23 



Transcribed by Thos. H. Bakek. 



Although some few parishes have churchwardens' accounts of 

 an earlier date yet one rarely meets with so complete a series as 

 these. They begin in 1556, and are entered in the same book 

 without a break till Easter, 1853. It is true there is a hiatus in 

 Mary's reign which is explained in the accounts themselves, and 

 again there are no accounts from 1647 to 1673, when it appears 

 none were kept, although from other sources we find that church- 

 wardens were appointed and the names are recorded in the registers 

 of those in office from 1666 and on the bells the initials are given 

 of those in 1660 and 1665. It has been decided to publish 

 the first fifty years, as they contain many items of interest and 

 records of doings now obsolete. After that period there is little 

 in them beyond the ordinary receipts and expenditure. There is 

 a curious index made up to date in 1636, which brings more 

 prominently in view some incidents which would otherwise 

 probably escape notice. Eor instance : — 



" 1631. James Lucas & Moses Wilkins wardens for a third time who had in 

 stock nothing but a legacie of v^^ given by James Alford and x*. given by 

 John KendoU and gathered two rates W'' came to xvj^'. viij^. vij''. ob . 

 Amongst many comon things done they bought a new silver bole w"' part 

 of the said legacie of v'' . They also bought a new Surplice." 



" 1635. Willm Baron & Eobt. Goldisbrough . junior gentlemen . Church- 

 wardens and had in stock iii^^. xvij'. and gathered by a Treble Bate xxiij''. 

 iiij'' And for burialls, seates and other things xxij\ viij"^ Amongst many 

 comon things they bought a Booke of Bishopp Jewells' workes cost xl'*. 

 and alsoe new plankt the Tower loft as in the last Accompt appeares." 



" 1636. Jo" Bower & ffrancis Cradock, gent . Churchwardens 



yole that this was an Extraordin'ye yere for 3 Causes . ffirste flfor that 

 these Accomptants had notice to make pvision fEor Mr. Deane's Cominge 



' The Society is indebted to the Rev. J. A. Lloyd, F.S.A., Vicar of Mere, 

 for a donation of ^5 towards the expense of printing these accounts. 



