His testibus, Petro de Sabaudo, Hugone le Bigod, Johanne filio Galfrid, Johanne Mansell, Thesaur. Ebor. Hen. de Bathon, Tho. Burnel, Petro de Rival, Roberto Waseland, Walt. de Merton, Will'o. de Grey, Will'o de Turbreville, Will'o Gernun, et aliis. Per manum nostram, apud Westm. quarto die Februarii, anno regni nostri quadragesimo s'c'do.

D.

Inspectio Cartarum Edwardi cognomento Confess, Willielmi Conq. et Henr. II. Regum Angliæ, et earundem confirmacio per Regem Edw. I.

(Ex autographo penes Decanum et Capitulum Capellæ regiæ de Winsore, an. 1640.)

Edwardus Dei gratia rex Angliæ, diminus Hiberniæ, et dux Aquitaniæ, archiepiscopis, episcopis, abbatibus, prioribus, comitibus, baronibus, justiciariis, vicecomitibus, præpositis, ministris, et omnibus ballivis et fidelibus suis, salutem. Inspeximus cartam Domini E. quondam regis Angliæ in hæc verba.

Id est, Edwardus rex salutem (dico). Levino episcopo, et Levino comiti, et omnibus ministris meis, in agro Staffordiæ amice. Et declaro vobis quod presbyteris meis, Hamptoniensibus fidem* meam tribui. Nunc volo ut ipsi et eorum monasterium sit liberum, et eorum res eo justè pertinentes sint liberæ cum sac et socne (privilegiis sic dictis) adeo plenè et eatenùs ac ipsemet primo eadem habueram, per omnia. Et eis concedo quicquid eis ab aliquo rectè concessum fuerit.

Inpeximus etiam quandam cartam Domini W. quondam regis Angliæ, in hæc verba. W. rex Anglorum L. archiepiscopo et G. episcopo Cestrensi et P. episcopo et. R. vicecomiti, cæterisque suis fidelibus de Estaffordscire salutem. Sciatis me dedisse Sampsoni Capellano meo ecclesiam sanctæ Mariæ de Wlurenhamtonâ cum terrâ et omnibus aliis rebus et consuetudinibus sicut mælius prædicta ecclesia habuit tempore regis Edwardi. Et videte quod hæc omnia honorificè teneat quoniam benè volo.

Impeximus etiam quandam cartam domini H. quondam regis Angliæ progenitoris nostri, in hæc verba. H. rex Anglorum, dux Normaniæ et Aquitaniæ, et comes Andegavie, vice comitibus et ministris suis de Staffcira salutem, Præcipio quod terræ et homines qui pertinent ecclesiæ de Wluronehamtonâ sint in pace et quiete de placitis..

et

scirris et hundredis et omnibus rebus præter murdrum et latrocinium, sicut unquam meliùs fuerunt tempore regis H. avi mei. T. Thomâ cancellario, apud Westmonasterium.

Inspeximus etiam quandam cartam domini H. ducis Normaniæ et Aquitaniæ, et comitis Andegaviæ, in hæc verba. H. dux Normanniæ, et Aquitaniæ, et comes Andegaviæ, omnibus archiepiscopis, episcopis, comitibus, baronibus, justiciariis vicecomitibus, et omnibus amicis, et fidelibus suis Normannis et Anglis salutem.

Sciatis me concessisse ecclesiæ de Wluronehamptonâ capellæ meæ omnem illam libertatem quam habuit in tempore H. regis avi mei et omnem illam quietanciam, in bosco et plano, in pratis et pascuis, in aquis et extra, in viis et semitis et omnibus locis.

Et canonicis ejusdem ecclesiæ eandem concedo libertatem et quietanciam. Quare mando et firimter præcipo ut eadem ecclesia capella mea libera sit et quieta al omnibus consuetudinibus et exactionibus cum omnibus pertinentiis suis, et canonici omnia sua liberè et quietè possideant, nec quis eis dampnum vel molestiam vel injuriam aliquam facere præsumat. Testibus, Rogero comite Herefordiæ, Waltero fratro suo constabulario, Henrico fratre suo, Gervasio Paganell germano, apud Dudeley.

Nos autem donationes et concessiones predictas ratas habentes et gratas,

* Vel, amicitiam.

eas, pro nobis et hæredibus nostris, quantum in nobis est, dilecto clerico nostro Johanni de Melbourn decano capellæ prædicte et canonicis ejusdem capellæ et successoribus suis, concedimus et confirmamus sicut cartæ prædictæ rationabiliter testantur. Hiis testibus, venerabilibus partribus W. Eboracensi archiepiscopo Angliæ primate. I. Eliensi et I. Wyntoniensi episcopis. Henrici Comite Lancastriæ, Johanne de Wareuna comite Surriæ, Rogero de Mortuo Mari, Johanne Mantravers, senescallo hospitii nostri, et aliis. Data per manum nostram apud Northampton septimo die Maii anno regni nostri secundo.

E.

DISMISSAL OF THE REVEREND THOMAS GILPIN.

(From the Original in the possession of Mr. Neve, of Wolverhampton.)

WE whose names are subscribed, the undoubted and immediate Lords of the Manor of Stowheath, hearing, and well weighing the said complaints of the inhabitants of the towne of WILLENHALL, lying within our said mannor, made and brought against you Thomas Gilpin Clerk, curate of the Chappell there; DoE in consideration thereof, and in pursuance of an Order made and inrolled on some of the Rolls of the Cot of our said mannor, bearing date the Eleaventh day of October in the Sixth year of the Reign of our late Soveraigne Lord King James over England &c. And of our power and authority thereby, DISPLACE and Discharge you the said Thomas Gilpin from the place, dignity, and office of Curate, Minister or Priest in the said Chappell. And do hereby present and allow John Carter Clerk (a person elected and approved by the inhabitants of Willenhall aforesaid) to be Curate of the said Chappell in your place and stead, to read divine service there, and to do and perform all such other offices and things as shall properly belong to his Ministerial function and calling. And thus much you the said Thomas Gilpin are hereby desired to take notice of. Dated under our hands and seals this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord God 1674 and in the six and twentieth year of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God King of England, &c.

F..

WALTER GIFFARD (L.S.)
W. LEVESON GOWER (L.S.)

PERAMBULATION OF THE PARISH OF WOLVERHAMPTON, IN THE YEAR 1824.-Extracted from the Church Book.

First day, Monday May 24. Assembled at the Rev Thomas Walker's, and proceeded to a cottage a little on this side of the eighth milestone on the way to Stafford; where, in a garden on the right hand side of the road was a well, but which we found filled up; here the Gospel was read the first time. From thence about the third of a mile on the said road is a lane on the left hand side which took us up to Kinvaston; where in the Fold yard fronting the house (now in the occupation of Mrs. Charles Wooton) once stood an Elder tree, but which we found exchanged for a slab of Gornal stone built into the wall; here the Gospel was read a second time. From thence we proceeded to Hatherton, the seat of the late Moreton Walhouse Esq. (and now of his Widow,) where, in a plantation near to the house was a well, but which is now filled up, and a stake or stone is placed to perpetuate the spot; here the Gospel was read the third time. From thence we proceeded to Hilton, the seat of Col. Graham (the Son of the late Henry Vernon Esq.) and which we found occupied by servants; here, within the gates in front of the house, on the right-hand side after passing the bridge, the Gospel was read a fourth time. From thence we proceeded across the

road leading from Wolverhampton to Cannock, down a lane on the left hand side, to Featherstone; where, under an oak tree in the road, near to the house now occupied by Mr. William Price, the Gospel was read a fifth and last time for this day.

Second day, May 25. Assembled at the Rev. T. Walker's, and proceeded to Wednesfield; where, in the Chapel, the Gospel was read the first time, the Clerk being in readiness at the door. From thence we proceeded to Goswell Bush on Essington common, but in consequence of the inclosure of the common, the bush is now surrounded by a little clump of trees by the road-side leading from Wolverhampton to Bloxwich and Essington wood; here the Gospel was read a second time. We now turned back and proceeded to Pelsall; where, after waiting some time for the Clerk, the Gospel was read in the Chapel for the third and last time this day.

Third day, May 27, Thursday. Assembled at the Swan Inn, and proceeded to Willenhall; found the clerk waiting at the gate, entered the chapel, where the Gospel was read a first time. Proceeded from thence to Park Brook, which we crossed; returned and went to Bentley Hall, the residence of Edward Anson, Esq. where the Gospel was read a second time, under an elder bush, at the back of the house on the left hand side. From thence through Willenhall we proceeded to Bilston. On our arrival at the chapel here we found the gate locked, the clerk having forgotten the time; he came however in a few minutes, and having unlocked the doors, the Gospel was read therein the third time. From thence wc proceeded to Bradley Hall, now in the occupation of Mr. Nailer, whose daughter conducted us through the house into the garden, at the bottom of which is a sort of well or pit, but which we were told was once a bath; here the Gospel was read the fourth time. From thence we proceeded through Bilston, by Catchem's Corner, Goldthorne Hill, and the Penn Road, to St. John's Chapel, or as it is commonly called, the New Church; on our arrival here we found the doors locked, but having immediately procured the key of the north door from Riddo, the clerk, we entered the chapel, and the Gospel was read for the fifth time; and which concluded the Perambulation.

AN INVENTORY OF ALL THE GOODS BELONGING TO ST. CATHARINE'S GELDE, remaining in the custody of Michaell Brooke and Ralph Grafton, Churchwardens of the Church of Wolverhampton 1541. 33 Hen. viii.

Imprimis, 2 great candlesticks of mastlen, weying lvi. li. It. 1 flower, with 6 branches of mastlin, weying xxxl li. It. xvi small candlesticks of mastlen weying xxx li. It. a palle to hang afore the alter, of red saten and greene. It. 2 dyaper alter-clothes and v plaine alter-cloths, and 3 towells. It. halfe a dyaper towell, St. Catharine's cote of black velvett. It. St. Catharine's shough of sylver, and one christall stone sett in sylver, all weying somewhat than an ounce, sould to Harman Beyne for 16d. It. 1 coffer p't 12d. It. 1 painted cloth to sett afore the altar in Lent. (vide ut supra p. 126.) It. 1 red vaile with red crosses. It. 2 candlesticks of mastlen standing upon St. Catharine's alter, weying viii. li. It. 2 iron candlesticks, weying in the hands of Sir Hump. Horton, priest.

....

The goods of our Ladye's gelde remaining in the hands of the Churchwardens.

Imprimis, in readdy money, 12s. 4d. It. our Ladye's cote of black velvet, and 2 sleeves, one of red tynsell satten, and the other of black velvet, and Jhs cote of red sattin, sold to Mr. Austyn for 6s. 8d. It. 4 ounces of rings,

crosses, bocules, and other broken sylver, sould for 14s. It. 9 paire of beads, 2 ouches, and a sylver cross, remaining in the hands of the said churchwardens unvalued, whereof three of the same paire of beads be sylver gaudyed.

Goods of the Bachelers gelde delivered to the said churchwardens.

Imprimis, 3s. 9d. of sorry monyes, sold for 40d.

Goods of St. George's gelde delivered to the said wardens.

Imprimis, 2 towells. It. 2 alter clothes.

Goods of the Vice remaining in the said wardens' hands.

Imprimis, 26 candlesticks of mastlen, 1 li. It 2 iron soles, and 2 cross staples for the bells.

H.

DONATIONS TO THE POOR OF WOLVERHAMPTON.

THE following account of the Donations and Bequests, which at various times have been made to the poor of Wolverhampton, has been copied from a series of tables in the chancel of the Collegiate Church. FORASMUCH as many Loving Benefactors towards this Town of Wolverhampton, have given certain Charitable Donations respectively for ye Good of this Town & of ye Inhabitants therein and that memory of such their Goodness may bee preserved for ever & as well thankfully to praise God for ye same as that ye Inhabitants here may take knowledge thereof & cause due and conscionable disposal of ye same accordingly To prevent shamfull & unjust concealments and imployments this Table ensuing is here by General Consent with all plain Truth set downe.

Sr Stephen Genings Alderman of London borne in this Town, Founded one freeschool & purchased ye Mannor of Rushock in the County of Worcester now of ye yearly value of 3001 at least for ye perpetual maintaining of a Schoolmaster & Usher in ye same school for Schollars therein to be instructed & for other necessary Charities there to be performed according to the Good purpose of ye same Sr Stephen Genings The greatest care and Government whereof he did leave to the Worshell company of Merchant Taylers of London.

Mr. Nechells a Merchant of ye staple borne in this Parish Gave towards ye continual repaire of the Pavements of this Township certain Lands & rents in Bushburey called Green fields now of the Yearly value of 61 13s 4d which rent is at this time employ'd Yearly accordingly by two elected Surveyors of ye Pavements improved by Vertue of ye Statute of Charitable Uses The said Mr. Nechells also did about 70 years agoe give 20s Yearly for ever towards ye Augmentation of the Ushers Wages of ye said Freeschoole which was very small in those days ye Old Lease of Rushock then in being:

Henry Offley Esqe. Son & Heire of Sr. Tho Offley this Countrey man a principall Member of the Company of Merchant Taylors did enlarge with his own Land ye back Walkes of the said Freeschoole.

Mr. William Sale sometime a Prebendary in this Church Gave 207 to be lent to four Tradesmen of this Town five pounds each man gratis for four years together for ever upon good security which said 207 being denied hy the Execut of ye said Mr Sale upon suit he was compel'd to Yeild ye same with 107 more for damage all which 307 is now employed accordingly to six Tradesmen.

John Leveson Esqr about Anno: Dom: 1558. Gave toward ye repairs of this Church for ever ye Yearly rent of 17 6s 8d now called Stretton Rent duly pay'd to this day. The said John Leveson Gave at ye same time to ye poor of this Town for ever Yearly 2l 13s 4d to be pay'd on Good Friday saving Twelve Pence thereof to ye two Church-wardens distributors as ap

peareth by writing under ye Great Seal of England mentioning ye grant thereof of Lands in Stretton.

Mr Randal Wolley born in this Town & schollar sometime in ye Freeschool Gave 1007 to ye Merchant Taylors the Interest thereof Yearly to be paid to Improve ye Means of the said School.

Mr John Mason & his Brother Thomas have bestowed ye great faire Candlestick now hanging in this Church upon ye Inhabitants of this Parish And ye said John Gave 107 with ye Interest thereof to provide Candles to be used therein at the festival times in ye Winter & other dark & Cloudy Evenings & 28 Yearly for ye clensing ye Candlestick.

Ann Hanbury widow Gave 61 138 4d the Interest thereof Yearly to be given to ye Poor in this Town for ever on Good Friday.

Joane Leight widow Gave 107 ye Interest thereof to be disposed towards ye relief of ye Poor in this Town for-ever. Obligation for it.

Mary Pinson widow Gave 107 Yearly Rent for-ever to be distributed to ye poor in this Town on St Thomas Day.

There hath been an antient custom time out of minde that Whensoever any new Dean of this Church hath been Invested he ought to pay 40s to ye Church-wardens for ye time being towards repairs of this Church & likwise every Prebendary at his first Investing 20s as appeareth by the

Church Booke.

Thomas Bradley Tanner did by his Will in Writing dated & here recorded Gave an Yearly Annuity of 108 6d for-ever to be distributed by ye Churchwardens of this Town to Twenty poor Householders here 6d each & to ye said Wardens 6d for distributing and charged his dwelling House therewith limiting ye paymt thereof Yearly on ye 10th of Octobr Richd Brooke gave 108 Yearly Rent to be Distributed Yearly to ye Poor at ye day of his Death & gave 58 A Year to one to keep boys Quiet in ye Church & Church Yard in the Time of Prayer and Sermon. To be Pay'd by William Jelicon of Coven out of A Piece of Land called Mill-Hayes in or near Coven in the Parish of Breewood.

Thomas Osbern of this Town Taylor Gave 40s Yearly for-ever to be distributed to ye Poor on St Thomas Day & St John ye Baptist by equal porcions & payable out of Lands in Walshall viz. 6d to each poor body.

Alice Cooper of this Town Widow Gave 108 Yearly for-ever to Ten poor Widows to be paid on Good Friday out of her Lands at Monmergreen.

Mr. John Leigh, sometime a Minister of this Church, gave 208. yearly to be paid on Palm-Sunday for ever to ye Church-Wardens whereof the said Church-Wardens are to have 12d & to pay 198 to such Poor people of this Town as shall be nominated by ye Heirs of Tho: Waring Esqr who did charge his Lands at ye Lea with the same Annuity as appeareth by deed untill his Heirs shall purchase other Land within this Parish of Value & that to be Charged with ye same Annuity.

Mr Devey somtime Schoolmaster of our Freeschool Gave towards a Library in this Church Lyra's Works in six Volums.

John Leveson Esqr Uncle to Sr Walter Leveson Gave 31 Yearly for ever to be dispos'd 20s thereof ye poor within this Town 20s towards ye ease of poor mens Levyes & Taxes and 20s towards ye repaire of ye Pavemts within this Town by his last will ye said Sr Walter having a great estate from him Anno: 1605.

Mr Richard Gough born in this Town & Clerk of ye Company of Grocers Gave 207 in Land to be lent to one Young Handycraft man here of Good conversation for two years Gratis upon good security & so to another successively for ever such person to be nominated by ye Church-Wardens & Towns-men termed by ye Legators will ye Vestry. 1608.

Mr William Bayly Attorney of Clements Inn born in this Town gave 201 to be put forth that ye Interest thereof may be for ever employ'd for ye Good of ye Poor in this Town by his will Anno: 1602.

M' Ann Harwell widow of this Town Daughter of Mr Wm Creswell