restoration of their property. A list of the compounders and the sum
paid by each was printed in 1655 by Richard Dring. The following is a
copy of the title page of this work:
"A Catalogue of the Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, that have
compounded for their estates. London: Printed for Thomas
Dring, at the signe of the George in Fleet-street, neare
Clifford's Inn. 1655."
[Extract so far as relates to Worcestershire.]
£. s. d.
Acton, George, Stilden, Worcest., Esq. 0120 00 00
Ablely, John, of Worcester, Yeoman 0010 16 00
Berkley, Sir Rowland, of Cotheridg, Com. Worcester 2030 00 00
Bromley, Henry, Holt Castle, Worc., Esq. 4000 00 00
Bushell, Anthony, Cleeve Prior, Worc. 0005 00 00
Barkley, Thomas, of Worc., Gent. 0423 13 04
Broad, Edm., of Stone, Worc., Gent. 0115 00 00
Bache, Tho., of Worc. Citty, Gent. 0002 10 00
Bayly, Thomas, of Evesham, Worc. 0003 06 08
Clare, Sir Ralph, Cawdwell, Worc. 0298 00 00
Churge, Burbage, of Worc., Gent. 0008 06 08
Child, Will., of Shrawley, Worc., Esq. 1844 18 08
Cupper, Henry, Woodcock, Worc., Gent. 0101 15 00
Davis, Edward, Droitwich, Worc., Gent. 0190 00 00
Day, Philip, of Witchfield, Worc., Gent. 0015 00 00
Defell, Thos., Senior, Sturbridg, Worc. 0060 00 00
Evet, John, of Woodhall, Worc., Gent. 0225 00 00
Evans, William, of Worcester, Gent. 0359 00 00
Freeman, John, of Buckley, Worc., Gent. 0380 00 00
Fortescue, John, Cookhill, Esq. 0234 15 5
Hacket, Henry, Grymley, Worc., Gent. 0300 00 00
Herbert, Sir Hen., of Ribsford, Worc., Knt. 1330 00 00
Ingram, Henry, of St. Jones, Worc. 0021 00 00
Lawrance, Giles, Bengworth, Worc. 0016 13 04
Littleton, Sir Edward, _p._ Fisher Littleton,
and Francis Nevell, Esq. 1347 06 08
Midlemore, Robert, Mosley, Worcester, Gent. 0400 00 00
Mucklow, Thomas, Arley, Worcester, Gent. 0045 00 00
Midlemore, George, of King's Norton, Com.
Worcester, Esq. 0167 14 08
Mucklow, William, of Arley, Worcester, Gent. 0360 00 00
Moore, Francis, Seavern Stock, Worcester, Gent. 0121 00 00
Not, Sir Thomas, of Obden, Com. Worcester, Knight 0354 07 00
Norwood, Henry, Bishampton, Worcester 0015 00 00
Nanfan, Bridges, of Worcester, Gent. 0080 00 00
Packington, Sir John, of Alisbury, Buckingham,
Baronet, with £190 per annum, as settled 5000 00 00
Pennel, Edward, Lineridge, Worcester, Gent. 0060 00 00
Pitts, Scudamore, St. John's, Worcester 0018 00 00
Russel, Sir William, of Strentham, Worcester,
Baronet, with £50 per annum setled for £10 1800 00 00
Shelden, William, of Bromsgrave, Worcester 0096 00 00
Shrimpton, Iohn, Norton, Worcester 0000 12 00
Sandis, Martin, Ombersly, Worcester, Gent. 0041 03 04
Stratford, Anthony, Bushly, Worcester, Gent. 0040 00 00
Shrimpton, Thomas, of Kingsham, Worc. 0000 16 00
Sands, Sir Martin, of St. Michael in Bedwardine,
Worcester, with £50 per annum setled 0210 00 00
Seabright, Sir Edward, Besford, Worcester 1809 00 00
Talbot, Sherrington, Salwarp, Worcester 2011 00 00
Tyat, Daniel, of Worcester, Apothecary 0270 00 00
Tomkins, Nathaniel, Elmridge, Worcester 0208 16 08
Twitty, Thomas, of Claines, Worcester, Gent. 0002 10 00
Tyrer, John, of Ludley, Worcester, Gent. 0650 00 00
Twynning, John, of Fladbury, Worcester, Yeoman 0019 10 08
Vernon, Edward, of Hanbury, Worcester, Gent. 0400 00 00
Wilde, Robert, of Worc., Gent. 0576 00 00
Washburn, John, Wickenford, Worc., Gent. 0797 10 00
Winford, Sir John, of Astly, Worcst., Knight 0703 13 00
Wainwright, Robert, of Hol, Worcester 0001 00 00
Washington, Henry, of Worcester, Gent. 0015 00 00
Wainwright, Francis, Holt, Worcest., Yeoman 0012 00 00
To this payment Worcestershire does not appear to have been very
heavily charged, as the entire list contains upwards of 3500 names,
extending over the whole of England and Wales. The largest payment was
that made by Baptist Noel Lord Cambden, which amounted to £9000, "with
£150 per annum settled," which in the case of Sir Richard Tancred,
Knt., is explained to be "settled on the Ministry." The smallest
payment is that of Mr. John Shrimpton above-mentioned. It is stated in
the "Pictorial History of England" [vol. iii, p. 525] that by these
compositions above £4,500,000 were raised in England, and £1,000,000
in Ireland.
A QUADRUPLE ALLIANCE.
About the year 1823 were born at Bromsgrove four _female_ children at
a birth, all of whom lived for many years. They were the children of
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, who had five other children, all single births.
The writer of this note saw them when about three months old, when
they were small for their age. He saw them again when they were about
ten years old. They were then very pretty children, with dark hair
and eyes. Three of them were very much alike, and exactly of the same
height and size. The fourth resembled the others, but was about half a
head shorter.
A VIRTUOUS PARISH.
It is a remarkable fact, that from October 2nd, 1842, to October 23rd,
1848, during which period there were entered in the parish register of
Suckley 106 baptisms, not one illegitimate birth took place; but this
happy state of things did not continue, for in the next six years,
ending October, 1854, with 89 entries, there were 5 illegitimate
births. Thus, during the last twelve years, the latter have numbered
scarcely 1 in 38 of the rising population of Suckley. The average
throughout the kingdom is 1 in 16. It is rather a singular coincidence
that the illegitimate births, and consequently the illegitimate
portion of the community, bear the same proportion to the general
population as the paupers do, viz., 1 in 16. This remark must, however,
be somewhat modified, for although it cannot be classed amongst
_statistical facts_, it is probable that there die a larger proportion
of illegitimate than legitimate children.
DROITWICH BRINE.
A correspondent says that the Droitwich brine has for a considerable
time been declining in strength; so much so, that constant complaints
emanate from the working men that they have considerable difficulty in
earning the ordinary wages of labourers; and the coal which is consumed
in manufacturing a ton of salt is considerably more than was formerly
required. By some of the practical men of the place this deterioration
is attributed to the excessive consumption of the last few years, and
to the immense quantity that has been wantonly pumped into the river
and canal; but the correspondent suggests the probability of the pits
being insecure, and in consequence the fresh water mingling with the
brine, and thus reducing its natural strength. It has always been an
error (according to his opinion) that shafts should be sunk down to
the brine, as they enlarge the difficulty of keeping out the water
considerably more than the old-fashioned small bore-holes.
SMALL PARISHES.
The smallest parishes in Worcestershire are Oldberrow, Doverdale,
Daylesford, Edvin Loach, Abberton, Bredicot, and Little Shelsley.
The last named place contains the smallest population, being but 49
in 1851; Bredicot, 67; Abberton, 80 (although the worthy clerk alone
mustered 19 children in his own family); Edvin Loach, 69; Daylesford,
66; Doverdale, 56 (here there are but five houses in the parish,
besides the rectory and mill, and there is no recollection of any
labourer's cottage being in existence); and Oldberrow, about 50 (here
also is no labourer's cottage, and the only child in the parish is
the rector's little boy; the parson's surplice fees in eleven years
amounted to _one shilling only_, and but one interment took place
during that time).
A CONTRADICTION.
The parish of Offenham is remarkable for some of the richest land and
one of the poorest churches in the county of Worcester.
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S ARREARS.
A paragraph recently appeared in the London publication, known as
"Notes and Queries," as follows:
"'Good Queen Bess,' when she visited Worcester, borrowed £200 of the
Corporation, which still stands as a 'bad debt' on the town books."
On the occasion of the Royal visit alluded to, a "fare cupp" was bought
at London "for the presenting the gyfte to the Queen's Majestie, and
xl. pounds in sov'raignes and angells of her own coign and stamp;"
a crimson velvet purse, with £20 in it, was also presented to the
Queen on her visit to the Cathedral. The total outlay by the city for
entertaining her Majesty was £173. 8s. 4d., but the writer is not aware
of any record of the Queen's having borrowed £200, or of such an item
standing as a "bad debt" on the books, which he has closely examined
from a date prior to the Queen's visit.
WORCESTERSHIRE TOKENS--SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
Traders' tokens were issued from the year 1648, towards the close of
the reign of Charles I, until the year 1672, when they were cried down
by proclamation of Charles II, and a new copper currency issued, the
first we had in England, all previously being Royal tokens. During the
Commonwealth they were not very numerous, but after the Restoration,
in 1660, to the year 1672, they are exceedingly abundant, and were
issued in nearly every town and village in England. They were issued
without authority, no doubt, as many of them state, for necessary
change. In London alone nearly 4000 were issued, and the remainder of
England are estimated at 15,000 more. In the year 1669 (when this kind
of coinage was first checked) the citizens of Norwich had a pardon
granted them for all transgressions, and in particular for their
coinage of halfpence and farthings, by which they had forfeited their
charter, all coinage being declared to be the King's prerogative; and
in 1670 the Worcester Corporation petitioned his Majesty's pardon
for "putting out farthings in this city." The following list of
Worcestershire tokens, recently published by Mr. W. Boyne, in "Aris's
Birmingham Gazette," I now reprint, with a few additions:
WORCESTER.
1. (_Obverse_) A WORCESTER
FARTHING Arms of Worcester; a castle
with a bird above it.
(_Reverse_) FOR NECESSARIE
CHAING C. W. (City of Worcester)
Value.
1667 1/4d.
2. RICHARD ALDNEY 1/2d.
3. _O._ EDWARD BARON OF YE CITTY E.B. conjoined.
_R._ OF WORCESTER HIS HALF
PENY Arms of Worcester; three
pears 1/2d.
4. _O._ RICHARD BEDDOES OF YE Arms of Worcester. (16)59.
_R._ CITTY OF WORCESTER Mercers' Arms. R. B. 1/4d.
5. _O._ RICHARD BEDOES Arms of Worcester.
_R._ HIS HALFE PENNY Mercers' Arms. R. B. 1/2d.
6. A variety with the date 1664.
7. _O._ JOHN CHERRY HIS HALF Arms of Worcester.
_R._ PENY IN WORCESTER 1664 I. S. C. 1/2d.
8. _O._ WILL. CHETLE IN BROD
STRT. IN Merchant's mark. W. S. C.
_R_. WORSTER CLO. HIS HALF
PENY Arms of Worcester. 1/2d.
9. _O._ WILLIAM CHETTLE 1666 Merchant's mark. W. C.
_R._ OF WORCESTER, CLOTHIER Arms of Worcester 1/4d.
10. _O._ HIS HALFE PENNY 1667 WILL. COLBATCH
_R._ THE CITTY OF WORCESTER Arms of Worcester 1/2d.
11. _O._ WILLIAM COLBATCH OF W. C. conjoined.
_R._ YE CITTY OF WORCESTER Arms of Worcester 1/4d.
12. WILL. FINCH 1/2d.
13. DITTO 1/4d.
14. THOS. FOWNE 1/4d.
15. THOS. HACKETT 1/2d.
16. JOHN HURDMAN 1/2d.
17. _O._ JOHN HILL DISTILLER Arms of Worcester.
_R._ CITTY OF WORCESTER
(16)64 HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
18. _O._ THOMAS JONES 1669 A hat and glove; Feltmakers'
Arms.
_R._ IN WORCESTER HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
19. JOHN JONES 1/2d.
20. _O._ JOHN LILLIE IN
WORCESTER Weavers' Arms.
_R._ HIS HALFE PENNY 1667 Arms of Worcester 1/2d.
21. _O._ ARTHUR LLOYD IN Arms of Worcester.
_R._ WORCESTER. 1663 HIS
HALFE PENY 1/2d.
22. _O._ WILL MOORE OF WORCESTER Arms of Worcester.
_R._ HIS HALFE PENNY 1668 Mercers' Arms. W. M. 1/2d.
23. EDWARD PRITCHETT 1/2d.
24. _O._ FRAN. RICHARDSON OF YE
CITTY Arms of Worcester
_R._ WORCESTER, HIS HALF
PENNY F. A. R. 1/2d.
25. _O._ HIS HALFE PENY 1664 JOHN SEABORN
_R._ THE CITTIE OF WORCESTER Arms of Worcester 1/2d.
26. JAMES SMITHIN 1/2d.
27. _O._ HIS HALF PENY 1662 WILL. SWIFT
_R._ THE CITTY OF WORCESTER Arms of Worcester 1/2d.
28. A variety is without date, and the centre is brass,
the other part copper 1/2d.
29. Another variety has the date 1663.
30. _O._ WILLIAM SWIFT OF YE W. S. conjoined.
_R._ CITTY OF WORCESTER Arms of Worcester 1/4d.
31. A variety is silvered, and has the initial S. joined to
the last limb of W.; in the other it is joined to the
first limb 1/4d.
32. _O._ JOHN TUBERVILLE Arms of Worcester
_R._ WORCESTER HIS HALF PENNY Mercers' Arms. I. T. 1/2d.
There were 36 of these tokens coined at Worcester, Rd. Bedoes
having issued three varieties besides those attached to his name
above, and Wm. Colbatch another variety.
BENGEWORTH.
33. _O._ EDWARD PITTWAY AT THE A lion rampant.
_R._ RED LION IN BENGEWORTE E.F.P. 1/4d.
BEWDLEY.
34. _O._ THE WARDENS HALFE PENY
OF BEWDLEY In four lines across the field.
_R._ 1668. An anchor between
a sword and rose (Octagonal) 1/2d.
35. _O._ SAMUELL CART A lion passant.
_R._ IN BEAUDLY 1653 S.M.C. 1/4d.
36. _O._ THOMAS DEDICOT,
GROCER, HIS HALF PENNY In five lines across the field.
_R._ IN BEWDLEY
(Three cloves.) SQUARE DEALING (SQUARE) 1/2d.
37. _O._ WALTER PALMER OF A hat.
_R._ BEWDLEY, CAPPER 1656 W.A.P. 1/4d.
BROADWAY.
38. _O._ MICHAELL RUSSELL A dog.
_R._ OF BROADWAY 1670 M.A.B. 1/2d.
BROMSGROVE.
39. _O._ HENRY JEFFREYS Grocers' Arms.
_R._ IN BROMSGROVE H.I. 1/4d.
40. _O._ SAMUEL ROGERS 1668 S.R.
_R._ IN BROMSGROVE HIS HALFE PENNY. 1/2d.
CLIFTON-ON-TEME.
41. _O._ JOHN JENCKINS 1666 HIS HALF PENY
_R._ OF CLIFTON UPON TEAM I.A.I. 1/2d.
DROITWICH.
42. _O._ STEPHEN ALLEN HIS HALFE PENY
_R._ APOTH. IN DROYTWICH Arms of Droitwich; quarterly
1st and 4th, checky, 2d and 3d, two barrows 1/2d.
43. _O._ GEORGE OLDBACK & ***SON THEIR HALF PENY
_R._ OF DROITWICH 1667 Arms of the Town of
Droitwich 1/2d.
DUDLEY.
44. _O._ WILL. BIGGS OF DUDLEY IN Mercers' Arms.
_R._ STAFFO*** W.M.B. 1/4d.
45. _O._ JOHN FINCH OF DUDLEY HIS HALFE PENY
_R._ IN WORCESTERSHIRE Ironmongers' Arms 1/2d.
(Dudley properly belongs to Worcestershire, though it is
surrounded by Staffordshire. Singularly enough, the two tokens
above give it to both counties.)
EVESHAM.
46. _O._ THE BURROW OF EVESHAM Arms of Evesham; a prince's
coronet between two ostrich feathers, a garb in base,
the whole within a border bezantée.
_R._ FOR NECESSARY EXCHANGE B. E. 1/2d.
47. _O._ No inscription Arms of Evesham.
_R._ FOR EXCHAINGE B. E. 1/4d.
48. _O._ PHILLIP BALLORD HIS HALFE PENNY
_R._ OF EVESHAM 1664 P. B. 1/2d.
49. _O._ RICHARD BENNETT Wheat sheaf.
_R._ OF EVESHAM 1666 HIS HALF PENNY 1/2d.
50. _O._ PAUL BENNING HIS HALF PENY
_R._ IN EVESHAM A sugar loaf 1/2d.
51. _O._ WILLIAM BROOKE W. A. B.
_R._ IN EVESHAM 1656 W. A. B. 1/2d.
52. _O._ PETER CROSS P. M. C.
_R._ IN EVESHAM 1649 P. M. C. 1/4d.
There is another described as "PHILLIP CROSS," in all other
respects the same; it may be an error of the die-sinker or
describer. This is interesting from having the earliest date that
is found on these tokens. No. 57 is also of the same early date.
53. _O._ JOSHUA FRANSHAM HIS HALFE PENNY
_R._ IN ESHAM 1666 I. S. F. 1/2d.
54. _O._ RIC. GODDARD, IN BRIDG R. M. G.
_R._ STREET IN EVESHAM R. M. G. 1/4d.
55. _O._ JOHN LACEY A flower.
_R._ OF EVESHAM 1654 I. M. L. 1/4d.
56. _O._ MATHEW MICHELL Grocers' Arms.
_R._ OF EVESHAM 1653 M. M. M. 1/4d.
57. _O._ WILLIAM RUDGE W. A. R.
_R._ IN EVESHAM 1649 W. A. R. 1/4d.
KIDDERMINSTER.
58. _O._ AT THE RAVEN IN A raven.
_R._ KIDEMUNSTER, 1652 R. M. B. 1/4d.
59. _O._ THOMAS BALAMEY IN Weavers' Arms.
_R._ KIDDERMINSTER 1667 HIS HALF PENY. 1/2d.
60. _O._ FRANCES CARTER A pair of shears.
_R._ IN KITTERMINSTER F. M. C. 1/4d.
61. _O._ EDWARD CHAMBERLIN HIS HALF PENY.
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER E. A. C. 1/2d.
62. _O._ EDWARD CHAMBERLIN A man making candles.
_R._ OF KIDDERMINSTER E. P. C. 1/4d.
63. _O._ WILLIAM MOUNTFORD A tankard. W. M.
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER 1666 HIS HALF PENY. 1/2d.
64. _O._ LAWRENCE PEARSALL Arms.
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER HIS HALF PENY. 1/2d.
65. _O._ SIMON PITT 1670 HIS FARTHING
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER S. E. P. 1/4d.
(This is one of the few FARTHING tokens which has the value
expressed on it.)
66. _O._ RICH. RADFORD, HIS
HF. PENY Weavers' Arms.
_R._ OF KIDDERMINSTER 1666 Merchant Tailors' Arms 1/2d.
67. _O._ EDMUND AND WILLIAM READE Weaver's Arms.
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER 1666 THEIR HALF PENY 1/2d.
68. _O._ JOHN ROWDEN IN Nag's head.
_R._ KIDDERMINSTER 1656 I. A. R 1/4d.
69. _O._ NEVILL SIMMONS,
BOOKSELLER IN KIDDERMINSTER.
_R._ EDWARD BUTLER, MERCER
1663 THEIR HALF PENY 1/2d.
70. _O._ THO. SADLER, HIS
HALF PENY Chandlers' Arms.
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER 1664 T. A. S. 1/2d.
71. _O._ WALTER THATCHER A shuttle.
_R._ IN KIDDERMINSTER HIS HALF PENY 1670 1/2d.
PERSHORE.
72. _O._ HENRY GIBBS HIS HALF PENY
_R._ IN PERSHORE 1666 H. G. 1/2d.
73. _O._ GIDEON PALMER Mercers' Arms.
_R._ PERSHORE 1667 HIS HALF PENY G. S. P. 1/2d.
74. _O._ EDWARD PERKINS, HIS
HALF PENY Apothecaries' Arms.
_R._ OF PERSHORE, APOTHECARY 1664 E. P. 1/2d.
SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR.
75. _O._ RICHARD COOPER OF A bee-hive.
_R._ SHIPSTON UPON STOWER HIS HALF PENY 1669 1/2d.
76. _O._ HENRY COTTERELL IN 1666 Mercers' Arms.
_R._ SHIPSTON UPON STOWER HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
77. _O._ ROBERT FITZHUGH Apothecaries' Arms.
_R._ IN SHIPSON 1664 HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
78. _O._ EDWARD PITTWAY Ironmongers' Arms.
_R._ OF SHIPSTON E. P. 1/4d.
79. _O._ SIMON SIMONS Mercers' Arms.
_R._ OF SHIPSON 1669 HIS HALFE PENY S. E. S. 1/2d.
STOURBRIDGE.
80. _O._ A STOWERBRIDG. HALF PENY Ironmongers' Arms.
_R._ FOR NECESSARY CHANGE Clothworkers' Arms. 1/2d.
This is a town piece, the arms showing the principal trades
carried on. There is a specimen in the collection of the Society
of Antiquaries, having the reverse indented, doubtless caused by
the previous struck token not having been removed from the die.
It was bequeathed with many other Worcestershire Tokens to the
Society by Dr. Prattinton.
81. _O._ JONATHAN BUTLER, MERCER Arms of Worcester City; three pears.
_R._ IN STOWERBRIDGE 1665 HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
82. _O._ ANDREW MUCHALL, IRONMONGER,
HIS HALF PENY In five lines across the field.
_R._ OF STOWERBRIDGE 1669 Ironmongers' Arms. 1/2d.
83. _O._ EZEKELL PARTRIDGE HIS HALF PENY.
_R._ IN STOWER BRIDG 1665 E. M. P. 1/2d.
84. _O._ JOHN PRATT OF A bridge of four arches.
_R._ STOW BRIDGE 1668 HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
85. _O._ EDWARD SPARRYE E. I. S.
_R._ OF STOURBRIDGE 1656 1/4d.
86. _O._ HUMPHREY SUTTON H. S. S.
_R._ OF STOURBRIDGE 1657 1/4d.
SWINFORD (OLD).
87. _O._ JOHN RICHARDSON HIS HALF PENY
_R._ OULD SWINFORD 1669 Arms of Worcester; three
pears 1/2d.
TENBURY.
88. _O._ EDMOND LANE Arms; a chevron between three
arrow-heads.
_R._ IN TENBURY HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
89. _O._ EDMOND LANE Arms as the last.
_R._ OF TENBURY E. L. 1/4d.
90. _O._ ANTHONY SEARCH PLAINE DEALING IS BEST 1/2d.
_R._ IN TENBURY Mercers' Arms. 1/2d.
OLDBURY.
91. _O._ OLIVER ROUND St. George and the dragon.
_R._ IN OLDBURY 1663 HIS HALF PENY 1/2d.
THE CLOTHING TRADE.
This must have been formerly an important trade in our county and city.
The city of Worcester, and the towns of Bromsgrove, Kidderminster,
Droitwich, and Evesham, were extensively engaged in it; and when many
persons dwelling in other parts of the county had begun cloth making,
much to the injury of these towns, an act was passed in the 25th year
of Henry VIII, prohibiting all persons from making cloth, except such
as resided in the above-mentioned places, but all persons were allowed
to make cloths for their own wear, or for their children, servants, &c.
At the present day only one loom is in existence in Bromsgrove, and in
Worcester the trade has ceased for many years, although the Clothiers'
Company still exists as a body for the administration of charitable
funds.
THE MORTUARY CLOTH OF THE CLOTHIERS' COMPANY.
The assumption of Miss Strickland that the mortuary cloth in the
possession of the Clothiers' Company at Worcester was the pall used
at the funeral of Queen Catherine, the first wife of King Henry VIII,
who was buried in Peterborough Cathedral, has been, upon examination,
refuted. At a recent meeting of the Archæological Institute at
Cambridge, the Rev. C. H. Hartshorne read a paper on the funeral
of Catherine of Arragon, and produced a document from the Rolls'
Court which had never been consulted before, and which gave a full
account of the Queen's funeral. The rev. gentleman afterwards alluded
to the life of Catherine of Arragon, by Miss Strickland, who says
that the pall used on this occasion is now in the possession of the
Clothworkers' Company at Worcester. Mr. Hartshorne then produced this
pall, which he had been allowed to bring with him. It was spread out
and examined, and it clearly appeared that it could not be that used at
the Queen's funeral. It consisted of three or four old capes [copes?]
put together, and it was utterly impossible to recognise it from the
description given in the document produced from the Rolls' Court.
WEATHER RHYMES AND SAYINGS.
If the moon on a Saturday be new or full
There always was rain and there always will.
* * * * *
If it rain on Good Friday or Easter day,
It's a good year of grass but a sorry year of hay.
* * * * *
If Easter be early,
Or if it be late;
It's sure to _make_
The old cow _quake_.
* * * * *
The weather's always ill
When the wind's not still.
* * * * *
When the wind is in the East
It's neither good for man nor beast.
* * * * *
A storm of hail
Brings frost in its tail.
* * * * *
A May wet
Was never kind yet.
* * * * *
As the day lengthens
The cold strengthens.
* * * * *
A rainbow at night
Is the shepherd's delight.
* * * * *
When the reds are out at night
It's the shepherd's delight,
But when out in the morning
It's all the day storming.
* * * * *
At New Year's tide
A cock's stride:
By Twelfth-tide
Another beside.
* * * * *
When Bredon hill puts on his hat,
Ye men of the vale, beware of that.
(This alludes to the rain-cloud settling on the hill.)
* * * * *
A peck of March dust is worth a king's ransom.
* * * * *
When the new moon "lies on her back," as the saying is--that is with
its concavity upwards, it is expected to be a dry time, "the rain being
kept from running out," but, _vice versa_, it will be wet.
It is said that if the little beetle, the _Carabus_, should be trodden
upon, rain will fall. This little glittering insect runs about only in
fine weather.
SHIP MONEY.
The first writ for the levying of ship money was issued by King Charles
I, addressed to the Lord Mayor and citizens of London. It is dated
October 20th, in the 10th year of the reign of King Charles I [1634],
and after reciting that "certain thieves, pirates, and robbers, of the
sea, as well Turks, enemies of the Christian name, as others, being
gathered together, taking by force and spoiling the ships and goods
and merchandises not only of our subjects, but also of the subjects
of our friends in the sea, which hath been accustomed anciently to be
defended by the English nation, and the same at their pleasure have
carried away, delivering the men in the same into miserable captivity."
The writ commands the citizens of London to provide seven ships of war,
varying in size from 900 to 300 tons, with 1,460 men, with ordnance,
gunpowder, spears, and weapons, and other necessary arms for war; and
directs that their ships shall be at Portsmouth on the 1st of March
then next. In the year 1636, King Charles I, by the advice of his
Privy Council, sent writs to the different counties for the raising of
money to provide ships. This was called ship money; but although it
was levied for the nominal purpose of providing ships, the counties,
instead of providing any, paid the amount into the Royal Exchequer, and
this was really a mere device to raise money without the authority of
Parliament.
The county and city of Worcester were assessed as follows:
Tunnes. Men. Charge.
"Worcestershire, one ship 350 140 £3,500
Corporate Towns--
City of Worcester £233
Burrough of Evesham 74
Burrough of Bewdley 62
Burrough of Droitwich 62
Town or Burrough of Kidderminster 27"
On the 10th of November, 1639, King Charles I, by the advice of his
Privy Council, caused other writs for ship money to be issued to the
several counties of England; and by one of these writs the county of
Worcester was assessed thus:
Ship. Men. Tons.
"Worcester 1 112 280"
But at this time thirty-five of the English counties and seven of the
Welch counties were in arrears for their earlier ship money, as appears
from a table of the arrears, in which there is the following entry as
to Worcestershire: