By the late Rev. Edward Wilton, 31. A. 



63 



absence of his, and of other University mens' names, in the published 

 List of Oxford Graduates. Had he continued at Oxford, from 1668 to 

 1671; especially, had he been employed as one of the Chaplains of 

 Christ Church, we may fairly suppose, he would have proceeded to 

 the Degree of M.A. 



The Vicarage of Market Lavington, has, (with hardly an excep- 

 tion) beeu held by men who were formerly Chaplains of Christ 

 Church and were presented to it by the Dean and Chapter. Thomas 

 Tanner was instituted to the Vicarage 1671, on such presentation; 

 he was then about 31 years old : there are extant, Lists of Chaplains 

 of Christ Church ; one compiled, I believe by Bishop Tanner himself 

 who certainly would not have omitted his own Father's name, if 

 he had ever been officially connected with that foundation) ; but the 

 Father's name does not appear as one of those Chaplains. The liv- 

 ing was then of small value ; perhaps all the Students and Chaplains 

 of the date, had declined accepting it ; and so a stranger to Christ 

 Church obtained it, for the kind informant who tells me that 

 Tanner's father was not in the roll of Chaplains, goes on to say, " in 

 the Christ Church list of Market Lavington Incumbents his name 

 is found ; with this peculiarity ; there is merely the name ; no note 

 of his University, Academical degree, or connection with the College; 

 whereas these several particulars are exactly and specially noted, in 

 the cases of every preceding, or succeeding Vicar." I think there- 

 fore he was unconnected with the Patrons of the living. Perhaps, 

 in this instance, as in countless others, which I could produce from 

 this locality, the Lessee of the Rectory, had obtained the right of 

 nominating to the Vicarage for one turn, or during the continuance 

 of the Lease ; and that tho' the College preserved the right of issuing- 

 the presentation itself, yet such Lessee was at liberty to name the 

 Vicar to be presented : or there was some arrangement or exchange 

 made with Tanner, or on his behalf, which brought him instead of 

 another (possibly some Christ Church Chaplain) to the Vicarage of 

 Market Lavington. I am rather strengthened in the latter opinion, 

 by finding in the Wiltshire Institutions, that Arthur Brett, the for- 

 mer Vicar, resigned the Living; and thus made way for Tanner; in 

 short I believe that Tanner did not obtain it, from personal claims 



