THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOKY OF OLD PLYMOUTH. 351 
Reference is constantly made in the registers of the diocese to 
the convent of the Gray Friars in Plymouth, but there is, I be- 
lieve, nothing further of interest to mention in connection with its 
history. The only cine we have to the exact locality of the 
establishment is from the map of Henry VIII., and from a few 
faint traditions. 
The house was situated in AVoolster Street, as it is now called, 
and the map appears to indicate that the water was much nearer 
the street than it is now. The buildings appear to be extensive > 
the church is very plain, with a low tower. It has been concluded 
that the two buildings with crosses were the Friary and church ; 
but inasmuch as six acres belonged to the brethren, I am inclined 
to believe that the whole of the buildings, as shown in the wood- 
cut on the opposite page, which is an enlarged sketch from the 
map, belonged to the convent. At the same time, I must confess 
it is very difficult to assign a use for this extensive range. 
T\ r e have no further records of the history of the Gray Friars in 
Plymouth. The place fell, with the other lesser monasteries, in 
1536, and came into the hands of the spoiler in anticipation of 
the act dissolving the. smaller houses. 
The religious houses were the strongest supporters of the Queen, 
by which they incurred the King's heavy displeasure. Amongst 
these the Gray Friars were the most obnoxious. They were 
constantly about among the people, were generally able preachers, 
popular, active, and industrious ; and as they ha4 the will, so had 
they power to exercise a considerable influence in the then critical 
state of affairs. Their very poverty made them independent. They 
had little or nothing to lose ; and as they were the weakest, they 
were the first to suffer. Possessions they had none, except their 
houses and adjoining land.* 
By deed dated 13th November, 1546, the site of the convent 
(we may conclude that all that was moveable and valuable had 
been converted into cash before) was granted to Giles and Gregory 
Iselham. It is presumed that these, were London merchants, many 
of whom purchased lands belonging to the monasteries, disposing 
of them subsequently at a profit. The purchasers of the Franciscan 
land or their representatives sold it afterwards in portions. 
A part of the site was used for many years as an inn, one of the 
most important in Plymouth a hundred years ago or more — the 
* Maclean's " Bodmin," p. 190. 
