THE FOUNDERS OF CHARLES CHURCH. 
233 
significant note with reference to the appointment of Bedford as 
one of the examiners of the school appears : 
" This person was thrust upon the Company by the Committee 
that took upon itself to dispose of other men's livings, as Rector of 
St. Martins Outwich, in the room of Thomas Peirce ejected, though 
the patronage of that church had for centuries belonged to them." 
There is a slight inaccuracy in this note, as Thomas Peirce, ejected 
in 1643, was followed (10th November, 1643) by Lyonel Good- 
wich, who resigned, and was followed (20th November, 1645) by 
Walter Bridges, who in turn resigned, and was followed by Bed- 
ford ; but the result is clear. Thomas Bedford was forced upon 
the Company by the House of Commons as a Parliament-man. 
The identity so far as that he was a Bachelor of Divinity would be 
satisfactory ■ but how can the change in teaching and opinion be 
reconciled 1 Could he, who was deprived of his living in Plymouth 
in 1643 on account of his Eoyalist opinions, and bore persecution 
almost to death, be the same person who in 1647 accepted pre- 
ferment at the hands of the Parliament 1 
Both men — if they were distinct — were of kindly disposition. 
In Plymouth the one had earned "good approbation" from the 
men of the West, and he of St. Martin Outwich became beloved 
and honoured by the Merchant Tailors ; for in their Record is the 
following: "9th July, 1651. 
"This day upon the request of Mr. Bedford the Minister of 
this parish on behalf of his Sonn William Bedford who was 
lately elected & sent from Merchant Tailo rs School to St. Johns 
Colledge in Oxon. This Court doth give & bestow upon his said 
sonn the sume of v Li being the remainder of Mr. Mxons money 
given for thencouragem* of poore Scholars. Our Mr. to pay the 
same & this order to be his discharge." 
Again, on 1st June, 1652 : 
"This Court be informed that Mr. Bedford the parson of this 
parish continues very weake & sickly doth give & bestow upon 
him x 1 more, besides the x 1 formerly given him by the Master & 
Wardens, for his supply & comfort in this time of his visitacon. 
Our Mr. to pay the same & this order to be his discharge. And 
further this Court doth appoint & desire Dr. Gill to be Examiner 
in his roome att the Schoole Electon now att hande." 
