Plympton in the Olden Time, by James Hine, F.R.I.B.A. 93 
Dr. Oliver gives the names of thirty Priors of Plympton, from 
Ralph the first prior to John How, the last, who subscribed to the 
King's supremacy in 1 534. During the administration of some of 
the priors, the hospitality of the establishment seems to have been 
unbounded. In consequence of the great confluence of the 
nobility and their retinues to the priory, the house became over- 
charged with debt, and Bishop Oldham, after his first visitation of 
the house, in J 505, authorized the prior, David Bercle,* to retire 
to a distant cell until a new system of economy could be arranged. 
The refectory was by no means an unimportant portion of the 
priory. It and the cellar under (which was in charge of a much 
envied functionary, known as the cellarer) are the only consider- 
able remains existing of the once extensive monastic buildings at 
Plympton. Here the monks, according to the seasons, had their 
one meal or two meals a day ; the usual allowance being " one 
white loaf, another loaf called Trequarter, a dish called General, 
another dish of flesh or fish called Pitance, three potells of beer 
daily, or three silver half-pence " for the teetotalers. This is said 
to have been the ordinary bill of fare, but it was no doubt 
amplified to any extent, when the lords and squires were enter- 
tained by the prior, and especially when, as in 1348, Edward 
the Black Prince dined at his hospitable table. 
But the time was coming when there would be " no more 
cakes and ale," — when the prior and brethren would leave the 
* There is a quaint letter extant of this hospitable prior, which Dr. Oliver gives. 
It is — " To his rev'ende broders in Criste, Maister Dene and Maister Chaunter, of 
Escester, or on' of theym, this to be delyvd. in goodely haste. 
" Right rev' end broders in Criste, in my most lovynge maner y recomaunde me unto 
yovr p'yinge yow right hartely to be good maisters to a prieste called I. David Neyton, a 
lovyer of myn' which trustyth by your favors to be on' of your vicai-yyes in Synte Peters 
Churche if he be a person' necessary to occupye a such rome yn your' sayde churche y 
p'y yow that he may the rader for my desyre be accepte to the same rome, and he and y 
shall p'y for the longe contynuance of your bothe prosperyteis, which God p'sve to his 
pleasur' and your hartes desyres— Amen. Writyn in haste penultimo die Aprilis by your 
olde louyer and bedman*. 
"David, Prior of Plympton'." 
P 
