Mag'ri cum Ux'e sua, xijd. It'm in elimosina paupibz, vjs. viijd. It'm p' belman, iiijd.
It'm capell'is de ead'm p' le derige, vs. ijd. It'm eisd'm capell'is p' eor' cloac'oe, vjs. viijd. It'm p' colac'oe mag'ri
cum suis officiariis, iijs. It'm le Waytes, vs. It'm p' Torchberers, iiij(Z. It'm p' candeU. ob'. Itrm p'uno scoler, jd.
Sma, js, vjli. ob.
Exspenc' fact' in festo decollac'o'is s'ci Joh'is Bap'te, anno E, iiijor xv. It'm in pane, xNJd. It'm in serivicia,
xviijd. It'm in vino rubio ij galons, xs.d. It'm p' uno potell de tyre, viijd. It'm p' uno dosyn coppesf, vijd. It'm,
p' cacio, iiij<?. It'm p' Rushes, jd. It'm p' belman, iiij(Z. It'm p' oblac', viijd. It'm capell'is de Bablake, vs.
S'ma, xijs. ijd.
By way of showing in what manner these Festivals were observed, towards the dissolution
of the Gild, the charges for 1541, 33rd of Henry 8, are here given : —
Exspens, on Trinite Sunday Sc on the even.
It' ij dos' whit caks, ijs. — xij galons ale, iijs. — ij galons seek, ijs. — a galon swet wyne, xvjd. — a galon claret,
xijd. — to the Crosebeirers & chylderne, xiiijd. — russhes Sc swepynge, vjd. to the weytes, vjs. viij^.
At the M's house.
In spice Caks, vjd. — in ale, iiij<?. — a galon Claret wyne, xij<^. — a pottell muskedeU, viijd. S'ma xxs. ijd.
Exspens' on midsum' even Sc ou the day.
It' ij dos' & di' caks, ijs. vj<2.^It' in spice caks, xijd. — a Cest' ale & iiij galons, iiijs. — ij galons claret wyne,
xvjd. — ij galons mamsey ijs. viijd. — ij galons muskedeU ijs. viijd. — to Mr, Meire, iijs. iiij(?. — the M'r. to offer, viij<2. —
to p'sts Clerks Sc childerne, ijs. iiijrf, — the weytes, vjs. viij<2. — to poore people, vjs. viijd. — to the Crosebeicers & torche-
beyrers, viijd. — the bellma', iiijii. — the hier of potts, iiijf2. — bowes, russhes, & swepyng, viij<2. — a woma' ij dayes to
dense the house, iiijf^.^half a hundred, iiijf^. — neylls. Id. ob. — half a pound suger, iiij(2. ob. — to the crosebeirer &
torchebeirers, for seynt george day, hoUie roode day. Shire thurresday, and whit Sunday, xijd. — to ij Childern for the
same dayes, vjd. S'ma xxxviijs. ij^. Expeus' at the decolac'on of seynt John baptist.
It' a dos' Caks, xijd. — ale, xviij<2. — wyne, xijd. — Cheise, vjd. — peirea, jd. — the M'r. to offer, viij^Z. — to p'ists &
Clerks, ijs. iiij(^. — to the beU man, iiijfZ. — hier of potts, ijd. — Russhes & swepyng, ijd. S'ma vijs. ixd.
St. John Baptist's day.
Priests and Clerks of Bablake, 6s. 8(?.— Offerings, 12d.—To the Master and other Oificers of the Gild, a present
according to ancient usage, 3s. — The City Minstrells, Ss. — Rushes and Birch-boughs, 3d. — 1 Flagon of Tyre, IGd. —
1 pottel of Malmsey, 8(2.— Total 17s. 11<^.
We have now brought down the account of this Chapel to the period when by an Act of
Parliament, 1st of Edward 6, the revenues of the Trinity Gild were taken possession of by the
Crown, the religious establishment here suppressed, and the fabric itself speedily aUenated.
* Sometimes this item is " ad lez mynstrels Civitat.'' f Cups.
BABLAKE CHURCH, COVENTRY. 135
In the Survey, taken 26th Henry 8, 1534, it was stated that Mr. Robert Glasmond,
being then Warden of the College of Babbelake, had a Stipend of £8 per annum ; and that
there were 7 Priests more, receiving a salary of £4. 13s. 4d. each.
But upon the Survey, 37th Henry Sth, 1545, it was certified that the payments of the
GUd to this estabhshment were as follows : — £. s. d.
To the Warden of Bablake
6
18
4
per annum
To 8 Priests'*
37
6
8
The Master of the Grammar School
6
13
4
per annum
Two Clerks for singing there 42. each
8
0
0
Two Boys singing 20s. each per annum
2
0
0
The GUd it is also stated, was
" to maynetayne aud fynde ix prests in a chapeU, in the seyde Cytye of Coventre, caulide Babelake ; the romes
of the seyde prestes be all fuU and none voyde, and do celebrate and seye dyvyne s'vyce by note daly, in the forseyd
ChapeU of Babelake, and ev'y of them hathe a sev'all Chamber w'tin the p'cyncte of the same Bablake, worthe, to
be lett ev'y Chamb'r by yere, uijs. and not above chargyd."
In the account of St. Nicholas's Church, mention has been made of the resolute opposition
given by the Burgesses of Coventry to the seizure and suppression of the Gild and Chantry
estabhshments in this City, and of their endeavour to preserve that Church for the accom
modation of the place. Having failed in this attempt, it seems the Corporation next
turned their attention to Bablake Chapel ; and, accordingly, a Petition was presented to
the King, praying that he would grant it to them.f In consequence of which, his Majesty
by his Letters patent, dated Westminster, December 13, in his second year (1548), gives
and grants to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Commonalty of Coventry, aU the Church of Bablake,
with its rights and appurtenances, and the Belfry and Bm-ial ground, which said Church
was part of the possessions of the Trinity GUd, and came into his hands lay Act of Parliament,
made in the 1st year of his reign, to have and hold the same in free Burgage for ever,
by the service of Id. per annum. And further, he grants them aU the Rents, Revenues and
Profits, &c., of the said Church, with the BeUs, Lead, Iron, Glass, Jewels, and Ornaments of
every kind thereunto belonging, of his free gift. Moreover of his especial grace, he grants
the said Church, &c., to the Mayor, BaUifis, and Commonalty, to have and enjoy and convert
the same to their own uses, without any hindrance whatever. J
The Chapel or Church of Bablake, thus become the property of the Corporation,
it appears that means were wanting to provide for the celebration of divine service there,
and that great dUapidations took place, for in the Accounts of Trinity Church, 1561, is
the foUowing item : —
payd, for carryyng of ye seats from ye bablake, ijs. iiij(2.
* In the list of Pensions, 1555, are the foUowing : — s. d.
John Bateman, one of the Ministers of Trinity Gild 100 0 per annum
Roger Stoneley, another Minister 53 4
Ambrose Maryott, formerly Incumbent of the same 106 8
Henry Westley, a Priest of the said Gild 106 8
Rowland GosneU, another Priest 53 4
And in the same list are the names of 4 persons receiving pensions of 42. each, who are described as " nuper GuUde
Corporis Cliristi, in Bablake, in Civitate Coventrie," but this I have great reason to suppose is an error, and that the
Church of St. Nicholas was intended.
t Copy in Treasiuy Box, " Bablake," { Original in Treasury.
136 BABLAKE CHURCH, COVENTEY.
1570, 3rd of February, an Order of CouncU was made for repairing the leads of this
Church; the Plumber to receive 14d. per day for himself and man; 20d. per cwt. for
recasting the lead, finding wood, and bearing waste ; and 6d. a lb. for solder.
1608, however the City Annals mention that the Mayor, WilHam Hancox, caused
Bablake Church to be repaired, seats to be made, the floor boarded, and windows glazed,
and procured a Lecture on every Saturday, from 3 to 4 o'clock, " for the better fitting of
people for the Sabbath."
1609, 7th of October, agreed at a Council House that there should be a Lecture at
Bablake every Saturday afternoon, during the pleasure of the Mayor and his Brethren, the
Preacher to be at their discretion, and receive 5s. for every Sermon. Mr. Oxenbridge then
appointed, during pleasure.
1624, 24th August, Mr. Humfrey Fen,* preacher, was appointed to the Bablake
Saturday Lecture, during pleasure, and shortly afterwards it was agreed that he should
receive Mr. Bond's gift of £15 per annum for so doing, as well as the aUowance for Mr.
Wheate's Sermons — which Lecture was continued regularly until 1635.
1628, paid for white lyming the Bablack church, iij 2. vjs. iiij(^.
1630, 12th January, ordered that Mr. H. Fenn, at request of Sir James FuUerton, Knt.
to have £13 per annum for preaching Thursday's Lecture during his life.
By the will of Simon Norton, Alderman of this City, dated July 2, 1641, he annexes
a condition to the bequest of all his lands, &c. to his son Thomas Norton, and his heirs, viz. :
" That if ever the Church of Bablake be made a Parish Church, the said Thomas Norton, his heirs and
assigns, shall for ever pay out of the said Lands and Tythes in Coundon aforesaid, to the Minister of Bablake for
the time being, the annual sum of 132. 6s. 8(2., aud shall permit and suffer the said Minister to receive to his own
use all the said tythes of Biggen."
In September, 1648, several hundred prisoners, part of the Scotch army, under the Duke
of Hamilton, were brought to Coventry, fiUing this Church, Leather Hall, Spon and Grey
Friars Gates, and many other places. t
In the same year, it appears that a Sermon was preached there at the expense of the
Drapers' Company, an item occurring in their Accounts of 6d. paid for ringing Bablake
Sermon Bell : — and in 1650, the same Sermon (Mr. Murdock's), was preached by Mr. Grew,
who received 6s. 8d.
1653, pd Thomas Bewley remaining due for work done at Bablake Church, 92. 14s.
1659, pd the same, due for repairing Bablake Church Leads,f 202.
An order of OouncU§ was made Nov. 10, 1658, that Hberty be granted Mr. Samuel
Basnet to preach in Bablake Church once in a fortnight, viz., every other Lord's day
(or oftener if he chooses) : two persons were also appointed to view the Church, in order to
"¦ In 1641, was published " The last Will and Testament, with the Profession of Faith of Humphrey Fen
Pastor of one of the Churches of Coventry."
t MS. Annals. J City Accounts. § Common Council Book, p. 132,
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 137
the necessary repairs being made ; and on the 9th November, 1659, another order,* that
no more money should be laid out upon the Church.
A letter upon this subject was also sent to the Mayor, Mr. John Crichlowe, by Wm.
Purefoy, Esq., then Recorder of Coventry, dated June 6, 1659, to the following effect : —
SIR — I am informed by a lett'r from Alderman Basnet, that his sonne, Mr. SamueU Basnet, intendeth havinge
the loane of y'rselfe and your bretheren to preache once a fortnight att Bablake, w'ch place is sayd to be much out
of repayre ; and hopinge that such a worke may be for the good of y'r Cittye, especiaUy of that parte of it, I am
desirous that the feef dew for the Recorder's place the laste yeare, may be layd out in the reparinge of the Glasse
windowes att Bab'lake, and earnestlye intreate y'u and y'r bretheren that the same may be payd to Alderman Basnet
for that purpose. I shaU not fayle (god willinge) to imploy the uttmost of my power for the service of the Cittye
in theire businesse now in hande. And soe I remayne, Y'r affectionate and humble servant,
WILLM. PUREFOY.
The foUowing account of Mr. Basnet is taken from the Nonconformists' Memorial :
Mr. Samuel Basnet, son of Alderman Basnet, was of both Universities,! He studied hard, and made
considerable improvements. Vfhen Dr. Bryan and Dr. Grew were settled in this City, a small number of people
here being congregational, chose him for their Pastor. He administered the Lord's Supper to them distinct from the
rest, but preached to them as lecturer|| once on the Lard's-day, at St. Michael's ; and on a Week-day at Trinity
church, and Uved with these other worthy men in much amity and peace. He was a weighty judicious preacher,
perfectly concordant with his brethren as to aU doctrinal points. A man of great piety, a comely person, and of a
pleasant temper. He was chased from Coventry by the Corporation Act, and was awhUe at AtherstoTie, where he
got a quartaiu ague, of which he died. He was used to express more than an ordinary fear of dying, though not of
death itself ; but the agonies of it were in his case very short."
In a preceding note it has been shewn that Mr. Basnet was appointed Lecturer on the
4th of May, 1653, and a letter from Robert Beake, then Mayor, addressed to the Aldermen
and Council-House from London, August 19, 1656, on the subject of ministers' allowances
and other city affairs, has the foUowing passages, showing that he was iU paid for his services,
" I shall humbly menc'on now the case of Mr. Basnet onely, whose modesty has bin such y't
in my knowledge he never opened his mouth to trouble yow, or to aske any thing of yow :
his arrears are upwards of lOOli. & noe visible course taken for his supply. I beseech yow
lett him not fare the worse for his silence." The letter appears to have caUed the attention
of the Corporation to Mr. Basnet's case, for at a CouncU-House on the 1st of October
foUowing, a minute was made that £130 was then due to him, but that he expressed himself
contented to receive £100 only, and hereafter £80 per annum.
There is a letter from him to Henry ScobeU, Clerk of OromweU's Privy CouncU, in
Peck's Desiderata Curiosa, p. 509, dated 28th of August, 1658, acknowledging that he has
received notice of a meeting of pastors or messengers of the several congregational churches
on the 29th September next at the Savoy. He designates himself " teacher of a church, in
Coventry." As there was no provision for the performance of divine service in this Church, it
probably ceased upon, or soon after the Restoration, and the buUding in consequence feU into
decay. Our City Annals record that in 1681 Chimes were put up in this Church by the
"¦ Common Council Book, p. 132. f The amount of this was 142.
X 1646, pd to Samuel Basnett, one of the SchoUers of Sir Thomas White for one year, 202. — City Accounts.
It appears from hence, that he was of St. John's CoUege, Oxford, and probably received the early part of his
education at the Pree School in Coventry.
II 4th May, 1653, Mr. S. Basnet was appointed by the Council House, Wednesday and Friday Lecturer.
138 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
direction of the Mayor ; and two dials, one on the west, and one on the south side of the
Tower, which is the only notice subsequent to the Restoration that has been discovered untU
1726, in which year, on the 26th of April, an Order of Council was made, "that some
method be taken by this House, as they shall be advised, in order to procure the Church,
caUed Bablake Church, in this City, to be a Parochial Church, distinct from the several
Parishes of St. Michael and the Holy Trinity." A Committee was appointed to carry this
resolution into effect, but it seems nothing was done, and after an interval of seven years, the
following entry appears in the City Council House Book : "18th Aug. 1733. Whereas the
ruinous condition of Bablake Church was lately taken notice of by the Lord Bishop of this
Diocese, who signified his earnest desire to this Corporation that the same might be made a
Parochial Church, it is now ordered and unanimously agreed, that this Corporation are
ready and willing, with the concurrence of the Lord Bishop and other well-disposed persons,
to do and perform every thing which on their part shaU be advised by their CouncU, towards
the promoting and carrying so good a work into effect, so that their property be not injured
thereby." At this time the Corporation, as Trustees of the Free School, were involved in
some disputes with the Head Master, Edward Jackson, and on the 18th of December
following, several Orders of Council connected with the subject were made, and amongst
them the ensuing : " It is further ordered that in lieu, recompence, and satisfaction of aU
Grants and Alienations, or any other misappHcations or abuses of the said (School) Estate,
heretofore committed by the predecessors of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Commonalty, an
Act of Parhament be procured for making the Old Church at Bablake, in this City, a Parish
Church, and for setthng and establishing the same, with the Revenues and Profits, to the
uses of the School Master and Usher, for the time being. And that a BUl or draft of an Act
of Parliament for that purpose, be forthwith prepared by Mr. Jackson and Mr. Birch (the
Town Clerk), and likewise that they forthwith draw up petitions to both Houses of Parliament
for the passing of the same, which shaU be sealed with the common seal of this City, on or
before the first day of next Term, and deHvered to the said Mr. Jackson, who is hereby
desired to soHcit the same, provided that the charge and trouble thereof be borne by the
said Mr. Jackson, or by his solicitation and procurement." Application was accordingly
made to Parliament, and on the 18th of March, 1734, the printed Bill was read at the
Council House, and some amendments made, after which the common seal was ordered to be
afiixed. A Meeting of the Parishioners of St. Michael, was also held on 21st of March, 1734,
and the said BiU being read and agreed to, was afterwards passed into a law by the title of
" An Act for making the Church of Bablake, in the City of Coventry, a Parish Church, and
for appointing a District or Parish thereto, and for enabling the Master and Usher of the
Free Grammar School in the said City to be the Rector and Lecturer of the said Parish
Church." The preamble to the Act states that the City is very populous, and has only two Parish
Churches, not capable of containing one half of the Inhabitants. It then proceeds to recite
that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Commonalty are the lawful Owners of Bablake Church, with its
Cemetery and Appurtenances, granted by Edward 6, on 13th December, in his 2nd year, in
free Burgage, at the service or rent of Id. yearly. That Simon Norton, late Alderman of
Coventry, by will, dated 2nd July, 1641, gave his tithes of Coundon, and lands in the common
field there, together with the tithes of Biggin-grounds, in Clifton parish, to his son Thomas,
on condition that if ever the Church of Bablake be made a Parish Church, the said Thomas
Norton, &c. (as already mentioned at p. 136). That John Hales, Esq., of the said City,
founded a Grammar School, and for endowment thereof did, by deed, enroUed, bearing date
17th December, 15th of Elizabeth, give to Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales, certain
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 139
Houses, Lands, Mills, and Quit Rents, which by them were conveyed in the same year to the
Mayor, BaUiffs, and Commonalty of Coventry, in trust for that purpose ; and whereas some
disputes have arisen between Edward Jackson, Clerk, present Master of the said School, and
the said Mayor, &c., concerning the ahenation of certain parcels of the said School Estate,
and the misappHcation of some of the revenues, and the manner of leasing and setting the
same ; for the quieting of which differences, &c., the Mayor and Council did, at their Council
House, December 18th, 1733, come to an agreement, and it is ordered from Michaelmas last
that the salaries of the Master and Usher of the said School should be augmented,* and the
Accounts of the Bailiff of the said School inspected by the Master and Usher for the time
being ; that the said School Estate should be leased upon pubhc notice, and without fine, and
for the best rents that may be got ; and that in case any of the said School Estate should be
found to be holden or concealed under any pretended grants or aUenations the same should
be recovered and remain to the use of the School ; and that the said Church of Bablake
should be made a Parish Church, and be holden or enjoyed by the Master and Usher of the
said School, for and in Heu of aU such lands as may have been alienated from the use of the
said School. And whereas the Mayor, BaiHffs, and Commonalty are desirous that the said
agreement of the said Mayor and CouncU of the said City, so far as the same is herein before
recited, may be estabhshed and confirmed, by means whereof the revenues of the Master
and Usher of the said School and their successors will be improved, and their places become
worth the acceptance of persons of learning and merit.
Be it enacted, &c., that from and after the 23rd June, 1734, the said Church of Bablake
be, and for ever continue, and be deemed a Parish Chm-ch, by the name of the Church of
St. John Baptist, in the City of Coventry : and that the several Houses or Lands being, or
reputed to be within Spon Street Ward, shall for ever be deemed and taken to be the Parish
thereto belonging. And from the said day, there shall be a Rector and Lecturer in the
said Church, and that the Rector shaU be from the said 23rd June, 1734, Incorporated and
made one Body Politic and Corporate, by the name of the Rector of St. John Baptist, in
the City of Coventry, and shall be enabled to sue and be sued, &c.; and shall be in
the actual possession of the said Church, Cemetery, and Appurtenances, free from the said
yearly Rent of Id. and aU other Rents and Services whatever, and shaU be in possession of
all Lands, Rents, Tithes, &c., heretofore given. The customary services are to be performed
by the Rector in the forenoon, and by the Lecturer in the afternoon, who is also to aid and
assist the Rector.
The before-named Edward Jackson, is appointed First Rector ; and it is further enacted,
that the said Mayor, BaiHffs, and Commonalty, and their successors, shaU be Patrons of the
said Parish Church, and Owners of the Advowson thereof; and that the person at any time
hereafter to be appointed Master of the said School, shall be a person in the holy order of
Priesthood, and shaU be Rector of the said Parish and Church, and shall upon such nomi
nation, to be Master of the said School, receive from the said Mayor, BaiHffs, and Com
monalty, under their common seal, a presentation of him to the Rectory of the said Church ;
(which they are empowered and required to make and seal at the time of the said nomination)
and the said Rector and his successors shall hold the same as long as they continue Masters
of the said School, and no longer. It is also provided, that the Lecturer's duty shall be
ascertained by the Bishop, and that both the Rector and Lecturer shall reside at the Free
School. As soon as the Church shaU be sufficiently repaired and fitted for divine service,
'* Viz., to £80 per annum for the Master and £40 the Usher,
140 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
it is to oe opened; and after that time, the charges of repairing the said Church, and the
Church of St. Michael, with their cemeteries, &c., are to be defrayed separately, until which
time the inhabitants may go to St. Michael's. The tythes at Biggin, £13. 6s. 8d., are directed
to be appropriated towards the repairs of the Church, and the produce of the pews paid
quarterly to the Rector and Lecturer, the latter receiving one-third of the entire income of
the establishment. Lastly, the Corporation are discharged from aU suits for aUenations,
and their Order of Council before recited is confirmed.
The arms in stained glass, mentioned by Dugdale, were destroyed previous to the
reparation of the Church, that followed the passing of the above Act, and the charges of
this fitting up were defrayed by a Brief and subscriptions, as appears from the annexed
authorities. The Church seems to have been completed for divine service in 1738.
4th February, 1735. The common seal was put to a Petition to the Lord ChanceUor,
for obtaining a Brief for the repair of Bablake Church, to be coUected from house to house.
In the accounts of the Drapers' Company are the following items :
1787, to Mr. Sam. Fairfax, Treasurer of St. John's Church, being the Companies Gift towards the same, 152. 15s.
1738, To Rev, Mr, Jackson, for preaching a Sermon at St. John Baptist's, on May day, 6s. 8d.
[During these repairs the church was pewed in the style peculiar to that time, but one most
inconsistent with the noble architectural character of the interior. Aniong the alterations
then made may be specified the raising the floor 3 feet 10 inches, which entirely conceals
the bases of the columns ; the erection of a gallery, altarpiece, and a huge pulpit. The piers
were at the same time mei'cilessly hacked, to the perU of the whole structure. It was
reconsecrated, and has since been regularly used as a parish church.]
In 1 798, the parapet which originally finished the Tower of this Church was removed,
and battlements substituted ; at which time, the Tower underwent the destructive process
of chipping, and thus lost all the beautiful tracery and ornaments of its primitive design.
[At the rejoicings celebrated in this city on the 15th of June, 1814, on the reestabUsh-
ment of peace, the tower of this church was brilliantly Uluminated with lamps.
In 1836, the patronage of this church (formerly vested in the Corporation) was assigned
to the Church Charity Trustees.
In 1838, a gallery was erected containing 100 free sittings.
On the 16th of November in the next year, the church narrowly escaped destruction by
fire, through the carelessness of some workmen employed in repairing the leads : only a
Httle damage was however sustained. In 1841, the great west window was taken down and
renewed in Bath stone. It is an exact copy of the original, and is a fine specimen of
perpendicular work.
In 1857, steps were taken to raise funds for carrying out the restoration of the buUding,
under the direction of Mr. Scott, the eminent architect. By means of the sum reahzed from
the efforts made, the Tower, Transepts, Chancel, and Chancel aisles have been put into
substantial repair, and the church was re-opened on the 21st of October, 1861. Much yet
remains to be done, both externally and internaUy, ere this very interesting building is
completed.]
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 141
WARDENS OF BABLAKE.
1449, John Norton. 1495, John Forster.
1461, Wilham Haddon. 1505, Christopher Heyward.
1473, John Melton. 1509, John Smythe.
John Brydde. 1520, Humphrey BoUer.
1490, WiUiam Hadley. 1523, John Scott.
1494, WilHam Shresbury. 1534, Robert Glasmond.
RECTORS OF BABLAKE.
[EDWARD JACKSON, S.T.P., First Rector, Instituted 1734, died m 1758; particulars
of the Hfe of himself and successors wiU be found under the head of the Masters of the Free
Grammar School.
THOMAS EDWARDS, M.A., appointed May 2, 1758, resigned on the 17th April,
1779 ; and was succeeded by
WILLIAM BROOKS, M.A. He was also Rector of East Farndon, Northamptonshire,
and dying on the 12th of October, 1833, was succeeded by
THOMAS SHEEPSHANKS, M.A., the present Rector, appointed February 11, 1834,
and inducted by the Rev. W. F. Hook. He preached his first sermon on the 24th of March
foUowing.]
[The plan of this Church is cruciform, having quasi-transepts, with nave aisles and
chancel aisles, forming nearly a parallelogram on the exterior ground plan. The tower
rises from the centre of the Church, and has a stair turret at its N.E. corner.
The roof of the Church is leaded throughout, and inscriptions in different parts record
the dates of the repairs. The long range of high, narrow, clerestory windows on the south
side, and part of those on the north, are very remarkable specimens of the early use of
square instead of pointed terminations to the upper parts of them, and are considered by
architectural antiquaries as singularly curious. The stone gurgoyles on the north side are
weU deserving of attention.
The interior of this noble edifice consists of nave, transepts, and chancel — the nave and
chancel having aisles on either side. The piers and arches are in very perfect condition,
though clogged by whitewash, and the ornamental parts of the corbels which support the
newel staircases at the commencement of the tower, the panel work at the Tower arch, and
the figures at the spring of the nave arches, and which terminate the window labels, are
many of them in good condition. The chancel is separated from its aisles north and south
by two arches which carry on the mouldings of the piers without the intervention of any
capitals. Springing from the crown and from the spring, and also from the central points
of the arch, between the crown and spring, rise the mullions and piers which support the
roof, and wliich form a clerestory of square-headed windows and paneUing in the spandril
spaces between the arches. Exactly similar (except with some variation in the mouldings of
the piers and architraves of the arches) is the south side of the nave. On the north side
the clerestory consists of three decorated windows, the lower compartments of which are
closed upon by the north aisle roof. The arches which support the tower are very beautiful,
almost approaching the lancet form, and are pecuharly light in appearance ; unhappily a
142
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
wooden roof has been inserted immediately above them, and beyond this a clock stage, each
of which must be passed to obtain a view of the groined stone roof above, which originaUy
covered the lantern, the windows of which have been reduced in length; but sufficient
remains to prove that in its perfect state its appearance must have been very beautiful.] *
Some particulars of the Chapels, Altars, Obits, and Vestments, and other minutiae,
concerning the interior of this Structure, principally gathered from the accounts of the Trinity
Gild, are given below.
CHAPELS.
OUR LADY'S CHAPEL.— 1458, Vestments for this Chapel are mentioned, the parti
culars of which wiU be found under that head.
ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL, of which it has been already observed, that the fine of 20s.
in 1382, seems to point out a particular Chapel so called, then building here : and perhaps
Walsheman's Chapel, for the founding of which his donation of the Drapery was made,
might commonly bear the above appeUation, rather than the longer dedication to four
Patron Saints.
In the GUd Accounts for 1474, occurs the foUowing payment : —
Sol'uco Thome Garden, p' uno panno lin' p' imagine s'ci Joh'is Bapt'e, xxijd.
Gardener was a Painter, and the above charge, though not so expressed, was doubtless
for painting the cloth ; the statue woidd of course be placed in the Chapel bearing his name.
ALTARS.
Under this head, are first given a variety of extracts from the Trinity Gild Accounts,
immediately connected with the Altars here ; and also some other items, iUustrative of the
decorations of the interior of this Church, and the ceremonies observed during the CathoHc
era : notices vrill afterwards be found of the various Altars at that time contained in it.
1457, It'm p' exp' fact' in uno jantacul' cuid'm Monacho, & duabz p'sonis qui portaver' a Edwardo Bromflete,
Armig', j Vestment, ij auter clothes, & unu' missale, usq. Babl' xix<2.
1460, It' sol' joh'i Cat' p' vino ad celebrand' missam apud bablake, p' totu' an', xlviijs. iiij(2.
It' Sol' Thome Chapmon, p' x lagen'f de lawmpeoyle' p' lampade apud Bablake, in iiij 'or annis jam nup'
elaps', p'ic le gallon, xiiij(i. s'ma xjs, viijd.
It' p' ijbz lee de weke yaion, vijd. ob.
'* Sharp's Concise History of Coventry,
t The contents of the lagena, flagon, or flask, appears by the above item to be 2i gallons.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTRY. 143
1461, It' sol' Blie Barbo', p' syngyug brede, p' annu', vs. It' sol' p' j lb. de ffrahkenaense, xjd.
It' p' emendac'oe Coronar & aliar' rer' p'tinenc' ad le Canape"' at Bablake, xiiij(2.
1462, It' sol' Joh'i Bet p' di' C. de Rosyn p' Tortic', iiijs. vjd.
It', p' xiiij virgat' de Sanappysf p' altar' apud Bablake, ijs. vjd. It', sol' p' hemmyng ear'd'm, jd. ob.
1466, It' p' ij li. wyre, p' le veyle ap'd bablake, viijd. It', p' xij hordes for lect'rnes, at bablake, ijs. ixd. It',
davy Kerver, for makyng iiij lectornes to bablake, ijs. viijd.
1469, It' sol' Joh'i Kerver, Ip' fact' de luc'na p' die palmar', vjs. ixd. It', for a lant'ne to bablake, for palm
sonday, vjs. viijd. It', for a staffe to the same, ijd.
1470, It', sol' p' halowyng awt' clothes, iijd. It', for mendyng q'sshyns at bablake, vjd.
1471, It', Thome Campyon, p' xv yards her clothe, p' altar' apud bablake, vs. xd.
1473, It', paied for a Cofyn to putt iu Synggyng brede at Bablake, iiij(2.
1474, Soluc'o Thome Gardener, p' payntynge ij altar clothes p' bablake, sm'a iiijs. ijd.
It'm, Nich'o Brome, p' vino ad bablake, p' totu' anno xxix galons, xxiiijs. ijd.
It', Thome Gardener, p' pictac'oe de iiijor auter clothes, apud bablake, ijs.
1516, It', for holy & yve for bablake a yeyu x'pemes, iiij(2. It', for a lb. & di' wire for ye vaile at bablake, vjd.
1518, It', pd for haleying of v aut' clothes for bablake, to a man that bare them to combe, & for a potell wyne,
vjd. It', pd for ij pax{ breds, viijd.
1521, It', for a yard & di' of braunched fustian for the Canapie at bablake, xiijd. It', for the makyng & skow
ryng thereof, xijd. It', for a Sudarie of binple for the same, xvjd.
1530, It', paid for iiij paxes for Bablake chirch, xvjd.
It', paid for making the Curteyns and settyng on the Rings, in Bablake Chirch, vjd. It', paid for a new
wyer and leder for the same, vjd. It', for xv yards of Bokeram for the Curteyns, viijs. jd. ob.
It', paid for — yards and iij quarters of here clothe, for ij aulters, xxiijd.
1532, It', ij li. wyre candeU for Christomas, iiij(Z.
HIGH ALTAR.—
1470, 10th Feb. It', p' emendac'oe unius fenestr' ap'd alta altar' de bablake, & tres fenestras in ca'pana, & in
aUis loe' ib'm, ijs. viijd.
1518, It'm, for iij ells of holond clothe & q'rt', for an aut' cloth for ye high aut', iijs. yd.
ST. MART'S ALTAR.—
1462, It' solut' — Coup' de Burton|| sup' Trent, peyntor, p' j Imagine de Alblast' be' marie' situat' apud
Bablake, xls. It' WiU'o Rouk, p' facc'one de le base Sc p' stac'one nove Imaginis be marie, apud bablake, vijs.
1468, It' p' iij cordys to the Canapy candelsteke, and to the lampe at our lady awt'r, in bablake, vijs.
TRINITY ALTAR.— In 1433, John Everdon and John Nele, Merchants of Coventry,
granted to the Trinity Gild an annual rent of 6 lb. of wax, for burning upon the candle
sticks (candelabro electrino), hanging before the Altar of the Holy Trinity, in the CoUegiate
Church of Bablake, and for the reparation of the same, when necessary. §
ST. KATHERINE'S ALTAR.—
1472, It' Ric'o Phiton, p' fact' de uno candelstyk, apud altar' s'ce Kat'ine, in Bablake, weyng iij2. q'rt' p'e vd.
1516, It' for makyng of seynt Katyn's tapur, iijd.
* Canape — a Canopy or covering under which the Sacrament was set at the Altar,
f Du Fresne and other Glossaries have been consulted in vain for this word. In 1461, the Gild purchased " xj
virgat' pann' Un' de hib'n, p' sanappes p'sbit'is de bablake :" perhaps the origin of the word may be traced in the
French " nappe," a table cloth.
X pax boards, having the image of Christ on the Cross, which the people used to kiss after service was ended.
II Leland, in his Itinerary, remarks of Burton-upon-Trent, " Many Marbelers working in Alabaster."
§ Original in Treasury, box 190,
144 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
OBITS OR ANNIVERSARIES.
Of these, the earliest I have noticed is the Anniversary of William Pynehude, Draper,
which the Master and Brethren of the Trinity Gild, about 1401, covenant after his decease
to keep yearly in the Chapel of Bablake, at their own costs, and to celebrate it on the
Sunday nearest Ascension day, for the souls of the aforenamed WiUiam, AHce, and
Catharine, his wives ; WUHam, PhiHp, and AHce, his parents, and aU the faithful departed.*
In the Gild Accounts for 1457 (being the year in which the most ancient book commences),
is an entry of the charges of Phihp Fyfeld's Obit, kept in Bablake Chapel, on the Sunday
next after Ascension day, and so regularly continued until the dissolution of the GUd :
this was doubtless the Obit or Anniversary above named, and which probably took the
name of his second Father Philip.-f The charges are as follows : —
Inp'mis, in pane, xijd. It', inj Cestr' s'vis', xxd. It', in ij bz lag' r' vin., xxd. It', in j lag' albi vin', xd. It',
in drege ryaU & confeccions, xijd. It', p'sbitir's & cl'icis de babl', vs. ijd. It', in cirpis, jd. ob. Sm'a, xjs. vd. ob.
Another Obit was kept for Robert Shipley, on the VigU of St. John Baptist, the
particulars of which, in 1457, are as follows : —
Inp'mis, in pane, xijd. It', in j Cest'r & di' s'vis, ijs. vjd. It'm, in duabz lag' & di' albi vin', xvd. It', in
dieges Sc confeccions, xxjd. It, in di' lb de blaunche powdur, xd. It', in j poteU & j q'arte de Tyre, xijd. It,
p'sbit'is & Cl'icis de Babl', vs. ijd. It'm Maiori ib'm t'no essend', iijs. iuj(2. It', Ixxx paup'ibz distribuend', vjs. viijd
Sm'a, xxvs. ijd.
The Obit of Richard Spyser, "nup' de Clareley," was celebrated annuaUy on the
Feast of St. John, ante Portam Latinam, and the foUowing charges occur in the accounts
for 1457. Inprimis, in pane, vjd. It'm in xiij lagen' s'vis', xiijd. It'm, p'sbit'is & Cl'icis de Babl', vs. ijd. It'm, Maiori
ib'm tunc essend', xxd. It', xl paupibz t'nc distribuend', iijs. iiij(?. It'm, in Oblac'one, mj(?. Sm'a, xijs. jd.
In the Gild payments for 1459, and only in that year, occurs the charge of an Obit for
Henry 5, the particulars whereof follow :
Ex' fact' apud Babl' penulti'o die aug' Ao. H. vj xxxviijo in Obitn' Henrici quinti nup' Regis AngU' Inp'mis in
pane, xvjd. It' in xvj lagj s'vis', ijs. It'm in iijbz lagun' r' vinu' & unius quart', ijs. viijd. ob. Sm'a vjs. ob.
In 1525 first occur the charges for the Obit of " Sir Thom's Butler, Kjnyght,"
amounting to 10s. 94d.
From the Survey of Obit Lands, &c., 1st of Edward 6, it appears that the Mayor,
BaiHffs, and Commonalty, paid for an Obit kept in Bablake Chapel on the 20th of December,
for John Egynton, the charges whereof amounted to 13s. 9d.
On the 6th September, 1542, at a meeting of the Trinity Gild, it was
Decreed, that no obite, drynkyng or com'en assemble, from hensfurth shalbe had or used at babalake, except
oneUe on Trinitie even, Sc on the day, which shalbe used as it haith been in tymes past. And that also the P'sts of
babelaok shaU say dirige on midsum' even, & likewise masse of requiem on the morowe as thei have used to doo.
And that the meire shall not come downe thether to dirige ov' night, for dyv's considerac'ons, & other great busynes
they used. And on the morowe thei to go thether to masse & brekefast, as thei have used to do.||
'* Gild MS. f In subsequent years it is occasionaUy written Fynehed, but generaUy Fyfeld.
X The lagena appears from other entries to be 2\ GaUons. || Gild Accounts — Vol. II.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 145
VESTMENTS, ORNAMENTS, PLATE, &c.
Under this head will be found an interesting variety of items from the Gild Accounts,
minutely Ulustrating the dresses and ornaments of the English Church before the Reforma
tion ; and not incurious from the information they afford as to the price of labour and value
of materials at different periods ; but the foUowing extract from an Inventory of Charters
and Jewels, &c., belonging to St. John's Gild, in 1346, 20th of Edward 3, claims our first
attention : —
It'm p'ia vestme'tor', j chalys, ij manit'gia p' altar'. Item j missale j portiforiu' j cena miel. ij corporas, ij
vexiU' j novu' & aliud vet', j oil' cuca, j mase'a, j garlond, j pann' de Bokeram p' mortuus, j halliwat' pat' de laton cu'
asp'sorio, ij pecie argentee, j pein box.
1457, It'm, sol' ad lez Brasiers de vice de Sponna, p' fac'cone triu' cathenar'"', ad lez Sensors de Babl', Sc p'
emendac'oe unius Crucis de laton & p' emenda'coe al' Crucis de Cupra Sc deaurat' q' fract' fuer, ijs.
It', p' xviij ulnis de Rawfleminysshe p' triu' sirpleses capell' de bablake, ixs. ixd.
It'm sol' Agn' ffynes sewst' p' fac'cone p'dict' triu' Sirpleses, iijd.
It'm vj awb Gurdals p' p'sbit'is de babl', iiij (2.
It', rec' de Rob'to launcelen, capell' p' calice furat', iijs. iiij(2.
The above is one amongst a considerable number of similar items, from whence it
appears that the Priests were accountable for the Chalices deHvered to them, and whenever
one was lost, paid the value to the GUd, in instalments of 3s. 4d. each.
1458, It'm p' j ulno de canvas p' lynyng de lez Orfrayesf albi vestimenti in CapeU' be' marie infra Babl', iiij(i.
It' Thome Crosby, p' facc'one novi Orfray Vestimenti albi p'tinent' Capelle be' marie in bablake, & p'
gamysshyng de o'ibz eid' Vestiment', p'tinent' Sc p' sex novis Stellis auri eid'fti Vestiment', iijs. iiij<2.
1459, It' p' di' virgat' de blodj worsted, p' le Orfray unius albi vestiment' apud Bablake, & p' ij pec' Threde
Ryband eid'm vestiment, ijs.
1460, It' Agn' Maynes p' facc'one unius Sirples Johi Hue CapeU' & p' facione triu' awbes & p' le settyng ou de
lez pari'as, ij.s. iijd.
It', sol' p' ij ulnis de flemyssecloth ad faciend' iude duo portpaynsjl, xiijd.
It', sol' p' V uUiis panni lin' voc flemyshe Cloth, p' j su'pUcio uno decanor' apud bablake, ijs. vjd.
It', p' facc'one ejusdem, xijd.
It', sol' Johanne holbache, p' emendac'oe de Awbes & Amesys, Sc p' settyng on de lez pari'os§ de xxxij
vestimentis, ijs. viijd.
It', in expens' fact' majori Sc p'bz homi'bz ad av'aeo'em Sc sup'visor' orname'tor' p'sbitor' de bablake, viz. in
s'vis', vd. Also, in 1462, iiijto die dec' . It', sol' in div's expens' f'ois ad ov'aco'em p'sbitor' de bablake v'z majori, mag'ro
& fr'ibz suis ad coUoquitorui' majoris [the Mayor's Parlour] in foro Cruc' in pane, vino, & igne, xjd.
This is an annual charge, and is subsequently caUed " the oversight of the jewels and
ornaments at Bablake." — ^Vide likewise 1522, p. 146.
1461, Inp'mis, Solvit, Ric'o Braytoft, p' xiiij ulnis & dimid' de Brodebuske, Streytebuske, Rawflemmysshe &
canvas voc' Browneswyk, Sc p' xj virgat pannu' lin' de hibn' p' sanappes,^ p'sbit'is de Bablake inde conficiend', sm'a,
xxijs. iijd. ob.
1462, It'm r' de j Capa de blod Saten cu' Argent' op'at' & le Orfray ejusd'm est de p'puU velwet sup' auru' de
Tissu s'iUt' op'at p' ip'm rec' pi' fin' Henr' Waver, Marcatoris London'.
It' p' le lynyng de iiijor Chesezebuls, Sc emendac'on duar' chezebuls que fuer' fract', ijs,
It', p' xuj Virgat' Sc iijbz q'rt'ius de blod bokeram, vjs. viijd.
* Catenarum, f Orfrayes, Lat. Aurifrigium, Gold embroidery, X Blue.
II portpaynes — Query, were these cloths in which the " singing -bread," or wafers, were brought to the Chapel, or
were they used when the sacramental wafer was administered, to catch any fragment that might drop off by chance 1
§ Pari'as, pari'os p'asse, parrotts, for in aU these different ways the word is spelt, in our Coventry MSS. is in
the Monasticon printed "paruras," and describes the girdles used with Albs which not unfrequently were called also
Tucking-girdles. ^ Vide p. 143 ante.
146 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
1466, It', p' fact' crucis q' fract' fuit, xvjd.
1467, It' sol' in rapac'one vesteme'tor' apud bablake, p' a skeyne of crulys, vd. — It', p' di' unc' blac selke, vijd.
ob. — It', j q'art' threde, grene, gawde, Sc redde, iiij;^. — It', p' a pype of cop' gold, jd. — It, p' j roll gold of luk',*' xviijd.
It', p' a skeyne of selv' of luke, iiij(2. — It' p' di' unc' Sc di' q'art' blac selke, vijd. ob. — It', p' di' yard blewe bokera'
iijd. ob. — It'm, p' blewe threde & grene x unc' vjd. — It' p' iij quart's grene bokera', vjd. — It', p' di' unc' gawde & blac
selke, vjd. — It', p' a quart' redde & a q'rt' grene threde, ixd. ob. — It', p' whyte threde, vd. — It', p' vj yards blac bokera'
fyne to lyne the blake vestmet' iujs. — It', p' vij yards blewe bokera', iiijs. — It' p' ij pypys cop' gold, iijd. S'ma xxjs. vd.
It', p' a shaffte to a cros, xiiij(2,
1469, It', sol' p' vj awbe girdeUs, to bablake, iij<2.
1471, It', sol' to gela' goldsmyth, for makyng & gyltyng a fote to a chalys, viijs. iiij(f.
It' iu stufEe of silv',viij(2. — It', eid'm for makyng the fote of ij sens'rs, & me'dyng all fauts & gyltyng of
hem, xiijs. iiij(2. — It', p' ij unc' & di' selv', vijs. vjd.
It', for settyng on paryus of vestme'ts aft' the weysshyng & me'dyng off s'ples, iujs. xd,
1472, It', paied for di' dosen tokyng stryngs to Bablake, ijd.
1474, It', p' a dosyn de Tokyngurdels p' capeU' de Bablake, vjd.
1475, It'm, p' makyng de iiijor surplesses p' capell' de bablake, iiij<2.
It'm, p' le makyng de ij Surplesses p' diaconis ib'm, xxd.
It'm, p' mendyng & coleryng div'sor' surplesses & al' auter clothes, xvijd.
It'm, p' mendyng de xvj albys Sc p'asse of the same settyng uppon, vjd.
It'm, p' mendyng de sex surpleses & makyng unu' de novo & mendyng de uno aube & p'asse settyng
uppon, xiiij(?.
1516, It' p'd for scouryng ye candulstikks w't ye braunc', hali wat'r stok, & ye Sensers at Bablake, xvji?.
1518, It' for scouryng the grett candulstikks & ye sensers at bablak, xvjd.
It' for makyng of ij surples, Sc ij rochetts, for ye clerks of bablake, ijs. xjd.
It' pd for iij peire cruetts to bablak, xxjd.
It' for vj girduls for for aubes (albs), xd.
1519, It' pd to Spret Goldsmyth for mendynge the crosse, for mary & John were losse & the deadem was of,
and setyng it on again, viijd.
1521, It', pd for setting on of paretts wt' two albes w't their amysses, xijd.
It', pd for the werkmanship of a white vestm't and a blewe vest't, xvjd.
It', for the werkmanship of a Redd vest't & a Tynaclef to same, vs. iiij(Z.
It', for a skayn of Cranecolowred sylke, ijd.
It', for a q'rter of Damaske xxijd. It' for iij q'rtens of gold, xxjd.
It', for three skaynes of sylke, vjd.
1522, It', geven in reward to the P'sts & Clerks of bablake at the sight of the Ornaments there, xijd.
It', pd for thre haly wat' sprinkles to Bablake, ijd.
It', pd for mending of the Cupp of Christall, iijs. iiij(2.
1524, It', p'd for the exch'unge of a Pax of sylv' weyeng vij unc' & di', and for two Cruetts weyeng viij unc'
new made, vjs. vjd.
1525, p'd for two unc' of sUke Ryband for the Coops & Chesibles at Bablake, xxijd.
It', p'd for vj yards of grene bokeram, ijs.
It', p'd for two pec' of Crule Ryband, vijd.
It', p'd for an unc' of soweng silke, xjd.
It', p'd for white threde & blue threde, jd. ob.
It', p'd for ij mennes wag' by vj dayes, xijs.
It', p'd for their borde for the sayed tym, ijs. viijd.
It', p'd for cloth for four Surplises Sc for makyng, xxvjs. viijd.
It', p'd to Mr. Bonde, for Wliite damaske for the Coops at Bablake, xxxvjs.
1526, It', for vj yards Whit damask at vijs. the yard, xiijs.
It', for ij unc' colen gold Sc an unce redd stoken sUke, ijs. vjd.
It', for ij unce of Rybon, xvd.
It', to ij brotherersj for makyng of the wliit cope of damask by xix dayes & di' at xd. the day, xvs. xd.
1532, It', John Kyng, brotherer for mendyng copes and other ornaments of the Churche, xxijs. iiij(2.
1543, It', to Richard Dodd for brokera', silke, & rybyn for vestyme'ts at babelack, vijs. viijd.
It', to a brotherer for mendyng vestyme'ts ther, vs. viijd.
The following items, though not strictly belonging to the foregoing class of selections,
may be very well appended to them from their connection with the religious establishment
here. The first is a regular annual charge, varying only from circumstances. The latter
entry first appears about the year 1521, after which time it continues uniformly to the end of
the Gild Accounts.
''' Lucca ? t Tunicle or Dalmatic, an upper Vestment with sleeves reaching down to the feet.
X Embroiderers.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 147
10th Henry Sth, 1518, It', p'd for beryng of the crosse on seynt Georg's day, Ascension, pentecost Sc corpus xpi
day, xvj(2. It', to ij child' for beryng ye candulstikks on ye same dayes, iiij(i.
13th Henry Sth, 1521, It', for makyng of ij lb. of betyng candle, ijd.
It', p'd for betyng candle for bablake, xjd.
The composition of these "betyng" candles was rosin and pitch, but I have neither
been able to learn the immediate purpose for which they were prepared, or the meaning
of the term " betyng." An intelligent friend has conjectured " Beaden or bidden Candles,
i. e. hallowed by prayer and benediction, and afterwards distributed to the people," but
this I doubt.
CHANCEL AND CHOIR.
[This portion of the interior is the only part that has been subjected to restoration, and
the improvement here is but partial ; the walls have been scraped, the clerestory windows,
sixteen in number, newly fiUed with stained glass of a geometrical pattern at the expense
of sixteen of the parishioners, and the south aisle altered. A door at the east end, which
formerly communicated with HUl Street, has been removed to the south side. The east
window has been reopened to its original length, and filled with stained glass, the gift of
Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Rotherham. The subjects represented in the upper compartments are the
Four EvangeHsts; in the lower, St. John the Baptist, St. Paul, St. Peter, and St. James.
Under each of the figures is a group iUustrative of some scriptural subject. The Choir are
surphced, and occupy seats in the Chancel.]
1459, It' sol' p' j trusse de pese strawe, p' choro de Bablake, ijd.
1518, It' pd reperyug of ij stoles for the quer of bablak, for ye prests to syt on, xxd.
SEPULCHRE.
1469, It' sol' Joh'i Kerver p' fact' de uno sepult'e ad capeUa' de bablake, xxvjs. ixd.
It, sol' p' una virga & una q'trona rubU tart'yn to the sepult'e at bablake, ijs. ixd.
Before the Reformation, it was customary upon Good Friday to erect on the North side
of the Chancel, a small buUding, to represent the Sepulchre of our Lord. In some Churches
permanent structures of stone were made, ornamented with female figures, angels, soldiers,
and Christ rising from the tomb ; but in general they were shght wooden erections, capable
of being removed after the ceremony was over, and preserved for future occasions. Du
Fresne (in voce Sepulchri officium) gives the ceremonial, extracted from a MS. Ordinary of
the Church of Rouen, which describes three persons in female habits, going to the sepulchre,
wherein two others were placed, representing angels, who told them Christ was risen. A
particular account of the manner in which this ceremony was observed in Durham, is given
by Davies, in his " Rites " of that Church : — A crucifix was placed within the sepulchre,
together with a picture of Christ, in whose breast the sacrament of the altar was enclosed,
which after censing and praying to a considerable time, they set two lighted tapers before,
that continued burning until Easter morning, between 3 and 4 o'clock, when two of the
oldest monks, richly habited, and each having a pair of sUver censers, sitting on their knees
148
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
before the sepulchre, censed it for some time. Then rising they took the picture out, and
after elevating, carried it upon a velvet cushion to the high altar, singing the anthem of
Christ's Resurrection : from hence it was afterwards taken in procession, under a canopy,
with much ceremony, round about the Church, and finally deposited again on the high altar,
there to remain until Ascension day. The general practice in England, was to deposit the
crucifix and pix, in a solemn manner, within the sepulchre, and a person or persons was set to
watch it, both upon that and the foUowing night, and on Easter morning early, the priest,
taking out the crucifix and host, pronounced the words, " Surrexit, non est hie."
Various entries illustrative of this custom are to be found in the Church Accounts,
previous to the Reformation, a few of which are selected below :
St. Mary-hill, London.— A piece of timber containing 11 feet, 13 pins of iron, and making & setting the
Sepulchre, 6s, 5(2.
1499, for the waching of the sepulchre and the chirche, to iij men, 12(2. for brede and ale to them that waohed,
6d. for a lampe, and tentyr hookes to the sepulchre, 1^(2.
1516, for a chest to lay the sepulcre in, 13s. id.
1529, a stayned cloth which went about the sepulcre.
Walberwick, Co. of Suffolk.^1454, To the clarke for kepyng of the candells de sepulchris, vjd.
the cloth for the sepulture, steyned.
St. Mary's, Reading. — 1499, Imprimis, payed for waching of the Sepulcr', viijd. It', payed for a lb. of encens, xijd.
In 1551, upon the Reformation, the Sepulchre was sold.
Receyvid of Henry More, for the Sepulker, xiijs. iiij(2.
Receyvid of John Webbe for the toumbe of brycke, xijd.
But we have a very particular account of a splendid Sepulchre, belonging to St. Mary
Redcliffe Church, at Bristol, in the following document : —
" Item, that Maister Canyuge hath deliverd, this 4th day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1470, to Maister
Nicolas Betters, Vicar of St. Mary Redcliffe ; Moses Conterin, PhiUp Barthelmew, Procurators of St. Mary Redcliffe
aforesaid ; a new sepulchre, gilt with golde, and a civer thereto. Item, an image of God Almighty rising out of the
same sepulcre, with all the ordinance that longeth thereto, that is to say, a lathe made of timber and the iron work
thereto. Item, thereto longeth Heaven, made of timber and stayiied clothes. Item, Hell, made of timber, and iron
work thereto, with Divels to the number of 13. Item, 4 Knights armed, keeping the sepulchre, with their weapons
in their hands ; that is to say, 2 axes and 2 spears, with 2 paves'*. Item, 4 payr of Angels wings for 4 Angels, made
of timber, and well painted. Item, the Fadre, the Croune, aud Visage, the ball with a cross upon it, weU gilt with
fine gould. Item, the Holy Ghost coming out of Heaven into the sepulchre. Item, longeth to the 4 Angels, 4
Chevelures.f" Respecting this custom at Coventry, few illustrations have been preserved ; the earliest
document is contained in the Rules of the Trinity Gild, where, amongst those relating to
their Priests, is the following provision : —
" Et iu qualibet die Parasceve postquam Corpus x'pi, in Sepulchre positum fuerit unum cereum ardentem
coram sepulchro perficiatur & dum sacrum Corpus Domini ibidem permaneat."
In the Constitutions of the Ofiice of First Deacon of Trinity Church, Anno 1452, is this,
" Also, he schall wache ye sepulcur on Astur evyn tyll ye resurrecc'on be don, then he and hys ffellow schall
take downe ye lenttyn clothys abowte ye Awter, and affor' ye rode."
The Second Deacon's Constitutions also provide, that " he shal wache ye sepulcur on
gode ffryday, att nyght." In the Drapers' Accounts for 1555, is the following item : —
for ij tapurys for the sepulkur, vs. viijd.
» shields. f perukes, or false hair.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY. 149
And in 1560, this charge occurs in the Wardens' Accounts of Trinity Church : —
It'm, for lyght to ye sepulcre, xviij*^.
The first article, extracted from the Trinity Gild Payments, and standing at the head of
these remarks, is evidently for a new sepulchre, before the opening into which it seems
probable the red tarty'n was hung, instead of the painted cloth which occurs in some of the
preceding Uustrative extracts.
VESTRY.
1457, It'm, sol' mag'ra p'pt' lez deskes, inf 'a le vestri, ap'd bablake, iiijs.
It' j pec' merennu voc' a syUe ad easd'm deskes, iiij(^. It' p' vi standards ad easd'm deskes, viijd.
It' p' iiij peciis merennu claud' insimul lez syUes eard'm deskes, iijd.
1461, It' sol' p' duobz Candebris de plate, videl't uno ad eccl'iam de Bablake, & al' ad le Vestri ib'm, iij<2. ob.
1462, It' sol' p' un' q'rt' carbonu', ad ardend' in le vestuar' de Bablake, p' Ubror' & vest'me'ts, iiij(2. ob.
The situation of the ancient Vestry is not now discoverable, having apparently been
some part of the Church, separated by a partition (as is now the case) ; there is no trace
whatever of a distinct room or buUding for the purpose, and the charcoal in the first of the
preceding items was probably burnt in an open brazier, to air and warm the room.
[The present Vestry occupies the north chancel aisle, and over it is a smaU gallery
formerly occupied by the Organ.]
BOOKS.
1462, It', Sol' Thome Halle, bokebynder, p' ligac'one cooptura & emeudac'one om'ium Ubror' p'tinenc' Capelle
de Bablake, xxs.
It', sol' eid'm Thome, no'i'e remun'aco'is eod'm op'e, vjs. viijd.
It', sol' div'sis p'sonis p' peUibz rubiis pergamino, peUibz damor' ac' p' claspys, bosys de laton,'* albo corio
p' cuireys Goldskynnes ac aUis div'sis rebz p' ligac'one, & cooptura eor'd' Ubror' necessar' & incumbent', ijs. iijd. ob.
1466, John Gauge, agreeably to an obUgation entered into by him, delivered to the Trinity Gild, on 11th
August, uno portuos p'c Iiijs. iiij(2. Sc unu' bybuU, p'c xxvjs. viijd.
1547, 1st Edw. 6 — It' a bible to babelack, xvs.
1521, It' p'd for the cartage of a Masse boke for bablake, iiij(2.
It' p'd to Mr. CoUam, for the same Masse boke, vjs. iiij(2.
A Missal was given to this Chapel in 1457, amongst other articles, by Edw. Bromflete,
Esq. ; the Bible above-mentioned, 1st Edward 6th, was of course a printed one, and in
English; but the most curious article in the above extracts is the particulars of Book
binding in 1462, which wiU be a high treat to all genuine Bibliomaniacs.
* Latten, probably used here for brass,
150 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
FONT.
1460, It' sol' p' j planke p' uno pede ad le fant, apud bablake, iijd.
1461, It' Joh'i Exhale, de 1' fant, apud bablake, iiij(2.
These are the only notices of the Font that have occurred. It appears to have been
constructed of wood, and of course the hollow, or basin, lined with lead. What was the
nature of the second item is not shown ; but from other charges, it appears that Exhale was
a painter and gilder; we may therefore infer that he was so employed in the present case.
[The Pont provided for the use of this Church on its appropriation to parochial purposes
consisted of a large basin supported on a Hght iron tripod. The present Pont stands at the
west end of the nave ; it was erected in 1843, and is a copy of the early perpendicular
Font at St. Edward's, Cambridge. It is executed in Painswick stone, is octagonal in plan,
and richly sculptured. The cover is of fine tabernacle work beautifully carved in oak, and
surmounted by a figure of St. John Baptist. For this appendage the parishioners are mainly
indebted to the Rev. W. Drake, formerly Lecturer at this Church, whose exceUent taste
promoted its adoption, and by whose exertions the necessary funds were raised to defray its
expense, which amounted to about £50.]
ORGAN.
1461, It'm, Joh'i GiUot, p' ij2J. de Glewe p' rep'acone de lez organs, iiij(2,
It'm, Will. Lokyer, p' iiijor Jemowes, & ij pynnes, & iuj stapuls, p' organis apud Bablake, xxd.
A NEW ORGAN.
It'm sol' Joh'i Gelot, p' iij22i. de Glewe, vjd.
It'm sol' Joh'i Halle, p' ij bourdes, xvd.
It'm sol' WiU'o Pynchebek, p' j duoden' de peUibz oviu' p' lez organs, ijs. vjd.
It'm sol' p' jib. Sc di' de laton wyre, ixd.
It'm sol' p' XV dos' de Regesters, p' lez keyes, ijs. vjd.
It'm sol' Rob'to Darnell, p' v duoden' de laduU Tynne, xvs.
It'm sol' p' V waynscotes p' p'd'cis Organis, vs. xd,
It'm sol' p' Charcoles Sc al' focal', xd.
It'm sol' p' nayle & threde, ijd.
It'm sol' in vino ho'ibz de hospicio d'ni Regis ac de hospicio Comit' Warr'& Sar'ad p'band' Organos p'dcos. xviijd.
It'm sol' Joh'i Saxon, p' facc'one Organor' p'dcor'. Is.
It'm sol' p' j pare de Jemowes'* p' lez belowes diet' Organor', iiij(Z.
It'm sol' Thome Garden', p' peyntyng p'dcor' Organor', ijs.
It'm sol' Ric'o Lyng, pewtrer, p' di' lb de Tynglasse, xijd.
1474, It'm p' uno strynge p' le organnys, ijd.
1519, It' R' of the priore for metell of ye olde organs of bablake, ixs. xd.
1520, It' pd to Whiteley Carpynt' for mendyng ye organs in bablake, xvjd.
It' for Whitled'r, glue Sc charcole for ye same, vijd.
It', pd for mendyng ye belows of ye organs in bablake, ijs.
[A new Organ was built by Davis, of London, in 1816, and placed in a gaUery erected
across the Chancel, facing the west; adjoining to which were also seats for the singers. It
'* Hinges.
BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTRY. 151
was a fair toned instrument, with a compass from GG to F in Alt, and cost £260, the charge
of which was defrayed by subscription and the receipts at a musical festival. It had
the foUowing Stops — Open and Stopt Diapasons, Principal, Fifteenth, Sesquialtera, Cornet,
Trumpet (Treble and Bass). In 1845 it was removed to a gallery constructed over
the Vestry, under the direction of Mr. W. Chater, then Organist, by whom it was improved
in its movements, and a set of pedals acting on the manuals added. A new Organ has lately
been erected in the South Chancel aisle by Messrs. Halmshaw and Sons, of Birmingham, at
an expense of £200 and the old Organ, it was opened on the 26th of June, 1870. It has two
Manuals, CC to F, 54 notes, 2^ octaves of pedals, and 4 composition pedals. The Great
Organ comprises the foUowing Stops — Stopt Diapason, Open Diapason, ClarabeUa, Principal,
Fifteenth, Flute, Dulciana, Mixture (4 ranks), Cremona, Trumpet. The Swell has Double
Diapason, Stopt Diapason, Horn Diapason, Principal, Fifteenth, Hautboy, and Cornopean.
The Pedal Organ has the Open Diapason^ 16ft. scale. There are 3 Couplers — Swell to Great,
SweU to Pedals, Great to Pedals.]
BELL TOWER, CLOCK, AND CHIMES;
The number of BeUs in this Chapel whilst it belonged to the Trinity GUd has not
been ascertained, but the names of two wUl be found in the ensuing extracts, viz. the Trinity
BeU and the morning Mass BeU. It is evident, however, from the circumstance of there
being Chimes here so early as 1461, that there must have been more than two BeUs.
1457, It', p' una corde p' campana misse matutinat' infra Babl' pond', xij2J. pric', xviijd.
1459, It'm, p' faccone unius clap' campane apud babl' pond' xxiij22>. xvjd.
It' p' j corda p' le wyndyng up de la peyce'* orUagii apud bablake, viijd.
1461, It', sol' WiU'o Melody p'uno Goieonf p' le chyme ap'd Babl', jd.
1463, It', sol' p' ij bawdrykes p' ij campanis apud bablake, xvjd.
It' sol' p' behropes usq' ad bablake, xxjd.
It' p' j belrope p' le Trynite beUe apud bablake pond' xlb. xijd. ob.
1464, It', for a corde to the peyse off the clocke at bablake, weyng xxxii p's le U' jd. ob' s'ma ujs. ixd.
1466, It', WiU'mo lokyer p' emendac'oe oricudiif ap'd bablake, uijs. iiij<2.
It' p' a playte to the sayle of the clokke, ijd.
It' p' a roppe weyng xiuj2&. to the chyme at bablake, xxjd.
1467, It', p' a gogyn & ij stapelys for the bellys at bablake, xd.
1468, It', sol' p' grese ad ca'panas de bablake, jd. ob.
1518, It', makyng a frame for the Clok at bablak (inter alia).
It', p'd for iij barels for ye clok at bablak xxd.
It', for makyng & underbUdyng the clokhouse, iijs. vjd.
It', for worchyng ye stone to set under ye post of ye clockhouse, iuj<2.
It', to a rough mason for settyng ye stone under the post & pavyng about it, iiij(2.
It', for setyng up ye frame of the seid clock Sc mendyng the clokhous by iij dayes Sc di' iijs. vjd.
worchyng on it, ijs.
It', for sylyng of the clokhous, ij sylyng bords & mendyng it by ij dayes, xviijd.
It', for makyng a hand for the dyaU of ye clok (inter alia).
It', for vij 2 J. wire for the chyme ther at vd. ye lb., ijs. xjd.
It', for a locur & Iron warke to ye same, xvjd.
It', to Thomas Wylkyns clokmaker for makyng a newe clok at bablak in gret, iiij2i. vjs. viijd.
It', for peyntyng ye clokhouse in gret, xj.s. viijd.
* Weight. f Gojeon, gudgeon. { The striking part, or clock hammer.
152 BABLAKE CHUECH, COVENTEY.
1519, It', pd for the mendyng of the whele at the bell for the Rodemasse, xijd.
It', pd for a horsse hyde to make Bawdrikks for bablake, ijs. iiij(Z.
In 1459 four Vanes were put upon the Bell Tower, the particulars whereof follow.
It', sol', p' j peine ad faciend' inde duas Fanes p' camponile apud Bablake, pond' viij 25. & di'. xvije^.
It', sol' ij pec' de laton p' al' duabz fanes eid'm camponile, xixd.
It'm sol' p' laton wyre eid', jd. ob.
It'm, sol' p' facc'one ejusd'm, xd. It'm, p' peyntyng eor'd'm fanys, iijd. ob.
It', sol' p' iiij Spyndels ferri eisd'm Fanys, pond' xlv li vijs. vjd.
The following items appear to belong to the Tower of the Chapel, which had evidently
a pinnacle with a vane at each corner in its original state : it is not quite so clear whether
the cross mentioned in the third item surmounted the new Vane or was distinct from the
Vanes, and in that case raised higher in the centre of the Tower; the charge seems to
warrant the latter conjecture, being apparently too great for a cross over the Vane.
1525, It', p'd for a.fayne & prickes of iron for the penacles, vs. vjd.
It', p'd for peyntyng the same fayne, ijs.
It', p'd to a peynter & a laborer for oyellyng, rosellyng, & other workema'ship of the crosse, iijs. vijd.
It', p'd to mathew the Carver for makyng foure fynyalls, ijs. iiij(2.
Amongst other payments of the Trinity Gild, in 1.466, the 6th of Edward 4, is the
following : —
Sth July. It', p' ij p'ms ca'pa'is p' le chyrche mynday de Bablake, vd.
I have inserted this article under the head Bells, not being able to explain what custom
it aUudes to ; no notice of Church-Monday as a festival or ancient custom has occurred to me
in the various writers consulted for information on this subject.
[1584, Ordered by Common Council that Hy. Banke keep the clock in repair and receive a salary.]
In 1633, the clock at Bablake was mended, one Richard Barratt appointed to keep it,
and to ring at 5 o'clock in the morning, and 7 in the evening.*
[There are five BeUs, bearing the foUowing inscriptions : —
1. Henrycus Bagley, M.C. Fecit 1676.
2. Pack and Chapman, London, 1778. Richard Eaton, Churchwarden.
3. Henric Dodenhale, Fecit M.C.B.LC.R.L
4. (Inscription illegible, supposed to have been founded in 15th century.)
6. I ring at Six to let men know
When to and from their work to go.
The 4th bell was formerly rung at fom* o'clock every morning ; the custom was dis
continued about the year 1834. It was known as the "Dyers' BeU."]
¦* MS. Annals.
BABLAKE HALL, COVENTEY. 153
St 30ljn Bapttsf s, nx MbMt lalL
The liberal endowment of Bablake Chapel having, with Walsheman's grant in 1357,
fuUy enabled its Pounders and Patrons, the Gild of St. John Baptist, to support six Priests
there, with a prospect of adding to the number, it became necessary for the Gild to provide
a permanent and fitting residence for their Priests ; and as Edward, Prince of Wales, in
1359,* granted to this Fraternity a piece of ground, 60 feet in length and 40 in breadth,
contiguous to the land on which their Chapel at Bablake was built, and in enlargement of
that ground, there can be Httle doubt but this newly acquired space was appropriated for the
Priests' dwelHngs. Certain it is, that in the 38th of Edward 3, 1364t, mention is made in
the transactions of this Gild that " John Damas, Chapeleyn, vyent a la sale de seynt John,
Babelake ;" and in the Ordinances made and amended upon the union of the GUds, 16th of
Richard 2, 1392, the meeting "en la fest de seynt luke," is ordered to be held " a la sale de
seint joh'is," and another meeting by alternate years in St. Mary's Hall and in this Hall.
In the Deed of FeoffmentJ of the possessions of these united Gilds, made 20th September,
17th Richard 2, 1393, it is thus mentioned: a Messuage, called " Babbelakehall," with a
garden adjoining, situated between a tenement of John Burton and HiU-street, and extending
from Bablake Chapel to the garden of Richard Marebrok. Another messuage belonging to
them is described as situated between a tenement of the before-named John Burton and the
HaU of St. John Baptist, at Babbelake, and extending from Spon-street, " usque latrinam de
Babbelake." In the Accounts of the Trinity Gild, sub anno 1458, are the foUowing particulars of a
coUation given to the Mayor and his suite in their way to Maxstoke : —
Expe' fact' apud Babl', xvij die Jun', in Jantaculo, Majori & fribz suis, de p'bioribz' Civitatis, in itin'e usq'
Maxtoke, ad spousal' d'nor' juni'um fllior' ducz' Buck'. Inp'mis in pane, ijd. It'm, in s'vis' iijd. It', in j loyne & di
de moton, vd. ob. It' in vj puU' GalUnis, vjd. Sm'a, xvjd. ob.
I have not been able to ascertain which of the sons of the Duke of Buckingham was
now married. Edmund, George, and WiUiam, his three youngest (the two latter twins), are
passed over with such brevity by our Genealogists, not being ennobled, that their names only
are recorded. There are many entries in the Accounts of the Trinity Gild for labour done at the HaU,
or articles purchased for it, a selection from which is given below; being items either
illustrative of the building itself, or affording some insight into the management and economy
of the estabhshment there.
1457, Sol' p' le takyng off Sc p' le settyng on agayn hostii Cologuintorii^ apud bablake, jd.
It', p, patellis enea' de Joh'i Yale, emptis usq' babl',
* Vide account of Bablake Chapel. f ^'¦^^ ^^- t Original in Treasury. § The Parlour.
V
154 BABLAKE HALL, COVENTEY.
1458, It'm, sol' p' vij C de Tynhedednayle, p'pter hostia aular', iiijs. viijd.
It'm, sol' Joh'i Harp', tyler, p' remoc'one Tegular' de Cam'is p'sbitor' de babl', remoc'one Tegular' uni's
lat'is magne Aule ibm, & de la porche inf aulam Ji- eccl'iam, Sc p' retegnlac'one de novo ear'd'm domor', xijs.
1460, It'm p' vj V/aynscotes, ad faciend' unu' Muru, & le Syler apud le cupbourd aule p'dce, vjs. vjd.
It'm, Rob'to Glasyer, p' emendaco'e Armar' in fenest', apud le Cupbourd in aula apud Bablake, & p'
emendac'o'e aliar' fenestr' aule p'dce, ijs. jd.
It' p' facc'one unius paris de hynges ad magnam portam., apud bablake, & p' le settyng ou eord', xijd.
It' p' emendac'oe unius lok de le shutte durre, apud aulam in bablake, vd.
It' Rob'to Glasier, p' glasyng unius fenestre in aula apud bablake, cent' xviij ped', p'c ped', viijd. &
p' emendac'oe al' fenestrar' fract', xijs.
1461, It' p' j carect' lapid', ad fixend' unu' plumbu' voc' a Brewyng Iced, apud Bablake, xvjd.
It' p' j lok p' longa cam'a, apud Bablake, '\iijd.
It'm Rob'to Smyth cu' soe' p' mundac'one co'is latrine* p'sbitor' apud Bablake, vjs.
In the same year is an item sufficiently connected with the history and description of the
building which is the subject of our present enquiry to deserve insertion here, especially as
it shows that there was a communication from Bablake Hall to HiU-street Gate,
It'm, Thome Joyno', p' facc'one unius hostii turri, sup' port' de Hilstrete, iiij(Z.
1462, It' sol' p' j cok ad le cundit, infra coguina, apud bablak, xvjd.
1467, It' p' a C gret nayle tyn'yd the beds, to a weket at bablake, ijs. iiij(2.
1469, It' for cla'pyng a grett mcolef at bablake kechyn, ijd.
1471, It' sol' Thome Corell, for a rakke to bablake, weyng xvij li. ijs. jd. ob.
It', for a bro'dartj to bablake, weying xxij li. ijs. ixd.
1472, It', sol' p' uno clave ad le max chamb'r apud bablake, ijd.
1474, It'm p' dimid' C de payvi'ent tyle, xviiij5,
It'm, p' pavyng in aula de bablake, viijd.
At the suppression of the Gilds and Chantries in 1547, this Hall, with its appurtenances,
being part of the possessions of the Trinity Gild, came into the King's hands, and was in
the following year granted to the Corporation; soon after which, viz., in 1571, the City
Annals record that in that year the Dirge Hall at Bablake, the Wardens' chambers, the
Priests' chambers on the west side, and the School House*^ were all laid out together, repaired,
and some part new built, to make a House of Correction, commonly caUed Bridewell ; " but
because of the plage it was staled and did not goe forward."
[The present School and School House occupies part of the site of the above described
buildings.] *' See an earlier mention of this in the preceding extract from the Gild Feoffment, anno 1393,
f Without having discovered the etymology of this word, it is clearly ascertained to mean a large tub or cowl.
X Brondart ; brandart or brandiron.
% There was a Grammar School here, supported by the Gild, the Master whereof received 62. 13s. id. per annum, aud
in 1522, Maist'r BeduU, skolmayst'r of bablake, was a member of Corpus Christi Gild,
ST. John's hospital, coventey. 155
St 30f)n's l0SpttaI anir fxtt S>tfiool, €oimtxu*
ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL (using the words of Dugdale) " was founded by Laurence,
Prior of Coventry, and his Convent, about the beginning of Henry Second's time, at the request
of Edmund*, then Archdeacon of Coventry, ad susceptionem pauperum Sf infirmorum, as
the words of the Grant import." This, how^ever, was only a grant of the land, which was
within the Prior's fee, and having obtained it in frank almoigne, the Archdeacon procured
a Confirmation thereof, from Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury, and was at the charge of
the buildingsf. In 1221, 5th of Henry 3, Pope Honorius the 3rd, by his Bull, dated at
Lateran, 15 Cal. Junu, and addressed to the Governor and Brethren of St. John's Hospital,
grants a special protection as to their persons and possessions, particularly naming their
land at Smercote (in Bedworth parish), with the assarts, houses, and other things, belonging
thereto, " which (says Dugdale) 'tis Hke was given them at the Foundation of their House."
Roger de Montalt and CecUy his wife, in their Grant of the Manor of Coventry to the
Convent of St. Mary, 33rd of Henry 3, 1249, reserved a cart-load of wood, to be weekly
deHvered by the Foresters of the Prior and Convent, unto the Brethren of this Hospital,
out of the woods belonging to Coventry. After this they obtained Letters of Protection,
for seven years, from Henry 3, bearing date 24th July, in his 45th year, 1261 (he being
then at Coventry) ; which protection was also extended to such Messengers as they should
employ and send out to ask, coUect, and receive alms, for their support : and he entreats
aU persons to whom the said Brethren, or their messengers, shall apply for alms, to give
HberaUy, as they would expect to be rewarded from God, or receive his thanks. In this
instrument they are, for the first time, designated the Master, Brethren, and Sisters, of St.
John's Hospital.
They also had BuUs of Immunities from aU secular exactions, granted by Popes Urban
4 and 5, and by other Benefactors, the foUowing gifts : In 1st of Edw. 3, 1327, 4 messuages,
2^ acres of wood, and 20s. rent, lying in Coventry and Bedworth, by Bernard de Arley. In
1328, 2nd of Edward 3, 20 acres of land, 1 rood of meadow, and 30s. rent in Stoneley,
Harnale, and Coventry, given by Nich. Crumpe, of Coventry.
In 15th of Edward 3, 1341, 3 messuages, 6 acres of land, and ^ an acre of meadow,
lying in Coventry, by Rich. Southam, Priest ; and in the same year, 5 more messuages in
Coventry, given by Henry Page, of WeUsborough.
In 21st of Edward 3, 1347, 4 messuages and lis. rent in Coventry, by John de FUungley,
Priest. In 1383, 6th of Richard 2, 1 messuage in Coventry, by John de Melton, and two
other persons; and in 9th of Richard 2, 4 messuages, 5 shops, and 12d. rent in Coventry,
"¦ He was Archdeacon from 1160 to 1176.
t As appears from an Instrument of Arbitration, in 1425, noticed more fully hereafter.
156 ST. John's hospital, coventey.
by Hugh de Geydon, Vicar of Merton, and Wm. Suwett, Rector of Southam, who gave
Hkewise in 1387, 16th of Richard 2, 4 messuages, 40 acres of land, and 20s. rent in Coventry,
with 2 acres of wood in Bedworth; and also 5 messuages, 12 cottages, and 8 shops in
Coventry. Besides all this, they had an allowance in bread, beer, and two messes of meat,
every day, as much as was sufficient for two monks, given by the Prior and Convent of
St. Mary's, at the foundation of the Hospital, and for which £14. 13s. 2d. per annum was
aUowed in the charges of that Monastery.
Some disputes having arisen between the Prior and Convent of St. Mary's, and the
Master and Fraternity of St. John's, two arbitrators were appointed to determine their
differences, and on 29th* March, 1425, they met in the Chapter House of the Cathedral,
together with the Prior and major part of the Convent, and the Master and major part of
the Brethren and Sisters of the Hospital, when they ordained and declared, that the Prior
and Convent are and were the Founders and Patrons there, and that Edmund the Arch
deacon, for his many benefits and buUding of the said Hospital, should be especially prayed
for amongst the Benefactors, next after the Prior and Convent ; they likewise ordained, that
forasmuch as from the time of Friar Lawrence, a daily dehvery sufficient for two Monks, was
given them by the Prior and Convent without diminution or interruption. Earl Leofric and
Godiva should be especially named and included in their prayers and suffrages. They also
decreed, that the Masters of the said Hospital, at the time of their appointment, shall make
an oath of fidehty and obedience to the Prior and Convent, and faithful execution of the
duties of their office ; carefully preserving and endeavouring to augment the revenues of the
Hospital, and seeing that they are properly administered according to the intentions of the
Founders. The form of the oath is given at considerable length. It is further decreed, that
the Prior and Convent shall, if they think proper, visit the Hospital every year, to the number
of eight persons ; but that they shall not remove any member of the Community, without
sufficient cause and proof. The goods, possessions, rents, rights, &c., of the said Hospital,
are to be at the disposition of the Master for the time being, who is not to alienate or lessen
the same, without Hcence from the Prior. Every Brother or Sister entering into the Frater
nity, shaU make a profession in writing to the Prior, that they will be of good conversation,
chaste, and obedient in all lawful and canonical commands ; the form prescribed is in latin ;
and it is ordered, that if any Brother or Sister hereafter professed, has Httle knowledge of
latin, they shall make it in the vulgar tongue.
Also they ordained, that no one should be appointed Master except a man of approved
life, honest conversation, and in Priest's orders. According to former custom, the supertunic
of the Brethren is to be black or brown, made full and wide, tucked close, with a black cross
thereon, and moderately long (sine bissis) . The mantle also is to bear a black cross, and
without this dress no one may converse out of doors with the citizens and people of Coventry,
The under-vest to be a scapulary of light colour with a black cross. The Sisters to wear a
white veil, with a supertunic as before-mentioned, and mantle or close hood, which they shall
constantly use when they go out. Also the Brethren, Master, and Sisters, shall have Cowls
or Hoods, and linen vests, as of ancient times accustomed, unless they abstain from linen for
devotional motives.
The Master for the time being shall, at least, once in the week, hold a meeting, in which
the said Brethren and Sisters shall be canonically punished for lesser offences, but greater
•* Monasticon, Vol. II. p. 428, et seq.
ST. John's hospital, coventey. 157
crimes shaU be left to the correction of the Prior. Divine service shall be performed secun
dum usum Sarum ; and if the lay members are altogether illiterate, they shall say, instead of
matins, 30 pater nosters, 30 ave marias, and 1 Apostles' Greed, and so for other services ; but
the Brethren and Sisters sufficiently learned, shall say the Hours of the Virgin with the
Psalter. The Master is on no account to be absent without leave of the Prior, and to have
precedence within the Hospital in the Choir, processions and other honours, unless the Prior
is present : and in aU rehgious processions in the City, the Master and Brethren, if they
attend, shall appear in their habits. Also, in the solemnity of the Lord's Supper, the anni
versary of the Founders, and the exequies of the Prior and Monks of the said Priory, the
Master, Brethren, and Sisters shaU attend at the Cathedral Chm'ch, according to ancient
custom. The Common Seal to be kept under three keys in the said Hospital, whereof the Master
to have one, and the Brethren and Sisters the second and third. The ancient* Seal to be
utterly destroyed, and all muniments, since the death of Henry Aston, late Master, viz. from
A.D. 1361, sealed with the old Seal, to be disregarded.
The Charters concerning the rights of the Hospital, to be kept with the Seal, and each
party to have transcripts of the common writings, as well of the Prior and Convent as of the
Hospital, now in the Treasury of the Cathedral Church. With regard to the pasture of
Combewelle (about which there had been some altercation), as now divided by Brother William
Halughton and Sir John Bonetable, they ordain, that the Master shaU pay the predial tithes
to the Prior and Convent, they reUnquishing their tithes of wood and underwood to the Hospital,
and granting in addition a cart load of wood weekly.
They hkewise ordain, that the Master, Brethren, and Sisters, shaU have free sepulture
in the said Hospital, but that the bodies to be buried should be borne to the Mother Church,
and that aU "apparel of wax and tapers," provided by reason of the funerals, shaU be
solely rendered to the Cathedral Church ; and in acknowledgment for the said right of
sepulture, the Hospital shaU offer annuaUy, one pound of wax, or its weight of tapers
to the Cathedral Church.
Also, that aU BuUs, Letters, and Instruments, of the said Hospital, now in the possession
of the Prior and Convent, shall be fully exhibited, that justice may be rendered to both
parties ; and if any of the writings have been lost or concealed, the oaths of the Prior,
Sub-Prior, and Brothers Nicholas Caldecot and WUHam Halughton, denying any know
ledge of them, shaU sufficiently excuse the Convent. Also, that the said Hospital shaU
relinquish aU claim or right to certain parcels of land within Priors Orchard, by reason
of the Charters of Nicholas Glover, John the son of Nicholas, John Proude, John Gauter,
WilHam Cook, or any others, and to the tenements of WiU. Scott, the lands of Richard
Carpenter, and whatever else the Prior and Convent may possess within Coventry and
without. And if it shall happen, that the Prior and Convent shall hereafter acquire any
* An impression of the ancient and original Seal of this Hospital, upon green wax, appended to a Deed, circa
Hen. 3, represents St. John standing, his left hand elevated, and a chalice in his right hand, with a nimbus round
the head ; of the inscription only the letters SIGILL remain.
The new Seal (which, as well as the former one, is oval) has a whole length figure of St. John, within an orna
mented Gothic niche, and holding the apocalyptic lamb in his left hand, with this inscription —
s. ijospitalis set 3d|)'s Jje co&mtre*
158
ST. JOHN S HOSPITAL, COVENTEY.
tenements or lands, which shall be held of the Hospital, they shaU pay the accustomed
annual rent. They further ordain, that the Master of the Hospital shall pay annually,
to the Prior and Convent, and chiefly for the offices of Chamberlain, Treasurer, and Cel
larer, the sum of 21s. 4d. for the lands and tenements which they hold of the said Prior
and Convent, in Coventry, Harnale, Eccleshall, Stoke, and Keresley (and shall give up a
croft called le Frerhey, with a piece of land belonging thereto in Keresley field), together
with the rent due annually, to the office of Pitancier, viz., for divers tenements in Coventry,
28s. 8d. and the Chapel of St. Mary, ofthe Cathedral Church, 4s. with clause of distress;
and if the said Hospital shaU in future acquire any lands or tenements, held of the Prior
and Convent, they shaU render the accustomary rents to them. And further, that the pools
made in the ditches below the Prior's Orchard (as appears by the tripartite), between the
stone wall and the head of Swaneswelpole and the Derngate, shall remain as they now are ;
but that at the cleansing of them, the dirt shall be thrown upon the Prior's land, and not
upon the land of the Hospital, because of the destruction of the herbage. Also, that the
Bull of Pope Alexander 3rd, to prevent further disputes, is disannulled, together with all
other documents repugnant to this Ordinance, and especially the submission of brother
Alexander, late Master of the Hospital, and the confirmation of Robert, Bishop of Coventry
and Lichfield thereupon, as far as the premises are concerned, but in other respects to
remain in force. And with regard to the stopping of the water of Swanswelpole, the division
of the meadow of Gombewell and other boundaries, the same to be left to the arbitration of
brothers WUliam Halughton and Sir John Bonetable; and as a compensation for the
flowing of the waters of Swaneswelpole over the land of the Hospital, the Prior and Con
vent relinquish aU tithes of hay in their meadows in Coventry and Harnale.
In 1439, the foUowi&g order of Leet was made :
Volunt quod Mag'r S'ci Joh'is Bapt', ffratres, & Sorores infra no'ia't, h'eant & teneant Campu' Sc Pastura'
Swauneswelpole, infra in Sep'al', cu' via pedestr' Sc nulla alia via p'ut h'uer' a temp'e antiquo.
John Lusterley, Merchant of Coventry, by will, 1448, bequeaths inter alia, thus ;
It'm, lego paup'ibz domus hospital' s'ci Joh'is Bapt'e, de Cove'tr' vjs. viijd. ita q' distribuat' inf paupe's
in eis continge'tibz :
In 1474, Laurence Saunders complains to the Prince, that the Mayor and Recorder
suffered the Master of St. John's to turn sheep upon the commons, " unstynted," whereas
the commoners are not aUowed to exceed their rate.
And in 1518, John Haddon, draper, bequeaths —
to the mayneten'nce of the pour folks beddes in saint John's, Ixxx yards of white freese.
Upon the return, in 1522, of the value of the Benefices of the Clergy in Coventry, that
for St. John's Hospital, was as follows : —
The M'r of the hospitall of seint John Baptist in Coventr', hath lends to the yeaiiie value of xl2. whereof
XX marc' Ueth within the Citie.
It'm, the value of the goods of the howse amounteth to the som' of xl2. of the which lands Sc substauns
he fyndeth hymself iij priests, iij clerks, & fyve Systers, Sc maynteneth xxx beddes for pore people, wheirof iiij
pore men continue dailie in the howse Sc sumtyme moo.
Sir John Came, xls.
Sir Rich' Folget'm, xxxs.
Sir Will'm Cooke, xxvjs,
ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL, COVENTEY. 159
The revenue of this Hospital, upon the Survey, 26th of Henry 8, 1534, was certified to
be £99. 13s. 6d. from whence it is evident, that they possessed other lands* and rents
besides those before specified. The deductions, including 33s. 4d. to the Chamberlains
for murage, 26s. in bread and beer, given to poor people at the Hospital Gate, according to
the foundation, 60s. for the renewal of 20 beds, for the use of the poor and weak people and
strangers, and £16 the stipend of three Priests serving there, amounted to £32. 10s. 4d. per
annum, leaving the clear yearly value, £67. 3s. 2d. Another valuation is preserved in an old
book, in the Corporation Treasury Chest.
Quarto die Junii, anno xxx vij R' H' viij, p' Joh'e Hales,
The cleare yerely value of the Scite & demeanes of the late hospitall of St. John Baptist, w'thin the Cittie of
Coventre, together w'th aU the possessions there unto belonging, ys lxxxxix2. xiijs. vjd. whereof deducted for the
tenthe of the demene lands of the said late hospitall, & of the lands in Smercote Sc Radford p'cell of the same,
amounting to xl2. iiijs. viijd. by the yere iUj2. vjd. Sc so remaynethe cleare lxxxxv2. xiijs. w'ch is given by the King's
ma'tie unto the saide John Hales Sc to his heires for ev', iu considerac'on of w'ch guyft, the saide John Hales hathe
aJredy paid unto his highnes owne hands the some of cccc2. starling.
M'd, the said John Hales must be bound to ffynd one ffree scole, w'th in the said Cittie of Coventre.f
The preceding Valuation appears to be the one on which this Hospital and its posses
sions were granted upqn the dissolution of these establishments, 37th Henry 8, to John Hales,
by the King's Letters Patent, bearing date 23rd July in the same year, viz., 1545, and
connected therewith is the founding of a Free Grartvmar School in Coventry, which shall
be treated of after we have bestowed some consideration on the Church, Hospital, and the
estabhshment generaUy.
In the Cartulary of St. Mary's, fo. 21a, a tenement is described in 1385, to be " inter
pontes, exopposito infi/rmar' hospital' Sc'i Johi's."
The Licence for founding St. Katherine's Gild, in Coventry, bearing date Nov. 12,
1343, stipulates for the providing three priests to sing Mass daily, for the souls of King
Edward 3 and his Queen, for Queen Isabel his mother, and others, in the Ghapel of St.
Katherine, in the Church of the Hospital of St. John Baptist. This was probably the portion
of the north transept now used as a library ; there was also a south transept, but it has been
long since taken down, and very probably at the time the school was removed here.
This Church, I am incHned to think, was erected upon the site of the Nunnery destroyed
by Canute and Edric, in 1016, as mentioned by John Rous, being situated on the northern
side of the city, where the first settlement undoubtedly was, and certainly upon the founda
tion of a previous structure, as was proved by the discovery of the bases and parts of several
piUars or columns, in 1794, when the old front of the Church was taken down for the purpose
of widenmg the street ; they were found within the area of the Church, in digging for the
foundation of the present west front, and one of them is preserved in the garden belonging
to the Head Master of the Free School, the character of which being a rude imitation of the
Roman column, and perfectly agreeing with the period aUuded to, very strongly corroborates
the opinion that St. Osburg's Nunnery stood here. In the Cartulary of St. Mary^s, fo. 25a,
is a singular entry, which I am somewhat incHned to think has a reference to this circum
stance, though the truth is partly obscured. The memorandum (for so it is caUed), after
* In 7th Edward 1 they held 10 acres of land, and 2 acres of meadow, in Heath, in the parish of HiU Wootton.
t Stowe in his Collections, Harl. MS. 539, p. 87, says " the Hospital of St. John, 5 priests and 5 sisters,
1602. per ann."
160 EEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
stating that their Church was founded in 1043, in the time of Abbot Leofwyn, and giving
the names of six of the first Priors, proceeds thus :
Sorores hospital' s'ci Joh' Covetr' dicu't, q'd dictu' hospitale fundat' erat ante eccriam nu'c Cath' Covetr', p'
Leofifricu' Comite', fundatore' eccl'ie Cath' be' Marie de Covetr', q'd co'trariu' est.
P' hospital' s'ci Joh' Coventr' ut patet sup'a.
Now, with the evidence of the actual foundation and building of this Hospital, which
both parties possessed, it is incredible to suppose that a question could arise respecting the
priority of its foundation to that of the Cathedral, especially when we consider that in their
daily prayers, the members of the Hospital acknowledged the Prior and Convent to be their
Patrons and Founders; it seems, however, reasonable enough to conclude that some
traditionary information existed amongst the brethren of their Church, being constructed
upon the site and foundation of one which was in existence before the Cathedral ; and this
affords a natural and easy solution to the supposed claim of priority, UI understood, or
incorrectly expressed by some zealous monk tenacious of the honour of his own estabhshment.
FREE SCHOOL.
It has been already observed that John Hales obtained a Grant of St. John's Hospital,
and its possessions, in the 37th of Henry 8, 1545, and a memorandum at foot of the Valua
tion of the 4th June in that year, given in a preceding page, expressly states that " the
said John Hales must be bound to fiynd one ffree scole with in the said Cittie of Coventre ;"
and Dugdale, who drew much of his information from a descendant of this John Hales,
says that he " designing the Foundation of a Free School here, and that the King should
have the Honour thereof (for which Respect he had no little Favour in his Purchases, as I
have credibly heard), obtained Licence for the amortising of Lands thereto, of CC Marks
per ann. value, converting the Buildings to that use. Howbeit, till the 15th of Eliz. reign,
(which was the year wherein he dyed) this School, so by him begun to be founded, was not
certainly endowed."
The foUowing history of this foundation is taken from a MS. formerly in the possession
of James Hales, gent. ; and although there is a misrepresentation as to the purchase of the
White Friars Church by the Corporation, and the cause of removing the seats from thence
to the Church of St. John's Hospital, does not agree with the Petition to Queen EHzabeth's
Privy Council, by that body, as wUl hereafter appear, yet it is an interesting document, and
no doubt generally correct as to facts; but it by no means invalidates the charges against
John Hales, of having obtained a very lucrative grant, upon condition of founding a Free
School, which he very imperfectly performed during his life, and did not endow until his
death, and after various complaints made by the city of his breach of covenant with Henry 8
as to the terms on which the grant of Church lands was made to him.
4
" This School was founded by John Hales, of London, Esq., Clerk of the Hanaper, in
the reign of K. H. VIIL, a gentleman of very considerable abihties and learning. Upon
the dissolution of the abbeys and monasteries, he attended the King's Commissioners to this
city, where he was wonderfully taken with the pleasant situation of the house lately belonging
PEEE SCHOOL^ COVENTEY. 161
to the White Friars. After his return to London, he desired his intimate acquaintance.
Lord CromweU and Sir Anthony Dennis, to move the King that he might have leave to
purchase some of his Majesty's lands lying in and about Coventry. The King was easily
prevailed upon to hearken to any motions of this kind ; but understanding there was no
Free-School in the said City, he told Sir Anthony that he should be well pleased to meet
with a purchaser who would, give something towards the foundation of a school, whereby
others might be encouraged to promote so good a work. Sir Anthony answered that his
Majesty knew John Hales to be a very good scholar, and a lover of learning and learned
men ; and, therefore, could not meet with a purchaser more fit for that purpose. Hereupon,
the King sent for Mr. Hales, and asked him, whether, in case of a purchase, he would be
wUling to do something towards the erection of a Free School in Coventry. Mr. Hales
answered that he should be very well pleased to do so ; and that, since the motion was made
by his Majesty, the School which he would found should be called K. H. VIII. School.
The King after pressing him to engage to settle four marks a year for a beginning,
Mr. Hales replied that that was too Httle ; and, in case he was suffered to purchase, he
woiUd settle about thrice four marks a year : but withal desired that the purchase might
be free, without any mention or notice in the patent of any thing to be given for the endow
ment of a School. The King consented to his request ; and sold him, by letters patent,
divers houses, lands, and quit-rents*, parcels of the late dissolved Priory and other religious
houses in and near this City ; at the same time granting his Royal License, dated at Ports
mouth, to found and establish a perpetual Pree Grammar School in the said City, with full
power to him, or any other person, to give and devise lands for the maintenance thereof.
Not long after this, Mr. Hales came to settle at the White Friars (to which he gave the
name of Hales Place), and in the Choir of the Church thereunto belonging, maintained a
School at his own expense, allowing to Mr. Sherwyn, the Chief Master, £30 a year ; to the
Usher, £10 a year; and to .Mr. Johnson, of Oxford, Music Master, 20 nobles a year and his
board. But the School did not long continue here ; for Tallans and Kervyn (commonly
called the Great Kervyn), two of the Magistrates of this City, finding a defectf in the patent,
and that Mr. Hales had not actually purchased the Church, either through envy of the work,
or some other sinister motive, procured a Grant of it from the Crown, and obliged Mr. Hales
to remove the seats, which he had provided for the scholars, to the Church of St. John's
Hospital, which is the present School.
In the time of Edward 6, complaints were made to the Lord Chancellor, during Mr.
Hales's absence in Germany, by the said Tallans and Kervyn and others, setting forth that
Henry 8 had granted and given to the said Mr. Hales certain houses and lands, which he
unjustly detained to his own use, though the same were designed by the King for the
foundation of a School.
And when Queen Elizabeth, in the year 1572, came to this City, Mr. Throgmorton, then
Recorder, in his speech to her Majesty, among other things, represented " That her most
noble Father founded in this City, for the maintenance of learning, a Free School, or rather
a CoUege, and for continuance thereof passed or let go from him certain lands of great price,
which the City enjoyed not, but were' unjustly deprived of for the redress whereof, the
Mayor and Commonalty most humbly besought her Highness to give gracious hearing."
¦* Dated 23rd July, 37th of Henry 8.
t This defect was in Sadler's patent, which being discovered, the City petitioned Queen Mary, and obtained
License, in the 4th and Sth of her reign (1557-8), to make it a parish church. [The Corporation purchased the Church
before the Grant of the White Friars to Sir Ralph Sadler, consequently this statement is untrue,]
W
162
I"EEE SCHOOL, COVENTRY.
The Queen, extremely incensed at this charge, immediately gave orders that Sir WUHam
Cecil, one of her principal Secretaries of State, should make enquiry into the matter. But
neither of these attempts succeeded : for Sir William, as well as the Lord ChanceUor, upon
examination of Mr. Hales's patent, found no mention of any houses or lands thereby given
or reserved for the foundation and maintenance of a School.
This unkind treatment of Mr. Hales, from a City which he was endeavouring to oblige,
made him lay aside a noble design which he had formed of erecting and estabHshing a
CoUege in this City, like those at Westminster and Eton. However, he continued, as long
as he Hved, the maintenance of the School by annual stipends, as we observed before.
In the Corporation Treasury is the original draft, or copy of a Petition, to the Lords of
Queen Elizabeth's Council, and materiaUy connected with the present subject. It is vrithout
date, the latter part being unfortunately imperfect; but as Hales died in the 15th of Ehza
beth, it must have been used prior to that period. The principal heads and substance of the
Petition here foUow : —
" To the Lords of the Queen's Majesty's most Honourable Council ; the humble Petition
of the Mayor, BaUiffs, and Commonalty, of the City of Coventry, — Sheweth, that the said
City hath of late sustained much damage by three sundry occasions and means, praying
redress, &c. First, that there was lately in the said City, an Hospital of St. John Baptist,
of an ancient Corporation, with a fair Church, a strong building covered with lead, and
divers necessary houses and buUdings parcel of the same, in part whereof were commonly
received and lodged nightly, a great number of the poor of the said City, and of divers
others poor travellers by the way, having great need of relief. And for that purpose there
was in the said Hospital thirty, or at the least twenty-four beds, with necessaries thereto.
And in the same Hospital was founded and estabhshed a Priest, caUed the Master of the
said Hospital, with three Priests under him, daily singing and saying divine service, and
five women, all incorporated by the name of Master, Brethren, and Sisters, which women
had the charge of all provisions and requisites to the said poor, both as to lodging and
otherwise. " The said Hospital was endowed with lands, &c., in and near Coventry, of £140 yearly
value, which was employed for the godly purposes aforesaid continually, until 37th of Henry 8,
1545, about which time the said Hospital was clearly dissolved and defaced by one John
Hales, by colour of a gift or grant of the possessions of the same Hospital, made to him by
Henry 8, and the poor " utterly expulsed," and the bedsteads, bedding, and aU other provi
sions for the poor, broke up and taken away by the said John Hales. For the purchase of
all the possessions of which Hospital, being of £140 yearly value, " a7id then surveyed,, by
his corrupt means," whereof being deducted for tenths £4. 5s. 2d. there remains clear
£135. 14s. lOd. ; the said Hales paid only £400, as may appear, in consideration of his
promise and grant made then to King Henry 8, for a further recompense immediately after
defacing the said Hospital, that he should erect and establish a perpetual School, with two
Masters and one Usher, within the said City, for the good education of the youth of the
same. The School to be named " The scoole of King Henrie the Eight." For erecting and
establishing of which he obtained licence of mortmain for 200 marks of land per annum to
the Corporation of the said City ; yet the said Hales hath not yet assigned any part of the
said possessions, or any other land, towards the said foundation. And shortly after this
gift or grant he converted into ready money, to his own use, by the lead of the said Church,
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 163
the bells*, the houses wdthin the precincts or site of the said Hospital, and of the woods
belonging to the same, the sum of £1,000, beside other great sums of money from the sale
of divers tenements, lands, and buildings, being parcel of the said possessions.
" The second occasion is, that, whereas about the same time, the Petitioners purchased a
fair Church, called White Friars Church, within the walls of the City, the same John Hales
required of them Hberty to use the said Church, (wherein he pretended to establish the said
School), which request being granted, he appointed a Schoolmaster there, who tiU lately
exercised that office, but in no ways as it ought to have been, and now there is neither
Schoolmaster or School, to the great damage of the City. The Petitioners, considering the
forbearing of the said Church, and the benefit and profit they might have had by defacing
it, have often demanded of the same Hales how, and after what manner, the said School
should be erected and estabhshed, to continue perpetually according to their expectation
and honest intentions ; unto which he has answered, that they should have nothing to do
with that matter, nor be made privy to any thing concerning the establishment thereof; for
which reasons the Petitioners despair of its success, unless the Queen interfere. The third
occasion is, that in the said City be only two parish Churches, whereof one caUed St. Michael's,
is one of the most notable and greatest Parishes within all this realm, considering the mul
titude of people in the same." Cetera desunt.
It is not very clear what was the object of the incomplete third division of this Petition :
if it went on to propose, that the WTiite Friars Church should be made parochial, or used
in aid of the other two Parish Churches, this Petition must have been drawn up early in the
Reign of Elizabeth, and before 1566, for another Petition, from the Corporation to the
Queen, was presented prior to that year, wherein they state that the city is " sufficientlie
furnished w't convenient churches for the inhabitauntes thereof, and that the erectinge of
moe churches, shoulde be by devidinge and deminishinge of the livings of the curates thereof,
the rather an hinderaunce then furderaunce of goddes service w'tin the said citie." Indeed,
the real object of the Petitioners seems to be the Pree School, which having failed in aU
their endeavours to get established and founded according to Hales's agreement, they now
tried to bring about by an appeal to the Queen's Ministers ; and it is most evident, that
although Hales at length sufficiently endowed the School, yet there was a tardiness and
procrastination in the affair, by no means honourable or creditable to him.
Nothing further was done towards founding the School, untU the 17th of December,
15th EUzabeth, 1572, when Hales, by his vriU, gave to Thomas Docwra, Esq., and Bartholo
mew Hales, Gentleman, certain Houses, Lands, MUls, and Quit-rents, specified in a Rental
annexed, and bearing the same date, amounting to the yearly value of £43 and upwards, all
which particulars the said Docwra and Hales, in pursuance of the trust reposed in them, con
veyed to the Mayor, BaiHffs, and Commonalty of Coventry, and their successors for ever, at
the same time executing a deed tripartite, declaring the uses of the estate so conveyed, an
abstract of which foUows : —
Whereas, Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales by their Indenture Tripartite, bearing
equal date with this deed, have according to the trust reposed in them by John Hales, bar
gained and sold to the Mayor, &c., aU the Site of the House and Church of the late Hospital
''' On the decease of Isabel, wife of Maurice, Lord Berkley, in Coventry, Sth of Henry 8, there were, inter alia,
rung " at St. Jon's, xxxiij peles." Smythe's MS. Account of the Berkley Family.
164
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
of St. John Baptist, with all Houses, Lands, &c., as by the said Indenture and the Schedule
thereunto annexed appeared, which premises were given by the said John Hales to the said
Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales upon Trust, that they should convey the same to'
the said Mayor, &c., for the maintenance of one perpetual Free-School within the City of
Coventry (which School was begun by the said John Hales in his life-time), and to no other
use, intent, or purpose. It is hereby covenanted betwixt the parties, that the said Mayor,
&c., shall and may receive and take the Rents, Issues, and Profits of the said Houses, Lands,
&c., upon the uses and purposes hereafter expressed, and to no other whatsoever : that is
to say — to a discreet and learned School-Master from time to time, to be provided and
appointed by the Mayor, &c., to teach Grammar in the said School, 201. per ann., by two
equal payments at Michaelmas and Lady Lady-Day, besides the Mansion House of the late
Master of the said Hospital, with the Close adjoining, and the Appurtenances. — To a learned
Usher to be in like manner appointed, 101. per ann., at the said two Feasts by equal portions,
over and above one House within the Site of the said Hospital, which the said Usher shall
have without rent. — To a Man skilful in Musick to be provided, who shall at three times
every week teach so many Scholars as are willing to learn, 52s. per ann., at the said two
Feasts by equal portions, and to a Bailiff to be provided to gather up Rents, and to see the
Houses kept in repair, 26s. 8d. per ann. — The Residue of the Rents, to be employed in
repairing such of the said Houses as from time to time shall have need of Repairing. — And
the Overplus after all necessary and needful repairs, to be given yearly by the said Mayor,
&c., for the augmentation ofthe maintenance ofthe said School-Master and Usher, and not
otherwise. — And the said Mayor B. and C. &c., do covenant that they will permit Neale
Steel and his Wife to hold their Tenements and Gardens during their Lives at the old Rent. —
Provided always that if the said Mayor, &c., do at any time for the space of six months
together cease in the bestowing the Rents to and upon the uses before expressed, then it
shall and may be lawful to and for the said Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales, and
their Heirs, or the Heirs of either of them, to enter upon all the said Premises, and thereof
to stand and be seized, and the same to hold and enjoy to them and their Heirs as in their
former Estate, and from the same to amove and expel the said Mayor, &c., and their Succes
sors for ever.
For the better securing the purposes of this Gift, an Act of Parliament was obtained in
the 23rd of Elizabeth (1580), entitled—
An Acte for perfecting of Assurances of certain Lands towards the Maintenance of a Free
Gramer Schole within the City of Coventry.
Moste humbly beseachen your moste Excellent Majestie, your faithful Subjects the Mayor B. and C. of your
Majesties Cyttie of Coventry, that whereas one John Hales, late of your said Cyttie, Esq., was seised in his demesne
as of fee of and in certaine lands, tenements, and hereditaments, with their appurtenances, within the said Cyttie,
which lands, tenements, aud hereditaments, he purchased and had of the late Kinge of famous Memory, K. H. VIII.
your Majesties Father, and in his lyfe-tyme founded a perpetuate Free Gramer Schole within the said Cyttie, with an
intention to geve and assuer some convenyent parcel of the said landes, tenements, and hereditaments, and the
profyts of them to the said Schole, and for the better perfectinge thereof, did sue for and obtaine of your Majesties
said Noble Father K. H. VIII. Letters Patent under the Great Scale of Englande, bearinge date at Portesmouth, the
23rd day of July, in the 37th Yeare of the Raigne of the said late Kinge ; whereby the said Kinge for him, his
Heires and Successors, did geve and graunt unto the said John Hales, lycense, power, and aucthoritic, to founde,
erect, make, and establish the said perpetuate Free- Schole, to be called by the name of the Schole of K. H. VIII. of
Coventry, with lycense to the said J. Hales, and to every other Person whatsoever, to geve, graunte, and devise
landes, tenements, and hereditaments, to and for the maintenance of the said Schole to the value of 200 marks by,
the year, altho' the same were holden of the said Kinge in chief or otherwise, or of any other Person to the said
Mayor B. and C, and to their Successors ; the Statutes of Mortmayne, or any other Statute, provision or restrainte
to the contrary notwithstanding, as by the said Letters Patents, more at large, yt doth and may appeare ; which
Schole the said John Hales, not only in his lyfe-tyme, at his costs and charges, did founde and maintaine with
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 165
Schole-Maysters and Teachers convenient, but also meaning to have geven to Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew
Hales, Esqrs. and their Heirs, the messuages, lands, and tenements hereafter mentioned, and to the Intents hereafter
specifyed, the 17th day of December, in the 16th Yeare of your Majesties Raigne, did make one Dede, aud cause the
same to be enrolled in your High Court of Chauncery, the 18th daye of the same Moneth, wherein is mentioned that
the said John Hales did geve, graunt, and confirm to the said Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales, all the Scyte
of the howse and church of the late Hospital of St. John the Baptist in the said Cyttie, and all his howses, buyldings,
lands, and tenements, with their appurtenances within the said Presinct of the said Hospital in the said Cyttie,
and also all his liowses, buyldings, and gardens, with their appurtenances within the said Cyttie, which
lately did appertain or belonge to the said Hospital, and all his messuages, howses, buyldings, and gardens
within the said Cyttie, which lately were parcel of the possessions of the late Monastery or Cathedral Church of
Coventry, and also aU his messuages, howses, and buyldings, landes, and tenements, with appurtenances, which late
were parcel of the possessions of the late Monastery of Kyllingworth, in the County of Warwick, and also all those
his Mylnes, with the appurtenances in the said Cyttie and Suburbs of the same, called the White-Friars-Mylne,
BastiU-Mill, and Hill-Mill, with their appurtenances ; except to the said John Hales, his Heirs and Assignes, all the
Scyte of the Monastery or Cathedral Church called the Priory, with all howses, buildings, and closes scytuate and
beinge within the said Scyte of the said Priory ; excepted also one, his water-mylne being within the said Scyte of
the said Priory ; except also one piece of londe or close called the Hop-yard, lyenge and being nere the said Bastill-
Mylne within the Suburbs of the same Cyttie ; except also one howse or tenement being in Welle-strete in the said
Cyttie, wherein John Syde, Dyer, lately dwelled : to have and to hold the said Hospital and other premisses with
their appurtenances to the said Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales their Heires and Assignes for ever : which
dede was made to the said Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales in and upone special trust and confidence, that
they the said Thomas and Bartholomew should and would, geve, graunt, and assigne and assuer the said Hospital
and premisses, with their appurtenances, to the use and maintenaunce of the said Schole, and to make a good and
sufficient estate in the lawe of all the premises above-mentioned, to be given to the said Mayor B. and C. and their
Successors for findinge of the said. Schole and other Necessaries there to be done thereabout. And whereas the said
Thomas and Bartholomew thinkinge that by the said dede enrolled the lands and tenements in the said dede men
tioned had passed unto them the said Thomas and Bartholomew, as indeed the same did not because that lyvery and
seison, nor attornement were made to them in the lyfe of the said John Hales the elder, for that he died very shortly
after, and yet they meaninge to perform the said good intent, and trust iu them reposed, by their Indenture
Tripartite did graunt and confirme to the said Mayor B. and C. and their Successors all the premisses with their
appurtenances so mentioned in the said dede to be geven and graunted to the said Thomas and Bartholomew and
their Heires, to have and to hold the same to the Mayor B. and C. and their Successors for ever to and for the
purposes and intents aforesaid, as by the said Indentures more at large yt doth and may appeare. And sythence the
said landes have bene and yet be used and employed to such intents and godly purposes as the same were meant and
intended ; but forasmuch as by reason of the said invaliditie of the said dede, the said Schole, and the godly purpose
of the said John Hales may be hereafter called in question and utterly overthroweu, contrary to the good intent and
meaning of the said John Hales the Elder, which good intent and meaning John Hales the Younger, and Charles
Hales, Gentleman, Nephewes to the aforesaid John Hales, are desierous to have fully accomplished, and would by
their dedes have confirmed and established the same, if without prejudice and daunger to their other inheritances
they might so do. — Yt may please your most excellent Majestye that yt be enacted, and be it enacted by your
Majestie, the Lordes Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, aud by the
aucthoritie of the same, the said messuages, landes, tenements, and hereditaments, with their appurtenances mentioned
to be geven or graunted, and not as aforesaid especially excepted in the said dede made by the said John Hales the
Elder, to the said Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales, or that be herein especially mentioned to be comprized
in the same dede, and to be geven or graunted thereby to the said Thomas and Bartholomew as is aforesaid, shall be
adjudged, taken, and intended to be sufficiently assured aud p.assed, and that the same dede shall be of a good force
and validite from the time of the makinge of the same dede to all intents and purposes, and as yf the same had been
duely executed by lyverye and attonements had or made in due forme and order of lawe, and that the said messuages,
landes, and tenements with thappurtenances so before mentioned to be geven or graunted, shall be and remayne for ever
in and to the said Mayor B. and C. and their Successors, to be by them employed for the performance of the good
and godly intent of the said John Hales, and for all such intents and purposes as are declared by the said several
dedes of the said John Hales, Thomas Docwra, and Bartholomew Hales, and according to the tenor of the said
several dedes made by the said John, Thomas, and Bartholomew, as if the same had been fully and lawf uUye conveyed
and assured to them and their Successors, by and from the said Thomas Docwra and Bartholomew Hales, saving to all
and every Person or Persons, Bodies Politick and Corporate, their Heires, Successors, Executors and Administrators,
other than the said John Hales the Younger, Charles Hales and their Heires, and the Heires of the said John Hales
the Elder, and such Person and Persons as shaU or may claim the same or any parte of the Premisses mentioned to
be graunted by the said dede, from, by, or under the said John Hales the Younger, Charles Hales, and the Heires of
the said John Hales the Elder all such Right, Tytle, and Interest as they or any of them have or ought to have in the
Premisses oir any parte thereof, as if this Acte had never bene had or made, any thing in this Acte to the contrary
notwithstanding. The School being thus permanently established, a tablet was placed in its front, beneath
the large west window, bearing the foUowing inscription : —
166 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
" Schola Regis Henrici Octavi, a Johhnne Hales, Armigero, fundata, in qua bonis Uteris imbuantur pueri, usque
ad consummationem seeculi, in Christi gloriam, Sc Ecclesise Eedificationem."
At the time when the old front of the School was taken down, as before-mentioned, the
tablet was removed and broken, and has not since been restored.
JOHN HALES,
the Founder of this Free School^ was a man of such considerable talent and eminence as to
require some notice of him here. He was a younger son of Thomas Hales, of Hales' Place,
in Halden, in the County of Kent, and was for some time at the University of Oxford : being
much addicted to learning and possessed of an exceUent memory, he became well skilled in
the learned languages, and also in the municipal laws and antiquities. He was Clerk of the
Hanaper* Office, in the Court of Chancery, both to Henry 8 and Edward 6, a situation of
some value ; and in 1545 attended the King's Commissioners to Coventry upon the dissolution
of the Monasteries, when, being much pleased with the situation of the White Friars there,
he desired Lord Cromwell and Sir Anthony Dennis, upon his return to London, to move the
King for permission to purchase some Church lands in and about Coventry, which led to the
grant of the White Friars and his undertaking to establish a Free School, as has been before
stated. Not long afterwards- he came to reside there, and called it Hales' Place. In 1548
he was appointed one of six Commissioners to enquire into abuses from the enclosing of land
for pasture and decay of tillage in the County of Warwick and six adjoining Counties;
and amongst the original documents, printed at the end of Strype's Memorials, vol. 2, is his
charge to the Assembly of Commissioners, an article of considerable length. He writes to
the Protector on this subject, dated Coventry, 25th August; and the Earl of Warwick being
displeased with him, though he acted very honestly in this Commission and favourably to the
Commoners, Hales writes largely to the Earl, answering the causes of his displeasure ; and
in another letter to him from Fladbury, strongly insists on the mischiefs of enclosures and
decay of tiUage.
In the same year he brought three Bills into Parhament, one for re-edifying decayed
houses and for the maintenance of tiUage and husbandry ; another for regrating victuals
and other things ; and the third, that every man keeping sheep or beasts in several pasture,
should for every 100 that he had beyond 120, keep two kine, and from every two kine rear
one calf. In the good consequences to result from this last bill he was very sanguine, but
the "rich inclosers got the better of his bUl." The Commission of Enquiry concerning
enclosures was occasioned by great tumults of excesses, chiefly committed by the lower
orders in destroying fences, &c., and which prevaUed to a considerable extent in Warwick
shire and some adjoining Counties ; after its termination Hales prayed the King that a
general pardon might be issued as well for the poor as the rich, which was done, but the
rich immediately began enclosing again, and taking away the poor men's commons.
*' The business of this officer is to receive all moneys due to the King for the Seals of Charters, Patents,
Commissions, &c,, and the fees of enrolling. In Term Time he is to attend the Lord Chancellor daily, and at all times
of Sealing, receiving all Charters, &c., after they are sealed (put up in leather bags, sealed with the Chancellor's
private seal), which are to be delivered to the Controuler of the Hanaper.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 167
When Queen Mary came to the Crown, being a zealous Protestant, he fled from England,
and, setthng at Frankfort, was actively employed in keeping the exiles there in peace.*
Upon the accession of EUzabeth he returned to England, and obtained some notice by
an oration to the Queen on commencing her reign in 1558, beginning "Albeit there be
innwmerable gifts, Sfc," which was not spoken, but delivered to her by a nobleman.
Strype, in his Annals,t mentions that about the beginning of December, 1558, a device
for the Reformation of ReHgion, drawn up by some notable hand, was offered to Secretary
Cecyl, and appears to have been foUowed. He suspects the writer " to have been either
John Hales, a man of a poUtic and working head, and a zealous Protestant, and Clerk of the
Hanaper to this Queen (Ehzabeth), as he was to Edward 6, or Sir Thomas Smith." Camden
summed up this paper in his History of Elizabeth, and Burnet has printed it in his History
of the Reformation, vol. 2, Collect, p. 327; but Strype has again printed it more correctly
from a MS. in the Cotton Library.
Not long afterwards, viz., in 1560,f he secretly printed a Httle work in favour of the
House of Suffolk's Succession to the Crown, should Queen Ehzabeth die without issue;
which getting to Court, and the Queen being highly offended at it, the author was speedUy
discovered and committed to the Fleet, from whence he was removed to the Tower. Sir
Nich. Bacon was suspected of being concerned in the book, and, but for Cecil, would
have lost his situation of Lord Keeper. There is, however, very good reason to suppose that
CecU was privy to the pubheation, though with his usual address he managed to direct the
Queen's attention to Hales, and Bacon, whUst free from suspicion himself, he was the better
able to procure their pardon, which he succeeded in doing. Cecil, to the Queen, called this
a foolish attempt of Hales, in writing so precisely against the Queen of Scots' title ; but
Lesley, Bishop of Ross, and a warm supporter of that unfortunate Princess, wrote an answer
to Hales's Book, for which, says Wood, " he got the good wiU of many, though, of others,
not." The chief remainder of Hales's life was probably spent in quiet retirement at Coventry,
Httle further being preserved respecting him ; but that he left a favourable impression upon
the Continent of his talents and acquirements, appears from the circumstance of Alexander
Citolinus, a learned ItaHan, who was in 1565, sent over to England by the celebrated
Sturmius, bringing letters of recommendation from him to Sir Anthony Cook, Cecyl, Mr. John
Hales, and the Queen.
He was usually known by the name of Club-footed Hales, having in his younger days
received a hurt from his dagger, which, as he was running, feU from its sheath, and he set
his foot upon its point. Leland, in his Itinerary, mentioning St. John's Hospital, writes thus :
" Hales with the clubbe Foot, hath gotten an Interest in this CoUedge [Hospital] , and none
(but the DeveU) can get hym out."
He is said, by Wood, to have written for the use of his Free School —
Introductibnes ad Grammaticam. English and Latin.
. High way to Nobilitie. London 4to.
Precepts for the Preservation of good Health. Translated by Plutarch. London,
1-543, 8vo. * Vide " A brief discourse ofthe troubles at Franhford, in Germany, 1575. ito''
t Vol. 1, p. 51, X Strype says 1564.
168 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
Strype designates him as a learned man, a courtier, and remarkable for his good zeal
towards the protestant religion. He died 5 Gal. Jan. 1572, and was buried in the Chancel
of St. Peter's the Poor, in Broad Street, London, where, on a brass plate against the north
wall, was the foUowing inscription : —
Dominus Johannes Hales, a pueritia Uteris deditus, excellenti ingenio, dociUtate, memoria, studio, Sc industria
singulari ; adjuncta linguarum, disciplinarum juris, antiquitatis, rerum divinarum atque humanarum magna
& multiplici doctrina instructissimus. Evasit inuocentia, integritate, gravitate, constantia, fide, pietate, religione :
gravissimte etiam segrotationis, & rerum dilBcilium diuturna perpessione ; & in patientia ornatissimus fuit. Vitas
honestissime, sanctissimeque, actse diem supremum quinto Cal. Januar, 1572, clausit anima excorporis. ReUquise
hoc loco sit^ sunt.
Expecto resurrectionem mortuorum & vitam eeternam.
As he died without issue, his estates* went to John, son of his brother Christopher, who
was also an exile in Frankfort, during the reign of Queen Mary. In the Free School
is a portrait of the Founder, John Hales, given in 1704, by Ann, widow of Sir John Hales,t
through an opening in the back ground of which, is seen a view of the east end of the
Free School. Beneath this picture, whilst in the possession of John Hales, Esq., in 1650,
were the following verses, copied by Dugdale, and preserved amongst the MS. collections
of Sir Simon Archer. Debite dura tuum mors demit Halesie Corpus
At tua post obitum fama perennis erit
Non moritur virtus, pietas non iuterit unquam
Te celebrem probitas ingeniumq' facit
Omnia librasti qu£e sunt noscenda peritis
Musas, historias, jura sacrosq' libros.
Perdidit eximium si nosceret Anglia summo
Consilio insignem judicioq' virum
Has ingrata licet virtutes, Paria, sprevit
Clarescent tandem, prKmia digna ferent.
Respecting the word Paria, in the last line but one, Dugdale observes, " this, I conceive,
is to be referred to prcemia, othervrise it be a proper name, and then I am ignorant what it
should signifie ; in the Picture it is written w'th a great P, but I thinke it should be Patria."
The School being now permanently established, became an object of public attention^
and about 1601, the formation of a Library commenced, an account of which will be
given subsequently, under a distinct head. In September, 1617, when King James came
to the City, he slept at the White Friars, and " one the next morning (say our Ajinals)
the king's maiestie came riding from the white friers, with the maior and his Brethren
in Scarlett gownes, the maior bearing the sword before the king, who ridd bare-headed
before him with all his Brethren, and so rid along the streets to the_^ree schoole."
The following Orders for the regulation of the School were, in 1628, made by the
Corporation, who are Visitors and Trustees : —
Orders for The Free Grammar Scliool in the City of Coventry. Mr. Ricliard Clarlte, Mayor.
1st. This Schoole is a Free Grammar Schoole, for the teaching of Grammar and Musick unto the Children of
all the Free Inhabitants within this Citie, and The Inner Liberties thereof, and to none other, whose Children, after
theire admission, shall be taught gratis. All other Fforyners coming thither to be taught, shaU compound with the
Maister and the Usher for theire teaching,
2nd. Whosoever cometh thither to be taught, either th'one or th'other, shall paie for his admission 12(2. ;
whereof too parts to the Head Maister, and the third part shall be to the Usher.
*' The rents at this time produced £43. lis. 2d, f ^i^ John Hales was created a Baronet in 1660.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 169
3rd. From the Feast of All Saints untill Easter, the Children shaU repaire to Schoole before Seamen of the
clock in the Morning, and from thenceforth untiU AU Saints againe, soone after Six in the Morning, there to remain
to be taught 'till Eleaven of the clock in the Forenooue. After dynner they are to returne by One of the clock, and
there remaine for to be taught 'tUl Five of the clock at night.
4th. In case anie SchoUer admitted, be absent a moneth togeathur (unlesse it be upon just cause, to be
allowed by Mr, Maior and the Aldermen of this Citie) he shaU paie 12(2. more for his admittance againe, before he
shall be there taught.
Sth. Forasmuch as it is an usual course in all suche Schools, to have breaking up from Schoole against
Christmasse, Shroftide, Easter, and Whitsontide, It is Ordered, That they shal be at libertie from Schoole to breake
up the Wensday before Christmas day, and to returne againe to Schoole the Munday after Twelft-day; at Shroftide,
only Two days, viz.. Shrove Munday and Shrove Tuesday — At Easter, to breake up the Wensday before Easter day,
to returne to Schoole on the Munday before Low Sunday, — and at AVhitsontide, likewise they are to breake up the
Wensday before Whitsunday, and to returne again ou the Munday next after Trinity Sunday.
6th. The Maister shall not easily graunt them leave to play, unlesse it be be upon the Thursday or Saturday,
and then oiUy iu the aftemoone, and not otherwise, except it be upon request of some Worshipful person or grave
Learned man.
7th. The SchoUers of this Schoole are not at their pleasures to have libertie to go into the Library.
8th. It is ordered that the Head Schoole Maister, and the Usher, shaU enter into covenants unto the
Corporation of this Citie, for making goode the Books remayning in the Library specified in a Catalogue to them
delivered, and for making a true and just accompt thereof at all times upon demand.
9th. None to be taken out of the Usher's School into the High Schoole, before he be sufficiently enabled
thereto. 10th. It is ordered that there shall be Prayer daily used in this Schoole, both at Morning and Evening,
the Maister or Usher being there present.
Ilth. The Head Maister,- nor Usher, shall not set their Houses over to any person to dwell in, but shall
inhabite therein themselves, unlesse it be with the Ucence of Mr. Maior and his Bretheren.
12th. It is also ordered that the Singing Schoole shall be taught in the place for that purpose appointed,
on Thursdayes and Saturdayes, and halfe Holy dayes in the Afternoone from One of the clock 'till Three, Ffreemens
sonnes are to be taught gratis, only the Singing man to have to himself 12d. for the Admission money into his
Schoole as hath been usuall, who shall, at fit tymes, make triall amongst the SchoUers which of them have tuneable
voices and musicaU inclinations.
13th. It is further ordered, that from henceforth there shaU not be any other or more Potations in any one
yeare for the saide SchoUers than one yearely, and that in the time of Lent, which is according to the ancient order
there. Aud that neither the Head School-maister, or the Usher, or either of them, shall cause any SchoUer there to
bring or pay above . . (deest), in any one yeare for Fier, And that no FeweU shall be burned in that Schoole, save
oiUy charcole. 14th. It is also ordered, that there shaU not be at any time hereafter any other thing exacted or required of
any of the free SchoUers there, either for Candles, Drinkings, Gratuities, or otherwise, than are in theise orders
expressly mencioned. Saving that the SchoUers are to pay Quartridge to the Sweeper of that Schoole for ringing of
BeU, for making of fiers there, and for roddes, as hath been accustomed,
15th. That there be Dictionaries chained in the Schoole, for the generall use of the SchoUars there, and shaU
be kept safely by the Head Schoole-maister, and Usher.
16th. The Head Schoole-maister, and the Usher, shaU record the names of theire SchoUers (from time to time)
admitted, and the time of theire admission into either Schoole, with the forme into which they are placed (being
after such time they have had due triall of them, and knowne what place they are fit for) ; whereby it maie appeare
how long any SchoUer is there, and whether there be proficiency according to the time of theire continuance, which
at the Maior's Visitadon yearely may be tried.
17th. The best SchoUers of the highest Forme in the Low Schoole, shall be taken up into the Higher Schoole,
leaving the worser or weaker behinde, as is and hath been the custom of aU Schools in their removing of Formes ;
the said removall to be from time to time by the allowance of Mr. Maior and his Bretheren, with such Learned men
as shaU accompany them at the Visitadon of the Schoole, and not otherwise.
18th. The Head Schoole-maister, and Usher, shall teach and instruct all the SchoUers impartially (yet
preferring the Sons of Citizens) in the best method they can devise with good diligence, making choice of the most
approved Authors for necessarie Literature and good Manners, so also in the grounds of Religion, aud especially in
the catechising of them, and choosing such Catechisms as shall be fitte,
19th. Also the Head Schoole-Maister, and Usher, shall appoint Monitors from time to time, which shall take
notice of the conduct and behaviour of the SchoUers, as well in the Schoole in the absence of the Head Schoole-
170 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
maister, and Usher, or either of them, as alsoe in the Streets and such like places, but especiaUy in the Churches,*
that the licenciousness of youth maie be restrayned, and greater faults punished.
20th. The Head Schoole-maister, and Usher, shall use fit correction, not beating with the hand or fist about
the head, or pulling children by the haire, eares, or such like, but with the rodd only.
21st. Neither the Head Schoole-maister, or Usher, shall be absent from the Schoole above the space of Two
whoU dayes togeather, unlesse it be with the aUowance of Mr. Maior and his Bretheren.
22nd. Lastly, if there happen any commoditie, proffit, advantage, or preferment to the SchoUets of the said
Schoole, Freemen's Sonnes there shall be from time to time first pleasured and preferred, if they be capable of such
preferment, in the discretion or judgment of Mr. Maior and his Bretheren.f
In 1679, an order of Common Council was made, that the charges of repairing the Free
School, occasioned by the Scholars "pyning" out the Master, shall be deducted from Mr.
Frankland's (the Master's) pay. Several items occur respecting the Clock, which was put
in order, and the hands repaired in 1669; a new Clock was ordered in 1687, which, according
to Wanley's Diary, was put up in 1690, when the dial was new gilded and painted.
In 1707 J, some reflections having been cast upon the Corporation, and it being insinu
ated that they were considerably indebted to the School Estate, a Committee was appointed
to inspect the Accounts, who reported that it appears, upon search and examination of them,
and other writings and papers, that from 1627 to 1705, the City had over-paid £530. 4s. 9^d.
Whereupon, it was ordered, that a copy of the report should be entered in the School
account book, and the original deposited in the Treasury, " to vindicate (if need be) this
House and their Predecessors from injurious aspersions."
A very important event, in the history of this School, occurred in 1 734, when Bablake
Church was made Parochial, and the Rectory and Lectureship settled by Act of Parliament
upon the Master and Usher of the Free School, some account of which affair, and of other
preceding circumstances intimately connected with it, will be found in the following detail :
In 1729, Mr. Jackson, then Master, being dissatisfied with the conduct of the Corporation,
as Trustees of the School Estate, instituted a Suit in the Court of Exchequer, the object of
which was to discover certain Alienations of the property and other abuses, as well as to
obtain an account of the Rents and Profits thereof, in order to recover his share of the
overplus ; a distringas issued, and on the 24th of November an answer to the complaint
received the City Seal. In January, 1733, an attempt was made to adjust these differences,
and Mr. Hunt and Mr. S. Eburne were appointed by the Corporation to meet Mr. Jackson,
with full powers to determine them ; but it seems they did not succeed, for on the 23rd of
May following, the answer to Mr. Jackson's amended information was sealed at the Council
House. About this time the Bishop communicated to the Corporation his earnest desire
that Bablake Church might be made Parochial, and on the 18th of August it was unani
mously agreed at a Council House that they were ready, under the advice of their Counsel,
to concur with the Bishop, and other well-disposed persons, in carrying so good a work into
effect, so that their property was not injured thereby. Subsequently to this, some propo
sitions for an accommodation were made by Mr. Jackson, and on the 12th of December a
Committee was appointed by the Corporation to meet him, and prepare these proposals for
discussion and confirmation of the next Council House. Accordingly, on the 18th of
December, an Order of Council was made in the following words :|| —
*¦ An Order of Vestry was made in 1707, for constructing a lower gallery in the north aisle of Trinity Church,
for sitting, in which every boy belonging to the Free School shall pay Is. yearly.
t Original in Treasury. J Common Council Book, p. 160. || Page 243 — 4.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 171
Whereas, there is a Suit depending in his Majesties Court of Exchequer, commenced by Mr. Jackson, School
Master of the Free School, in this City, against this Corporation, Trustees of the said School Estate, for a discovery
of the State and Condition of the said Estate, and for an account of the Rents aud Profits, and for his share of the
overplus thereof ; and whereas, upon inspection and inquiry made into the premises, it appears to this House, that
their predecessors did formerly alien and grant away some part of the said Estate absolutely and in feefarm, and
other part thereof upon long leases, in prejudice of the said Trust. And whereas certain proposals have been lately
made and approved of between the said parties, for the determining the said Suit and all matters in difilerence between
them. Now, in pursuance of the said proposals, and to the end that full compensation may be made for the said
Grants and Alienations, and the overplus settled and determined, and that the said Estate may for the future be
more effectually secured, established, and settled, to the benefit and advantage of the said School, and to the uses
and intent of the Founder thereof.
It is ordered and agreed at this House, that the Relator shall have the sum of 802, paid to him, for his share of
the arrears and overplus, with a further gratuity or present from Mr. Mayor, of 10 Guineas towards his expenses,
which sum shall be paid on or before the 23rd January next, and that irom Michaelmas last the Salaries of the
Master and Usher shall be augmented to 802. and 402. per annum, or as near to and in proportion to those sums as
the Revenue of the said Estate will allow (after necessary Repairs, aud the Bailiff's and Singing Master's Salaries paid)
if the clear Rents and Profits, upon inspection of the Bailiff's Accounts by the Master and Jjsher, shall be found
sufficient to do the same, and that the said Master's and Usher's Salaries shall be further augmented in the same
proportion as the Rents and Profits of the said Estate shall increase. It is also ordered that such part of the said
Estate aa is not actually leased, be forthwith viewed and let upon lease for 21 years, at the best Rent that can be got
for the same, without fine, upon public notice to be given for that purpose, aud the same method to be observed and
continued for the future. It is Ukewise ordered, that strict search and enquiry be made if any part of the said Estate
is held or concealed under pretended Grants or Alienations, and if any such can be found, that the same shall be
recovered and restored to the Trust again, out of the profits of the said School Estate, with the consent of the Master
and Usher. It is further ordered, that in lieu, recompense, and satisfaction, of all Grants and Alienations, or any
other misapplications, or abuses of the said Estate, hereto committed by the predecessors of the said Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Commonalty, an Act of Parliament be procured for making the old Church at Bablake, in this City, a Parish
Church, and for settling and establishing the same, with the Revenues and Profits to the uses of the School Master
and Usher, for the time being, in the above-mentioned proportion. And that a Bill or Draft, of an Act of Parliament
for that purpose, be forthwith prepared by Mr. Jackson and Mr. Birch, and likewise that they forthwith draw up
Petitions to both Houses of Parliament for the passing of the same, which shall be sealed with the Common Seal of this
City, ou or before the 1st day of next term, and delivered to the said Relator, who is hereby desired to solicit the
same, provided that the charge and trouble thereof be bome by the said Mr. Jackson, or by his solicitation and
procurement. Lastly, it is ordered, that the Bill or Information in this cause shall, by consent of all parties, be
dismissed without costs on either sides ; the things before ordered and agreed to be done, being done and perfected ;
or in case any other of the defendants shall insist upon and obtain costs, such costs shall be borne and paid by the
said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Commonalty, and the said Relator be idemnified therefrom.
In pursuance of this Order an Act of Parliament was obtained, in the following year,
for making Bablake a Parish Church, and appointing a Parish thereto, wherein such parts
of the above Order of CouncU as relate to the subject are confirmed, and from the 23rd of
June, 1734, a Rector and Lecturer are attached to the newly-constituted Parish Church.
Mr. Jackson is appointed first Rector, and it is enacted that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Com
monalty, and their successors, shaU be Patrons of the Church and owners of the Advowson,
and that the person at any time hereafter appointed Master of the Free School (who must
be in holy orders), shall be Rector of the said Church, and upon being so nominated receive,
under the City Common Seal, a presentation to the Rectory, which he shall hold whilst he
continues Master of the School, and no longer. Both Rector and Lecturer are to reside in
the Houses provided for them at the School, and the Income of the Church, including Seat
Rents, applied to their use, the Rector receiving two-thirds and the Lecturer the remainder.
[In the year 1 794 considerable alterations were made to the School* which were not
completed until 1802 ; during the time they were in progress the Masters taught the Scholars
in tlieir own houses. From this period the School rapidly declined in public estimation until
1833, when at the visit of the Commissioners there was only one Scholar, and he was not
the son of a Freeman. The Rev. Samuel Paris, the Second Master (between whom and the
* Seepage 159,
172
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
Head Master, Mr. Brooks, a misunderstanding had arisen), stated that he had had ten on an
average, but there was no register kept, so no means existed of testing the actual number
in attendance for years past. Differences with the Corporation also arose about money
affairs ; and the institution presented altogether a most unsatisfactory condition. On the
termination of tho Commissioners' enquiry Mr. Paris drew up some rules by his own
authority; a spasmodic effort was made to increase the number of Scholars, and about 70
boys were drafted into the School from the various public schools of the city, only one or
two of whom had any knowledge of Latin before they came. Mr. Brooks dying in October,
1833, the Corporation advertised for a new Head Master, and on the 11th of Pebruary in the
foUowing year the Rev. Thomas Sheepshanks, M.A., was unanimously elected : Mr. Paris
retaining the Second Mastership, receiving salary as such, though without performing any of
the duty; he resigned in 1838.
The Trusteeship of this School was transferred by the Municipal Act in 1 835 from the
Corporation to the Church Charity Trustees, by whom it is stiU managed. In June, 1854,
one of the Charity Commissioners attended at St. Mary's HaU, Coventry, to investigate the
affairs of the School, and a lengthy enquiry took place, occupying several days. In 1857 it
was found desirable to carry out an alteration in the arrangement made in 1734. The scheme
provided that the Rev. T. Sheepshanks should retire from the Mastership, retaining the
Rectory of St. John's, and receiving a pension of £420 a year from the School revenues for
the remainder of his life. This arrangement was afterwards sanctioned by Act of Parhament
in 1864. New regulations were at the same time adopted by the Trustees for the government of
the School, and conditions laid down for the appointment of Masters ; and after due adver
tisement the Rev. F. Temple, M.A., Head Master of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School,
Worcester, was elected on the 29th of July, 1857, as Head Master, and the Rev. J. J. Soden,
M.A., Second Master. In 1867 Mr. Temple was succeeded by the Rev. W. Grover, Second
Master of the Worcester Grammar School.
In compliance with the recently-passed Education BUl a scheme has been submitted by
the Trustees to the Endowed Schools Commissioners for the future management of the
School, embracing many proposed changes and extensions. The scheme is stUl under con
sideration. Additional alterations were made in the external appearance of the School in 1852; the
front recased, a stone chimney built on the south side, and the interior put in repair. It is
in contemplation eventuaUy to build a new School, with Masters' residences, in a more
suitable locality.]
LIBRARY.
The room in which the Books forming the Pree School Library were originally deposited,
stood on the south side of the School, and communicated with it by a large and ponderous
staircase, both of which were taken away upon the widening of the street (as already men
tioned), and the Books, after remaining some time at St. Mary's Hall, were placed in a room
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 173
at the School, forming part of the north transept of the original Church, and which I have
before conjectured might have been the Chapel of St. Katherine.
Our Annals record, that in 1602, "at the earnest request of John Tovey, School-master,
the Library at the Free School was begun ; and that at the suit of the said Tovey and
Jeremiah Arnold to many gentlemen, it was soon furnished with many good books." One
MS. says, " the liberarye at the ffree schoole beganne to be builded and made."
In the Drapers' Accounts, for 1 602, is the foUowing entry : —
P'd to Mr. CoUines, fior booukes too the Liberary, vj2i. xiijs. iiij(2.
When the Princess Elizabeth came from Lord Harrington's, at Coombe Abbey, to visit
the City, in 1604, "she came from St. Mary Hall, ridding to the crosse, and so to the
Liberarye, and gave some money to it." At this time, Tovey, who for a short time was
Master of the School, and, as has been above stated, was the first promoter of the formation
of a Library, was engaged by Lord Harrington as a preceptor to his Son, and he preached a
Sermon before the Princess, in St. Michael's Church, previous to her visiting the Library.
Dr. Holland, in the dedication of his translation of Amm. MarceUinus, 1609, compH-
menting the Mayor and Aldermen on their encouragement of learning and learned men,
says, " erecting also of late, and maintaining of a faire Librarie, not exampled (without
offence to others be it spoken) in many Cities of the Realm."
In 1638, the Corporation paid for binding various books, amongst others "Monck of
Bury's translation, Plutarch's Lives, in English," for 4 dozen of chains, 20s., and for chaining
5 dozen and 7 books, at Is. 6d. per dozen, in all £3. 2s. 4d. Various smaUer payments
occur in preceding years.
The ensuing Order of CouncU* was made in July, 1655 : —
Whereas Sir John Skeffington, Knight and Baronett, the 12th of January, 1619, did borrow out of the library
of this citie, a Book in Italian, Dante, with Sansobinus commentary, in folio, and promis'd, under his hand, to restore
it by the 10th of March foUowing ; yet, notwithstanding he hath been often spoken to and required to restore that
Book to the library, refuseth to do so. — It is order'd, that he shall be sued iu chancery to make him restore the same.
Our next extract is of a more pleasing nature, recording the grateful remembrance by
an eminent character of his education at the Free School : —
2lBt June, 1676t. This day Mr. Frankland sent to this house Eleaven Books, given to the Library by Dr.
Ralph Bathurstt, Vice ChanceUor of Oxon, the teno'r of whose I'tre is as foUoweth : —
To his worthy friend Samuel Frankland, Rector of the free school, in Coventry.
Worthy Sir,
I herewith send a parcel of Books (being eleaven in number) to be placed in your publique Library at the Free
School, as a smaU testimony of the kind remembrance I retain for that place where I received some part of my
education. The Demosthenes I did not send, being found somewhat defective ; but the RavaneUi Biblioth, sacra
(not formerly mencioned) is a Book in very good esteeme, and I hope may be of singular use for the Ministers and
those that study the scriptures. The rest are promiscuous, and must plead the poet's reason, non alitor fiat Bibliotheca :
such as they are yo'r acceptance is desired, and with the tender of my due respects, and service to yo'r worthy
corporation, I rest Yo'r very faithfuU servant,
RALPH BATHURST.
'' Com. CouncU Book, p. 101. f idem. p. 244.
J " I have heard Dr. Ralph Bathurst say, that when he was a boy, my Lord [Lucius Carey, second Lord Falkland]
lived at Coventry (where he had then a house), and that he would sit up very late at night in his study, and many
times came to the Library at the Schoole there."— Aubrey's Lives of Eminent Men, 8vo. 1813. Vol. II. p. 347.
174 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
Here foUoweth the Cities I're to Dr. Bathurst, in answer of the receipt of the Books :—
To the reverend and right worsh'fuU our worthy trend Ralph Bathurst, Dr. in Divinitie, Vice chancellor
of ye Universitie of Oxon, present these : —
Reverend Sc right wor'fuU Sir,
Mr. ffrankland presented to us, the Maior and aldermen, this dale in councell, your bountifuU gift to our Library
(eleaven Books in number), with yo'rs to him, wherein your singular affection to this Corporation appears. Your
honor'ble name is recorded in the catalogue amongst the benefactors to this place, and the Books plac'd in the
publique Library accordingly. S'r, we accompt it an happiness, that it hath pleased God that such eminent persons
as y'r self is, to have had an education in this cite, Theise are to acknowledge yo'r great kindness Sc favor herein to
this citie, assuring you that wee shall gladly embrace that opportunitie wherein wee may shew ourselves to be to
yo'r worthy self as, indeed we are, S'r— Your verie thankfuU and humble servants,
Coventry, 21st June. 1676. JOSEPH CHAMBERS, MAIOR, and 8 others.
The ensuing extracts from the MS. Catalogue have been selected as the most interesting.
Ricardus Randell, gen's, literattissimus hujus Civitatis Coronator, Primus dator huic Bibliothecse, ex amore
I'ris sun' aliis exemplu' tempestive p'buit. Cu' hint
oglyphica sive de sacris Egiptior' aliara'q Gentiu' lite
et Coelii Augustini Curionis libros duos Hierogliphicoru'.
bonis I'ris sun' aliis exemplu' tempestive p'buit. Cu' hinc operi primam n'r'am feUciter accom'odavit, dono dedit —
Hyeroglyphica sive de sacris Egiptior' aliara'q Gentiu' Uteris Com'entaria Joh'is Pierii valeriani. Bolganii BeUenensis
After this record of the first contributor to the Library the Catalogue of Benefactors
proceeds alphabeticaUy.
Thomas Alforde, gen. dono dedit — Chauceri''' Opera manuscript'.
Jeremias Arnolde, utriusq' Academise in artibus Magister et hujus Ludiliterarii nunc p'fectus, d. d. — Perkinsi
opera Angl.
S. Annesleyf , L. L. D, modo hujus Scholse alumnus modo Cler. Clevensis Con. Cane. L. M. Q. d. d. — Chrysostomi
Opera Gr^ci et aliis.
Dr. AUestree, 12 books.
Thomas Armstead, A. M. MAis Christi Oxon, et quondam huujs Schote Alumnus, d. d. — St. Ignati Martyris Epist.
Richardo Butler, tunc Maior, quando hsec BibUotheca incepta fuit, d. d. — Hemingii opera, trib'z volum.
Dominus Henricus, Baron de Berkley^, Thomas Berkley, Miles Balnei, d. d. — Livii opera, cum Sigonu
Commentariis, 29 vol.
Elizabeth d'na Berkley, uxor Thomse, 39 vol.
Dn's Rad. Bathurst, Vice-cancellarius Oxon, 8 June, 1676, 11 books.
Henricus Breers, pacis Justiciarius hujus Civitat. bis Major, d. d. — Lyrse operu', 4 tomos.
Robertus Briscoe, clericus, Pastor de PoleshuU, d, d. — Biblia sacra, MS.
Mr. John Bryan & Mr. Sam. Bryan, 2 of the sonnes of Dr. John Bryan, in memory of their father, sometime
pastor of the holy Trinitie, in the Citie of Coventry, d. d, — Alexander Hales, 2 vol.
Johannes Cotta, Med. doct. & quondam hujus scholse alumnus, d. d. — Polyanth.
Martyriology, given by Mr. Samuel Clark, Author.
VenerabiUs Societas Lanarioru', Anglice Drapers, dono dederunt — Lutheri et Melancthonis opera omnia, 12 vol.
These books cost £6. 13s. 4d. (vide anno 1602, page 173 ante).
Christoph. Estwicke, generosus, hujus quondam Schole alumnus, d. d. — Opera Regis Jacobi — Peter Charron
de Sapientia. Basil Feilding, Esq., of Barnacle, quondam alumnus hujus scholse, d. d. — 2 books.
Samuel Gibson, Cant, in Artib'z magister, et Sacras Theologise in hac Civitate Publicus professor, d. d. — Polanu'
in Daniele. Thomas Gresley, arm. hujus schote alumnus, do. dedit — Erasmi opera, vol. 6, et aliis.
Johannis Gery, L. L. D. Sc Archidiaconis Buckingamiensis, Hujus Scholas quondam alumnus, d, d. — Castelli
Lexicon, * This is an erroneous description, it is Occleve's poems and not Chaucer's
t 1650, pd for carriage of 10 Books, given by Dr, Annesley to the Library, 10s. — City Ace.
X These donations by Lord Berkley, his son, and wife, will be accounted for when it is recollected that one of
the family possessions and occasional residence was Callowden, near Coventry, and that George Lord Berkley, son of
Sir Thomas, was in 1613, a scholar at the Free School.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 175
GuUel. Hinton, S. T. D. Cant, et Reverendi S'ci Michael' pastor, d. d, — Regia bibla, 8 volum.
Samuel Hinton, filius suavissimus Gul. Hinton, d. d. — 3 works.
Philemon HoUande, medicinse Doctor Cant, quondam Scholas hujus moderator, d. d, — Euclidis Harmon', ms.
Henricus HoUande, civis Lond. filius doctoris hoUand, d. d. — Parnassu' Nicolai Nomasseii — Herbologia, ang.
vol. 1, et aliis.
WiU'us Holland, fiUus D'r's HoUand, d. d. — Piers Plowman's visions.
Joh'es Hales, nepos et heres Joh'is Hales, Scheie fundatoris, d.d. — Bibliandri opera, ms. 8 vol,
Johannes Dn's Harrington, d. d, — 23 volumes of the Fathers — Stephanis Thesaurus, 4 vol.
Sir Baptist Hickes, Knt. citzen of London, gave Bellarmlue's Works, 3 vol. folio.
1704, Anna Domina Hales, relicta D'ni Johan'is Hales, Baronetti, d. d. — Fundatoris Effigiem.
Mr. Jos. Kimberley, S'tse 'Trinitatis in hac Civitate Vicarius Dignissimus, d. d. — 2 works.
Johannes King, Eq. Aur. Baro, de Kingston, d. d. — Annales Usserii,
Michael Lapworth, medecinse professor, dono ded.*-Quartuor Evangelia, Saxonice & Angl.
Franciscus Leigh, de Newnam Regis, Eques. Bathon. d. d. — Budseum & Mathiolum.
Henricus Leigh, armig. opera clariss. patris sui Edwardi Leighi, armig. d. d. — 11 in number.
Michael Rutter, de Quinton, in agro Gloucest. arm. d. d. — Funeral Sermon [by Giles Oldisworth] upon Mrs.
Dorothy Rutter, his wife. She was the daughter of Sir John Hales, aud a most amiable and pious lady.
, Mrs. Ann Scrope gave (about 1700) the History of the Holy Bible, painted by herself.
Gul, Skeffington, armig. d'ns de Fisherwicke — 3 vol. folio.
Clemens Throckmorton, mUes, d.d. — Ludovic Vives opera, 2 vol. — LivU Historiam, Angl.
Joh'es Tovey, Ox. in artibus magister, verbi del fidelis p'eradicator, et hujus Scholse quondam Magister, dono
dedit — Thesaurum lingue, Lat. — Celii secundi Curionis, 3 vol.
Dn's Nathaniel Wanley, A.M. Vicarius Trinit. Coventrias, d. d. — Musica Ecclesiastica, ms. membrana scripta, in 4to.
Johannes Wright, uuus e sexagiuta clericus Cancellar, et hujus Scholse quondam alumnus, d. d. — Chronicon
Saxonicum, editum per Edmundi Gibson, 1692.
Humfredus Wanley. d. d. — Speculum vitse Christi, ms. — Aristotelis Ethica Cat. ms, — Joharmis de [Janduno]
Qu^^stiones super Ubris. — Aristot. de anima, ms. — Heptateuch. Lib. Job et Evangel. Nicodemi, Anglo-saxonice. —
Biblia sacra vetusta, Ang. — Manuscriptum metricum Hibernice. — Lambardi Perambulationem Cantii. — Orationis
Dominicffi Centum Versiouis, — Repertorium Recordatorum. — Megisseri Specimen Orationis Dominicse, 40 Unguis. —
With a considerable number of other books in the Welch, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Belgic, and Irish
languages. — Concordat' inter Priorem, & Conventum S'se Marise & Magistrum Hospitii sen Xenodochii s'ci Johannis. —
Calendaria Ugnea vetusta duo.
In the "Catalogus Librorum Manuscriptum AngUee, 1697," folio, is the foUowing List
of Manuscripts in the Free School Library, compiled by Humphrey Wanley, whose remarks
are subjoined to the respective articles, 17 in number.
1. BibUa S. The Vulgar Latin, which besides the Old and New Testament and Apocrypha, contains the
ExpUcation of the proper Names mentioned in it. It is wrote very fair, and excellently well painted and gilded,
aU in Velom, and above 400 years old, as I guess by the hand. A small folio.
2. This wants the Title-page and Author's name, which is not mentioned in it. It is divided into three parts.
which are thus called : — 1. Musica Ecclesiastica. 2. Admonitiones ad interna trahentes. 3. De interna consolatione.
It is wrote in Parchment, about the time of King Edw. IV. as I guess by the hand. 8vo.
3. Annotations on Genesis, Exod. Levit. Numb. Deut. Josua, 1 Sam. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah,
Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zach., Malachy, and the Epistle to the Hebrews. They are 8 MSS. Lat. in 4to,
vTritten on paper, by Theodorick Vannius, from the mouth of Theodorus Bibliander, about the years 1546, 7, 8, and 9.
This Theodorick was (as they say) a Carmelite Frier here, and dyed (as it is written in one of the Books by a later
hand) A. D. 1550. In two of these Books are two little Tracts thus entituled : — Contra scandala ex bello nuper in
Germania ab EvangeUco Foedere infeUciter gesto aborta "Apologia Recitata in csetu Ecclesiastico coram Pastoribus
Ecclesise, 12 Sept. 1547. — Brevis lustitutio Pastorum. Quomodo in his Temporibus periculosis consolentur & regant
suse curse commissas Ecclesias.
11. Elucidationes in S. Pauli Epistolas ad Romanes, ad Corinth. Sc ad Galatas, coUectas e diversis Auctoribus.
The writer's name is wanting ; it was written (as I suppose) about the beginning of King Henry the Eighth's Reign,
upon paper. A small FoUo.
12. John Lydgate's Poems."' This is written, painted, and gilded very weU, and (as I suppose) whilst Lydgate
was aUve or presently after. It contains not aU his Poems, but only these that follow : — De Regimiue Prindpum. —
" This is the MS. given by Mr. Alforde, and erroneously described in the School Catalogue as Chaucer's Works ;
and it is very remarkable that Wanley should have faUen into an error in appropriating a MS. of the contents of
which he has given so particular an account. The eight first articles are undoubtedly by Occleve, whose whole-length
Portrait is drawn at the commencement of the poem " De Regimine Prindpum ;" and the only pieces by Lydgate
are the Siege of Jerusalem and the Siege of Thebes.
176 FKEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
De Incendio Amoris ; sive Planetus Thomse Occleve.— Dialogus inter eundem Thomam & quendam Amicum suum. —
Fabula qusedam de quadam bona & nobili Imperatrice Romana. (They are all in English, though the foregoing
Titles are written in Latin). — The moralizing of the' foresaid Tale (Partly prose). — A process to learn to dye. — The
Prologue of the 9th Lesson on AUhallowen-day (Part in Prose).' — Prologue to the Tale of Jonathas, and the moralizing
of it. — The Dance of Machabre. — A Preiour to our Ladye, made by Geffrie Chaucer, after the order of a. b. c. — Three
Ballads or Songs. — Sir John Mandevile's Travels (Much different from the printed Books). — The Siege of Jerusalem
by Vespasian. — The Siege of Thebes.
13. Euclid's Swaycoyrj apfioviK-^ iu Greek, written very fair, and gilded neatly upon paper, 8vo.
14, At the beginning and the end of an old Treatise, Be virtutibus Herbarwm, are bound up with it some
leaves, containing the Art of making the Gilded and painted Letters which we see in old MSS. written by Robert
Freelowe of London, 1525. With many receipts of Perfumes, Medicines, &c., in several Languages, by another hand.
15. Quffistiones Joannis de Janduno super Tres libros Aristotelis de Anima. — Georgii Trapezuntii librorum
Aristotelis de Anima translatio. It is written partly on Paper, and partly on fine Parchment, by Thomas Clare,
Monk of St. Edmunds-Bury, A.D. 1441. Large Folio.
16. The Mirroure of the blissid lyfe of Jesus Criste ; written in Latin by Bonaventure, and translated (as it is
thought), by Richard Hampool, an English Hermit. This MS. contains, besides the foresaid Mirrour, A short
treatice of the hieste and moste worthy Sacrament of Christes blissede Body, and the mervellous thereof, &c. — The
Boke of the crafte of dyeinge.— A Treatise of ghostly bataile. — A lytil shorte tretyce that tellethe howe there were 6
mastir's assembled togidir, and iche asked othir what thynge thei myghte beste speke of that myghte beste please
God and were moste profytabile to the people. Aud alle thei were accordid to speke of tribulacione. Written upon
good Parchment, very fair, not long (as I suppose) after the year 1410.
17. Aristotle's Ethics, Translated into Latin, by Leonardus Aretiuus, written upon Parchment above 200 years
ago, as I guess by the hand. — It wants some leaves.
The Library Keepers, who receive a salary of 13s. 4d. per annum, were, at the first
estabhshment of the School, and for some considerable time afterwards, appointed by the
Common Council from amongst the senior Scholars.
MASTERS.
Upon the commencement of the School, and during the life of Hales, it appears that
Mr. SHERWYN was Master, and received £30 a year; he was employed by Hales,
during the short time that the School was kept in the Choir of the White Friars Church,
and most likely removed with it to St. John's Hospital ; but no records of the School are
preserved during that period, and the only Hst of Masters remaining, is an erroneous and
imperfect one, at the end of the School Catalogue, the first six names in which are written
by the same person.
JOHN TOVET, A.M., is the next Master that can be ascertained, but the time of his
appointment does not appear; yet, as he resigned the Mastership about 1602, and is described
as an aged man, in 1614, it is not improbable that he was the successor of Sherwyn. There
is some reason to conjecture that he was a native of Leicestershire, but the first authentic
circumstance with which we are at present acquainted is, an entry in the City Accounts of
40s. being given him June 20, 1599, for his charges in going to Oxford, to take his degree of
Master of Arts*, at which time he was unquestionably Master of the Free School. Of his
pains and industry in forming a Library for the use of the School, mention has already been
made, and it is observable, that the record in the Catalogue of his own donation, describes
¦* Wood does not mention him.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 177
Him as quondam sedulus Magister, whereas his successor Arnold, is called nunc praefectus, so
that the founding of the Library appears to be one of his last acts, as Master of that School.
The Princess Elizabeth, daughter of James I., being, in 1603, placed under the care of
John, Lord Harrington, of Exton, he appointed Tovey his Chaplain, who, resigning his situa
tion at the Free School, moved to Combe Abbey, and assisted Lord Harrington, in the
tuition of the Princess; attending her to Coventry in 1604,* when he preached a sermon
before her and her attendants in St. Michael's Church. His care for the newly-established
Library caused him to prevaU on the Princess to visit it, and she gave money towards the
purchasing of Books. Lord Harrington's amiable and highly-promising son being " well
grounded in religion and learning at home, his noble father sent him to travel abroad in France
and Italy, that by experience he might ripen that knowledge which he had before gained; and
for a guide and tutor for him in his travels, he chose one Master Tovey,t a grave and learned
rehgious man ; and formerly head Master of the Free School, at Coventry." The narrative,
which was written very soon after the young Lord Harrington's death, proceeds to state,
that the sound reHgion and Protestant zeal of this Nobleman and his Tutor being noticed by
the Jesuits, they administered " a slow- working poison " to them, of which Mr. Tovey being
aged, and consequently less able to encounter its effects, died presently after his return to
England, and was shortly followed by his excellent Master, who deceased Pebruary 27,
1613-14, aged 22 years.
Mr. Tovey had a son named Nathaniel, born in Coventry, who, at an early period in
life, was taken under the patronage of Lucy, Countess of Bedford, the only daughter of Lord
Harrington, and entered at Christ's College, Cambridge ; took his degree of B.D., and was
presented by Charles I. to the Rectory of Lutterworth, but for his steady adherence to that
ill-fated monarch, was ejected about 1647. In 1654, through the friendship of John, Duke
of Rutland, he was presented to the Vicarage of Aylston, near Leicester, but died in
September, 1658, of a violent fever, and is interred in the Chancel there, underneath a flat
stone, bearing the following imperfect inscription : —
Hie jacet quicquid mortale erat Ven'lis Nathanaelis Tovey et Elisab. ux. ejus. Hie'' Coventrise natus, pater
Celebris ibid, scholse moderatore doctiss. et magnif . D. D. Joan. Harington, Baron de Exton, hie et iu partib's transma-
rinis institutore? Hlum adhuc tenerum patre orbum suscepit, et quasi sinu fovit, lUust' heroina Lucia Com'tissa
Bedfordise, cujus aliquandiu assecla erat ; ast ilia, non sinens indolem quam in eo egregiam perspexerat, otio aulico
corrumpi tantum uber ad acad alumnus dn brevi CoUegii
Christi, et in eo S. T. B. post qu ¦ Rector ecclesise de Lutterworth wellens calamitoso orto heu bello o
rectoria summotus est, nihilominus non multis post ad Rectoriam hujus Ecclesise a Comite Rutland adscitus ' est,
biermio hie exacto, grassante febre plurib' tunc lethali, e vivis sublatus est.
There is some reason to believe that, after Milton underwent a personal castigation at
Cambridge, he was placed under Mr. Nath. Tovey. — Aubrey's note says, " one Mr. Tovell,
who died parson of Lutterworth."
Mr. Tovey's successor at the Free School, was JEREMIAH ARNOLD, A.M., who,
although he is described in the Catalogue " utriusque Academise in artibus Magister," is not
noticed by Wood. In the list of Masters, at the end of the Catalogue, he is thus entered : — ¦
"^Mr. Arnolde, cum instauraretur Bibliotheca, anno d. 1602," which appears to be the actual
time of his appointment.
'* The Mercers' Company, who were in the habit of giving gratuities to preachers, in 1604, " p'd Mr. Tovye, xls."
and amongst the City charges for 1606, is "paid to Mr. Tovie, Is."
f NugK Antiquse, Vol. III. p. 158.
178 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
On the 7th March, 1611, Mr. JAMES CRANFORD was, at a CouncU House,* elected
Master, to succeed Mr. Arnold, at the ensuing Lady-day, on condition that he should give
Bond, to make good at his departure, the Books in the Library, according to a Catalogue then
to be delivered to him, and be liable to removal at 6 months' notice; entering also into
Covenant not to sell or dispose of the appointment without consent. In the City Treasurer's
Accounts for 1612, is a payment of £40 to Mr. Arnold, for resigning up the Free School,
and certain implements in the house; and in 1614, Mr. Cranford was admitted and
sworn a Freeman of the City. No particulars of Mr. Cranford have transpired; but he
had a Son named James, born in Coventry, and probably educated at the Free School, who
entered at Bahol College, in 1617, and after taking his degrees in Arts, became Rector
of Brockold, in Northamptonshire, and subsequently (upon the ejection of a Loyalist),
of St. Christopher le Stocks, in London. He was, says Wood, a zealous Presbyterian, a
painful preacher, an exact linguist, well acquainted with the Fathers, not unknown to
Schoolmen, and familiar with the modern Divines. He was, in the beginning of the Civil
wars, appointed by the Presbyterians a Licenser of the Press in London, and died AprU 27,
1657. A younger son, named Nathaniel, received from 1630 to 1636, during his stay at
Oxford, an exhibition of 20s. per annum, given by the Corporation; and Cranford's widow
demanded, on the 3rd June, 1629, thirteen pounds for reparations at the School house,
which was refused to be paid, but in consideration of her poverty, £10 was given her
by the City.
Mr. Cranford's successor was the celebrated DR. PHILEMON HOLLAND, chosen
January 23, 1627-8, as appears from the following order of Council House : —
" 23d January, 1627-8."' — It is this dale agreed, that Mr. Doctor Holland, shalbe head Schoole-maister of the
free Grammar Schoole, of this Citie, so long as Mr. Maior and his bretheren of this house please. And further, that
he shall observe the orders appoynted for the Schoole on the head Schoole-maisters p't to be performed ; and also,
that he shall not assigne over his place, or appoynt any other to teach that Schoole, or to supply that place for him
or under him therein, at any tyme hereafter, without the Ucence and generall consent of Mr. Maior & the aldermen."
To this appointment the Doctor's signature is subjoined, and it is a fine specimen of
writing at the age of 77. From a variety of concurrent testimonies, it appears that he was
employed at the Free School about 20 years ; though, as will presently be shown. Head
Master only 14 months, and from the tenor of the above appointment it seems evident that
the Corporation elected him rather from motives of consideration for his past services as
Usher, and out of respect to his character and talents, than with a full conviction that he
was able to perform properly the duties of that ofiice.
No record of his election to be Usher appears, it not being customary to notice such
appointments in the proceedings of the City Council, J but proofs will hereafter be given,
'* Com. Council Book, p. 354. f Common Council Book, p, 556.
X The only mention of Ushers that occur in the Council House Books, are the removal of Mr. William Marshall,
on 31st March, 1652, aud appointment of Mr. John Wilmot, B.A., in his place ; and the subsequent election of Mr.
John Bachelor, A.M., on 11th August following, in consequence of Marshall obtaining some Church preferment.
On 10th March, 1653, 20 nobles per annum were added to Mr, Bachelor's salary during pleasure, making in the
whole, £26. 13s. id.
In addition to these names, the foUowing account of another Usher, from Aubrey's Lives of Eminent Men,
may not be unacceptable to the reader : —
" Mr. Samuel Foster was borne at Coventry (as I take it) ; he was sometime usher of the schoole there. Was
professor of . — ¦ at Gresham CoUed.L'^c, London, yeares, where in his lodgeing, on the wall, in
his chamber, is, of his own hand draweing, the best diall I doe verily beleeve in the whole world. Inter, &c., it
shows you what a clock 'tis at Jerusalem, Gran-Cairo, Sec. It is drawen very artificially. He dyed July, 1652,
buryed at St. Peter's the Poor, in Broad-street, London. A neighbour of Mr. Paschall's neer Bridge-water, in
Somerset, hath all his MSS. w'ch I have seen." — 'Vol, II. 353,
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 179
that he was, in the whole, engaged 20 years at the School ; and a cotemporary writer* states
that George, Lord Berkeley, was, at the age of 12 years, in 1613, "a schoUer under Doctor
PhUemon HoUand " there.
The incompetency of the old man to the situation of Head master was soon apparent,
as the following extract testifies : — " 26t November, 1628, At this dale. Doctor HoUand came
to this House, and desired to leave the place of head Schoole-maister of the ffree Grammar
Schoole, of this Citie, and wished that in convenient tyme, this house would provide another."
On the 18th Feb., 1628-9,t there was "p'd to Mr. Philemon Holland, doctor, w'ch he
formerly aUowed for standerts left in the schoole house, by Mr. Cranford, Is." and at the
ensuing Lady-day, Mr. Phineas White succeeded him at the School.
Dr. -Philemon Holland was a descendant of the ancient and respectable famUy of
Holland, II of Denton, in the County of Lancaster, his grandfather, Edward Holland, of
Glassthorpe, in Derbyshire, being one of the sons of Brian HoUand, a Norfolk gentleman,
in which County a branch of the Denton HoUands long resided. His father was John
HoUand, a pious divine, who, in Queen Mary's reign, was obliged to leave the kingdom on
account of his religion ; but returning after the Queen's death, became Pastor of Dunmow,
in Essex, where he died in 1578.
PhUemon HoUand was born at Chelmsford, in that County, in or about the year 1551,
and after being instructed at the Grammar School of that place, was sent to Trinity CoUege,
Cambridge, where he was pupil to Dr. Hampton, and subsequently to Dr. (afterwards
Archbishop) Whitgift. He was admitted Fellow of his CoUege, but left the University
after having taken the degree of M.A., in which degree he was incorporated at Oxford,
in 1587. About this time it seems likely that he began to study medicine, and certainly
settled at Coventry, where he practised with considerable reputation, and at the age of 40,
viz., in 1595, took his degree of Doctor of Physic in the University of Cambridge.
In the year 1600, he published a translation of Livy, which he dedicated to Queen
Elizabeth, caUing it "the first fruits of a few years study;" in 1601, Pliny's Natural
History, dedicated to Sir Robert Cecil; and in 1603, Plutarch's Morals, dedicated to King
James. His translation of Suetonius,§ printed in 1606, and dedicated to "The Ladie
Harington," contains the earhest distinct mention of his professional practice in Coventry :
he therein states, that the late Pestilence in Coventry, having altogether restrained him from
free practice of his profession abroad, yet being impatient of his idleness at home, he could
not think of a better method of spending the vacation, than in an argument ha'ving a
reference to his " old GrammaticaU Muses," and according in some sort with his " latter
Studies in Physick."
'* Smythe's MS. Account of the Berkeley Family, p. 970. The Letter was addressed to Smythe, when the writer
was only 12 years and 1 month old, and is as follows : — " Accepi a te domine Smythe, chronicon Johannis Speed! cum
ohartis chorographicis, in duobus tomis ; opus sane, ut videtur egregium, dignum lectu, jucundumq. aspectu ; et quod
majus est, perlegi epistolam ad me tuam, plenam judicii et gravis consilii ; quse ut indicia veri amoris tui, magni
sestimo ; chronicon quidem diligenter legam, et apud me servabo, cartisque oculos meos pasoam, consilium vero tuum,
deo volente sequar ; pro utrisque gratias tibi ago, daboq. operam posthac, et te redamare, et tibi pro viribus gratiam
referre: vale. Coventria, 9 Novembr. 1613. Tui amantissimus, Georglus Berkeley."
¦f Com. Council Book, p. 561, X Treasurer's Accounts. || Gregson's Portfolio, Part IL, 215.
§ This was the fourth work translated by him, and the foUowing couplet was made upon if: —
Philemon vyith translations doth so fill us.
He wiU not let Suetonius be Tranquillus.
180 FEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
In 1609, he published a translation of Ammianus MarceUinus, and dedicated it to —
" The Right WorshipfuU the Maior, and his Brethren, the Aldermen, &;c., of the Citie of Coventrie.'* First (he
says), for your wise and moderat government of the place, wherein I have so many yeares conversed, hath afforded
unto me both quiet repose and meanes also to follow my studies. Secondly, the affectionate love that yee have
alwaies borne to good literature, testified by courteous entertainment of learned men ; by competent salaries aUowed
from time to time to such professors, as have peaceably and with discreet carriage bestowed their talents among you ;
by exhibition given to poore schoUers in the Universitie, by erecting also of late, and maintaining of a faire Librarie,
not exampled (without offence to others be it spoken) in many Cities of the Realm. Lastly, the experience I have
already of your kind acceptance of my former Labours, though not exhibited to you at the first hand," &c.
On 22nd Nov., 1609, a Tenement in Bishop-street, was granted him on lease for 21 years.
At this time he was busily engaged in printing his translation of Camden's Britannia,t
which in the following year was published.
Concerning this translation, Mr. Gough remarks (British Topography) that Holland
was thought to have consulted Camden himself, wherefore great regard was paid to his
additions and explanations, but he charges him with unwarrantable liberties in the second
edition, printed in 1637. The following exact copy of an original letter from HoUand to
Camden, preserved in the British Museum, Julius CV. 28, proves not only that he consulted
the author, but that Camden actuaUy perused the manuscript before printing. —
1609, 25 Aug. — My very good ffriende Mr. Camden. It appereth now that my Translation of yo'r Britannia is
under the presse, that yow have taken paines in perusing the written sheets ; & that they mean to use yow still in
that kind. I must confesse now, that I mistook in the 2 page, the latter verse of the twain, as touching the true
sense, ffor finding it without any Comma, Sc knowing ther were many British Hands more, I made comparison between
OUT Britanny and all other British Isles, so that yow have done me a pleasure iu altering my latter verse. The
printer should have done weU to have printed your verse true, which I suppose went in this number :
"And seek through Hands all, none may w'th British Isles compare."
Let me, I pray yow, be further beholden unto yow in the Copie now sent up ; and namely in some ffew places here
under noted, wherein I am not satisfied.
Page 181, lin, 46. Canonici. — Whether a secular priest or Regular? Because to Canonicus elsewhere, is added
Regularis, as pag. 349. I have in Colleges termed the' Secular, Sc in Monasteries, Regular. As yow meet w'th such
places besides, I pray, correct the' to yo'r own sense.
239, lin. 2, Dominus Augustitius. S'r Austin or Lord Augustin, & so in Dominus Herbertus, in another place.
280, lin. 42. ffor Lekhamsted — I have vfritte' in my Latin Copie, over head Thornton ; by whose hand I know
not, but it hath made me to doubt therof. And in truth that Latin Copie which I followed in perusing my Translation,
differeth ffrom that which I went by in my Translation ; but especially in that Passage, of the Earles of Richmond,
which did put me to a new labour.
293, lin. 45. Lnigubri Barbaroru' Chvortis. I doubt that I misse the true sense.
335, 12. Infra Banna' Leucam. What I should call it properly I wote not, yet in Leuca Brionii, yow
interp'te Leuca in the Margin [The Lowy]. But what is Banna?
363, 3. Vrbs est «ora exigua. I suspect [non] because it foUoweth nee sua frequentia celebranda.
419, 20. »**»**» Spiceginam Bromon, baud Bromium.
I stick here, because of the Comma & Copulative in the greek, but not in the Latin, May it please yow to supply
that place w'th yo'r English,
222 — In the Epitaphicall Inscription of Henry Fitz- Alan, I do not well conceive the Author's meaning in thes'
words, Sui generis ab Alani filio cognominatus, nor in Morinus, whether is meant Poutheau or Picardie generally
taken? nor yet in Domus Regies Prcefectus, whether it be not the same that afterward was SenescaUus ; whatever
elsewhere shall occurre let me entreat yow to rectify. Bold I am, Sc over-bold ; But yo'r Cando'r & love approved,
promiseth me thus much & more too. And so recommending yo'r selfe, yo'r good studies & endevors to God's blessing,
I take my leave for this time. Coventry, 25 August, 1609
Your loving & affectionate ffriend. Ph. Hollasd.
¦* 1609, 26th May, p'd to Mr. doctor hoUand, for a boke that he dedicated to Mr. Maior Sc his bretherne of the
Roman Histories, iiijli. — City Treasurer's Accounts.
X " paid to Mr. doctor hoUnnd, the xxx of may, 1610, for a boke called Camden's Britanya, vl." — City
Treasurer's Accounts.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 181
There are some verses by Tho. Merial, M.A., in praise of the translator, prefixed to the
second edition of this work, printed in 1 637, by which it appears that Holland undertook
the translation at the suit of Lady Elizabeth Berkeley.* They contain, according to the
prevailing custom of the time, a quibble upon his name and an anagram.
On 30th September, 1612, he was admitted and sworn a freeman of the City; and upon
the occasion of King James I. visiting Coventry on September 2nd, 1617, was selected to
address his Majesty, which he did in a long and elaborate oration, for which, say our Annals,
" he was much praised ; he was in a suite of black sattenf."
In 1621 a lease for 61 years was granted hitn of the house and garden in Bishop Street,
adjoining his own, paying 6s. rent.
On 23rd January, 1627 — 8, he was, as already stated, appointed Master bf the Free
School, a situation which he held only fourteen months, being probably induced to resign it on
account of his advanced age (77 years), which rendered him incapable of attending properly
and conscientiously to the duties of that office. It is evident, indeed, that the place was
given him out of respect for his talents, character, and long residence in the City, as a
comfortable retreat in his decHning years, and with a hope that he might be able to execute
the duties of it in such a manner as to warrant the appointment ; but this kind intention was
frustrated, and the remaining memorials of his life furnish a melancholy instance of poverty
and distress attending the closing years of a respectable, learned, and actively useful man.
On the 24th October, 1632, the following Order of Council| was made: — "Forasmuch, as
Dr. Holland, by reason of his age, is now grown weake and decaied in his estate, and being
a man of good deserts, in respect of the abilities wherewith God hath indowed him, this
House taking him into consideracon, are pleased & agreed, that there shall be three pounds,
six shillings, and eight pence given him for the present, and that he shall have 31. 6s. 8d.\\
yearely given him from henceforth, on the 24th Oct. for three yeres, if he shall so long hve."
In 1632, Dr. Holland being then 80 years of age, his translation of Xenophon's
Oyrupaedia was published. His portrait is prefixed, and the work has a dedication by his
son Henry to King Charles, wherein he describes his father as " now an old man, full of
yeares, and Hving still in your Mediterranean City of Coventry (named in former times
Camera Principis)." Several commendatory Poems are prefixed, and his son adds the
foUowing account of his father's signet ring, together with the celebrated distich on
Holland's pen, which, though so often quoted, is rarely or ever given correctly.
" The Translatour once caused in a faire Signet of a Gold Ring, to bee engraven in the midst of the colit, the heart
of a man all naked or plaine, insteed of an Embleme, about which there went round this Symbolum, or double
Anagram of both his Names, to v/H—^iXrj/JLCOV okdvSoi or Philemon Holandus, NacptXri/jM BoXwv, (ptX&v
ariaa BoXov, implying thus much in Latin, Animus [pmsens] fraudum expers. (A ready heart without deceit)
Verum Amicorum signum. Both which members of the sentence joyned together make up this one Hexameter,
with the addition of e?6, That signifieth (.est), NoacpiKri/Ma BoXav (plXaiv avfjb aBoXov (est).
" A ready Heart and minde thus voide of fraud.
Is that true signe Vertue doth most applaud."
* Wife of Sir Thomas Berkeley, of Caludon.
t The cost whereof was Ul. Is. lid.— City Accounts. ^ X Common CouncU Book, p. 610.
II 1632, 24 October, paid to doctor hoUand,
1633, 30 October, idem
1634, 29 October, idem
1635, idem
1636, last half year's aUowance
£ s.
d.
3 6
8
3 6
8
3 6
8
3 6
8
1 13
4
Treasurer's Accounts,
182 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY,
" Henry Holland, in honour of his deerest father Dr. Philemon Holland, upon the interpretation of his double
Anagram, and his indefatigable labours.
" The Hart most ready, honest, and upright,
Devoyd of fraud unto each living wight :
ECCHO. The Head diseas'd for ease of Englishmen,
The Hand benumm'd with holding of its pen,
The Pen unworne, though wome beyond a pen
Does still hold out to glad their Countrimen,
They rest in motion, and restlesse Rest is that.
Yet may they rest, though death doth frowne thereat.
And when those Mortalls may be turn'd to dust,
Th' immortall part must needs b' among the Just."
Psal. 112, vers. 6.
In memoria csterna erit Justus.
Upon the Translatour's Pen, wherewith only hee translated aud wrote all Plutarch's Moralls, conteining above
a Reame of Paper, he wrote this Dystick : —
This Booke I wrote with one poore Pen, made of a grey Goose quiU,
A Pen I found it, us'd before, a Pen I leave it still.
¦Which Pen afterwards was begged by an auncient Gentlewoman (mother of a Noble Countesse yet living :) who
garnished it in silver, aud kept it as a Monument.
1635, 15th July*, Agreed that Dr. Holland "shall presently leave possession" of a
large tenement much in decay, near the Swines cross, which he has enjoyed above 40 years,
without lease, at 25s. per annum, it being School land. This tenement is described as
being " at the School, between the Gatehouse and the high buUding, three Httle tenements
lying together."
Not long before this last occurrence, his necessities led him to solicit charity from the
University of which he was once a member ; where he had been Fellow of a College, and
took his degree of M.D. The following licence from the Vice-chanceUor was issued upon
the occasion : — " Dr. PhUemon HoUandf, 11th April, 1635.
" In consideration of the learning and worthy parts of Dr. Philemon HoUand, and in consideration of his want
of means to relieve him, now in his old age, I have given leave that he shall receive such charitable benevolence as
the Master and Fellows in every CoUege shaU be pleased to bestow upon him. H[enry] S[myth], Procanc."
Henry Smyth, who was also Master of Magdalen College, in a memorandum preserved
with the above Licence, thus mentions the venerable and distressed old man : —
" Dr. Holland is 84 years old. Pupil to Dr. Whitgift, FeUow of a College, Master of the King's Free School
in Coventry for 20 years ; and commenced Doctor 40 years since. He translated diverse books, and for 60 years
kept good hospitality, Sit tota Coventria testis, and by age being disabled to travel abroad and practise, and confined
to his chamber, he is impoverished, and indebted, having had a great charge of children. He wrote the Lepanto
battle finely. — Mem. to get it of his son. H, S."
The life and troubles of the poor old man were now fast drawing to a close, his death
happening on the 9th of February, 1636, in his 85th year, and he was interred in Trinity
Church, where is a quibbling Latin Epitaph to his memory, composed by himself. He
was a peaceable, quiet, and good man in aU the relations of private life, and by his habits
of temperance and regularity, attained to his great age, not only with the full possession of
his intellects, but his sight was so good that he never had occasion to wear spectacles. He
'* Common Council Book, p. 640.
t Cole's CoUectanea for Athense Cantabrigiensis. — Brit. Museum,
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY, 183
married in 1579, Ann, the daughter of WilHam Bot,* ahas Peyton, of Perry Hall, in the
County of Stafford, by whom he had 7 sons and 3 daughters : she died in 1627, at the age
of 72 ; and the Doctor must have had a second Wife, as this entry occurs in the City
Treasurer's Accounts, " 1639, 21 dec. given to mrs. Holland, -widow, in respect of her
povertie, xxs."
Of his sons, William,t a Surgeon, died in Coventry, in 1632, aged 40, whose name
appears in the Hst of Benefactors to the Free School Library. Henry, the eldest son, is said
by Wood, to have "travelled with John Lord Harrington into the Palatinate, in 1613,"
when that nobleman accompanied his former charge the Princess Elizabeth, upon her marriage
with Frederick then Count Palatine. He was afterwards a Bookseller in London, and
pubUshed in 1618, "a Book of Kings, being a true and lively effigies of aU our English
Kings from the Conquest," &c., &c. ; and also in 1620, the Heroologia Anglicana, being
probably assisted by his father in the lives, though the verses beneath each Portrait
signed A. B. were written by Buchehus, whose copy of that work, containing corrections and
additions throughout in a neat hand, apparently vrith reference to a new edition, was sold at
the late Mr. Edwards's sale for 15Z. He likewise collected and printed in quarto,
Monumenta Sepulchralia Ecclesia, S. Pauli, Lond. Amongst the King's Pamphlets in
the British Museum, Single Folio Sheets, Vol. 5, is a Petition to the public for relief,
circulated by Henry Holland in 1647, he being then in his old age. He speaks of himself
as a citizen of London, and for a long time an inhabitant of St. Mary-le-Bone ; says, that his
Wife and self, in 1625, were the medium for distributing money for many worthy and
charitable persons during the plague; that he was a Commissioner of Bankrupts, under four
or five Lord Keepers ; a hater of Popery and Superstition, and his opposition to Prelatical
Innovation he owns, occasioned him to be called before the Star Chamber, in consequence
whereof he was imprisoned and impoverished. When 60 years of age, in 1643, "he
adventured his life and went out one, and was the eldest man " of the Earl of Denbigh's
life-guard. In 1647, the Doctor's daughter Ann had her right recognized in a lease
granted for 61 years to him.
In 1639, Nov. 26, a person named PhUemon Holland, was instituted Vicar of Wolvey,
in the County of Warwick, most probably a Grandson of the Doctor, but no further
particulars have occurred.
The following is beHeved to be a correct list of Dr. PhUemon HoUand's works, all in
folio, with the dates of the various editions : —
Livy's Roman Historic, printed in 1600, 1659, 1686. Pliny's NaturaU Historic, 1601, 1634.
Plutarch's Morals. 1603, 1657. Suetonius, 1606. Ammianus MarceUinus, 1609.
Camden's Britannia, 1610, 1637. Paralipomeua, a Supplement to Thomasius' Diet., 1615, Cambridge.
Xenophon's Cyrupssdia, 1632, 1654, 1682.
Regimen Sanitatis Salemi, or Schoole of Salerues, 1649, 4to. Corrected and enlarged by P. H. Published
after his death by Henry Holland, his son, and dedicated to Sir Simon D'ewes.
He also rendered into Latin, the Geographical History of Speed's Theatre ; and after
his death, a translation into Latin, of a French Pharmacopoeia, by Brice Bauderon, was
printed in 1639, at the instigation of his son Henry, who dedicated the work to the CoUege
'•' There was a respectable Family of this name iu Coventry, perhaps introduced by the above connection ; one
of them Septimus Bott, Apothecary, was Mayor in 1686.
t 1630, p'd Mr. WUl. HoUand, for paines in curing poore folks, iiijZ. — City Accounts,
184
PEEK SCHOOL,
of Physicians. Some verses by T. H., gent., on the translator's death, are prefixed, together
with his Epitaph, as in Trinity Church, Coventry. A folio MS. copy of the preceding work,
containing 229 closely written pages in my possession, is thus entitled :
Paraphrasis in Pharmacopoeam, iu duobus Ubris divisa, per M. Bricium Bauderouum, Medicinse Doctorem,
E lingua Gallica in Latinam recenter translata, per M. Philemouem HoUandum, Coventriensem, medicinse Doctorem.
Et transcripta per Thomam Pidgeonum, Pharmacopoeum Coventriensem, Anno Domini nostri, 1635.
Long as is the present article, mention must be made of his celebrated and beautiful
MS. of Euclid's Harmonics*, still preserved in the Free School Library, which though
written when he was considerably advanced in years, is a very remarkably neat specimen of
Greek caligraphy ; and when the celebrated Baskerville was preparing his Greek fount, Mr.
(afterwards Dr.) Parrott, of Birmingham (who married a sister of Dr. Edwards, at that time
Master of the Free School) borrowed this MS. from the Library, and BaskervUle partly
formed his characters from it.
His translations are certainly devoid of elegance, but are accounted faithful and accurate.
Pope, amongst the " solid Learning" in the Library of his Hero of the Dunciad, has
placed the labours of Dr. Holland.
" But high above, more soUd Learning shone.
The Classicks of an Age that heard of none ;
There Caxton slept, with Wynken at his side,
One clasp'd in wood, and one in strong cow-hide ;
There, sav'd by spice, like mummies, many a year.
Dry Bodies of Divinity appear :
De Lyra there a dreadful front extends,
And here, the groaning shelves Philemon bends."
In the Annotations to this " witty but cruel Satire," pubhshed with the 8vo edition of
1787, is the following remark :
Philemon Holland, Doctor in Physic. He translated so many books, that a man would think he had done
nothing else ; insomuch that he might be called Translator-general of his age. The Books alone of his turning into
English, are suflicient to make a Country Gentleman a complete Library. — Winstanley.
Mr. PHINEAS WHITE, of Whitchurch, was the succeeding Master, to whom, on 3rd
February, 1629, a Letter was sent to the Council House,t entreating him to come over and
confer about the place; and on the 13th of the same month, he was fully appointed to
commence Master at Lady-day, with a salary of £40 per annum. On the 3rd of March
foUowing, it was agreed that he should have the Schoolmaster's house and the close in
addition to his stipend. Sept. 2, 1629,f Mr. White stated to the Council House, that in
consequence of his extraordinary number of scholars, many of whom " upon one form, were
far behind others in learning," it would be requisite, in order to make them " fit and able
to go on with the rest ;" that great pains should be taken, or else he must put them back,
which might displease their parents, and would discourage the scholars : to remedy which,
he proposed (in the presence of the Usher, who desires the same) to take an Assistant at his
own charge, to be retained during the pleasure of the House, which was agreed to.
" 1651, 26th Nov., II Mr. White having about a month ago, desired a successor might be
•* " He wrote a good hand, but a rare Greeke character; witnesse the MS. of Euclid's Harmoniques, in the
library belonging to the schoole." — Aubrey's Lives of Eminent Men, Vol, II. 396.
t Common Council Book, p. 563, &c. X Mem, p. 568. || New C. H. Book, p. 101.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 185
appointed at Christmas, alleging his age and indisposition, when earnestly pressed to con
tinue : this day, Mr. SAMUEL FRANKLAND, a Schoolmaster in Lichfield, being weU
recommended, was appointed Master, to commence at Christmas."
A gratuity of £6. 13s. 4d. was given him by the City, in 1660; and the following item
occurs in the City Accounts for 1662 — " given Mr. ffrankland, head School maister, about
the Comedy, IL"
In 1671, 19th April,* Mr. Frankland petitioned and shewed to the House, what great
pressure there was upon the Head Schoolmaster and Usher, by reason of the great number
of Scholars now in the School, and that without an Assistant, they were not able to teach so
many in an advantageous manner, and with reputation to the School. Mr. Orton being
recommended by Archdeacon Ryland, and Mr. Brokesby, Schoolmaster of Birmingham, as
a fitting and able Assistant agreed that he should be taken during pleasure, and at a
salary of £10.
Nothing further occurs respecting Mr. Frankland, until the 7th of January, 1685,t when
an order was made shewing, that the preceding arrangement had not produced the desired
effect, and that his conduct was very unsatisfactory to the visitors, forming a strong contrast
with that of his conscientious and exemplary predecessor. The order is to the following
effect : — This House taking into consideration the former fiourishing condition of the Free
School, and now sad dechning state, almost brought to nothing ; arising as they conceive,
from the " idleness and unfitness" of Mr. Frankland, who since he has been assisted by Mr.
Orton, scarce ever comes into the School until 10 o'clock; considering also the great dis
turbances made by the scholars shutting out their Masters| of late years ; order that Mr.
Frankland and Mr. Orton be not continued Master and Assistant after Lady-day. This
order as far as applies to Mr. Frankland, however was not enforced, for he continued to hold
the situation until his death, which happened July 22, 1691. He was a native of Tamworth,
and entered at Catherine HaU, Cambridge, where he took his degree of A.M., and at the
time of his being appointed to the Mastership ofthe Free School in 1651, was "a School
master in Lichfield," but not of the Grammar School there. He held the place of Master
of the Coventry Free School, upwards of 40 years, and amongst other charitable bequests,
gave to the Master and Fellows of Catherine Haliy £600, for the following purposes, viz.,
£20 per annum towards the maintenance of one Fellow to the said Hall, to be sent out of
the Free School, § in Coventry (to which was subsequently added by Matthew Scrivener,
20 Marks per annum.) He likewise purchased a Chamber in the said Hall, for the use of a
Fellow, at the cost of £60. The FeUowship was to be called the Frankland Fellowship, and
the Nonvination and Election thereunto, was to be and remain to the Masters and Fellows,
yet stiU so as they may have a careful regard to the recommendation of the Mayor and
Aldermen of this City. He also gave £10 a year for ever, to a Scholar to be brought up
in Tamworth School, and £10 to the Vicar of Trinity for a sermon to be preached yearly on
5th November. Humphrey Wanley, in his Diary,^ gives the following account of Mr. Frankland's death
and funeral : —
* New C. H. Book, p. 204. f Idem, p. 302. { Vide p. 170 ante. || Cambridge.
§ It is surprising that Mr. F., who was educated in Catherine Hall, did not know that the Statutes of that HaU
do not permit an Under Graduate to be a Fellow.
f British Museum. Harl. MS. 7017.
186 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
July 22, Between two and three o'clock in the morning died Mr. Frankland, the Schoolmaster of this citty, and
was buried July 23, at night. Mr. Kimberley preacht his funeral sermon, and took his text. Gen. 15. 15. And tlwu
shalt go to thy Father in peace, thou slialt be buried in a good old age. Mr. Kimberley had orders to preach
given after 2 o'clock in the afternoon, so that he had but four hours to compose it in. That night before he died,
he gave one of his scoUars a great deal of good advice, such as he thought might be fit for his age (for he was at
man's estate), and at last said to him Cibum capias alienigjnanibus ; intimating as I suppose, that although he was
departing, yet he should have a successor who would teach him. And to another young gentleman, who came to see
him as soon as the other was gone ; he said (after some good counsel given him), Oportet Episcopum mori proedican-
tem; meaning, I believe, that it was fit a Schoolmaster should die teaching. He always in his private prayers, used
to beg of God Almighty, if it was his blessed will, that he might have (to use his own words) a quiet and easy
passage to eternity, and his petitions were fulfilled, for he fell asleep, and hoped he would be better. He said he was
pretty well, they asked him how he did again, pretty well, and afterwards fell asleep (having before some things
given him by the physicians appointment), and in his sleep breathed shorter and shorter, then one of the watchers
called in two or three Of the neighbours, and he quickly expired in that sleep, before they were weU come to him,
He was above 73 years old.
He was buried in Trinity Church, and an inscription over his grave records his prin
cipal benefactions, concluding with the foUowing character : — " He was industrious, and very
useful in his place, charitable to the poore, upright and religious in his conversation."
On the 12th August* foUowmg his death, viz., 1691, SAMUEL CARTE, A.M., was, by
an order of Council, appointed his successor, during the pleasure of the House. Mr. Carte
was the son of Thomas Carte, Clothier, of Coventry, where he was born, October 21st, 1652,
and instructed in grammar learning in the Free School there ; appointed Library Keeper,
11th November, 1668, and became a member of Magdalen CoUege, Oxford, in 1669, being
matriculated at the same time into the University, where he took the degrees of arts, that of
A.B., 1672 — A.M., 1675. He received Deacon's orders from the Bishop of Lichfield and
Coventry, at Eccleshall, September 21, 1673; Priest's orders from the Bishop of London, at
St. James's, June 10, 1677; was coUated by the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry to the
prebend of Tachbrook, in the Cathedral Church of Lichfield, into which he was installed
September 30, 1682 ;t presented by Sir John Bridgeman, of Castle Bromwich, to the
Vicarage of Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, to which he was instituted March 26, 1684, and inducted
March 28, where he lived until 1691; when, for the better education of his children, he
became Master of the Free School at Coventry ; he was coUated by the Bishop of Lichfield
and Coventry to the Vicarage of Dunchurch, July 2, 1697, and inducted July 30; afterwards
presented by the Lord Chancellor, to the Rectory of Eastwell, in the County of Leicester,
being instituted January 7, and inducted January 21, 1698-9 ; and in the beginning of 1700,
on which occasion he resigned the Mastership of the Free School, at Coventry, he was
presented by the Lord ChanceUor to the Vicarage of St. Martin's, in Leicester ; which,
depending on voluntary contributions, he held it without institution until 1712, when
a person surreptitiously obtained from the Chancellor a presentation to it; but being
deterred by the affections of the parishioners from proceeding, Mr. Carte was again presented
to it, instituted November 21, and inducted November 28, 1712. This latter living Dr.
Kippis (in the Biographia Britannica) erroneously supposes that he resigned on the accession
of George I., as he is thought to have assisted the celebrated Jeremiah Colher in preaching
to a Nonjuring congregation in Broad-street, London. It was not, however, the Vicar of St.
Martin's, but his son, Mr. Thomas Carte, the Historian, who was the occasional assistant to
Mr. Collier. The titles of his sermons are, 1. "A Dissuasive from Murmuring, London,
1694," 4to; 2. "The Cure of Self-conceit, London, 1705," 4to; His "Tabula Chronologica
'* Common Council Book, p. 406. — 21 Jan., 1692, Ordered that S marks be allowed Mrs. Frankland, for lead
pump, and standards, left at the School house.
[f He is described in Harwood's History of Lichfield as being " a good antiquary."]
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 187
,Archiapiscopatuum et Episcopatuum, &c." was reprinted in Lord Somers's Tracts, first
coUection, Vol. IV. p. 344, being originally published in foHo without date. Some account
of Leicester by him, in answer to queries by Browne Willis, is printed in the Bibliotheca
Topographica Britannica, and his assistance to the same person is gratefully acknowledged
in the preface to the second volume of "Mitred Abbies." He died April 16, 1740, in his
87th year, and was interred in the Chancel of St. Martin's, Leicester, underneath a flat stone,
bearing the foUowing inscription : —
The remains of Samuel Cahtb, M.A,, many years Vicar of this Parish. He was a person of great learning,
exemplary life and conversation, strict piety, sound judgement, orthodox principles, and a zealous and able defender
of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. He died April 16th, 1740, in the 87th year of his age, in fuU assurance of a
joyful resurrection.
Mr, Carte's successor was GEORGE GREENWAY, A.M., at that time the Usher, or
"younger Schoolmaster." He was chosen on the 11th of June,* 1700, on condition of his
entering into the same obhgations as Mr. Cranford did ; and the order further states, that,
for the future, every Usher shall do the same. Mr. Greenway was educated at the Pree
School, in Coventry, and in 1689, appointed Library Keeper. In 1692, 5th of May, being then
at CoUege, a gratuity of £3 was given him by order of the Common Council ; and on the 9th of
July, 1693, one of Lane's Scholarships, value £6. 13s. 4d., was voted him by the same
authority. In 1692, the following entry appears in the Accounts of the Mercers' Company —
" Gave Geo. Greenway by the Company, towards his settlement at ye University, 11. 10s."
On the 21st of December, 1695, having completed his studies at Oxford, he was elected Usher
of the Free School, and at some subsequent period took his degree of A.M. He wrote the
Latin inscriptions for the north and west sides of the cross, erected in 1712, at the ancient
Bennones or High Cross, by Basil, Earl of Denbigh ; and being appointed to the Rectory of
Kympton, in the County of Southampton, resigned his situation at Coventry, but presented
his Portrait to the Free School, where it is still preserved.
On the 2nd of July,t 1717, the Rev. RICHARD MARSDBN was chosen in his stead,
executing a bond to the Corporation in £500, that he would conform to the customary regu
lations, and give up the appointment at their pleasure ; but he held the place only a few
months, for, upon his resignation, EDWARD JACKSON, at that time B.A. of Clare Hall,
Cambridge, was, on the 11th of April,J 1718, unanimously elected in his room.
Mr. Jackson was 36 years Vicar of FoleshiU, near Coventry, during which time he
rebuUt the Vicarage House, and a Charity School adjoining the Church. He was also, in
effect, a very important benefactor to the Free School, over which he presided; having, with
much labour and at great cost, succeeded in providing a remedy for certain abuses in the mode
of letting the School estate, by obtaining an order for letting without fines and by pubhc
notice, and also, that the BaUiff's accounts should be examined by the Master and Usher,
Nor was this aU, for having proved that " some part of the estate had been formerly aUenated
and granted away absolutely and in fee farm, and other parts upon long leases, in prejudice
of the Trust," he procured " in lieu, recompence, and satisfaction of aU Grants, and Alien
ations, or any other misapplications or abuses of the said Estate heretofore committed," that
Bablake, or St, John's Church, should (with consent of the Corporation, to whom the
structure belonged), be made a Parish Church, and in 1734, an Act of Parliament for that
* Com. Council Book, p. 71. — At the same time, Mr. Simeon Lucas was appointed Usher.
t Com. Council Book, p. 244. X Mem, p. 248.
188
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY,
purpose was obtained, wherein it is provided that the Head Master of the Pree School shall,
so long as he holds that situation, be Rector of the same, and the Usher have the appoint
ment of Lecturer, thus making, as the Act expresses, "these places become worth the
acceptance of persons of learning and merit." Mr. Jackson was specificaUy appointed the
first Rector by this Act, and in the following year (1735), he preached at Hinckley the funeral
sermon of the Rev. John Carte,* LL.B., Vicar, to a crowded congregation, Mr. Jackson
was also Rector of Southam and Prebend of Lichfield. He published anonymously, in 1733,
" An account of the many and great Loans, Benefactions, and Charities, belonging to the
City of Coventry : London," 8vo.,t in which he was assisted by the Rev. Sam. Carte| (son
ofthe former Master of the Pree School of that name) ; and our MS. Annals state that, by
the connivance of Caleb Copson, Mayor, in 1 724-5, " some persons were privately admitted
to have the inspection of Writings, Books, &c., in St. Mary's HaU Treasury, and there
coUected the materials for this work."
He died in 1758, and was interred in the Chancel of FoleshiU Church, where is the
foUo'wing inscription to his memory : — M.S.
Edw AUDI Jackson, S. T. Ps.
Ecclesiae hujusce pr xxxvi annos vicarii ;
Qui, cum Morum Gravitate & Sanctitate,
Tum concionale Eloquentia & Dignitate,
Parochiae fideliter et Religioni inserviit.
Mdei Vicariatus et Scholam proximam erexit.
Templum Sti. Joan, apud Gov. jam oUm vetustate
Dilapsum ac fere solo .iEquatum,
Pulcherrime restituit et ornavit,
Atq, ex private parochiale reddidit.
Scholse Gov. Praepositus fidelem ac doctum
Perplures annos, Alumnorum curam habuit
In Civili Munere obeundo tuend» Pacis
Jjlquus, Prudens, gravis Judex.
Eccl. etiam Litchf . Prseb. erat et Southamia3 Rector.
Obiit 4 Cal. Mali, anno 1758, ^. vero 66.
Uxorem habuit AUciam Bosville, femin. lectissimam
Multisque nominibus dilectissimam.
Hia fato prsematuro, .SStatis 42,
5 Non. Mali, 1 732, Virum prsecessit.
Mr. Jackson's successor was THOMAS EDWARDS, A.M., also of Clare Hall,
Cambridge, to which situation he was appointed May 2, 1758, and at the same time presented
to the Rectory of St. John's.
"Dr. Thomas Edwards, || son ofthe Rev. Thos. Edwards, M.A., Vicar of St. Michael's,
Coventry, was born in that City, Aug. 10, 1729. His grammatical education he received
partly under the tuition of Dr. Jackson, Master of the Free Grammar School in Coventry,
but principally under the care of his own father ; and such was his eagerness for the acqui
sition of knowledge, that he seldom engaged in the diversions common to boys. In 1747,
at the age of 1 8, he was matriculated at Cambridge, and entered of Clare Hall, where he took
the degree of B.A. 1750, and M.A. 1754; and was a Fellow of his CoUege. In the younger
\_* Son of the before-named Rev. Samuel Carte, then Vicar of St. Martin's, Leicester.]
[f A new edition of which was published by J. Turner, of Coventry, in 1802.]
X MS. Note by Dr. Richardson, communicated by Bev. Wm. Cole. Literary Anecdotes.
II See Niohol's Literary Anecdotes, vol. ix., pp. 512-13.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY, 189
part of life he was a self-taught musician, and became no mean performer on the spinnet
and the bass-viol ; but finding that this amusement encroached too much upon his studies,
he entirely relinquished it. Sept. 22, 1751, he was ordained Deacon, and Sept. 23, 1753,
Priest ; both which orders he received from the hands of Dr. Frederick Cornwallis, then
Bp. of Lichfield and Coventry. In 1755, when not 26 years of age, he gave a striking proof
of the dihgence with which he appHed himself to the study of the learned languages, and
the acquisition of sacred hterature, by "A new English Translation of the Psalms from
the original Hebrew, reduced to Metre by the late Bp. Hare; with Notes, critical and
explanatory, IUustrations of many Passages drawn from the Classicks, and a Prehminary
Dissertation, in which the Truth and Certainty of that learned Prelate's happy Discovery is
stated and proved at large," 8vo. It was Mr. Edwards's design to make Dr. Hare's system
of Hebrew Metre better known, and to prove that by a judicious application of it, great light
might be thrown upon the poetical parts of the Hebrew Scriptures. His next publication
was a single Sermon, preached at St. Michael's, in Coventry, Feb. 6, 1756. May 2, 1758,
he was nominated by the Corporation of Coventry, Master of the Free Grammar School,
and presented to the Rectory of St. John the Baptist. This was foUowed by his marriage,
Nov. 27, 1758, to Anne, daughter of Stonyer Parrott, Esq., of Hawkesbury, in FoleshiU,
County of Warwick, by whom he had one son. Dr. Edwards, of Cambridge. Early in 1759,
he published " The Doctrine of irresistible Grace proved to have no Foundation in the
Writings of the New Testament ; " leveUed at the opinions of the Calvinists on that subject.
His next pubheation was, " Prolegomena in Libros Veteris Testamenti Poeticos ; sive Dis-
sertatio, in qua Viri eruditissimi Francisci Harii, nuper Episcopi Cicestriensis, de antiqua
Hebrseorum Poesi Hypothesin Ratione et Verltate niti, fuse ostenditur, atque ad objecta
qusedam respondetur. Subjicitur Metricse Lowthianse Confutatio, cum Indicibus necessariis,
1762," 8vo. This attack upon Dr. Lowth's "Metricse Harianse brevis Confutatio," which
had been annexed to the first edition of his admirable " Praelectiones de Sacra Poesi Hebraeo-
rum," did not pass unnoticed. In the second edition of his " Prselectiones," Dr. Lowth
added a note, strenuously maintaining his own opinion. In reply was pubhshed " Bpistola
ad Doctissimum Robertum Lowthium, S. T. P. In qua nonuUa, quse ad nuper^ suse de Sacra
Hebrseorum Poesi Prselectionum Editionis calcem habet, expenduntur, 1765." In this he
indulged himself in some severity of language, which the subject did not require, and which
ought not to have been used towards such an antagonist as Dr. Lowth ; who replied in —
" A larger Confutation of Bishop Hare's System of Hebrew Metre ; in a Letter to the Rev.
Dr. Edwards, in Answer to his Latin Epistle, 1766," 8vo. Here the controversy ended;
and the general opinion of the Learned World gave the preference to Dr. Lowth's arguments.
In 1766, Mr. Edwards was admitted to the degree of D.D. ; not long after which he published
" Two Dissertations : the first on the Absurdity and Injustice of Rehgious Bigotry
and Persecution ; their utter Contrariety to the Temper and Conduct of Christ and his
Apostles ; and their mischievous and fatal Consequences ; the second, on the principal
Qualifications and Canons necessary for the right and accurate Interpretation of the New
Testament, 1767," 8vo. These Dissertations reflect just credit on Dr. Edwards's reputation.
His next publication was, " Duse Dissertationes ; in quarum priore probatur, variantes
Lectiones et Menda, quse in Sacram Scripturam irrepserunt, non labefactare ejus Auctori-
tatem in rebus qn^ ad Fidem et Mores pertinent : in posteriore vero, Prsedestinationem
Paulinam ad GentUium vocationem totam spectare, 1768," 8vo. ; both, particularly the first,
written with great abihty. In 1 770, he was presented to the valuable Vicarage of Nuneaton,
County of Warwick. In 1773, he pubhshed "The indispensable Duty of contending for
the Faith which was once deHvered to the Saints," a Sermon preached before the University
of Cambridge, on the 29th of June, 1766, being Commencement Sunday. He resigned in
190 PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY.
1799 the Mastership of the Free Grammar School of Coventry, and the Rectory of St, John's,
and retired to Nuneaton. His last publication, " Selecta qusedam Theocriti Idyllia. Recen-
suit, variorum Notas adjecit, suasque Animadversiones, partim Latine, partim Anglice,
scriptas immiscuit, Thomas Edwards, S. T. P. 1779," 8vo., reflects honour on the accuracy
and extent of his classical Hterature. Though the original text of what is selected from
Theocritus, consists only of about 350 lines, the notes are extended through upwards of 250
pages, besides more than 20 pages consisting of addenda, corrigenda, coUationes, &c. There
are two appendiculse at the end of the volume : one containing the Editor's reasons for not
prefixing the accentual marks to his o'wn and Mr. Warton's notes ; and the other affording
hints of a new method which he had discovered of scanning Greek and Latin hexameters,
the usual mode of doing it being, as he thought, erroneous. A fuUer explanation of his
system was intended to be given by him in a work which he had in contemplation, designed
to be intituled " Miscellanea Critica," but which was not carried into execution. He had
also made coUections for an edition of Quintus Curtius. In May, 1784, Dr. Edwards lost his
wife, a lady of distinguished good sense, and of the most engaging manners ; and he, who
had passed his life in his study, and was totally unacquainted with domestic concerns, and
indeed with worldly affairs of every kind, never enjoyed himself after this event. What
aggravated his distress was, that previously to Mrs. Edwards's death, he had been afflicted
with a stroke of the palsy, from which, however, he so far recovered as to be capable of
discharging part of his parochial duties. But within a few months after her decease, he had
a second stroke, for which he was advised to go to Bath, but received no benefit from his
journey. He died at Nuneaton, June 30, 1785, in the 56th year of his age; and was
interred July 7, in the churchyard of FoleshiU, in the same grave with his wife. A mural
monument (in the Chancel) to their memories, has the foUovring inscription :
Memoriaa viri Reverendi Thorns Edwards, S. T. P. et Annse ejus uxoris, quorum alter obiit Junii 30, 1785,
Mta,t. 55. Altera Mali 22, 1784, Mtat. 61. Hoc marmor sacrum esse voluit Eorum FUius.
" In his temper. Dr. Edwards was sometimes subject to starts of anger ; but otherwise
he was remarkably mild, benevolent, and humane. His generosity was great and extensive ;
and his dealings with others were conducted on principles of the most rigid honesty and
integrity. Such were his assiduity and abUity in the instruction of youth, and so conscien
tious his discharge of his parochial duties, that no praise can exceed his merits. He was
fond of retirement, and went seldom from his place of abode ; on which account, though he
occasionally corresponded vrith many of the Literati, he was not in the habit of much intimacy
with any. The person with whom he had most conversed was the late excellent and learned
Bishop of Carlisle, Dr. Edmund Law. Their sentiments were congenial, and their pursuits
similar, being principaUy devoted to the prosecution and promotion of Sacred Literature."
On the 19th of April, 1779*, Dr. Edwards's resignation, dated 17th instant, being laid
before the CouncU House, WILLIAM BROOKS, M.A., of St. John's CoUege, Oxford, was
unanimously appointed Master of the Free School, and presented to the Rectory of St. John's.
[He was a son of the Rev. Samuel Brooks, Vicar of FoleshiU, and was a Fellow of his
College at the time of his appointment: This Fellowship he retained until his presentation
to the Rectory of East Farndon, Northamptonshire (a living in the gift of his CoUege), in
1797. He never resided there, being allowed the privilege of non-residence on account of his
holding the Mastership of the Grammar School here. He is represented as having been a
"¦ Common Council Book, p. 471,
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 191
man of quiet and retired habits, a good classical scholar, and was intimately acquainted with
the celebrated Dr. Parr, of Hatton. An unfortunate misunderstanding existed, for years,
between Mr. Brooks and the Second Master, Mr. Paris, which tended much to the prejudice
of the School, and accelerated the decline in the number of the scholars. He held the situa
tion of Head Master for 54 years ; he was never married, and accumulated a large property,
which he bequeathed for the most part to his sister, who sur'vived him for several years : at
her death the property (excepting a few legacies and annuities) was left by her to her cousin.
Miss Brooks, of Wolvershill Hall, Bulkington, who afterwards married the Rev. W. Thickens,
M.A., of Keresley. Mr. Brooks died on the 13th of October, 1833, in his •82nd year, and
was buried at ExhaU. He was succeeded by
THOMAS SHEEPSHANKS, M.A., Head Master of St. Peter's School,* Pimlico, in
union with King's College, London, who was unanimously elected on the 11th of February,
1834. On the resignation of Mr. Paris, in 1838, the Rev. D. Butler, M.A., was appointed
Second Master; he was elected in 1841, Master of Helston Grammar School, CornwaU, and,
on his resignation was succeeded, the same year, by the Rev. W. Drake, M.A.,t of Leicester,
Important changes were adopted in 1852 in the organization of the School, the foUowing
being the principal. The separation of the classical and commercial departments, the Head
Master being held responsible for the Classical School, and the Usher for the Commercial ;
annual examination of each section, alteration of school fees, adoption of the college cap,
rearrangement of hohdays, and introduction of new text books. These alterations did not,
however, receive the entire approval of the Head Master. In 1857 the Rev. W. Drake was
appointed to the Vicarage of Holy Trinity, vacant by the death of the Rev. J. HoweUs, and
the suggestions made by the Commissioners in 1831, as to the desirability of separating the
clerical from the scholastic duties, were again considered, and the scheme before alluded to
was finaUy determined upon, and the Rev. T. Sheepshanks concurring with the arrangement
retired from the Head Mastership, retaining the Rectory of St. John's Church.
HENRY TEMPLE, M.A., the first Master under the new regulations, was elected on the
29th July, 1857. He had been Head Master of Queen EHzabeth's Grammar School, Worcester,
for five years, during which period he had materiaUy raised the standard of that institution.
On the same day the Rev. J. J. Soden, M.A., of Emmanuel CoUege, Cambridge, was elected
Second Master, which situation he stiU retains. He is a son of the late Thomas Soden, Esq.,
J.P., of this City, and was formerly a Scholar on this Foundation. In 1867 the
Rev. H, Temple was presented to the Vicarage of St. John the Evangehst, Leeds, a living
in the gift of Trustees, and worth about £700 per annum. He was selected from a list of
144 candidates. On his resignation he was succeeded by
JOHN GROVER, M.A,, Second Master of Queen EHzabeth's Grammar School,
Worcester, who was elected on the 19th of May, 1867. He is the present Head Master.]
*' Now in Baton Square. f [.
t Now Rector of Sedgebrook, Lincoln ; Hon. Canon of Worcester, and Chaplain in Ordinary to the Queen.
192 free school, coventey.
The pollowing Peesons op Eminence weee educated at this Feee School : —
SAMUEL ANNESLEY, D.C.L., [was born at Kenilworth in 1620. After receiving his early training at
Coventry he entered Queen's College, Oxford. He was successively minister at Clifie, iu Kent, and St. Giles',
Cripplegate ; from the latter he was ejected in 1662, he then became pastor of a congregation in Little St. Helen's,
where he continued to preach till his death in 1696, at the age of 77 years. His daughter was mother of the
celebrated John Wesley.]
THOMAS ARMSTEAD, A.M., of Christ's CoUege, Oxford.
RICHARD ALLESTRY, who at the age of 15, in 1636, became a Commoner of Christ Church, and afterwards
Student ; bore arms for Charles I., in 1642, and being ejected by the Parliamentary Visitors, was appointed Chaplain
to Lord Newport. After the Battle of Worcester, he joined the King at Roanne, and for some time conveyed his
dispatches to his friends in England. In 1659, he was arrested at Dover, returning from the King, and committed
prisoner to Lambeth House, where he remained until the Restoration. In 1660, he was made Canon of Christ Church,
and soon afterwards D.D. and Chaplain in Ordinary to the King. In 1665, he was appointed Provost of Eton
PoUege, in which honourable situation he died, January 28, 1680, having erected a new Grammar School there, at the
expense of 1,500Z.
GEORGE 13th LORD BERKLEY, [was born in 1601, attended the Free Grammar School during the
mastership of Dr. Holland, from thence he was sent to Oxford. The Estate of Caludon which had come into the
possession of this family from that of Mowbray, by marriage, was sold by this Nobleman to Thomas Morgan, Esq., of
Weston-under-Wetherley, from thence it passed to the Clifiord Family.]
DEAN RALPH BATHURST, who commencing life in those unhappy times, when a learned ministry was
held in the utmost contempt, changed the course of his studies and appUed himself to Physio, in which he took a
Doctor's degree, and rose to such eminence, that during the Protectorate he was appointed Physician to the State.
Upon the Restoration he quitted this profession, became President of Trinity College, and having entered into holy
orders was made Chaplain to the King, and afterwards Dean of Wells, His learning and talents were various ; he
was the orator and the poet, the philosopher and the divine : and possessing an inexhaustible fund of wit, was the
facetious companion at 80 years of age. His benefaction to the School Library has been mentioned.
[SAMUEL CLARK, A.B., was the son of Hugh Clark, M.A., Vicar of Wolston, he was born there in 1599, and
received the earlier part of his education at the Free School, Coventry, from thence he removed to Emmanuel College,
Cambridge, where he took his degree of B.A. After having ministered in Cheshire and other places for several years
he was invited by the Mayor, Aldermen, and others in Coventry, to preach there : he did so, and was ultimately appointed
by the Corporation Lecturer at St. John's Church. By some expressions in his sermons he gave offence to Dr. Buggs
the Vicar of St. Michael's and Trinity Churches, and was compelled by his infiuence to give up his Lectureship. He
then retired to Wolston, assisting his father. Lord Brook appointed him his Chaplain, and in 1 633 presented him
t9 the living of Alcester, which he held about 9 years, during which period he effected a great improvement in the
character of the inhabitants. In 1648 he was chosen minister of St. Bennet Fink Church, in London, from which he
was ejected by the Act of Uniformity, passed in 1662. The year previous he was one of the Commissioners at the
Savoy Conference, appointed to revise the Book of Common Prayer. He was for some years a Governor of Sion
College, during two of which he fiUed the ofiice of President. On his retirement into private life he was diligently
occupied in compiling several valuable works, one of them being his Martyrology. He died in 1682, aged 83 years.]
SAMUEL CARTE, A.M., GEORGE GREENWAY, A.M., and THOMAS EDWARDS, D.D., Masters of the
Free Grammar School, received their education here,
JAMES CRANFORD, son of one of the Masters of the Free School, has already been noticed under the account
of his father.
JOHN COTTA, M.D., a benefactor to the Library.
Dr. HENRY CLARK, is mentioned by Ant. Wood, in his own brief MS. CoUections respecting this School,
amongst the " Scholars bred up there."
JOHN DAVENPORT, son of John Davenport, of Coventry, was, in 1613, sent to Merton CoUege, as a Battler,
where he remained only two years, the Warden, Sir Henry Saville, dismissing him because he would not become a
Commoner. He then went to Magdalen Hall, which he quitted without a degree, and became a noted preacher
among the Puritans. In 1633, he left his pastoral charge in London, because he scrupled at certain ceremonies, and
went to Amsterdam, where he endeavoured to be a Minister in the English Congregation, but being opposed by Mr.
John Paget, a chief Minister there, because he would not agree with them respecting baptism, he published a defence
of his conduct, and a controversy ensued. He returned to England with many other Non-conformists, in the
beginning of the rebellion, and had a cure bestowed upon him ; but still dissatisfied, he was induced to go to New
England, by the solicitations of the celebrated John Cotton, and became Pastor of Newhaven, where he was much
esteemed by those of his persuasion, and continued with them nearly until the time of his death, which happened at
Boston, March 13, 1669.
PEEE school, coventey, 193
CHRISTOPHER DAVENPORT, brother of the above-named John, was, at the age of 15, sent with him to
Merton College, and when compelled to leave it, went to Douay, atthe instigation of a Romish priest, who sometimes
frequented the University. About this time several English Franciscans were endeavouring to form themselves into
a provincial body, and Mr. Davenport being resolved to become one of that order, entered into his noviceship at Ipres,
October 7, 1617, which being completed, he returned to Douay, in 1618, and joined the small convent of English
Franciscans there. He was afterwards sent to Salamanca, where in a few years he not only arrived at a consummate
knowledge in school divinity, but by a constant application to the Scriptures, and the ancient fathers, he obtained
the character of being one of the ablest divines of his time. Returning to Douay, he was made First Professor of
Divinity iu the new community, and after being distinguished by several honourable employments in his Order, he
was sent a Missionary into England, where he went by the name of Franciscus a Sancta Clara. Here he became
Chaplain to Henrietta Maria, and sometimes appearing at Court, the comeliness of his person, agreeableness of his
conversation, and the reputation of his learning, brought him acquainted with many of the NobiUty ; and indeed, he
became highly honoured, not only by those of his profession, but many scholars, both Protestants and Catholics. The
King had a particular respect for him, understanding that he was a divine of a reconciling temper, and more disposed
to make up breaches than widen them. Archbishop Laud also admitted him sometimes into his conversation upon
the same account, for which both the King and Archbishop were severely censured on the breaking out of the civil
war ; and one of the articles of impeachment against Laud charged him with this intimacy ; to which the Archbishop
gave a satisfactory explanation and reply. Davenport, about this time, found it necessary to conceal himself, some
times in London, sometimes in Flanders, and occasionally at Oxford, where he was entertained with great civility at
the public Library, by Mr. Barlow, the Librarian. After the Restoration of Charles 2, he was made one of Queen
Catherine's Chaplains, and resided in Somerset House, where he died. May 31, 1680, and was buried in the church
belonging to the Savoy. During this last residence in England, he was several times chosen Provincial of his Order,
being accounted the great and chief piUar thereof. Wood, who personally knew him, thus sums up his account of
him : — " He was excellently weU vers'd in school-divinity, in the fathers and councils, in philosophers, and in ecclesi
astical and profane histories. He was a person of very free discourse, but Cressy was reserved ; of a vivacious and
quick countenance ; the other clouded and melanchoUck ; of a quick apprehension, but the other not, or at least would
not : aU which accompUshments made his company acceptable to great and worthy persons." His works were
coUected aud reprinted at his own charge, in 2 vols, folio, 1665, at Douay.
SIR WILLIAM DUGDALE, [born in 1605, at Shustoke Rectory, was a scholar at Coventry Free School from
1615 to 1620, during the mastership of Mr. Cranford. On the death of his father he purchased Blythe Hall. He
became acquainted iu 1630 with Sir Simon Archer, by the advice of whom, and other antiquarian friends, he was
induced to compile his celebrated History of Warwickshire. A few years later he was introduced to Sir Henry
Spelman, Sir Christopher Hatton, aud Lord Arundel, and through the influence of the latter was created a Pursuivant
at Arms. In 1639 he was made Rouge-Croix Pursuivant. In 1644 he became Chester Herald, subsequently Norroy
King of Arms, and finally Garter Principal King of Arms in 1677, when he was Knighted. His great works are the
Monasticon Anglicanum ; Antiquities of Warwickshire, first published iu 1656 ; History of St. Paul's Cathedral ;
History of Imbanking and Drayning of divers Fens and Marshes ; Origines Juridiciales ; and the Baronage of England.
He died at Blythe HaU in 1686, and was buried in Shustoke Church.]
CHRISTOPHER ESTWICKE, Esq., a benefactor to the Library.
BASIL FIELDING, Esq., of Barnacle, also a benefactor ; as were the two following persons : —
THOMAS GRESLEY, Esq.
JOHN GERY, LL.D., and Archdeacon of Buckingham.
THOMAS HOLYOAKE, a native of Stony Thorp, near Southam, and the well-known author of a Latin and
EngUsh Dictionary, pubUshed in 1677, in folio, was educated under Mr. Phineas White, at this School, and in 1632,
at the age of 16, became a Student in Queen's College, took his degrees in Arts, and when the King came to Oxford
and garrisoned it, he was made Captain of a Foot Company, consisting principaUy of Scholars. For his services in
this office, the King conferred the degree of D.D, upon him, and after the surrender of the garrison, obtaining a
License from the University to practice physic, he settled in his own country, exercising that faculty with good
success, untU 1660, when, upon the Restoration, he was presented by Thomas, Lord Leigh, to the Rectory of 'Whitnash,
County of Warwick, aud soon afterwards was a Prebendary of Wolverhampton. In 1674, Robert, Lord Brook,
conferred upon him the valuable Donative of Breamour, in Hampshire, where he died, June 10, 1675, and was buried
in St. Mary's Church, Warwick. His Dictionary, which was edited by his son Charles, of the Inner Temple, was
formed upon the Dictionarium Etymologicum of his father, Francis Holyoake, who was Rector of Southam.
WILLIAM JOYNER, aUas LYDE, son of WiUiam Joyner, Gent, of Horspath, near Oxford, was a short time
at the Free-school at Thame, in that County, but chiefly educated at Coventry, from whence, in 1636, he went to
Magdalen CoUege, of which he became FeUow and A.M., but foreseeing the utter ruin of the Church of England by
the Presbyterians, at the time of their rebellion (says Wood), he changed his religion for that of Rome, renouncing
his FeUowship in 1644, and accompanying the Earl of Glamorgan into Ireland, he continued in his service there,
until the decUne of the royal cause iu that country. Afterwards he accompanied the Earl in his travels through
AA
194 PEEE school, coventey,
France and Germany, much improving himself, and at length became domestic steward to Walter Montague, lord
Abbot of St. Martin's, near Pontoise, with whom he continued several years, much esteemed for his learning, reUgion,
and fidelity. Returning to his native country, he spent some years in London, in a very retired and studious con
dition : but upon the breaking out of the Popish Plot, in 1678, he was driven to Horspath, where he was subsequently
arrested by the Vice-Chancellor, as a priest or Jesuit, though speedily released on being found to be only a layman.
After this he retired, for security and quiet, to an obscure viUage near Thame, where he lived in a most private and
devout condition, until 1687, when James II. restored his Fellowship of Magdalen College to him ; but this he en
joyed only one year, and upon his expulsion returned to his former retirement, where his apparel, which was formerly
gay (says Wood) was then very rustical, little better than that of a day-labourer ; and his diet and lodging were
very suitable to it. In a letter to Wood, dated April 12, 1692, he writes, that his residence is a poor thatched house,
where the roof is of the same stuff in the chamber where he lodged ; and which wsis never guilty of paying chimney
tax. However he hoped, that all this would not make a person neglected and despisable, who had formerly slept in
the royal palaces of France, under a roof fretted and embc^ssed with gold ; whereas this (at Ickford) was doubly and
trebly interweaved only with venerable cobwebs, &c. He wrote, " 'The Roman Empress," a comedy, London, 1670,
4to. "Some observations on the life of Cardinal Pole," &c.. London, 8vo. 1686 ; besides various EngUsh and Latin
Poems, dispersed in different books.
JOHN SMITH, a native of Warwickshire, and in 1577, at the age of 14, elected Scholar in St. John's College,
in a Coventry place, must have been one of the earliest scholars at the Free School. He was afterwards made
Fellow, and for his piety and learning became greatly esteemed in the University. When B.D. he was chosen
Lecturer in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, in the place of the celebrated Dr. Lane Andrews, which situation he filled
with great credit to himself, and was highly applauded by his hearers. In 1592, he was appointed Vicar of Clavering,
in Essex, where being fixed, says Wood, " he shined as a star in its proper sphere, and was much reverenced for his
religion, learning, humility, and holiness of life." He published several Sermons and reUgious works, being a skilful
linguist, an excellent text-man, and well read in the ancient writers of the Church, He died in November, 1616, and
was buried in his parish church at Clavering.
[THOMAS SHEWELL, M.A., was the son of a clothier of Coventry, and was born in that city. He was
educated at the Free School, under Mr. Cranford, and graduated at Cambridge. He was presented to the Vicarage
of Lenham, Kent, from thence, being ejected by the Act of Uniformity, he removed to his native city, where he
succeeded Dr, Grew in his pastorate of the Nonconforming congregation assembling in St. Nicholas' or Leather
HaU, in which he continued until his death in 1693.]
JOHN TROUGHTON, son of Nath. Troughton, of Coventry, clothier, wsis educated under Mr. Frankland, and
in 1655, went Scholar to St. John's CoUege, where he was afterwards FeUow and B.A., but being ejected upon the
Restoration, to make room for a Fellow who was expelled by the Visitors, iu 1648, he retired to Bicester, where he
lived a moderate Nonconformist, reading academical lectures to young men, and sometimes preaching in private,
whereby he got a comfortable subsistence. Upon the Declaration for Religious Toleration, in 1671, he, with
three others, was appointed to preach in Oxford, and was most applauded by the Scholars, who from curiosity
attended their meetings. Indeed, notwithstanding he lost his sight at the age of four years, occasioned by the small
pox, he was a good school divine and metaphysician, and gained much commendation for his disputations in the
University. His moderation was very conspicuous and commendable, and together with his learning, caused him to
be respected by many of the Clergy, with some of whom he maintained an amicable correspondence until his death,
which happened at Oxford, Aug. 20, 1681, when he was 44 years old. He was buried at Bicester, in the Church, his
funeral sermon being preached by a blind person, Abraham James, then Master of the Free School, at Woodstock.
Several religious and controversial works were written and published by this learned and pious man.
[HENRY BUTTERWORTH, F.S.A., of London, a native of this city, born February 28th, 1786, was the
grandson of the Rev. John Lutterworth, Baptist minister here. He received the early part of his education at the
Free Grammar School, and was afterwards placed under Dr. Johnson, of Bristol, and was subsequently engaged by
his uncle Mr. Joseph Butterworth, law bookseller, of Fleet Street (M.P. for this city). He married in 1813 and had
a numerous family. In 1818 he entered into business as a law bookseller, in Fleet Street, London, and afterwards
became a member of the Council of that city. In 1841 he held a. Commission as Captain of the Royal London
Militia, He interested himself much in the welfare of the Church, and was an active promoter of Church building.
He died on the 2ud of November, 1861, aged 75. His son, Mr. J. W. Butterworth, presented the portrait
(by Holbein) of John Hales (the Founder of the Coventry Free School), to the Trustees. This painting is preserved
in the Trustees' board room at Bond's Hospital.
The Rev. S. S. PARIS, LL.B., son of the Rev. S. Paris, Second Master. He assisted his father for some time
in the school, .ind was acting as assistant atthe time of the Commissioner's visit in 1833. He obtained Lane's
Exhibition and retained it for several years, contrary to the rules of the foundation. Is Incumbent of Chaseley,
Worcestershire. Me. WILLIAM MARSH, son of Dr. Marsh, of this city, was educated here, and appointed to Lane's Exhi
bition in 1816. He held it till he obtained a Fellowship at St. John's College, Oxford, on Sir Thomas White's
foundation ; this he still holds, but never took orders.
PEEE SCHOOL, COVENTEY. 195
The Rev. JOHN CARTER, D.D., sou of John Carter, Esq,, for many years Town Clerk of this city. He was
appointed an Exhibitioner under Lane's Charity in 1826, and afterwards a Fellow of St. John's College, Oxford, on
Sir Thomas White's foundation. He is now Rector of Frenchhay, near Bristol.
The Rev. GEORGE CARTER, M.A., son of John Carter, Esq., Town Clerk, was appointed a Lane's Exhi
bitioner in 1833. He is now Rector of Compton Beauchamp, Berks, and domestic Chaplain to Earl Craven.
The Rev. CHARLES EVANS, M.A., son of John Southam Evans, Esq., of Coventry, afterwards educated at
King Edward's School, Birmingham. Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Craven University Scholar, senior
Chancellor's Medallist, and now Head Master of King Edward's School, Birmingham, to which he was appointed
in 1862. The Rev. DANIEL MOORE, M.A., son of Mr. George Moore, of this city, was appointed Incumbent of Camden
Church, Camberwell, Surrey, in 1844, and Lecturer at St. Margaret's, Lothbury, London. He is an eminent
preacher, and had his early education at this school.
The Rev. ALFRED DEWES, sou of Richard Dewes, Esq., solicitor, of this city, obtained Lane's Exhibition
in 1842. Was appointed Incumbent of Christ Church, Pendlebury, Eccles, Lancashire, in 1860, by the Bishop of
Manchester. The Rev. CHARLES W. SODEN, son of Thomas Soden, Esq., late Mayor of this city, was appointed an
Exhibitioner in 1846. He was formerly Second Master of the Grammar School, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire,
and is now Vicar of Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland.
The Rev. FRANCIS J. ELD, M.A., son of George Eld, Esq., of FoleshiU MUls, was educated here, and was
appointed Lane's Exhibitioner in 1848. He is now Head Master of Queen EUzabeth's Grammar School, Worcester.
The Rev. JAMES HENRY ELD., B.D., FeUow of St. John's College, Oxford, and Incumbent of Fyfield,
Berks, was educated at this school.
The Rev. ROBERT ARROWSMITH, M.A., son of the late Dr. Arrowsmith, of this city, was appointed an
Exhibitioner in 1839. He was promoted to the Vicarage of Stoke with Walsgrave-on-Sowe, near this city, by the
Lord ChanceUor in 1856.
The Rev. JOHN SHEEPSHANKS, son of the late Head Master, was educated here, and appointed an Exhi
bitioner under Lane's Charity, in 1850. This gentleman is now a coadjutor of the Bishop of Columbia, in his
missionary labours in those parts. The Bishop, at a recent meeting held in this city for raising funds for supporting the
missionary cause there, in speaking of this young clergyman, said : " A man would be seen travelling in a remote
district, in coarse clothing, in corduroy trousers, having charge of his own horse, having to turn him at large at
night, not knowing where to find him in the morning. That was a pioneer of the Gospel, and he had now pictured
to them the Rev. John Sheepshanks. Each day when he pitched his tent, and after he had got his meals, they
would see him go forth with a Bible and Prayer Book under his arm, to a group of miners camped somewhere near.
They have got a fire, and there he addresses them upon the subjects of the soul, God, aud eternity." As an instance
of the various labours of the missionary, the Bishop gave an instance of the benefits conferred by Mr. Sheepshanks
in vaccinating a great number of Indians who suffered much from small-pox, and he said he attributed to this kind
of life on the part of the clergy the favourable results which had been obtained.
The Rev. WALTER CLARKE, son of the late Mr, Thomas Clarke, silkman, of this city, was a scholar and
exhibitioner in 1852. He is now Head Master of Derby Grammar School.]
(Bxtu fxiwcs, Co&Mtg.
The Fraternity of Friars Minors, or Grey Friars, being unendowed with lands, and
wholly supported by the charitable contributions of devout persons, it cannot be expected
that very abundant materials should exist for an account of that estabhshment in Coventry.
In 1234, 19th of Henry 3, Ralph Fitz-Nicholas, Sheriff of Warwickshire, makes mention in
his account of Shingles allowed by the King for covering their Oratory, which were deHvered
out of Kenilworth Woods, and this happening only eleven years after the first coming of
the Grey Friars into England ascertains the period of their settling here. No Charter
of Foundation, or grant of the place on which the Convent stood is, of course, in existence,
but its immediate vicinity to Cheylsmore, naturaUy points out Ranulph Blundeville, Earl
of Chester, as the person who gave the ground whereon this religious house was buUt, being
part of his manor there, which opinion is confirmed by an inquisition, 8th of Edward 1,*
before H. Nottingham and others, and in the grant of Roger de Montalt and CecUy his wife,
34th of Henry 3, 1250, of their manor of Coventry to the monks, there is a special reserve,
not only of the manor and park of Cheylsmore, but " Habitac'oe fratru' Minor' juxta eund'm
parcu' scita et inclusa ac eisd'm fratribz assign'."
In the annexed list of Pounders and Benefactors to the Grey Friars, copied from the
Harleian MS. in the British Museum, No. 6033, p. 55, Earl Ranulph is accordingly caUed
the first Founder. Coventree.
Komina Fundator' fr'm Minor'.
Primus, Ranulphus Comes Hlustris' Cestrie, d'ns de Cheylesmour, cum d'na Clementiaf Consorte sua, qui dn's
Radulphus obiit, 1232.
Secundus, Hugo de Albanyo Comes Arrundelliss.
Tertius, d'ns Rogerus de Monte Alto, qui jacet in choro coram magno Altaxi in medio, cum d'na Cecilias
Consorte sua, filia d'ci Co'itis Ranulphi, qui jacet in medietatu' a sinistris ejus.
Johe' de Monte Alto filius ejus.
Rob'tus de Montealto Alius junior germanus p'd'ci Johis' D'no Rogerus de Monte Alto, filius senior p'd'ci d'ni
Rob'ti, cum d'na Johanna Consorte sua, filia d'ni Rogeri de Clifford.
It'm, d'na Isabella, censors d'ni Rob'ti de Monte Alto junioris filia d'ni Rogeri de Clifford.
It'm, d'no Thomas Hastang, miles strenissimus, d'na EUsabeth uxor' sua, jacent ex p'te boreali.
From the preceding extract it appears that the Montalts, who inherited part of Earl
Ranulph's possessions in Coventry, also patronised the Grey Friars, Roger de Montalt and
his wife Cecily (daughter and co-heiress of Ranulph, Earl of Chester) being interred in the
Church of this Convent.
WiUiam de Albini, Earl of Arundel, married Mabel, second daughter of Earl Ranulph,
and dying without issue, his brother Hugh succeeded to the possessions in Coventry obtained
by this marriage, which accounts for his connection with the Grey Friars as a Benefactor.
¦* Inq. in Scaccar, A.D. 1279.
t Having divorced his first wife Constance, Anno 1200, he married Clemence, daughter of Will. Figiers.
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY. 197
Upon the descent of the manor of Cheylsmore to Queen Isabel it seems that she took
this rehgious house under her protection, having written the foUowing letter in their behalf,
addressed — A noz che' & b'n amez le mair, baiUffs, & communes de coventre.
Depar la Princess,
Ch's & b'n amez. Noz ch's en dieux, les freres Meno'rs de Coventry, q' sont de la fundacion n're t'rshon'e fil' le
Roi nous ont fait entendie coment lour custumes des p'cessions & sepultures lour sont detenuz ment resonablem't a se
qUs diont a g'ant amerissem't de le divine service Uleoq's. Par qoi no's bons p'ons chem't q' p' consideracion de nos
vous vuiUez estre eidantz a nos ditz ch's en dieux qils puissent enjoier lour d'tes custumes come ils ont fait av'ant ces
heures et tant vuiUez faire p' n're dit p'ere touch' ceste mat'e qils neiont enchesone de plus p'sutr p'dens nos p' celle
cause. Ch's & b'n amez mess's vous eit en sa garde. Escr' a n're Manior de Russhey, le secounde jo'r de marcz.
" It seems (says Dugdale) that these Friers had afterwards also many good Benefactors ; for so fair a Church
as that hath been, by view of the Steeple, yet standing, could not be built without very great cost. But that the
same structure was made in Edward the 3rd's time, I am induced to believe, partly from the form of its fabrick, and
partly because I find that Mdward, Prince of Wales, by his Charter, bearing date 14th December, 32nd Edward the 3rd.
[1358] gave leave to these Friers (of whom, as the same Grant expresses, he was Patron) for to take so much Stone
out of his Quarry, in the Park of Cheylesmore, as they should have occasion to use about their buildings and walls.
And likewise, Uberty to have a Postern, from their Mansion, into his Park, to carry out any of their Convent that
should be diseased, so that they were not to go further than the said Quarry ; the key of which door to be alwaies
kept by the Warden of the same Friers, or his substitute ; and no other to pass that way, but such as were sick."
The humility, poverty, and apparent sanctity of the Grey Friars operated so strongly in
their favour that they not only received numerous benefactions from the wealthy, but at the
approach of death many persons caused themselves to be habited in a cowl, or the entire
dress of their order (vainly conceiving it would avail them at that awful hour) ; and vast
numbers, from the same motives, directed their bodies to be interred within their Churches,
not a few of whom were buried in the habit of this order.
An early instance of this propensity is found in the will of Sir Richard Mandeville,*
dated 1298, which contains the following passages :
[lego] cor men' ad sepeliend' in Oratorio Fr'um Minor', Coven', p'ut deoentius executoribz meis placidit cu'
viginti Marc'.
Residuu' autem om'iu' honor' meor' lego (inter alia) fribz minoribz, Coventr', s'cd'm dispo'couem Executor'
meor' p' anima mea distribuend' inf eos, p'ut eis videbit conveniencius s'cd'm d'c'm pensata q'alitate paup'tatis
& q'antitate. Amongst the names of Founders given in the preceding page, from a MS. in the British
Museum, occurs that of Sir Thomas Hastang ; and Dugdale states his behef " that some of
the Hastings were good Benefactors to the building of the Church, several of them being
buried in a Chapel of the same, called Hasting's Chapel, and some in the very habite of
Friers Minors, so great an esteem had they of this order." His authority for this was
a MS. in the Collection of Sir Simon D'Ewes, which is here given from the History of
Warwickshire : —
En la ChapeUe de lez Freres-Menours de Coventre, appelle Hastinges-Chapelle, est une fenestre en la Northe
part cue vne scucheon des Armes de Hastinges, la second partie d'or & de cinople, ove vne Lyon de gules rampant.
La tierce d'azure ove troys garbs de Cumyn d'or enceinter de gules en milieu d'icelle. En vne fenestre en le Est est
lez Armes de Hastinges, de Cantelow, & de Valence. En I'autre fenestre en le Est et lez Armes de Hastings Sc d'azure
a. 6. Uonceux d'argent, & de la Spensere.
Item en vne autre fenestre, en base, est lez Armes de Hastinges & de Huntingfeld, cestasavoir d'or ove vne
fesse de gules & trois torteaux d'argent. En le second est Hastings, Sc argent deux barrs de geules ove vne label de
Valence. En le tierce est lez Armes de Hastings. En le quart est de gules ove vne Egle d'argent, du quel son biU
est d'or. *' Reg. GUfEord Ep. Wigorn, fo. CCCC xlv b.
198 GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY.
Et la sont enterres deux chivaliers, cestasavoir Monsr. Henry de Hastings, & Johan la file de Monsr. Guiliam
de Cantelow, & soer a S. Thomas de Hereford I'evesque. Et proschein lui gist la dit Johan, ove lez Armes de Hastings
Sc Cantelow. L'autre chivalier est one I'Armes de Hastings enseint evesque les Armes de Valence, son nome estoit
Johan de Hastings. Et proschein lui gist dame Isabel de Valence ovesque lez Armes de Hastings. Et joust la dit
Isabel, gist dame Johan de Huntingfeld, file a Monsr. John de Hastings Sc Isabel de Valence en vne gowne powdre
dez Armes de Hastings, & d'or fesse de gules ; Sc en son mantel par dessus celle, est d'argent a deux fesses de gules,
Sc sur sez manches dez Armes de Valence. Et est vne pillew desoubs son test, sur quel sont lez Armes de Hastings Sc
Huntingfeld, quatrefoitz ; cestasavoir d'or a vne manche de gules, & d'or a vne fesse de gules & 3 torteux d'argent.
En le table estoit escrit, Dominus Henricus de Hastings cum Domina Johanna consorte sua, filia Domini
Willielmi de Cantilupe, Sc soror sancti Thomse Herefordensis ; & dominus .Johannes de Hastings filius eoruudem, cum
domina Isabella consorte sua, filia domini Willielmi de Valence Comitis Pembrochiffi & Wexford, sepultus in habitu
fratrum Minorum. Johannes obiit 9, Martii, 1312. et Isabella 3. Oct. 1305. Ad cujus dextram jacet domina Johanna
de Huntingfeld filia prsedictorum Johannis et Isabellse.
Robertus de Shotesbroke, armiger, strenuissimus, et ejusdem domini Henrici quondam vexiUator, et postea
Seneschallus. Et ibi jacent Johannes, Edmundus, et Henricus filii domini Willielmi de Hastings, fiUi D. Johannis de Hastings,
et Joh. Huntingfeld, filius Will, de Huntingfeld et D. Johannae oonsortis su».
[The following translation of the above MS. is given by Stevens from the Monasticon : —
In the chapel of the Friars Minors of Coventry, called " Hastings Chapel " is a window in the north part, on
which is a scutcheon of the arms of Hastings ; the second part, or and sinople, charged with a lion rampant, gules, the
third azure, three garbs of cummin, or, bound about the middle, gules. On a window in the east are the arms of
Hastings, of Cantelow, and of Valence. On another window iu the east are the arms of Hastings, and azure six
Uoncels argent and De la Spencer.
Item on another window in base are the arms of Hastings and of Huntingfeld, viz : or, a f ess gules between
three torteaux argent. In the second is Hastings, and argent, two bars, gules, with a label of Valence. In the third
are the arms of Hastings, and the fourth is, gules, an eagle argent, and beaked or.
And there are buried two knights, viz : Sir Henry de Hastings, and Joanna, the daughter of Sir WilUam de
Cantelow and sister to Thomas of Hereford, the Bishop ; and near him lies the said Joanna, with the arms of Hastings
and Cantelow ; the other knight is where the arms of Hastings are with those of Valence, his name was John de
Hastings, aud near him lies Dame Isabel of Valence, with the arms of Hastings, and by the said Isabel Ues Dame
Joanna Huntingfeld, daughter to Sir John de Hastings and Isabel of Valence, in a gown powdered with the arms of
Hastings, and or, a fess, gules ; and on her mantle over the same is argent, two fesses gules, and on her sleeves the
arms of Valence. And there is a pillow under her head on which are the arms of Hastings and Huntingfeld, four
times, viz : or, a manche gules, and or, a fess gules, and three torteaux argent.
On the table was writ — Sir Henry de Hastings, with the Lady Joanna, his wife, the daughter of Sir WUliam de
Cantelow and sister of St. Thomas of Hereford ; and Sir John de Hastings their son, with the Lady Isabella his wife,
daughter of Lord William de Valence, Earl of Pembroke and Wexford, buried in the habit of the Friars Minors ;
John died the 9th of March, 1312, and IsabeUa the 3rd of October 1305, on whose right Ues the Lady Joanna de
Huntingfeld, daughter to the aforesaid John and Isabella.
Robert de Shotesbroke, a most valiant esquire, once standard bearer to the said Sir Henry, and afterwards his
steward. And there lie John, Edmund, and Henry, sons to Sir WUliam de Hastings, the son of Sir John de Hastings ;
and John Huntingfeld, the son of William de Huntingfeld, and the Lady Joanna, his wife.]
The Harleian MS. 6033, British Museum, from which the names of the Founders of this
Convent have already been given, proceeds as follows : —
JVomina* alior' amicor' sepultor' in Clwro in infimo gradue presbiterarig.
Will'mus RiveU. — D'na AUcia Rivel mater ejus d'ni. — D'na Johanna de Chaunceus. — D'na Margareta de
Braundeston, d'na de Lapworth. — Emma, d'na de Wappenbury. — Guido de la greene. — Cor d'ni Thome de Bray. —
Cor d'ni Bicardi de Amundevillf. — Robertus de Stone, et Matild' uxor ejus. — D'ns Johe's de Odyngsels, miles, quond'
d'ns de Longichunt'. — D'ns Nicolaus Hastang, rector de Estlemingt' eccl'ie. — D'na AUonara West.— D'na Beatrix de
Bishoppdon. — D'na Margareta de HardeshuU, — Agnes, filia D'ni de Bradesto,'
* Page 55 b. f -^^S^ MundeviU,
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY. 199
In Capella d'nor de Hasting.
C. Pembrok sepel'. — D'ns Henricus Hastings, cum d'na Joh'na, consorte sua, fiUa.— D'na Will'mi de Cantelupe_,
Et ep'i Hereford, S. Th. soror.' — D'ns Johes de Hastings, filius eor' cum dna' IsabeUa, consorte sua, fUia d'ni Will'mi
de Valencio, co'it's Pembrok et Wexford. — D'na Johanna de Huntingfeild, filia p'd'ci Johis et Isabella. — Rob'tus de
Shottesbroke, Armiger, strenissimus et ejusd'm d'ni Henrici [Hastings], quondam vexiUator, et postea seneschallus. —
D'na Lora de Latimer, filia d'ni Henrici supradc'i. — Edmundus de Segrave, Alius d'ni Johis de Segrave.
Nomina alior' ([ui jacent infra d'ca Eccl'iam: —
Thomas, filius WUl'mi Boteler, de Werinton, baronis. — Joh'a, filia d'ni Will'mi Bagott, milit'. — D'ns Nicholaus
Pecche, miles. — D'ns Robertus de Verton, senior, et miles, cum d'na Margareta, uxor sua. — IsabeUa Olteley. — Joh'es
de Clifton, et Lucia uxor ejus. — Alicia de Draycote. — Galfridus de Whitteleye. — D'ns Joh'es de Solneye, miles. — D'na
Maryona de Burmyngham. — D'na Alicia de WeUes. — Henricus de Vernoye, fundator duor' locor' fr'um in hib'nia. —
Johanna de Sackevile, quondam domicUla d'ne de Segrave. — Will'mus de Aubeneye, quondam d'ns de HasthuU. —
Rob'tus de Sheppey, et matild' uxor ejus. — Radu's Hunte. — Henricus Dodenhale. — Adam Botenere, maior. — Agnes
Michel, mater Ada' [Botener]. — Joh'is Maxstocke, et Alicia, uxor ejus. — Alicia, uxor Ranulphi Damet. — Will'mus
Home. — Joh'es Pomfrett Ball', et Agnes uxor. — Thomas Parker. — Johanna Bowde. — PhiUippus Corley, et Isabella,
uxor ejus. — Adam Makehayte. — Symon de Shepeye, et Margareta uxor. — Robertus Spencer, et Isabella uxor. — Joh'es
Spencer, filius Rob'ti. — Joh'es Multon. — Nicolaus Oxborowe. — Joh'es Marchall, et Margareta uxor. — Rob'tus Koke, et
Juliana uxor, et Joh'es, filius eor' Isold Belvile. — Joh'es de Toneworth, mortuus apud Bergavenny. — Hugo de Malton.
— Joh'es de "Toltham. — Henricus de Doncaster. — Ric'us le Latymer. — Alionaro de Stoneleye. — Isabella Leycester. —
Robertus Rydewale. — Ric. Lateur. — Rogerus Box. — Agues Sampson. — Thomas le Wardir. — Agnes le Spicer. — D'ns
Joh'es de Langford, mUes et Gonstabularius de Kenelworth. — Rob'tus Dowbrugg, et Alicia uxor. — Henricus Verney,
et AUcia uxor. — Joh'es Verdun, miles. — Joh'es Botener. — Rogerus Bray, et Emma uxor. — Thomas Bray, filius Rogeri,
cum fiUis et filiabz. — Will'mus Weduisbury, et Alicia uxor. — Thomas de Clendon.— Isabella Glym.— Joh'es Exton. —
Adam Botener, et Alicia. — Joh'es Manby, et Margar'. — GaUrid' de Langley, Matildis censors ejus. — D'na Margareta
de Pinkenye. — Will'mus de Beuler. — Walterus de Langley. — Isabella de Hull. — Ric' Shypton, cum Marger' censors. —
Sara, uxor Rob'ti de Stokes. — Henricus de BaUard, et Agnes. — Richardus de Weston, et Alicia. — Joh'es de Cleibroke.
— Joh'es de Mynoth. — Alexander de Filonglyes, et Ric' dubber, et Beatrix. — Joh'es Hunt. — Agnet' Maxstock. — Eliena
Corby. — Henricus Yginton, sacre the'. — Joh'es Wyohard,"' et AUcia. — Joh'es Knyte. — Juliana, quonda' d'na de
HasthuU. — Robt' Fa'chaw, cum Felice, uxor qui dedit fontem de dodmanswell. — Rogerus de Monte alto. Junior. —
Symon ColushuU. — Alicias de Wyldshire. — Juliana de AUeslye. — Juliana de Wylenhale. — Symon de Tolham. — Henricus
de Paylenton, et Alicia uxor. — Amicia uxor Symonis Chyld, — Will'mus Lutemon. — Thomas Celer, et Petrus, filius. —
Will'mus Path'. — Joh'es de Eton. — Walterus Tyrell, et Walterus filius. — Ricus de Rockingham. — Rogerus Camerarius.
— D'ni Thome Blunt. — Ranulphus Palmer, Benefactor magnus, cum uxor. — Joh'es Warde, primus Maior Coventrise.
[1369, Katherine, the Countess of Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, by will dated
August 4, 1369, bequeathed to the Friars Minors of Coventry, £20.]
A more complete iUustration of the favourable opinion generally entertained of this
order need not be produced than is afforded by the forgoing ample list of persons buried
within their Church, many of whom were of considerable rank in society ; and it is evident,
that however much these Mendicant Friars were obnoxious to the wealthy and weU-endowed
regular Monks, they stood high in public estimation.
1420, In Stevens's Continuation to the Monasticon, vol. 2, p. 93, is a Letter of filiation
to Thomas Compton and wife, "^^ given in our Provincial Chapter, held at Coventry, 15th
August, 1420."
1448, John Lusterley, bequeaths 10s. to the Grey Friars,
1449, By an entry in the Accounts of the Smith's Company, for this and subsequent
years, it appears they gave the Grey Friars annually, " Sawtfysch & Stokefysh," the cost
whereof for 1449 was 9d.
'*¦ AUce Wyschard, by Will, dated 1401, bequeaths 6s.8d, to the Friers Minors, in Coventry, and directs
her body to be buried there.
200 GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY.
1487, The MS. Annals of the City, under the present year, mention an occurrence at
Coventry, which although it does not agree with our Historians, and is certainly wrong as it
respects M. Swart, yet has a circumstantiality in the recital which renders it very surprising
how such an erroneous account could have originated, if altogether false. It is as foUows : —
" One Martaine Swart, tooke the Orgen makers sonne (at the Battle of Newark, 16th June, 1487), who was
reported to be the Ducke of Clarence sone, & brought him to Coventry. And on wensday after St. Petter's daye, one
Thomas Harrington, was beheaded on the Conditte by the buUe, and was buried at the gray ffriers ; he called him
selfe the duck of Clarence sonne."
Another MS. says, "he was proved afterwards to be an Organ maker's son of Oxford."
1493, John Wylgrise, of Coventry, by wiU, gives 6s. 8d. to the Grey Friars, for a dirge
and mass. Thomas Bradmedow, draper, bequeaths 40s. to the reparation of their Church.
1495, Sir Henry Mumford* and Sir Robert Mallerie were beheaded under Binley
GaUows for Treason ; their heads put upon Bablake and Grey Friars gates, and their bodies
buried at the Grey Friars.
[1509. Sir Edward Raleigh, Knight, gave 10s. to the Friars Minors at Coventry, and
a like sum to the White Friars.]
1517, William Pisford bequeaths 20s. to them.
1518, John Haddon,t draper, by wiU, dated 23rd March, gives as follows : —
" Item, I bequeth to the gray freres, in Coventre, for ij TrentaU', xxs. Also, I wiU the said Feliship of Drapers,
geve yerely to the gray freres, in Coventre, on saint Giles day, vs., and the said gray freres to kepe a masse ou the
said day of saint Giles, aud the dirige on the evyn, for me and my wyfe, and aU my frends soules ; and the kepers of
the drap's for the yere beinge, to be at the said masse, and they to see a frere say daily masse for me and my wyfe,
in saint Anne's Chapell for ever, in the said freres, as they be bounde for the Repa'cion made by me in the said
freres Church, as it appereth by a pair of Indentures made betwene me and the wardeyn and Covent of the said
freres." By an entry in the Accounts of the Trinity Gild for the same year, it appears they gave
20s. annually to the Warden of the Grey Friars for Wine and Wax.
[1519. Seven persons condemned for heresy by the Bishop of Chester in Coventry :
they were removed to Maxtoke Castle, when their families were taken into the Grey Friars'
Monastery by Friar Stafford the Warden, who examined the chUdren, The parents were
burnt in the Little Park, and the children turned out of the monastery, the church having
seized their property.]
"1520, This year,J was the Rode\\ sett at the Grey ffi-yers, and the new Chappell made
first in the Churchyard."
1521, In the Accounts ofthe Corpus Christi GUd for this year, is an item — "to the
grey frerrs ; " and in 1531, it is called — " in alms to the grey freres : " no sum is mentioned,
both items being included in a general entry, but it is evident they gave money annuaUy
to this Society, '* City MS. Annals. f Copy penes, T. S. X City MS. Annals. || Vide Pisford's WiU.
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY. 201
1522, Richard Verney, of Compton Verney, Esq., bequeaths 20s. to them.
Henry Pisford's wUl bears date the same year, wherein he directs that as soon as may
be after his decease, there be said for him five Trentals, in the worship of the five wounds
of our blessed Lord, and they to be said in five days, and the Priest that says Mass to
remember the first day the wounds of the right hand, the second day the wounds of his left
hand, the third day the wounds of his most precious and blessed heart, the fourth and the
fifth days the wounds of his two feet, and to have him in remembrance, and to pray to the
blessed Lord of Heaven for the blood that he shed out of those five wounds, to have mercy
on him, and to take him to his grace. And in the worship of the said five wounds, he willed
that his Executor should cause to be made five lights, and set them before the Picture of
our Lord in the (jrrey Friars Church. He Hkewise ordered 100 marks to enlarge the Rood
Chapel there, that people might have more room to see the devotion therein.
In pursuance of this Will, Indentures* were made, 17th June, 24th Henry 8, 1532,
between WUliam Wygston, of Leicester, and Thomas Whyttel, of Shepey, his Executors,
and other persons. Inhabitants of Coventry, of the one part, and Master William Wall,
doctor of divinity, master of the Grey Friars, in Coventry, John Stafford, Warden, and the
Convent of the same, of the other part; which recites, that William Pisford, the elder,
and Henry, his son, merchants of Coventry, had, in their lifetime, given and bestowed the
sum of 400 Marks and upwards, upon the building of a Ghapel in the Churchyard of the
said Friars, which now is called the Rood Chapel, and many other charitable deeds had
done to the said Convent, in consideration of all which, the said Friars, vrith one consent,
assembled in their Chapter house, grant to the said William, Thomas, and others, that an
honest Priest of their Convent, shaU daily say Mass within the said Chapel, or else in the
Church of the Grey Friars (if there is any impediment to the saying Mass in the Chapel),
for the souls of WUHam Pisford, the elder, William and Henry, his sons, Agnes, Jone,
and Elinor, his Wives, &c. ; and when he goes to the first Lavatory after the gospel, to say
de profundis with the Collect inclina, for the souls aforesaid. The Chaunter of the said
Friars to weekly appoint in a table the name of him who shaU keep the said Mass, and a
BeU to be rung to stir the people to come to it. Further, they undertake to keep an Obit
yearly, about the 15th of May, and bhey grant, as much as in them is, that the said William
Pisford and others, shaU be partakers in all their Masses, Prayers, Fasting, Penance,
Preaching, and aU other good deeds they shall henceforth do. This grant to be openly read
twice a year, viz., on the Vigil of AllhaUows, and on the day of search, when all the Friars
are bound to be afore the Chapter Provincial. The Executors gave £10 for ornaments to the
Church, at the executing of the Indentures.
We are now fast approaching to the period when this Friary was suppressed ; previous
to the account of which, it may be remarked, that the City Annals notice three Chapters
of the Grey Friars, held in Coventry, viz., in 1472, 1489, and again in 1505, which last
Chapter was held on the Sunday of St. Bartholomew's day, when they went in procession
about the City, and were, says the MS. royally received at the White Friars ; from whence
they went to the Priory, and there had a Sermon from Friar Doctor James Standysh.f
Another Chapter, held in 1420, has already been noticed under that year.
*¦ Extracted from the Original Indenture in the Treasury, Box 67, No. 10.
f In 1490, he was admitted a Member of Corpus Christi Gild.
BB
202
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY.
" Before the suppression of the Monasteries," Dugdale has justly remarked, " this City
was very famous for the Pageants that were played therein, upon Corpus Christi day j which
occasioning very great confiuence of people thither, from far and near, was of no small
benefit thereto ; which Pageants being acted with mighty state and reverence by the Friars
of this House, had Theatres for the several Scenes, very large and high, placed upon
wheels, and drawn to all the eminent parts ofthe City, for the better advantage of Spectators ;
and contained the story of the Old and New Testament, composed into old English Rithme,
as appeareth by an ancient MS., intitled Ludus* Corporis Christi, or Ludus Ooventrim.
" I have been told by some old people, who in their younger years were eye-witnesses
of these Pageants so acted, that the yearly confluence of people to see that show was extra
ordinary great, and yielded no small advantage to this City."
[1483. Richard 3rd saw the plays at Corpus Christi,
1492. Henry 7th and his Queen saw the plays at Whitsuntide.
1519. New plays performed at Corpus Christi tide,]
Upon the Survey of Religious Houses, taken in the 26th Henry 8, 1534, it appeared
that the Grey Friars here, had neither Lands, Tenements, nor other possessions, spiritual or
temporal, but were wholly supported by Charity. It is well observed by Dugdale, that
as nothing was to be got by their ruin, the storm of the foUowing year passed over them,
but on the dissolution of all the great Houses, 30th Henry 8, 1538, they were compeUed to
subscribe the following Instrument, under their common Seal, whereby they surrendered
this House into the King's hands : —
For as moche, as wee the Warden and Freers of the House of Saynt Frances, in Coventre, commonly callyd
the Grey Freers, in Coventre, in the County of Warwick, doo profoundly consider, that the perfection of Christian
livinge dothe nott consist in dume Ceremonies, werynge of a grey coot, disgeasinge our selfe aftur straunge fassions,
dokynge, noddynge, and beckyng, in gurdyng our selves wythe a gurdle fuUe of knotts, and other like Papisticall
Ceremonies, wherein we hade ben mooste principaUy practised ond mislyd in tymes paste : but the very tru waye to
plese God, and to live a tru Christian mon, wytheout all ypocrisie, and fayned diseimulation is sinceerly declared
unto us by our M'r Christe, his Evangelists and Aposteles ; being myndyd hereaftur to foUowe the same, conform-
ynge our self unto the vrill and plesure of our Supreme hedde under Gode in erthe, the Kynges Majestie ; and not to
folowe henseforth the superstitius traditions of ony forinseoall potentate or peere ; wythe mutuall assent and
consent, doo submit our selves unto the mercy of owre seide Soverayng Lord. And wythe like mutuaU assent and
consent, do surrendre and yelde up into the hondes of the same, all our seide House of Saynt Frances, iu the Cite
of Coventre, commonly callyd the Grey Freers, in Coventre ; wythe alle the lends, tenements, gardens, medows,
waters, pondiards, fedings, pastm-es, comens. Rents, reversions ; and aUe other our interest, ryghtes, or titles,
appertaining unto the same. Mooste humbly beseechinge his mooste noble Grace to dispose of us, and of the same,
as beste shall stond wythe his mooste gracious pleasure. And further frely to graunte unto every on of us, his
license, under wretyng and Seealle, to chaunge our habitts into secular fashion ; and to receve suche maner of
livinges as other secular Priests commonly be preferred unto. And we aU faithfuUy shall pray unto Almighty God,
long to preserve his mooste noble Grace, wythe increse of moche felicite and honor. And in witnes of aUe and
singuler the premisses, wee the seide Warden and Covent of the Grey-Freeres, in Coventre, to thes presences have
putte our Covent Seealle, the fivithe day of October, iu the thertythe yere of the raynge of our mooste Soveraynge
Lord King Henry the eyghte, 1538.
Per me Johannem Stafford, Gardian
Per me Thomam Mailer
Per me Thomam Sanderson
Per me Johannem AbeU
Per me Johannem Woode
Per me Rogerum Lilly
Per me Thomam Aukock
Per me Matheum Walker
Per me Robartum Walker
Per me Thomam Bangsit
Per me Willielmum Gosnelle.
* Cotton MSS. British Mus. Vespasian D VIIL [This CoUection of Mysteries was printed in 8vo for the
Shakespeare Society, in 1841, under the Editorial care of J. 0. HalliweU, Esq., F.R.S,, &c.]
GREY PEIAES, COVENTEY. 203
The site or House of the Grey Friars, says Dugdale, was (inter alia) granted in 34th
Henry 8 (1542), to the Mayor, BaUiffs, and Commonalty of Coventry, and their successors for
ever ; but that it was not an entire grant of the whole fabric, is evident from the following
instrument :*
This Indenture, maid the second day of Ap'le, in the xxxiiij th yiere of the reign of o'r sov'eign lorde kyng henrie
the eight, Betwene Mr. John Saunders, now Meire of the Citie of Coventr', Mr. Cuthbert Joynor, & Mr. Jn'o Jelt,
Aldermen of the said Citie, of the on p'tie, and WiU'm Neel of StichaU, of the other p'tie, Witnesseth, that the said
Will' Neele, for the some of vjM. xiijs. iiij(Z. st'lyng to hyme truly pd by the said Meire & Aldermen, at thenseallyng
hereof, whereof the same Will. Neel knowl'egeth hymself truelie satisfied, aud the said Meir & Aldermen thereof
clerelie discharged by these p'mises, haith bargeyned & sold unto the same Meire & Aldermen, all tile tymber, 4"
stone, S; other stuff, of all man'r of Iwuses S; edy fices of, in, & upon, the lait grey ffreers, in the said Citie of Coventr',
Sc of, in, Sc upon, the Churche ^ Steple ther, with all his title and inte'sse iu the same, except Sc res'ved unto the said
Will. Neele, the Stone ^ other stuff, of, in, and upon, the revestre ^ ChapV house ther. And also xxii loids of other
Stone, ther appoynted & sold to Mr. Henrie Over, and except also, all other edific's ^ buyldyngs ther, which were not
sold by the kyng's g'es Surveyor ther, unto the said WUl. Neele. In Wittness, &c.
The work of destruction continued to proceed here, and a considerable quantity of the
stone was used for the waUs, and other public works of the City, as is shewn in the extracts
from the Chamberlains' Accounts, which foUow : —
In the Chamberlains' Accounts for 1539 are the following entries which I find a difificulty in explaining, the
Rood Chapel being then finished and no account has been discovered of other work going on at the time.
It' for cariag of Stone from the grey freers, vjd.
It' for caring of iij lode of stone fro' the gre friers, xijd.
It' for caryng vj lode of stone fro' the freers, xijd.
It' to ij laborers for takyng done the stone fro lodyng hyt fro' the gre friers, xd.
1543, It', pd for cariag of xxv loid stone from the grey freers, vjs. iijd.
1 547, It', pd for caring of xij loid stone from ye freers, ijs. — It', for caraig of x loid from ye freers to ye cawsey ,
xxd. — It', for xiiij loid from ye same, ijs. iiij(?.
1562, It', for gettyng stone in the grey freers.
[1607. Steeple repaired by one John Brookes.]
In 1623, are the foUowing items, in the accounts of SwiUington's Trustees . —
Pd to Wm. Woodhard, Mason, for work done in Grey Friars Churchyard, in digging of stone, vijs. — Getting
stone in the same xs. vjd.
In the same Accounts for 1644 first occurs a payment of £8, due at Michaelmas, to
Humphrey Burton, Town Clerk, "in respect of the Grey Friers Churchyard, which he
bought of Thomas Downes ; " and this entry continues for several years.
By Indenture, bearing date April 1, 1661, the Mayor, BaiHffs, and Commonalty, con
veyed to Alderman Thomas Basnet, aU that piece or parcel of ground caUed the Grey Friars
Churchyard, and a bam standing thereon, with aU out-houses and edifices, reserving to the
said Mayor, &c., the Steeple of stone, and Conduit, caUed Grey Friars Conduit, with free
Hberty to repair and amend the same, and the Town wall; paying the yearly reserved
fee-farm rent of five pounds. The Churchyard, containing about three acres of ground,
after various transfers,t was, in 1 784, purchased by the late Mr. Peter Seager, at whose death
'* Original iu Treasury, Box 62.
t [In October, 1668, John Basnett, son and heir of Alderman Basnett, sold it to Nathaniel Baanett, clerk, who
in 1698 sold it to John Hutt, by whom it was sold in 1699 to Samuel Critchlow, draper, who disposed of it in 1718 to
William KeeUng, clothier. He left it by will in 1746, to his daughter, Mary KeeUng, who in 1747 married John Joyce,
presser. She survived her husband, and in 1772 sold it to Samuel Reader, wool-stapler, by whom it was sold in 1784
to Peter Seager, sen., gardener. — Coventry Mercury, April, 1825,]
204
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY.
it became the property of his son, and subsequently, viz., in the year 1815, several aUotments
of it adjoining Grey Friars lane and Cheylesmore Road, were sold for the purpose of building
upon. [In 1820 a new street, called Union street, was laid out directly across it, connecting
Cow lane with the bottom of Hertford street.]
The beautiful and simply elegant Spire of this Church, which was spared at the general
demolition of the Convent, and so properly reserved to the City in the grant of the Church
yard above recited, stUl continues (thanks to the good taste and public spirit which preserved
it) an ornament to the City, and a choice example of the architectural skiU of our forefathers.
That this elegant relic has been a favourite object with the inhabitants of Coventry,
and has received the attention it so well deserved, appears in the extracts from the City
Annals, given below.
1676. This year Grey Friars Steeple* was repaired, and a gilt globe set on the top of it.
The Corporation, on the 5th of April, 1676, "Agreed that so soone as Gray friers steeple
is repaired, and the spire thereof compleated, this House wiU allow twentie pounds towards
the charges thereof."t The Drapers' Company also gave £2. towards the charges.
1699. On the 7th of Pebruary was a dreadful tempest of wind, which blew down the
top of Grey Friars Steeple, and the globe that stood thereon.
1739. Mr. Edward Owen, Attorney, of Coventry, at his own expense repaired the
spire of Grey Friars Church. Upwards of eight yards were rebuilt.
1763. Dec. 17, the top of Grey Friars Steeple was blown down by a very high wind.
1771. July 16, the workmen began to repair Grey Friars Steeple, and to rebuUd the
top which had been blown down in 1 763 ; a gilt baU and vane was set on it.
Eminent oe Rbmaekable Chaeactees belonging to the Geey Fel4.es,
Under the latter designation may be placed Friar John Bredon, of this Convent, who
made a very conspicuous figure in Coventry. He appears to have been a man of strong '
feelings, active, zealous, and occasionaUy turbulent in his proceedings, at length causing his
removal from the City, by an order of privy seal.
In 1424, a considerable tumult happened in Coventry, occasioned by the preaching of
one John Grace, in which Friar Bredon being greatly concerned, the entire account of it,
as recorded in the Leet Book,J is given below.
At the feest of saynt andrew the apostuU, ye yer of o'r liege lorde our Kyng Henry the vjte, aft'r the conquest,
the iijd, com John Grace, ye w'ch at that tyme was callyd John Grace heremyte, and sithen men said he was a
'* The top of the Spire was blown down in 1551, and much other damage done iu the City.
t Com. Coun, Book, p. 243. X Idem, fo. 24.
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY. 205
moonke, aft'r y't a frere, and sithen a recluse, com in to this Cite, and prechid v dales to gethur, in the lytuU p'ke,
seyng y't he was lycenciate, & licens had to p'che, of the bischops minyst's of this diocese. And he had p'chid at
lichfeld ther in the Close, among the Canons, iij dayes to gethur — and aft'r he p'chid at Brymmyngham, and aft'r at
WaUsall, and aft'r y't at CollyshuU, and so com down hithur, the w'ch John Grace was, at that tyme a famous man
amongs the peopuU, y'ras he had p'chid, seyng that he was a g'cyous man in sayng and a hooly lyver, and many
m'velous made and shewed, for the w'ch sayng, many men trowen that it had byn so as hit was said apon hym afore
tyme, and that causyd the people the more tenderer to her his p'chyng ; but nev' the later apon the said saynt
andrew day, when the said John Grace had p'chid, hit was said he was nott licenciate, nor noo lycens had to p'che,
notwt' standyng he hym selffe said in ev'y s'mon y't he made, y't he was licenciate and lycens had to p'che ; and at
the same day, at aft'r none, when Evensong was doon, Ric' Croseby, p'our of saynt mary church, in Coventr', was in
p'pose to have gone into ye pulpit, in the t'nyte churche, as the comen voise was, then to have denouncyd acursyd aU
tho' y't herd the s'mon of the said John Grace ; and soo what thurgh ye gov'nance of the p'our, and the sayng of
oone M'r John Bredon, frere of the Gray frers, in Coventr', castyng ov'thwart words amongs the people, grett seyng
was a mong the people y't the p'our and frer Bredon, wo'ld have c'sed aU tho' y't herden the said John Grace p'che :
ffor the w'ch sayngs, ye p'our nor ye said frere Bredon wo'ld nott goo oute of the church unto ye tyme y't the maior
com to hem, notwt'standyng they myght have goone well inowghe whethur thei wold, & y't wott allmyghty god ; and
apon this matt'r above namyd, grett noise rose in the Contre, y't the comens of Coventre wer' rysen, and wold have
dlstroyd the p'our aud the said frer, wher god wott hit was not so, nor non suche thyng wrought nor p'posid ; the
w'ch noise com to the counsell of the said o'r leige lorde, for the w'ch the counsell at y't tyme beying in london, let'en
make a Pre to ye maior & bayleffes and comens of this Cite, of the w'ch the tenor folowth in thes words : —
The Letter is not wholly inserted in the Leet Book, but so much only as follows : —
" Trusty and welbelovyd we grett you well ; and for as moche y't now late hit hate byn reportyd unto us Sc sum
of o'r councell, y't a c'ten p'son, sumtyme a monke, aftr — "
The preceding account of this affair, it must be recollected, is the statement made by
the Corporation, and doubtless, is a partial one, under all the circumstances of the case.
The King's Letter was foUowed by an appointment of the Earl of Warwick, and a special
Commission of Justices to enquire into it ; and in the Lent following they assembled at
Coventry, for that purpose. After much trouble and great charges for counsel, and other
expenses, amounting to upwards of £80, the matter was put at rest.
In the MS. Annals we have the following account of tbis transaction : —
1424. This year the Hermit preached in the little park, and had a great audience.
1425. The Earl of Warwick came to Coventry, to seize on the Franchises, and inquisition was made of John
Grace, and the Mayor arrested him and brought him to the Gaol of the City.
The next notice of Bredon is indicative of his busy spirit.
1438. This year'* Frier Breeden got the old stryke again.
In 1446, the same meddling and factious disposition induced him to preach in both
the Parish Churches here, during Advent, against the custom of the Cathedral Church in
retaining the Tapers used at funerals ; exciting open resistance to this custom, not only by
his preaching, but by Bills which he caused to be set upon the Church doors, promising to
deUver the people from the thraldom of Pharaoh (as he designated the Prior), and declaring
that no City in England was so bound as Coventry, nor so covetous a place as the Priory
there. The consequence of these proceedings was a complaint to Parhament, by the Prior ;
whereupon Bredon was made publicly to recant these opinions, in the Parish Churches, at
Coventry, and then removed from the City never to return.
=* MS. Annals.
206 GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY.
The particulars are given below in correct copies of the original documents*.
By ye King.
Trusty and welbeloved, ffor asmyche as ye knowe wel, we were late enfourmed, that ye shulde have now late
openly preched and aflermed c'tain opinions, in our Citee of Coventr', sownyng ayenst both god's lawe and our's : —
By the p'ching of ye which opinions, ye ded yat yat in you was to have stured and moeved ye people of our said
Citee otherwise yan wel. Wherof might have grewe inconvenients, which we willing to avoide, wol and charge you
streitely, yat anon aft'r ye sight of yees aU excusac'ons ceesing, ye departe oute of our said Citee of Coventr', and
goo to ye minist'r provincial of your Order, or to his Vicar, and be ruled and demened as we write unto him in yia
behalf ; — and we wol yat ye leve not yis on ye feith and ligeance yat ye owe unto us, and as ye wol eschue our
grevous indignac'on. Yeven, &c. at Wesm', ye xiiij day of march, ye xxi iij yer, &c.
To ffrer John Bredon, ffrer minor, of the Covent of Coventre.
By ye King,
Trusty and welbeloved, ffor as much as we wer late enformed, yat ffrer John Bredon, ffrer minonr, in ye
Convent of our Cite of Coventr', shuld have now late openly p'ched and affermed c'tain opinions in our said Citee,
sownyng ayenst both god's lawe and ours ; By ye p'ching and affirmac'on of ye which opinions, he deed yat yat in
him was to have soed and moeved ye people of our said Cite other wise yen wel, and a yenst ye laudable custumes
herebefore had and used, in our Cathedral Chirch, ye which in yat yat in us is we wol and owe to mainteine and
susteine, for as much as we beth yeir sov'ain lord and patron, and for as much as we wold have alle our subgittes to
lyve in rest and pees, aft'r god's lawe and our's, and no ying to be shewed or p'ched unto yeim, but yat yat might
sowne to good, and be to reste and wele of our people, — and also for as much, as ye said ffrer John, hath openly
p'ched, as it is above said, we wol yerfor and charge you straitely, yat anoon aft' ye sight of yees, aU oy'r yings left
and excusac'ons ceesing, ye remoeve ye said ffrer John from ye said Convent of our said Cite of Coventr', unto som'
oy'r Conve't of your Ord'r, xl' or 1' mile yens or more ; and yat ye charge him from hens forward not to come at our
said Cite, ne to p'che of ye said opinions in any place : and we wol yat in no wise ye leve yis, as ye wol eschue our
grevouse indignac'on. Yeven, &c, ut sup'a. To iirer Thomas Radnor, minist'r p'vincial of ye ffrer menores, in yis our
Reaume of England, or to his Vicair, havyng power in his absence.
By the King.
Trusty and welbeloved, ffor as much, as we wer late enfourmed yat flirer John Bredon, ffrer menour, in ye
Convent of our Cite of Coventre, shuld have now late p'ched and affermed c'taine opinions in our said Cite sowny'g
ayenst both god's lawe and our's, whereof we beth evel co'tente yif it be so : of ye which opinions, ye said ffrer hath
p'missed and is sworen to make revocac'on and renunciac'on aft' ye tenure of a cedule, endented tripartite, ye on
remaynyng toward us, in ye office of our p'vie seal, the other toward ye said Priour and Convent, of ye same place,
and ye thrid towards ye said ffrer, of ye which we send you a copie closed withinne yese, by our welbeloved s'vant
Ric' George, sergeant of Armes, it is oonteigned more at large : and for asmoch, as it is gretely nedeful and spedefuU
for ye good of all holy Chirche, us, and our people, revocac'on of all unlawful opinions beshewed yer and unto such
p'sones, as yey have be p'ched unto herebefore ; the said ffrer, hath y'fore, incom'andement of us, by y'advys of ye
lords sperituel and temp'ell, in yis oure p'sent p'lement, to go to our said Cite, and yere openly to sey in ye Pulpit, in
ye Parish Chirches of 'our sid Citee, on' day festival, or ij, ye next festival dayes, yat he shal come to our said Citee,
before all ye people yen being in ye same, aft' ye tyme of ye offring, accustumed y'r so yat yey may here hit at ye
tyme of ye hegh masse, iu ye same Chirch, all yat yat is conteigned in ye same cedule, and neiy'r more neiy'r lasse ;
and yif yat he do it not, or refuse it to do, or wold sey oy'r more or lasse, on eny ying yat might tourne to ye
comoc'ou of our people, yat yen ye mayre com'itte him yerfor to p'son, ye'r to a byde unto ye tyme yat we yeve you
other com'aundement, and yat ye our said Mair c'tifie us in alle goodly haste, what yat ye do hereinne, and wol yat
in no wise ye leve yis.
Yeven, &c. ut sup'a. To ye mair, BaiUifs, and worthymen, of our Cite of Coventre.
Frere John Bredon, Frere Minor of the Convent of Coventry, his recantation of his preching and speaking
against the custome of the Cathedrall Church of Coventry, which used to have the aparail of wax of every person
deceased, whose corps was first to be brought into that Churchf .
Hit is not unknowen, that where the priour and covent of the chirche cathedral of our Lady seynt Marye of
this Citee of Coventre, p'sons and p'prietaries of the parissh chirches of the same, and theire predecessours have had,
posseded, and used to have as in right of the said cliirche of tyme that no mynde man is the coutrarye, that what
p'son dye within this said Citee, suburbes, and hamelettes of the same, hath been first broughte to the said cathedral
chirch, with apparille of wex there to abide, tylle the masse and other observance to cristen peopel p'teynyng be
complete, aud had the corps thereof then to be beryed outher at the same cathedral chirche, or eUes at oon of the
* Cotton MS. Cleopatra, E, III., fo. 90.
t This introduction and the concluding paragraph, commencing " Explicit," are not in the Cotton MS., but are found
in the Bodleian Transcript.
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY. 207
parissh chirches or chirch yerde, where the p'sone of the deed corps was conv'saunt, or there where in his lif he
chase his sepulture, and the seyde appariUe of wex remaynyng with the seide cathedral chirche to the use of the
same : which title and possession is good als welle by the lawe sp'uall, as by the lawe temporall.
" I, Frere John Bredon, frere minour of the covente of the same cite, in the tyme of the holy advent of oure
lorde last passed, in the parissh chirches of this same citee, ayens the said custom and title, as oure sov'ain lorde the
Kyng and the lordes sp'uall and temporall been acerted, oponly preched and affermed, that aUe man'er offerynges
owen to be yeven alonely to theyme that mynistren the Sacramentes to the p'isshens. Also that neither the pope,
ne alle the worlde, may compelle eny mau to offerr eny thing yn the seid cathedral chirche. Also that neither the
pope, ne alle the worlde may make but that a fre man in his laste wiUe, may dispose the lightes p'erteynyug to his
corps where so ever he wUle. And so that I inducyng the p'isshens of the said parissh chirches, to execute my
purpose, bad that they shulde boldely bere the lightes of the corpses fro that tyme forward, to here parissh chirche,
or whither they elles woulde, notwithstondyug eny contrarie use, p'mittyng my selfe to defende theyme that so did.
Seiyng that in Englond was not so bonde a Citee as this Citee of Coventre is, in kepyng and observying the said
custom, and promittyng my selfe to make this same Citee free, so that the said priom' and coventte shuld not prevaile
to have the said custom, which sayng might cause the people to turne theire hertys fro the said prior and covent,
and fro observyng the said lawfull custom. And also that I said, that in Englond was not so covettous a place as
was the priorye of Coventre. Also that I impugnyng the said custom by a nother unlawfnU mean, said and affermed,
that eny custom howe long so ev' hit be, thowe hit be of a C yeres, if hit be yn p'judice of coe' wele, it is unlawful!
and that the said custom is iu p'judice of coe' good, be cause hit is p'judicial to the parissh chirches of Holy Trinite
and Seynt MicheU, of Coventre, and therefore that hit is unlawfuU. Also that I seid, that alonely they that mynistren
the Sacramentes and mynistren aboute the corpses, as Vicars and parissh prestes shuld have the Obvencions and
profites of the corpses, and not the monke of the Priorye, which may not mynistre the Sacramentes.
Also, that I, in my billes that I made to be set upon the chirche dores, in this said Citee, promysed to delyv'
the people of this same Citee, fro' the thraldom of Pharao, the which sownyth ayenst the said cathedral chirche, and
the lawfuU Custom of the same. In alle these premisses, by the lordes sp'uall and temporall, by the co'maundement
of oure said sov'ain lorde the Kyng, duely examyned is founden matier upon the which migth sue grete incon
veniences ayens the lawes of god, of the chirche, aud of oure said sov'ain lorde, and also p'judiciall to the said Priour
and Covent ; Wherfore I, the same Frere, if I meynteyn or justifie the said unlawfuU Opynions or any of theyme, or
who so ev' soo doo, been worthy to be sore punysshed and chastised by the lawe of the chirche. And, therfore, as
ferre as I have suche matiers or opynions affermed, preched, or thaught, I, the same frere, revoke and renounce theyme,
and yche of theyme, prayng and exhortyng you that yee gif neither f aithe ne credence to theyme, ne execute theyme
in eny wise. Wherfore, I nowe wele avysed and meeved thereto in conscience exhorte and pray you to kepe and
observe the said laudable custom iu puttyng away and eschewyug hurt and offence of conscience, and also avoydyng
punyssment due. And to alle theyme that done contrarie to the same custom, for als muche as hit is a custume
com'endable, and so owyng to be kept and observed, to encrese of mede by pleasure made to almighty god, who
graunte you aud me to lif in this world, aftir juste lawes and lawfull customs vertuosly, soo that wee may deserve
to rejoyse* hevenly recompense ev'lastyngly. Amen.
Explicit revocatio J. Bredon, fratris Minorum, in judicia contra priorem & conventum Conveutrise, & contra
plures alios ecclesiasticos, anno Domini MiU'mo CCCC'mo xlvj'to.
In the same year, viz., April 30, 1446t, the Mayor assembled the City CouncU,
To commune & to trete for the p'fet Sc wele of the Cite, and in speciall for declaracion of a centens, yeven for
the Priour Sc Convent of the CathedraU churche of our lady of Coventre, ayeynest John Bredon ffrere mynor, of
Coventre, in the Court of my lordes of Caunturbury, &;c. who after due deliberation, appointed 7 persons to be
procutores for all the co'ialtie of the Cite of Coventre, ayeynest the P'our & Convent aforseyd ; and on the Wednes
day next folowing, a procrery for the Meire Sc the co'ialtie aforeseyde, in the mater aforenamed, was sealed at seynt
marihalle, under the comen Scale & the meire's Seale.
This seems to have been a dispute, in which the rights of the Commonalty were con
cerned, but the particulars whereof do not appear ; it is an additional proof however of
Bredon's restless temper.
WILLIAM NORTON, a Franciscan, or Grey Friar of this Convent, is described by
Pitts, f as a person of superior manners, and learned both in Philosophy and Theology.
He flourished about the year 1403, and wrote Repertorium Lirce, librum unum, a copy of
which is amongst the MSS. in Lincoln CoUege, Oxford.
* Enjoy, Ih: f Leet Book, fo. 129, b. f p. 557.
208 GEEY PELiES, COVENTEY.
Cfjrist Cfiurcij,
[The idea of adding a church to the Grey Friars' Steeple originated with the late
Mr. W. Bunney, who, in 1819, offered to contribute £500 towards its erection ; circulars were
distributed inviting contributions in aid of the project, but from some cause the scheme was
abandoned. Mr. Bunney, however, by will left a sum of 200 guineas, in aid of any future
undertaking. In 1825 the proposition was revived atthe recommendation of the then Bishop
ofthe Diocese, Dr. Ryder, and a public meeting having been called it was determined
to carry out the design. A sum of £2,300 having been raised, including the bequest of
Mr. Bunney : £50 from the Bishop, 150 guineas from the Corporation, the Drapers' Company,
100 guineas, the Marquis of Hertford, £100, E. EUice, Esq., M.P., £100, W. Digby, Esq.,
£50, Messrs. Vere and Co., London, £50, Messrs. Doxat and Co., £50, T. Morris, Esq., £50,
Messrs. Adams, Son, and Bell, £50, Mr. Townsend, £50, George Lant, Esq., £100,
Messrs. Bunney and Sons, £50, T. Bache, Esq., £30, Messrs. Beck and Prime, 30 guineas, &c.
The Corporation presented the tower and spire, and the site, H.M, Commissioners
purchased the surrounding land, and contracted with Mr. J. Walthew, of Birmingham, to
erect the Church according to plans and specifications prepared by Messrs. Rickman and
Hutchinson, Architects, paying the remaining portion of the estimated expense of the building.
The first stone of the Church was laid on the 15th of March, 1830, by the
Rev. R. Simpson, Vicar of St. Michael's, and the building was consecrated by the Bishop of
the Diocese on the 3rd of August, 1832. The style of the architecture (decorated) is similar
to that ofthe steeple to which it is annexed, the length within the waUs being 124 ft., the
breadth, 55 ft. It is constructed with galleries on the north, south, and west sides, the
sittings in which are all free. The Church is calculated to contain 1450 sittings, 920 of
which are free, and 530 appropriated. The chancel is formed by the space beneath the tower,
the reading desk standing on the north side and the pulpit on the south. The communion
chairs were the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Akroyd; the Rev. T. H. Tragett gave the candlesticks ;
and Mrs. Tragett worked and presented the altar cloth. The nave and aisles are chiefly
occupied by the very objectionable pews which prevailed at the period when the church was
built. A vestry adjoins the chancel on the north side. In the tower is one bell. The font
is at the west end, and in the western gallery is an organ, by Banfield, erected in 1846 at
an expense of £345, which superseded a smaU one presented by Captain Bunney. The
instrument has two Manuals and 2^ octaves of Pedals. The Great Organ contains Open, Stopt,
and Double Diapasons, Principal, Fifteenth, Twelfth, Sesquialtera, Trumpet, Clarion, and
Cremona; the Swell Organ comprises Stopt and Open Diapasons, Principal, Hautboy, Horn,
Harmonica, and the lower octaves being continued vrith Stopt and Double Diapasons as a
Choir Organ from F below middle to GG ; the Pedal Organ compass is from CCC to E.
There are six Composition Pedals and three Couplers. Mr. A. Trickett is the present
Organist.
'&•"
During the excavations in 1829 the workmen employed dug up from the site numerous
fragments of the ancient buildings : three corbels finely carved, many encaustic
tUes, one bearing the arms of the Earl of Cornwall, another those of Earl Beauchamp, of
Warwick, portion of a pillar of the old nave, and a piscina, on the north side of the tower, in
a good state of preservation were discovered. Many human bones, sepulchral stones, and
traces of the old foundations were laid bare ; and from measurements taken by Mr. W. Reader
GEEY PEIAES, COVENTEY, 209
it appears that the ancient limits of the old Grey Friars' Church must have been very
considerable. The choir extended eastwards from the present steeple 36 yards, having a
breadth of 10 yards. The rood chapel or lantern beneath the tower was 4| yards in width
by 3 yards in length. The north transept measured 11 yards by 7 J, the south 9^ by 7^.
St. Nicholas' Chapel was lif yards in length by 8 in breadth. The nave measured about
30 yards by 10, the north and south aisles 30 yards by 5 yards each, so that the entire length
of the church, within the waUs was therefore about 240 feet, the breadth, across the
transepts, 75 feet, across nave and aisles, 60 feet. The whole of the roofs were formerly
covered with lead.
In 1831 the tower was cased with new stone, aiid the spire fresh pointed. The steeple
measures as foUows : — ft. in,
From the ground to the top of tower ... ... 96 0
Height of spire only ... ... ... ... ... 107 6
Spindle of Weather vane ... ... ... ... 79
Total 201 3
The baU is of copper, 2 feet in diameter.
In 1858 the entrance was improved by the removal of some stabling and the erection of
iron gates and pahsades. The church underwent a thorough repair in 1863, and the ball and
vane were taken down by Mr. Frith and replaced by him after being re-gilt ; the spire being
at the same time examined and pointed.
The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the Vicar of St. Michael's, the
income is variable, being mainly dependent on the receipts for the pews appropriated. The
net value as given in the Diocesan Calendar for this year, 1870, is £179. The foUowing is a
list of the Incumbents : —
1832, T. HEATHCOTE TRAGETT, M.A,
1837, HIPPESLET MACLEAN, M.A.
1844, CHARLES BELLAIRS, M.A.
1845, H. T. HARRIS, B.A., the present Incumbent.]
CC
St Plata's lall, C0&Mr£.
The site of this buUding was granted, between the years 1279 and 1293, by Guy de
TyUebroke, Vicar of St. Michael's, to Wm. Cole, of Coventry, and his heirs, charged with
the supporting a Lamp before the High Altar in that Church.
The Licence for founding St. Mary's Gild was given by Edward IIL, in his 14th year,
1340, and in the Ordinances or Rules* ofthe Gild, specific mention is made of this HaU, viz.,
that an annual meeting of the Master, Brothers, and Sisters, should be held on the day of our
Lady's Assumption, " en la sale n're dame," which Rule being written 21st September, 16th
of Edward 3, 1342, fixes the period of its erection, or commencement, between the years
1340 and 1342. It is not to be understood from this assertion, that the whole of St. Mary's
Hall, as it now stands, was then built ; on the contrary, it will be shown hereafter, that the
present Great Hall was subsequently constructed, and after the union of the GUds. The
Kitchen bears marks of being part of the original structure, and, indeed, has been assigned
to that period by the late eminently skilful architectural Antiquary, Mr. John Carter. The
key stone in the groined roof of the porch, representing the Virgin crowned by the Deity,
may be also referred to the original building ; and it is remarkable, that though the constant
designation of the united Gilds was the Trinity Gild (unless in cases where legal circum-
stantiahty required the full titles), yet this Hall has uniformly maintained its original
appellation. In 1350t, Henry le Pleur and his Wife, grant to Wm. Luffe, Master of St. Mary's GUd,
and Nich. de Baddesley, Priest, Brother of the said Gild, the perpetual keeping of the afore
named Lamp in St. Michael's Church, with all expenses appertaining thereto, charging their
Heirs, Executors, and all their Goods and Tenements for ever, to the due execution thereof.
And accordingly, in the annual chargesj of this Gild, about the end of Edward the 3rd's
reign, St. Mary's Hall is thus mentioned : —
" For St. Mary HaU, 20s. which Agnes de la Muyr pays for the said Hall, one Lamp with the Oil, &c., burning
day and night before the High Altar, in St. Michael's Church, of which payment the Fraternity are discharged by
Henry le Fleur."
In 1364, 8th Aug.,|| 38th of Edw. IIL, Henry de Dodenhale, of Coventry, Merchant,
conveys to Nich. MicheU, Henry Clerk, Richd. de Stoke, and three others, "totu' illud
messuagiu' cu' p'tinen' in Coventre, quod vocat' seynte Marie Hall, jacens ex opp'ito
eccl'ie s'ci Mich'is in latitudine & in longitudine sc'd'm metas & divisas ibim factas," with
lands, tenements, &c. &c., very numerous, the property of St. Mary's Gild, and which had
been invested in him as a Trustee.
¦* Penes, T. S. f Original in Treasury. X GUd MS. penes, T. S. || Original in Treasury.
MINSTREL GRLLERXJ
tOBBY, y CORPORATE
SECOHD FLOOR PLAN ,
FIRST FLOOR PL««.
SAINT MARYS HALL
COVENTRY.
ST. MAEy's HALL, COVENTEY. 211
It appears that the Mayors were accustomed to hold their meetings here, as early as 1387,*
in which year it is recorded that " the Commons rose and threw loaves of bread at the Mayor's
head, in St. Mary's Hall, because the bakers kept not the assize, neither did the Mayor
punish them according to his office."
Another Deed of Feoffmentf of the possessions of the GUd of the Holy Trinity, St.
Mary, and St. John Baptist, dated 20th Sept., 17th of Rich, 2, 1393, contains the following
description of St, Mary's HaU : —
" unu' messuagium quod vocat' Seynte maryhall, unde tres pedes terre iu latitudine, a vico vocato Baillylone,
inf murum dicti' messuagii ex p'te occidentali Sc quand'm vacuam placeam Prioris & Covent' ejusd' ville usq'
angulum australem turris Tyredioti raessuagii Sc ties &hoTpe in ant'iori p'te ac quedam camera supra Portam ejusd'm
Messuagii edificate sunt p'cella situat' ex opposite eccl'ie S'ci mich'is ejusdem ville, ex p'te australi inf dictam vacuam
placeam et ten' Ead'i Coupe' ex p'te oriental! & extendit se a d'co BaiUy-lone, usq' quandam vacuam placeam terre,
quam WUl's Lynne, Glover, modo tenet ex p'te australi."t
The City Annals, under the year 1 394, John Crosse, Mayor, mention that, " he, with
John Onley, and Robert Shipley, || and others, did erect St. Mary's Hall.
1414, this year, according to the City Annals, St. Mary's HaU was finished.
Dugdale supposes "by the form of its fabrick and other Testimonies, § that it was built
about the beginning of Henry the 6th's time." The difference in point of time, between the
date given in the City Annals and Dugdale's conjecture, is too unimportant ro require very
minute investigation, otherwise many reasons might be adduced in favour of the accuracy
of the former date ; and it may suffice to observe, that all the Personages whose Portraits were
put in the Windows of the Hall, excepting John Duke of Norfolk, Isabel Countess of Warwick,
and Henry 6, were Hving in 1414, or within a few years, and subsequent to the assigned date
of commencing the new Hall, viz. 1394. It is observable, that the Portrait of William
Beauchamp, who died in 1411, represents a man in years, whereas, Richard Earl of Warwick,
appears by the engraving, given in Dugdale, to be a younger person, and without a beard ;
and as the name of Isabel his Countess is found in the list of Members in this Gild, and not
her Husband (who was much of his time abroad), it seems probable, that when she became
a Sister of the Gild, her Portrait and that of her Husband, were in compliment to such a
celebrated and neighbouring Baron, put in one of the Windows, which it by no means seems
necessary to conceive were all filled with stained glass, at the finishing ofthe building in 1414.
Upon the same principle, we may account for the introduction of the Duke of Norfolk's
portrait, who did not receive the title until 1427; and with respect to Henry 6, it would
have been strange indeed if the Gild had not introduced his portrait in the great window,
though another was removed, as most Hkely was the case. Of the respect paid to this
Sovereign by the Gild (whose kindness and attachment to the City well deserved such a
return), we shall find a further proof presently, in the account of the celebrated Tapestry
under the North window. '* MS, Annals. f Original in Treasury.
IX " One messuage which is called St. Mary's HaU, from whence three feet in breadth from the street called
Bailey Lane, between the waU of the said messuage on the west side, and a certain vacant place belonging to the
Prior and Convent of the said city, even to the southern corner of the tower of the said messuage, and three shops
in the anterior part, and a certain chamber buUt above the gate of the said messuage are parcel, situate opposite to
St. Michael's Church iu the said city, on the south side, between the said vacant place and the tenement of
Ralph Couper on the east side, and extends itself from the said Bailey Lane to a certain vacant place of laud which
William Lynne, glover, now holds, on the southern part."]
II His portrait is in one of the Windows. § Insignia in fenestris.
212 ST, MAEY'S HALL, COVENTEY.
In 1446, St. Mary's Hall was robbed on AUhaUow's day*, and in the following year,
John Hirdis and Wm. Lingham, were hanged for it.
An original document preserved in the Treasury Box, 27, gives a very particular
account of this Robbery, and the proceedings against one of the Robbers, of which the
foUowing is an abstract : —
Thomas Walton, of Westminster, Yeoman, alias was tried before John Lusterley,
Mayor of Coventry, and his companions. Justices of the Peace within the said town, on a
charge, that he, with other persons unknown, did, on 24th April,t 1446, 24th Henry 6,
break into St. Mary's Hall, by night, and stole from thence One standing Cup of Silver
and gilt, two bowls of silver and two covers of silver gilt, two silver dishes caUed " spice
disshes," one small table (tabulam) of silver gUt, two " knoppes," one silver trumpet,
one silver Cup and cover caUed "a boUe cuppe," two silver Cups, four silver spoons
gilt, one Cup of silver called " a stondynge cuppe," six sUver Bowls and covers, one Cup
caUed "a gild Cuppe," "a stondyng cuppe" of silver, one silver goblet, one silver
" Salt-seler," with cover, and twenty-four silver spoons, value two hundred Marks, the
property of the Trinity Gild. He was also charged with a minor robbery in Coventry, of
13s. Id. in money, on the 27th of October following. To these charges he pleaded
not guilty, but a verdict of guilty was found by the Jury, and he was accordingly
sentenced to be hung ; upon which he claimed benefit of Clergy, saying he was of the
Clergy. — In consequence of this he was delivered over to the Ordinaries of the Diocese,
and the Bishop issued his Writ to the Archdeacon of Coventry, and the Priests of the
two Parish Churches here, dated 11th October, 1447, commanding them on each Sunday
and Festival at the time of Mass, whilst the greatest number of persons are assembled
in the said Churches, and in the Market of the said City, and other frequented places
where expedient, to make public proclamation, that if any one was able or willing to accuse
the aforesaid Thomas concerning these charges, or to object to his purgation, he should
appear before the said Bishop, or his Vicar general in spiritual concerns, in the prebendal
Church of Eccleshall, on Tuesday, 28th Nov. following, and then and there bring forward
his charges and objections.
The result of this claim does not appear, but it may be inferred from the power of the
Clergy at this period, and the fact of two differently named persons being mentioned in the
City Annals, as suffering for this Robbery, that Walton escaped punishment.
1457. The Trinity GUdJ expended—
"in escambio de pewtur- vessell, ad aulam be' marie', xxxvs. iiij(?. ob."
And in the same year's accounts is the following entry : —
If m, sol' p' 1 lb, fill ferr' ad ligand' una' fenestram, inf'a coquinam, ad aulam be' marie, iijd.
[1462, 23 Oct., If p' brasyng unius key ad le weket aula be' marie, jd.
21 Dec, If p' vj barres ferri p' fenestris iu aula be' marie, pond' viijH., xijd.
28 — If p' emendac'oe unius panelle de vit in aula be' marie, iiijs. jd.
1464, 12 Jan., If p' a jemew to a almery ad aul' s'ce marie, ijd. — Gild Accounts.
* MS. Annals. The Corporation had an annual Feast on that day.
[f An evident mistake has arisen here, AllhaUows' or All Saints' day falls on the 1st of November.]
X Gild Accounts.
ST. MAEy's HALL, COVENTEY. 213
1469, 9 Aug. If Joh'i tynker p'emeudac'oe magne pateue in aula s. m., ijd.
If at the taverne undyr seynt maryhall a grate p's, ijs. iiij^.
If sol' for a cleket locke at the tav'ne under seynt mary haU, viijff.]
1470, If p. xxv lb. yron war', to holde up the batellyng at seynt mary hall, p's iijs. jd. ob.
(The battlements were again repaired in 1684.)
1472, If m, paied to Thom's Philipps, for ij dales warkemanshypp, in reperyng the lede, to serche the heme
ov'r the hye dees, in seint Marie haU, and to make fast the tablettes aboute the Toure, at the seid haU, xvjd.
[1473, If paied for a plate lok yt shetteth ovr the barr of Seynt Marie HaU yate, ijs. vjd.
If paied for mendyng of the paved florthes in seint Marie Hall and in ye p'lor, iijd.
If for xxti new tyles to the same yt lacked, ijd. — Gild Accounts.
1474, If p' mattys p' aula le marie, ijs. viijd.
If p'r pavyng in le court apud aiUam be' Marie, xxd.]
1561. In the accounts of the Drapers' Company for this year, is the ensuing item; and
amongst the Rules of that Company, is an order for the Members to attend the Master to
Church, and to St. Mary's HaU, on Holydays, although it will be recoUected the Drapers
had a HaU of their own.
If, p'd to the plym'r, for workmanshyppe, Sc vj lb. of sooder, at Sent Mary haU, ov'r o'r chambre, iujs. iuj(?.
The Drapers continued to occupy this Chamber, probably as a place of greater security ;
and in 1618, expended —
For makyng of the presse and boxes therein, and for making the Checker, in the Companies Chamber, and place
of meeting, iijli.
The Company of Mercers in 1589, first held their Meetings and Assemblies at this Hall,
in the room adjoining the entrance porch, stUl called the Mercers' Chapel ; respecting which,
various entries occur in the Accounts of that Company, some of which are here given.
1589. pd ffor Carrige of harness to the haule, xd.
pd fEor buckles to the harness & threed to hange it up, iuj<i.
pd fEor bread & Ale at two meetings in the haule, xij^.
1590. pd the towne wardens for iij qrts. rent of our haule, vs.
Charges of the new haulle.
pd John Cookeson & his man, for 14 dayes woorke, xixs. xd.
(the like to Wm. Taylor and his man ; another for 10 days, and sundry charges for window bars, lead,
timber, nails, laths, lime, and hair.)
pd Pickeringe, for bords for the cheker, viijs. iiij(?.
pd for makinge the Cubbard & plaining the Cheker, iiijs. iiij<Z.
pd for benchinge, iijs. vjd. mats for benches Sc nayling them downe, iijs. iiij(?.
pd for the mats underfoote, xxd.
(Glue, coals, bricks, lock and key, hinges, &c.)
pd for vij yards of boards, xviijd.
pd to harrison the painter, iujs,
pd to durram the painter, for paintinge the Armes,* xjs. viijd.
pd for ij bookes of fyne golde, & j oz. vermilUon, iijs. iiij<?.
pd for Uj foote of glasse, at OJ a foote, xxviijs. iid. Som' is vijli. xvjs. ixd.
1593, pd for the waynscotte in owr haU abowte the Checker, w'th the Crestes, xxiiijs.
pd the paynter, for settinge the Queenes Armes in the HaU, & for the golde thereof, xiijs.
1597, pd for makinge the dore into our hall, & stopinge the olde dore into the strete, xxjs. vij^.
1682, paid the Citty Wardens for the Chappell Rent, in the HaU, 6s. Sd.
This is the first mention of it by the term Ghapel, being untU now called the Hall.
* These remain (1870), with the original date, 1590, beneath.
214 ST. MAEy's hall, COVENTEY.
[The Mercers' Company continued to pay 63. 8d. per annum untU 1710, when the
foUowing memorandum in the Council House Book records a new arrangement,
1709-10, Feb. 8, Ordered that the Mercers' Company do have a lease of the " Mercers' Chapell " at St. Mary's
Hall, and 12 feet square adjoining, under the cloysters in the court, and the use of the Kitchen and Great Hall for
their public dinners on particular occasions, for 99 years from 25th March 1710, at 40s. rent.
In 1 789, however, the Company gave it up altogether.]
[The MS. Annals state that Mary, Queen of Scots, was confined in the Mayoress's
parlour during one of her temporary sojourns in this city, but the date given in that record
(1566) is too early by several years, and probably refers to her removal to Coventry for
security, under the care of the Earls of Huntingdon and Shrewsbury, in the year 1569,
A letter from Queen Elizabeth is preserved among the muniments, dated 1570, addressed
to the Mayor, &c., giving instructions for her safe keeping.]
1581, Charges about St. Mary's HaU among other things, Whitening the HaU wtin, iijs.
pd to the payntr for the utter gates and for leying the redd and yellowe, xxxiijs. iiij(^.
1596, p'd to Harrison's wiffe for working the Elevants in the new table clothe, towells, and napkins, xs. — City
Accounts. On the 3rd of April, 1603, the Princess Elizabeth, eldest daughter of James I., was
entertained in St. Mary's Hall with great state, and presented with a silver cup which cost
the city £29. 16s. 8d. She dined in the Great Hall, the Mayoress's parlour being fitted up
sumptuously for her reception.
In 1611 Prince Henry, with a train of NobUity, came to Coventry, and was entertained
at St. Mary's HaU.
On the 2nd of September, 1617, James I. visited Coventry, and was splendidly enter
tained, together with his attendants, in St. Mary's HaU.
1617. This year a great lottery was held in the Hall, to which great numbers of
people resorted. — Turner's MSS.
1655, Paid for taking down and setting up a table when the Lord Henry Cromwell was here, Gd. — City Accounts.
Upon the restoration of Charles II. the City surrendered to the King the Feefarm Rents,
which they had pm'chased during the usm'pation, presenting him at the same time with a
sUver bason and ewer, weighing 305 oz. and which cost £152. 15s. 6d., and 50 pieces of
gold. The disloyalty of the City during the Civil Wars rendered some acts of conciliation
now necessary, and to this, amongst other considerations, the purchase of the portraits
of Charles I. and II. may be attributed.
In 1661 the Butchers' Company held their feast here.
[1662. James, Duke of Ormond, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, his Duchess, and a train
of Nobility, sumptuously entertained at St. Mary's HaU, on the 12th of July.
1687. On the 1st of September James II. came to Coventry, and was received with
great demonstrations, the city presenting him with a gold cup and cover of the value of
about £170. His Majesty breakfasted at St. Mary's Hall.
ST, mary's hall, coventey. 215
1711. A decree having been made by the Lord Chancellor requiring the Mayor and
Corporation to settle all arrears due to Sir Thomas White's Charity estate, amounting to
£2241. Is. 3d., they sold the plate, &c., belonging to them for that purpose, but the pro
ceeds of the sale being still insufficient, a sequestration was granted to Mr. Thomas Wright
and other Commissioners, who seized St. Mary's Hall and all its contents ; they also demanded
the sword and mace, but this does not appear to have been complied with.
On November 1, in the same year great disturbances took place at the election of the
new Mayor (Joseph Eburne) who was ultimately sworn in on a cushion laid in the open
street. The sword and mace, which had been previously hidden, after being used for this
occasion was again secreted at Oanley, being privately conveyed there in a basket of wool.
1727. On the pulling down of the old Drapery, the Hnen, fiannel, and cloth fairs were
removed to St. Mary's HaU.
1755. During the Mayoralty of John Hewitt, the HaU, which had been previously
paved with tiles (the upper end, or dais, on which the Mayor's table was placed, excepted)
was new floored with wood. Nearly 600 persons attended the festivity held on this occasion.
1 760. Great rejoicings were celebrated in this and the foUowing year on the proclama
tion and coronation of George III. The Corporation and City Companies assembling on
both occasions at St. Mary's HaU. The jubUee of this monarch was commemorated in 1809
with much festivity, and a banquet was held in St. Mary's Hall.
About the year 1824 the Corporation determined to effect the reparation of this noble
structure, which had become much dUapidated, and confided the arrangements to an eminent
architect, Mr. Stedman Whitwell. Plans were prepared by him, not only for the substantial
repairs of the buUding, but to restore the original character and appearance of the HaU, and
remove the incongruities which had at various times, and in defiance of all correct taste,
been introduced, and greatly marred the effect of this noble room.
The execution of the work of restoration was carried on during successive years, and
alterations and improvements have subsequently been made in 1834-5, during the Mayoralty
of Mr. Eld, and chiefly under the direction of that gentleman, tending much to the con
venience and comfort of the various apartments of this edifice, and highly creditable to the
taste of those by whom they have been effected.
In 1861-2, during the Mayoralty of T. Soden, Esq., a range of new buildings was
erected by the 'Corporation, adjoining the Hall, comprising a Police Court, Surveyor's,
Accountant Clerk's, and other offices, communicating by means of corridors and stairs with
the old edffice. They are in the Gotldc style, were designed by the late Mr. J. Murray, and
cost nearly £3,000. They are bounded on the north side by BaUey Lane, and on the east by
St. Mary's Street, in which is the principal entrance.
Other important and necessary alterations and improvements have been carried out of
late years, including the warming of the Hall, Hghting with gas (by Mr. Skidmore), &c.,
the particulars of which will be treated upon under their separate heads.]
216 ST. maey's hall, coventey,
GENERAL DESCRIPTION,
[" The exterior presents a fine window, lighting the north end of the Great Hall, the lower
half of it fiUed with rich niches between the mullions, and beneath are five smaller arched
windows, and a doorway opening into the Crypt. The entrance to the buUding is by a
noble archway with carved oak doors, opening into a porch with a finely vaulted roof, on the
keystone of which is a representation of the Deity crowning the Virgin Mary (to whom the
HaU is dedicated) who, with hands conjoined, is seated beside him. Upon one of the
projecting stones from whence the inward arch springs, the Annunciation is sculptured ; the
figures of Mary and the Angel, with a fiowerpot between them, being still discernible,
though fast mouldering away. Grotesque nondescript animals decorate the opposite
springing of the roof. On the east side of the Porch is a lofty apartment, for some time
occupied as a residence for the Hall-keeper. It was at one time rented by the Mercers'
Company, the arms of which are painted upon one of the waUs.*
CRYPT.
" The Crypt is situated beneath the Great Hall, and extends its whole length and breadth.
It is of the same date as the superstructure, and consists of two chambers, the northern one
having narrow lights towards the street, with an entrance opposite St, Michael's Church,
The larger apartment is divided into two aisles by a row of octagonal pUlars down its centre.
One fiight of steps leads into the courtyard, whilst two others communicate with the kitchens.
Round the waUs at intervals are openings, intended apparently as receptacles for deeds and
other valuable property of the members of the gild to whom this hall belonged. Both
chambers are roofed with plain, groined stone vaulting, and within them are now preserved
some few objects of antiquarian interest : a stone coffin, a piece of stone panel work from
the cathedral (probably portion of a screen), some few carved oak Hntels and barge boards,
with an institution of later date — the superannuated city stocksf. This fine Crypt was for
many years used for stowing away rubbish, until it had accumulated several feet in thickness.
In 1856 aU this was cleared away, and a new flooring of tiles laid down. During the repa
rations two weUs were discovered beneath the floor.
KITCHEN.
" The Kitchen is of singular construction and great curiosity. On the east and south
sides of this extensive and ancient apartment are four chimneys, with communicating arches
between, and above them are as many windows ; an opening in the centre of the roof,
surmounted by a lanthom, serves for the emission of steam. On the north sides are lofty
and considerably pointed arches supported by octagonal pillars, and at each extremity of the
arches is sculptured the figure of an angel holding a shield, with a mark or monogram, in
which the letters I. & B. are very discernible. Massive oak tablesj of great antiquity form a
part of the furniture of this kitchen. Beyond is a room containing an oven, and there are
others for stores. A large fiight of stairs served to convey the good things of the kitchen
to the haU on festive days, in former times." ||
"¦ Sharp's History of Coventry. f Buried Coventry.
[X These have been for some years removed, and their places occupied by a permanent structure of brickwork
covered by iron plates, aud used for cooking purposes.
II Sharp's History of Coventry,
ST. MAEY^S HALL, COVENTEY. 217
[The foUowing items, from the GUd and other accounts, refer to this building and its
accessaries, 1459, Item, Mendyng the tabul Knyves, Gilde, jd.
1464, 6 April, If, p' ij syUs Sc iiij stondarts p' le waU inf le larderhows, & le wodhows ad aula s'ce marie, iijs.
1473, 29 Feb., If, Sapp lath to make a pen wt iiij flores to keep capons in of our store. — Gild Accounts.
1516, 27 May, P for a ston for an ovyn moth at Seynt Marihall.
1520, If for scourjmg all the pewtr vessells iu ye hall and for chalke, xviijd.
1579, Pd for mending 14 spits and one pair of Eackes, xviijd.
1581, Pd 2 men for xj days w'ke about the paynting over the Kytchen, armory, pastry ovens, and gate
house, xiijs. ixd. — Wardens' Accounts.
In 1806, during Mr. Goode's Mayoralty, the pewter vessels, &c., were all sold, and delph
ware purchased, with the City Arms upon it,
LOBBY AND STAIRCASE,
On the East side of the Court is an enclosed lobby of massive timber frame-work,
communicating on the north with the Mercers' Chapel or Hall, on the east with the new
buUdings, and on the south by a wide staircase with the corridor leading to the Great HaU.
In this chamber was formerly another staircase, giving access to the Mayoress's Parlour
above, but removed, on the erection of a new staircase in the corridor adjoining, during the
recent alterations. At the foot of the stairs leading to the Great Hall is a statue, supposed
to represent Henry 6, rescued from destruction on the demolition of the Cross, and presented
to the Corporation*, by whose directions it was placed in its present position,
GREAT HALL,
This is a magnificent room, 76 ft. 6 in. long, 30 ft. broad, and 34 ft. high ; the oak roof
of which is singularly rich in carvings, and exhibits on the centre of each beam admirable
whole length figures of angels playing on various musical instruments, viz., the crewth,
trumpet, cittern, harp, and bass fiute.f
WINDOWS.
The room is Hghted at the north or upper end and on both sides by noble windows, of
which the foUowing is a description taken from Dugdale's MSS., the particulars having been
taken by himself, June 1, 1653,
In the uppermost window on the West side of the Hall are these pictures, with armes on theire surcoates and
the foUowing inscriptions :
Hex Henricus Rex Gloriosus Eex Graciosus
FUius Eicardus Secundus Henricus Quartus
At the top of the window are these 2 coates
City of Canterbury (3 feathers)
In the second window on the west side are the pictures of these persons, in their robes at fuU length, and the
armes in esoocheons at their feete.
Humphrey Duke of Gloucester John Duke of Bedford Syr WiUiam Babyngton
[¦* By the late Mr, Sharp, Ed.] f Sharp's History of Coventry,
DD
218 ST. maey's HALL, COVENTEY.
In the third window on the West side"' are the pictures of these whose names are below exprest wth their armes
as here shewed : Humphrey Earl of StafEordf and John Duke of Norfolk.f
and the arms of Savile and Whittington lower down.
In the windows on ye East side of ye Hall are these pictures, viz., in ye upp' part of the window, having these
Insorip'n at theire feete. Thomas Arundell Eogerus Walden
Archiep. Cantuar. Episc. Londinen.
At the bottom of it in theire robes, these, w'th theire armes in shieldes and inscriptions,
Wm, Beauchampf and Joan his wife.f
In the upper part of the middle window of the same side are these pictures in their robes and yn armour :
Eichard, Earl of Warwick,f and Isabella, his wife.f
In the third window on the east side are the pictures of 2 bishops wth theire armes and inscriptions : —
Johannes Burghill, Eicardus,
Episc. Cov. et Lich.
The great North Window is divided into nine compartments, each containing, in rich
stained glass, a whole length figure under a splendid canopy; these are more or less injured,
and the inscriptions much mutilated, but the remains are sufficient to attest the skill and
talent of the artist, who was a native of Coventry, named John Thornton (by whom the
celebrated east window in York Minster was also executed) . This window was re-leaded
many years ago, at which time it was put together with so little care and taste that parts of
the same figure are scattered about, and the colours mixed in a most discordant manner,
Dugdale's description of the ancient glass, as it appeared in his time, will complete the series,
Eex. Will. Conquestor. Eex. Eich. Conquesior, Eex. egregius Henricus quintus. Eex magnimus Henricus
quartus. Constantinus Anglicus Imperator Christianissimus. Eex Arthurns Conquestor inclitus, Eex iUustris
Henricus tertius. Eex .... Henricus sextus.
In the upper part of which window are these Armes: —
K. Edward I., K. Henry VL, K. Edward IIL, the Emp. Constantine, K. Etheldred, the Citty of Coventre, the
old Earles of Hereford, the Earle of Cornwall, the Duke of Norm., the Kingdome of the East-Angles, the Earle of
Lancaster, the Kings of Man, the Citty of London, King Alfred (with quartering), K. Alfred, the D, of Aquitane,
the Citty of Tork, the Earles of Chester, Earle Leofrike,]
1471. If Joh'i Holme, for me'dyng wy'dowes at seynt mary haU, & changyng ye kyng'sj armys, xxd. — Gild
Accounts. [In the year 1826, the east and west windows were reglazed by Mr. Pemberton, of
Birmingham, from designs drawn by Mr. Pinley (an assistant to Mr. Whitwell), in imitation
of the old work; at the time it was considered a successful specimen of modern glass
staining, but unhappily the colours were not securely fixed, and are rapidly fading away.
In 1858 the outer compartments of four of these windows (which had previously been
fiUed with plaster) were opened, and glazed with diamond quarries of green glass.]
INSCRIPTIONS.
1571. This yere,|| the skreene of ston, with the brasse lease, was set up in St. Mary HaU.
[This screen was a cumbrous monumental kind of erection in stone at the lower end of
the great Hall, forming the centre of a tasteless wooden structure that grievously interfered
["" The ancient stained glass in these western windows was totaUy destroyed by the mob at a contested election
in 1780, popularly known as the " bludgeon fight."
t These figures are delineated in full in Dugdale's Antiquities of Warwickshire,
X Edward IV. in the room of Henry VI. || MS. Annals.]
ST, maey's HALL, COVENTEY, 219
with the general views of this noble room, whether from the entrance to it or looking south
from the upper end. Its place is now supplied by an antique and richly carved dwarf screen,
having an ample opening in the centre for admission into the Hall, and sufficiently separating
from it the passage of communication with the Council Chambers, &c.* The plate is now
fixed on the waU in the recess leading into the Mayoress's parlour.
The foUowing is a copy of the inscription, which is engraved in Old English characters : —
Memokaito. yt ye ryght highe & myghtie Prynce John late Duke of Northumb'lande deceassed, for ye right
hon'able zeale wch he bare to ye Citie of Cove'tr' & to ye pore i'habitaunte of ye same, by his dede inde'ted, dated ye
XII of August, in ye thirde yere of ye raygne of o'r late Soverigne Lord Kynge Edwarde ye Sixte, dymised, graunted,
cSc to ferme lett unto ye Maior, BaylifEes, & Comynalte of ye said Cytie, all his Manour of Chellesmore with ye Parke,
& aU ryghte me'bers and appurten'nce of ye same for ye terme of iiiixx [80] Sc xix yeres for ye uses, intente, &
purposes folowing, that is, yt. they & theyr successours for ye relief of ye pore of ye said Cytie should yerely take to
pasture in ye said Parke ye nomb'r of iiiixx kyen or heyefors & xxte geldynge, of soche pore inhabitaunce of ye said
Cytie & subburbe, as shall not haue ells where nighe ye said Citie sufficiente pasture, painge wekely for every cowe
or heifer Id, and for every geldynge lid.
Memorand. also, yt the right honorable Eobert Earle of Leycestr sone to ye said late Duke of Northumber
land, for ye like right honorable & earnest zeale yt he had to ye advauncement & settyng f orwarde of ye said godly
intente of his said Ffather, uppon his greate sute Sc request made to ye Queenes Maiestie our Sourign lady queen
Elizabeth, hath obtayned her Maiesties letters patentes under her greate scale of Engelande, whereby she graunted
to the said Maior, baylifies, & Comynaltie, and their successoures for ever, the said Manor and Parke of Chellesmore,
and other the premysses in ffee farme, for the ententes and uses aforsyde.
MBMOEAiJD. also, yt the said Maior, Bayliifes, and Comynalltye, have ooven'nted and graunted to & with ye
saide Earle, his executoures & admynystratours, truly to obserue & p'forme ye intentes, uses, and purposes before
mencioned ; & also that ye said p'misses nor any parte thereof shall not be ouer charged, but allwayes kepte in
such plyght as ye saide no'ber of cattell maye be at all tymes for ye saide moneye, weU and sufficiently kept, according
to ye season of ye yeare for euer. As by the saide Indenture, whereof the one parte remaynethe with the sayde
Mayor, BaylifEes, and Comynalltye, and the other parte withe the saide Earle, beareiuge date the fourth daye of
Aprell, in the Tenth Yere of the saide Queene Elizabeth appeareth, w'ch was in ye yere of grace 1568.]
1581, St. Mary's Hallf new painted within side, with the Arms of Queen Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester,
and plimies of Ostrich Feathers, in memory of Edward the Black Prince, with inscriptions in Latin and English.
[1582, Given to Mr. hoUand for devising all the verses in the hall, bothe latten and Englishe, xs. — Wardens'
Accounts. These Inscriptions were first painted upon the oak wainscot which surrounded the Hall,
but this being decayed, was removed at the time of the restoration in 1825, and the walls
coated with Roman cement (a most injudicious arrangement), on this the inscriptions were
carefuUy reproduced ; only two of these remain, at the upper end of the Hall.
PAINTINGS, &c.
The Paintings comprise a series of portraits of our Sovereigns, from Queen Mary to
George IV. inclusive ; those of Mary, Ehzabeth, James I., and Charles I. being half lengths,
the remainder whole lengths. The foUowing extracts refer to the decorations of this cha
racter in various parts of the building.
1586, pd to the paynter for paynting the picture of Goodina in the S. Maryhall, iijs. vjd.
1648, pd for setting up the picture of Tho. Jessou in St. Mary HaU, Gd.
1651, pd for refreshing the picture of Mr. Tho. Jesson, 6s. 8i^.
1651, 7 May, pd the painter for putting out the arms of the late king and prince in St. Mary HaU. vs. — City
Accounts]. 1660, St. Mary's HaUf whited within and without, and the King's Arms set up again.
* Sharp's History of Coventry, f MS. Annals. } Ibid.
220 ST. maey's HALL, COVENTEY,
Laide'* out for the Citty, in London.
pd for the Kinges Armes in oil and gould, & ye Frame, 31.
pd for do. iu water coU'rs 8 foote large, 11. 5s.
pd for the ij Kinges picktures, w'th the frames, 51. 10s.
pd for 3 cases to bring them all downe in, 12s. lOd.
1683, 23rd May, an Order of CouncU was made that Mr. Simon Burton (then in
London) " get some friend to go with him to see Mr. Ellis his picture of the Duke of York,
and if he approve of the alteration thereof since it was here, that then he wiU send it down
to be hung up in St. Mary Hall."
1 9 Sept. Ordered that a Frame be made for the duke of York's Picf r.
1690, Sth Oct.f Mr. Francis Harryman is desired to write unto his friend, in London, to buy the King & Queen's
Ma'ties pictures, for this Corporac'on, and to bestow thirtie pounds upon the same, and to bestow tenn pounds more
upon the frames for theise pictures.
1719, Ordered^ that the thanks of this House and Corpor.ation be ref d to Sir Adolphus Oughton. for his
valuable and most acceptable present of an extraordinary fine Picture of his Majesty (Geo. I.) to this Corp'n, and
that the said picture be sett up in St. Mary Hall.
On the 24th of September, 1792, a fine whole length portrait of his late Majesty,
George 3, by Lawrence, in the habit and order of the Garter, was presented to the City by
the Right Hon. Lord Eardley and J. Wilmot, Esq.,|| and placed in the HaU. It is esteemed an
excellent Hkeness, the King having sat several times to Mr. Lawrence, and has since been
copied by his Majesty's command, for the late Speaker, Mr. Abbott.
[In 1855 the late E. EUice, Esq., M.P., presented the City with a fine large painting of
the " Baccanali," supposed to be the work of Giordano. It occupies nearly the whole space
above the Minstrel GaUery in the Great HaU.
TAPESTRY,
There are only two entries hitherto found in the Gild and City Accounts, having
reference to this tapestry.]
1519. If to ij men, yt take upon them to me'de ye cloth of aras, by advice of M' Meir Sc his bred, xxvjs. viijd.
In 1605, is a charge in the City Accounts of 4s. 6d., "for vi ells of linen clothe, to line the cloth of arras at
St. Mary's HaU."
[This was the far-famed Tapestry, containing portraits of Henry 6, his Queen, and other
great personages of the time, a description of which here foUows : —
"The tapestry occupies the whole space beneath the north window, and measures
30 feet long by 10 feet high; it consists of six compartments, is divided into two tiers^
and iUustrates the intimate connection that subsisted between Coventry and the
unfortunate Henry VI. and his Queen. Both were members of the Trinity Gild, and
consequently had been visitors of the HaU, in which their munificence and attachment to the
City is thus gratefully recorded. The left-hand lower compartment is occupied with figures,
large as life, of Henry and the principal personages of his court. The King, who wears a cap
enriched with a jewel, is kneeling before a covered stand or table, on which are his crown
and missal, and behind him is Cardinal Beaufort, in a similar position ; all the other personages
are standing, and amongst these, one nearest the King, with a jewel in his cap, is with no
'* Original in Treasury, f Council House Book. J idem, || Then Members for the City,
ST. maey's HALL, COVENTEY. 221
small reason supposed to be " the good Duke Humphrey." The dresses are splendid and
various, furnishing very interesting specimens of the costume of that period ; in the back
ground are rich hangings, and an opening near the Eing discovers a distant view of the
country. " In the opposite division Queen Margaret and many ladies of her court are represented.
The Queen wears her crown, but is kneehng in like manner as the King, and her missal lies
on a covered table before her. The dress of the gallant-spirited Margaret is rich and
splendid ; a chain is suspended round her neck, and the head-dress, surmounted by her
crown, is far from inelegant. Amongst the attendants are two nuns, in their fuU costume,
and (as in the compartment first described) an opening in the back ground shows the country
and distant buildings.
" Above the compartment containing the King and his suite, are several of the apostles
with their appropriate symbols, and two Christian knights, one bearing a banner with the
cross displayed on it, the other a sword and anvil, emblematic of courage and fortitude ; the
back ground resembles those already described.
" The division opposite to this is fiUed with female saints and martyrs in the foUowing
order : St. Catherine, St. Barbara, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, or, according to some writers,
St. Dorothea, St. Faith, or Mary Magdalen, St. Margaret, St. Agnes, St. Wodwena, (in the
dress of an Abbess), St. Anne, and St. AppoUonia. One figure, about the middle of the
compartment, with hands joined in the attitude of prayer, and of which only the upper part
is visible, has nothing to distinguish her, and consequently remains unappropriated.
" In the lower division the Virgin Mary is represented in a state of glory, supported and
attended by angels, and under her feet the moon, upheld by an angel; clouds surrounding
the whole. Around her are the twelve apostles (six on each side,) in attitudes of devotional
adoration ; flowers are seen in the fore-ground ; and beyond, hills and sky,
" The compartment above, in its original and perfect state, represented the heavens
opened, and, upon a throne in the centre, God the Father seated, holding Christ extended
on the cross, which, with the Dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was a customary per
sonification of the Trinity, The zeal of our reformers, however, could not tolerate a pictorial
representation of this sacred mystery, and in consequence that portion of the tapestry was
cut away, and a poor figure of Justice inserted in its place. Indications of the original
splendid throne still remain, and over it the Hebrew characters of Jehovah. Angels, in
attitudes of adoration, are above the throne, and two on each side of it bear the various
instruments of the passion. A border surrounds the tapestry, showing that it was made for
the situation it now occupies, and the six compartments are divided with considerable taste.
" Underneath the tapestry and on either side, affixed to the wall, are the original oak
seats belonging to the High-dais, the elevation of which is not now preserved in consequence
of the floor of the HaU having been raised level therewith in 1755."*
Mr. Geo. Scharf, Jun., F.S.A., F.R.S.L., in a paper read before the Society of Antiquaries
in February, 1856, expressed opinions on the whole conflrmatory of the above description,
* Sharp's History of Coventry.
222 ST. maey's HALL, COVENTEY.
He, however, substitutes St. Gertrude of Nivelle for St. Wodwena in the upper right-hand
compartment, and particularizes more fully the personages represented in the upper left-hand
division. " The male saints * * * * commence from the centre with St. John the Baptist
in his hair shirt, covered with a red mantle ; he holds a book with the lamb resting on it,
bearing the cross and flag ; St. Matthias, or St. Jude, or St. Thomas holding a lance ; St. Paul
with a sword ; St. Adrian in armour, standing on a lion, and holding a sword and the anvil,
which was his instrument of martyrdom ; St. Peter with a key ; St. George holding a banner,
with a red cross on it ; he wears a cap instead of a helmet ; St. Andrew resting on his trans
verse cross ; St. Bartholomew with the knife ; St. Simon with the saw ; St, Thaddeus with
a halberd." Mr. Scharf considered that the design was Flemish, and that it was woven, and not
embroidered ; he also expressed his belief that it had been wrought in the beginning of the
16th century, and probably in this country, for the place it now occupies, as the lines of the
divisions in the tapestry accord with the window above it : the ornamental border too, is of
the same piece with the rest, and shows that it has never been reduced or altered in shape,
while it perfectly fits the position assigned to it.
At the bottom end of the Hall are two pieces of Tapestry mounted on screens, pur
chased at the sale at the Old Palace Yard in 1822, by Mr. Reader. Mr. Eld, when Mayor,
repurchased them for the Corporation, and caused them to be placed in St. Mary's HaU.]
CUSHIONS, &c.
1461. This year a very curious and minute entry of charges for repairing the cushions,
in St. Mary's Hall, occurs in the Gild Accounts : —
It'm. Eob'to Wylde, p' emendac'oe duar' bankers,"' ad aulam be' marie, & p' emendac'oe duar' doudenar de
qwyssyns,! vs. vd.
It'm, sol' Joh'i Honyburn, p' duabz douden' de peUibz oviu' p' lez qwyssyns, ad aulam be marie, vs.
It'm, sol' p' j lb. de alem, iiij<Z. ob. If p' j lb. Sc di' debrasell, ijs. vjd. It'm, sol' Joh'i Chest', Glov', p' colorac'one,
& dyghtyng de peUibz p'dc'is xijd. It'm, sol' p' uno Goldskyn, p' les knoppes, de dc'is qwyssyns, xjd. It'm, p' j ston
& di' de Feders, iijs. It'm, sol' p' facc'one de p'd eis qwyssyns, ijs.
1520, is another particular entry of the purchase of cushions for this Hall.
If, paid to Thom's Em'y, for vj fyne cossheu clothes, for seynt mary hall, xxijs.
If, for vj brasell skynnes for the same, iijs. vid. If for vj whyte skynues for lynyng, xxijd.
If, for makyng of the same cosshens, ijs. If, paid for vj od'r cusshens wt pellicauus, xxvjs. viijd.
If, for vj caU skynnes, & od'r vj for lyning, & for the coloryng vijs. ixd.
If, for Iviij lb. fedurs for all the cusshons, at ijd. ye lb. ixs. viijd,
[And again in 1530 —
Item pd for vj redd skynnes for amend' cusshyns in seynt Mary Hall, xxjd., aud makynge them new agen, xvjd.
The following item, referring to an embroidered table cover, may be here inserted.]
1618, Oct. 3.x Mr. Breers brought into the councell House, a faire salt clothe embroidered with gold, and
bestowed yt freelie uppon the cytie, w'ch is properly called a coverpane, and hath 52 buttones of golde, and foure
tasseUs of gold [for the grace|| of the Feast at St. Mary Hall, upon AllhaUows day, when the Mayor taketh his Oath],
* Benches. f Cushions. | CouncU House Book, 430. || MS. Wanley, Brit, Mus. 6388.
ST, maey's hall, COVENTEY. 223
[The Mayor and Corporation formerly wore robes. The only relics preserved indicative
of this custom are the peculiar garments used on state occasions by the sword and mace
bearers, chamberlain, and city crier : the caps worn by the two former officers are remarkably
quaint, and were renewed on the occasion of Her Majesty's visit to Coventry in June, 1858.*
They are kept at the Hall, together with the sword and mace, and other insignia belonging
to the Corporation. ORIEL,
"The Oriel is an elegant appendage to the Hall, and was rebuilt in 1826 with most
minute attention to every detail of the former one. The original ornamented oak ceihng
has been carefuUy replaced, and the windows are filled up with dimmed or ground glass, which
furnishes a pleasing background for the ribbon-like scrolls containing, in ancient-formed
black letters, the names of the principal " Benefactors to the City," amongst which, con
spicuously distinguished from the rest by a rich grotesque amber border, appear the names
of Leofric and Godiva. The recess of the Oriel (which is paved with some curious orna
mented tiles, part of the original flooring of the HaU) is fiUed up with a richly carved
antique oak sideboard, admirably suited to the place, and in harmony with the character of
the buUding. On the sides are two beautifully-executed figures, which formerly ornamented
the splendid City Cross. A passage or galleryt leads from this recess to the front of the
HaU, where, from an opening long since built up, it was customary in former times to pro
claim the Acts of Leet."J
" Opposite to the Oriel an arch of simUar form and dimensions has been reopened and
restored, which, whilst it greatly adds to the symmetry of the Hall, forms a very convenient
and appropriate communication with the Mayoress's Parlour, in the place of a modern
paneUed door which, in outrage of aU good taste, was formerly there,"
MAYORESS'S PARLOUR,
" This was a resting room from the Great Hall, and had been disfigured by plain plastered
waUs and ceUing, and a window in the Italian style. A few years after the restoration of
the Great HaU, during the Mayoralty of Mr. Eld, and chiefly from that gentleman's designs,
this room was restored in a style corresponding with the rest of the building. The window
is divided into five Hghts, branching into perpendicular tracery in the upper parts. The
ceUing is formed by mouldings into square panels, each being crossed by two diagonal ribs,
at the intersection of which is a rich boss. The fireplace is of stone formed by a low Tudor
arch, on each side of which are graduated buttresses, enclosing a niche and canopy. Over
the arch is a broad paneUing of quatrefoils, with a shield in each alternate compartment,
and over these a moulding ornamented with large bosses supporting the shelf of the
chimney-piece. The jambs are hollowed, and ornamented with elegant tracery copied from
the fire-place of the Banqueting Hall at Kenilworth Castle. The doors have carved panels
in a corresponding style, and there are two or three large chairs formed in imitation of
ancient models." || In this room are several of the paintings before mentioned.]
[* They will be found represented in the Illustrated London News of June 28, 1858.
t Also known as the " Wardens' pantry."] J Sharp's History of Coventry.
II Sharp's History of Coventry.
324 ST. maey's hall, coventey,
[The foUowing item from the Gild accounts has reference to it.
1474, Item for le payntyng in le p'lour, vd.
In 1785 the Mayoress's Parlour in St, Mary's HaU was altered and a new window
inserted on the south side.
In 1854 two windows on the north side, for many years blocked up, were re-opened and
glazed. In 1863 this room was specially fitted up for the ordinary meetings of the City Council,
but for many years previous it was used as a PoHce Court.
" The ancient Chair of State which now stands in the Mayoress's Parlour is of oak,
most elaborately carved, and the workmanship highly finished and beautiful, bearing on one
side a figure of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus : the opposite device is wanting. The
Arms of Coventry surmount the back of the chair on the one side, and on the other (which
was the centre in its complete state) are two lions rampant, supporting a crown, or perhaps
a coronet, but it is too much injured to allow of a positive decision. The chair, when perfect,
evidently was a double one, and probably used by the Master of the GUd and the Mayor for
the time being, though it may be presumed that Henry VI. and his Queen have occupied it."*
1579, Item, pd for carrage of the chere from S' Nicholas Hall to St. Mary Hall, vjd.
1585, paied the carpenter for ij dayes work about making of the steyres to the chere in St. Mary haU, xvjd. —
City Accounts.
MINSTREL GALLERY.
" The Minstrel GaUery, at the south end, forms an interesting and important feature in
the Hall. The ancient Civic Armour, which has been carefully cleaned and repaired, is weU
arranged in front of the Gallery, and, combined with the antique biUs and pikes, produces a
very striking effect. Beneath are three arched doorways leading to the council rooms and
kitchen, and above are several paintings, forming altogether a very striking coup d'oeil."t
SMALL COUNCIL CHAMBER.
This room is entered from the lower or south end of the Hall under the Minstrel GaUery,
and is fitted up with modern furniture, and is used as a Committee-room by the Corporate
and other bodies. Several local portraits, &c., adorn the walls, and over the fireplace is an
antique, piece of oak carving, representative of St, George and the Dragon,
THE OLD COUNCIL CHAMBER
Is also situated at the south end of the Hall, and was formerly used for the meetings of
the Council ; it was, until lately, furnished with suitable fittings for the accommodation
of that body, a raised seat at one end being appropriated for the mayor. The ceUing is of
oak, and the room is lighted by a small window, in which was once represented, in stained
glass, the City arms, and other heraldic symbols. It is also known as the " Prince's Chamber,"
* Sharp's History of Coventry. f Sharp's History of Coventry.
ST. maey's hall, coventey. 225
This room has been cleared out, and fitted up with cases for the preservation of, and
affording easy access to, a portion of our City records — in accordance with suggestions made
to the Council by Dr. Howard, who has kindly undertaken their arrangement. These
documents are for the most part exceedingly valuable and interesting, and throw great light
on many events connected with our local and national history. Among the most important
may be mentioned the City Leet Book, in 2 vols., a record of the transactions of the Court
Leet from Jan. 25 in the 8th year of Hen. 5 (1421) down to Oct. 23, 1834; two volumes
of Letters and Papers arranged in 1832-3 by Mr. Sharp and Mr. Eld; Humfrey Burton's
Book, 1635; old Minute and Account Books belonging to the Corporation; Account Books
of several of the Gilds; numerous Charters (the oldest dating 1153), deeds, and other
documents, numbering some thousands, to many of which valuable seals and autographs are
appended.*] 1452. In the Leet Book, fo. 157 b. is the foUowing —
Memorand' Also, aU the dedes, munimentes, Skrowes, charters, that longen to the lyvelode of the chambur of
this Cite of Coventre, lyon in a closette, withe in the forseyde Co'en Cofur, [in the miduU tower chaumbur of Sent
Mary HaUe] savely ther to be kepte. To the whiche Cofur, ther ben v lokkes & v keyes, of the whyche the
meyre hath oon, the mayster of Trinite yelde anodur, the maysf of Corpus xpi auodur, the Chamburlens anodur,
and the Wardens anodur, to thentent that they there shuld be the more savely kepte,
[In 1724, the writings and papers preserved in the Treasury at St. Mary's Hall, belonging
to the Corporation, were (by connivance of the Mayor) privately inspected by some persons
selected for that purpose, and materials for a book collected, and afterwards published,
entitled, An Account of the several Loans, Benefactions, and Charities belonging to the
City of Coventry. t
In July, 1864, many of these documents were exhibited in oases temporarily constructed
in the HaU, on the occasion of the visit of the Archseological Institute of Great Britain and
Ireland to this city, and were examined with much interest. *
These books and papers were recently inspected by H. T. Riley, Esq., one of H. M.
Commissioners appointed to enquire into the nature and condition of historical manuscripts,
and his opinion respecting them is embodied in a comprehensive report issued in a blue book
pubhshed last year under the authority of Government.
At the far end of the room is an entrance door to the Treasury in the middle story of
the Tower, in which are oak cases specially made for the purpose, and fitted with shding
trays containing a number of deeds and other documentsj belonging to the Corporation.]
['* Dr. Howard's Letter.
f Published by Wm. Eatten, Coventry, 1733, and subsequently reprinted by J. Turner in 1802.
X Much credit is due to Mr. E. G. Doggett for his careful arrangement of these documents.]
EE
226
ST. MAEY S HALL, COVENTEY.
TOWER.
[This tower stands at the south-east corner of the HaU, and is well shown in Buck's
general view of the City from the Park, published in 1731. It now consists of three vaulted
chambers ; access to the basement is obtained from the kitchen ; the middle or treasure
chamber communicates with the old councU room. The upper room is entered from the
armoury, at the back of the minstrel gaUery. It had formerly another chamber above this,
and traces of a commimicating stair turret stiU remain. The foUowing additional entries
refer to this tower : —
1466, 30th Nov. If p iiij bolts of yron in the tres'hows to the wyndows, viijd.
If p' a look in the tres'hows, Sc a key to the coyntroUer, xd. — Gild Accounts.
1689, This year Cfesar's tower, by St. Mary's HaU, repaired, MS. Annals.
1707, The gunpowder, ball, matchcord, and old gun barrels in the tower in St. Mary's HaU, ordered to be sold.
— Wardens' Accounts.]
ARMOURY AND ARMS.
[The Armoury is a timber-framed room situated over the two council chambers above
mentioned, and adjoining the minstrel gallery, with which it has access. It has a massive
open roof, the corbels supporting the principal timbers retaining some of their ancient
carving. This appartment is not used at present, except as a lumber room, but might be
made a desirable feature in some future restoration.
" The following is an inventory of military stores belonging to the City of Coventry at a
date shortly subsequent to a period when they were doubtlessly augmented on the alarm
caused by the Spanish Armada."* 21 Maij, 1589.
1. Ten newe corslettes w'th head-peeces, vambraces,
faces, and colters.
2. Eight Almon corslettes w'th head-peeces, coUers,
vambraces, and faces.
3. Thre corslettes w'th coUers, vambraces & taces,
w'thout head-peeces.
4. One Almon corslet w'thout coUer or headpeece.
5. One Almon corslet w'thout coUer, headpeece, elbow,
or forpart.
6. One back and brest of an Ahnon corslet.
7. Two old complet armors.
8. Eleven whit comorrians w'th viij crestes.
9. Twelve white Dutche morrians lyned w'th yeUowe
buckeram.
10. Foure black Dutch morrians, one of them lyned w'th
yeUowe buckeram.
11. Fourtene flasks w'th flappes unstrong.
12. Eleven tuchboxes w'th stringes.
13. Thre dosen of newe flappes.
14, Foure bandeliers.
15. One broken flaske & the topp of a flaske.
16. Foure bundles of matche waying (blank).
17. Foure horne flaskes w'thout stringes.
18. Thirtene old swordes w'thout skabardes, whereof
iij be broken.
19. Foure old daggars, and ij old dagger blades.
In the Gallery.
20. Seaventene black comorrians.
2 1 . Two old white sallettes,
22. Foure partizantes.
23. Two holberdes.
24. Foure gleves.
25. One spere poynt.
26. Twentie-two black bills.
27. Twentie-two bowes.
28. Twentie-foure sheafEe of arrowes.
29. Thirtie-one scuUs.
30. Fourtie-one pikes headded.
31. Ten light horsmens staves bedded.
32. Nyne pikes w'thout headdes.
33. Twentie light horsemens staves unheadded.
34. Eleven bill helves,
35. Fourteene short staves.
36. Eleven curriors.
37. Twentie-three caUivers, whereof ij be broken.
38. Twentie newe flaskes & tutchboxes stringed.
Eic' Smyth, maior.
Gentleman's Magazine, April, 1840.
ST. maey's hall, COVENTEY. 227
" These thinges under written were DeHvered forthe of Armory the 7th of November,
1605, when the Lady Elizabeth laye at Mr. Hopkyns."*
1. To mr Breres,f iij pikes, j partizant, & ij black bills. 6. To mr Bedford, ij horsemens staves, j corslet &
2. To mr Sewall, ij corslettes, uj pykes, j partizant, & ij bowes.
ij bills. 7. To mr Gravenor, j corslet, ij pikes, & ij billes.
3. To mr Eichardson, j corslet, j pike, iij black bills. 8. To mr Eogerson, iij bUls, ij pikes, & one corslett.
4. To mr Howcott, iij pikes, j corslet, iij biUs, 9. To mr Letherbarowe, iij biUs.
j partizant. 10. To mr CoUyns, maior, j partizant & ij halberdes.
5. To mr Walden, ij pikes, ij black biUs, j gleve.
The following entries from the City Accounts refer to the Armoury.
1614, paid for settinge upp the bills and pikes at S, M. H., iijs.
paid for bords to sett them in and for nayles & lether, ijs. iiiji^.
1643, pd for clensyng S. M. H., 1 Oct., 1642, after the Lord Brooke's magazine was removed from thence, ijs. vjd.
and to the crier in May last, for the like when the last magazine was laid in, ijs. vjd.
1661, paid for removing the arms from S. Mary Hall to Spon Tower, 6/-.
In 1640 fifty muskets and four barrels of powder were procured from London for the
use of the city, and the armour and arms belonging hereto were stored in a convenient place
in St. Mary's HaU.] * Gentleman's Magazine, AprU, 1840. f Then M.P. for the city.
Account of ^tctihim ^tnxi^, UE. anlr fjts ©uem, 1455,
M''- that the thursday next, aftur the fest of seynt Bartholomewe the postyll, the yere
reynyng of Kyng Herry the sixt, aftur the Conquest xxxiiij"' Richard Braytoft, yen beyng
Meyre, was made assemble yn seynt Mary Halle, of WorshipfuU p'sons, whos names folowen : —
(Here follows a list of 90 persons.)
The wheohe p'sones aboven rehersyd, then ordyned & p'vyded, that y'' shold a C marke
be levyed by the wardes yn Coventre, wherof L mark to be yeven to oure sov'ayne lady
the queue, & the other L marke to the Prynce, at her next comyng to Coventre.
Afturward, that ys for to sey, at the fest of the Exaltacion of the holy Crosse, the
xxxv** yere of Kyng Herry the sixt, at Coventre, L marke was yeven to oure sov'ayn lady
the queue, and the xx*" day of January then next folowyng, be the seyde Meyre and
his CounseU ; the other L marke of the seyd C marke, was rehv'ed to the CoUectours of
ev'y warde, aft'' the rate, as hit be endentures sev'ally made be twix the seyde Meyre & the
CoUectours apereth, savely to kepe to the use of the Prynce, when he comes to Coventre.
M"*' that the demene & rule that was made & shewed un to oure Sov'ayn lady the queue,
at Coventre, was thus as it foloweth yn Wrytyng ; that is for to sey, furst at Bablake, there
was made a Jesse,* ov' the yate right well, and there were shewed too speches as foloweth : —
ysay. IJ'nces most excellent, born of blode riall,
Choson queue of this region, conf orte to all hus ;
Wordes to yo"' magnificens woll I say thus,
1, ysay, replete w* y^ spirite p'pheticall.
Like as maukynde was gladdid by the birght of J'hus,
So shall yis empyre joy the birthe of yo'' bodye.
The knyghtly curage of P'nce Edward all men shall joy to se.
Jeremy. Emp'ce, queue, p'nces excellent, in on p'son aU iij,
I, Jeremy, y" p'phete, trew y'«s wordes of you wyll say,
This reme shall ioye ye blessyd-tyme of yC nativyte,
The mellyflue mekenes of y' p'son shall put all wo away,
Un to the rote of Jesse rote likkyn you well 1 may ;
The fragrante floure sprongen of you shall so eucrece & sprede.
That aUe the world yn ich p'ty shall cherisshe hym, love Sc drede.
Afturward, with inne the yate, at the Est yende, of Chirche, was sette a pagent right
well arayed, and y'in was shewed ij speches, on of seynt Edward, & the other of seynt John
Ev'ng', as foloweth :
S. Edward. Moder of mekenes. Dame M'garete, p'nces most exceUent,
I, Kyng Edward, welcu, you w* afEeccion righ cordiaU,
Certefying to yo'' highnes mekely myn entent.
For the wele of the Kyng Sc you, hertely p'y I shall ;
And for P'nce Edwarde, my gostly chylde, whom I love p'ncipall,
P'yng the John evangelist my helpe y'in to be,
On that condicion right humbly I gif yis ryngf to the.
* The figure of Jesse, as the root or stock from which Christ was descended.
t See legendary account of this Saint.
229
John Ev'ng'. Holy Edward crowynd Kyng, brothur in virginyte,
My power playnly I wyll p'fer thi wyll te amplifye ;
Most exceUent p'nces of wymen mortall, yo'' bedeman vfyll I be,
I knowe yo'' lyf so vertuus, yat god is plesyd thereby,
The birth of you un to yis reme shall cause grete melody.
The vertus voyce of p'nce Edward shall dayly weU encrese,
Seynt Edward his godfader & I shaU p'y y'fore dowtelesse.
Afturward, the Cundit yn the Smythforde strete, was right well arayed, and there was
shewed iiij speches of uij cardynall v'tues, as foloweth : —
Rightwesnes. I, Eightwesnes, that causeth treuth to be had,
Mekely as a maydyn, my langage wyll I make.
And welcu' you p'nces, right cherefuU & glad,
With you wyll I be dwellyng, Sc nev' you forsake.
Temp'aunce. I, temp'aunce, to plese you warly wyll wake,
And welcome you as most worthy to my power ;
Besechying youre highnes, yis langage to take,
I wyll feythfuUy defende you from aU man'' daunger.
Strengh. I, strengh, ye iij* vertewe, wyll playnly appere,
Clerely to conseyve you yn yo'' estate most riall,
And welcu' yowe p'nces gladly w* chere,
For to do yt mowe plese you aray us we shall.
F'dence. I, p'dence, of the iiij vertewes highest in degre,
Welcu' you Dame M'garite, queue crowned of this laude ;
The blessyd babe y* ye have born prynce Edward is he,
Thurrowe whom pece & f nquilite shall take yis reme on hand.
We shaU endowe both you & hym clerely to understonde ;
We shall p's've you p'sonally, & nev' fro you dissev',
Doute not p'ces most exceUent, we iiij shall do our dev'.
Afturward, at the Crosse yn the Croschepyng, there were ordeyned div'se angels sensyng
a high on the Crosse, & there ranne out wyne at mony places along whyle.
Afturward, betwix the seyde Crosse & the Cundit be ney" that, were sette ix Pagentes
right weU arayed, & yn ev'y Pagent was shewed a speche of the ix Conqueroures ; — yn the
furst was shewed of Hector, as foloweth : —
Hector. Most plesaunt p'nces, recordid y' may be,
I, Hector, of Troy, y' am chefe conquerour.
Lowly wyll obey yowe & knele on my kne.
And welcum yowe tendurly to yo'^ honoure.
To this conabuU'* Cite, the p'nces chaumburf ,
¦Whome ye bare yn youre bosom joy to yis lande,
Thro whome in p'sperite yis empyre shall stand.
In the secunde Pagent was shewed a speche of Alex', as foloweth : —
Alex. I, Alexander, y* for chyvalry berithe y" balle,
Most curi't in conquest thro ye world am y named,
Welcu' yowe p'nces as queue p'ncipall,
But I haylsjl you ryght hendly§ I wer wurthy to be blamyd.
The noblest p'nce yt is born whome fortune hath famyd.
Is yo' sov'ayn lorde Herry, empo" & King,
Unto whom mekely I wyll be obeying.
* renowned, Connan, Sax, scite, i.e. knowable.
f As London was called the King's Chamber, and Bristol the Queen's Chamber, so Coventry is frequently termed, by
our ancient writers, the Prince's Chamber.
X courageous. || hayls, halse, embrace, salute. § kindly, courteously.
230
In the thridde Parent was shewed of Josue, as folo-v^eth : —
Josne. I, Josue, y* in hebrewe, reyn p'ncipall.
To whom y* all Egipte was fayn to inclyne,
Wy'U abey to yo'' pleaur p'nces, most riall.
As to the heghest lady y* I can ymagyne.
To the plesure of yo' p'sone, I wyll put me to pyne.
As a knyght for his lady boldly to fight,
Yf any man of curage wold bid you unright.
In the fourthe Pagent was shewed of David, as foloweth : —
David. I, david, y* in deyntez have led all my dayes,
That slowe y" lyon & goly,'* thorowe goddys myght,
Will obey to you lady youre p'sone p'yse.
And welcu' you curtesly, as a kynd knyght.
For the love of yo'" lege lorde Herry that bight ;
And yo'' laudabuU lyfe that vertuus eV hath be ;
Lady most lufly, ye be welcu' to yis cite.
In the fyth Pagent was shewed a speche of Judas, as foloweth : —
Judas. I, Judas, y' yn Jure, am called the beUe,
In knyghthode & conquest have I uo pere,
Wyll obey to you p'nces, ells did not I weU,
And tendurly welcu' you yn my manere,
Yo' own sov'ayn lorde & Kynge is p'sent here,
Whome god for his godeness, p's've in good helthe.
And ende you w* worship to this landys welthe.
In the sixt Pagent was shewed a speche of Arthur, as foloweth : —
Arthur. I, Arthur, Kynge crownyd & conquerour,
That yn this lande reyned right riaUy,
With dedes of armes I slowe the Empor,
The tribute of this ryche reme I made do'wne to ly,
Ihitf unto [you] Lady, obey I mekely.
As your sure s'vande plesur to yo'' highnesse,
For the most plesaunt p'nces mortall y* es.
In the -vij Pagent was shewed a speche of Charles, as foloweth : —
Charles. I, Charles, chefe cheftan of y'' reme of f'unce.
And empo'' of grete rome, made by eUeccion,
Which put mony paynym to pyne & penaunce,
The holy relika of criste I had in possession,
I hit Lady to yo'' highnes to cause due refeccion,
Worshipfully I welcu' you aff^ yor magnificens,
Yf my s'vice mowe plese you I wyll put to my diligence.
In the viij Pagent was shewed a speche of Julius, as foloweth : —
.Julius. I, Julius cesar, sov'ayn of knyghthode.
And empo'' of mortaU men, most hegh and myghty,
Welcu' you p'nces most benynge & gode
Of quenes j'' byn crowned, so high non' knowe I
The same blessyd blossom y* spronge of yC" body,
Shall succede me in worship, I wyU it be so,
All the laudis olyvej shall obey him unto.
"' Goliah. f yet. X ^li^e.
231
In the ix Pagent was shewed a speche of Godfride, as foloweth :—
Godfride. I, godfride of boUayn, kynge of Jerusalem,
Weryng ye Thorny crowne yn worshyp of Jhu,
Which in batayle have no pere under the sone heme,
Yhit Lady right lowely 1 loute un to yowe,
So exceUent a p'nces, stedefast Sc trewe,
Knowe I none c'ristned'* as you yn yo'" estate,
Jhu for hys m'ci incresse & not abate.
Afturward & last, the Cundit, yn the Crossechepyng, was arayed right well, with as
mony Yyrgyns as myght be y'uppon, and there was made a grete Dragon, & seynt Marget
sleyng hym by myracuU; and there was shewed fuU weU this speche that foloweth :—
S. M'rgaret. Most notabuU p'nces of wymen erthle,
Dame M'garete, y<' chefe myrth of yie empyre.
Ye be hertely welcu' to yis cyte.
To the plesure of yo"^ highnes I wyll sette my desyre,
Bothe nature & gentilnes doth me require,
Seth we be both of one name, to shewe you kyudnes,
Wherfore by my power ye shall have no disstresse,
I shall p'y to the p'nce y* is endeles.
To socour you w' Solas of his high g'ce.
He wyU here my peticion this is doutles.
For I -wrought aU my lyf yt his wyll wase ;
Therefore, lady, when ye be yn any dredefuU case,
CaUe on me boldly, y' of I p'y you.
And trist to me feythfuUy I well do y* may pay you.
Eecea&mge prince ^ijiwarUc.
Memorand. that the xxviij** day of the Moneth of Aprill (1474), cam oure Lorde Prince
Edward, out of Walys, so by Warrewik to Coventre, and the Merie [Ric. Brayftoft, jun.]
& his brethern, w* div's of the Cominalte of the seide Citie, clothed in Grene and Blewe,
metyng our seide Lorde Prince upon horsbake, by yonde the Newe Crosse, in a Chare, beyng
of age of iij yere, ther welcomying hym to his Chaumbr, and yevyng hym ther a C mark in a
gUt coppe of XV Ouncez w* a kerchyfi" of Plesaunce upon the seid Coppe. And then comyng
in to Citie, and at Babulake yate, ther ordeyned a stacion, therin beyng Kyng Richard
w* xiij other, arrayed lyke as Dukes, Markes, Erles, Vicouns, and Barons, & Lordis,
w* my'strallcy of the Wayts of the Cite, and Kyng Richard ther havyng this speche her
fiblowyng — Hei SSvtois.
Welcom fuU high aud nobuU Prince, to us right speciall.
To this yC chaumb'r, so caUed of antiquite.
The p'sens of yC noble p'son reioyseth our harts aU,
We aU mowe blesse the tyme of yC Nativite ;
The right lyne of the Eoyall blode y^ now as itt schulde be,
Wherfore god, of his goodnes, p's've you in bodily helth,
To us and yo'' tenauntsf here, p'petuall ioy, and to all y"
londis welth.
'* christened, f Tenants of the prince (as duke of Cornwall) within his Manor of Cheylsmore in Coventry.
232 Also, at the Condite, afore Richard Braytoft* the Elder, a nother stacion w* iij P'riarkes
ther stondyng upon the seid Condite, w' Jacobus xij sonnes, w' mynstralcy of harpe and
dowsemeris, & ther Rennyng wyne in on place, and ther on of the seid P'tiarkes havyng this
speche under writtyn — 0 God, most glorious, grounder and gyver of all g'ce,
To us iij P'riakes, thou p'mysed, as scriptur maketh rehersall,
That of our stok lynially, scliuld p'cede and passe,
A Prynce of most nobuU blode, and Kyng's sonne Imp'iall,
The wich was full fylled in god, and nowe referre itt we schall
Unto this nobuU Prynce, that is here p'sent,
Wich entreth to this his Chaumb'r, as Prynce full rev'ent.
Also at the Brodeyate, a Pagient, and Seint Edward beying therein, w* x a states with
hym, w* mynstralcy of harpe & lute, and Kyng Edward ha^vyng this speche next foloyng —
NobuU Pjrynce Edward, my Cossyn Sc my knyght,
And v'ry prynce of our lyne comyn dissent,
I, seint Edward, have pursued for yo'" fader's Imp'iall right,
¦Whereof he was excluded by full furl's intent.
Unto this yo'" Chaumb'r, as prynce full excellent.
Ye be right welcom, thanked be crist of his sonde,
. For yt that was cure's, is nowe in yo'' fader's hande.
Also, at the Crosse, in the Cros chepyng, were uj P'phetts standyng at the Crosse
Seynsyng ; and upon the Crosse a boven, were Childer of Issarell syngyng, and castyng out
whete oblesf & filoures, and iiij pypis rennyng wyne.
Also, in the Cros chepyng, a fore the Panyer, J a Pagent, and iij Kyngs of Colen therein,
w* other div's arraied, and ij Knyghts armed, w* mynstralsy of small pypis, and on of the
Kyngs havyng this speche under writtyn —
0 splendent Creator, in all our speculacion,
More bryghter than Phebus, excedent all lyzt I
We thre Kyngs, beseche the wt meke medicacion.
Specially to p's've this nobuU prynce, y' knyght,
Wich by influens of thy grace p'cedeth a right.
Of on of us three lynnyally we fynde
His NobuU Moder queue Elizabeth, ys comyn of y' kynde.
Also, upon the Condite, in the Cros chepyng, was seint George armed, and a Kyng's
doughf knelyng a fore hym, w* a lambe, and the fader & the moder beyng in a toure a boven,
beholdyng seint George savying their daugh'' from the dragon; and the Condite rennyng
wyne in iiij placez; and mynstralcy of Orgon pleyinge, and seint George ha^vyng this speche
under writtyn — 0 myghty god, our all socour celestiaU,
Wicli yis Eeyme hast geven to dower.
To thi moder, and to me George, p'teccion p'petuall.
Hit to defende from Enimics fiere & nere.
And as this mayden defended was here,
Bi thy g'ce from this Dragon devour.
So lorde p's've this noble prynce, and ev' be his socour.
"* The Mayor's Father. f whete obles, cakes sweetned with honey, Fr. miblie.
X An Inn, nearly opposite the Cross.
233
1498. 14th of Henry VII. Thomas Bonde, Mayor.
M* that this zer, the wensday, the xvij day of Octob"', A° xiuj° R. H. 'vij, P'nce Arthur
the ffirst begoton son of Kyng Henr' the ¦vij*'', then beyng of ye age of xij zers & mor, cam
first to coventr', & ther lay in y° p'ory, fro' Wensday, unto y^ munday next suying at which
tyme he removed towards london; ayenst, whos comyng, was y'' [spon strete] zayte
garnysshed with the ix worthys, and Kyng Aj-thur then havyng thus spech as foloweth —
Hayle Prynce roiall, most amyable in sight,
"Whom the court ef nail, thurgh p'dent gov'naunce,
Hath chosen to be egual ons to me in myght.
To sprede our name Arthur, & acts to A'v^nce,
And of meanys victorious to have such habund^unce.
That no fals treito'^, ne cruell tirrant.
Shall in eny wyse make profez to your lande ;
And rebelles all falce quarels shall eschewe,
Thurgh y" fere of paUas, that favoreth yo"^ lynage.
And all outward enmyes laboreth to subdue,
To make the' to do to yewe as to me dyd homage.
Welcome, therfor, the solace Sc comfort of my olde age,
Prince pereles Arthur I come"' of noble p'geny
To me & to yeur Chamb'r, with all yis hole companye.
And at the turnyng into ye [cross chepyng], befor Mr. Thru'pton's durr, stode
y'^ barkers paiant, well appareled, in which was the Queue of fortune, with dyv's other
¦VLTgyns ; which queue has yis spech folo"wing —
I am dame fortune queue, called full expedient,
To Empronrs & p'nc's, prelates, with other moo.
As Cesar, hector, Sc sabins, most exceUent,
Scipio exalted, Nausica Sc EmiUanus also,
Valerius also, marchus, with sapient cicero,
fE and noblemen, brevely the truth to conclude all.
My favo'" verily had, as storys maketh rehersaU,
With oute whom sithen non playnly can prospe',
That in yis muitable lyfe ar nowe p'cedyug,
I am come thurgh love trust me iutiere,
To be with yewe & your's evirmor enduryng,
Prynce most unto my pleasur' of aU yt ar nowe reynyng :
Wherfor my nowne hert, Sc best beloved treasur.
Welcome to y^ your chamb'r, of whom ye be inh'itur.
And the crosse, in the [cross chepyng] , was garnysshed, & wyne their rennying, and
angels sensyng & syngyng, with Orgayns and other melody, &c. And at y° Cimdyt, ther
was seynt George kyllyng the Dragon ; and seynt George had this speche folo'wyng —
O most sov'aign lorde, be d'yne p'vision to be
The ruler of cruell Mars, & kyng insup'able,
Ye reioyce my corage trustyng hit to se.
That named am George yo'" patron favorable.
To whom ye ar & ev' shalbe so acceptable,
That in felde or Cite, wher so ever ye rayne.
Shall I nev'' fayle yewe, thus is my purpose playn ;
* y come— the Saxon prefix, f E and, Aye and.
234
To protect yo"" magnyficence my-self I shaU endever,
In all thyngs that yo"^ highnes shall concerne,
Mor tenderly then I zit did ever
Kyng Duke, yerle, lord, also heme.'*
As ye be myn asslstence in p'cesse shall lerne.
Which thurgh yo' vertue, most amorous knyght,
I owe to yo"" p'sence be due and very right ;
Like "wyse, as y'^ lady be grace I defended.
That thurgh mysch»unce chosen was to dye,
Fro thys foule s'pent, whom I sor wonded.
So ye in distresse p'serve, ever woU I,
Pro all parell and wyked veleny,
That shuld yo"^ noble p'sone in eny wyse distrayn,
¦Which welcome is to y« yo'" chamb'r & to me right fayn.
And this balet was song at y" Crosse.
Vivat le prynce Arthur.
Eyall p'nce Arthur,
Welcome nowe tresur,
Wt all our hole Cur,t
Sithen in vertue der,
Lorde, ye have no per,
Of yo" age tendr,
Cunyng requyred.
All hath conf ved.
And so reteyned,
That yngland all playn,
Maye nowe be right fayn,
Yewe long to remayn,
Syng we yrfor aU,
Also let us call.
To god immortall,
In this breve beyng,
Your astate supportyng,
And vertue ay spredyug,
to y's yo" cite ;
as all we may see.
yo" inteUigence ;
to their extoUence,
that he yewe defend
To yo" lyf e's yend.
And uppon thursday in y" moryng, the Mair "vrith his brethren, cam unto ye P'nces
chambr, & ther p'sented hym with a gilt cup, to y" value of x m'rcs, & a C m'rcs of gold
therin, which was gadered in y" x wardes, accordyng as ye xv*'^ is.
The following specimens of civic poetry are extracted from the Leet Book before-
mentioned ; for the better understanding whereof, it may be necessary to state, that one
Laurence Saunders, on Lammas Day, 1494 (when the Commons are thrown open), made use
of the following expressions : — " Sirs, her' me, we shaU nev'' have our right, tUl we have
st'ken of the heds of iij or iiij of thes churls heds that rulen us, and yf theraft'' hit be asked
who did y* dede, hit shalbe seid me & they, & they & me ;" for which and a subsequent
outrage, he was committed to prison, and fined £40.
'* Baron.
f Cur, coeur, Fr. heart ; introduced for the rhyme.
235
Md. y* within "viuj dayes aff lamasse, ther was a bill sett uppon y° north Chirch durr, in
seynt mighel's Chirch, be some evell disposed p'son unknowen, the teno"" wherof her'aftur
ensueth : — Be it knowen & understand,
This Cite shulde be fiee & nowe is bonde.
Dame goode Eve* made hit free,
& nowe y^ custome for woll & y"* drap'ie.
Also hit is made y* no prentis shalbe.
But xiij penyes pay shulde he ;
Y' act did Eobt. Grenef,
Y"for he had many a curse, I wene.
And nowe a noy" rule ye do make,
Yt non shaU ryde at lamas but they yt ze take.
"When our ale is Tunned,
Ze shall have drynk to yo" cake.
Ye have put on' man like a scot to raunsome,
Yt wolbe remembred when ze have aU forgote. Caviaf.
At the ensuing Leet, May, 1495, an order was made, that Saunders, for his " unsadde
demeasnyng," should be discharged under penalty of £40 from ever riding "vrith the Cham
berlains on Lammas day, and also be removed from the City council.
After appealing to the King, and the case being investigated by the Privy Council, the
King directed that he should be " ordred aft' y° goode & laudable custome of yis cite," and
accordingly surety was demanded for his " goode demeasne hereaff ;" this he refused, and
was again committed to prison, in 1496.
Wheruppon ij seducous biUes wer founde, j sette uppon y^ mynster durr, in y" feste of
seynt anne ; & a noy' was cast, & wherof the tone's hereaft' ensue : —
Ihs be yo" spede, Litell smaU been,t
I hope hit be nede, Yt all aboute fleen,
Thus to pray ; They whaggen their whyng ;
You have hunted the har', ¦Wher as they light,
You holde hym in a snar', The been will byte,
Hit had be as goode nay. And also styng.
Ye yt be of myght, Loke yt ye do right,
Se that ye do right, Both day & nyght,
Thynk on your othe ; Be warr of wappys ; i|
For wher yt ye do -wrong, Both erly & late
Ye shall mend hit among, Kepe well yo" pate,
Yough ye be nev' so loth. • For aft" clappys.
p' p' mo
'*¦ Godiva.
f During his Mayoralty, and just before this time, an order of Leet was made respecting apprentices, which
is here alluded to. X bees. II wasps.
236
This Cyte is bond that shuld be fre.
The right is holden fro y" co'ialte ;
Our co'iens yt at lamas open shuld be cast,
They be closed in & hegged full fast.
And he yt speketh for o" right is in y^ haU'*,
And yt is shame for yowe & for us all ;
You can not denygh hit but he is yo" broy" ;
Sc to boy^t Gilds he hath paid asmoch as a noy ;
They yt woll be broy" to y^ Gilds or y"to pay,
We have no mor' to lose, y" soth for to say ;
For eny favo" or frenship y» co'iens wt yowe fynde.
But pyke awey o" thryfte & make us all blynde ;
And ev" ye have nede to y" co'ialte.
Such favo" as ye shewe us, such shall ye see.
We may speke feir & bid you goode morowe.
But lufi wt o" herts shuU ye hav nev".
Cherish y^ co'ialte Sc se they have ther right.
For drede of a worse chaunce be day or be nyght,
Y^ best of you all litell worth shuld be,
And ye had not help of y" co'ialte.
He lufEeth me well y* telleth me for my goode,
Mend yt is amysse for movyng of yo" mode.
On' may her be a noy" yt he shall not fynde.
But ye shaU her' of su' oy" what shalbe y^ ende.
m prison.
t both.
APPENDIX,
Traitslation of Documents.
P. 2. The king Vic. War. greeting. Whereas, by reason of our rule, we were duly appointed by divine clemency,
protector of churches and their Uberties, it becomes us, therefore, zealously to ward off, and with reasonable justice
to punish, any wrong or violence brought upon the same by anyone on any pretext whatever. Accordingly we
enjoined you to remove the lay force found in the church of St. Michael, Coventry, to the damage of the church
itself, and of our beloved clerk. E. de Leycester, whom we presented to the aforesaid church, and whom judges
delegated by the Lord Pope, inducted into possession of the same ; this we did iu order to prevent the church
assuming the appearance of a fort, and regarding the lay force as introduced to the prejudice of ecclesiastical
dignity ; and as you were unable to carry out this otherwise than by forcible entrance, the doors of the church being
closed, by reason of which forcible entrance, contrary to our and your intention, some were injured by your obeying
our command, which was communicated to the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield ; and since, however, nothing can
rightly be charged by anyone against Eadulph, the said Eector of the aforesaid church, because the said deed we fully
declare to be not his but ours ; and since the said Bishop has pronounced sentence of excommunication on the said
Eector and his belongings, and on all those who were "with you at that time ; we, regarding this as prejudicial to our
royal dignity, or rather to ecclesiastical liberty, charge you, both by warnings and entreaties, to induce the Bishop
to recaU the said sentence as speedily as possible. But if he refuse to do so, let him know, and do you assure him,
that we wUl lay hands on his Barony, as soon as you shaU have certified this to us ; for, by reason of his Barony, he
is bound by oath to uphold the earthly honours of the royal dignity. And since he is able to offend and injure us
by preventing, through his excommunication, our faithful subjects from carrying out our injunctions, and since our
jurisdiction caimot be upheld unless our decrees are obeyed, on transgression of his oath he can only expect the
greatest vengeance.
May you fulfil this, our injunction, in such a manner that the royal dignity may suffer no injury on account of
that for which we deem ourselves justly ofiended.
Witness our hand, at Woodstock, on the 26th day of August, iu the 30th year of our reign.
The Writ to the Bishop of Lincoln, proceeds in the same words and tenor to " recall the said sentence as
speedUy as possible ;" after which it continues :
But this we signify to you — in order that when the truth concerning that deed has been more fully ascertained,
if perchance the said Bishop shall announce to you that the said Eadulph, our clerk, is involved in the sentence of
excommunication, you may on this account bring against him all hindrance, and not permit the sentence to be made
pubUc, especially as it has been unjustly declared, and is contrary to law, being subversive to the defence of religious
liberty, and prejudicial to royal dignity. Witness as above.
The King to the Priors of Thurgarton and Derby, and to the Archdeacon of Stafford, greeting : — ¦
It hath been shown to us by Eadulph de Leycester, Eector of St. Michael's Church, Coventry, that after the
death of H. de PateshuU, late Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, the said Church of St. Michael being lawfully and
actually vacant, as was made clear to us by enquiry which we caused to be made. Masters Adam de Hos,
formerly Archdeacon of Coventry, Th. de Wymundeham, and Peter de Eadenour, Archdeacon of Salop, on the death
of the Bishop, did thus ordain respecting the church itself, viz., that 30 merks should be paid from the church for
the common uses of the Canons of Lichfield, and other 30 merks for the use of the monks of Coventry, and that the
residue derived from the same church should be appropriated to the Vicar for the time being.
We, being desirous of concealing this fraudulent act committed against the royal dignity, and finding by enquiry
that the aforesaid church was really vacant, and since the presentation was entirely in our hands, in consequence of
the see of Coventry and Lichfield being void — (we) caused to be presented our aforesaid clerk, Eadulph de Leycester.
And he, on the appointment of another as incumbent of the same church by the aforesaid Masters (A. de Hos. Th.
de Wymundeham, and Peter de Eadenour), procured an apostolic letter to constituted judges, by whom he finally
obtained possession of the said church. And because the appointments both of Parish Churches and of Prebends,
which belong to the Bishop when he is alive, devolve on us when the see is vacant, and manifestly belong to our
privileges, if our aforesaid clerk, ou whom we, by reason of our royal privilege, have conferred the aforesaid church,
which we found to be vacant after the death of the aforesaid Bishop, be disturbed in possession, we hereby forbid
you in this case gi'ving your support to any other. Witness as above.
238 APPENDIX.
P. 26. And, moreover, it is ordered that the " hostii '"'' of the Chapel of the blessed Mary on the hill, in the
burial place of St. Michael, shall be open (or exposed) on every feast day, from the hour of matins to the termination
of high mass, in the Church of St. Michael ; and on all holy days, from the time of matins to the end of the mass
of the blessed Mary, in the aforesaid Church. And when any priest shall celebrate iu the same place, let a bell be
rung on every day for any celebration of masses by any priest when he shall draw near ; and for vespers, let the
" hostise " be open (or exposed) during the continuance of vespers in the Parish Church.
P. 58. Glory, Trinity, to thee. Let glory and praise resound in the mouth of every worshipper. The Godhead
is equal. Both now and for ever.f
P. 71. So ruinous, old, and unsightly, aud from its extreme antiquity to have arrived at such a state of decay,
that without rebuilding it cannot properly be sustained.
P. 127. We grant also to them these dweUings near the churchyard of St. Nicholas, in which Gladewin the
priest and John EufEus abode.
P. 133. Expenses at Bablake, on the feast of the Holy Trinity. First in bread x'ljd., item, &c,
P. 142. Item, for expenses in one breakfast to a certain monk, and to two persons who brought from Edward
Bromflete, Knt,, vestment and altar cloths and one missal to Bablake, xixd.
Item, to John Cat' for wine in celebrating mass at Bablake during a whole year, xlviijs. iiij(Z.
Item. To Thomas Chapmon, for x ilagons of lamp oil for the lamp at Bablake, &c.
P. 145. Expenses incurred for vestments, chalices, and other things used in the various services.
P .148. Also on the day of the preparation, when the body of Christ has been placed in the sepulchre, let a
wax taper be kept burning before the sepulchre as long as the sacred body of the Lord remains there.
P. 149. (Vestry.) Various expenses for desks and candles and other furniture for the ¦Vestry.
(Books.) Items for binding, and providing clasps, &c., for books.
P. 151. Items for cords and various things relating to bells.
P. 153. Expended at Bablake, on the 17th day of June, in a breakfast to the Mayor and his companions, on
their way to Maxtoke in celebration of the nuptials of one of the younger sons of the Duke of Buckingham : — first in
bread, ijd. ; also in pork, iijd. ; also in j loin of mutton, vd. ; also in vj fowls, vjd. — total, xvjd.
P. 158. They desire that the Master of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist, the Brethren, aud Sisters, do have
and hold the plain and pasture of Swanswell pool.
Also, I bequeath to the poor of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist, of Coventry, vjs. viijd., to be
distributed among the poor in that neighbourhood.
P. 160. The Sisters of the Hospital of St. John, at Coventry, aflirm that the said Hospital was founded before
the present Cathedral Church of Coventry, by Earl Leofric, the founder of the Cathedral Church of the blessed Mary,
at Coventry, which is contradicted.
P. 1 66. The School of King Henry VIIL, founded by John Hales, Knight, in which boys are instructed in the
liberal sciences, to the end of time, to the glory of Christ, and the edification of the Church.
P. 168. Ds. John Hales, devoted from chUdhood to learning, of exceUent ability, aptitude, good memory,
energy, and marvellous industry ; well skilled, moreover, in languages, in legal science, and in the knowledge of
sacred and profane history. His walk was one of innocence, uprightness, sobriety, consistency, loyalty, and religion.
He bore with the utmost patience grievous sickness and frequent troubles. He closed a life of the greatest honour
and piety on the 5th of the calends of January, 1572. His remains are interred in this spot.
I look for the resurrection of the dead and eternal life.
P. 1 68. O, worthy Hales, ruthless death has borne away thy body,
But thy fame will be enduring after death :
Virtue never dies, piety never perishes :
Thy goodness and talent render thee illustrious.
Thou didst acquire all things needful to be learnt by the skilful.
Music, history, legal and sacred lore.
England, did she but know it, has lost an exceUent son in thee.
One eminent in counsel and in judgment.
Although thy country has ungratefully disregarded these merits.
They will at length become famous and bear good fruits.
* " Hostiai," in classical Latin, means " victims " or " sacrifices " offered on an altar. It may mean the
•' ofEerings," or it may mean the " sacred elements " should be openly exposed ou the altar.
t This is imperfect, and cannot all be madeout.
APPENDIX. 239
P. 168. 0, worthy Hales, thy body, borne away
By ruthless death, is hastening to decay :
But yet thy world-wide fame can never die :
Deeds such as thine are registered ou high :
Goodness and talent equally combine
To cause thy name iUustrious to shine.
All science needful for the wise to know
Ou thee a bounteous Nature did bestow :
Thy mind of things divine an endless store
Acquired, -with legal and historic lore.
England in thee has lost a worthy son,
Second in judgment or in wit to none.
Merits Uke thine thy country may despise,
A future age will laud them to the skies.*
P. 174. Eichard EandeU, gentleman, most learned Coroner of this city, the first donor to this library, from
love of good learning furnished a seasonable example to others.
He presented hieroglyphics or commentaries from sacred works of the Egyptians, and other nations :
also two books of hieroglyphics of Bolganius BeUenensis, and of CoeUus Augustine.
P. 177. Here lies whatever was mortal of the Venerable Nathaniel Tovey, and EUzabeth his ¦wife. He was
bom at Coventry, where his father was the celebrated and learned Master of the School, and tutor of John Harrington,
Lord of Exton, here and in foreign parts. Left an orphan when of tender years, the illustrious Lucy, Countess of
Bedford, adopted him, and for some time he was her attendant ; but she, not desiring such a disposition as she saw
in him to be corrupted by the ease of a palace, sent him to Christ CoUege, and afterwards he became Eector of
Lutterworth, whence he was removed when the terrible war arose, and not long after was appointed to the Eeotory
of this Church, by the Earl of Eutlaud ; having lived here two years, he died of a malignant fever which was then
prevalent. P. 179. I have received from you. Master Smythe, the chronicle of John Speed, together with the papers of
poetry, in two volumes, a work indeed, as appears to me, exceUent, worthy to be read, and pleasing to behold ; and
what is more, I have read through your letter to me, which is fuU of judgment and sound advice. These things, as
proofs of your real affection, I greatly value. The chronicle I ¦will carefuUy read, and keep by me. I shall feast my
eyes on the papers of poetry ; aud I ¦wiU, God -wiUing, foUow your advice. For each of these favours I thank you,
and I ¦will try hereafter to return your love, and as far as I can to requite you. FareweU.
Yours most affectionately, GEOEGE BEEKELEY.
Coventry, Nov. 9th, 1613. '* This is, as nearly as possible, a literal translation.
Birmingham : Hall ano English, Prihtees akd Lithoghaphees.
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... K'^d .