o*' seldor^e; 
345 
. ; L E T T E R X. 
The Priory at times was much obliged to Gurdon and his family. 
As Sir Adam began to advance in years he found his mind influ- 
enced by the prevailing opinion of the reafonablenefs and efficacy 
of prayers for the dead ; and, therefore, in conjundlion with his 
wife Conftantia, in the year 1271, granted to the prior and convent 
of Selborm all his right and claim to a certain place, placea, called 
La Pleyjiow, in the village aforefaid, " in Uberam, puram, ztpsr- 
*' petuam elemojtnam.'" This Pleyflow'^, locus ludorum, or play-place, 
is a level area near the church of about forty-four yards by thirty- 
fix, and is known now by the name of the Plejlor '^. 
It continues ftill, as it was in old times, to be the fcene of 
recreation for tKe youths and children of the neighbourhood ; 
and imprefles an idea on the mind that this village, even in Saxon 
times, could not be the moft abjedl of places, when the inhabitants 
thought proper to align fo fpacious a fpot for the fports and amufe- 
ments of it's young people 
In Saxon Pleseftop, or Plejf rop ; viz. Plegejioiv, or Plegstow, 
* At this jundhire probably the vaft oak, mentioned p. 5, was planted by the prior, as an 
ornament to his new acquired market place. According to this fuppofition the oak was. 
aged 4.31 years when blown down. 
<» For more circumftances refpe£ling the Plejlor, fee Letter II. to Mr. Pennant. 
Yy As 
