St Mary's Church, Minster, Isle of Thanet - List of Vicars

( 97 ) ST. MARY'S CHURCH, MINSTER, ISLE OE THANET. LIST OF YICARS. BY THE REV. T. SHIPDEM FRAMPTON, M.A., P.S.A. THE Church of Minster, which fully justifies the encomium passed on it by Sir Stephen Glynne, of being "unquestionably one of the very finest Churches in the county," is believed with good reason to occupy the site of the Conventual establishment founded by Abba, Ermenburga, or Domneva, the mother of St. Mildred, in the time of Archbishop Theodore, about the year 670. After the destruction of the Nunnery by the Danes, whose incursions commenced in Thanet as early as the latter half of the eighth century, the site fell into the hands of the King, and was subsequently granted by Canute to the Monastery of St. Augustine, at Canterbury, in the possession of which it continued until the sixteenth century. Tbe late Canon Jenkins, whose most interesting Paper on "St . Mary's Minster in Thanet, and St. Mildred," will be found among the Transactions of tbe Kent Archseological Society,* says: " Tbe whole of tbe present Church is due to that architectural and religious zeal of the monks of St. Augustine's, which almost every church affiliated to their Abbey testifies." In further reference to the building itself, it may be well to add that its gradual development and striking architectural features have been admirably sketched and described, with appropriate illustrations, by the late Canon Scott Bobertson, in a valuable Paper immediately preceding that of Canon Jenkins.f * Archceologia Cantiana, Vol. XII., pp. 177—196. f Ibid., pp. 167—176. VOIi. XXV. H 9 8 ST. MARY'S CHURCH, MINSTER. The accompanying List of Yicars has been compiled almost entirely from tbe original Eegisters, which are preserved in Lambeth Palace Library :— VICAES. PATBONS. WILLIAM, mentioned in 1275. (Decem Abbot and Convent of Script., col. 1 9 2 2 . ) 1 St. Augustine's. PETEE DE GATEWYK, inst. 25 J an. 1286-7. Abbot and Convent of (Beg. Peckham, f. 31 b.) 2 St. Augustine's. JOHIT, mentioned 18 Eeb. 1300-1. (Close Eoll, 29 Edw. I . , m. 14.) 3 MARTIN LOTEICH, inst. 1_ June 1328. (Ch. Ch. Cant. , Eeg. Q., f. 137 . . ) l 1 The in/brmation which is given concerning the movements of Archbishop Kilwardby about his diocese during his six years' episcopate is very scanty indeed, but William Thorn, the Isle of Thanet chronicler, a native of Minster, has recorded the fact that on 9 September 1275 the Archbishop consecrated a burial-ground at the " capella " of St. Lawrence, and that an agreement was made between William, perpetual Vicar of the mother church of Minster, and John, Vicar of St. Lawrence, with regard to the funerals which were henceforward to take place in their respective parishes, and the fees arising from them. 2 In the entry of the institution of this Vicar he is described as " magister " and " presbyter." It may have been in his time that the Taxatio JEcclesiastica of Pope Nioholas IV. was compiled, by which it appears that the Church of Minster, with its " capella," was valued at £133 6s. 8d., and the vicarage at £20. This was in the year 1291-2. About a century later the valuation was two hundred marks and thirty marks respectively, which was practically the same as before. In the Valor Mcolesiasticus of 1535-G the vicarage was valued at £33 13s. 4d. 3 At tho end of tlie thirteenth century, or in the first year of the following one, an event happened which must have closely affected the Vicar of Minster and his parishioners. In company with sixteen other Kentish Incumbents ho incurred the sentence of excommunication, at the instance of Archbishop Winchelsey. Nothing is said about the nature of their delinquency, nor is any reason assigned for such severe treatment. It is, however, significant that they were, without a single exception, holders of benefices in the patronage of St. Augustine's, and the thought occurs that they may have been concerned in the fierce controversy which that Prelate had with the Abbot and Convent, in which they would naturally be disposed to take their patrons' side. Be this as it may, they were all excommunicated ; they continued contumacious; the assistance of the secular arm was invoked ; thoy were arrested, with the exception of five who wore returned as " non inventi," and incarcerated at Canterbury. I t is not stated how long they were detained, but on 18 February 1300-1 a royal writ was issued from Lincoln to the Sheriff of Kent, ordering him to release them on bail. The two other Thanet Incumbents included in the sentence were Walter, Reotor of Stonor, who was " non inventus," and Edmund, Vicar of St. Lawrence. 4 The institution of this Vicar took place during the vacancy caused hy the death of Archbishop Walter Reynolds. He was both " magister " and " presbyter." LIST OP VICARS. 99 VICARS. PATEONS. JORDAN DE B IZLE, resig. 1342. (Lewis's Sistory of Tenet, 2nd Edit., p. 100.) 6 JOHN DE PKENDISBURY, 1342. (Ibid.) JOHN DE LICHEELD.6 THOMAS BARKER, or BARLEB, adm. 8 Jan. 1355-6, on d. of the last. (Eeg. Islip, f. 271 b.) 1 STEPHEN BOLES, exch. with the last, 4 Oct. 1356. (Ibid., f. 273 b.) 8 EICHAED DE SELLYNGG, adm. 30 Aug. 1361, on d. of the last. (Ibid., f. 289 a.) 9 6 The names of Jordan de Bizle and John de Prendisbury are given on the authority of the Rev. John Lewis, who inserted in his History of Tenet a very complete list of Vicars of Minster, obtained for the most part from the MS. papers of one of his predecessors in the vicarage, the Rev. Henry Wharton, which are now preserved in the Archbishop's Library at Lambeth Palace. 8 No record of the date of institution of John de Lichfeld has been discovered. His name occurs only on the occasion of his successor's appointment. 7 Previously Kector of Willesborough, which was another of St. Augustine's benefices. His tenure of office was brief, as within the year he effected an exchange with Stephen Boles for the vicarage of the adjoining parish of Monkton, which also belonged to the Monastery. 8 Shortly before his death he comes under notice in connection with a dispute which arose about certain rights of burial, with his neighbour William, Vicar of St. Lawrence, in July 1360. 9 This Vicar was only in Deacon's Orders at the time of his institution, but was ordained priest very shortly after, in the Chapel of the Archbishop's manor at Otford, on Saturdaj', 18 September 1361. He appears to have effected an exchange of benefice with John de Teukesbury, Rector of Ringwould, where he died in 1369. John de Teukesbury, as Rector of " Rydelyngweld," obtained licence to be non-resident for a year in 1352, and again in 1355. After a brief s-tay at Minster he exchanged with John Colyus, Rector of Hardington, or Harlington, in the diocese of London, which he held for about two years, and then resigned. He, or a namesake, was a voluminous writer.* After Richard de Sellyngg, Mr. Lewis inserts in his list of Vicars tho names of " William de Stodmershe, resig. 1363," and " Valentine atte Packe, alias Paske, adm. fuit Julii 22,1363," omitting altogether that of Jobn de Teukesbury. It is not easy to see bow William and Valentine can have been here, unless each held another benefice with that of Miuster, which is not very probable. William de Stodmerssch, who, though doubtless a native of this county, came from the Winchester diocese, was admitted to the rectory of Norton, by exchange of benefice, on 9 January 1358-9. He remained there until 22 July 1363, when he exchanged for Paversham * See Newcourt's Bepertorium, i. 631, note a. H 2 Abbot and Convent of St. Augustine's. Abbot and Convent of St. Augustine's. Abbot and Convent of St. Augustine's. 100 ST. MART'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICAES. PATEONS. JOHN DE TEUKESBURY. JOHN COLTNS, exch. with the last, 16.Ian. Abbot and Convent of 1363-4. (Ibid., f. 303 . . ) St. Augustine's. JOHN DE KYNGESLOND, adm. 29 Sep. 1368. Abbot and Convent of (Eeg. Langham, f. 106 b.) St . Augustine's. STEPHEN SCHEELEEELDE, adm. 28 April Abbot and Convent of 1378. (Reg. Sudbury, f. 125 a.)10 St. Augustine's. ADAM DUNS, exch. with the last, 6 Dec. Abbot and Convent of 1378. (Ibid., f. 127 b.) " St. Augustine's. ALAN WELDE, adm. 25 Mar. 1386. (Eeg. Abbot and Convent of Courtenay, I., f. 261 b.) u St. Augustine's. WILLIAM DEEYE, adm. 28 July 1393. Abbot and Convent of (Ibid., IL, f. 213 b.) St. Augustine's. JOHN CURTEYS, adm. 7 July 1401, on d. Abbot and Convent of oflaRt. (Reg. Arundel, I., f. 2 7 7 5 . ) l s St, Augustine's. with Valontinus atlo Pathe, and where he continued until his death. Valentine atte Pathe had boon admitted to the vicarage of Paversham on 29 August 1357. He retained it less than a year, for on 11 April 1358 he was admitted to the Church of Frittenden, another benefice in the. patronage of St. Augustine's, which, however, he resigned in the same month to return to Paversham. There ho remained until his exchange with William Stodmerssch for Norton, whioh he held until 15 November 13(14, when love for Paversham again prevailed, and he returned thither by effecting an exchange with Richard Wykyng, the successor of Stodmerssch. 10 After holding office for less than eight months he exchanged for two churches in Canterbury. In the record of this transaction his name is given as " Cherlefeld," which is the more correct form. On leaving Canterbury in 1384 he accepted the vicarage of Kennington, near Ashford, another benefice belonging to tho Monastery, which he held for ten years; he then exchanged with William Pyke for the chantry of John Denys, in Ickham Church, which he retained until the year 1411, when he resigned. 11 Adam Duns, who as a Deacon held the united churches of St. Mary Bredin and St. Edmund, Canterbury, for four days, was ordained priest at Otford within a fortnight of his institution to Minster. 12 Contemporary with this Vicar, and perhaps related to him, was William Welde, who was chosen Abbot of St. Augustine's on the death of Michael Peckham in 1380, though a long delay ensued before he entered upon office. 13 Hasted, speaking of the chancel of Minster Church, says : " In it are 18 collegiate stalls, in good preservation," and adds in a note : " On the seat of the first stall, at the south side, on two labels, is this name, JOHANNES CURTEYS, in old English letters."* This interesting memorial * See also Archaologia Cantiana, Vol. XII., p. 174, where an illustration of it is given. LIST OP VICARS. 101 VICAES. PATEONS. JOHN WEASTLTNGWOETH, exch. with the Abbot and Convent of last, 9 Aug. 1419. (Eeg. Chichele, I., St. Augustine's. f. 117 b.) u WILLIAM PETYTE, exch. with the last, Abbot and Convent of 21 Oct. 1421. (Ibid., f. 130 a.) 15 St. Augustine's. THOMAS MAECHALL. 16 WILLIAM PALMEE, exch. with the last, Abbot and Convent of 1 April 1444. (Eeg. Stafford, f. 76 b.) St. Augustine's. THOMAS MOOME, adm. 23 Jan. 1446-7, on Abbot and Convent of d. of the last. (Ibid., f. 91 b.) 17 St. Augustine's. of a Vicar, whose stay here exceeded in duration that of any of his predecessors, must have witnessed the coming and going of some thirtyfour Vicars. 14 The career of this cleric affords an illustration of the restlessness and love of change which characterized the parochial clergy in the fifteenth century. In 1410 he became Rector of Buckland, Herts; he exchanged thence for Stoke Newington in 1414; two years later he obtained the rectory of G-reenford Magna, which he resigned by exchange, in 1418,for St.Peter's, Sandwich. After staying there little more than a year, ho came by exchange to Minster, whence, after a tenure of office of just over two years, he went, by exchange with William Petyte, to Blisworth, then in the Lincoln diocese, where he disappears from view. 15 He comes under notice in Archbishop Arundel's Register as Arohpresbyter of the Collegiate Church of Ulcombe, from whioh he went by exchange to Paversham. After a considerable stay of sixteen years he left by exchange for Blisworth, whence, in less than five months' time, he effected another exchange for Minster. 16 On quitting this vicarage Thomas Marchall became Rector of Great Mongeham, in the Archbishop's gift, by exchange with William Palmer, who had come there, also by exchange, from Smarden. 17 Thomas Moome's life-work was already far advanced wheu he accepted this vioarage at the hands of the Abbot and Convent, for he had long held preferment in the diocese. On 8 October 1417, when he was " in Decretis Baccalaureus," he was admitted to the vicarage of Hackiugton, near Canterbury, on presentation by Arohdeacon Wakering. In January 1420-1 Arohbishop Chichele gave him the Church of Deal, at whioh time he was " in Deoretis licentiatus." Iu April 1429 the Prior and Convent of Leeds presented him to their reotory of Acrise. In Maroh of the following year, while still holding Deal, the Archbishop gave him the Churoh of Bishop bourne, " per viam commendse." In Pebruary 1431-2 the same Arohbishop conferred on him the rectory of Ruckinge. And, to crown all, towards tho end of the year 1435, ho was oollated to the provostship of Wingham, whioh had become vacant by the death of Matthew Aysshton. On resigning Minster, Archbishop Stafford assigned him a life annuity of twenty marks, which, presumably, was charged ou the vicarage, and must have pressed heavily, though perhaps not for long, on his successor. The vigilant eye of the biographer does not seem to have lighted on this favourite of two Archbishops aud two Religious Houses, and his name has not found its way into the list of the Provosts of Wingham. 1 0 2 ST. MART'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICARS. PATRONS. EOBEET LYNKEFELD, adm. 14 J a n . 1450-1, Abbot and Convent of on resig. of the last. {Ibid., f. 107 b.)18 St. Augustine's. DAVID STEWARD, exch. with the last, 10 Abbot and Convent of July 1463. (Eeg. Bourgchier, f. 87 b.) St. Augustine's. JOHN HUTTE, exch. with the last, 11 June The King for this turn. 1464. (Ibid., f. 88 b.) 19 EOBEET WAYNFLETE, adm. 3 Oct. 1474, Abbot and Convent of on d. of the last. (Ibid., f. I l l as.)2 0 St. Augustine's. JOHN WYLLYAMSON, adm. 16 May 1492, Abbot and Convent of on resig. of the last. (Eeg. Mor ton, St. Augustine's. IL, f. 151 b.) 21 HUGH HOGHE, adtn. 22 Oct. 1493, on d. Abbot and Convent of of the last Vicar. (Ibid., f. 156 a.) St. Augustine's. JOHN WILLIAMSON. 22 18 Robert Lynkefeld, after a comparatively long residence of twelve years and a half, left for the diocese of Norwich, by effecting an exchange of benefice with David Steward, Reotor of Polstead. 19 In less than a twelvemonth Minster saw another change, but this time the new Vicar came from the neighbouring parish of St. John's, whioh he had held since November 1457. When the exchange took place there was a vacancy at St. Augustine's, owing to the death of its Abbot, and in consequence the King presented to the vioarage of Minster. •2o rpjjjg Yicll,.'g acquaintance with parochial work in Bast Kent must have been very varied. We arc able to trace his steps for thirty-two years of his clerical life, during which time he held five benefices belonging to his Monastery, of which he was a Prater aud Canon, and one town parish in Sandwich. Wc find him resigning Bast Langdon in 1460. Next, after two years' disappearance from sight, comes his institution to Chislet, with which he seems to have held Northbourne. He then effected an exchange for St. Peter's, Sandwich; and after holding Brookland, in Romney Marsh, for seven years, he finally accepted Minster, on resigning which a pension for life was assigned him. Contemporary with him, and doubtless fellow-townsmen, were William Waynflete, Provost of Eton, Bishop of Winchester for nearly forty years, Lord High Chancellor of England, and Pounder of Magdalen College, Oxford, and William Waynflete, Abbot of the Premonstratensian Monastery of Langdon. 21 John Williamson, " Capellanus," was admitted to the perpetual vicarage of Willesborough 25 May 1479, on presentation by the Abbot and Convent of St. Augustine's, and he held it until 7 April 1481, when the same patrons presented him to their rectory of Swalecliffe. Master Jobn Wyllyamson was "in Deoretis Baccalaureus" when he came to Minster. 2J It seems not improbable that this Vioar was identical with John Wyllyamson, who was instituted in 1492. It is true that Hugh Hoghe is stated in the soo 'iid Register of Archbishop Morton to have succeeded on the death of the last Vicar, but this may have been a clerical error for resignation. If so, Williamson came back subsequently. This theory is supported by the fact that each was " iu Deoretis Baccalaureus," whioh was not a very LIST OP VICARS. 103 VIOAES. PATEONS. PETER LYGHAM, adm. 29 April 1522, on d. Abbot and Convent of of the last. (Eeg. Warham, f. 374 a.)23 St. Augustine's. JOHN OLYVEE, LL.D. , adm. 11 J u n e 1529, Abbot and Convent of on resig. of the last. (Ibid., f. 397 k ) 2 4 St. Augustine's. common degree. Archbishop Morton conferred on him a prebend in the Collegiate Church of Wingham on 10 April 1496. He retained this for twenty years, when he was succeeded in it by Thomas Bode on 27 March 1516. On this occasion the information is given that it was the prebend of " Wymyugswelde " which he had occupied. This was the second of the subdiaconal prebends, founded by Archbishop Peckham, the other being that of Ratling. During the time of Williamson's tenure of this canonry the visitation of Archbishop AVarham took place, which, as far as concerned Wingham, was held in the great chancel of that Church on 16 September 1511, on which occasion " Master John Williamson, Canon of the said College, exhibited his [collation] of his prebend, etc., and said that it was appointed that each Canon should have a Vicar-Choral in priest's orders; but that Archbishop Bourgchier, in tho time when M. Thomas Rotherham was Provost, seeing that each Vicar had only _64 a year, appointed that there should be four Vicars in priest's or deacon's orders, and four seoular clerks, as he had heard say."* 23 He is mentioned by Anthony Wood in his Fasti, as B.G.L. in 1513, and D. Can. Law in 1510. A prebendal stall at Wingham, conferred on him hy Arohbishop Warham, appears to have been the earliest preferment he hold in the, diocese. On resigning this he was succeeded by Master Richard Benger, Doctor of Decrees, on 3 Pebruary 1523-4. He next comes under notice as Vioar of Minster, which he hold for seven years. On 9 June 1526 the Archbishop gave him the Church of Saltwood, with Hythe, and, probably, about tho same time, the vicarage of Lydd, both which he retained until his death. At Saltwood he succeeded Master Edmund Chollertoti, S.T.B., who resigned on a retiring pension. On 15 July 1533 he was collated by the Bishop of London to the prebend of Willesden, in St. Paul's Cathedral, but resigned it tbe following month for that of Wenlakesbarn, which he retained to the end. He was Dean of the Arches, and Official of the Court of Canterbury. At the time of his death, in 1538, he was also Master of Eastbridge Hospital, Canterbury. In his will he is oonnected with " Cosmys Blene." The vicarage of Blean has been in the patronage of the Master of Eastbridge Hospital for nearly seven centuries. It does not appear that Lygham was ever Vicar, but he may have been staying there in his last illness. Anthony Wood m'entions him as taking the degree of D.C.L. 23 June 1522, and adds that, in Pebruary 1532, he succeeded Dr. John Eygden as Dean of King Henry VIIL's College at Oxford, better known afterwards as Christ Churoh. He held at one time the Rectory of St. Mary Mounthaw, London, but resigned it in 1527. Twenty years later he was one of tho Masters in Chancery. He was also a Prebeudary of Sarum, and Rector of Wolstauton in Staffordshire, to whioh, with Minster, he left bequests by his will. He died at Doctors' Commons in May 1552. During the time he held Minster the Valor Bcclesiasticus was compiled, which furnishes the following melanoholy information :—" Johannes Olyvers clericus Vicarius de Mynster non reside t, et Pa vid Reynolds ejus deputatus est egrotus." Dr. Olyver, if ever in residence, might have * Dr. Maitland in The British Magazine, vol. xxix., p. 38. 104 ST. MARY'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICAES. PATEONS. SETH TEAVIS, inst. 29 Jan. 1547-8, on The Archbishop. resig. of the last. (Eeg. Cranmer, f. 404 a.) 25 JOHN WILBOEE, inst. 7 Feb. 1549-50, on The Archbishop. d. of the last. (Ibid., f. 410 b.)26 NICHOLAS WENDON, M.A., inst. 30 Sept. The Archbishop. 1557, on resig. of the last. (Eeg. Pole, f. 73 _.)» JOHN BUTLEE, LL.B., inst. 20 Oct. 1561. The Archbishop. (Eeg. Parker, I., f. 351 a.) 28 listened to the sound of the present fourth bell, which is of unusual interest, and was cast by William Oldfeild, bell-founder, of Canterbury, who flourished 1538-58. It bears the curious trade-mark of that founder, with his initials and device.* 25 He compounded for Pirst Pruits 31 January 1547-8. 26 Archbishop Cranmer's Register furnishes the information that on 23 June 1545 John Wyldebore, alias Dygon, S.T.B., was admitted to the perpetual vicarage of Preston by Wingham; and Cardinal Pole's Register tells us that he resigned that benefice in 1557, in which year he also retired from Minster. On 3 September he obtained permission from the Archbishop to negotiate with his successor respecting an annual pension for himself, which was to issue from the fruits of the vicarage. 27 The following account of this Vicar is given in Cooper's Athena Caniabrigienses f : —He " matriculated as a sizar of Michaelhouse in November 1546, was a member of that college when it was absorbed in the greater foundation of Trinity College. He proceeded B.A. 1550-1, commenced M.A. 1554, and subscribed the Roman Catholic Articles 1555. On 17 April 1559 he was admitted Archdeacon of Suffolk, and in or soon after June 1561 was presented by the Queen to a canonry of Norwich. He was admitted an Advocate of the Court of Arches 4 Oct. 1567, having previously commenced LL.D. in some foreign University as is supposed. He was Rector of Witnesham, Suffolk, commonly resided at Lounde in that county, and was accustomed to appear in public in a cloak with a Spanish cape, having a rapier by his side. In 1570 he was ejected from his canonry at Norwich for not being in orders, but was nevertheless allowed to retain his archdeaconry till 1575, about which time he avowed himself a Roman Catholic, and went to Louvaine, ultimately proceeding to Rome. He occurs in a list of fugitives for Religion dated 29 Jan. 1576-7." 28 His earliest preferment in the diocese seems to have been the seventh Prebendal Stall in Canterbury Cathedral, which had become vacant by the death of Hugh Olasyer, and to which he was presented by the Queen 12 May 1559. In September of the following year he was presented to the neighbouring rectory of Kingston, which had also become vacant by the decease of the previous Rector. He held these with Minster until his death. In his will he expressed a wish to be buried in the Chapter House * See Stahlschmidt's Church Bells of Kent. t Vol. i. 384. LIST OP VICARS. 105 VICAES. PATEONS. JOHN HILL, S.T.B., iust. 31 March 1570, The Archbishop. on d. of the last. (Ibid., f. 39S . . ) 29 JAMES BEOMMELL, M.A., inst. 21 March The Archbishop. 1594-5, on resig. of the last. (Eeg. Whitgift, IL, f. 326 b.) 80 EICHAED CLEEK, S.T.P.,inst. 19 Oct. 1597, The Archbishop. on d. of the last. (Ibid., f. 349 h.) 31 of the Cathedral, beside Mr. Newton, which was duly observed. It appears that he was the owner of several houses and land in and about Calais, in one of which he had dwelt, and all which he bequeathed to different persons, should that town again come into possession of the English.* 29 He was a member of Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his B.A. degree in 1550, his M.A. in 1555, and B.D. on 12 December 1561. He became domestio Chaplain to Archbishop Parker, who, in 1563, gave him the Churoh of Chiddingstone, then in the Shoreham deanery, and one of his Grace's " peculiars," which he held for ten years. He was then presented by John Baker, gent., to the rectory of Frittenden, which, however, he retained less than a year The Archbishop collated him, on 26 July 1567, to the sixth Prebendal Stall in Canterbury Cathedral, which he held for the remainder of his life. And on 12 November 1573 the same Archbishop gave him the vicarage of Lydd, which he retained until his death in 1595. He was buried in the Cathedral. 30 There is a doubt about the correct spelling of this Vicar's name, Bromel, Bromell, Brommell, and Bromewell being found. He compounded for Pirst Fruits 24 Maroh 1594-5, and was buried at Minster 19 June 1597. 31 The vioarage of Minster seems to have been the earliest preferment held by Dr. Clerk in this diocese. His patrou, Archbishop Whitgift, selected him to be a Six Preacher in May 1602, in the room of Francis Lyudley, deoeased. On 4 December 1611 Archbishop Abbot gave him the perpetual vicarage of Monkton with its annexed Chapel, which had fallen vacant by the death of John Waddingham, at which time he resigned the living of Snargate, in Romney Marsh, for which he had compounded 14 June 1609. He held Monkton with Minster for the remainder of his life. He was nominated by King James I. to be one of the translators of the Bible.f It is stated on the Table of Benefactions, belonging to the parish, that he gave by deed, in 1625, £100 to be lent to four several parishioners of Minster, sober men, of good and honest conversation, and born in Minster, whose fathers were deceased, for terms not exceeding three years. He likewise bequeathed £20 to the churchwardens to be lent to any young beginner there for three years, and " then to repay it, to be lent to a new man." He also left 40s. more to the poor. It having been found difficult to carry out the intentions of the donor, the trustees at different times purchased house property with the capital, and distributed the rent derived therefrom to the benefit of poor parishioners in the shape of clothing, or other necessaries. * Hasted, and P.C.C. Wills, 17, Holney. " _ t The portion assigned him and his nine collaborators, who sat at Westminster, was Genesis to 2 Kings, inolusive. 106 ST. MARY'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICAES. PATEONS. MERIC CASAUBON, S.T.B., inst. 4 Oct. The Archbishop. 1634, on d. of the last. (Eeg. Laud, f. 310 a.) ss 32 Meric Casaubon, the second son of Isaac and Florence Casaubon, was born in the year 1599, at Geneva, where his father had been born exactly forty years previously. His early instruction was received at Sedan, but in the year 1611 he was brought over to England, where his father had settled the year before, and was then sent to Eton, on the foundation. After three years he went to Oxford, and was admitted to a studentship at Christ Church, which he was allowed to hold for thirteen years. He took his B.A. degree in 1618, and his M.A. in 1621. At the early age of twenty-five he was collated by his father's friend, Bishop Andrewes, to the rectory of Bleadon, in Somersetshire, which he held for five years. On 19 June 1628 he was instituted to the ninth Prebendal Stall in Canterbury Cathedral, on the King's presentation. He also received preferment from Archbishops Abbot and Laud, the former giving him the Church of St. Mary-in-the-Marsh 20 December 1630, which he held for three years; and the latter the rectory of Old Romney in January 1633-4, and also Minster and Monkton in the autumn of the same year. His literary activity shewed itself early, for when he was only twenty-one he published a book in defence of his father against the calumnies of his religious opponents. Three years later he issued another vindication of his father, which he wrote by the express command of the King; and he formed a design of continuing his father's unfinished JExercitationes against Baronius. In 1636 he was created S.T.P. at Oxford by order of Charles I., who was then residing at the University. About the year 1644 he was deprived by the Parliament of all his preferments, but it is evident that his merits were recognized by Oliver Cromwell, for five years later he received a message from him to come to Whitehall to confer about matters of moment. Cromwell's business with him was to request him,Royalist as he was, "to write a History of the late war, desiring withal that nothing but matters of fact should be impartially set down." Meric declined, on the very natural ground that he would be forced to make such reflections as would be ungrateful, if not injurious to his lordship. Casaubon also received a proposal from Christina, Queen of Sweden, through the Swedish Ambassador, that he should accept " the government of one or the inspection of all tho Universities, with a good salary, and £300 a year settled on his eldest son during life." This offer he also declined. He lost his first wife in the year 1649, but married a second about two years later, who brought him a fortune, and upon the Restoration he recovered his preferments. In the autumn of 1662 he seems to have resigned Minster in favour of Ickham, which was given him by Archbishop Juxon, and which he held for the remainder of his life. He died in July 1671, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. A large number of works—about twenty-five—own him as their author or editor, of which more than half were published during the time of his sequestration. His father Isaac in the year 1597 began his Uphemerides, a curious diary, in which he scrupulously recorded, not the events, hut the studies of every day up to within a few days of his death. The jEphemerides are full of expressions of devotion, pious ejaculations, and earnest prayers, the outpourings of an intensely religious soul.* They consisted originally of seven volumes; one was unfortunately lost by Meric's elder biother John, but the remaining six subsequently came into his possession, and he gave them to the Library of Canterbury * See Canon Overton's article in Dictionary of National Biography. LIST OP VICARS. 107 VICAES. PATRONS. EICHAED CULMER, M.A., appd. c. 1644. The Parliament. (Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 15,669-70.)33 Cathedral, where the original MSS. are still to be seen, bound in a single volume. His father died when Meric was still a boy, but he had the happiness of being with him at his first Communion, the entry for that day being thus commenced—" 1614, Kal. Mai. Hie dies eximius mihi et filio Merico illuxit. Nondum ille sacrie Domini coenaj fuerat particeps. Visum est non amplius differendum, quando ille annum decimum quartum a g e r e t . . . . Volui . . . . servari in eo ritum Anglicanum, ut priusquam admiiteretur ad itoivaviav examinaretur et ab Episcopo coniirmaretur. Is Episoopus fuit Eliensis 6 wdvv* Ego actioni interfui, et post preces, post concionem, post oonfirmationem ego cum filio sacram /j-eplSa a manu D. Eliensis accepimus, multum mirati in illo excellente Prsesule exactam vetustatis imitationem quantum fieri potest." 83 He was born in the Isle of Thanet, and passed his sohool-days at Canterbury, from whioh he proceeded to Magdalen College, Cambridge, in 1613. He took the degree of B.A. four years later, and that of M.A. in 1628. His first parochial charge appears to have been at Goodneston, of which, however, he was subsequently deprived. He doubtless refers to this when, in a letter to Sir Edward Dering, dated 8 January 1640-1, he writes :—" I have had very ungracious dealeing from the Lambeth Patriarch, by whom I have bene deprived of my ministry, and all the ] rofitts of my Liveing three yeares and seaven monthes, haveing my selfe, my wife, and seven children to provide for ; such is the Prelates tyranny for not consenting to morris dauueeing uppon the Lords day."f Owing to this and other causes he became a most bitter enemy to Episcopacy. He is said to have assisted Dr. Robert Austin, the Rector of Harbledown, and later on, 4 Pebruary 1642-3, was " recommended " for Chartham. On 21 October 1644 he was appointed by the " Supreme Court of Parliament" to the office of a Six Preacher at Canterbury. His fanatical iconoclastic proceedings iu the Cathedral are too well known to require more than a passing reference. His appointment to Minster was evidently most unpopular with the parishioners. As early as 29 May 1645 we hear of an order made for witnesses to be summoned to attend at Westminster in a month's time, to give evidence on the Articles which had been preferred by them against him. And, on the other hand, complaints are made by him of being unable to obtain payment of tithes, which the Committee of the-House of Commons met by referring him to a Justice of the Peace. The backwardness of the parishioners in paying him their tithes reacted detrimentally on Mrs. Prances Casaubon, wife of the sequestered Vicar, who was unable to obtain payment of the "fifth " portion of the revenues of the benefice, which was the amount usually assigned by the Committee for the sustenance of the wife and family of a sequestered Incumbent. Au entry in the Register Booh of the Proceedings of the Committee of the House of Commons states that Richard Culmer was appointed by the Deputy Lieutenants of the county " to officiate the Cure of the Church of Hackington, iu the steede of Mr. Gough, Rector of the said Church, imprisoned for his delinquency," but he threw it up, and another appointment was made. On Dr. Casaubon's recovery of preferment Mr. Culmer retired from the parish, though not from the island. His stormy life closed at the house of his friend and neighbour, Nicholas Thorowgood of Monkton, who wrote in his diary thus:—" March 20, 1662. My loving faithful friend old * Lancelot Andrewes. f Proceedings in Kent, 1640, p. 120. 108 ST. MARY'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICAES. PATEONS. JOHN CASTILION, S.T.P., inst. 9 Oct. 1662. The Archbishop. (Eeg. Juxon, f. 138 a.) u HENEY WHAETON, M.A., inst. 12 Nov. The Archbishop. 1688, on d. of the last. (Eeg. Sancroft, f. 425 6.) 36 Mr. Culmer died in ray vicarage-house at Monkton, where he was since he was put by as minister at Minster, the next place, having been ill some time before; and on the 22d, I preached his funeral sermon from Rev. xiv. 13." 34 He was the son of Douglas Castilion, Rector of Stratford Tony, Wilts, and was entered at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, but took his degree of B.A. from New College. He was created B.D. from Christ Church in 1646, and D.D. in 1660.* On 9 July 1660 he had letters of presentation from Charles II. to the first Prebendal Stall in Canterbury Cathedral, in the place of William Bray, S.T.P., deceased. His next preferment, from Archbishop Juxon, was the vicarage of Minster. Archbishop Sheldon gave him Mersham 20 April 1665, on the resignation of that benefice by George May for the rectory and vicarage of Newchuroh. And on 13 November 1676, on the promotion of Dr. Thomas Lamplugh to the bishopric of Exeter, the King presented him to the deanery of Rochester. On this occasion he is spoken of as a Chaplain in Ordinary to the King. Dr. Castilion died 21 October 1688, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. His wife Margaret, who was a member of the old Kentish family of Digges, of Chilham Castle, survived him nearly twenty-eight years. 36 He was the son of the Rev. Edmund Wharton, Vicar of Worstead, Norfolk, where he was born 9 November 1664. At the age of six he was sent to a public school for a twelvemonth, after which he received instruction from his father, until, at tho age of fifteen, he was entered as a pensioner at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, of which his father had been a Fellow. He then obtained a scholarship, which he was permitted to retain after he had ceased to reside. As an undergraduate he is said to have studied seldom less than twelve hours a day. He took his degree of B.A. in 1683-4, " having deservedly the first place given him by the then Proctor of the University, the learned Rev. William Needham, Fellow of Emmanuel College, afterwards his dear friend and fellow- Chaplain at Lambeth." He was ordained before the usual age, in consideration of his extraordinary erudition, by Thomas White, Bishop of Peterborough, in Pebruary 1686-7. When still very young he made the acquaintance of Arohbishop Sancroft, who became his patron, and employed him extensively on important literary work. It is said that the Archbishop, in addition to appointing him his domestic Chaplain, gave him the rectory of Sundridge, but no institution to this benefice appears to be recorded in the Register at Lambeth Palace. Within a year, however, of his obtaining Minster, his patron collated him to the rectory of Chartham, near Canterbury, which had fallen vacant by the death of Dr. James Jeffreys, and where he resided during the latter portion of his too-brief life. He had undermined a naturally sound constitution by excessive application to his studies, and in the autumn of 1694 signs of consumption appeared which, notwithstanding a visit to Bath, in the hope that the disease might be arrested, speedily brought a * See Foster's Alumni Onion. LIST OP VICARS. 109 VICAES. PATEONS. THOMAS GREEN, S.T.P., inst. 2 April 1694, The Archbishop. on d. of the last. (Eeg. Tenison, I., f. 192 b.) SB JOHN LEWIS, B.A., inst. 10 March 1708-9, The Archbishop. on cess, of the last. (Ibid., IL, f. 195 a.) V most promising life to an end on 5 March 1694-5. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. He was a true son of the Church of England, and his premature removal was regarded as a national loss. His literary labours embraced a very wide range of subjects. His great production, Anglia Sacra, which was published in two folio volumes in 1691, is still regarded as a valuable standard work. Wharton was the first student who thought of drawing up Lists of Incumbents, with the view of illustrating the continuity of the Church of England, to which the late Archbishop Benson so happily directed the attention of his clergy. Wharton's lists for Minster and Chartham are among the most complete which are to be met with in the larger edition of Hasted's History of Kent. The late Bishop Stubbs, in the Preface to his Registrum Sa&rum Anglicanum, says of him :—" This wonderful man died in 1095, at the age of 30, having done for the elucidation of English Ohurch History— itself but one of the branches of study in which ho was tho most eminent scholar of his time—more than any one before or since." 36 Thomas Green was born in Norfolk about the year 1658. His University career was passed at Cambridge, where he became, in 1698, Master of Corpus Christi College, over which he presided for eighteen years. He then accepted the vicarage of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. His patron, Archbishop Tenison, gave him a Prebendal Stall at Canterbury in 1705-6, and on the death of Dr. John Battely conferred on him the Archdeaconry of the diocese and the rectory of Ickham on the same day, 28 Ootober 1708. He thereupon resigned the vicarage of Minster. On the promotion of Dr. Trimnell to the Bishopric of Winchester, Dr. Green was nominated to the See of Norwich, and consecrated 8 October 1721. He was translated to Ely in September 1723. He died at Ely House, Holborn, 18 May 1738, and was buried in Ely Cathedral. He published several Sermons. a? He was born at Bristol in 1675, and was educated at the grammar schools of Wimborne and Poole in Dorsetshire. In 1694 he proceeded to Exeter College, Oxford, where he took his B.A. degree in 1697. He was licensed to the curacy of Acrise, where he resided in the family of Philip Papillon, Esq., by whom he was so highly appreciated that on the death of the Reotor he obtained the benefice for him, and he was instituted 4 September 1699, on presentation by the King. In the summer of 1706 he resigned Acrise on being collated by Arohbishop Tenison to two benefices which had been held by Pranois Peck, the sinecure rectory of Eastbridge in Romney Marsh, and Saltwood with Hythe; the former he retained for the remainder of his life, but resigned the latter for the vicarage of Minster. He speaks of himself as "Curate" of St. John Baptist, in the Isle of Thanet, since 1728. In 1719 Archbishop Wake conferred on him the Mastership of Eastbridge Hospital, Canterbury, which he held till his death. He died in January 1746-7, and was buried in the chancel of his church. Archbishop Wake spoke of him as " vir sobrius, et bonus prasdicator." Mr. Lewis was a most voluminous writer, his tastes inclining him more espeoially, though by no means exclusively, to 110 ST. MARY'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICARS. PATEONS. JAMES TUNSTALL, D.D., inst. 10 Feb. The Archbishop. 1740-7, on d. of the last. (Eeg. Potter, f. 298 a.) 38 PRANCIS DODSWORTH, M.A. , inst . 28 Nov. The Archbishop. 1757, on cess, of the last. (Eeg. Hutton, f. 46 «.) 30 biography and topography. Of the former class the best known are his lives of John Wicliffe, William Caxton, Reginald Peacock, Bishop of Chichester, and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester. Of the latter, the most important were his History of Tenet, of which two editions were printed, in 1723 and 1736, the later one being considerably augmented; and The History and Antiquities of the Abbey and Church of Favresham, etc., which is likewise a valuable contribution to the history of tho district with which it deals. He is also said to have composed more than a thousand Sermons, which, however, he ordered his executor to destroy, " lest they might contribute to the laziness of others." As already stated, Mr. Lewis held the position of Master of Eastbridge Hospital, Canterbury, in the Chapel of which is preserved an excellent portrait of him, from which was taken the likeness whioh faces the titlepage of the second edition of his Sistory of Tenet. The oldest portion of the Communion Plate at Minster, consisting of two Patens* and a Flagon, was presented to the Church during Mr. Lewis's time.f 38 He was horn about the year 1708, and at the usual age was entered at St. John's College, Cambridge, of which he subsequently became a Fellow. The dates of his degrees were: B.A. 1727, M.A. 1731, B.D. 1738, and D.D. 1744. On 21 October 1741 he was elected Public Orator, and held that position for about five years. He appears as Treasurer of St. David's in May 1746. Archbishop Potter, who appointed him his domestio Chaplain, collated him to the reotory of Great Chart, on the resignation of Dr. Ward, three days after he had instituted him to Minster. He resigned his benefices in Kent in favour of the valuable vicarage of Rochdale, Lancashire, which was in the gift of the Archbishop. Notwithstanding his parochial aud other public engagements, he found time to write and publish several works, a list of which is given in Darling's Cyclopaedia Bihliographica. He died 28 March 1762, and was buried in the chancel of Si. Peter's Church, Cornhill. 3!> Like liis immediate predecessor, he was of St. John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1752, and M.A. three years later. His earliest preferment in the Canterbury diocese seems to have been the sinecure rectory of HoUingbourne, to which he was collated by Archbishop Hutton 16 November 1757, and which he held for sixteen years. As Rector of ibis Church, he was patron of the Chapelry of Bredhurst, to which he made two nominations, that of Robert Ingram in 1758, and, on his resignation, that of his own younger brother Frederick in 1763, who subsequently married his wife's sister. These two ladies, Anne, who was married in 1758 to Francis, and Catherine, who in 1772 became the wife of Frederick, were the only daughters of Francis Barrell, Esq., of London, the owner of an old estate, mentioned in Domesday Book, in the parish of HoUingbourne. About a fortnight after his collation to * These Patens are no longer at Minster.—EDITORS. f See Archaologia Cantiana, Vol. XVL, p. 417. * LIST OF VICARS. I l l VIOAES. PATEONS. NICHOLAS SIMONS,M.A., inst. 7 Jan. 1807, The Archbishop. on d. of the last. (Eeg. Sutton, II., f. 10.) •"> JOHN EDWARD NASSAU MOLESWORTII, The Archbishop. D.D., inst. 30 April 1839, on d. of the last. (Eeg. Howley, f. 754.) u FREDERICK VERNON LOCKWOOD, M.A., The Archbishop. inst. 21 Jan. 1840, on cess, of the last. (Ibid., f. 758.) « this rectory Arohbishop Hutton gave him the vicarage of Minster, and on 18 December 1773 he was instituted to the living of Dodington, on presentation by the Archdeacon of Canterbury, upon whioh he appears to have resigned HoUingbourne. Mr. Dodsworth also held proferment out of the diocese. In 1775 he obtained the prebend of Dunnington, in York Minster, whioh he retained until his death ; and five years later he was appointed to the office of Treasurer of Salisbury, which he likewise held till his death, which occurred on 18 October 1806, at the age of seventyfive. A tablet to his memory is affixed to tbe wall near the belfry in Dodington Churoh. m He was born 5 January 1754, and in due course was entered at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he took the degree of B.A. in 1776. Ho was elected to a Fellowship at Clare, and proceeded to the degree of M.A. in 1779. On 6 January 1807 he was instituted to the rectory of St. Margaret's, Canterbury, which had become vacant by the resignation of Henry William Champneys, on the presentation of the Archdeacon, Dr. Houstoune Radcliffe. On the following day Archbishop Manners- Sutton gave him the vicarage of Minster. The same Archbishop collated him to the rectory of Ickham 15 May 1822, where he succeeded his former Patron, Archdeacon KadclifJe. He then resigned his benefice in Canterbury, but retained that of Minster till his death, which occurred 20 April 1839. He was buried in lokham Churchyard, on the north side of the chancel. 41 Of Trinity College, Oxford; B.A. 1812, M.A. 1817, B.D. and D.D. 1838. His earliest preferment appears to have been the vicarage of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, to which he was instituted in December 1828. On 11 April of the following year Archbishop Howley collated him to the united churches of St. Martin and St. Paul, Canterbury, which he held for ten years. He was also one of the Six Preachers of Canterbury Cathedral. After holding Minster less than a year, he resigned in favour of the important living of Rochdale, Lancashire, whioh was in the Archbishop's patronage, and numbered a population of 10;',000. Dr. Molesworth held this pre'erment till his death in 1877. He was the author of numerous Visitation and other Sermons, in addition to several publication.1 , of a controversial n _ture, and articles in Reviews. 42 He was of Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1824, and M A. in 1828. On 6 March 1827 Archbishop Manners-Sutton collated him to the rectory of Mersham, vacant by the resignation of John Lonsdale, which he held until Archbishop Howley gave him Minster. In January 1828 he obtained the prebend of A,«garby, in Lincoln Cathedral, which he retained until 1845. In November 1838 he was instituted, on the Queen's presentation, to the fifth Prebendal Stall in 112 ST. MART'S CHURCH, MINSTER. VICAES. PATEONS. EOBEET THOMAS WHEELER, M.A., inst. The Archbishop. 23 July 1851, on d. of the last. (Eeg. Sumner, f. 563.) 43 ALBERT HURT SITWELL, M.A., inst. The Archbishop. 2 Dec. 1869, on cess, of the last. (Inst. Bk.)** AETHUE ELLISON MOLINEUX, M.A., inst. The Archbishop. 30 Oct. 1893, on resig. of the last. (Ibid.)« Canterbury Cathedral, vacant by the decease of William, Earl Nelson. He held this until his death, and was succeeded in it by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley. He was also at one time Chaplain to the House of Commons. He died 1 July 1851, at the early age of 48. During his incumbency muoh was done in the way of renovating the Churoh of Minster. 43 Of Trinity College, Dublin; B.A. 1840, M.A. 1844. His earliest clerical experiences were gained in Lancashire. After a residence of eighteen years at Minster, he resigned in favour of the rectory of Hadleigh, in Suffolk, one of the Archbishop's " peculiars." In the following year he was constituted Dean of Booking. He published a sermon, Distinctive Truth, and Visitation Sermons. In the year 1863 a complete restoration of the Church was effected. 44 Like his predecessor, he was of Trinity College, Dublin, where he took the degree of B.A. in 1855, and M.A. in 1858. He was ordained by Dr. Tait, when Bishop of London, and was his Chaplain 1859-69, a position he continued to occup}' for some time after his Patron was translated to Canterbury. He was for six years Perpetual Curate of St. Peter's, Stepney, and in 1864 was appointed Chaplain in Ordinary to the Queen. 45 Of Christ Church, Oxford ; B.A. 1869, M.A. 1871. He held the vicarage of Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire, in the patronage of his College, 1877-83, and was then presented to the vicarage of Caversham, Oxfordshire, also belonging to Christ Church, which he held for ten years. At the beginning of the year 1901 Mr. Molineux was appointed Rural Dean of the Westbere Deanery, by the Archbishop, in succession to the Rev. Canon Bartram, who left the deanery on being presented to the vicarage of St. Mary the Virgin, Dover.