Chapter LI: Section VII (7)

[In the time of the civil wars most of the painted glass in those windows was, it seems, taken down and replaced with white glass, the former being looked upon, by those who were then in power here, as savouring too much of _popery_ and superstition. See _Mackerell_, p. 8, &c.—Of its present state Mr. _Britton_ writes as follows.

“The _church_ was a large spacious structure, and though curtailed of
its original dimensions, is still a noble pile. Internally it
displays a nave, with ailes, which constitute the present place for
service; a chancel or choir, with ailes; a transept and two towers at
the west end. The roof is supported by 22 columns; of which those
east of the transept are formed by a cluster of five shafts each. In
this part of the building are some ancient carved stalls, and several
flat monumental stones, with inscriptions; also some very large and
fine brasses. At the east end is a circular window, with ten
transverse mullions. This part of the church is divided from the
transept by a wooden screen, which was erected in 1622. A lofty
tower, or _lanthorn_, is said to have been originally at the
intersection of the cross ailes; and a high _spire_ to have
surmounted one of the western towers. The latter display different
styles of architecture, and the lower parts of them are very ancient.
The buttresses of the angles to the southern tower consist of several
small shafts of columns. The church formerly contained numerous
brasses {1091a} and inscriptions, some of which remain.” {1091b}

This account, we presume, is pretty fair and correct as far as it goes, and our limits will not well allow us here to attempt any further enlargement. We will, however, just add, that the interior of this church is, for so large a building, kept in a style of uncommon cleanliness and neatness.

{1091a} _Since Mr. Britton wrote this passage_, _an unprincipled and sacrilegious Sexton made much havoc among those brasses_, _many of which he carried away and sold_; _but being detected_, _he was so ashamed and frightened_, _that he actually went and hanged himself_.

{1091b} See Beauties of England, vol. xi, page 293.

{1093} From the period in which he flourished, the date of his canonisation, and the great regard then paid to the memory of new saints, (compared with the date of the original erection of this chapel,) it appears more than probable that the personage in question was St. Nicholas called _Peregrinus_, who became famous in Apulia, and of whom _Jortin_ says—

“He was a Greek, born in Attica. His parents were poor, and he had
not learnt to read, or been bred to any trade. When he was eight
years of age, his mother sent him out to take care of the sheep.
From that time he began to sing aloud, _Kyrie eleison_, which he did
night and day; and this act of devotion he performed all his life
long. His mother not being able to make him leave it off, thought
that he was possessed of the devil, and carried him to a neighbouring
monastery, where the monks shut him up and chastised him, but could
not hinder him from singing his song. He suffered punishment
patiently, and immediately began again. Returning to his mother, he
took a hatchet and a knife, and clambering up a mountain, he cut
branches of cedar, and made crosses of them, which he stuck up in the
highways, and in places inaccessible, praising God continually. Upon
this mountain he built himself a little hut, and dwelt there sometime
all alone, working perpetually. Then he went to Lepanto, where a
monk joined himself to him and never forsook him. They passed into
Italy, where Nicholas was taken sometimes for an holy man, and
sometimes for a madman. He fasted every day until evening; his food
was a little bread and water, and yet he did not grow lean. The
nights he usually passed in prayer, standing upright. He wore only a
short vest, reaching to his knees, his head, legs and feet being
naked. In his hand he carried a light wooden cross, and a scrip at
his side, to receive the alms that were given him, which he usually
laid out in fruit, to distribute to the boys who went about with him,
singing along with him _Kyrie eleison_. His oddities caused him to
be ill used sometimes, even by the orders of the bishops. He
performed, [as was said] various miracles, and exhorted the people to
repentance. At last falling sick, and being visited by multitudes
who came to beg his blessing, he died, and was buried in a Cathedral,
with great solemnity: and according to custom (our author adds) a
great number of miracles was wrought at his tomb.”

This is related under 1094, which we take to be the year of his death, or canonization. See _Jortin_ Rem. Eccl. Hist. 5. 66. Such was our St. Nicholas: a more harmless and far better saint, without doubt, than _Dominic_ and many others that might be mentioned; so that his memory, _comparatively speaking_, ought to be held in very high estimation.

{1095} Had the wielders of the whitening brush totally effaced this impious representation, or had the reformers of the time of Edward the sixth, or of Charles the first completely obliterated it, they had done a good thing, and deserved our commendation; and so would our present rulers were they to do the same; for what can be a more absurd and impious object in a place of worship, or any other place, than a picture or image of the Almighty!

{1097} The passage alluded to is as follows—

“1585 Feb. 21. An order made III and IV Ph. and Mary conc. the
derision of St. Margts. parish and the parish of St. Nic. and yt. of
late yt. order notwithstanding prcell of the _Checker-warde_ and of
_New Condutt-warde_ have been accounted prcell of St. Nic. Chap.
ctrarie to the same order: yt. is ord. yt. those 2 wards aforesaid
shall hollie be accounted of St. Margt’s parishe and shll paie
clarcks wages and other charges, as prishrs. of the parish of St.
Margt. according to ye sd. resited order.”

{1098} That affair is thus related in the record—

“1579, May 23. Controversye about the Tytle of St. Nicolas church
yard. Opinion of the Recorder 19. June. Maior Ald. C. C. stand to
their Tytle and Int. in S. N. ch. yd. and defend it by Law of Arms.”

{1103} p. 391.

{1109} In the White Friars Yard Chapel at Norwich, where he used to preach, a monumental inscription in memory of him was set up long after his death by his grandson the late Grantham Killingworth Esq. the chief part of which is as follows—

A MEMORIAL
_Dedicated to the singular merits of_
_A faithful confessor_, _and laborious servant of Christ_,
_Who with true christian fortitude endured persecution_
_Through many perils_, _the loss of friends and substance_,
_And ten imprisonments for conscience sake_;
_The rev._ Mr. THOMAS GRANTHAM,
_A learned Messenger of the Baptized Churches_,
_And pious founder of this church of believers baptized_,
_Who delivered to king Charles the second_
_Our Declaration of Faith_,
_And afterwards presented to him_
_A Remonstrance against Persecution_.
_Both were kindly received_, _and redress of grievances promised_.
He died Jan. 17. 1692, aged 58 years:
And to prevent the indecencies threatened to his corpse,
was intered before the west doors,
In the middle aile of St. Stephen’s Church, in this city,
Through the interest, and much to the credit of
The rev. Mr JOHN CONNOULD
By whom, with many sighs and tears,
The burial service was solemnly read to a crowded audience:
When at closing the book he added,
“This day has a very great man fallen in Israel.”
For after their epistolary dispute, in sixty Letters, ended,
That very learned vicar retained
The highest esteem and friendship for him whilst living,
And was by his own desire buried by him, May 1703.

{1112} A narrative of this memorable affair has been published by Mr. Finch, and may be had of him, or of the booksellers.

{1113} With whom such connection might be desirable for this infant society; and it certainly would not be dishonourable, or inconsistent with their avowed aversion to religious thraldom; as it would require no sacrifice of their religious liberty or christian freedom: both parties being equally advocates for the full enjoyment of that inestimable right, and most invaluable blessing.

{1116} Of the _origin_ and _progress_ of Methodism in the kingdom, see a brief account at page 934 of this work.—It is a remarkable instance of deep policy in the history of methodism, that the sect, when young and weak, placed itself under the wing of the established church, and bitterly inveighed against all who separated from it; but when it acquired strength, so as to feel itself able to go alone, it threw off the mask, and scrupled not to avow and prove itself, to all intents and purposes, a dissenting sect.

{1120a} Should they soon assume a different character, or become disposed like their neighbours to congregate and form themselves into a distinct society, for the purpose of instructing their dear townsmen by public lectures, respecting that better way of thinking with which they deem themselves so well acquainted, an admirable opening for putting such a project in execution now presents itself—that of buying or hiring the Methodist Chapel, which is expected to be disposed of to the best bidder as soon as the new edifice is completed, or perhaps sooner.

{1120b} Yet Hiram was dead many centuries before Euclid was born.

{1121} So it may be supposed that Euclid and Solomon, and Hiram and Mannon, and Marcel and king Athelstan lived all about the same time!—an idea too monstrous surely, for English, or even Masonic credulity to imbibe or adopt!—See _Prichard’s_ description of Masonry. 21st. Edit, p. 3, &c.

{1126} Its constituents during the first stages of its existence bore the following names—_Asty Harwick_, _Abel Hawkins_, _Geo. Foley_, _N. Elstobb_, _Sam. Browne_, _Peter Elyson_, _Rich. Marshall_, _John Mountaine_, _Nic. Anderson_, _John Bagge_, _Dan. Swaine_, _Jos. Lee_, _Wm. Taylor_, _Rob. Fysh_, _Edm. Elsden_, _Tho. Day_, _Rich. Sands_, _Henry Fysh_, _Robert Hamilton_, _Rich. Allyson_, _Wm. Ward_, _Scarlet Browne_, _Geo. Patteson_, _Tho. Berneye_, _Tho. Hawkins_, and _Jos. Taylor_.—Most of these seem to have continued in the society to the last, though some were expelled for different reputed delinquencies.—It is curious enough to observe their mock formalities in the administration of their laws, and the maintenance of the government and discipline of the society, as they appear in their written transactions, which are still extant. A few specimens here may not be ungrateful to the reader—At one time _Asty Harwick_ is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for _carrying home the sword_, _contrary to the rules of the society_—at the same time _Richard Marshall_ is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for _throwing a piece of pipe at Mr. Deputy governor_—another time _Samuel Browne_ is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for _tearing the bill before it was discharged_—another time _Joseph Lee_ is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for _interrupting Mr. deputy govr. Harwick_—another time _Jos. Lee_ is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for _pulling the governor_ Capt. Nic. Anderson’s _wig awry_—same time _Asty Harwick_ and _John Bagge_, were indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for _insulting the secretary in his office_—another time _Mr. Bagge_ was indicted, tried, found guilty and fined, for _not attending_ the then governor, Mr. Richard Marshall, with the sword, Mr. Bagge being then sword-bearer.—Those who were indicted and tried were _all found guilty_, _with only one exception_, which was in the case of _Wm. Ward_, (April 14, 1750) who was indicted, tried, and _acquitted_, under the charge of _affronting the then govr._ Mr. Bagge, by conferring upon him the unworthy and degrading office of _deputy secretary_.—Thus did some of our most hopeful and reputable townsmen employ themselves between 60 and 70 years ago. Whether their successors or representatives of the present day employ themselves more worthily, may deserve some consideration. As to our courtiers and statesmen, it cannot well be supposed that they would have any great objection to our gentlemen and all the rest of the nation employing their leisure time in such a frivolous manners, as it would leave them at liberty to pursue their course with less observance or interruption. After all, had our society of _True-Britons_, been still continued we are not sure but they might have proved by this time, as useful to themselves, and as beneficial to the community at large, as either of our present Lodges of Free Masons.

{1129} For further information relating to the original history of these two houses the reader is referred to the account of St. Gyles and St. Julian’s gild, in a former part of this work.—p. 422, &c.

{1130a} This gentleman did not acquire his wealth here; nor did he follow the example of our Aldersons, our Cases, our Freemans, our Adlens, our Bowkers, our Bagges, &c., who went out of the world apparently without ever remembering the poor, or wishing to leave behind any memorials of their names in such charitable bequests.

{1130b} Some years ago, as one of the present pensioners told this writer, the governor of that time went so far as to talk of furnishing those chambers with that desirable appendage, but that the _reader_ of that period, with one of the women, (both of whom had a fireplace in their rooms,) most unfeelingly dissuaded him from it, and he gave it up.—The present occupier of one of those rooms is said to have been for a long time confined to it, if not to her bed. The want of a fireplace must doubtless be severely felt by her.

{1131a} In another place he is called _Loningston_ and _Lovingstone_.

{1131b} Over against the above passage is inserted the allowing note, seemingly in the same hand—“The above 10_l._ annuity is applied to the clothing of the poor yearly, and payd by the chamberlain, to the overseers of St. Margaret’s parish.” Then it is added,—“I take this to be the 10_l._ payd to the Treasurer of St. James’s Workhouse, by the name of _Loningston_ or _Lovingstone_, which I take to be the same.” But this modern note-writer, and conjectural commentator, ought to have known that St. James’s Workhouse could not be called an _Almshouse_ or _Hospital_ in 1594, nor till near a whole century after. The said annuity must therefore have undergone some foul play.

{1132a} There are happily still some such contributors, and among them one conspicuous above the rest, to whose unostentatious charities the poor pensioners in all our almshouses are not a little indebted for their comforts; as this writer could easily perceive by what dropt from divers of them, in the course of conversations he has had with them at different times. It is here neither needful nor proper to mention the name.—Of the _land_ charged with the 10_l._ a year to this almshouse, the following memorandum occurs in the said MS. volume; written seemingly about 1729:

“I find 76 acres on the S. marsh; viz. Godfrey Hill, 5 acres; 7_l._
10_s._—Tho. Miles, 5 acres; 7_l._ 0_s._—Jer. Ink. J. King, and J.
Lay, 14 acres; 16_l._—Widow Carleton, 16 acres; 18_l._ 2_s._—R.
Richmund, 36 acres; 39_l._—Total 76 acres: 88_l._—This I take to be
the land to maintain this almhouse.”—A little after we find the
following memorandum,—“Payd the Hoipital 1729, 19_s._ 8_d._ per week,
for 52 weeks; 51_l._ 2_s._ 8_d._—Mr. Quartereder, 5_s._—Straw money,
6_s._—9 Chald. coles, boatidge, and porter, 9_l._ 16_s._ 6_d._—200
Sedge, 1_l._ 4_s._—12 brooms, 1_s._ 4_d._ 4 Skeps 20_d_; 2_s._
8_d._—this is the fixt yearly pay, 62_l._ 16_s._ 10_d._ besides other
incident charges, repairs, &c.”

On the whole therefore it appears, that the poor occupiers, or pensioners of this almshouse were much better off 80 or a 100 years ago, than they have been for many years past, as well as that our rulers were than better disposed towards them than they have been latterly.

{1132b} Since that period, the _weekly_ allowance of these pensioners appears to have differed at different times—down to 1772 it was 19_s._ 3_d._ in all, or about 18_d._ each: From 1772 to 1791, 1_l._ 5_s._ 5_d._ or about 2_s._ each: From 1791 to 1803, 1_l._ 8_s._ 5_d._ or about 2_s._ 3_d._ each: From 1803 to 1811, 1_l._ 12_s._ 3_d._ or 2_s._ 6_d._ ¾ each.—But here it ought to be observed, that the _Reader_ has had always allowed him 1_s._ 6_d._ a week more than the women. He has also a Chalder of Coals allowed him, as has likewise each of the women who have fire-places in their chambers. _Nine_ chalders a year are allowed this house in all;—the rest are appropriated to the kitchen or common fireplace.

{1135} Of two of these we learn, that the _first_ was established on the 1_st._ of June 1795 for a _hundred_ members, who receive relief in sickness, lying-in, old age, and upon the death of their husbands. The fund is supported by a small monthly payment of their own, and annual subscriptions from _honorary_ members.—The _second_ beneficial society for the same number of poor women, (100;) was established July 1, 1799, affording the same allowances to them, except the pension in _old age_, which it was found by experience could not be supported without the assistance of many honorary members. It was hoped that this society would be able to support itself; in which case the advantages resulting from it might have been extended to any number of poor women who might choose to embrace them. But either the allowance must be still further reduced, or the monthly payment increased, before it will be released from the necessity of requiring at least occasional benefactions.—It is to be hoped therefore that it will not fail of obtaining every necessary aid and support.

{1136} Of the number of these societies, and their respective meeting places, the following account is supposed to be pretty correct—_Two_ at the _Crown Tavern_; _one_ at the _Three Tuns_; _one_ at the _Three Pigeons_; _two_ at the _Valiant Sailor_; _one_ at the _Coach and Horses_; _one_ at the _Tailor’s Arms_; _two_ at the _Plough_; _one_ at the _Angel_; _two_ at the _Oak_; _one_ at the _Dog_; _four_ at the _Three Fishes_; _two_ at the _Sun_; _two_ at the _Green Dragon_; _one_ at the _Boar’s Head_; _one_ at the _George and Dragon_.—in all 23. There may be more, but we have not been yet able to find them out.—As to the number of _Inns_ and _Public Houses_ now in the town, they are said to be near 70, but they were formerly much more numerous: even as many as 87 some years ago. This decrease is not to be ascribed to a decrease of our population, but rather to a decreasing propensity in the inhabitants to frequent those houses, owing probably, in part at least, to the great increase of _conventicles_, and the increasing frequency of _evening services_ in those places, where a large proportion of the inhabitants find themselves entertained much more innocently, profitably, and agreeably, than at the public house:—all which however cannot be supposed very pleasing to our publicans and common-brewers.

{1138} There are, it seems, many benevolent societies so named in different places; and some of them unconnected with Methodism—of which there is one of a very respectable appearance at _Liverpool_, among whose members is the name of the celebrated _William Roscoe_. In the _annual account_ of this society for 1809 appears the following remarkable passage—

“The _Subscribers_ to the _Stranger’s Friend Society_, are, in
general, already well acquainted with the nature, design, and
excellency of the institution. It may not, however, be unnecessary
to state once more, for the information of that part of the public,
whose attention has not been hitherto duly excited towards this
charity, that its object is, _to visit_, _at their own homes_, _the_
SICK _and_ DESTITUTE POOR of all countries and denominations, (_the
Methodists only excepted_, in order to exclude even the suspicion of
sectarian partiality,) and administer such relief and consolation as
their wants and sorrows may appear to require.”

But how the _exception_, in regard to _Methodists_, could _exclude all suspicion of sectarian partiality_, we cannot clearly understand.

{1140} This appears from the following passage in an old MS. extracted from the Hall Books—

“1580. Sept. 26. Mr. Iverye recd. 4_l._ to buy books necessarye to
be in the school for his scholars. This day he accounted for the
bookes, and also repaid ye sd. moneye: 5_l._ allowed him for
reparations and other necessarie charges by him bestowed about his
house.”

Decr. 15. 1587, it was agreed in the Hall to provide an _usher_, with a salary of 8_l._ a year. The first usher was _John Gybson_, clerk, but after a few months he had 5_l._ _given him_, _for the town to be discharged of him and family_. His successor was _Rich. Emott_, B.A. whose salary was advanced to 10_l._ a year. He was succeeded in the spring of 1593, (or rather 1594) by _John Man_, B.A. of Bennet Col. Cambridge, with the same salary. It does not appear who, if any, immediately succeeded him; but 18 Decr. 1612, the Hall agreed to choose an _usher_, whose salary, (he boarding himself,) should be 16_l._ a year. The person chosen was probably Edwd. Labourne, who held that situation in 1617, and had 5 marks gives him towards his commencing M.A.—He appeared to be much approved and held his place in 1626, and perhaps much later. Of his successors we have no regular account.

{1142a} Our school, in Knox’s time was rendered very remarkable by having _Eugene Aram_ for its usher; a man of uncommon acquirements and learning, but still more distinguished by his unhappy and miserable exit, and the horrid flagitiousness of at least one part of his life. He was apprehended here in 1759, under a charge of _murder_, committed in Yorkshire, 14 years before, and tried and convicted at York the ensuing assizes, and soon after executed. His defence at his trial was plausible and masterly; but it could avail against the preponderating evidence of his guilt. The extent of the learning in which he had made eminent proficiency was wonderful, considering the disadvantages under which he acquired it; and he died a melancholy proof that a very learned man may yet be desperately wicked, and commit the most heinous crimes.

{1142b} It is remarkable that this seminary, founded about 232 years ago, has had but _three masters_ for the greatest part of that time—viz. _Edw. Bell_, _John Horne_, and _David Lloyd_: who presided here in the whole 125 years—and all the rest but 107.

{1146a} It ought to have been for a much larger number.

{1146b} The amount of the expenditure for the last year was 73_l._ 19_s._ 3_d._ ½ which seems a large sum for a mere Sunday school. Half the sum, it is presumed, would go much further, and do far more good, if the Lancasterian plan were adopted.—Some such measure is understood to be now in the contemplation of some of our good townsmen.

{1147} _Mr. Keed_, senior, and Mr. _S. Newham_, were two of the most active promoters of this institution, and the late _Dr. Bagge_, much to his credit, was one of its very zealous patrons, and used to subscribe for the support of it _Five Guineas_ a year.

{1150} At some former periods, and especially before the reformation, our corporation members or officers appear to have been more numerous than at present, and some of them differently denominated. Hence in some records of the time of Henry V. we read of _aldermen of the Gilds_, twenty four _Jurats_, twenty seven _Common-council-men_, TWELVE _burgesses_ annually elected, whose business it was to choose the new mayor, and nominate divers other officers, including even the _town-clerk_ and _chamberlain_. These twelve were chosen as follows: The Alderman of the gild of merchants chose _four_ burgesses: those four chose _eight_ more, making their whole number then _twelve_.—These twelve chose the mayor, &c. for the ensuing year, after taking an oath which was tendered to them thus—

“Serres [i.e. Sirs,] ye shall well and truiye, upon your
discressions, without affection, favour, fraude, or male engyn, chese
our mayster the Mayre for the yeear coming from Mighelmass forth, a
burgess of the 24, abyll, sufficient, and profitable, for the worship
and profitt of the commons; and also ye shall chese 4 sufficient
burgesses to occupye the office of Chamberlein for the same yeear, a
comon Clerke and two Sergeants, thereof one shall be clerke of the
Markett and keeper of the East Yates, a porter for the South Yates,
and anoder for Doucehille’s Yates: which officers chosen, theyr names
with my mayster the Mayre that shall be, ye shall present; so God ye
help at the holy dome.”

The oath tendered to the said _four_ burgesses was worded thus.—

“Serres—ye shall well and trulye, upon your discressions, chese and
call to you _eight_ abyll burgeys, without any affection, fraude, or
male engyne, of the most indifferent, and not suspect persones, for
the election of my mayster the Mayre that is to come; so God you help
at the holy dome.”

The oath tendered to the Gild _alderman_ (or rather, as it would seem, _aldermen_) empowered to choose the above four burgesses, was thus expressed—

“Serres;—ye shall well and trulye upon your discressions, without any
affection, favour, fraude, or male-engine, chese and call up _four_
burges, abyll, of the most indifferent, and not suspect persons, for
the election of my mayster the Mayre: so God you help at the holy
dome.”

The oath tendered to each of the 24 _Jurats_ was as follows—

“Serre;—ye shall be ready and buxom to my mayster the Mayre at all
tymes when ye be called by him, or warned by the Sergeante, for the
nedes and worship of this towne and the commonaltie thereof, and well
and trulye councill him, for the proffitte and worshipe of this towne
after your discression, and the counsell of this towne trulye kepe;
so God you help at the holy dome.”

As to the 27 Common-councilmen, their oath ran in much the same strain, only referring to their particular designation, as overseers or superintendents of all _taxes_, _tallages_, _dymes_, _fiftenes_, _loones_, _reparacions_, _amending of houses_, _walles_, _brigges_, _fletes_, and _dyches_, _&c._

That tendered to the _Sergeant_ began thus—

“Ser; ye shall swere that ye shall be redy and buxom to my mayster
the Mayre at all tymes, and truelye warne the 24 and 27 to come to
the gild halle, or into any other place.” &c. &c.—

That tendered to the _Keeper of the East Gate_ was expressed thus—

“Ser; ye shall well, duelye, and truelye kepe the East Yates, and the
Gannock Yate, and lete out and in the pepyll in dewe tyme, and lete
the Couses shake in dewe tyme, to scoure the fletes of this towne,
and oversee the markett, that the vitalls that come to the towne by
land or by water be not ferestalled, nor hydde in no prive place, and
every day be attendant on your mayster the Mayre, and all other
things truelye to do and use that belongeth or perteyneth to the
office of the portership, and keper of the markett; so God you help
at holy dome.”

The oath tendered to the _keeper of the South Gate_ was in this form.—

“Ser, ye shall well and trewlye kepe the South Yates, and lete the
pepyll in and oute in lawful tyme, and buxom be to my mayster the
Mayre, and to his commandments, for the proffitte and worshipe of
this towne; so God you help at holy dome.”

The oaths tendered to the rest of our officers and functionaries of those times are in a similar strain, and they are very curious, but are too long to be all inserted here. All the other officers being sworn by the _town-clerk_, the oaths are so expressed as to denote that circumstance; but the case in respect to _his own oath_ being different, it is varied in its form accordingly, and thus worded—

“Ser, I shall be obedient to you as my mayster Mayre, and truelye
write and trewe recorde make and trewe councell gyffe after my
discression, when I am cleped thereto or boden, and all other things
truelye do and use that perteyneth to the office of common clerk of
this towne, and the councell of the towne truelye kepe: so God me
help at holy dome.”

Such were our forms of swearing before the reformation.—As to a _Lord High Steward_, it does not appear that there was here then any such officer or functionary; which appears to have sprung up about the time of the _first_ or _second_ CHARLES: and it seems an empty insignificant office.—Quere, if its origin was not suggested or occasioned by the _bishop’s_ HIGH STEWARD of former times?

{1154a} A like refusal to serve the office of _alderman_ is liable to a fine not exceeding 40_l._ and that of a common-council-man 20_l._

{1154b} The mayor, recorder, aldermen, common-council-men and all other officers and their deputies, take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy when they enter into office, and thereby have all the laws, liberties, usages, & customs, granted and confirmed to them, without lett or molestation.—See Charles 2nds _first_ Charter; also Mackerell, 213.

{1155} _Lovecop_, or _Lovecoup_ is what some now _improperly call Lastage_ two a-penny per quarter on corn carried out by _unfreemen_.

{1157} The _mart_ is said to have been formerly kept in _Damgate_; but latterly, for a great length of time, it has been kept in the _Tuesday market place_. Thither, at the opening of it, the mayor and his brethren set out from the Hall in solemn procession, when the following _proclamation_, according to _Mackerell_, is made by the crier—

“Whereas by a charter granted unto this corporation by king Henry
viii. in the 27th. year of his reign, that the mayor and burgesses of
the burgh of _King’s Lynn_, and their successors, might from
thenceforth for ever, have, hold, and keep, within the said burgh,
_one mart_, _or fair_, to begin upon the day next after the feast of
the purification of the blessed virgin _Mary_ yearly, and to continue
six days then next following, with all the liberties, jurisdiction,
and privileges, there contained in the Letters patents, granted by
the said king unto the said mayor and burgesses; any act of
parliament before that time made to the contrary notwithstanding; as
by the transcript of the said patent under the great seal of England,
more at large appeareth:—Now Mr. Mayor, the Aldermen and
Common-council-men of this burgh _Do Publish and make Known_, That
the said _Fair or Mart_ to be holden this year, doth _Begin_ this
present _Day_, and shall continue for the space of _Six Days_ from
hence next following, with the ancient liberties, jurisdictions, and
privileges thereof, and of holding the court of _Pie-Powder_ for the
hearing, trying, and determining, of all accidents and suits incident
thereunto.—Also the mayor commandeth all common victuallers, that
they utter and put to sale no other victuals but such as shall be
sweet and wholesome for man’s body, and that they do afford the same
at reasonable prices; and keep all assizes according to law.—And that
all weights and measures which shall be used, be lawful and sealed
according to the laws and statutes in that behalf made.—And also that
all persons do forbear to put to sale, or shew forth wares on the
Lord’s day.—And further, that all such persons as may be justly
suspected of evil behaviour, do avoid this burgh and the liberties
thereof; and that all others do keep within their several lodgings
from _nine_ of the clock every evening until six of the clock next
morning. GOD SAVE THE KING.”

Afterwards in the _Common Stath-yard_—

“All persons that have any Lastage, Wares, or Linen Cloth, to sell by
wholesale, shall lay the same in the Common-stath-yard, or in
Warehouses, Booths, or Chambers there, as heretofore hath been used,
or as they or any of them shall be thereunto appointed. GOD SAVE THE
KING.”

Lastly in the _Custom House Porch_ [or rather at the _Cross_]—

“All manner of persons that have any Action, Suit, or Plaint, to
enter or prosecute for any matter, cause, or thing, arising within
the jurisdiction of the court of _Pie-Powder_, here to be holden for
and during the time of this _open Mart_, _or Fair_, let them repair
to this place, and the same shall be retorted. GOD SAVE THE KING.”

{1160} ☞ But here again, before he proceeds further, or begins the next section, the author begs leave to acknowledge that be was mistaken at page 1140 in supposing the Lynn Grammar School to have been established in 1580, or about the middle of the reign of Elizabeth. He has since discovered that this seminary existed in 1570, in which year, on Monday next after the feast of St. Michael, or Michaelmas-day, at the commencement of the mayoralty of _Edward Waters_, _Ralph Johnson_ was chosen master, in the room of Mr. _Bacster_. How long the latter held the mastership does not appear. If we suppose ten or a dozen years, and that this _Bacster_, or _Baxter_, was the first master, it would fix the origin of this school about the commencement of that queen’s reign, which seems not an unnatural supposition. The reader therefore is requested to correct what may appear contrary to this statement in the page above referred to; and also in the last line of that page instead of 1570 to read 1590.—The author also apprehends that he was not quite correct at page 1133 in supposing the South Lynn Almshouse not originally endowed with any land of money.

{1161} Exclusive of _fishing smacks_.

{1162a} Comparative view of the imports and exports to and from Lynn from 1761 to 1811, with the revenue thence arising.

In the year Tons of Chaldrons Quarters of Amount of _Wine_ of _Coals_ _Corn_ Revenue. imported. imported. exported. 1761 810 64,100 207,700 £37,600 {1162b} 1771 1030 103,900 151,900 58,800 1781 350 69,400 118,800 36,900 1791 1030 90,600 183,200 56,600 1801 1280 79,100 195,600 74,800 1806 560 103,700 147,600 84,200 1811 450 115,500 212,500 75,300

The correctness of the above may be relied upon; and so it is supposed may also that of the following table, which has appeared in the _Norfolk Tour_, and is there said to have been extracted from the Lynn Custom-house books, and is to be considered as the _yearly average_ which has been exported to foreign markets and coastways, for the years 1791, 1792, and 1793.

Quarters Per Quarter Amount _£._ _s._ _d._ _£._ _s._ _d._ Wheat 30,016 2 4 0 66,035 4 0 Wheat flour 3,138 2 16 0 8,786 8 0 Barley 112,944 1 4 0 135,532 16 0 Malt 10,703 2 0 0 21,406 0 0 Rye 12,298 1 5 0 15,372 10 0 Peas 3,855 1 8 0 5,397 0 0 Beans 4,708 1 4 0 5,649 12 0 Vetches 73 1 10 0 109 10 0 Rape Seed 2,423 1 16 0 4,361 8 0 262,650 8 0

{1162b} _Of which_ 125,000 _were exported to foreign parts_.

{1168} Here we must own that the service in our churches, defective as it is in many respects, has yet greatly the advantage over that of our meeting houses in regard to the _reading_ of the scriptures; for large portions of them are there read every time: and even in the cathedral service we may find a nearer resemblance of the primitive practice than in most dissenting chapels, in the _frequency_ of the administration of the _Lord’s supper_, which is there administered weekly, as it was in the first age, and a good while after. There is something very queer and whimsical in the _lunatic_ administration of that ordinance in most dissenting congregations as well as parish churches.

{1169} The knowledge and mental culture of these assuming beings have been said to be chiefly derived from _Cocker_ and the _venal newspapers_; but the present writer looks upon that as an incorrect and hyperbolic representation; though he suspects that but few of them possess very expanded minds. In time, it is to be hoped, they will become more wise, liberal, public-spirited, and patriotic.

{1170} Seventy two baskets per week, upon an average, each of 40 pounds weight, have been, we are told, sent from hence by the coaches to London, which in the whole year amounts to 65 tons 12 hundred and eight pounds. It is supposed that no other port or place beside has ever supplied the metropolis with so large a quantity of the said article, and that Boston, though it is known to deal largely in the same line, yet falls much short of the quantity here specified.

{1173} We are told that by the report of the commissioners for auditing the public accounts in 1784, the annual duties of Lynn exceeded those of all the other English ports, except _London_, _Bristol_, _Liverpool_, and _Hull_.—They might then amount to about 40,000_l._ But they have since more than doubted that sum.—See Britton’s account if Lynn, p. 299, and the table here at page 1162.

{1174} It may be however not altogether improper just to observe here that the _Gaol_ or prison, and _Bridewell_ or House of Correction, stand contiguous to the town-hall. This building makes a respectable appearance on the outside, and probably no less so within; but that it is really so, the present writer cannot positively say, having never had the curiosity to visit the inside of it.—Here he begs leave to observe in addition to what he has before said of our _Grammar-school_, that that seminary now appears to have existed before the reformation, as may be concluded from the following note extracted from the Hall-books, and transmitted to the author by the present worthy town-clerk.—

“Friday next after the Feast of holy Gregory the pope, anno 25 Hen.
8. [i.e. 1534.] Lynn Bishop: the Mayor, Aldermen, and Com. Council
have elected in to their Charnel priest William Leyton, Chaplain; he
to have it from Lady Day next coming, during his life natural, except
cause reasonable, and he to perform the testament of old _Mr.
Thorsby_, and _maintain a grammar school_; and further to keep the
house, and tenements, in sufficient repairations in all things as he
can, as it has been used.”

{1176} The first of them runs thus—

“Every subscriber to this Library shall pay _one guinea_ annually in
advance, or in proportion to the time of the year when his
subscription commences. And after the general meeting in 1798, each
subscriber shall pay _half a guinea_ on his admission, and the same
annual subscription as above. The sum to be paid upon admission to
be afterwards increased by _five shillings_ and _three pence_ every
year, until it shall amount to _two guineas_. But the property which
each subscriber has in the Library may be transferred to any other
person, who shall subscribe and conform to these rules; in which case
such new subscriber shall pay nothing upon admission.”

The 17th is as follows:—

“No book or pamphlet, except it be a duplicate, shall on any account
be alienated from the Library, without the consent of every
subscriber. But if ever the number of subscribers should be reduced
to _Five_, and continue at or below that number for _three_ years
together, the whole Library shall be transferred to the Mayor and
Burgesses, to be added to that of St. Margaret’s church.”

Thus the want of liberality in the Mayor and Burgesses, who neglect to contribute towards any augmentation of their own Library, will eventually be made up, probably, by this institution, most of whose members, it is presumed, are unconnected with the corporation. Had the latter shewed some liberality in furnishing this society with a convenient place for a library, there would have been certainly a more colourable pretence for this article, or proviso.

{1177} Old Lynn is said to contain 345 souls, and Gaywood about 500.

{1184} Here it may be expected that some notice should be taken, and some use made of Mr. _Zachary Clark’s_ lately published _Account of the Norfolk Charities_, which makes some mention of those of this town and suburbs. That account indeed, as it relates to this place, is very incomplete; but we shall here insert such of the articles as are not included in the preceding statement.—He mentions a house given by deed, by _William Cleave_, in 1616, and vested in the Minister and Church-wardens of St. Margaret’s; the rent, 4_l._ 4_s._ per annum, to be distributed by them among the poor of that parish:—also that in 1689, the mayor and burgesses granted a duty of 4_d._ per chalder on all coals imported here, by owners of ships, or part of ships, not paying to the poor’s rates, towards the maintenance of the poor in St. James’s Workhouse, and which is vested in the governor and guardians thereof. The average amount of the last three years was 214_l._ 8_s._ 3_d._—Also 6_l._ payable annually out of Grey Friars, given by the mayor and burgesses in 1705, towards the support of the aforesaid workhouse.—Likewise for the same purpose, the annual sum of 10_l._ being a gift, during pleasure, of the _High Steward_ of the town, and commencing in 1724.—Also that _John Kidd_ esq. in 1715, bequeathed 36_l._ vested in the mayor and burgesses, the interest 36_s._ to provide 6_s._ worth of bread, in two-penny loaves, to 36 poor people, the six Sundays in Lent. The principal vested in the mayor and burgesses.—Also 100_l._ vested as the last, a legacy by _Peter Ward_ in 1720; 50_s._ of the interest to be given in bread to the poor, viz. 25 two-penny loaves the first Sunday in every Calendar month; and 50_s._ for teaching two poor boys writing and arithmetic.—Also a legacy of 150_l._ vested in the mayor and burgesses, left by _Sarah Dexter_, in 1753, the interest to be paid to the poor men in Framingham Hospital, (_Broad Street Almshouse_) and to the poor women in St. James’s Hospital, (_the Bedehouse_.)—Also a legacy of 36_l._ vested as before, and left by _James Stapleton_, in 1778, the interest to be distributed to the poor by the Chapel wardens.—Also of the South Lynn Almshouses he says, that the founder left 20_l._ to be secured on a freehold, and the income therefrom to be applied, one half for the repairing of the said almshouses, and the other half to provide coals for the inhabitants of them. This legacy was put out to interest till 1641, by which time it had accumulated to 55_l._ 5_s._ This latter sum purchased 5 acres of land, in Wiggenhall St. Germans, the rent whereof, nearly 4_l._ 10_s._ per annum, is applied as above directed.—As to _West Lynn_, (or_ Old Lynn_,) he mentions there 4 acres of land at Islington, vested in the minister and parish officers, for the benefit of the poor; left for that purpose by _John Swaine_, in 1678. The rent is supposed to be regularly distributed according to the will.—He also mentions a legacy of 5_l._ 5_s._ for the use of the poor there, left by the late _Henry Whall_, Deacon.—Also in _Gaywood_, (which may be deemed another suburb of Lynn,) he mentions the following charities—_Tho. Thurston_ D.D. in 1714, by his will, left 40_s._ yearly for ever, toward cloathing three of the poorest inhabitants; which money is payable by the mayor of Lynn.—Also 2 roods of land there, annually let to the highest bidder, and the rent applied for the benefit of the poor.—Also a _house_ in Lynn, the rent of which (8_l._) is received by the officers of Gaywood, and applied as above: but when, or by whom these donations were made he gives no account.—So much for the Lynn Charities; of which this is the best account we have been able to procure. As to such as belong to the respective almshouses, that are not here particularized, the reader is referred for information respecting them to the account that has been already given of those houses.

{1190} _She was possessed of many virtues_, _and was universally respected_: _to her we owe the introduction of side-saddles_: _our women before used always to ride astride like the men_.

{1191} _However this affair was finally settled between the bishop and mayor_, _these articles seem clearly to shew that a_ sword _then really formed a part of the Lynn regalia_, _which has been by some thought very doubtful_.

{1200} _The author begs leave to acknowledge a mistake of his at page_ 763, _in placing Cromwell’s visit to Lynn before the siege_, _whereas it was in fact about half a year after that event_. _This correction invalidates several of the remarks and conclusions in that section_.

{1215} See _vol._ I. _page_ 572, &c.

{1216} The errata has been applied in this transcription.—DP.