597 
ye Committye of Trade for ye obtayning cf an Acte for ye 
makeing of ye River of Avon navygable from Bathe to Bristoll— 
Agreede Mr. Matthew Clift and Mr. John Pearce.” The deputa- 
tion went to London on this and other civic business, the Ch. Ac. 
for 1652 notes :— 
“Ttem to William Wood for carrying a 
box and writeing toucheing ye Bayly- 
wicke to Mr. Pearce to London 00 — oI —oo 
Item paid more for carrying a Ire 
(letter) to London to Mr. Clift and 
Mr. Pearce in December 1652 00 — 00 — 06,” 
In 1653 ‘Item to Mr. Clift and Mr. Pearce the 
Remainder of their expenses to 
London 02 — 16 — 08.” 
On May ist 1654, it was agreed by the Council that “his 
highness ye Lord Protector and his Counsell shall bee petitioned 
by the Corporaton for his order for making ye River of Avon 
navygable from the Cittie of Bathe to bristoll.” Pearce was 
again a member of the deputation. 
The M. B. March 31st 1656, records that the Tower of Stalls 
Church was then ordered to be removed as far as the roof of the 
Church, it having nearly fallen down from decay, and that the 
profit resulting from the sale of the materials should be given to 
the Abbey. Alderman Pearce was chosen to supervise this work. 
This order for the removal of the Tower only, may have covered 
the demolition of the whole edifice, as the following item almost 
certainly refers to the Church of St. Mary de Stalles. On 
October 6th 1656, “ Mr. John Pearce bids 44 for to exchange 
2 lives for 42 yeares absolute in one Messuage or Tenem* & 
Garden being heretofore a ruinous church called Little S* Maryes 
—Agreede a graunte be made to Mr. John Pearce of y*° Tenem 
& Garden abovesaid for 42 yeares for ye ffine of eight pounds old 
rent & usuall coynants.” 
