By the Rev. Canon Moberly. 145 
had the master’s portion for no government, he had but as many 
others have had before and since: yet by account it appeareth that 
the poor had as much or more than in former years, The error only 
was in this, that he was not a presbyter.” 
In 1577 Lord Pembroke resigned the mastership. But it is 
certain that he retained the deeds and papers at Wilton, and probably 
being an influential neighbour was consulted as to the patronage of 
the hospital. The next master was also a layman—one Richard 
Dolshon, who admitted to St. Nicholas’ in 1587 and 1588. He 
was succeeded by Robert Parker, M.A., a clerk, who, as of old, was 
instituted to the master’s office by the bishop, then Bishop Coldwell, 
in 1591. And in 1598 Parker was succeeded by Mr. Geoffrey Bigge, 
whose mastership was distinguished by the vigorous and successful 
efforts which he undertook to save the hospital from annihilation, 
VI.—Mr. Grorrrey Bicen’s Mastersa ie. 
1593—16380. 
It was by Bigge’s exertions that the hospital was saved from 
being altogether wrecked by more imminent danger than had over- 
hung it in the time of the Reformation. 
The late Acts of Parliament against superstitious foundations 
had given birth to a race of informers who made it their business: 
to search out foundations that still entertained such superstitious 
uses, and report them to Government, hoping for a share of the 
spoil when they were destroyed. Such men were called concealers, 
because they exposed concealments, which were hidden by the 
authorities of the foundations : and were a very useful, nay necessary, 
class of men, but odious in the highest degree to those whom they 
exposed. Such were William Tipper and Robert Dawe, of London, 
gentlemen, who apparently had reported badly of the hospital of 
St. Nicholas to Sir Edward Dyer, who seems to have been chief 
inquisitor for Wilts. Dyer issued a warrant against the hospital, 
and petitioned the queen to grant its lands to Messrs. Tipper and 
1 In Mr. Dolshon’s time one Thomas Green was admitted chaplain and brother, 
4th February, 1587. 
