331 



Walter rle London in 1337 (11 Edward III.), by an Inspeximus, for 

 a fine of 10s., obtained a confirmation of his rights ;* and again 

 in 1340 (24th April, 14 Edward IIT.), the King gave, and by 

 another charter confirmed, to his beloved Walter de London, Dean 

 of Wells, free warren in all his demesne lands of Wedmore, 

 Modesleye, Chircheland, Merk, and More ; all trespassers mthout 

 his license to be mulcted in the very heavy fine of £10.t 



In 1449 (27 Hen. VI), by authority of the King and Parliament, 

 and on payment of £11 lis., there was founded the Fraternity or 

 Guild of the Blessed Mary of Wedmore. The grant was made to 

 John, Archbishop of Canterbury, Nich Carant Dean of Wells, 

 Walter Chalcroft and John Prior, two parishioners, three, two or 

 one of them, or their assigns, to found, " to the honour of God 

 and the Blessed Virgin Mary," a Fraternity or Guild perpetual of 

 such brothers and sisters of the parish who may wish to join or 

 be willing to give for its support, with power to augment the 

 number, and every year at the Feast of the Conception to elect a 

 master and two wardens. The Guild was to be a body corporate 

 with a common seal, and to hold property the statute of mortmain 

 notwithstanding. The chaplain, whose stipend was twelve marks 

 per annum, was '• to celebrate for our salubrious state here, and 

 of Margaret our Consort whilst we live, and for the good of our 

 souls when we migrate from this, as also for the souls of the 

 brothers and sisters while they live, and for the faithful deceased, 

 at the altar of the Blessed Anne in the north part of the church 

 aforesaid."! The dedication here should be noticed, as it is one 

 of but few such including God as well as the Virgin, the Goddess 

 usually getting the sole honour. 



The Dean apparently enjoyed his property until the inquiry 

 into matters ecclesiastical and the value of church property by 



• Charter Rolls, Part i , Nos. 44, 76. 



t Charter Rolls, No. 35, part i. 



: Patent Rolls, 27 Hen. VI., Part 2, Membrane S. 



