272 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts. 
Corsuam, (Hundred of Chippenham.) There is much indistinct- 
ness about the ancient ecclesiastical establishments here. Men- 
tion is made of an Alien Priory, dependent as a Cell upon St. 
Stephen’s at Caen, to which the Rectorial tithe belonged. 
Also of another (but query if it were not the same), a Cell to 
the monastery of Marmoustier at Tours. Corsham Rectory 
was afterwards given to the monastery of Syon in Middlesex, 
and ultimately to Philip Moore. | 
Of a “Nunnery” at Corsham, traditionally talked of by 
the inhabitants in Aubrey’s time, [see Tanner, note, p. 602] 
there is no known history. The same may be said of a “Chapel 
of St. Bartholomew,” imagined to have been “at the north 
end of the church-yard.” The parish church is dedicated to 
that Saint. 
The north chancel in the parish church is sometimes called 
‘*Hanham’s Aisle,” from a family of that name formerly 
owners of Neston in this parish. But it was no doubt built 
by the Tropenell family, still earlier owners of Neston. It is 
described in Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 81, 
82. I have never seen any notice of any endowment of this 
chapel. 
“Our Lapy Lanps.” A benefactor, whose name has not survived, 
gave, before the Reformation, certain lands by feoffment “to 
the finding of a priest within the parish church of Corsham 
to assist the Vicar: which lands were given for that intent 
because the vicarage was so small a living that he was not able 
to hire a curate tokeephim.” In 1547 (1 Edw. VI.) William 
Lewys, aged 60 years, was this stipendiary Imcumbent. He 
was called “‘ Our Lady’s Priest,” and performed divine service, 
said masses, &c. in the church and chapel there for the soul of 
the said benefactor. A chalice, and other goods and ornaments — 
belonging to this service were in the hands of the feoffees of 
the lands in 1547. 
These lands are well known in Corsham as the “ Feoffee 
Lands.” The income arising from them has been for many 
years applied, not to the purpose for which they were origin- 

