The city of Exeter: Deeds

Sec. VI DEEDS

Nos. 1–589 relate to Corporation property, including that of the religious houses that came into the possession of the city after the Dissolution. For a Calendar of these in 4 volumes, see Books 60 I, 60 K, 60 L, 60 M. They were examined by Dr. Oliver in 1821 (see S. Moore, Introduction, p. 10), who published many extracts from them in his Monasticon Diœcesis Exoniensis (1847), but with no better references than that they were taken "ex archivis civitatis Exoniœ. "

(a) The Magdalen Hospital.

This house was variously called Hospitalis Leprosorum (Oliver, Mon., 302), or Fratrum Leprosorum (Coll. Top., i 375), or Infirmorum (on seal, Oliver, Mon., 401), La Magdeleyne (D. 72), La Maudeleyn (D. 49), the Mawdlene (D. 115, 116), Mawdelyn (D. 88, 101, 109, 124), or Maudlin (D. 523) The Lazar-House (Izacke, 11), The Lepers Hospital (Oliver, 154). It stood without the south gate in the Parish of Holy Trinity (D. 15, 90), and the chapel of it still remains (Oliver, Mon., 401). For its seals, see Lloyd Perry, 26–29. For accounts of Geoffrey Lewis, Warden of the hospital temp. Henry VIII, showing the receipts and expenses of the hospital from 1520 to 1527, see Misc. Rolls 58, 59, 60.

In this collection there are 153 documents (.D.D. 1–125), besides many counterparts, and it is to be noted that in several of the earlier ones where provosts (proepositi) appear as witnesses (e.g. D. 8, 10) their names do not correspond with those given in Izacke. In D. 1 is the undated grand to the Lepers of St. Mary Magdalene by Bishop Bartholomew (1161–1184) of rents from his gavel of Morchard (i.e. Morchard Bishop, near Crediton) and the bark of the wood of Chudleigh, with the confirmation (D. 3) by Pope Celestine III, dated May 26, 1192, both documents being printed in Oliver, Mon., p. 402. In D. 81 is an inspeximus of the above by Archbishop Chichele, temp. Henry V or VI. There are extracts (D. II, v) from the Statutes made in 1245 [i.e. in the mayoralty of Martin Pott, 30 Henry III, not Henry IV, as Oliver, Mon., 403], a year after the Hospital had been transferred by Bishop Brewer to the civic authorities (who are called the "founders" in D. 112, May 4, 1530) in the mayoralty of Adam Rifford [see Izacke, 10; Oliver, Mon., 301, 302, 402, where 27 Henry III should be 29 Henry III]. An English copy of these Statutes from Hooker's MS., f. 502, is printed in Oliver, Mon., 402, where the Latin original is referred to as Ordo et Statuta Domus B. Marie Magdalene (see D. II, a.a., where reference is made to a Chartulary of the Magdalen).

The rest of the documents refer chiefly to leases, exchanges or gifts to the Hospital, such as rent-charges on 2 selions of land without the Southgate by Hugh son of Auger (or Fitz Auger) Lillapita (fn. 1) in D. 4, 13 (with his son); in "Doddehestrete" [or "Doddeheye" (D. 32), near the Castle—Oliver, Mon., 302]; given by Richard de Biscipelega [or Bisscopesleie (D. 46), i.e. Bishopsleigh] in D. 5; in St. John's Street next the Hospital (D. 6, 113, 114, 122) by John Borewine and Emma his wife; a house near the Hospital garden (D. 7) by Peter Wimand; a sexter (i.e. 25 gallons) of ale (D. 8); a tenement near their house (D. 31, 32) by Denise, widow of Henry Clark; a garden in St. Magdalene's Street [or Maudeleynestrete, D. 61; Mawdeleyn Street, D. 76] by John Fitzsimon (D. 48, 121a, 123); land adjoining the Courtyard of the Hospital (D. 22 k) by Adam de Leverkebeare [i.e. Larkbeare (D. 403) in the parish of St. Leonard's—Endowed Charities, p. 275; or Leuerkebeare—Coll.. Top., i, 377]; land against the City stank or fishpond [contra piscariam civitatis Exonie— "Mawdlyn Lake," D. 103] given by Jordan Bestelebise (D. 10, 13, 20 f.), or Beslebyse (D. 20a) or Bestallyse (D. 20c) ; a rent charge on a mill at Culm (D. 14, 2y, 15); land beyond St. David's Mount by Richeman le Fleming (D. 16); a ferling of land at Southwood in Dawlish by Philip de Furnell (or Furneaux) in D. 17, 18, 23 f., 93, 101, 106, 120, 122b, 124b ; 4 acres of land with saltmarsh at Chaldewell or Choldeville (in the manor of Clystwick or Clyst St. George—Oliver, Mon., 401), and a house in the High Street given by Robert Sukespiche or Sukespic (D. 13, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, 24, 25, 58, 59); land in the High Street for which the Hospital paid a pair of gilt spurs or white gloves as an acknowledgment to Aimar le Brut (D. 33); two selds in the High Street given by Andrew Hemeric (D. 21); land and houses in South Street given by Maud, widow of Walter de Tours (D. 29, 30); a house in South Street by Walter Criket and his niece Gilda, daughter of Baldwin Ruffus (D. 22); a tenement in South Street by Walter Fitz Baldewin (D. 34); land in the demesne of "Boleworthi" by Thomas de Witeri [or Viteri], D. 23s, 23t ; land and two tenements without the East Gate by Roger Taverner (D. 23, 2b) and the widow of Edward Smith, who becomes a sister of the Hospital (D. 44); 4 "dayvas" (i.e. dayworks or dargs) of land in "Sytebrokestrete" without the East Gate by Walter Hemeri or Hemeric (D. 47, 635b); tenements in Smythen Street by Henry Picot, Peter Herk, chaplain (D. 26, 35) and Robert le Espicer (D. 30, 2p); rent charge on a tenement in Cartern Street by Geoffrey de Okestun [or Oxton], D. 27; land in "Corvestret" (D. 28); rent and land at Sprydon in the parish of Broad Clyst by William de Clist (D. 36, 104, 115) and Roger de la Haye (D. 45); land near the Castle at Exeter (D. 39) ; land at Tale by Robert Beauchamp (D. 52, 63); land on the Schytebroke (D. 20k) [al. Shytebroke (D. 60); Shutebrok (D. 76); a lake called Shitbrooke (D. 123)] given by Olive Colebrook (D. 67) and Felicia widow of William de Criditon (D. 70); land in "la hetvella [cf. Hetfell—Heathfield : Oliver, Mon., 259] de Holebrok" by William Gridgesham (D. 23i); and a toft and garden in Trinity Parish by Thomas Calwoodley in 1477 (D. 91).

The property also includes a house, toft, garden &c. in South Street (D. 79); land near South Street (D. 186), where "H. Glasserian, deceased" should be "H. Glasier jam defuncto" ; two shops, tenement and garden or close or apple orchard (D. 109) containing 7 acres called the Mawdlene Ground (D. 116, 121c) without the East gate in the parish of St. Sidwells (D. 71, 74, 85) at the end of Southbrook Lane next Parys Street (D. 86) [or Parres Street (D. 124g) or Paryestrete next Liverydole (D. 89, 94, 95, 111, 124b ] or in St. Sidwell's Fee (D. 96, 97, 98, 99, 105, 110); a toft or garden and a close without the South gate (D. 72, 82, 83, 90, 92, 121); a house and garden in Magdalene Street (D. 70, 73,) ; two shops in the High Street opposite to the New Inn (D. 84); a garden next Holeway (D. 88); a meadow next their garden in the parish of Heavitree (D. 102, 121b, 124d); a close at Southinghay (D. 118); an "orcharde and hoppeyarde" in Magdalen Street (D. 123a,) and a tenement adjoining the Magdalen Gate (D. 124).

In D. 51 is a reference to a list [now lost] of decrepit persons received into the hospital from 1382 to 1390.

In D. 108, Nov. 12, 1512, Thomas Andrew, warden of the Magdalen, gives an acquittance for 16s. 3d. received for the use of the lepers.

For accounts of the Wardens of the Hospital from 1540 to 1689, with gaps for 9–10, 39–40 Elizabeth, 44 Elizabeth to 1 James I, 19–23 Charles I; 1649–51, 1652–53, 1654–55, 1657–58 to 15 Charles II; 7–8 William and Mary, see Calendar, Vol. II, p. 174; also 1656–1657 in Miscellaneous Papers.

For rental of the Hospital, 1419, see D.II a.a.; Misc. Rolls, 56; also 1520–24, 1522, 1550, Misc. Rolls, 57, 58, 59.

For a Chartulary of the Magdalen (circ. 1428) in which are copied several of the deeds and charters belonging to the Hospital together with an English translation of the Order and Statutes of the House, see D.II a.a.

For seals of the Hospital, 1334, 1342, see D. 58, 64; Lloyd Parry, Seals, 28.

In Act Book X, f. 172, Dec. 16, 1662, "it is agreede that the Chappell att the hospitall, the Maudlyn, without the South-gate shalbe forthwith repaired."

(b) St. John's Hospital.

It was situated ad, or infra, or juxta, or prope portam orientalem (D. 137 ; Oliver, Mon., 302, 303); withynne yest gate (D. 1648; Oliver, Mon., 124) "at the Eastgate" in D. 127.

The collection contains 23 deeds (Nos. 126–147). In the earliest of them (D. 126) the Brethren and Sisters of the Hospital of St. John grant (in 1230) to Master William de Calne [not "le Calm" as Oliver, Mon., 300] a house next the Chapel of St. Paul which had been given to them by S[erlo] Dean of Exeter [i.e. from Dec. 14, 1225, to July 21, 1231]. The documents, which extend to 1475, relate chiefly to rent-charges and leases of the hospital property in Exeter. One of them (D. 144) dated June 4, 1351, is given more at length in Oliver, Mon., 301. The rest refer to tenements in St. Paul's Street (D. 131); North Street (D. 132, 133, 136, 141); Correstret [or Currestrete—Coll. Top., i, 250; i.e. Correy Street, now Gandy Street, Oliver, Mon., 114], (D. 134); within the Northgate (D. 138, 140, 142); Smezenstrete [i.e. Smith Street], (D. 139); High Street (D. 143); within the East gate (D. 144); or land in a certain waste moor called Wygamore [or Wigmore, (D. 883a)] without the East gate (D. 146, 147).

In 1540 the Hospital passed to Thomas Carew of Bickleigh, whose son John Carew conveyed the church to the Mayor &c. on Jan. 2nd, 1588 (D. 1648), and on Nov. 24, 1592, Humphrey Carew and his son Peter made a further conveyance of it to the Chamber (D. 1743). Some of the hospital property in Exeter was granted to John Haydon and Thomas Gibbes on April 2nd, 1545 (see L. 19, page 20) and passed into the hands of the Chamber on Oct. 7, 1555 (D. 1498). The hospital buildings fell into decay, and on Jan. 14, 1624, the church with the churchyard and other of its belongings was purchased by the trustees of Hugh Crossinge to be used as a hospital for setting the poor to work (D. 1740 ; Report on Charities, p. 1; Lloyd Parry, Exeter School, 61; see page 80).

In Aug. 1627 (D. 1743) the Chamber assigned the unexpired portion of their lease of the church to Thomas Crossinge and others, who at the same time (D. 1744) granted a 30 years' lease of it to the Chamber under whom it became the home of the Free Grammar and Free English Schools, which were the outcome of the education controversy in Exeter in the early portion of the 17th century. See Report on Charities, pp. 3,7,59; Lloyd Parry, Exeter School, pp. 15–78.

In D. 1769, April 14, 1657, the Chamber enter into a bond for 240l. with the Governors of St. John's Hospital for securing payment of 127l. 4s. on April 15, 1658.

In L. 497, May 13, 1734, Mr. Thomas Heath (see p. 59) is Treasurer of St. John's Hospital.

In L. 572, Sept. 10, 1769, James Crossing desires Mr. Gregory Jackson to summon the Trustees of St. John's Hospital to elect a president.

For nominations of inmates to the Hospital in 1768, 1770 and 1773, see L.L. 569, 573, 579.

For 3 bundles of papers relating to St. John's Hospital and the property of the Charity, see Law Papers, A.D. 1852.

For a dispute between the Hospital and the City in 1361 respecting the limits of Dodehay Street, which extends from the High Street to the City wall on the South, see D. 904, printed in Oliver, Mon., 308.

For memoranda out of the Records of St. John's Hospital relating to an action in the Mayor's Court in "The Hospital v. the Archdeacon of Totnes" in regard to a tenement in St. Martin's Street in 1421, see Miscell. Rolls, 64 (1).

For seals of St. John's Hospital, see Oliver, Mon., 408; R.M. Clay, Mediceval Hospitals, 102; Lloyd Parry, Seals, 3, 4.

In D. 1241a, Aug. 20, 1464, Mawte, widow of Hugh Courtenay, Knight, leaves 13d. to be paid to the poore chyldren of St. John's House next the East Gate, to pray for her soul.

For Bishop Grandisson's foundation in St. John's Hospital, Nov. 18, 1332, to which he appropriated the church of Ernescombe (i.e. Yarnscombe, near Barnstaple), pro sustentacione pauperum scolarium gramaticam addiscentium, see Oliver, Mon., 306; John de Grandisson's Register, p. 666; Lloyd Parry, Exeter School, 4. The scholars were to live in a hospicium competens within the precincts, where they were to receive 5d. each per week, together with stramina pro lectis faciendis et potagium sufficiens, focalia et vasa pro pane, carnibus et piscibus. The document from which the above extract is taken was copied by Oliver from "Registrum hospitalis S. Johannis inter Archivas Civitatis Exoniœ," and was entered by Oliver in his Calendar (Vol. II, 151), showing that it was amongst the city archives in 1823. He made several extracts from it for his Monasticon, but it had disappeared when Mr. Stuart Moore drew up his Calendar some forty years later. Quite recently, however, it has again come into the possession of the Corporation, and though time did not allow of a full examination of it during my personal visit to Exeter, I was able to make a few notes as to its contents.

It is a well preserved bound volume of 99 ff., written on vellum with the modern title "Registrum Prioratus Sancti Johannis" stamped on the cover.

It begins: In illo quat'no continent' possessiones terrar' et tenementor' reddituum hospitalis Sti. Johis. Baptistæ Exon., ff. 1–46, 51–57.

• . 47 has a note of the visit of Edward I to Exeter in 1285 at the request of Bishop Peter Quivil in regard to the murder of Walter de Lechlade. (.) Izacke, 22; Oliver, ., 63.

• . 57, 58, Fundacio hospitalis Sti. Johis. Exon, with confirmation charter of Henry III, printed in Oliver, ., 302, 303.
• . 58–60. Suit of the Prior in the City Court in the Mayoralty of Adam Scut (. 1410–11).
• . 61. Resoluciones. 1370.
• . 63. Rentale Pontis de Exe factum ibidem, Feb. 2nd, 2 Henry IV (1401).
• . 63. Confirmacio privilegiorum civitatis Exon, Dec. 5, 2 Richard II (1378). Charter . ( 4).
• . 65. Pardonacio sup' omissis feodis militum et advocationibus in comit. Devon, July 26; 20 R. II (1396).
• . 65, 66. Geneologia () comitum Devon. a conquestu.
• . 67–76. Appropriacio Holne, Compositio Holne &c., printed in Oliver, ., 304, 305.
• . 74. Instrumentum sup' submissione Decani et Capituli de sepeliend' in hospit' Sti. Johis.
• . 74. Dedicacio ecclie hospitalis Sancti Johis. Exon. Edmundus [Stafford] in manerio nostro de Clyst. July 29, 1418.
• . 75. Rentale civitatis Exon, anno 16 R. II (1392–93).
• . 75. Rentale de Dureyurde, de Pastura de Dureyurde, de la ffleysfold, same year. John Pouton, Receiver.
• . 77. Dedication of Church of St. Martin. Edmundus [Stafford] Episcopus. Crediton, July 13, 1409.
• . 78. Littera migrationis. May 14, 1513, &c.
• . 80. Privilegia Sti. Johis. Jerl'mtan'.
• . 84. Will of John Talbot, citizen of Exeter, Sept. 21, 1420. (.)
• . 85. Rentale Beate Marie de Maresco.
• . 86. Hæ transcripta fuerunt inventa in quodam libro deliberato Priori Rico. Hylle [1497–1524], by Roger Holande, Esquire, 1498, which book formerly belonged to Henry Lange, procurator sive collector redditum terrarum sive Tenementorum hospitalis Sti. Johannis, Exon.
• . 94. Nomina extraneorum sepultorum in hospitali Sti. Johannis from 1482 to 1520. [The right of sepulture was granted to the Hospital by Bishop Grandisson on March 31, 1354. Grandisson, . 1125.]

(c) St. Nicholas' Priory.

Seventy-four documents (D. 148–221).

The Priory was a cell to Battle Abbey and was situated within the city near the North Gate. The manor known as St. Nicholas Fee (D. 213, 215), or Harold's Fee (D. 1595; Oliver, Mon., Additional Supplement, p. 14) extended over part of St. David's Hill and the Court Rolls from 1525 to 1608 (with gaps, see Calendar II, 184), together with an account of the manor in 1712 are preserved in the Guildhall—see also Miscellaneous Papers, 3 to 20 Elizabeth. The Priory was suppressed on Sept. 18, 1536 (Oliver, Mon., 115 ; called 1535 in Izacke, 19) and as early as Oct. 20, 1538, the Chamber of Exeter sent a representative to the Privy Council in London to negotiate for the purchase of the whole of its lands and tenements (Act Book I, f. 152), but the property, together with the late Prior's rights of stallage &c. at the Lammas Fair, was ultimately sold to John Haydon and Thomas Gibbes (see page 21) on April 2, 1545 (D. 1449, 1452 ; Lysons, vi, 200), though afterwards conveyed to the Corporation on Oct. 7, 1555 (D. 1498 ; Book 52, f. 171b), who had previously acquired the monastic buildings in 1539, much of the stone of which was used for repairing the Exe Bridge and the City Walls. The site, together with the Hospital of St. Alexius in the rear of the Priory which had been granted to Sir Thomas Dennis of Holcombe Burnell in 1541 (Dugdale, Mon., iii, 376) extended from Mint [or Minster]Lane at the back of St. Olave's Church to the street called "Britain" (D. 208, 209, 738, 858, 865, where it is a via regia), now Bartholomew Street (Oliver, Mon., 330, 331). This site was purchased by the Chamber on May 20, 1549 (D. 1464 ; Misc. Rolls, 28), but disposed of by them in parcels before the end of the 17th century.

In D. 1233, March 25, 1460, Thomas Colewill, Warden of the Grey Friars without the South Gate, leases to the Mayor &c. for 99 years at a rental of 14s. p.a. a certain waste place called Frerenhay lying between the city wall and the highway called Britayne. See also D. 1260 ; Oliver, Mon., 331.

In D. 1354–1357, Nov. 20, 30, 1507, Christopher Wollecott, Warden of the Grey Friars, conveys to the Mayor &c. the area called Frerenhay situate at the back of the house and church of St. Nicholas, "which land was formerly the dwelling place of the said brethren (i.e. the Gray Friars)." These deeds contain the seals of the Grey Friars which are described and figured in Oliver, Mon., 332, 408.

In D. 221, Sept. 13, 1527, William collumpton, the last Prior of St. Nicholas, releases the Mayor &c. from all actions, suits, complaints, debts and demands arising before Aug. 10, 1527.

The earliest document in the collection (D. 148), a confirmation by Bishop Osbern (A.D. 1072–1107) of a grant of the Church of Pochelle (i.e. Poughill, near Crediton) made to the Priory by Baialandus Ladubed (not Ruelantius La Dubed, as Coll. Top., i, 63) is printed in Oliver, Mon., 119, who has also printed with many discrepancies the full text of many of the others ; e.g. D. 150, relating to the 4 catch-polls and the Guildhall (see Coll. Top., i, 189 ; Freeman, 166) ; D. 151, 155, 156, 156a, 167, 172, 177, relating to the Irish property of the Priory in Cork and Cloyne (see also Misc. Rolls, 53) ; D. 164 the grant of the manor of Clifford near Tiverton, (Coll. Top., i, 186) ; D. 168 do. of land in Exeter where "Semar le Kat" (not "le Rat") is the correct reading (called "Le Cath" in D. 191) ; D. 174, 211 also of land in Exeter, (see Coll. Top., i, 378) ; D. 171 of land in Mathford, (so called in D. 169 ; Coll. Top., i, 185, but Mateford in D. 178, i.e. Matford in Alphington, Lysons, vi, 8 ; Worthy, 182). D. 173 land in "Lyfthelehale," (variously called Lischelehale, Lechelhale, Listehele, or Loftokshole in Molland Botreaux near South Molton) ; D. 202 land in Thurfurton, (i.e. Thorverton) and D. 203 land at Tadyford beyond the North Gate of Exeter (see D. 179, 200, 207).

In D. 176 is a 40-days indulgence granted in May, 1247, to contributors to the fabric of the Priory by Godofridus de Prefectis, Bishop elect of Bethlehem (see Eubel, i, 138 ; Oliver, Mon., 114) ; in D. 197 is the obit of Richard Newton, June 24, 1295 (Oliver, Mon., 114 ; Coll. Top., i, 386).

The rest of the documents (not printed in Oliver) include an undated grant (D. 149) by Odo Abbot of Battle [A.D. 1175–1199] to William Fitzralph of part of the land (or street— D. 738) called Irlesberi (i.e. Earlsbury, alias Friernhay or Frerenhay, D. 217, 218), which he afterwards granted to the Hospital of St. Nicholas, i.e. St. Alexius' Hospital, founded in 1170 and situated at the back of St. Nicholas Priory— D. 185, 599a (see Oliver, Mon., 154 ; Dugdale, Mon., vii, 697). For seal see Oliver, Mon., 408 ; Lloyd Parry, p. 3 ; Clay, 107, 259 ; Birch, Catalogue of Seals, i, 550. There are also grants of land or houses in Exeter in "Prestestret" (D. 159 ; Coll. Top., i, 259, called "prusten stret" in D. 198 ; Coll. Top, i, 189), or "Poulestrete" (D. 206 ; Coll. Top., i, 251) ; or near the Priory wall (D. 161, 183, 189, 190 ; Coll. Top., i, 377) ; or in the Great Place (magna placea) (D. 163 ; Coll. Top., i, 375) ; or near the North Gate (D. 165), or at the West Gate (D. 180) ; or in the High Street (magno vico) (D. 170, 188, 191 ; Coll. Top., i, 251, 375) ; or without the North Gate (D. 165 ; Coll. Top., i, 251) ; or on St. David's Mount (D. 181, 184 ; Coll. Top., i, 379) ; or on St. Nicholas' Fee (D. 186, 213 ; Coll. Top., i, 376) ; or below the House of the Grey Friars (D. 182, 187, 201 ; Coll. Top., i, 378), which was about to be enlarged circ. 1262 (see Oliver, Mon., 331 ; Coll. Top., i, 378).

D. 193, 194 refer to a dispute between the City and the Priory which was to be decided by a jury of 12 in the Cathedral on St. Catherine's Day, 1261.

In D. 220 is an award delivered on Aug. 22, 1527, in a dispute between the Mayor and the Prior as to the boundaries of the jurisdiction of their respective courts and a piece of ground called "Launders plott" on the mill stream known as the North Exe.

In Misc. Roll 50, is the reply of Prior John Lewis (A.D. 1499–1522) to the answer of Walter Yorke, late Mayor of Exeter (1500–1501).

In Misc. Roll 51, dated June 20, 1442 (i.e. 20 Henry VI, but called 20 Henry VII (1505) in Oliver, Mon., 117) is a copy of the Inspeximus of earlier Charters and privileges, with a small paper book containing 8 leaves.

For receipts of the Priory from June 11, 1476, to June 11, 1477, see Misc. Rolls 52.

For Letters Patent, July 28, 1359, to the Abbot of Battle, confirming previous charters granted at the request of the Prior of St. Nicholas, see D. 897a.

For a rental of the Priory, dated Jan. 1, 1415, see Misc. Roll 49, which has also an undated list of tenements belonging to the Priory, probably temp. Henry VIII. (fn. 2)

The above references to Collectanea Topographica, Vol. I, are transcripts made in 1834 from the Ledger Book of St. Nicholas Priory, i.e. a transcript made in 1589, and probably originally in the Guildhall at Exeter, which ultimately found its way to the Phillipps Collection at Middle Hill (see Oliver, Mon., 113). This may be same as a volume entitled Chronicon Abbatic S. Nicholai de Exonia, Impensis Dni. T. Phillipps, Bart., ex Lithographia Medio-Montana —extending from Adam to the year A.D. 1333, which was recently offered for sale in Exeter.

For a 17th century collection of charters relating to St. Nicholas Priory now among the records of the Bishop of Exeter, see Hist. MSS., Rept. Var. Coll., iv, p. 16.

For Seals of the Priory, see D. 161, 179, 201, 205, 206, 217, 221 ; Oliver, Mon., 115, 408 ; Lloyd Parry, 3.

For accounts of the Bailiff and Receiver of the manor of St. David's Down [distinct from St. Nicholas Fee] and of the lands, rents and profits of the City of Exeter lately belonging to the late monasteries and Priories of St. John's, Exeter, Polsloo, St. Nicholas, Exeter, Newenham, Launceston, and Plympton &c. from 1549 to 1722, with gaps, see St. John's &c. Bailiff's Accounts, in Calender II, 175. The missing years being 6 Edward VI to 1 Mary ; 4,5 to 5,6 Philip and Mary ; 37–39 Elizabeth ; 18–22 James I ; 19–20 Charles I 1644–45 to 1649–50 ; 1658–59.

In Act Book IV, f. 80, Jan. 24, 1562, is "The order for the relieving of the poor people in the monastery of St. Nicholas, late dissolved," with account of the "Poore Mennes Parlour," printed in Oliver, Mon., 116.

(d) Plympton Priory.

The Prior of Plympton owned houses in the High Street [now the Black Lion Inn, Oliver, Mon., 131], and elsewhere in Exeter (see D. 579, 647, 915, 929, 937), and rent charges on his property in the city came into the hands of the Chamber in 1555 (see D. 1498). On June 1, 1523, the Prior and Convent of Plympton are "parsons and proprietarys of the church of St. John ys Bowe" in Exeter (D. 1396a; Oliver, Mon., 149), and on Sept. 9th, 1546, a cell of Plympton (viz. St. Mary de Marisco or Marsh Barton, close to the suburbs of Exeter was granted to James Coffyn and Thomas Godwin, who sold the timber to John Hooker on Dec. 10, 1562 (D. 1528; Oliver, Mon., 134). For property in Exeter belonging to St. Mary de Marisco, see Worthy, Suburbs, 185.

The documents in this collection, 13 in number (D.222–234) refer chiefly to grants made by Bishop Warelwast [A.D. 1155 to 1161] and others to the Canons of the Collegiate Church of Plympton [as it formerly was, i.e. from 1133 till 1352]. All of them are either printed in full or given in abstract in Oliver, Mon., 129, 130, 131, 136, 138, 145.

(e) Awliscombe.

(Eighty documents–D. 235–306.)

This manor situated near Honiton was bequeathed to the Chamber under the will (dated Jan. 20, 1489, D. 267) of Thomas Calewodeley or Calwoodley (see page 44) in aid and relief of the poor inhabitants of Exeter who are burdened by the payment of fee-farms, tallages&c. (See Izacke, Rights, p. 20; Lysons, vi, 20.)

The earliest of the documents (D. 235, 237, 238, all undated) show that "Ewelcumb" or "Welcumb," called also "Haulsocmbe," "Aulescumb Giffard" (D. 242, 246, 247), or "Awliscombe in Marlecombe" 9D. 248, FOR "Marlecomb in the parish of Awlescombe," see D. 293, 296, April 2nd, 1544, July 14, 1545) was in the hands of Alice Coffyn (? circ. 1250), who held it under Richard Tremenet (de Tribus Minetis). Thomas Calwodley's name first occurs on Aug. 1, 1449 (D. 251, with a seal of the Staple of Exeter; see also D. 259; Lloyd Parry, p. 9); also in D. 252, 253, 254, 256, showing that he bought a moiety of the manor from Richard Crukern (or Crokehorne) of Childehay in Dorsetshire on Jan. 15, 1452.

In D. 265, April 23, 1488, are the names of several closes within the manor, such as "le Lynche," "le parke under the wode," "le Forlond" "le Newparke," "le Lenecroft," "le Northcroftys," "le Pyleshyld," with lands and meadows called "Menymede," "Luggersthorn" and "Holcomb." In D. 279, 281, two others are given as "Bowecourte" and "Pylysham" [cf. "Pyle is lond" (D. 287); or "Pyleslondes" (D. 292)].

In D. 278, July 17, 1494, Richard Unde [or Undy, Izacke, 96] the Receiver of Exeter (see Receiver's Accounts, 9, 10 Henry VII) appears as Surveyor of the Lords of the Manor, i.e. Calwodeley's executors, who formally conveyed the manor to the Chamber in accordance with the trust on April 4, 1496 (D. 282, Report on Charities, p. 147), the transaction being confirmed by Letters Patent on Oct. 25, 1496, D. 283; Book 52, f. 203; Report on Charities, p. 146; Izacke, Rights, p. 20; Lysons, vi, 20.

In D. 284, Jan. 28, 1501, the Chamber are called Lords of the Manor, and in all subsequent documents granting leases &c. till 1623 (D. 302). The series closes with 4 documents (D. 303–306), showing that the manor was twice mortgaged by the Chamber temp. George 1, II.

In D. 1629, Aug. 20, 1585, is a reversionary lease of the manor house then in the hands of John Tucker, granted to George Smith, merchant, of Exeter.

In L. 581, Auliscombe, July 17, 1775, Thomas Prat writes to the Town Clerk respecting the repairs of his tenement at Awliscombe.

For Court Rolls of the manor at intervals from 1496 to 1586, see Calendar II, 179. For Bailiffs Accounts of the Manor from 1571 to 1722, see ibid. II, 173, with gaps for 6–7 James I; 21 Charles I to II Charles II; 6–7 William and Mary.

In Act Book VII, f. 215, May 19, 1621, it is agreed that the parishioners of Auliscombe shall have an estate for 99 years to begyn from the 4 of November last of the church-house of Aulscombe, accordynge to a covenante menciouned in a graunte made by the cytye unto their predecessors dated the 4th day of November in the 13th yere of Kynge Henry the viiith [1521], payinge 4d. rente yearly: See D. 289.

In Act Book XIII, f. 131, Oct. 17, 1699, it is ordered that a Publick Survay bee called and held for the sale of the manor of Auliscombe, and that the Committee named take care that the same bee done.

(f) Borough's Charity.

Thirty-five documents–D. 307–341.

Walter Borough or Burrough [Mayor in 1610, 1621] or Borowe (Oliver, 232), by deeds dated Oct. 28, 1625 (D. 326, 332; Rept. on Charities, p. 12) and Dec. 20, 1626 (D. 328, 333) gave three houses in Northgate Street to provide shirts and gowns for 8 poor men of Exeter, whom he wished to be maintained in the working house or City's Hospital then proposed to be started in the derelict buildings of St. John's Hospital, but this scheme was never carried out, though by a deed dated Aug. 18, 1629 (D. 326) he granted a further extesion of 3 years for its possible fulfilment. By his will dated Aug. 18, 1632 (Report on Charities, p. 237) he gave an additional 100l. to be invested in land, the proceeds to be distributed in gifts to the poor.

He died in August, 1632 (Oliver, 219) and his portrait is in the Guildhall. see Cotton, Guild, p. 35.

All the documents in the series, which begins June 5, 1441, and extends to Aug. 24, 1731, refer to the 3 houses in North-gate Street, which were formally conveyed to the Chamber on Jan. 8, 1667 (D. 333).

(g) Davie's Almshouses.

Eighteen documents. D. 342–356.

John Davie [Mayor in 1584, 1594], by deed dated Feb. 10, 1600 (D. 351a ; Izacke, 212; Rept. on Charities, 174) gave the reversion of two houses with adjoining gardens at the corner of St. Mary Arches Lane and other property in the same neighbourhood together with the rectory and tithes of Marleghe [i.e. Mariansleigh near South Molton], to found the almshouse fronting Part Street (Endowed Charities p. 373) that still bears his name. See Cotton, Guild, 41.

The documents date from 1579 to 1687, and all refer to these houses and the rectory of Mariansleigh, of which the Chamber appear as the patrons in 1615, 1616 (L. 170; D. 352).

D. 350a (dated Feb. 10, 1600) contains the "Ordinances, Rules, and Constitutions" of the Almshouse with the signature of the founder "John Davye."

For Receivers' Books of Davies' (sic) Charity, 1785, see Book 154.

For a book containing a description of the various charities in Exeter, 1600 to 1622, see Book 149. For a catalogue of founders of charities, see Book 52, f 450.

(h) Flaye's Almshouses.

One hundred and three documents (D. 357–459).

Thomas Flaye (see p. 97), apothecary [Mayor in 1630] by will dated June 26, 1634 (D. 404, 427; Rept. on Charities, 254; Izacke, 212) left lands and tenements in St. Paul's and St. Sidwell's parishes and a close in Northernhay in St. David's Parish, to found an almshouse in Goldsmith Street (D. 450,451). He died on July 2, 1634 (Oliver, Hist., 220). The bequest was increased by his widow Elizabeth [d. Nov. 20, 1673], who conveyed the property to the Chamber as trustees on May 21, 1663 (Rept. on Charities, p. 258; see also D. 450, Feb. 20, 1667). For signatures and seals of Thomas and Elizabeth Flaye, see D. 392, 395, 404, 409, 413, 450.

The documents refer chiefly to leases and titles relating to this property and extend from Oct. 28, 1481 (D. 357) to 1721 (D. 459). They mention the following place names which are of topographical interest, viz. the Langbroke (D. 357, 361); Serlyslane (D. 358); Pit Lane (D. 257); le Ruggeway (i.e. Ridgeway—D. 368, 199); Grenestoneway (D. 358)' Noseworthie's Mead (D. 380) with the "shire of the grasse" (D.387); Rownd Pitts (D. 412, 424, 450); Fox Lane (D. 417); Ex Lane (D. 430); North Exe Lane (D. 446). In one of the gardens of the property the following fruit-trees are scheduled in 1637 (D. 425): viz. I Apricocke Tree, I Rennatt tree, a Paire maine tree, I peppir tree, I Green henning tree, I querindon tree, I stubbard tree and 2 cherrie trees.

The ordinances and rules of the almshouse drawn up by Mrs. Flaye are contained in D. 427, 451; and in D. 360 there is a copy of the will of William Soper of London, gentleman, dated July 12, 1508, with a broken seal of William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Other documents referring to Mrs. Flaye will be found in L. 396 (dated London, Dec. 7, 1647), in which John Levermore asks her to send him a bill of Exchange for 50l., and in L. 408 (Feb. 17, 1650), in which she authorises her agents to acknow- ledge satisfaction of a judgment obtained by her against the Chamber in the Court of Common Pleas.

For the almshouses erected in St. Sidwell's Street in 1834, see Endowed Charities, Exeter, PP. 364, 373.

For a silver-gilt bason and ewer given by her to the Chamber, see Oliver, 220.

(i) The Rectory of Hennock.

Twenty-six documents. D. 460–484. (fn. 3)

The Rectory of Hennock, near Chudleigh, formerly belonged to the Abbey of Tor, but was leased to John Southcote of Bovey Tracey on Jan, 4, 1539 (D. 461) by the last Abbot Simon Rede, who surrendered the Abbey on Feb. 23, 1539. For his will, dated Sept. 23, 1554, see Oliver, Mon., 171.

The Rectory was purchased by the Chamber of Exeter on April 6, 1631 (D. 466; not 1651, as Rept. on Char., P. 252), from Thomas Southcote's son (D. 464), Fitzwilliams Southcote of Sowton, for 450 l., the money being chiefly taken from Lawrence Bodley's legacy [see page 99; Rept. on Char., P. 252; Lysons, vi, 270].

The documents relate to various transactions in connection with the property from Southcote's lease in 1539 (D. 461; Oliver, Mon., 172) down to March 4, 1699 (D.484). For a suit as to the advowson, see Law Papers, 1621; Calendar II, p. 230.

The following extracts from the Chamber Act Books relate to Hennock during the time that the rectory was in the hands of the Corporation.

In Act Book VII, f. 381, Aug. 5, 1630,it is agreed that 40l. shalbe paid to Mr. Recever for purchasing the patronage of Hennick, togeather with the parsonage of the same, wherby the Maier, Bailiffs and Commonaltie may be patrons thereof.

In Act Book VII, f. 389, March 1, 1631, on which day there were delivered unto Mr. Walter White 6 severall obligacons for the payment of 600l. of the guifte of Dr. Bodlie and Mr. Moggridge to be collected in for the satisfaccon of Sir Popham Southcott, son of Thomas Southcote(D. 468,469).

Ibid., f. 359b, Nov. 22, 1631 : Whereas the first day of March last past there were 6 severall obligacons for 600l. of Dr. Bodlie's and Mr. Moggridge monie given to charitable uses as was then unpaid towarde the satisfying of the ffyne for the purchase of the Rectorie of Hennock for the foresaid purposes this day Mr. White hath given an accompate of the said monies and alsoe of 40l. paid unto hym by Mr. [Adam] Bennett, late receiver of the said Cittie [i.e. in 1630–31] for the purchase of the patronage of Hennock beforesaid, which is approved of by this house and the saide Mr. White discharged of the foresaid obligacons and monies and of 31l. 3s. 4d. received of the obligacons for the interest of the said monies &c. the account being in toto for 671 13s. 4d.

In Act Book X, f. 171, Nov. 25, 1662. This day it is agreede that the tenants of Hennocke be required to pay in the rent for the Tythes for this laste harveste into this Chamber to be disposed of as shalbe thought fitt by this house.

Ibid., f. 171, b, Dec. 2, 1662, that Mr. fferdinando Nichollas Clark (p. 99), who hath for divers yeeres past performed the lecture heretofore founded by Doctor Bodlie, deceased, and others, and soe hath done untill the last harvest, shall receive the profitts of the Rectorie of Hennock given for that purpos for this last harvest.

In Act Book XI, f. 1a, July 21, 1663. This day the sheaf of Hennock is sett unto Mr. George Gale for the rent of 65 l. for one year to be paid att Two dayes in the yere of equale porcions and the lessee to be freede from all other rente, rates and taxes.

Ibid., f. 6, Oct. 20, 1663. Mr. William Sanford is desired to receive of Mr. Gale 31l. 19s. 06d., being parte of the rent of the sheafe of the Rectory of Hennock.

Do., f. 12b, April 26, 1664. Whereas there is halfe a yeares rent due from Mr. George Gale for the Rectorie of Hennock, being 32 l. 10s. at Our Ladye Day last past, Mr. Sanford is desired to receive the same with the Account thereof and to pay the same to Mr. ffrauncis Moore, the present lecturer (page 98).

Ibid., f. 44b, June 15, 1666, that Mr. ffrancis Moore, the present lecturer of Doctor Bodlye's lecture, shall have power to sett and lett the tithes of Hennock for one year from Midsomer day next commynge for the best benifitt, he discharging the duties enjoyned by the will and discharging the Cittie from all high rents, taxes and other impositions chargeable uppon the same during that tyme.

In Act Book XI,j. 63b, june 25, 1667, it is ordered that Mr. Francis Moore, the present lecturer of Doctor Bodleye's lecture,shall have libertie to dispose of the Rectorie of Henock for the present yere, he paying the high Rent and discharging all rates, taxes and other imposicons whereunto the same is lyable duringe the said tyme.

In Act Book XIII,f. 191, Feb.6, 1704. That a grant of the next avoidance of the Vicaridge of Hennock bee made to Mr. Parr in consideration of 60 guinneys.

(j) Lethbridge's Charity.

Thirty-seven documents. D. 485–522.

Christopher Lethbridge [Sheriff, 1655; Mayor, 1660], by will dated Nov. 17, 1669 (D. 509, 510;Rept. on Charities, 196) left money to the churchwardens of the church of St. Mary Arches for loaves of "a middle sort of bread" to be given to 14 poor people "that goe to ye church and stay there every lord's day during ye tyme of divine service and sermon (if any bee)"; also lands, tenements &c. in Exeter and Newton Abbot to the Chamber as an endowment for the almshouses that he had erected in the parish of Holy Trinity near the Southgate [i.e. in James Street (Rept. on Char.,p. 199,) adjoining Bonvile's Almshouses in the Combe Row (see page 6).] [Lethbridge's is now merged with Flaye's and Davie's Charity in Parr Street— Endowed Charities,p. 373,] and to the Governors of St. John's Hospital for the maintenance of one or more poor boys in the Hospital (page 252).

The documents, which range from 1576 to 1763, chiefly refer to tenure and leases of the property which includes "Haccombe Downs," a meadow called "Greenway" or "Greenwayhead," and "Exweeke Grounds" in the parish of St. Thomas'[Rept. on Char., p. 199], purchased by Lethbridge in 1651 [D. 496, 510, 517].

[k] Peryam's Charity.

Three documents. D. 523–524a.

John Peryam [Sheriff, 1582; Mayor, 1587, 1598; a deputy Lieutenant for Exeter in 1609, Comm. LXXIV[p. 10]], by indenture dated Oct. 20, 1616 [Rept. on Char., p. 228], gave 1,000l. to be used as loans in sums of 200l. each to 5 Merchant Adventures [he was Governor of the Merchants' Guild, in 1587: Cotton, Guild, 43, 114] trafficking beyond the seas not being shopkeepers by Retail[see page 41] and especially unto such as are of the meaner sort and of indifferent abilities "subject to a bond for repayment in 3 years." Full details are given in D.523.

In L. 157, Sept. 20, 1613, he prays the Chamber that he may not be elected Mayor at the ensuing election on account of his great age [72 years] and many infirmities

In L. 176 he makes a similar request on Aug. 17, 1616. For account of him, showing that he had a house in London,where he was living in 1585,see Cotton,Guild, 35, 114. For his portrait in the Mayor's Parlour at Exeter,see Oliver, 219;Cotton,Guild, P. 27. For his signature "Jo. Peryam,"see D. 1647a, Jan., 1588.

(l) Seldon's Charity.

_Forty-six documents. D.525–568a.

Laurence Seldon [a bailiff in 1586] by his will dated May 8,1598 (D. 561, 562;Rept. on Char., P. 165) left property in the parish of Sowton [formerly called Clist Formison, near Exeter; Oliver,Mon., 453, 456], the proceeds of which were to be distributed in bread and money doles among the poor of certain parishes and prisoners in the High Gaol, the Sheriff's Ward and the Counter in Exeter. The deeds relate to this property, which was known as the Moor of Rigdon in the Lordship of Ringswell. They date fromcirc. 1250 till it came into Lawrence Seldon's Possession (in 1587, D. 525–540) and thenceforward till his death in May, 1598 (D.541–561). These are followed by a group of documents relating to the administration of the estate till 1654 (D. 562–568a).

D. 564 (undated) shows that "Browcke the paynter" was to have painted a portrait of Seldon for the Chamber, but that in 1607(circa.) "there is not any things donn therein nor licke to be.

(m) Wynard's Almshouses.

Seventeen documents. D. 573–789.

William Wynard (al. Wonard or Wenard—D.578), Recorder of Exeter 1404–1442 [Redford,p. 9;not 1453, as Oliver,235, quoting Hooker's MS.,f. 203] founded this "Godshouse"(D.574, 583); or "almeshous," Shillingford, 85) in Magdalen Street for 12 infirm poor people on Jan. 20, 1436, which he placed under the supervision of the Mavor and 12 citizens. On Jan. 22, 1437, he purchased from the Chamber for 200l. the customs of fish in Exeter with the"trestalls" and tables for selling fish in the markets and fairs for 21 years (D.1157).

Three of the earliest of the sedocuments (D.573, 575, 579, Dec. 31,1435; Jan.20, 1436; May 20, 1437) contain the seal of John Shillingford, who was then one of the feoffees of a tenement near the "Carfoix" and the land adjoining the street called "Ydellond" and other property which formed part of the endowment of the charity. He was also one of the 12 citizens of Exeter to whom, together with the Mayor, the oversight of the Hospital was committed (D.580).

D. 574, Jan.20, 1436 [i.e. the ordination for the foundation of the Hospital] has been printed in full in Oliver,Mon., 404; J. Gidley, Statement relating to William Wynard's Charity, PP. 5, 93, 107; with an abstract in English inRept. on Char., 284.

The founder's seal appears in D. 577, 578, (Jan. 31, 1436 ; April 5, 1437).

In D. 584, Sept. 4, 1438, (of which the text, both in Latin and English, appears in Gidley, 5, 107, 125, with abstracts in Oliver, Mon., 404 ; and Rept. on Char., p. 283) the remainder of the founder's property is granted after his death to John Bluet and others, including John Fortescue, sergeant-at-law, as trustees in the event of the failure of others (Gidley, 102, 134).

In this collection 12 early deeds (D. 573–584), dating from 1435 to 1438 are followed by 5 others (D. 585–589) ranging from 1656 to 1664 relating to orders issued by the Court of Chancery on Feb. 20, 1656 and April 9, 1657, requiring George Speke of White Lackington, near Chard, to rebuild the hospital, which had been pulled down and demolished during the late troubles [Izacke, 163, 211 ; Gidley, 11, 16]. (fn. 4)

In L. 570, Oct. 8, 1768, reference is made to an offer by Lord North when Chancellor of the Exchequer, to whom the property had come through his marriage with Ann Speke (Gidley, p. 73 ; Endowed Charities, p. 383), to sell the Wynard Estate to Mr. Thomas Coffyn, goldsmith, of Exeter, for 800 guineas. Lord North afterwards conveyed the property to William Kennaway on Nov. 19, 1789. (Ibid.)

For the Winard Minute Book, see Book 49.