By the late Rev. Edward Wilton, M.A. 63 
absence of his, and of other University mens’ names, in the published 
List of Oxford Graduates. Had he continued at Oxford, from 1668 to 
1671; especially, had he been employed as one of the Chaplains of 
Christ Church, we may fairly suppose, he would have proceeded to 
the Degree of M.A. 
The Vicarage of Market Lavington, has, (with hardly an excep- 
tion) been held by men who were formerly Chaplains of Christ 
Church and were presented to it by the Dean and Chapter. Thomas 
Tanner was instituted to the Vicarage 1671, on such presentation ; 
_ he was then about 31 years old: there are extant, Lists of Chaplains 
of Christ Church ; one compiled, I believe by Bishop Tanner himself 
who certainly would not have omitted his own Father’s name, if 
he had ever been officially connected with that foundation); but the 
Father’s name does not appear as one of those Chaplains. The liv- 
ing was then of small value; perhaps all the Students and Chaplains 
of the date, had declined accepting it; and so a stranger to Christ 
Church obtained it, for the kind informant who tells me that 
Tanner’s father was not in the roll of Chaplains, goes on to say, “in 
the Christ Church list of Market Lavington Incumbents his name 
is found ; with this peculiarity ; there is merely the name; no note 
of his University, Academical degree, or connection with the College; 
whereas these several particulars are exactly and specially noted, in 
the cases of every preceding, or succeeding Vicar.” I think there- 
fore he was unconnected with the Patrons of the living. Perhaps, 
in this instance, as in countless others, which I could produce from 
this locality, the Lessee of the Rectory, had obtained the right of 
nominating to the Vicarage for one turn, or during the continuance 
of the Lease ; and that tho’ the College preserved the right of issuing 
the presentation itself, yet such Lessee was at liberty to name the 
Vicar to be presented: or there was some arrangement or exchange 
made with Tanner, or on his behalf, which brought him instead of 
another (possibly some Christ Church Chaplain) to the Vicarage of 
Market Lavington. I am rather strengthened in the latter opinion, 
_ by finding in the Wiltshire Institutions, that Arthur Brett, the for- 
mer Vicar, resigned the Living; and thus made way for Tanner; in 
short I believe that Tanner did not obtain it, from personal claims 
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