Extracts from the Act Books of the Archdeacons of Nottingham.

Continued from Transactions Volume 30 (1926) pp. 11-57.

Extracted and Collated By R. F. B. Hodgkinson.

THE first two series of extracts covered the period from 2nd June, 1565, to November, 1623, and I have now made further extracts from the latter date to 22nd November, 1642. During this period there are no records, for cases instituted "ex officio" from 16th February, 1626-7 to October 13th, 1627, 8th November, 1628, to 30th October, 1629, and 21st January, 1639-40 to 5th December, 1640 (during the last period but one the Archbishop was holding a Visitation in the County), and for cases instituted "ad instantiam partium," from 27th May, 1624, to 27th September, 1627, and from 18th November, 1630, to the end of the period covered by these extracts.

It was to be expected that the courts could not sit during the Civil Wars, but it is a great disappointment to find that there are no records during the period of the Commonwealth, and that the gap continues as late as 11th April, 1668.

I have arranged these extracts under the same headings as the previous ones, and have made use of the same abbreviations.

I must again express my gratitude to Mr. F. A. Wadsworth for the special facilities which he had given me.

Clandestine Marriages.

19th Feb. 1624-5. Daniel Ragge and Elizabeth Foxe, of Wisall. They admitted "that theie weere maried in the parishe churche of Kinnolton uppon the xxixth of November, 1623, by the Minister there accordinge to the order prescribed in the booke of common prayer [banns] beinge lawfullye dispensed with by the authoritie of the said Minister beinge the ordinarie of the same place." Dismissed.

Kinoulton at this time was a Peculiar, and there are several entries relating to other marriages taking place there by licences granted by the Vicar.

17th May 1626. William Coe and Anne his wife, of Roulston.

They admitted "that Mr. Foster, Schoolemaster of Upton, married the said William and Anne at Upton on Shrove Tuesday last there beinge present some straingers whome Mr. Foster brought in whose names they knowe not." Pronounced to be excommunicate "ipso facto" but afterwards absolved and dismissed.

6 March 1631-2. John Wilson and his wife, of East Retforde, " for a Clandestine marriage done in his house betweene Richard Burdette of Denbye in the County of Yorke gent, and Margaret Eyre of Rampton in the County of Nott."

He admitted that the saide Richard Burdette & Margaret Eyre were married in his house but contrary to his knowledge or consent by one Mr. John Lincolne Vicar of Habblestrope (as he was informed)" Dismissed.

11 Sept 1635. Mr. John Langley, clerk, of Syerston, "for the Clandestine marrying of Mr. Thomas Dannett and the daughter of Nicholas Orme."

He admitted "that he did marry the said parties in the parishe Church of Hawton betweene the houres of seaven and eight in the morning without either the bandes of matrimony published in the church or any lawfull dispensacion obtayned." Pronounced to have incurred the penalty mentioned in the Canons, i.e., suspension from his office.

22 March 1637-8. Owen Meredith, of Trowell.

He admitted "That about halfe a yeere last past he did Joyne togeather in matrimony one Edward Hudson late of the parishe of Trowell in the County of Nott. husbandman but now of Spoondon in the County of Darbye, and one Katherine Whitacres the daughter of one Whitacres of Staunton in the Stones [Stanton-in-Peak ?] in the County of Darbye Thacker in the dwellinghouse of the said Whitacres without either licence or bandes of Matrimony lawfully published, there being present the same tyme the saide Whitacres the father and one Clarke and his wife of Staunton aforesaid Shoemaker (as he beleeveth)" Dismissed for special reasons with a warning.

2.
Actions Relating to Catechism, Etc.

13 Oct 1627. John Dixon, Jane Millner, Elizabeth Hob, William Fisher, Elizabeth Welch and John Welch, all of Plumtree, presented by the minister, "for ignorant of the grounds of religion & utterlie neglect & refuse to come to bee catechised according to the booke of com. praier."

On which day the said Elizabeth Welch and John Welch, children under twelve years of age, appeared with their father Philip and pleaded guilty, and were warned, as were all the others, to attend catechism.

11 Sept 1635. William Cooke junr., of Sutton on Trent, " for refusinge to come into the Quire to be catechised although our minister and one of the churchwardens desired him to come up for that purpose." Ordered to acknowledge his fault in the church.

3.
Cases Concerning Clergy and Tithes.

14 Nov 1629. Mr. Matthew Hickman, vicar of Basforde, "for goinge foorth of our towne and not leaving one to read divine service on the Sabboath daye beinge the 25th of the saide October."

He alleged "that he was out of the towne and left his parishe Clarke to reade divine service he having a tolleracion &c." Dismissed with a warning.

2 May 1635. Thomas Cranadge, curate of St. Mary, Nottingham.

He appeared and the judge objected against him "That in the presence of him the said Officiall he did not stand up at the creede the last Sunday & that he did not catechise by waye of questions and answeare in the after noone according to the Cannon (sic) and his Majesties instructions. That he did not reade divine service before the Lecture according to the booke of common prayer, and constantlie weare the Surplisse, that he made Mr. Tibberd being but a deacon to read service whereby the absolucion coulde not be reade according to the booke of common prayer he being the Curate and Lecturer and then present in the Church, and that he did not pray according to the Cannon (sic) before the Sermon and added other prayers after his sermon which were not in the booke of common prayers." Then the said Cranage (sic) alleged "that he did stand up at the Creede that daye and that he doth usually weare the surplisse and read not prayers the same daie because he had a great cold." Wherefore the judge warned the said Cranadge (sic) to carry out all and singular the premises and to certify that he done so by the oaths of the churchwardens at the next court and required his surrogate to charge the said Cranadge to do as above on his corporal oath.

30 May Cranadge produced a certificate under the hands of the churchwardens and made assurances on oath that it was true. Warned to carry out the order made at the previous court and to certify in the manner then ordered at the next court. No further entry.

At the end of the Act Book for the period from 28th September, 1633, to 9th September, 1635, the following rather lengthy instructions issued by the King to the Archbishop are inserted.

Instructions for the most Reverend Father in God our right Trustie and right entirelie beloved Counsellor Richard Lord Arch. Bpp. of Yorke his grace concerning certaine orders to be observed and putt in execution by the severall Bishopps of his Province.

1. First that the lordes the Bpps. respectively be com-maunded to their severall Seas (sic) there to keepe residence, excepting those who are in necessary attendance at our Court.

2. That none of them reside upon the lande or lease that he hath purchased or his Commendam (if he hold any) but in one of his Episcopall houses and that he wast (sic) the woods were any are left. [When a parson is made a Bishop, there is a cession of his Benefice by the promotion; but if the King gives him power to retain his benefice he shall continue Parson and is said to hold it in "Commendam." Cowel's Interpreter, 1708 Edition],

3. That they give Chardge in their Trieniall Visit acions and at other Convenient tymes both by themselves and the Archdeacons that our declaration for setling all questions in difference be strictlie observed.

4. That there be speciall care taken by them that their Ordinacions be solemne, and not of unworthy persons.

5. That they likewise take Care concerning the Lecturers within their severall dioces for whome wee give theise speciall directions following

1. First that in all parrishes the after noone sermon be turned into Catechizing by question and answeare where and whensoever there is not some great cause apparent to breake this antient and laudible order.

2. That every Bishopp take care in his dioces that all Lecturers doe reade divine service according to the Liturgie printed by authoritie in their Surplices and hoodes before the Lecture.

3. Thirdlie, that when a Lecture is sett up in a markett Towne it may be reade by a Company of grave and orthodox divines neere adjoyning and of the same dioces And that they ever preach in such seemely habittes as belong to their degrees and not in Cloakes.

4. That if a Corporacion doe maynetaine a single Lecturer he be not suffered to preach till he professe his willingness to take upon him a living with a Cure of Soules within that Corporacion, and that he doe actually take such benefice or Cure soe soone as it shall be fayrelie provided for him.

6. That the Bishopps doe Countenance the grave and Orthodox divines of their Cleargie, and that they use meanes by some of the Cleargie or others to have knowledge howe both lecturers and Preachers within their severall dioces behave themselves in their Sermons that soe they make (sic) take present order for any abuse accordingly.

7. That the Bpps. suffer none under Noblemen and men qualified by lawe to have or keepe any private Chaplaine in his house.

8. That they take speciall Care that divine service be diligentlie frequented aswell for prayers and Catachisme as sermons and that particular notice be taken of such as Recusantes or otherwise.

9. That noe Bpp. whatsoever who by our grace and good opinion of his service shalbe nominated by us to any other Bppricke shall from the daie of that our nominacion presume to make any leases for three lives or one and twentie Yeeres or Concurrent lease or any way renew any estate or cutt any wood or Tymber, but meerlie receave the Rentes due and quite (sic) the place; For wee thincke it a hatefulle thinge that any mans preferment to a better Bppricke should almost undoe the Successor And that if any shall presume to breake this order wee will refuse at (sic) our Royall assent and keepe him at the place he hath soe abused.

10. That every Bpp. give his Metropolitan a strict Accompt yeerely of their obedience to our late letters prohibiting them to change any leases from yeeres to lives. And that they fayle not to certifie if they finde that the Deane, or deane and Chapter or any Archdeacon or Prebendary &c. within their severall dioces have at any tyme broken our commandes in any particular concerning the saide letter.

11. That every Bpp. to whom in regard of the small revenoes of his Bppricke we either have already or shall heereafter not only give power but commaunde to receave and holde as in Commendam any lease expired or neere expiring and belonging to their Sea (sic) or any Ecclesiasticall benefice or benefices or other promotion with Cure or without, being in his or their owne guifte, but [by] letters given under our Signett and sent to the Bpps. respectively, doe likewise give an Accompt yeerely to his Metropolitan that he doth not putt any of the aforesaid benefices or other preferment out of his Commendam, to give to any sonne, kinsman, Friend or other upon any pretence whatsoever thereby to frustrate our gratious intentions to those severall Seas (sic) and the succeeding Bpps. therein.

12. That very Bpp. respectively doe likewise in his yeerely Accompt to his Metropolitan give notice of any notable alteracion or accident within his dioces which may any wayes concerne either the doctrine or discipline of our Church.

13. Lastly wee doe commaunde every Bpp. respectively to give his Accompt to his Metropolitan of all theise our Instructions, or as many of them as may concerne him, at or before the tenth daie of December yeerely And likewise that you out of them make a Breife of your whole Province and present it to us every yeere by the seconde daye of January following, that soe wee may see how the Church is governed and our commandes obayed. And hereof in any wise fail you not.

January 19th, 1634[-5],

In the following Act Book is inserted a set of six leaves of paper stitched together and endorsed "Visitatio Domini Archaediaconi Nott. Anno Domini 1635. D. Newarke." This Visitation was held at Newark on 29th April, 1635, by Edward Mottershed, doctor of laws, the Official of the Archdeacon, Richard Baylie, professor of theology. This set of leaves contains a list of the clergy and laity (populi) who were summoned to attend the Visitation, among which the following names occur :—

Newarke. John Moseley, professor of theology, vicar, Mr. Christopher Hartley, curate. Mr. Richard Poynton, schoolmaster; produced his licence granted by Richard, Archbishop of York, dated 9th August, 1634.

Farringdon. Mr. Nicholas Saunderson, vicar.

Thorpe. Mr. John Scarlett, rector.

[East] Stoake. Richard Rhodes, vicar; produced on 15th May his letters as deacon, dated 19th May, 1627, and as priest dated 20th May, 1627, signed by Thomas, Bishop of Peterborough, and of his institution dated 9th May, 1635. Mr. John Kellam curate ; produced his letters as deacon dated 21st December, 1635 (sic), signed by Francis, Bishop of Peterborough.

Elston. Mr. John Robinson, curate.

Elston Chapel. Mr. John Kellam, curate.

Syerston. Mr. John Langley, curate.

Sibthorpe. Mr. John Langley, curate.

Shelton. Mr. Griffith Spencer, rector; produced his letters as priest dated 18th February, 1626, signed by Theophilus, Bishop of Llandaff, and of his institution dated 18th February, 1632. Mr. David Roose, curate.

Flawborough. Mr. James Reade, curate.

Kilvington. Mr. Clement Holden, rector. Mr. Ambrose Padgett, curate.

Staunton. Mr. Gervase Palmer, rector; warned to provide himself with a hood. Mr. James Reade, curate.

Cotham. Mr. William Chauntler, curate.

Hawton. Mr. Edward Kidde, rector.

Balderton. Mr. William Chauntler, curate.

Barnby [in-the-Willows]. Mr. John Matkyn, vicar; warned to read divine service in his hood, and to certify to this effect, and that he had catechised the children, at the next court.

Coddington. [No entry as to either a vicar or curate].

Winthorpe. Mr. John Chapman, rector.

South Collingham. Mr. George Alsope, rector.

North Collingham. Mr. George Greene, vicar.

South Scarle cum Belstrope. Mr. Simon Reade, vicar.

North Clifton cum Harbye. Mr. Thomas Fowkes, vicar.

Thorney. Mr. Bardolph Gregg, vicar.

Averham. Mr. Oliver Griffin, rector. Mr. Thomas Wright [curate]; produced his letters as deacon dated 5th June, 1631, signed by William, bishop of Peterborough.

Kellam. Mr. Nicholas Janson, Rector.

North Muskham. Mr. William Barnes, vicar of one of the medieties.

Cromwell. [The name of the rector not inserted].

Sutton-on-Trent. Mr. William Butcher, vicar.

Normanton-on-Trent. Mr. John Hewes, vicar; produced his letters as deacon dated 4th April, 1627, and as priest dated 5th April, 1627, signed by Theophilus, Bishop of Llandaff, and of his institution dated 9th April, 1634.

Marnham. [No entry as to either vicar or curate].

Fledborough. Mr. James Clayton, rector. Mr. Edward Warren, curate.

Ossington. [No entry as to either vicar or curate].

Weston. Mr. William Fuller, professor of theology, rector. Mr. Stephen Primate, curate.

Laxton. Mr. William Rooke, vicar.

Kneesall cum Kersall cum Ampton. [The name of the vicar is illegible, owing to damp].

Eakring. Mr. George Lawson, rector. Mr. James Stephenson, curate.

Maplebecke. Mr. George Jackson, curate.

Winckborne. Mr. George Jackson, curate.

Hockerton. Mr. Lucas Mason, rector. [Was he the Luke Mason, M.A., who in 1615 had been appointed headmaster of the Magnus School, Newark ?]

Rowlston. Mr. Francis Withington, vicar. Mr. William Hives, curate.

On 27th August, 1638, Mr. Ralph Watson, rector of Bilborough, who had been cited on two presentments, "for suffering the parsonage house to be in decay and utterlie ruinous," was ordered to certify at "every Visitacion that he doth laye out the Some of xli. in materiales towardes the repayring and (sic.) "In January, 1640-1, he was again cited for the same offence and called on to produce a certificate that he had spent this money and certified as previously ordered.

27 Aug 1638.Mr. Lemuel Tuke, vicar of Greasley, "for his non conformity in administring the Communion to strangers sitting, for not wearing the surplisse and for not using the signe of the Crosse in Baptisme."

Admitted "that he doth beleeve that he hath omitted to use the signe of the Crosse in baptisme and that he doth not know whither he hath adminstered the Communion to any sitting or not." The judge decreed that he should be suspended from entering the church, but afterwards at his request, and for certain reasons moving him thereunto, he released and dismissed him.

On the same day John Wagstaffe, rector of Wolloughton and Cossall was suspended from entering the church "for that he putt in a weaver to serve the Cure there that is not in holy orders," but he was released on 1st September.

Inductions and Sequestrations.

28th June, 1624. No induction to the rectory of Strelley to be granted without Nicholas Strelley, Esq., of Strelley, being notified.

20th July, 1624. Sequestration of Widmerpoole granted to Robert Rustat, clerk.

3rd December, 1626. Edward Peers inducted into the vicarage of Burton Joice by Mr. William Stokes, in the presence of George Lacock, gent., Brian Coppock, John Browne, Robert Jackson, John Widowson, Brian Johnson and Francis Heape.

31st July, 1628. Letters from the Archbishop for the induction of Richard Caldwell, M.A., to the rectory of Nor-manton on Soar.

30th August, 1628. Similar letters for the induction of John Sistons to the rectory of Adbolton.

1st September, 1628. Sequestration of the rectory of Winthorpe, for the benefit of the next incumbent, granted to John Robinson, rector of Elston, and John Marshall, yeoman, of Winthorpe.

22nd March, 1629-30. Sequestration of the vicarage of Newarke, during the vacancy, granted to Thomas Godden, yeoman, of Newarke.

8th May, 1630. Sequestration of the vicarage of Basforde granted to the churchwardens, who, on 26th June, satisfied Mr. William Heardson, the new vicar.

22nd January, 1630-1. Sequestration of the vicarage of Barnbye [in the Willows], during the absence of Leonard Wade the vicar, granted to William Harrison, one of the churchwardens, and George Sharpe, yeoman, of Barnbye.

2nd April, 1631. Sequestration of the vicarage of Stapleforde, granted to the churchwardens, George Clarke and Gervase Jackson, owing to age and illness of Thomas Eyre, the curate.

13th May, 1631. Sequestration of the vicarage of Stapleforde, during the vacancy, granted to Richard Jepson, clerk, of Stapleforde.

31st December, 1631. Sequestration of the vicarage of Arnold, during the vacancy, granted to Edward Burton, and Robert Burrowes, yeomen, of Arnold.

24th March, 1631-2. Sequestration of the vicarage of Farington and Balderton, during the vacancy, granted to William Chaunter (sic), clerk, curate of Balderton, and George Cusworth, gent., one of the churchwardens.

13th January, 1633-4. Sequestration of the rectory of Epperstone, during the vacancy, granted to John Wells, Esq., of Epperstone.

Tithes.

In an action for tithes brought by the rector of Costock in 1630 his proctor alleged that according to common repute in the district of Costocke alias Cortlingstocke the value of the agistment or feeding (valor aggistamenti sive herbagii) "cujuslibet vacce stirilis Anglice of every stropper or drye milch Cowe, cujuslibet Juvenci et Juvence Anglice of everye Bullocke or heyfor, cujuslibet Spadonis et equae Anglice of evrye Gelding or mare" pastured by the defendant in the close commonly called "Blounte close" for each week from Michaelmas, 1628, to the Lady Day following was two pence.

In an action for tithes brought by Mr. Edmund Yorke, clerk, against John Welche it was alleged on behalf of the defendant

"that since the comming of Mr. Edm. Yorke to Willughbie & especiallie upon or aboute the xiijth of Aprill, 1627, it was agreed and concluded betwixte the said vicar & his parishioners of Willoughbie for the tything of theire lambes yeerelie & continuallie whiles he is vicar there in manner following That all thinhabitantes within the Weste end of the same parish should that yeere paye the xth of their lambes lambed & nourished within the said parishe for the tythe as the same should fall & to be taken from theire dammes the xxvjth of September that yeere and that the inhabitantes within the Easte ende of the said Towne shoulde paye onelye ijs. for for everye such tithe lambe that yeere lambed & nourished in the same yeere and so shoulde change respectivelye everye yeere [so] that thinhabitantes in the Weste ende of the said parishe shoulde paye theire lambes in kinde as aforesaide & the other yeere ijs. for everye tithe lamb & that the said inhabitantes of the easte ende should one yeere paye ijs. for everye tithe lambe & the other yeere nexte following a tithe lambe in kinde as afore is alleaged for the west end & so should chaing respectively as afore is alleaged & that the said Welche was an inhabitant of the easte end or portion of the parishe of W."

In the Act Book containing cases "ad instantium partium" between 16th January 1633-4 and 7th December 1637, the following note on the practice as to tithes occurs :—

"If A B hathe common of pasture in C & lette the same to D E the parson is to sue D E for his tithes because he is the occupant."

Cases Concerning Churchwardens.

24 Nov George Wright, alias Byrd, and John Hart, 1627. churchwardens, of Widmerpoole.

Cited "because on the festival of St. Luke last [a Thursday] all the carriages in Widmerpoole were seen in Nott. everie carryage with two men who laborored (sic) with the said carryages all that daye and were neither at morning nor evening prayers," and that they neglected to present those who were responsible for and those who took part in this offence. Mr. John Rustat, the rector, appeared and admitted on behalf of the parishioners that very many of them had so offended, but that their names could not be given at that time, and promised on behalf of the churchwardens that the names of such persons would be supplied.

21 Feb 1627-8.The Churchwardens of Barnbie [in the Willows]

They admitted "that in Summer last one Mr. Towne the minister of Sowth Collingham did preach in their parishe Church of Barnbie aforesaid three or fower severall Saboth Dayes or holiedays at which times theise churchwardens did not demand of him the said Mr. Towne to see his license according to the canon in that case provided." And they further admitted "that their vicars doth not everie saboth daye weare the surplus, and that as they the churchwardens have heard their said vicare did christen a childe of one Thomas Holmes in Barnbie aforesaid without the Surplus for which they have not presented him the said vicare." And also admitted "that beefore Michaelmas last past the parte of the church yarde fence beelonginge to William Proctor was downe and unrepared whereupon swine went into the sayd churchyarde which they did not present." And they further admitted "that their vicare (beeing a verie weake man) doth not usually read prayers upon wednesdayes frydayes & Saturdayes (prout tenetur) nor catechized their yowth of their parishe savinge in lent & sometimes in summer, which they also neglected to present. And further that about three weekes since John Warde did charge the said vicare that he had taken some consideracion for the swine to go into the churchyarde aforesaid which likewise they have not presented." Ordered to do penance according to a schedule, but afterwards dismissed with a warning.

23 July 1633. Giles Thorpe and John Gamston, of Gringley on the Hill, presented by the Minister "for want of wyne at the Communion at Christmas."

They alleged "that the minister bid them buy 5 quartes of wyne for the Communion & they provided 6 quartes and a pint." To certify at the next court that this was true. They did not do so, but on 7th November they alleged "that they did deliver the certificate to Thomas Holland the Apparitor." Dismissed.

27 June 1639. John Snowden and Thomas Oldham, late churchwardens of Edwinstowe, presented by the minister "for not presenting the decaye of the revestrie house belonging to the Churche of Edwinstowe, Clipston and Budbye whereby the goodes of the said Church were this last yeere stolne away to the value of about Ten poundes and their Chest wherein thay doe laye certaine writings and other things belonging to that church is without lockes and keyes for the preservation of those goodes."

Snowden appeared, but there is no entry as to any order having been made.

5.
Licences to Teach, Read Prayers, Etc.

2nd May, 1625. Licence to teach boys in the parish of Epperston granted to Moore.

30th July, 1625. Grace Coates, of Basforde, cited for teaching children without a licence "and shee sayeth that all such as cannot read are damned."

24th January, 1625-6. George Goodyear, of North Wheatley, who held no licence to teach boys, was granted one at the petition of divers of his neighbours.

1st July, 1626. Henry Fox, of South Collingham, admitted "that he hath taught children without authoritie this twelve moneths and that there was one Grainger that dyed and he, because the minister was sick, did burie him." Dismissed.

25th January, 1626-7. A dispensation granted for the marriage of Edward Fairbanke, of Elkesley, and "Jassebolla" Burden, of Walesbye, to be solemnized at Walesbye.

13th February, 1626-7. A dispensation granted for the marriage of Francis Brigges, of Mansfield, and Elizabeth Foster, late of Tuxford, but then of St. Mary, Nottingham, to be solemnized in St. Mary's Church.

15th December, 1627. A licence to read prayers in the chapels of Elston and Sierson, and elsewhere in the deanery of Newarke as urgent necessity might require, granted to William Dodgeson, learned.

12th January, 1627-8. A licence to read prayers, purify women, bury the dead and teach children in the churches of Adenborow and Bramcote granted to Francis Townesend, learned.

15th March, 1627-8. A licence "ad docendum pueros A.B.C. sermone vernaculo et vulgari" granted to Thomas Heage.

1st April, 1628. Laurence Brittaine, of Edwinstowe, who was cited for teaching without a licence, was dismissed on giving an undertaking not to do so any more.

30th April, 1628. A licence to teach grammar and writing in the parish of Sutton-on-Trent granted to Thomas Spight.

28th June, 1628. A licence granted for the marriage of Francis Poole, gent., of Farndon, and Susanna Gedney, of Averham, to be solemnized at Averham, her parents having given their consent.

8th July, 1628. A licence to read prayers in the church of West Markham, granted to William Byrche.

12th July, 1628. A licence granted to the rector of St. Nicholas, Nottingham, to marry Laurence Wallford, yeoman, of Newarke, and Anne Whalley, late of Farndon, spinster, aged 22, her parents being dead.

30th July, 1628. A licence to read prayers in Bilstrope Church granted to Thomas Hage, learned.

10th November, 1629. Browne, widow, of Ollerton, who was also presented as a recusant, was presented " for teachinge schoole without authority."

16th March, 1629-30. Samuel Sheppard, junr., of North Collingham, who had been cited "for teachinge schoole without authority," alleged "that he doth teache but iij children of Mr. Sudberryes his landlord." Dismissed.

25th September, 1630. A licence to read prayers in Orston Church and to teach &c. in the parish of Granby, granted to Edward Stayne, B.A.

6th November, 1630. A licence to read prayers in Osterfield Church granted to George Milner, learned, owing to the infirmity of Thomas Johnson the curate.

21st May, 1631. Richard Goodall, of St. Nicholas, Nottingham, who was cited "for reading divine service & not having Tolleracion." produced a licence granted by Joseph Hall, the late Archdeacon, on 30th September, 1613.

15th November, 1631. Mr. John Slater, of Sutton on Lounde, was cited "for readinge service without a Tolleracion." In the margin opposite this entry are the words "2s. 8d. pro tolleracionem."

10th December, 1633. John Somervill, of Bawtrye, who was cited "for teaching schoole without licence," asked for a licence to teach to be granted to him. In the margin opposite this entry are the words "send it so soon as you can."

6.
Cases Concerning Parish Clerks.

25 May 1631. Anthony Jackson, of Normanton on Trent,"for not paying Egges at Easter to the Clarke."

Produced a letter from Richard Wighton, the clerk, that he had paid and he was dismissed. [Was this a survival of the pre-Reformation custom, mentioned in P. H. Ditchfield's "The Parish Clerk," of the clerk receiving a certain number of eggs at Easter in addition to his salary and fees ?]

25 Oct 1631. William Bedall, parish clerk of South Leverton, "for not performing his Office for making a grave for the dead according to the Cannon."

Pleaded guilty and was dismissed with a warning at the request of Mr. Mustion, the vicar.

7.
Cases for Not Attending Church, Etc and Recusants.

Not Attending Church.

On page 11 of the Transactions for 1926 is an interesting extract relating to the hamlet of Flawford in the parish of Barnby in the Willows. On 15th September 1635 Thomas Wilson and William Walpole, both described as of the parish of Barnby, were presented "for coming not but twice to the Church betweene Whitsuntide and Michaelmas." Walpole appeared and alleged "that their house standes in 2 parishes and that some tymes they doe goe to Flawforth Church for the neernes of the place but not out of any contempt for their owne minister." They were ordered to frequent the church of their parish of Barnby. This is the first time I have found any actual reference to there having been a church at Flawford at so late a period, and, although I have made enquiries, I have been unable to obtain any information as to this church.

17 Aug 1639. John Needham and Sarah his wife, of Staunton on the Wolds, "for absenting them selves from their parrishe church upon Sundaies and holy dayes in time of divine service ever since the third of March last (except upon Easter daye laste)."

John Needham appeared and alleged "that by reason of an impediment in the speech of their minister they can scarce understand what he sayes and also the tyme for his reading prayers is so incertaine that he knowes noe certaine houres observed by him for the reading thereof and also if he knowe when he and his wife intend to come to church there he will not preach that daie." Enjoined to frequent their parish church.

Recusants.

In my previous extracts the names of those presented as Recusants were arranged in order of date. During the period covered by the present extracts there are many more entries relating to this offence and I have, therefore, arranged the entries under parishes, with the various years in which the individual persons were presented inserted after their names. No extracts can be given for 1626, 1627 and 1628, as in most of the entries the offence for which parties were cited is not given.

Arnold. George Stubbyn and Anne his wife, 1638.

Attenborough. Thomas Dakyn and Elizabeth his wife, Anne Dakyn, and Dorothy the wife of Richard Attenborough, all in 1634.

Basford. Mr. John Pickering, 1630,-35,-37,-39. His wife, 1630,-35,-39. Mr. Thomas Blithe, 1635,-37,-39. His wife, 1635,-39. Mrs. Mary Hammond, 1637. William Barker, 1639.

Bilborough. Philip Rowlston, Samuel Ballard, gent., and William Pecke, all in 1630. Thomas Smith, Esq., of "Brockstowe," 1639,-40. Francis Bond, 1640.

Bothamsall. George Booth and wife, 1625.

Boughton. William Smith, 1631, "for causing his daughter Bridget to be baptized (as was vehemently suspected) in the Romish religion", 1634,-35,-37,-38. Bridget his wife, 1634,-35,-37,-38.

Carlton-in-Lindrick. Anthony Else, senr., 1624,-37,-38. Phillida his wife, 1624,-29. Anthony Else, junr., 1624,-37,-38,-30. Susanna his wife 1624,-29,-37,-38. Alice Hallam, Richard Hare and Henry Stanardine, all in 1624. William Hallam, 1629. Robert Boye, Anne Pickering, widow, Robert Pickering and Frances the wife of Richard Greene, all in 1637.

Chilwell. Mrs. Jane Teliar, widow, and Jane her daughter Elizabeth Reene, Mary Reene and Isabel Attenborough, all in 1634.

Collingham, North. William Ward and Mary his wife, 1624,-29,-30,-35. Theodosia his daughter, 1624,-38. George Warde, 1638,-39. The wife of Edward Smith, 1639.

Colston Bassett. Mr. Edward Goulding and Eleanor his wife, Mr. Logfeilde and his wife, Edward Russlie and his wife, Mary Pedlie, William Pickstaffe and John Abercromby, all in 1637.

Cotgrave. Hester Henson, 1638. Gregory Hall and Hester Hall, 1639.

Edwinstowe. Catherine Withers, Anne Lawrenson, and Isabel Gisbourne, all in 1633. Thomas Beetson, gent., 1633,-38,-40. Edward, servant to Thomas Beedson, 1640. Richard Fretwell, William Dakyn and Edward Hopkinson, all in 1637 and 1638. Mr. Daniel Thorold and Alice his wife, 1637,-40. The wife of Gavin Gisbourne, 1638.

Farndon. Mr. Alsopp, 1625. Ruth the wife of Mr. John Mullinex, 1630,-33,-37,-40. Mary Mullinex, 1630. Elizabeth Mullinex, 1630,-37. Anne Mullinex, 1630. Paul Mullinex, 1633,-37,-40. Mary the wife of George Linsdale, 1633. Richard Mullinex, 1639.

Finningley. Jane the wife of Mr. William Frobisher, 1629,-31. George Tinley, 1633.

Fledborough. Goddard Booth, George Booth and his wife, Thomas Charlesworth and his wife, Thomas Smith and his wife, Thomas Cathorne and his wife, and William Dent and his wife, all in 1630.

Flintham. The wife of Thomas Armstrong, 1640.

Girton. Catherine Poulton, 1638.

Hayton. Lady Elizabeth Gilbie, 1629 (Heaton), 1630,-37,-39 (Heyton).

Hucknall Torkard. William Hall, 1625. Anne his wife, 1630,-34,-37.

Kelham. Henry Sutton and Mary his wife, 1624. Kather-ine Sutton, 1624,-29,-38,-39. Frances Sutton, 1624,-29,-30. Anne Sutton, 1624,-29. Dennis Barnbye, 1629. Elizabeth Sutton and Dorothy Sutton, 1630.

Laxton. Mary Parsonnes, 1624. Frances Smith, 1631,-38.

Lenton. Isabel Harrison, widow, 1630. Olive the wife of James Hancocke, 1630,-31.

Mansfield. Nicholas Feilding and Anne his wife, 1629,-31,-33,-34,-37. Alice his daughter, 1629,-31. Katherine Ayre, 1629. Edward Dawes, senr., and Grace his wife, 1631,-33,-34,-37. Edward Dawes, junr., 1633. Margaret Marnham and Mr. Samuel Ballard and his wife, 1634. Susanna Dawes, and Thomas Mumforde, 1637. William Ramshawe and his wife, 1637,-40. Grace Feilding, widow, and Henry Dawes, 1640.

Markham, West. George Cawthorne, 1624. Laurence Sperrie, 1624,-37. Anne his wife, 1624,-29,-37,-38,-39. Francis Mullinax, Margaret Tirrell and Alice her servant, all in 1629. " Peircye" Enderbye, schoolmaster, 1637. Mr. Richard [query, Rutland] Mullineux and Frances his wife, 1638,-39,-40 [Rutland]. Anne his daughter, 1638,-40. Dorothy Alsopp and Dorothy her daughter, 1637,-38,-39,-40. Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Sperrie, 1637,-38,-40. John Sperrie, 1638. Elizabeth Eckingfeild, 1639,-40. Rutland, son of Rutland Mullineux, 1640.

Newark. Mr. Harwicke, 1637.

Normanton-on-Trent. Richard Mercer, gent., and Elizabeth Frost, 1624.

Norton Cuckney. George Roodes and his wife, Dowsabell Warde, Anne Wilkes and Mary Beckingham, all in 1630. Mary Hewett and William Pickering, 1630,-31. Mrs. Mary Hodgson (Hodgyn in 1633), Robert Boye, John Pickering and his wife, Anne Pickering and Robert Pickering, all in 1630,-31,-33. The wife of William Wilker, 1631. Mary Midgley, 1633.

Nottingham, St. Mary. On 14th November, 1629, Mr. Edge was presented "for keeping Mrs. Elizabeth Rowson in his house being a Papist," and Mrs. Nixe "for keeping Mr. Hammerton being a Papist."

Nottingham, St. Peter. Thomas Walker and Catherine Cooke, 1630. Catherine Boake and Catherine and Mary her daughters, 1638.

Ollerton. Mr. George Markham, 1629. Lady Mary Markham his wife, 1629,-31 ("et omnes famulos eos"). Mr. Eaton, George Lister, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Beedson, junr., Mrs. Anne Smith, Ellinor Burley, Anne Stuffyng, Anne Ashbury, Alice Smith, Ursula Balderston, Browne, widow, and Mary Hewitt, widow, all in 1629. Richard Needham, 1629,-37, Clemence, the wife of William Yarwood, 1629,-31,-37,-38,-40. John Momer and his wife, and George Lister and his wife, 1631. William Jackman and Anne his wife, 1637. Robert Bullocke, 1638,-39,-40. John Ebden and his wife, 1638,-40 (Hibden). Griffin Wattes, 1638,-40. Ellen, the wife of Thomas Tawton, 1638. Ellen, the wife of Griffin Wattes, and Anthony Jackman and his wife, 1640.

Perlethorpe (Peverelthorpe). Isabel Gowen and Anne her daughter, 1637.

Radford. Francis Pickering, 1637. Francis Bayte, alias Bearde, 1638,-40. His wife, 1640.

Retford, East. Jane Man, 1635. Elizabeth Man, spinster, 1639.

Retford, West. Richard Fretwell, Barbara Cooper and Thomas Beeton, all in 1629. Catherine Brittaine, 1631.

Saundby. Robert Benham, 1635.

Sibthorpe. Ellen, the wife of Cordall Dikes, 1633,-37.

Sneinton. Roger Nix, 1638,-39.

Sutton Bonnington, St. Michael. Thomas Bond, 1633,-40. Emota, his wife, 1633.

Thorney. Mr. Tounley and his wife, Ellen, his daughter, Mr. Endersbie and his wife, and Thomas Fawcett, all in 1629.

Trowell. Francis Sudbury and Margaret Collingwood, 1633.

Widmerpool. Amy Widmerpoole, 1624. Dorothy Morris, 1624,-30. Mrs. Alice Widmerpoole, 1630.