XXVI. 



Walter Raleigh's History of the World ( K!l4i. In this treasury room the 

 churchwardens' books and papers were kept for upwards of 150 years for 

 safe custody. These are of considerable interest, the accounts beginning 

 as early as 1399, and some are written on vellum. For some years past 

 the whole of the churchwardens' accounts, formerly kept here, have been 

 deposited by the church governors' consent in a large chest in the north 

 chancel. In the library are also two old oak chests, belonging to the 

 governors, containing a collection of deeds relating to the property 

 of the Dean and Canons of the Old Collegiate Church, from Henry 

 III. to Henry VIII. , also other deeds relating to property in various 

 parts of the country placed here for safe custody. Here also is 

 the original deed, founding a chantry or grammar school at Wim- 

 bome Minster, by Richard, Bishop of Winchester ; John, Bishop 

 of Rochester ; Charles Somerset, Lord of Herbert, knight ; Sir 

 John St. John, knight ; Henry Homeby, clerk ; and Hugh Assheton, 

 clerk ; executors of the will of Margaret, Countess of Richmond 

 and Derby, mother of Henry VII. This deed was executed by 

 Thomas Lovell, Henry Marnay, J. St. John, Henry Homeby, Hugh 

 Assheton. Here are ancient copies of the charter of Queen Elizabeth 

 relating to the powers and rights of the governors of the Collegiate 

 Church. In this chest is deposited the charter of Charles I. to the 

 governors of the church, and this is the charter under which the 

 governors now act and derive their power to appoint clergy, choristers, 

 clerk, organist, verger, etc. The accounts of the governors and documents 

 contained in a tin box are also worth perusal. 



The charter of Charles I. was exhibited and caused considerable 

 interest. The deed is well executed ; but the seal is broken in several 

 pieces. A good seal of Queen Elizabeth in fine preservation was ex- 

 hibited by the Rev. Vosper Thomas, to whom it belongs. 



Mr. Luff stated he could remember when the books lay about the 

 library, covered with dust, and >vith no care taken of them. This was 

 before the restoration of the library. 



The members of the Field Club were most hospitably entertained at 

 luncheon by Mr. and Mrs. W. Fletcher at 1.30, and subsequently a paper 

 was read on "St. Margaret's Chapel" by the Rev. Vosper Thomas, of 

 which the following is the outline : 



At a distance of quarter of a mile from Wimborne on the N.W. stands 

 a very ancient hospital or almshouse, the original foundation being 

 unknown. A small chapel is attached to it, dedicated to God, St. 

 Margaret, and St. Anthony. In this hospital at present only 4 poor men 

 and 4 poor women are maintained. By many curious and ancient deeds, 



