NOTES AND QUERIES. 443 



1368 it is called Truro Church, in 1427 the Church of Truru- 

 burgh, and in 1441 the Church of the Blessed Mary (in 

 Truroburgh). 



The Dominican Friary stood between Kenwyn Street and 

 the river ; it was founded by one of the Reskymer family, and 

 was built in the 13th century, Bishop Bronescombe dedicating 

 the church on Michaelmas day, 1259. About a century and a 

 half ago, parts of the church, and of the holy well, were 

 distinctly visible in a meadow called the Friary, but I am not 

 aware that any remains at present exist. The site is intersected 

 by Castle Street and Frances Street, and although I made a 

 careful examination of the ground (accompanied by the Rev. 

 W. Iago) some little time ago, we were unable to find any 

 remains except a few worked stones built into walls. The 

 church appeared by the plan of the south coast of Cornwall, 

 temp Kenry VIII., to have had a lofty tower with pinnacles, and 

 it contained three bells. Thus in the 13th century Truro had 

 grown to be a thriving town, whilst in 1339 it was the largest 

 town in Cornwall, with the exception of Bodmin ; Lostwithiel 

 coming third. 



In the time of Henry VIII. there were 131 taxpayers in 

 Truro, and taking six persons to a house the population would 

 be at this time about 780 ; and if we add to this, those exempt 

 by reason of poverty it would bring the total population to 

 about 1,000. At the same time there were 77 taxpayers in 

 Tregony and 74 in Fowey, which shows how Truro was taking 

 the lead of the former as the principal town on the Haven. At 

 this date the wealthiest men in the town were, John Mich ell, 

 Thomas Trenhals, Thomas Eva, James Trenhals, and John 

 Gaverigan. The castle had already fallen into decay, and was 

 "clene down," whilst the site was used for a shooting and 

 playing place ; and where Newham now stands was a wood 

 called Newham Wood. At the time of the dissolution of the 

 monasteries, an inventory was taken of the goods of the Friary, 

 but these were very mean and poor ; but the visitors committed 

 to the care of Mr. Wat. Devis the Mayor, Mr. John Thomas, 

 gentleman at arms, and Mr. John Michell, a small chest of 

 papers and deeds, for safe custody ; if this coffer is still in 

 existence at the Town Hall its contents would be of the utmost 

 interest. 



