72 PAPERS, ETC. 



It may be well to remove another error, wbich is more oi' 

 less prevalent in tlie neighbourliood, namely, that the 

 Churcb of S. James was tbe old Churcb of the Priory. 

 S. James's was a chapelry of the Vicarage of S. Mary 

 Magdalene, and was not made a distinct and independent 

 Parish nntil some tlme subsequent to the Dlssolution. 

 Its truly venerable and stately Tower, — which in real 

 dignity, simple sublimity, and architectural excellence far 

 surpasses in the judgment of the wrlter its later and more 

 pretentious neighbour, magnificent as that was, which has 

 recently been demolished, — yet happily endures to inspire 

 men with respect for the ability of thelr forefathei-s, and, 

 althoiigh it has no claim to be considered the appendage 

 of the grand and sumptuous Conventual Church, should 

 be loved and guarded as a priceless treasure, all the more 

 invaluable from its now standing alone. 



If we regard the influence of the place, as a member of 

 the vast eccleslastlcal establishment of the land, we may 

 trace numerous evidences of the exercise of a power the 

 very reverse of contemptible. The Priors of the House 

 were among the foremost of thelr fellows. As we have 

 repeatedly observed in the previous pages, they bore their 

 share and played their part in the great events of a series 

 of generations, and those among some of the grandest and 

 most interesting in our national aunals. It appears that they 

 were usually elected from the superior officers of the Com- 

 munity. At the resignation, for example, of Prior Walter 

 de Grateley, John de Kyngesbury bis successor was Sub- 

 prior, and Walter Cook who followed him was cellarer. 

 The election was always conducted with great regularity. 

 After the burial of the deceased Prior, the patron was 

 solicited to issue bis licence for the choice of a successor. 

 This obtained, the Convent proceeded to their solemn 



