Chapter C: O R N W a L L (6)

The Maiors and Recorders, in some of these, are Iustices of the peace, for their owne limits, and welneere allof them haue large exemptions and iurisdictions. A garment (in diuers mens opinions) ouer-rich and wide, for many of their wearish and ill-disposed bodies. They alleadge for themselues, that speedy iustice is administred in their townes, and that it saueth great expences, incident to assize trials, which poor Artificers cannot vndergoe. But the other answere, that these trials are often poasted on, with more haste then good speed, while an ignorant fellow, of a sowter, becomes a magistrate, & takes vpon him peremptory iudgement, in debts and controuersies, great and doubtfull. Againe, the neernesse of commencing their suits, draweth on more expences, then the shortnes of tryals cutteth off, whereas longer respite would make way to deliberation, and deliberation open the doore to reason, which by the fumes arising from cholers boyling heat, is much obscured. Thus dooth the opportunity inure them to vexation; vexation begetteth charges, and charge hatcheth pouerty: which pouerty, accompanied with idlenes (for they cannot follow law, and worke) seeketh not to releeue itselfe by industry, but by subtilty, wherethrough they become altogether depraued in body, goods, and minde. Adde hereunto that the Maior exercising his office but during one yeere, for the first halfe thereof is commonly to learne what he ought to doe, & in the other halfe, feeling his authoritie to wane, maketh friends of that Mammon, & serueth others turnes, to be requited with the like, borrowing from iustice, what hee may lend to his purse, or complices: for as it hath bene well sayd, He cannot long be good, that knowes not why he is good. They conclude, how from these imperfect associations, there spring pride amongst themselues, disdayne at their neighbours, and Monopolies against the Commonwealth.

This inuectiue is somewhat deeply steeped in gall, & must therefore bee interpreted, not of all, but the worst. Surely, for mine owne part, I am of opinion, that how commodious soeuer this iurisdiction may proue amongst themselues, it falleth out sundry times very distastefull and iniurious towards strangers; and strangers they reckon all that are not Burgesses. Now, let such a one bee arrested within their corporations, no sureties but townsmen can finde acceptance, be his behauiour neuer so honest, [88] his cause neuer so iust, his calling neuer so regardfull, & his ability neuer so sufficient; yet if he haue none acquaintance in the towne, if the action brought, carry a shew of waight, if the bringer be a man of sway, in, or neere the towne, if any other townsman of the higher sort beare him an old grudge, he must be contented to fret the colde yrons with his legges, and his heart with griefe: for what one, amongst them, will procure an euerlasting enemy at his doore, by becomming surety for a party, in whom he possesseth none, or little interest? The ancients vsed to grace their Cities with seuerall titles, as Numantia bellicosa, Thebae superbae, Corinthus ornata, Athenae doctae, Hierusalem sancta, Carthago emula, &c. and the present Italians doe the like touching theirs, as Roma santa, Venetia ricca, Florenza bella, Napoli gentile, Ferrara ciuile, Bologna grassa, Rauenna antiqua, &c. In an imitation whereof, some of the idle disposed Cornish men nicke their townes with by-words, as, The good fellowship of Padstowe, Pride of Truro, Gallants of Foy, &c.

The Clarke of the markets office, hath beene heretofore so abused by his deputies, to their priuate gaine, that the same is tainted with a kinde of discredit, which notwithstanding, being rightly & duly executed, would worke a reformation of many disorders, and a great good to the Common-wealth.

Foure Coroners, chosen by the voyces of the freeholders, do serue the shire, who for the present are, Bligh, Tub, Trenance, and Bastard.

The Vice-admiralty is exercised by M. Charles Treuanion, a Gentleman, through his vertue, as free from greedinesse, as through his faire liuelyhood, farre from needinesse: and by daily experience giuing proofe, that a minde valewing his reputation at the due price, will easily repute all dishonest gaine much inferiour thereunto, & that in conuersing with the worst sort of people (which his office oftentimes enforceth) he can no more be disgraced, then the Sunne beames by shining vpon a dunghill will be blemished.

I haue here set downe the names of those Commissioners for the peace, who at this present make their ordinary residence in Corn. as they stand placed in the Commission, where the priority is mostly deferred to antiquity.

Q. Fra. Godolphin M. 1.| Carolus Treuanion 16.
Q. Nic. Parker M. 2.| Thomas S. Aubin 17.
Q. Iona. Trelawney M. 3.| Q. Rob Moyle 18.
Q. Reg. Mohun M. 4.| Q. Ed Hancock. 19.
Q. P. Petrus Edgecomb 5.| Tristramus Arscot 20.
Q. Ric. Carew de Anth. 6.| Thomas Lower 21.
Q. Bern. Greinuile 7.| W. Treffry de Fowey 22.
Q. Antonius Rowse 8.| Iohannes Hender 23.
Petrus Courtney 9.| Q. Willi. Wray 24.
Q. Tho. Chiuerton 10.| Georgius Kekiwiche 25.
Q. Christ. Harris 11.| Q. Arth. Harris 26.
Io. Arund. de Trerise 12.| Io. Harris de Lansre. 27.
Th. Arun. de Taluerne 13.| Q. Degor. Chamons 28.
Q. Nic. Prideaux 14.| Iohannes Trefusis 29.
Q. Hannibal Viuian 15.| Otwel Hill 30.

Their ordinary use was, to begin the quarter Sessions for the East halfe of the Shire, on the Tuesdayes and Wednesdayes, at Bodmyn, and to adiourne the [89] same for the West halfe, to be ended at Truro the Friday and Saterday following, leaning one dayes space for riding betweene. But about twenty yeres sithence, the Easterne Iustices making the greatest number, and in this separation having farthest to ride, when they were disposed to attend both places, either in regard of their ease, or vpon scruple of conscience, or for both together, called into question, whether this custome were as warrantable by right, as it was pleadable by prescription; and whether it as much aduanced the administration of iustice, as it eased the trauell of the people. And thereupon they began to appoynt the intire Sessions at either place one after another. This was sometimes performed, and sometimes broken, by the Westerne Iustices, so as seuerall and contrary precepts of summons were directed to the Sheriffe, with the great vncertaynty, ill example, and trouble of the Countrey. It hapned, that one newly associated, and not yet seasoned with either humour, made this motion for a reconcilement, viz. that the Sessions should enterchangeably one quarter begin at Bodmyn, and end at Truro; and the next begin, at Truro, and end at Bodmyn; and that no recognisance should be discharged, or cause decided out of his owne diuision. This proposition, as it gaue the Westerne Iustices the greatest part of their will, so it salued a sore which chiefly grieued the Easterne: for before, what was done in the beginning at one place, was, or might be vndoone in the ending at the other: wherefore all parties willingly condiscended hereunto, and it hath euer sithence beene accordingly obserued.

Another variance hath sometimes fallen out betweene Cornwall and Deuon, about the time of keeping their Sessions. For whereas the Statute 2. H. 5. enacteth that the Iustices shall hold the same in the first weeke after S. Michael, the Epiphanie, the clause of Easter, and the translation of S. Thomas (which, worthily blotted out of the Calender, Teste Newbrigensi, is euer the seuenth of Iuly) and their oath bindeth them to a strickt obseruation hereof: the question hath growne, when those festiuall dayes fall vpon a Munday, whether the Sessions shall be proclaimed for that weeke, or the next, and the generall practise hath gone with the former. But the Cornish Iustices, waying, that prescription is no Supersedeas for swearing, vpon debating of the matter, haue resolued, and lately accustomed, in such cases, to put it ouer vnto the weeke ensuing: and these are their reasons: If the Sessions must bee kept in the first weeke after, it cannot admit an interpretation of the same weeke it selfe. Againe, the clause of Easter, mencioned in the one, should seeme to make a construction of like meaning in the rest. Besides, those, who suite themselues to the other fashion, doe yet swarue therefrom, if those feastes fall vpon any later day in the weeke then Munday; for then they deferre it till the next: and yet, seeing no day certain is directed for beginning the Sessions; if they will constantly binde themselues to the former sense, when those dayes fall on the Friday, they ought to call it for the morrow following. The Iudges of the circuits Oracle, to which the Commission of the peace referreth the Iustices Quaeres, hath resolued, that neyther of these wayes tendeth to any breach of the lawe. Once sure it is, that the Terme-suiters may best speed their businesse, by supporting the former: for the end of these Sessions deliuereth them space inough [90] to ouertake the beginning of the Termes.

For the rest, equity beareth more sway, then grauity, at the Cornish bench, and in confusion they mayntayne equality: for though they speake more then one at once, yet no one mans speach, or countenance, can carry a matter against the truth. Neither doe assertions, but proofes in hearings; nor vouchings, but shewing of law cases, in deciding, order the controuersies: and as diuersitie in opinions breedeth no enmity, so ouer-ruling by most voyces, is taken for no disgrace.

One only Iudge was wont, in three dayes at farthest, to dispatch the Assizes, & gayle deliuery, at Launceston, the vsuall (though not indifferentest) place, where they are holden. But malice and iniquity haue so encreased, through two contrary effects, wealth and pouerty, that now necessity exacteth the presence of both, and (not seldome) an extent of time.

I haue heard the Iudges note, that besides their ordinary paines, they are troubled with more extraordinary supplications in Cornwall, then in any other shire: whereto they yet giue no great encouragement, while the causes are on the backside, poasted ouer to Gentlemens hearing, and account seldome taken or made, what hath bene done therein.

Verily, we must acknowledge, that ever since our remembrance, God hath blessed this Westerne circuit with speciall choyce of vpright and honest Iudges; amongst whom, this of our last is not the least: for they doe so temper a quick conceit with a stayed iudgement, a strict seuerity in punishing, with a milde mercy in remitting, and an awfull grauitie at the Bench, with a familiar kindnesse in conuersation, as they make proofe, that contrarie vertues may, by the diuers wayes of loue and reuerence, meet in one onely poynt of honour.

The common Gayle of the shire for offendours, is kept at Launceston: for that statute, 33. H. 8. which amongst other shires, gaue the Cornish Iustices leave to alter the same, by a Prouiso, tooke it away againe, in that this keepership is annexed to the Constableship of the Castle, and that graunted out in lease.

I wil conclude with the highest iurisdiction, namely, the Parliament, to which Cornwall, through the grace of his Earles, sendeth an equall, if not larger number of Burgesses, to any other shire. The boroughs so priuiledged, more of fauour (as the case now standeth with many of them) then merit, are these following: Launceston, Downeuet, Liskerd, Lostwithiel, Truro, Bodmyn, Helston, Saltash, Camelford, Eastloo, Westloo, Prury, Tregny, Kellington, Bossimy, S. Iues, S. Germanes, Meddishole, and S. Mawes: and because Quindec. are ordinarily graunted at Parliaments, together with the Subsidies, I will heere set downe the ordinary rate of them.

[91]

Md. de 15. Cornub. in Paroch. subsequent.
vt patet. p.

Hund. de Penwith

Paroc. S. Iusti. 2li.11s.8d. S. Hillary 2.18.8
S. Gorian. 8.5.2 Caniborn. 4.2.0
S. Gorgian. 1.15.6 Laundut. 6.16.5
S. Crowen. 2.2.2 Vthno. 0.12.6
S. Michaels. 2.11.3 Germogh. 0.10.8
S. Illogan. 4.7.10 S. Synan. 3.6.0
S. Erly. 3.11.8 S. Maddern. 4.12.0
S. Luduan. 2.16.6 S. Twynnock. 2.5.0
Morueth. 0.17.6 S. Felis. 2.1.2
S. Siluan. 2.12.5 Kedruth. 1.12.5
S. Sancred. 1.14.0 S. Winner. 3.6.0
S. Ey. 3.6.8 S. Pawl. 6.17.0
S. Sennar. 2.11.1 Woluele. 3.5.0
Sum. 81. 8. 6.

Hund. de Kerier.

Wennape. 2.8.0 S. Melor. 2.4.0
S. Martyn. 0.18.8 S. Briack. 2.3.0
S. Gluuiack. 2.2.10 S. Crade. 1.4.6
Constantyn. 3.6.4 Wyneanton. 0.14.8
S. Mawnan. 1.8.0 S. Melan. 2.18.4
S. Stidian. 2.19.4 S. Keyran. 6.8.0
Arwothel. 1.4.9 S. Wynwolny. 0.10.4
S. Landy. 1.10.4 S. Rumon.parua. 0.7.2
S. Mawgan. 1.16.0 Crewenne. 1.0.10
S. Rumon.ma. 1.2.0 S. Sithne. 2.0.0
S. Antony. 0.8.0 S. Ewynne. 0.15.4
Corentun. 0.15.0 Burg. de Helston. 4.6.8
Minster 1.4.6 Germock. 0.10.8
S. Budock.ma. 2.9.0 S. Wendron. 3.12.0
Burgus de Perm. 2.0.0
Sum. 52.18.5.

Hund. de Powder.

Tywardreth 2.15.11 Elerky. 3.6.0
Argallas. 1.14.4 S. Keby. 1.2.1
Burg. de Fowy. 2.8.4 Landreth. 0.17.8
Roche. 2.8.7 Eglosmerther. 0.18.0
Kenwen. 2.19.0 Lanuoreck. 1.10.0
Eglosros 1.16.0 Grogith. 0.14.4
Moresk. 2.0.0 Fowy extra. 1.4.8
Manerium de | S. Sampson. 1.15.0
pen.Kneth & | 0.10.4 S. Stephens. 3.6.3
Restormel. | Gerend. 2.0.0
S. Awstle. 6.14.11 Feock. 1.10.0
Mewan. 1.12.0 Burg. de Lostwi. 8.13.4

[92]

Carhayes. 0.11.6 Laurocen. 0.17.0
S. Denis. 1.16.6 Ladock. 2.14.0
Penkeuel. 0.11.8 Lanhorn. 1.14.8
S. Anthonie. 0.12.2 S. Ewe. 1.8.3
Burg. de Mia. 0.5.6 Manerium de |
S. Goran 1.16.0 Towington in | 1.19.0
Burg. de Grand. 0.14.6 P. S. Austle.|
Burg. de Truru. 12.1.10 S. Crede. 2.1.0
S. Ermets 1.14.0 S. Iust. 1.16.0
Landege. 2.7.0 Burg. de Tregony. 1.15.3
Lasullian. 1.10.6 S. Probus. 5.6.0
S. Aleyn. 3.4.6 Calendry 1.0.8

Hund. de Pider.

Lanhidrock. 0.17.8 S. Ermets. 2.2.6
S. Peran. 2.6.8 S. Euoder. 3.0.0
S. Caranto. 2.13.0 S. Petrock mi. 0.6.4
S. Vuel. 1.10.0 Laneuet. 1.10.0
S. Agnes. 1.6.10 S. Ede. 1.12.0
S. Petrock ma. 2.4.10 S. Bruke. 2.7.0
S. Columb ma. 5.13.0 Newlyn. 3.17.4
S. Columb mi. 4.11.0 Maruy. 2.1.0
Burg. de Meddi. 0.8.0 Withiel. 1.6.8
Oldstowe. 1.9.0 S. Colan. 1.4.6
Lanherne. 3.0.0 Cuthbert. 2.0.0
S. Wenne 1.18.0

Hund. de Trigge.

Teth. 2.9.6 Egloshail. 2.3.8
Minuer. 1.15.0 Bliston. 1.17.2
P. Bodmyn ext. 1.16.0 Temple 0.5.0
Brue rode. 1.19.5 S. Laud. 1.6.0
Bur. de Bodmyn. 20.0.0 Ma. de Pennayn. 0.4.10
Maben. 1.10.9 S. Tweir. 1.16.8
S. Eudelian. 1.8.0 Hellond. 0.19.0

Hund. de Lesnewith.

Cleder. 1.16.8 Bur. de Castle |
S. Warburg 1.18.4 Boterel. | 0.7.0
S. Iuliet. 0.14.8 Oterham. 0.19.0
Bur. de Tintagle. 0.13.2 Lanteglos. 1.10.0
Podistok. 4.5.2 S. Genis. 1.14.2
Mihelstowe. 0.19.0 Lesnewith. 1.8.0
Bu. de Camelforth. 0.9.0 Maner. de Tintagle. 1.7.0
Alternon 1.18.6 Minster. 1.4.6
Dauid. 2.6.8 Treneglos. 1.6.8
Treualga. 1.0.0 Athawyn. 1.0.0

[93]

Hund. de Lesnewith.

Kilkhamlond. 3.4.4 Bridgerule. 0.12.6
Iacobstow. 1.16.4 Moristow. 3.6.0
Poghwil. 0.19.0 Boyton. 1.9.0
Launcels. 1.8.0 Stratton. 2.19.6
Ouerwynchurch. 2.0.0 Wyke. 1.15.0
Whitston. 1.13.0 Bur. de Kilkhamp. 1.0.2

Hund. de Westwibilsher.

Niot. 2.7.0 Lanteglos. 5.0.0
Cardinham. 1.18.0 Burg. de Liskerd. 6.14.0
Morual. 1.17.0 Reprina. 0.8.0
S. Clere. 2.1.7 Wynnock. 2.0.0
Tallan. 1.12.0 Burg. de Loo. 1.10.0
Lansalwys. 1.9.0 Lanraythew. 1.8.6
Vepe. 1.9.2 Villade. 1.13.0
Maner. de Liskerd. 1.13.0 S. Martyn de Loo. 1.10.0
Dulo. 1.18.6 Brotheck. 0.18.0
Warlegan. 1.2.0 Kayn. 0.8.4
Pleuiul. 2.7.0 Pynnock. 0.19.0
Liskerd. 1.12.0

Hund. de Eastwibilshere.

Antony. 1.11.0 Manerium de |
Lawlutton. 1.3.0 Tremeton. | 2.15.4
Southil. 0.18.0 Linkinhorne. 2.0.0
Piderwyn. 2.3.0 Seuiock. 1.4.0
Landilp. 0.17.6 Calstock. 3.6.0
Stoke. 2.9.0 S. Melan. 1.6.0
Minhinet. 4.6.0 Rame. 1.11.0
Egloskery. 2.5.0 S. Iue. 1.19.0
S. Germyns. 6.10.0 S. Dominick. 1.4.0
Bur. de Downuet. 2.16.8 Lawanneck. 1.10.0
Lasant. 1.18.0 Laurake. 1.19.0
S. Iohns. 1.6.10 Burg. de Ash. 2.0.8
S. Stephens of | Pillaton. 0.15.4
Lanceston. | 4.16.0 Boskenna. 0.9.0
Quedock. 1.7.0 Meer. 0.15.0
Northil. 1.12.0

Sum. tot. 15. & 10. in Cornub. 479.03.
[94]

Md. postea sequuntur deductiones & allocat. de eisdem sum.
appunctuat. per Edmund. Episc. Exon. & Thom. Bodul-
gat tunc vn. milit. praed. Com. in Anno 24. H. 6. vt
pt. p. particulariter.

Trigge.

Parochia de | Aldehan. 0.15.0
Menefride. | 1.0.0 Maben. 0.15.0
Helland. 0.15.0 Egloshail 1.10.0
Burg. de Bodmyn. 6.0.0 Temple. 0.3.0
S. Tudy. 0.9.0 S. Bruer. 0.15.0
Tethe. 1.10.0

Sum. 13. 12. 0.

Hund. de Lesnowith.

Cleder. 0.12.0 Oterham. 0.15.0
Burg. de Botriscast. 0.6.0 Aduen. 0.6.0
Pondistoke. 2.0.0 Warburg. 0.10.0
Mynster. 0.12.0 Lesnowith. 0.12.0
Bu. de Camelforth. 0.6.0 Treueglos. 0.18.0
S. Gennys. 0.15.0 Alternon. 0.10.0
S. Dauid. 0.10.0

Sum. 8. 12. 0.

Hund. de Stratton.

Morestow. 1.10.0 Burgus de |
Poughwel. 0.12.0 Kilkampton. | 0.9.0
Lancels. 0.10.0 Merwinchurch. 0.15.0
Boyton. 0.10.0 Whithton. 0.15.0
Kilkampton. 1.0.0 Iacobstow. 0.10.0
Stratton. 1.1.0

Sum. 7. 12. 0

Hund. de East.

Calstok. 1.10.0 Rame 0.15.0
Lawanneck. 1.1.0 Quethiock. 0.12.0
S. Iohns. 0.15.0 S. Domineck. 0.10.0
S. Iues. 1.0.0 Pederwyn. 0.8.0
Minhinet. 3.0.0 S. Germyns. 4.10.0
Manerium de | Antony. 0.15.0
Tremeton. | 1.5.0 Lawhitton. 0.15.0
Burgus de | S. Stephens. 2.0.0
Downeued. | 1.0.0 Laurake. 0.10.0
S. Melan. 1.0.0 Egloskery. 0.15.0

Sum. 22. 1. 0.

[95]

Hund. de West.

Burgus de | Lanrethow. 0.10.0
Liskerd. | 1.0.0 S. Vepe. 0.10.0
S. Cleer. 0.10.0 Manerium |
Morual. 0.10.0 de Liskerd. | 0.12.0
Talland. 0.10.0 S. Pynnock. 0.10.0
Parish of Liskerd. 0.18.0 Nyot. 0.10.0
Lanteglos. 1.10.0

Sum. 7. 10. 0.

Hund. de Penwith.

Luduan. 0.9.0 S. Sencrede. 0.15.0
Camborn. 1.0.0 S. Felix. 0.6.0
S. Senan. 0.13.0 S. Selenan. 0.10.0
S. Gothian. 0.10.0 S. Michaels. 0.10.0
S. Ius t. 0.10.0 S. Pawl. 1.0.0
S. Veryn. 2.0.0 S. Thebut. 1.0.0
S. Wynner. 0.10.0 S. Grey. 0.9.0

Sum. 10. 2. 0.

Hund. de Kerier.

S. Wenep. 0.10.0 S. Constantyn. 0.9.0
Mawnan. 0.6.0 Crade. 0.10.0
Burg. de Helston. 1.10.0 Wynampton. 0.6.0
Melan. 0.10.0 Stedian. 0.9.0
Arwothel. 0.10.0 Ewyn. 0.10.0
Minster. 0.6.0

Sum. 5. 16. 0.

Hund. de Powder.

Argallas. 0.10.0 Lamorek. 0.10.0
Keby. 0.9.0 S. Sampsons. 0.10.0
Burgus de | S. Gereus. 0.10.0
Truru. | 10.0.0 Burgus de |
Roche. 0.18.0 Lostwithiel. | 8.0.0
Moresk. 0.10.0 Lamhorn. 0.6.0
S. Goran. 0.9.0 Tywardreth. 0.10.0
S. Allen. 0.5.0 S. Stephens. 0.10.0
Illerky. 0.10.0 Eglosros. 0.10.0

Sum. 19. 17. 0.
[96]************************* missing scan *******************88

Hund. de Pider.

Lanhidrok. 0.11.0 S. Petrock minor. 0.6.0
S. Pyran. 0.15.0 S. Petrock maior. 0.10.0
S. Newlyn. 1.10.0 S. Breock. 0.15.0
S. Colan. 0.10.0 Withiel. 0.5.0
Lamhern. 0.10.0 Carnenton. 0.10.0
S. Edy. 0.12.0 Vwel. 0.10.0
S. Enoder. 0.15.0

Sum. tot. deductions. 15. & 10. 113. 1. 6.
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