There is in Ely, where Cromwell for some years resided, an extensive
charity known as Parson's Charity, of which he was a feoffee or
governor. The following paper, which was submitted to Mr. Carlyle for
the second or third edition of his work, contains all the references
to the great Protector which are to be found in the papers now in the
possession of the trustees. The appointment of Oliver Cromwell as a
feoffee does not appear in any of the documents now remaining with
the governors of the charity. The records of the proceedings if the
feoffees of his time consist only of the collector's yearly accounts
of monies received and expended, and do not show the appointments of
the feoffees. These accounts were laid before the feoffees from time
to time, and signed by them in testimony of their allowance.
Cromwell's name might therefore be expected to be found at the foot of
some of them; but it unfortunately happens that, from the year 1622 to
the year 1641, there is an hiatus in the accounts. At the end of Book
No. 1., between forty and fifty leaves have been cut away, and at the
commencement of Book no. 2. about twelve leaves more. Whether some
collector of curiosities has purloined these leaves for the sale of
any autographs of Cromwell contained in them, or whether their removal
may be accounted for by the questions which arose at the latter end
of the above period as to the application of the funds of the charity,
cannot now be ascertained.
There are however, still in the possession of the governors of the
charity, several documents which clearly show that from the year
1635 to the year 1641 Cromwell was a feoffee or governor, and took an
active part in the management of the affairs of the charity. There
is an original bond, dated the 30th of May, 1638, from one Robert
Newborne to "Daniell Wigmore, Archdeacon of Ely, Oliver Cromwell,
Esq., and the rest of the Corporation of Ely." The feoffees had then
been incorporated by royal charter, under the title of "The Governors
of the Lands and Possessions of the Poor of the City or Town of Ely."
There are some detached collectors' accounts extending over a portion
of the interval between 1622 and 1641, and indorsed, "The Accoumpts
of Mr. John Hand and Mr. William Cranford, Collectors of the Revenewes
belonging to the Towne of Ely."