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STAPLEHURST REGISTER.
I .
( 283 )
STAPLEHTJRST REGISTER.
BY J. S. F¥. CHAMBERLAIN, M.A.
AMONGST the documents which throw Ught on parish history
three hundred and fifty years ago not the least important are
the Registers. Especially valuable are the registers which
Cromwell ordered to be kept in 1538, in which the entries
were not as formal as they became later, and remarks and
notes of special events were often added. In most cases
these old paper books were destroyed or allowed to disappear
when an order was issued, in 1597, that a fair copy of them
from the date of Elizabeth's accession should be made on
parchment; and with them vanished not only the entries for
the first twenty years, but also many of the notes and
remarks. But a few of the old books remain, and Staplehurst
is fortunate enough to possess its original register as well
as the parchment copy.
This old book, 13 in. by 9 in., was originally composed
of fifteen sheaves of paper of five sheets each, each sheaf
folded in the middle, and all securely bound together by
string onto three blocks of leather at the back; and has a
cover of strong parchment, the edges folded in at the top
and bottom. The end cover has within it another leaf of
parchment, a page from a Latin book with MS. notes in the
margin. Of the original one hundred and fifty leaves, one
hundred and fourteen (or parts of them) remain; the rest
having been torn or cut out, most of them apparently blank.
Into the end twenty additional leaves of rather smaller size
have been sewn. The entries are continuous from Sept. 26,
1538, to Oct. 30,1596J and are mixed, except from 1555 to
1558, when the baptisms are entered separately in the
regular order, the marriages and burials being entered later
284 STAELEHURST REGISTER.
in the book at different places; also in 1587 the baptisms,
burials, and marriages are entered separately on three consecutive
pages. These entries end on the last leaf but one
of the original book. On the last page but one the entries
begin again on April 3, 1622; the next page, the last of the
original book, is written reversely and contains a list of
preachers from the Peast of S. Michael, 1577, to Sept. 21,
1579. The entries are then continued on the additional
leaves to Sept. 21, 1639. They, like the earlier ones, are
copied into the parchment book!
The first page* is headed «1538. 29th of H. viii." in a
later hand, and the first entry is'—
The xxjx day of Septenbre Ther was buried Thomas the
sone of Thomas petyman and Joan Walker which was brought
to be norisshed w* dorithie Smythe of this parishe by benchkyns
wydowe of Cranbrooke.f
On the annual recurrence of the day up to 1547 there is
some such entry as the following—
Seynt mychaell the Archawgell beyng the xxix daye off
September the xxxix yere off the incarnation of or Lord godd
& the xxxi yere off the Raigne of or Soveraine Lorde Kynge
henrye the viii.
Or more fully—
The Regester of alle the Namys as is Afore saide that is
from the feast &c.
The first point that attracts attention as we look through
the register is the early date of burial, usually on the day
of death, and the curious custom of giving the name of
" Creature " to a chUd baptized at home by the midwife as
not likely to live: and we cannot but notice how often a
mother's death followed the birth of a child.
The xxvj daye off July (1542). Ther was baptized the
dowghter of thomas symon whose name was Jone and buryed
the same daye.
The xiiij daye off february (154f). Ther was baptized the
* See the first of three oollotype illustrations made from photographs taken
by the Rev. W. Gardner-Waterman.—ED.
t Italics represent contraction marks throughout this Paper,
STAPLEHURST REGISTER. 285
sonne off thomas wynewaye whose name was John whyche was
buryed the same daye of the sayed moneth.
The xxvrjte off november (1545) there was christened the
dowther off Symora gu.nu.yng called Johan. The same day. ther
was buryed Margaret gnnnyng mother off the seyd Johaw &
the seyd Johara w* her in one cheste.
The xxv"1 of Apryle (1547). there were borne ii children of
alexawder Beerye the one christned at home and so deceased
called Creature the other christned at churche called Johan.
The vjth daye of June (1548) there was baptized by the
mydwyffe & here buryed the childe of Andrew partridge called
creature.
The xiiijth day of the same moneth (March 154f). There
was Christined Marione the dawghter of John Osborne and
that at home by the report of honest women. The same
Marion was also buried the said xiiij"1 day of Marche.
The ixth of the same (Ap. 1550). There was baptised and
that at home by the testimonye of good women Thomas the
sone of Gregorie Rutting & after presented in the temple
Receiving other Ritus accordinglie. And was buried the next
day before none.
The viijth day of november (1564) Ther was borne baptised
and buryed Jhonne the daughter of hew Conce.
The third day of the same (March 156£). Ther was buryed
the sonne of John hopper which dyed imOTediately as he was
borne being named Creature.
The xviUl day of february (156|) There was borne baptised
& buryed Creature the daughter of Steven ffuller.
There are altogether twenty-three instances of the name
" Creature " being given. The little " Creature," however,
did not always die soon after birth, for
The xixth day (July 1579) There was maryed John
haffynden & Creature cheseman yong folke.
Whether it was that servants were numerous or that the
servant's lot was a hard one, there are frequent entries of
their burial.
Prayers for the dead are common in the earlier years,
but there are none after Elizabeth's accession to the throne.
The xiiij daye of Marche (154f). Ther was buried William
buckherst thelder whose sowle Jesu pardon Amen,
286 STAPLEHURST REGISTER.
The ixth daye off June (1545) There was buryed the sonn
off thomas Roberth the yon gar called henry uppow whose soule
I pray god have mercy.
The xviii of february (154f) there was buryed Richard the
sow off hewry Malym which begon to lerne rede whose soil
Jhu pardow.
The xith daye of September (1548) there was buryed Jamis
Bragelond an honest maw & a goode householder whose soule
Jhu pardow & briwg to eternal rest.
To which is added in a later hand—
Noat yet the popish superstition in those dayes.
The seconde daye of September (1553) Was buryed
Tymothe Stockton the sonne of Robert Stockton mynyster of
Stapleherst per me R. S. In the yeres above sayd.
The sevonth daye of Septembre (do) Was Buryed Kateryn
the daughter of Jamys Buckherst in the yeres above said quce
erat qwatuor annorwm sicut et filius meus thymothews quorum
animabus propitieter deus. Amen. R. S.
The xviith daye of septembre Was Buryed John meryell my
lovinge ffrynd upon whose soule I praye god y° ffather for
christes sake & through hys bloude to be mercyfull in y°
yeres aforesaid per me Robertum Stockton tunc et ibidem
pastorem.
The first mention of the clergy, and one that exemplifies
the use of the title " Sir " as then designating a priest, is in
1544.
The xxv'1 ' daye of August Ther was buryyd Sr Robert
Woodkocke pryst.
Who he was and what connexion he had with the parish
it is impossible to say; for Richard Beseley had been rector
from 1535. The first entries in the register are in his handwriting
; and he was resident, as an entry in 154£ shews,
recording his marriage—
Vicesimo quarto die Martii. Mugister Richardws Beseley
sacre Theologie professor, ac serenissimi & illustrissimi
felicis memorie Principis Henrici Octavi nuper Regis strenuiss*'
»n' et metuendissimi sacellanws*; necnow Rector hujus
* A title peculiar to the chaplains of Henry VIII., in place of the ordinary
capellawus. Cf. Migne, Lexicon manuale: "SACELIANUS— Capellanus, sacello
prtefectus; chapelain. (Ch. H. VIII. reg. Angl.)"
V
JJf*pW §& /~™e <$* fit* *r ^'^
'17W w^0* ^^^ A r ^ , /
v r '*"'' { vv IN*»'• <••«"' C ,-»«•'• a — «
.,* | fta \ v r . ',
.' v ' v i ater noluit eum in
eeclesiaw? introduci.
20° obiit Robt willerd shomaker sine crucis nihil.
eodem obiit Isbell Bery sine crucis signo.
eadem obiit Stevyn Austrye nihil soluto ne denario quidem
missali sepultus est hora prima in qua hora minister expectabat.
ultimo febr. obiit Margaret By shop obstetrix nihil soluto.
They were troublous times indeed, and one is not surprised
to read—
The vijth day of Aprell (1560) There was baptised Willm
sone of William fant whiche childe was borne in troublous
days & therfore not christined tyll it was a yere old.
Thomas Henden seems to have left the parish soon after
the previous entries were made and Richard Beseley to have
recovered his benefice, though he did not again become
v 2
292 STAPLEHURST REGISTER.
resident, living either at his other benefice of Sandhurst or
at Canterbury, where he was a Six-preacher at the cathedral.
In 1562 John Stephen was curate-in-charge and continued
to be so to the end of 1579—
The same day (May 3,1562) ther was baptysed Anne the
daughter of John Stephyn clarke who baptised his owne childe.
In other entries he styles himself " curate," and records
the baptism of his children, Mary, Martha, Repentaunce, and
Paith; and
The last day of ye same (March, 1576) There was buryed
Marion the wife of John Stephen (Curate of this paryshe) who
was a very honest & quiet Woman, Sober, Virtuous & muche
geeven to Almes Deedes, & mercyfulnes towardes the poore
& needy.
The following is interesting as shewing how these
curates got their stipend, viz., by farming the tithe, paying
no doubt a certain proportion or a fixed sum to the rector—
Memorandum y* y° xixth Day of October A0 dni 1579 the
nether barne of the parsonage adioyning to ye Streat was
Erected by John Stephen ffarmer of y° same parsonage.
He was succeeded by Robert Twisden, 1580 to 1586:
Octobris 16 (1580) Baptizatus erat Guilielmus filius Roberti
Twisdeni ministri istius ecclesiae.
Other children of his were Samuel, Sara, and Susanna,
their baptism being entered in Latin, all other entries being
in English.
Richard Beseley died in 1585, and Edmund Culpeper
became rector, resigning in 1591; but his name does not
occur in the register and it does not appear that he was
resident, William Eddye being the curate-in-charge.
The xxx day (March, 1589) was baptysed nathanaell ye
sonne of Wyllyam Eddye mynyster & preacher of ye gospell of
or lord Jesus cryst.
Robert Newman was appointed to the benefice in 1591,
and records his induction and reading himself in j but parts
STAPLEHURST REGISTER. 293
of the entries are lost through the edges of the pages being
worn—
. . . . march 1591 Mr Robert Newman parson of this parish
was Inducted by . . . .
The ixth day (May, 1591) being sonday Mr Rt. Newman
parson redd in the churche . . . . of faith appointed.
Prom May 4, 1592, to Sept. 8 the entries are in his small
neat handwriting: as are the copies in the parchment book
from Nov. 22, 1558, to Sept. 11,1569.
In 1595 James Boxer was curate—as an entry quoted
later shews.
Ou the reverse of the last page of the original register
are a list of preachers from the Peast "of Saynt mychaeU
tharchangell," 1577, to Sept. 21, 1579—
The fyrst that preached in our church was Robert Spencer
the . . . . of ffryttenten who was w4 us the first day of
December . . . . preached one sermon. He preached again
July 13, 1579.
Josias nyckols somtym . . . . of leaneham preached too
sermons Dec. 16.
Mr anthony Carryer the vicar of bocton monchellsee preached
once March 16, 1578; and again Dec. 14, and May 17, 1579..
Mr. Storer the precher of the Towne of Maydestone
preached April 20 & Aug. 31, 1578.
Mr. Alexander mascall vicar of marden preached Aug. 4,
1578, and May 15 and 16, 1579.
The others were Mr. Walsoll, July 5, 1579; — Wood,
July 13 and Sept. 21; Mr. Mericke, July 26.
The following are the only references to church services
and discipline in Elizabeth's reign—
The viij day of the same (Eeb. 156|) Ther were borne too
twynnes being menchyldren (y° sonnes of Wyllm symon) wh
chyldren beyng wekke were named (& baptised by y° mydwif)
thomas & wyllm the which thomas was buryed ye xirj41' day of
y° same moneth beyng sonday the other childe was brott to yc
church that day & receyved into the congregation accordyng to
the order apoynted in Baptisme and was buried the xvi4'1 day
of the month abovesayd.
/
294 STAPLEHURST REGISTER.
Octobris 30 (1582) Thomas Cheseman drowned himself &
was buryed in ye churchyard out of Xpiaw buryall.
Septembris 28 (1583) Weare maryed by lycence graunted
from the deane & chapter of Canterbury John Stephens &
An Swineston widow both of the porishe of marden ther
licence bearing date the xx4]l of September 1583.
Baptised the same day (April 23, 1587) at afternoone
Prauncis ye daughter of John Fonte—eodem die post merid.
Baptism apparently was administered as a rule in the
morning.
The iiij day (April, 1592) was buried a womaw childe of
James Came unchristened notw4sta«di?»g she gave thanks.
The xxviii day of Januarye (159|) was baptysed at spyllsell
Mystres marye wynsor dowghter of master Androwe wynsor.
There are two instances of burial in the church—
The xvij day of Julye was buryed yn or churche Jamys
bucherst an awncyent yeman of stapleherst.
The same day (May 31, 1592) was buried Mri3 Alice Rogers
widdowe & lyeth somewhat beneath ye chawcel.
In Elizabeth's reign several dispensations bear witness to
the strict enforcement of fasting in Lent. But it must be
remembered that the civil law enforced it with a view to
encouraging sailors and fishermen. It was apparently in
recognition of this that these dispensations were granted.
(157|). Memorandum that Xpopher vynye mary Bouckherst
Thomas newman & his wyf & Denys hamnell beinge
Sycke theys lenten season are lycensed duryng the tyme of
theyre sicknes to Eate & feede upon suche fleshe as they best
lyke for the Recoveringe of ther healthe accordinge to the
Statute in that case made & provided. By me John Stephen.
eodem die (March 3, 158i) Wm Bassocke beinge very
sycke is lycenced this tyme of lent by the space' of xiiii days
to eate flesh for the restorynge of his healthe.
per me Robertuw Twisden ministrum.
eodem die (Peb. 17, 158&) Thomas Osborn the elder
M1S Purefey & the wyfe of Jeames Buchurst are licenced by
me to eate fleshe for the recouery of their health this lent by
STAPLEHURST REGISTER. 295
the space of eyght days & yf they shall not be recouered by
the same then duringe the whole time of lent.
per me Robertum Twisden ministruwj istius
eccle de Staplehurst.
Beyt knowen unto all men by thes presents That I James
Boxer clarke & curat of ye parishe churche of Stapleherst in
the county of Kent Have licensed & by thes P (resents) doe
license Wm Turner of Stapleherst aforesayd yoman beinge at
this tyme . . . . & visited by ye mighty hande of God To eate
fleshe & to use suche meates as shall seem best to him for ye
recoveringe of his health & untyll yt shall please God to
restore him to his former health againe: Accordinge to y°
Lawe yn y4 case made & provyded (yn) Wytnesse wherof
I have herewith sett my hande Dated the 23th day of (Marche)
in the 37t h yere of the reigne of or sovereigne Lady Elizabeth
by y° . . . . God, of Englande, ffraunce & Irelande Queen
defender . . . . Per me Ja9 B(oxer), Curat de . . . .
Towards the end of Elizabeth's reign there was evidently
a growing carelessness about the rites of religion, and there
are frequent entries of children buried unbaptized; whether
with or without a service is not stated, e.g.:—
The second day of maye (1590) was buryed hi dowghters
unbaptysed borne of yc wyffe of Androwe hammon.
There was also growing immorality, if one may judge by
the number of illegitimate children buried, e.g.:—
The xv day of november (1587) was buryed a base borne
chylde named Jone y4 margaret fosid the hoare brought from
London as shee dyd saye.
The ix day of Awegost (1590) was baptised Jamys a basse
borne chyld: y° mother's name ys Elyzabarthe smythe & she
saythe y4 Jamys thonder ys father to yt.
And even—
The vi of Apryll (1591) was baptysed Anys ye dowghter of
an harlott whose name is Elyzabeathe dason & her father to
be y° father of y° chylde.
The Christian names during this period seem to indicate
an advancing tide of Puritanism, e.g., Israeli, Tymothe,
Melchisedeche, Tobias, Calebbe, Adam, Josyas, Jonas,
296 STAPLEHURST REGISTER.
Elisha, Sylas, Elyas, Moyses; Rlioda, Tabi tha, Repentaunce,
Clemance—none of which are found in the earlier years.
I n 1592 there are three entries of the burial of " a poore
solldyer." Some light is thrown on the provision made for
the poor by the following:—
The xviil
h day of the same (Dec. 1578) Ther was comwytted
to the earth the body of one Johan long . . . . who
died in the highway as she was carryed on horsback to have
been conveyed from officer to officer tyll she should have com
to the parishe of Rayershe.
The 22t h daye of June (1592) Edward Pinche gent, did
seale a bonde of 1211 to the use of the parishe and namelie to
Robt. Newmaw Parson and to Thomas Batherst gent, and
John Batherst thelder clothier w4 condicon if he cheerelye
acquit and discharge for ever the said parrish for ani further
charge or bringing up of one Patience daughter to Margeret
Parke deceased.
The 25 daye of June (1592) John Sharpe of the parish
brodeweaver g(ave) worde to the parish to keepe and bring
up one godlye beeching xii yeeres olde & for the space of ten
yeeres next foliow(ing).
the marke of John Sharpe -f-.
The xv day (April 1594) was buryed Wyllyam a poore
chylde kept by ye paryshe of John leechynges.
Memorandum there was given awaye to the poore people
of . . . . wch the sayd nicolas did in his will bequeath to be
distributed . . . . executor William bassok the younger in the
pr . . . . of the . . . .
The second day (Peb. 159f) was buryed Jelyon hammon
a poore olde maid paid bye parishe.
I n cases of accidental or sudden death particulars are
given:—
The xxxi40 daye of Julye (1545) Ther was buriedd dorethe
colyar servant w4 thomas Rede which by misfortune was suffocate
in the water.
The xih of Julye (1548) there dyed one nicholas a childe
suffocate in watf by misfortune who dwellid w4 Thomas peke.
The x4h of June (1551) was buryd . . . . whiche was kyllid
w4 a tymbrelogg in A sawpyt.
STAPLEHURST REGISTER. 297
The third of October There was buried Anthonie Robyns
of Canterbury that dyed by the highway.
The xvii4h of the same (May 1567) There was buryed
Willyam willes a housholder who was by misfortune kylled
withe the whyle of his owne weyne.
The xiiit
h day of the same (Peb. 157f) There was buryed
Willyam peerce servaunt to Josyas hore who was killed w4 the
fall from a horse nygh unto his masters gate.
Aprilis 14 (1582) was buryed Walter mayny a boy that
was drowned sonn of widowe maynye.
Januarii 6 (158§) was buryed mary the daughter of widow
Archer an infante of three quarters old that was scolded & wh
in x owres dyed.
The vj day of Apryll (1590) was buryed Ales ye wyffe of
Androw harnden & a chylde y* was Ripped owt of her wombe
a dowghter buryed w4 her.
The fyrst day (Feb. 159£) was buryed, Alyn german a
strawnger whyche was kylled yn a sawepett w4 a tymberlogge
whyche fell uppon hym.
The vi4 day (Nov. 1595) was buryed John warne (?) a
younge man y4 dyed of the ffiallinge sicknes in the
ffeyldes.
The following are instances of curious expression or
information:—
The ix daye of marche (154|) Ther was buryed thomas as
yo voyce goyth the sone of stevyn laurence.
The xiii41' day of Apriell (1561) There was baptised Marye
the daughter of John Bourman Friend of my foe.
The xrj4h day of the same (Nov. 1562) There was Buryed
Rychard Robert w4 the sfcyfe leg.
The vj411 day of december (1565) There was buryed Alyce
the wiff (of A naughtie felow whose name is) mathew
manne.
Note that from the feast of the purification of S4 mary the
virgen tyll this present day (Nov. 20, 1575) there was not one
Corpse buried in this parishe. notatu dignum (in a later
hand.)
The xxiij day of Julye (1587) was buryed olde mother
baker wydowe.
298 •STAPLEHURST REGISTER.
There are occasional notes of character, e.g.:—
The eleventh daye off novembre (1545) There was buryed
the honest wyffe off peter draner full of almes & good workes
whose name was alyce.
The xxij daye of ye same (Sept. 1587) was buryed Annys
pemyall (?) an old woman & of a good conversacyone.
Briefer notes of character are frequent, such as "an
honest matrone," " a good howsekeper," " a verry honest &
godlie man," " an honest householder," " a virtuous old
matrone."
A word by way of description of a person buried is often
added, such as " virgyn" or " mayden," " an olde man,"
" householder," " wydowe " (man or woman), " beinge but
a childe," " synglewoman," " an olde poore mayden,"
" beyng but a ladde," " a lustie yong man," " a symple
wench," " a very auncyent old woman," " a poore man,"
" a poore lame mayden," " an owlde bacheller," " an oulde
blyndeman," " a poore Innocently boye of xvj yeare," " a
poor housholder," " a poore lame oulde man," " a basterde,"
"base," "an honest & substantiall housholder," " a poore
olde wenche," "an old innocent man," " a pore lame felow,"
" a nurse chylde," " a deade borne chylde," " goodman."
Those married were often "yonge folkes," or "poor
folkes," or "syngle folkes." In one case it is "yonge fooles."
The trade or profession or rank is occasionally stated,
e.g., "The repyar" or "repere," "carpenter," "tiler,"
"esquyer," "draper," "shereman," "odesetter," "turner,"
" hosbondman," " drover," " clothemaker," " sourgener,"
" tynker," " wever," " farmer," " smythe," " laborer,"
" below maker," " gentyUman," " phidiciria," " sawyer,"
" prentice w4 ....," " netmaker," " servaunt unto ....,"
" soldyer," " brode weaver," " mercer," " paynter,"
" whyler," " trendell maker," " colyer," " scoolemaster,"
" wheele wrighte," "tanner," "clothier," "mason," "tay-
•lor," "shoomaker."
At the end of one entry the word " tynben " is added.
The xiij411 day of the same (Dec. 3,573) There was buryed
Steven the Sonne of willyam Browne tyubem
STAPLEHURST REGISTER. 299
There are several unusual Christian names, e.g., Poenall,
Dunstan, Alane, Osbert, TJdeley, Gervase, Egidius, Jillyon,
Augustyne, Jasper, Harmon, Armell, Jervys, Reinold;
Johan, Tden, Thonnsyn (Tomsen, Tomosyn), Julyan, Godleve
(Godliffe), Thosen, Anys, Benett, Deonyce (Denys, Dynes),
Ricardine, Bigitta, Lore, Juda, Pernell, Urselawe, Joyce,
Hester, Avise, Wynnefryth, Robena, Audry, Persis, Tearsie.
In several places there is an entry " a Censws made,"
but they are all in the same hand, and all apparently refer
to " a Censws made the 22th Day of December 1632," which
for some reason is entered in various parts of this register.
Prom 1564 there is a yearly record of the " exhibition "
of the register at the annual visitation, except in 1570 and
1587. Up to the year 1587 the visitation was held from
February to July; after that date it was held in September
or October, in which case there had probably been a previous
one earlier in the year—
The copie of this Regester untyll this present day was
exibited at lenham the syxt day of the monethe of June 1564.
The copye of this regester untyll this present was exhiby ted
at Ashford 3 of Maye (1580) beinge then ye generall.
The Bill of this yeare was exhibited at the visitation
holden at Ashforde the 6 of Octobar 1590.
The places at which the visitations were held, and years,
are as follows—
Lenham—1564, 1566, 1569, 1578.
Maidstone—1565, 1568.
Charing—1567.
Ashford—1571, 1573, 1574, 1575, 1576, 1577, 1580, 1581,
1582, 1583, 1585, 1586, 1588, 1589, 1590.
Sittingbourne—1572, 1579, 1593, 1594, 1595, 1596.
Canterbury—158|.
Faversham—1591, 1592.
P.S.—In the early pages of the register the name John
is always written with a contraction-mark, as though the
transformation from Johannes was not yet complete. In
one case it is written Johan. Was the name then so pronounced
?
