If.GO.J THE KIXGS EVIL. 



291 



strung on white ribbon on his arm, dcHvcrs them one by one 

 to his Majesty, who puts them about the necks of the touched 

 as they pass, whilst the first chaphn repeats, ' Tliis is the true 

 Light zuho came into the world.' Then follows an epistle (^as 

 at first gospel), with the liturgy prayers for the sick with some 

 alteration, lastly the blessing ; and the Lord Chamberlain and 

 Comptroller of the Household bring a basin, ewer, and towel, 

 for his Majesty to wash."* From ^1200 to iJ"2000 a year was 

 allowed, and probably given away, for this purpose. It was 

 technically called " angel gold for healing," and " healing 

 medals." t 



The following notice relating to touching for the King's 

 Evil appeared in the " London Gazette," Oct. gg, 1684 (No. 

 1975):— 



His Majesty's Chyrurgeons complaining that notwith- 

 standing His l^lajesty's Order in Council of the 9th of 

 January last past, there is in some Parishes great neglect in 

 Registering and sealing the Certificates given to those that 

 come to be Touched by His Majesty, for the Disease com- 

 monly call'd the King Evil. Wherefore the Ministers and 

 others concerned, are required to be more careful for the 

 future, and that they observe the following or the like form of 

 Certificates. 



We the Minister and Church- Wardens of the Parish of 

 (City j 

 in the I County \ of do hereby 



( Borough J 

 certify that of this Parish 



aged about years, is afflicted as we are credibly informed 

 with the Disease commonly called the King's Evil ; And (to 

 the best of our knowledge) had not heretofore been Touched 



carats fine. Its value in i Hen. VI. was 6^. 8^., in i Hen. VIII. "js. 6d., 

 in 34 Hen. VIII. 8j., in Edw. IV. and Eliz. 10^., and so on probably 

 down to temp. Charles II. it was current for \os. The half-angel was a 

 moiety of this, and the quarter angel proportionable. 



* Diary, sub dato. 



t MS., Harleian, 6836, fo. 691^, fo. 73^. 



