32 THE ECCLESIASTICAl SEALS OF CORNWALL. 



superiors, and possessed of property, in Anglo-Saxon times or 

 earlier, were afterwards placed under the cliarge of regulars ; 

 and, besides the independent Priories with their outlying cells, 

 alien Priories were established— these receiving, in times of 

 war and peace, varying treatment from the English kings. 



As a rule, no monastery was founded without the consent of 

 the bishop of the diocese, the regular as well as the secular 

 clergy depending on him for faculties, and he being the visitor 

 to check abuses. 



In addition to the Priories (indigenous and alien) and their 

 Cells there were also Deaneries and Archpresbyteries in connec- 

 tion with Collegiate and Prebendal Churches. Also Hermitages, 

 Priaries, Hospitals, and Chantries. Even the Knights Templars 

 who were independent of episcopal control j)lanted one of their 

 Preceptories, and built their little temple,*' amid its barren 

 ^ors^ — for the promotion, we may suppose, of pilgrimages to 

 Jerusalem. 



Besides the oratories, already mentioned, votive Chapels were 

 erected ; and others, attached to mansions, hospitals, &c. Also 

 some as Chapels of Ease to the numerous ancient Churches 

 which dotted the land. 



The histories of the various ecclesiastical persons and societies, 

 as far as they have been gathered, are full of interest, and 

 sometimes they receive curious illustration from SEALS which 

 belonged to, or were formerly used in connection with them. 

 The further we can trace such evidence, the more we shall be 

 likely to learn with respect to them. Here then the question 

 arises "How far back may we seek for this Ecclesiastical 

 Seal- testimony in Cornwall ? " We will proceed to answer this 

 question. 



Seals were in use, it is well known, thousands of years ago 

 in some countries, as proved by the words of Holy Scripture 

 (from Genesis to Eev elation), and by discoveries in such coun- 

 tries as Assyria and Egypt. 



The different materials of which they were formed, and many 

 other matters connected with the history of seals in general, 



* See " Temple Church," by J. E. Brown, Eector of Holland, (illustrated by 

 W. lago) published by Quintrell, Wadebridge, 1SS3. Is. (Third Edition.) 



