Having, so far, dealt with the more or less conjectural, prehistoric
period of Horncastle's existence in Chapter I, and with the Manor and its
ownership in Chapter II, we now proceed to give an account of the town's
institutions, its buildings, and so forth. Among these the Parish
Church, naturally, claims precedence.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
This is probably not the original parish church. There is no mention of
a church in _Domesday Book_, and although this is not quite conclusive
evidence, it is likely that no church existed at that date (circa 1085
A.D.); but in Testa de Nevill (temp. Richard I.) we find "Ecclesia de
Horncastre," named with those of (West) Ashby, High Toynton, Mareham
(-on-the-Hill), and (Wood) Enderby, as being in the gift of the King;
{33a} while at an Inquisition post mortem, taken at Horncastle, 8 Richard
II., No. 99, {33b} the Jurors say that "the Lord King Edward (I.), son of
King Henry (III.), gave to Gilbert, Prior of the alien Priory of
Wyllesforth, and his successors, 2 messuages, and 6 oxgangs (90 acres) of
land, and the site of the Chapel of St. Laurence, with the appurtenances,
in Horncastre," on condition that they find a fit chaplain to celebrate
mass in the said chapel three days in every week "for the souls of the
progenitors of the said King, and his successors, for ever." This chapel
probably stood near the street running northwards from the Market Place,
now called St. Lawrence Street, though, a few years ago, it was commonly
called "Pudding Lane." It is said to have formerly been a main street
and at the head of it stood the Market Cross. Bodies have at various
times been found interred near this street, indicating the vicinity of a
place of worship, and, when a block of houses were removed in 1892, by
the Right Honble. E. Stanhope, Lord of the Manor, to enlarge the Market
Place, several fragments of Norman pillars were found, which, doubtless,
once belonged to the Norman Chapel of St. Lawrence. {34}
The date of St. Mary's Church, as indicated by the oldest part of it, the
lower portion of the tower, is early in the 13th century. "It is a good
example of a town church of the second class (as said the late Precentor
Venables, who was a good judge) in no way, indeed, rivalling such
churches as those of Boston, Louth, Spalding or Grantham; nay even many a
Lincolnshire village has a finer edifice, but the general effect, after
various improvements, is, to say the least, pleasing, and it has its
interesting features. The plan of the church (he says) is normal; it
consists of nave, with north and south aisles; chancel, with south aisle
and north chantry, the modern vestry being eastward of this; a plain low
tower, crowned with wooden spirelet and covered with lead. Taking these
in detail: the tower has two lancet windows in the lower part of the west
wall, above these a small debased window, and again, above this, a
two-light window of the Decorated style, similar windows on the north and
south sides, and at the top an embattled Perpendicular parapet. The
tower opens on the nave with a lofty arch, having pilaster buttresses,
which terminate above the uppermost of two strings; the base is raised
above the nave by three steps, the font being on a projection of the
first step. This lower portion of the tower is the oldest part of the
church, dating from the Early English period. The chamber where the
bells are hung is, by the modern arrangement, above this lower
compartment, and is approached by a winding staircase built on the
outside of the southern wall, a slight disfigurement."
There are six bells, with the following inscriptions:--
(1) Lectum fuge. Discute somnum. G. S. T. W. H. Penn, Fusor, 1717.
(2) In templo venerare Deum. H. Penn nos fudit. Cornucastri.
(3) Supplicem Deus audit. Daniel Hedderley cast me. 1727.
(4) Tho. Osborn fecit. Downham, Norfolk. 1801. Tho. Bryan and D. Brown,
Churchwardens.
(5) Dum spiras, spera. H. Penn, Fusor, 1717. Tho. et Sam. Hamerton
Aeditivi.
(6) Exeat e busto. Auspice Christo. Tho. Loddington, LL.D., Vicar H P.
1717.
Near the south Priest's door, in the chancel, a bell, about 1 ft. in
height, stands on the floor, unused; this was the bell of a former clock
in the tower. The "Pancake Bell" is rung on Shrove Tuesday, at 10 a.m.;
the Curfew at 8 p.m., from Oct. 11 to April 6, except Saturdays, at 7
p.m., and omitting from St. Thomas's Day to Plough Monday. The "Grammar
School Bell" used to be rung daily, Sundays excepted, at 7 a.m., but of
late years this has been discontinued, the Governors refusing to pay for
it.
The fabric of the nave is of the Decorated style, though modern in date,
with Perpendicular clerestory, having five three-light windows, on the
north and south sides. The arcades are of four bays, with chamfered
equilateral arches, springing from shafted piers; the capitals of the two
central ones being ornamented with foliage of a decorated character; the
others being plain. Each aisle has three three-light windows, of
decorated style, in the side wall, and a fourth at the west end; these
are modern, the north aisle having been re-built in 1820 and the south
aisle in 1821. There are north and south porches.
The chancel arch is modern, the carving of its caps being very delicate.
On the north side the outline of the doorway, formerly leading to the
rood loft, is still visible, and below, on the west side of the chancel
wall, is a well-carved statue bracket of floriated character, which was
transferred from the chancel, and on the south side a still older one,
much plainer.
[Picture: St. Mary's Church]
The east window of the chancel is said to be an enlarged copy of the east
window of the neighbouring Haltham Church. It has five lights, with
flamboyant tracery above, and is filled with rich coloured glass, by
Heaton, Butler & Bayne; the subjects being, on the north side, above "The
Annunciation," below "The Nativity;" 2nd light, above "The Adoration,"
below "The Flight into Egypt;" central light, above "The Crucifixion,"
below "The Entombment;" next light, on south, above "Women at the
Sepulchre;" below "Feed my Lambs;" southernmost light, above "The
Ascension," below "Pentecost." In the upper tracery are "Censing Angels"
and "Instruments of the Passion." This window cost about 280 pounds and
is dedicated to the memory of the late Vicar, Prebendary W. H. Milner,
who was largely instrumental in the restoration of the church, in 1861,
and died Oct. 3, 1868. In that restoration the architect was the late
Mr. Ewan Christian, and the contractors for the work Messrs. Lea & Ashton
of Retford. The cost of the restoration of the chancel was defrayed by
J. Banks Stanhope, Esq., as Lord of the Manor and Lay Rector, the rest
being done by subscriptions amounting to about 4,000 pounds.
The present organ was originally designed by Mr. John Tunstall, and built
by Messrs. Gray & Davidson, of London, at a cost of about 400 pounds. As
re-constructed by Mr. Nicholson, of Lincoln, it contains 3 manuals, a
fine pedal organ with 45 stops, and more than 2,500 pipes. It cost more
than 2,000 pounds, 1,350 pounds of which was contributed by the late
Henry James Fielding, Esq., of Handel House, Horncastle. At a later date
a trumpet was added, costing 120 pounds, the result being probably as
fine an instrument as any in the county. For many years the organist was
Mr. William Wakelin, whose musical talent was universally acknowledged;
on his unfortunate sudden death, on March 1st, 1908, he was succeeded by
Mr. Hughes, recently Assistant Organist of Ely Cathedral.
Beneath the east window is a handsome carved Reredos of Caen stone,
somewhat heavy in style, having five panels, two on each side containing
figures of the four evangelists, the central subject being "The Agony in
the Garden." In this the figure of the Saviour is exquisitely designed;
below are the three sleeping disciples, while above are two ministering
angels, one holding a crown of thorns, the other the "cup of bitterness."
The panels have richly crocketed canopies, the central one being
surmounted by a floriated cross. They are filled with diaper work, and
the supporting pilasters are of various-coloured Irish marbles. The
whole was designed by C. E. Giles, Esq., cousin of the late Vicar,
Prebendary Robert Giles.
In the jamb, south of the Communion Table, is a Piscina; in the north
wall a square aumbrey and a curious iron-barred opening, which was
probably a Hagioscope for the Chantry behind. The present Vestry in the
north-east corner is modern, built on the site where there was formerly a
coalhouse, and, at a later date, a shed for the town fire-engine.
The Chancel has an arcade of three bays on the south side, filled with
good 14th century carved oak screen work, separating it from the
south-side chapel, said to have been anciently called "The Corpus Christi
Chapel," and has two bays on the north, the easternmost being occupied by
the organ, separating it from St. Catherine's Chantry; {36} the other
having similar screen work. In the south wall of the chancel are a
Priest's door and three four-light Perpendicular windows, with a fourth
in the east wall. Gervase Holles states that he saw in this south-east
window figures of St. Ninian, with lock and chain, and of Saints
Crispinus and Crispinianus with their shoe-making tools. {37a} It is
probable, therefore, that the old glass of the window was supplied by a
shoemaker's guild. The window is now filled with good coloured glass by
Heaton, Butler & Bayne, dedicated to the memory of the late Vicar, Rev.
Arthur Scrivenor, who died 27 August, 1882, aged 51 years. It is of
peculiar design, the subjects being chosen to represent his life of
self-denying labour. There are four lights with eight subjects taken
from St. Matthew's Gospel, arranged in two tiers, as follows--(1) "Come
ye blessed of my Father;" (2) "I was an hungred and ye gave me meat;" (3)
"I was thirsty and ye gave me drink;" (4) "I was a stranger, and ye took
me in;" (5) "Naked, and ye clothed me;" (6) "I was sick, and ye visited
me;" (7) "I was in prison, and ye came unto me;" (8) "These shall go into
life eternal." There are eight compartments in the upper tracery,
containing the emblems of the four evangelists, and two angels, and the
Alpha and Omega.
In the north chancel wall are a Priest's door, two five-light windows,
and one of three lights, with, at the east end, a two-light window, all
modern. Here, externally, the parapet of St. Catherine's Chantry is
embattled and enriched with panel work, and rises above the level of the
rest of the wall. The clerestory of the chancel has six three-light
windows on the south side, and five on the north. The easternmost on the
north was inserted and made larger than the others in 1861, and, at a
later date, was filled with good coloured glass by Heaton, Butler &
Bayne, as a public memorial "To the glory of God, and in memory of
Barnard James Boulton, M.D., who died March 15 1875." He was an active
member of the restoration committee in 1861. The subjects are, in the
western light, "The cleansing of the leper" in the centre, "Letting down
the paralytic through the roof," in the eastern light, "The healing of
blind Bartimaeus."
In the nave the second window from the west end of the south clerestory
is a memorial of the late Mr. W Rayson, builder, filled with good
coloured glass. In the south aisle of the nave, the easternmost window
is a good specimen of coloured glass by Heaton, Butler & Bayne, erected
by public subscription in January, 1901, "To the glory of God, and in
grateful commemoration of the 18 years' ministry of Canon E. F.
Quarrington," who resigned the Vicarage in 1900. The cost of this window
was about 80 pounds , the subject is "The Sermon on the Mount." The
Saviour is represented as addressing the people, grouped around Him, of
all classes, soldiers, Pharisees, disciples, travellers, young men,
women, and children, with the city in the background. In the tracery
above are angels, with rich ruby wings, in attitudes of adoration.
The window next to this is filled with coloured glass, by Clayton & Bell,
to the memory of Mrs. Salome Fox. In the upper tracery are the Alpha and
Omega, with the date of erection "Anno Dm'ni MDCCCXCVII." In the central
light below is the risen Saviour, seated on a throne, holding the emblem
of sovereignty, with the inscription over His shoulders "Because I live
ye shall live also." In each side light are three angels in adoration.
An inscription runs across the three lights, "I am he that liveth and was
dead, and, behold, I am alive for evermore." Beneath are three square
compartments, representing (1) three women, (2) three soldiers, (3) the
apostles SS. John and Peter at the sepulchre, with the inscription "Who
shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" and again,
below all, "To the glory of God, and in loving memory of Salome Fox, who
died June 26, 1883, aged 65." This cost about 85 pounds.
The window at the west end of this aisle, by Heaton, Butler & Bayne, was
filled with coloured glass, by the late Mr. Henry Boulton, in memory of
his first wife, being partly paid for by a surplus of 40 pounds remaining
from what was collected for the chancel east window, and the rest (about
40 pounds more) by Mr. Boulton himself. The subject is the Saviour's
baptism in the Jordan.
In the north aisle of the nave, the easternmost window was erected in
1902, at a cost of 98 pounds, from a bequest of the late Mr. Charles Dee,
as a memorial of his friend the late Mr. Robert Clitherow. The subject
is "The good Samaritan," who, in the central light, is relieving the
wounded wayfarer; while, in the side lights, the Priest and Levite are
represented as passing him by. In the two upper quatrefoils are angels
holding scrolls, with the inscriptions (1) "Let your light so shine
before men," (2) "That they may see your good works." An inscription
runs across the three lights, "Blessed is he that provideth for the sick
and needy, the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble;" and, below
all, "To the glory of God, and in memory of Robert Clitherow, a truly
Christian gentleman, by his faithful servant." {38} The artists were
Messrs. Clayton & Bell.
The next window to this, also by Messrs. Clayton & Bell, is considered
the best specimen of coloured glass in the church. It was erected by
public subscription, largely through the exertions of the late Mrs.
Terrot, then of Wispington Vicarage, near Horncastle, her husband, the
Rev. Charles Pratt Terrot, a clever artist and learned antiquary,
supplying the design. It is inscribed "To the glory of God, and in
memory of Frederick Harwood, formerly churchwarden, who died March 12,
1874, aged 51 years." Mr. Harwood was an indefatigable church worker,
and died suddenly, after attending a Lent service, when he occupied his
usual seat, near this window. It is of three lights, the subjects being
six, (1) the centre light illustrates "Charity;" a female figure above,
holding one child in her arms and leading others; while below is "Joseph
in Egypt, receiving his father, Jacob." (2) The west light illustrates
"Faith," a female above, holding a cross and bible, and below "Abraham
offering his son Isaac." (3) The east light illustrates "Hope," a female
above, leaning upon an anchor, and below "Daniel in the den of lions."
The grouping of the subjects and arrangement of the canopies are
admirable.
The west window in the same aisle contains a handsome memorial, by
Preedy, of the late Vicar, Prebendary Robert Giles. It is of three
lights, the subjects being from St. Peter's life: (1) the south light
shewing "The net cast into the sea," "Depart from me, &c."; (2) the
central light, Peter's commendation by the Saviour, "Thou art Peter,
&c."; and (3) the north light, Peter's release from prison, "Arise up
quickly, &c." The tabernacle and canopy work are good. The cost of this
was about 140 pounds. Mr. Giles succeeded Prebendary Milner, as Vicar,
and died 12 July, 1872.
The two lancet windows in the lower part of the west wall of the tower,
which were enlarged at the restoration, are filled with good coloured
glass. They bear no inscriptions but are memorials of deceased younger
members of the families of the late Dr. B. J. Boulton, and of the late
Mr. Richard Nicholson. The southern one represents "The Good Shepherd,"
carrying a lamb in his arms; the northern, "Suffer the little children to
come unto me," shewing the Saviour receiving little children into his
arms. Within the tower is also placed a List of Benefactors of the town;
also a frame containing the Decalogue, supported by two painted figures,
life-size, representing Aaron with his censer, and Moses with his rod; on
one side of this is the Lord's Prayer, on the other the Apostles' Creed.
{39a}
The roof of the nave, for some years hidden by a flat whitewashed
ceiling, is of Spanish chestnut, with finely carved figures of angels,
which support the intermediate principals. In front of the tower arch
stands the Font, of caen stone, on octagonal base; the bowl has 8
elaborately carved panels, in three of which are engraved, on scrolls,
the words "One Lord," "One Faith," "One Baptism." {39b} The Pulpit, at
the north-east corner of the nave, is also of Caen stone, in similar
style, with four decorated panels, having, beneath the cornice, the
inscription "He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully;" the
book-rest is supported by the figure of an angel, with outspread wings.
The Reading Desk, on the opposite side, consists of open tracery work,
carved in modern oak. The Lectern, an eagle of brass, was presented, in
1901, by the Misses Walter, in memory of their father, Mr. Joseph Walter,
for many years church warden. {39c} The seats in the chancel have
handsomely carved poppy heads, and are placed east and west, instead of,
as formerly, north and south, facing west.
On the south side of the chancel arch, in the west face of the wall, is a
small stone, bearing the names of "Thomas Gibson, Vicar. John Hamerton
and John Goake, Churchwardens, 1675." On the south wall of the chancel
south chapel is also an illuminated sheet of iron bearing the following
inscription to the same Vicar:--"Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Mr.
Thos. Gibson, A.M., 44 years Vicar of this parish. He lived in such
times when Truth to the Church, and Loyalty to the King met with
punishment due to the worst of crimes. He was by the rebellious powers
carried away prisoner four times from the garrison of Newark for a
dissenting teacher, afterwards sequestrated, and his family driven out,
by the Earl of Manchester. He survived the Restoration, and was brought
back at the head of several hundreds of his friends, and made a
Prebendary in the Cathedral Church of Lincoln. As his enemies never
forgave his zeal to the Church and Crown, so nothing but the height of
Christian charity could forgive the insults he met with from them. He
died April 22, 1678." {40a} Above this is a shield, containing three
storks, proper, on an argent field; and with a stork, as crest.
On the north clerestory wall of the nave are tablets in memory of Jane,
wife of Thomas Taylor, to the east; in the centre to Thomas Taylor,
Surgeon, and Margaret his wife, to Mary Anne, wife of Thomas Hardy
Taylor; and to the west of these, to Anne, wife of Erasmus Middleton, to
Erasmus Middleton, and to their daughter, Grace, wife of James Weir, and
to James Weir, who died Dec. 15, 1822. On the south clerestory wall,
westward, is a tablet to the memory of Thomas Bryan, Hannah his wife, and
their son Edward, all interred at Scrivelsby; another, to the east, is in
memory of Edward Harrison, M.D., his wife, and his brother, erected by
his nephew.
In the north aisle of the chancel is a modern, canvas, lozenge-shaped,
framed copy of an older memorial, formerly painted on the south wall, on
which are depicted the arms of Sir Ingram Hopton, with this
inscription:--"Here lieth the worthy and memorable Knight, Sir Ingram
Hopton, who paid his debt to nature, and duty to his King and country, in
the attempt of seizing the arch rebel (Cromwell) in the bloody skirmish
near Winceby, Oct. 6, 1643." {40b} The motto is Horatian (the first
lines from Odes iii., xiv., 14-16; the other two from Odes iv., ix.,
29-30).
Nec tumultum,
Nec mori per vim, metuit, tenente
Caesare terras.
Paulum sepultae distat inertiae,
Celata virtus.
Close to this, and above the arch leading into the nave, are a number of
scythes, some with straight wooden handles, attached to the wall, which
are said to have been used at the Winceby fight. {41a}
On the wall of the north aisle, nearest the archway into the chancel, on
a small slab of Purbeck marble, is a brass of Sir Lionel Dymoke, kneeling
on a cushion; on either side were formerly small shields displaying the
arms of Dymoke, Waterton, Marmyon, Hebden and Haydon; {41b} and on small
brasses were the figures of two sons and three daughters. Parts of these
are now lost. The figure of Sir Lionel is in the attitude of prayer,
from his left elbow issues a scroll with the inscription "S'cta Trinitas,
unus Deus, miserere nob." Beneath is another inscription, "In Honore
s'cte et individue trinitatis. Orate pro a'i'a Leonis Dymoke, milit' q'
obijt xvij die me'se Augusti, Ao D'ni Mo cccccxix. Cuj' a'i'e p' piciet,
de.' Amen." Below this monument, in the pavement, is a brass, now
mutilated, of the same Sir Lionel Dymoke, wrapped in a shroud, with two
scrolls issuing from the head, the lettering of which is now effaced.
Beneath is an inscription also now obliterated, but which Mr. Weir gives
as follows:--
Leonis fossa nunc haec Dymoke capit ossa.
Miles erat Regis, cui parce Deus prece Matris,
Es testis Christe, quod non jacet hic lapis iste,
Corpus ut ornetur, sed spiritus ut memoretur.
Hinc tu qui transis, senex, medius, puer, an sis,
Pro me funde preces, quia sic mihi sit venie spes.
The actual suit of armour worn by this Sir Lionel Dymoke was formerly in
the church, since in the evidence taken after the "Lincolnshire Rising,"
in 1536, it was shewn that "one Philip Trotter, of Horncastle," took it
from the church, and himself wore it, while carrying the standard at the
head of the insurgents (State Papers Domestic, Henry VIII., vol. xi, No.
967) {42a}
[Picture: Brass of Sir Lionel Dymoke, in St. Mary's Church]
In the Harleian MS. in the British Museum, among his "Lincolnshire Church
Notes," Gervase Holles (circa 1640) mentions several other arms and
inscriptions, as then existing, which are now lost. {42b}
In the pavement of the former vestry, in the south chancel aisle, is a
slab with the inscription running round it, "Here lyethe the boyddes of
Thomas Raithbeck & Arne his wyf, ye founders of the Beid hous. Departed
thys world, in ye fayth of Christ, ye last day of October, in ye yere of
our Lord, MDLXXV." In the pavement at the east end of the south aisle of
nave is a slab bearing the names of William Hamerton and his wife
Elizabeth, and westward of this another slab, in memory of "Sarah
Sellwood, wife of Henry Sellwood, Esq., {42c} who died Sep 30, 1816, aged
28 years." The late Poet Laureate, Alfred, afterwards Lord Tennyson,
married Mr. Sellwood's daughter Emily Sarah, the marriage being
solemnised at Shiplake after the family had left Horncastle. The
Laureate's elder brother, Charles Tennyson, married another daughter,
Louisa, afterwards taking the additional name of Turner. He held the
vicarage of Grasby near Caistor.
Other monuments are, on the wall of the south aisle, a tablet inscribed
"To the memory of Elizabeth Kelham, only surviving child of Richard
Kelham, Rector of Coningsby. She was pious, virtuous, and charitable,
and died 26 Feb., 1780, aged 58. Reader, imitate her example. Erected
by Robert Kelham, her nephew, as a grateful acknowledgment of her regard
towards him." On the north wall of the chancel is a marble tablet in
memory of "George Heald, Armiger, e Consultis Domini Regis, in Curia
Cancellaria. Obiit 18 May, 1834." Inscriptions below are to his wife
and daughter. Another tablet, of black marble, records the death of
Elizabeth, first wife of the Rev. John Fretwell, Curate, Dec. 4, 1784,
and of his son, Matthew Harold, Sept. 11, 1786. {44a} Another tablet is
in memory of "Clement Madeley, DD., 42 years Vicar, who died Good-Friday,
1845, aged 73;" also of his wife Martha, who died 1807, and of his son
Houghton, who died 1838, erected by his daughter, M. A. Dymoke, {44b}
wife of Rev. John Dymoke, Champion.
In a glass covered case in the north aisle of the chancel are three
volumes of Foxe's _Book of Martyrs_, 1632 edition, these were formerly
chained to a desk, and parts of the chains remain. They were given by
Nicolas Shipley, gentleman, in 1696, who also presented a brass
chandelier of 24 sockets; he was among the benefactors to the poor of the
town. The present glass case and desk on which the case rests, were
given by the late Vicar, the Rev. A. Scrivenor. Along with these vols.
are "The History of the Old and New Testaments, gathered out of sacred
scripture and writings of the fathers, a translation from the work of the
Sieur de Royaumont, by several hands. London, printed for R. Blome, I.
Sprint, John Nicholson and John Pero, 1701." There are some good old
engravings of "The Work of Creation," "The Temptation and Fall of Man,"
"The Expulsion from Paradise," "The Murder of Abel," "Ishmael Banished,"
&c. The first of these is dedicated to "Her sacred Majesty, Mary, by the
grace of God, Queen of England, Scotland, France, Ireland, &c., by Her
Majesty's most obedient servant Richard Blome." The next is dedicated to
"Her sacred Majesty Katherine, Queen Dowager of England," by the same;
another is dedicated to "Her Royal Highness Ann, Princess of Denmark;"
and other plates are dedicated to various Lincolnshire worthies, some of
these are rather damaged, and the fine old bible is imperfect.
Various old documents may here be quoted, which give items of interest
connected with this church. In _Lincolnshire Wills_, 1st series, edited
by Canon A. R. Maddison, F.S.A., 1888, is that of James Burton of
Horncastle, of date 9 June, 1536, which mentions the lights burnt in the
church at that time before different shrines; these were in all 23, of
which 7 were in honour of the blessed virgin, one was called "The light
of our Lady of Grace," another "Our Lady's light at the font." Mention
is also made of a "St. Trunyan's light;" this last saint is connected
with a well at Barton-on-Humber, but nothing further is known of him
under that name. It has been suggested that it is a corruption of St.
Ninian (_Lincs. Notes & Queries_, vol. i, 149), and in connection with
this it is interesting to refer to the fact that Gervase Holles, whose
description of Horncastle windows we have already quoted, states that
there was a window to St. Ninian placed in the chancel south aisle, by
the Guild of Shoemakers. Here, then, it is possible, the "St. Trunion's"
or St. Ninian's "light" may have been burned, as the emblem of some
whilom Horncastrian's faith.
A Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 19 Richard II., No. 83 (11 Dec.,
1395), shows that Albinus de Enderby and others assigned a messuage, with
appurtenances, in Horncastle, to pay a chaplain to say daily masses in
the church of the blessed Mary, for the soul of Simon de Dowode, and
other faithful deceased. Wood Enderby was at that time a chapelry
attached to Horncastle Church.
The right of sanctuary, enjoyed by felons, who sought refuge in a church,
was a very ancient institution, dating from Saxon times, and only
abolished by James I., in 1621, because the great number of churches in
the country rendered it so easy a matter for highwaymen, then very
numerous, to avail themselves of the privilege, that justice was too
often defeated and crime encouraged. According to custom, if the
offender made confession before a coroner, within 40 days, and took the
prescribed oath at the church door, that he would quit the realm, his
life was spared. A Close Roll, 13 Henry III., Aug. 22, 1229, states that
the King, at Windsor, commands the Sheriff of Lincolnshire (Radulphus
filius Reginaldi) to send two coroners to see that a robber who keeps
himself in the church at Horncastle abjures the kingdom, (_Lincs. Notes &
Queries_, vol. i, p. 49). It is a somewhat curious coincidence, that a
similar document, of date 16 Henry III., Aug. 22, 1232, only three years
later, records a similar incident; and the malefactor is ordered to "make
the assize, and abjuration of the kingdom, according to the custom of the
land and according to the liberties granted to Walter, Bishop of
Carlisle," (_Lincs. Notes & Queries_, vol. iv, p. 58). We have the
explanation of this later instruction in a Memoranda Roll of 4 Ed. III.,
1330, which states that Henry III. granted, by charter dated 16th July,
in the 15th year of his reign, to Walter, Bishop of Carlisle, and his
successors, that they should claim "all chattels of felons and fugitives
within their manors," the crown giving up all claim to the same in their
favour; and the case is added of Robert Mawe, a fugitive, whose chattels
were demanded by the Bishop, and 34 pounds exacted on that account "from
the township of Horncastre."
It is remarkable that the two cases, above quoted, should have occurred
at the same date, August 22. An explanation of this has been suggested
in the fact that an old calendar shows that August 22 was a day sacred to
St. Zaccheus; and as that saint set the example of restoring four-fold
what he had unlawfully taken, that day may have been selected for the
robber to surrender his chattels in reparation of his offence. A not
improbable explanation, however, may be found in the fact that the great
August fair, established by Royal Charter, closed on August 21st, and
unruly characters were often left, as dregs of such gatherings in the
place, murders even being not uncommon. By charter of the same king the
Bishop of Carlisle had power to try felons at Horncastle, and a spot on
the eastern boundary of the parish is still known as "Hangman's Corner,"
where those who were capitally convicted in his court were executed.
We give elsewhere a list of the Incumbents of St. Mary's, but we may here
refer to probably the most distinguished of them all. A Patent Roll, of
date 11 June, 1344 (18 Edward III.), states that Thomas, Bishop of
Lincoln (N.B. This was Thomas Bec, consecrated July 7, 1342, died Feb.
1, 1346, buried in the north transept of the Cathedral), "by command of
the Most Holy Father, Pope Clement VI., reduces the taxation of the
church at Horncastle, with the chapels of Askeby (West Ashby), Upper
Tynton (High Toynton), Maring (Mareham-on-the-Hill), and Wod Enderby, to
the same church annexed, to the sum of 50 marks (33 pounds 6s. 8d.),
which were previously taxed at the immoderate sum of 77 pounds sterling."
This is stated to be done "of the sincere love with which we value our
very dear clerk, Master Simon de Islep, parson of the church aforesaid."
This is also confirmed to "his successors, parsons or rectors, of the
said church. Witness the King, at Westminster." The merits of this
worthy, so valued by the Holy Father, not long afterwards received
further recognition, since in 1350, only 6 years later, he was promoted
to the highest dignity in the land, next to the sovereign himself, as
Archbishop of Canterbury. {46} An earlier Rector, John de Langton, had
been made Bishop of Chichester, A.D. 1305. These are the only incumbents
of Horncastle who have attained the Episcopal Bench, (_Horncastle
Register Book_, edited by Canon J. Clare Hudson, 1892).
The promotion of the Rector, Simon de Islep, led to more than one
lawsuit. The Bishop of Carlisle, being at that time heavily in debt, as
Lord of the manor, to which, as has already been stated, the advowson of
the church of St. Mary was attached, had in January, 1347-8 granted the
manor to Hugh de Bole, and others, on their annual payment of 129 pounds
19s. 2.5d, for three years. On the vacancy thus occurring the Bishop was
summoned to appear at Westminster, before Justice John de Stonor, and
others, to answer to William Widuking, of Saundeby, executor of the will
of the said Hugh de Bole, who claimed, as tenant of the manor, the right
to nominate to the vacant benefice. The Bishop resisted this claim, and
the case was argued before the King's Bench, in Hilary term, 1350, when
the Bishop was defeated, the claim of William Widuking being allowed.
(County Placita, Lincoln, No. 46. Pleas at Westminster, 24 Ed. III.,
roll 104.)
Seventeen years later, on the death of John de Kirkby, Bishop of
Carlisle, who had presented Simon de Islep to Horncastle, the
temporalities of the bishopric for the time lapsed to the King; and
Thomas de Appleby, the succeeding Bishop, with John de Rouceby, clerk
(who afterwards became Rector of Horncastle), were summoned to answer to
the King, that the King be allowed, through the said lapse, to appoint to
the vacant Benefice of St. Mary. The Bishop and John de Rouceby brought
the case before the court, but they admitted the justice of the King's
plea, and judgment was given for the King. (De Banco Roll, 41 Ed. III.,
in. 621.) Apparently, as a compromise, the King appointed John de
Rouceby. This John de Rouceby, while Rector of Horncastle, was murdered
on the high road to Lincoln in 1388, (_Horncastle Register Book_, p. 2).
We may here observe, that in the above documents, the Incumbent of St.
Mary's Church is styled "Parson" or "Rector," not, as he is at the
present day, "Vicar." On this change of status we are able to give the
following particulars. Among the Bishop "Nicholson MSS.," which are in
the custody of the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle, and consist of extracts
from the old "Bishops' Registers," it is stated (vol. iv, p. 349) that
Bishop Stern of Carlisle, under agreement with the Bishop of Lincoln (Dr.
Robert Sanderson) in 1660, appropriated the Rectorial appurtenances of
the Benefice of St. Mary to the See of Carlisle. This, however, would
seem to be only a confirmation, or renewal, of what had been done long
before, since as far back as 1313, the Bishop of Carlisle petitioned the
Pope, to allow the church revenues of St. Mary, Horncastle, to be
appropriated to that See, which had been "wasted by war and other
calamities;" the Rector of the day only stipulating for a _pensio
congrua_ being reserved to him for his lifetime. (Carlisle Episcopal
Registers, xix, p. 181 b). This was repeated about 1334 (_Ibid._, p.
187, a. Quoted _Horncastle Register Book_, p. 2). The title Rector
accordingly disappears and from about 1400 only that of Vicar is used,
the Bishops of Carlisle themselves having become the "Rectors." Early in
the 19th century (21 March, 1803) the Bishop of Carlisle leased the
manor, with appurtenances, to Sir Joseph Banks, and his representatives
are now Lay Rectors.
The appointment of one of the early Rectors is a sample of the abuses
connected with Papal supremacy in those times. Peter de Galicia was
nominated Rector in May, 1313, he was a foreigner and probably drew his
income without ever residing at Horncastle. Having influence at the
Papal Curia, he negociated for the Bishop of Carlisle the transfer of the
Rectorial appurtenances of Horncastle to that See; only, as has been
stated, taking care that he had his own _pensio congrua_. Becoming
dissatisfied with the benefice he ultimately exchanged it for the Rectory
of Caldbeck in the diocese of Carlisle. These proceedings are given at
length in Bishop de Kirkby's Register; his Italian name was Piero de
Galiciano. He was succeeded in 1334 by Robert de Bramley, Rector of
Caldbeck. (Carlisle Episcopal Registers, quoted _Lincs. Notes &
Queries_, vol. v, pp. 244-5).
Horncastle was one of the centres of disturbance at the time of the
"Lincolnshire Rising" (already referred to) or "Pilgrimage of Grace," in
1536, and St. Mary's Church was the main cause of the local agitation.
William Leche, brother of the parson of Belchford, was a ringleader in
the town. The plundering of churches, by the King's "visitors," for the
"valor ecclesiasticus," on the plea of regulating ceremonial, but more
really with a view to replenishing the royal coffers, was the great
grievance with the people. Much evidence on the subject is found among
State Papers Domestic, vol. xi, 28 Henry VIII. One witness, Edward
Richardson of Thimbleby, states that William Leche, on Tuesday, 2nd Oct.,
"stirred the people to rise to save the church jewels from the Bishop's
officers," who were acting by the King's orders, the Bishop being the
King's confessor. Robert Sotheby of Horncastle, being sworn before Sir
Anthony Wyngffeld and Sir Arthur Hopton, says that "David Benet, a wever,
rang the comon bell," to rouse the people. The said Robert stated that
he and William Bywater, being churchwardens, were going to see the work
of the plumbers, and in the meantime the said Davy rang the common bell;
and that "William Leche was the first begynner and sterer of the whole
rysinge there." The mob marched about with a standard, carried by Philip
Trotter, clad in the armour of Lionel Dymoke, which he had taken from the
church of St. Mary. The devices on the standard were "a plough," to
encourage the husbandmen; the "challice and Host," because the church
plate and jewellery were to have been taken away; the "wands" were to
encourage the people "to fight in Cristis cause;" the "horn" betokening
Horncastle.
About 100 persons marched to Scrivelsby, and threatened to drag out
Edward Dymoke, the sheriff, and other gentlemen. The sheriff, Thomas
Dymoke, Robert Dighton, and one Saundon, afterwards went into the field,
and conversed with Leche, who said the Rising was because the Visitors
would take the church goods. The mob took the old gentleman, Sir William
Saundon, and "harried him forth by the arms towards Horncastell, till
from hete and weryness he was almost overcum." A horse was brought for
him by one Salman of Baumbrough, but one of the rebels strake the horse
on the head, so that both horse and rider fell to the ground, and they
then said he must "go afote as they did." He was afterwards confined in
the "Moot Hall," at Horncastle, and "they sware him, whether he woll, or
no." Many witnesses testified to the activity of Leche, in going to
private houses and inducing the men to join, and that the gentlemen only
joined from fear of violence. Richard Mekylwhite of Horncastle was
accused by Thomas Lytellbury, that he was "a great procurer" (of men),
and was "one of the causers of George Wolsey's death," (a servant of the
late Cardinal Wolsey).
William Leche, with a great company, went to Bolingbroke, to take the
Bishop's Chancellor, Dr. John Rayne, who was lying there, sick; he was
brought on horseback to Horncastle amid cries of "kill him! kill him!"
He begged Philip Trotter to save him, who said he would do what he could;
the Chancellor gave him xxs., but he in effect did the reverse of helping
him. On reaching the outskirts of the town, "many parsons and vicars
among" the rebels cried "kill him!" whereat William Hutchinson and
William Balderstone, of Horncastle, "pulled him viantly of his horse,
kneling upon him, and with their staves slew him." The Vicar of Thornton
gave xvs. to the rebels. The Vicar of Horncastle, at that time John
Haveringham, seems to have avoided being mixed up with this movement, as
many of his brethren were. The whole affair barely lasted a week, and it
does not appear that the church plate suffered. The King issued a
proclamation from Richmond, 2 December following, that he pardoned all
except the wretches in ward at Lincoln, T. Kendal the Vicar of Louth, and
William Leche of Horncastle.
For a final notice of old records connected with the church, we may
mention a matter of less importance, but one which we can hardly realise,
in these days of religious liberty, when everyone is "a law unto himself"
in matters of faith, and even largely in practice. The parish book of
the adjoining Thimbleby, which is in the soke of Horncastle, shews that,
as late as the year 1820, the parish officials ordered all paupers, in
receipt of parish relief, to attend the church services, on pain of
forfeiting the aid granted; and cases are named where the payment was
stopped until the offender had given satisfaction. The State Papers
Domestic of 1634 show that, at Horncastle, there was a like strictness.
Luke Burton of this town was fined 1s. for being "absent from divine
service," and again a like sum as "absent from prayers." Even "a
stranger, a tobacco man," was fined 1s. for the same offence; and 3s. 4d.
for "tippling in time of divine service." John Berry, butcher, was fined
1s. "for swearing." Simon Lawrence, for selling ale contrary to law, was
fined 20s.; the same "for permitting tippling, 20s.;" while for "selling
ale without a licence," William Grantham and Margaret Wells were
"punished upon their bodies." (State Papers Domestic, vol. 272, No. 23,
Chas. I.)
[Picture: Ancient Scythes in St. Mary's Church]
RECTORS AND VICARS.
We here give a list of these as compiled by Canon J. Clare Hudson, in his
1st volume of the _Horncastle Parish Register Book_, 1892.
A.D. RECTORS.
1236-7 Geoffrey de Leueknor by the Bishop of Carlisle
(admitted on condition it be found the same church with
the churches of [Wood] Enderby, and [High] Toynton and
another, which Osbert the last rector held, be one
benefice).
1239-40 (Delegates of the Pope in a dispute between G. parson
of the church of Horncastre and Francis, parson of the
church of [West] Askeby, concerning the church of
Askeby, decide that G[eoffrey] and his successors, are
to hold the church of Askeby, and pay to Francis
annually for life 27 marks sterling, and the bishop
confirms this ordinance)
1246 Adam de Kirkby.
12-- Ralph Tulgol.
1275 Hugh de Penna (otherwise Hugh de la Penne, Assize Roll,
4 Ed. I. _Lincs._ _Notes & Queries_, iv, p. 220).
1295 John de Langton.
1305 Gilbert de Haloughton.
1313 Peter de Galicia.
VICARS.
1334 Robert de Bramley.
13-- William de Hugate.
1349 Simon de Islep, _resigned_ in 1349, on becoming
Archbishop of Canterbury.
1357 William de Hugate, presented by Gilbert, Bishop of
Carlisle, on exchange.
1369 John de Rouceby.
1388 William Stryckland.
1401 Thomas Carleton, Chaplain.
1445 Robert Somercotes.
14-- John Eston.
1492 John Ffalconer.
1517 Richard Denham.
1524 Barnard Towneley.
1531 Robert Jamys, Chaplain.
1535 John Havringham.
15-- Arthur Layton.
1538 Peter Wallensis.
1557 Henry Henshoo, or Henshaw.
1560 Clement Monke. {50}
1584 Francis Purefey.
1587 Richard Foster.
1593 John Jackson.
1595 Robert Hollinhedge.
1634 Thomas Gibson.
1678 John Tomlinson.
1678-9 Thomas Loddington.
1724 James Fowler.
1779 Joseph Robertson.
1802 Clement Madely.
1845 Thos. James Clarke.
1853 Wm. Holme Milner.
1868 Robert Giles.
1872 Arthur Scrivenor.
1882 Edwin Fowler Quarrington.
1900 Alfred Edgar Moore.
For some of the earlier details I am indebted to the Rev. W. O.
Massingberd.
The Parish Registers of Horncastle are of some interest. They date from
1559, the year following the "Injunction" issued by Queen Elizabeth (the
3rd of its kind) ordering the regular keeping of such records; similar,
earlier, though less stringent, orders having been made in 1538, 1547 and
1552. Besides the records of baptisms, marriages and burials, there are
occasional notes on peculiar passing events, which we may here notice.
One of these occurs in 1627, "Upon Monday, beinge the xxviijth day of
January was a great Tempest of Winde, the like hath not often been in any
age; like wise upon Friday the 4th of November 1636 in the night time
there happened a more fearful (wind than) before.
Mr. Weir, in his _History of Horncastle_, quotes a note (folio 42 b of
the Register): "On the vth daie of October one thousand six hundred and
three, in the ffirst yere of oure Sov'aigne Lord King James was holden in
Horncastell Church a solemnn fast from eight in the morning until fower a
clock in the after noone by five preachers, vidz. Mr. Hollinghedge, Vicar
of Horncastell, Mr. Turner of Edlington, Mr. Downes of Lusbye, Mr.
Philipe of Solmonbye, Mr. Tanzey of Hagworthingha', occasioned by a
generall and most feareful plague yt yere in sundrie places of this land,
but especially upon the Cytie of London. p'r me Clementem Whitelock."
(Parish Clerk.)
We may observe that at this time there perished in London more than
30,000 persons; but the great plague, or "black death," occurred 61 years
later (1664-5), which carried off from 70,000 to 100,000 persons.
Between these periods, and previously, various parishes in our
neighbourhood suffered from this visitation; for instance at Roughton,
which is in the soke of Horncastle, there were 43 burials, including
those of the Rector and two daughters, in the year 1631-2; while in the
adjoining parish of Haltham (also in the soke) although there was no
increase of mortality at that date, there had been 51 deaths in the year
1584; there being a note in the register for that year, "This yeare
plague in Haltham." The turn, however, for Horncastle came in the year
1631, when the register shows that between May 3 and Sep. 29, there were
no less than 176 deaths; in one case 7 in a family (Cocking), 5 in a
family (Halliday), in other cases 4 (Joanes), and again (Hutchinson) 4,
(Fawcitts) 4, (Cheesbrooke) 4, &c. In August alone there were 86 deaths,
and not a single marriage through all these months, whereas the following
year there were only 25 deaths in the whole twelve months. Truly
Horncastrians were, at that dread time, living with the sword of Damocles
hanging over them. A note in the margin in this year is as follows,
"Oct. 5th, buryalls since July 23, 144; burialls since Easter 182."
We have already given the history of the Vicar, Rev. Thos. Gibson, he is
referred to in the two following notes in the Register. At the end of
folio 81a (1635) we find, after the signature of himself and
churchwardens, "Thomas Gibson, Clerk, Master of the free school of
Newcastel uppon Tine, one of the Chapleins of the Right Reverend Father
in God Barnabas, by Divine P'vidence Lo. Bpp. Carliel, presented by the
said Lo. Bpp., was inducted into this Vicarage of Horncastel April xiiij,
1634." At the end of folio 85a (1639) after similar signatures is this:
"The sd Mr. Thomas Gibson, being outed of Horncastle by Cromwell's
Commissioners, removed to Nether Toynton, lived there one yeare, after
restored againe, taught some Gentlemen sonnes in his owne house, was
afterward called to ye scole at Newark, where he continued one yeare,
then was importuned to Sleeford, whether he went ye week after Easter
1650, continued there until May ye first 1661; then, the King being
returned, he returned to his Vicaridge, and was by Doctor Robert
Sanderson, Bishop of Linkcoln made Preban of Saint Mairie Crakepoule in
the Church of Linkcoln."
It may be observed that the spelling in those times, the entries
doubtless being often made by the parish clerk, was rather phonetic than
orthographic. Many names occur which still survive, but here spelt
variously, for instance Fawssett has been a name well known in Horncastle
in modern times in a good position, in town and county, here we find it
in generation after generation as Fawcet, Fawset, Faucitt, &c. The name
Raithbeck is of continual occurrence, it is now probably represented by
Raithby. Castledine occurs several times, being probably the phonetic
form of the modern Cheseltine. The present name Chantry appears as
Chauntry. Palfreyman, or Palfreman, occurs on several occasions, they
were of a respectable family in the county, William Palfreyman being
Mayor of Lincoln in 1534; Ralph Palfreyman, clerk, was presented to the
Benefice of Edlington, by his brother Anthony, merchant of the Staple,
Lincoln, in 1569.
In folio 69a (1628) is the entry "Tirwhitt Douglas, daughter unto Mr.
George Tirwhitt, christened Jan. 8." Her father George Tyrwhitt was a
scion of the old county family of the Tyrwhitts of Kettleby, Stainfield,
&c., by Faith, daughter of Nicholas Cressy of Fulsby, who married
Frances, daughter of Sir Henry Ayscough, of another very old county
family. She was named Douglas, though a female, after her kinswoman,
Douglas, daughter of William, first Lord Howard of Effingham. Her sister
married Sir Edward Dymoke of Scrivelsby. She herself is mentioned among
the benefactors to the poor of Horncastle, as leaving a charge of 10s. on
a farm at Belchford, as an annual payment, on her death in 1703.
Another name of frequent occurrence, though now extinct, is that of
Hamerton. John Hamerton (as already stated) is mentioned, with John
Goake, on a tablet inserted in the wall on the south side of the chancel
arch, as being churchwarden in the vicariate of Thomas Gibson, in 1675,
and throughout the early registers successive generations of this family
are recorded. They may have been humble scions of the Hamertons, of
Hamerton, Yorkshire, a branch of whom were among the landed gentry near
the Scottish border; but at Horncastle they were engaged in trade. John
Hamerton, christened Dec. 10, 1575, whose probable father, another John
Hamerton, was buried Sep. 3, 1584, married Feb. 2, 1613, Grace Broxholme,
whose father John Broxholme is described as "Gent" in 1611. Thomas
Hamerton in 1603 was a draper, another Thomas Hamerton in 1613 was a
"yoman," John in 1615 was a tanner, Thomas in 1606 and 1617 was a tanner,
Robert son of Thomas in 1619 was a tanner, William in 1620 was a glover.
In 1630, Thomas, buried Jan. 24, is designated "Mr." On June 16, 1633,
Katherine Hamerton is married "by Licence" to George Colimbell. A rise
in status is indicated by the two latter entries, and accordingly, in the
records of the neighbouring parish of Edlington we find "Geo. Hamerton,
gent., and Sarah Hussey married July 21, 1699;" the Husseys being
probably connected with the county family, the head of which was Lord
Hussey of Sleaford. The John Hamerton, churchwarden in 1675, was born
Jan. 22, 1636, son of John and Dorothy Hamerton. The marriage of the
parents is not given in the register, the father therefore probably
married an "outener," as they are provincially termed. The interesting
point however in connection with this family is, that although they have
long ago been extinct, they have left their mark behind them still
surviving in the town. Near the junction of East Street with South
Street there still exists at the back of the second shop, in the former
street (a repository for fancy needlework), a room lined with good oak
wainscoting, with finely carved mantelpiece, over which is an
inscription, richly carved in relief, with the letters "Ao Di" to the
left, and to the right the date "1573;" while above, in the centre, are
the initials "J H" and "M H;" separated by a floriated cross and
encircled by a wreath. This would doubtless be John Hamerton and his
wife Mary (or Margaret) Hamerton, the original builders of the house.
Two doors beyond is Hamerton Lane, and the title deeds, which the present
writer has inspected, show that the whole of this block of buildings now
forming five shops and two private residences, once formed one large
dwelling place, belonging to the Hamerton of that day, with a frontage in
East Street of more than 20 yards, and in South Street of 70 or 80 yards,
with extensive back premises and gardens attached. The J.H. and M.H., of
whom we have here such interesting relics, were probably the grandfather
and grandmother of the John Hamerton of the time of the Commonwealth and
Charles II., and the extent of the buildings occupied by them show that
they were wealthy.
Tanning was at one time the chief trade of the town, there being within
the writer's recollection several tan yards, now no longer existing. The
Bain water was said to be specially suited for this purpose. We have
seen that several of the Hamertons were tanners, and they had evidently
prospered in their calling.
One more name in the register deserves a brief notice, that of Snowden
(spelt there Snoden). We have, at various dates, from 22 Oct. 1629,
onwards, the baptisms of the whole family of Mr. Rutland Snowden, and the
burials of some of them. The Snowdens were originally a Notts. family,
of the smaller gentry class, but Robert Snowden, third son of Ralph
Snowden, of Mansfield Woodhouse, became Bishop of Carlisle, and, ex
officio, Lord of the Manor of Horncastle. The Bishops of Carlisle had,
as has been already stated, a residence in Horncastle, near the present
Manor House, and the Bishop's widow, Abigail, probably resided there. In
her will, dated 15 April, 1651, and proved 7 May in the same year, she
mentions her sons Rutland and Scrope; there was also another son Ralph.
Rutland married on Xmas day, 1628, Frances, widow of George Townshend,
Esq., of Halstead Hall, Stixwould, and Lord of the Manor of Cranworth,
Norfolk, by whom he had a large family. His granddaughter, Jane Snowden,
married Charles Dymoke, Esq., of Scrivelsby; she died childless and
founded and endowed the village school and almshouses at Hemingby.
Another granddaughter, Abigail, married Edward Dymoke, younger son of Sir
Edward Dymoke, of Scrivelsby, as shewn by the register there, on 18 July,
1654, and she thus became ancestress of the Tetford branch of the
Dymokes, now also of Scrivelsby.
Rutland Snowden, who graduated B.A. at Christ's College, Cambridge,
1617-8, took his M.A. degree at St. John's College, Oxford, 1623, and was
admitted a member of Gray's Inn in the same year. He was buried at
Horncastle, 1654 (_Lincs. Notes & Queries_, vol. iv, pp. 14-16). That
was a period of national disturbance, and the people of Horncastle, with
the Winceby fight of 1643, were more or less drawn into the vortex.
Abigail Snowden, widow of Bishop Robert of Carlisle seems to have been
brought into much trouble, owing to her son, Rutland, having espoused the
Royalist cause. Among Exchequer Bills and Answers (Chas. I., Lincoln,
No. 86) is a petition shewing that Francis, Bishop of Carlisle, leased to
Rutland Snowden and his assignees, for three lives, the manor, lands,
parsonage, and other premises at Horncastle, on payment of 120 pounds.
Subsequent proceedings would seem to imply that this lease was previously
granted to the said Abigail herself, as shewn by the following: "To the
Honourable the Commissioners for compounding with delinquents. The
Humble Petition of Abigail Snowden, widow, sheweth that Richard Milborne,
late Bishop of Carlisle, did, 22 Sep., 1623, for valuable consideracions,
demise the manor and soke of Horncastle (parcel of ye lands of ye
Bishopricke) unto your petitonr, during the lives of Rutland Snoden,
Scroope Snoden, and George Snoden, and for the life of the longest of
them; that the said demise being allowed good unto her by the trustees .
. . yet hath bene, and is, sequestrated, for the delinquensie of the said
Rutland Snoden . . . the petitioner prayeth . . . that your petitioner
may have releife . . . as to you shall seem meet. And yr petitioner will
praie, &c. Abigail Snoden, 24 Nov., 1650." A note adds that the matter
was "Referred to Mr. Brereton, to examine and report."
It was reported on by Peter Brereton, 31 Jan. following (Royalist
Composition Papers, 1st series, vol. 58, No. 515). As this is a fair
sample of the treatment by the Parliamentary officials of Royalist
"delinquents" and their friends, we here give further particulars.
A similar petition was presented by "John Bysse, gent." (given in
Royalist Composition Papers, 1st series, vol. 8, No. 167). Further,
Abigail Snowden bequeathed her interest in the above lease to Thos.
Toking, who was of Bucknall and of Ludgate Hill, London. Accordingly,
two years later, we have another attempt at recovery, as follows: "To the
Honourable Commissioners for compounding with Delinquents. The humble
petition of Thomas Toking, of Co. Lincoln, gent., sheweth, that a lease
was made to him by Abigail Snowden, widow, deceased, of the manor, &c.,
&c., which had been sequestered many years, for the delinquency of
Rutland Snowden . . . and that he (T. Toking) has more to offer, for the
clearing of his title. He prays therefore for a commission of enquiry.
21 Oct., 1652." Reply: "not sufficient proof."
The said Thos. Toking again petitions, stating, that he is willing, to
avoid further trouble, to submit to "a reasonable composition." This is
again "referred to Mr. Brereton," 7 Feb., 1653. On 21 Sep., 1653, the
order was issued that "the Petitioner be admitted for compounding."
Again "Referred to Mr. Brereton." The result, however, was that Mr.
Thomas Toking died before obtaining the "relief" petitioned for.
N.B. Besides the "delinquency" of having "adhered to, and assisted, ye
forces against the Parliament," it was charged against Rutland Snowden
that he had "more wives than one." He "rendered his estate in fee" at
Horncastle, in Nov., 1645, for which his fine, at one-tenth was 188
pounds (Royalist Composition Papers, 1st series, fol. 113). His son, a
second Rutland Snowden, was among the Benefactors of Horncastle, as he
bequeathed to the poor of the town, 1682, "one house of the yearly rent
of 26s.," to be "paid in bread, 6d. every other Sunday;" a considerably
larger sum at that time than now.
We find the names of Rutland Snoden of Horncastle, and Scrope Snoden of
Boston, in the list of Lincolnshire Gentry, entitled to bear arms, made
by the Heralds, at their Visitation in 1634; along with other well known
names in the neighbourhood, such as Dymoke, Heneage, Laugton,
Massingberd, Tyrwhitt, &c. (_Lincs. Notes & Queries_, vol. i, p. 106).
The Snowden arms are said, in Yorke's _Union of Honour_, to have been
"Azure a lion rampant, or." (_Lincs. Notes & Queries_, vol. iv, p. 16).
[Picture: The Old Vicarage]
The Vicarage of St. Mary's Church formerly stood at the north-east corner
of the churchyard, forming part of a block of small houses. It was a
poor residence, but occupied until his death in 1845, by the Vicar,
Clement Madely, DD. The whole block was, about that time, taken down,
the space being, later on, covered with the present substantial
buildings. His successor, Rev. T. J. Clarke, rented a good house in
South Street, now occupied by Mrs. Howland. Mr. Clarke was succeeded by
the Rev. W. Holme Milner, in 1853, and he built the present vicarage.
St. Mary's Churchyard was closed, for burials, in 1848, when the
churchyard of Holy Trinity was consecrated.
We here give a list of the Church Plate, which is more than usually
valuable.
1. Paten, silver, 15 oz. 2 dwt., given by Mrs. Hussey, 1718. *
2. Paten lid, silver, 2 oz. 2 dwt., old, no date.
3. Paten, pewter, no date.
4. Chalice, silver gilt, 7 oz., old, no date.
5. Chalice, silver gilt, 13 oz. 4 dwt. In memoriam, J.H., 1879.
6. Chalice, silver gilt, 13 oz. 2 dwt. *
7. Flagon, silver, 59 oz., given by Susannah Lascells, 1741.
8. Flagon, silver, 58 oz. 2 dwt., given by Susannah Lascelles, widow,
Christmas, 1743. *
9. Alms basin, silver, 6 oz. 6 dwt., given by Thomas Hargreaves, Esq.,
1735. T.M.H. on handle.
10. Alms Basin, silver, 7 oz. 6 dwt., given by Clement Madely, vicar,
1835.
11. Paten, silver gilt, 13 oz. In Memoriam, J.H. 1879.
12. Paten, silver. 4 oz. 2 dwt., no date. *
13. Cruet with silver stopper, H.T.C. 1872.
Those marked with asterisk are used at Holy Trinity Church.
We cannot here omit our tribute to the energy, liberality, and taste of
the various parties connected with the restoration of St. Mary's Church,
begun in 1859, and happily completed in April, 1861. With a persevering
vicar, in Prebendary W. H. Milner, undaunted by difficulties, to head the
movement; a working committee, no less resolute, to support him (among
whom figured foremost the late Dr. J. B. Boulton and Mr. F. Harwood);
with an architect of cultivated taste and wide experience, in Mr. Ewan
Christian; and with the able contractors, Messrs. Lee & Ashton, to carry
out his designs; and with a body of subscribers, headed by the Lord of
the Manor, J. Banks Stanhope, Esq., all doing their best; the work was
bound to be a marked success, of which all might be proud. St Mary's now
probably approaches nearer to its original conception (if it does not,
indeed, surpass it) than it has ever done in recent times. Erected, as
it first was, in an age marked by "zeal" for church construction, even if
sometimes "without knowledge;" stimulated, perhaps in an unwholesome
degree, by the prevalent superstition and mariolatry, we yet feel bound,
considering the noble structures which those builders have transmitted to
us, (as Prior the poet says) to be "To their virtues very kind, and to
their faults a little blind." But, as to the restoration in the present
instance, few, save the older ones among us, who remember the condition
into which the fabric had lapsed, can realise the great changes which
were effected, or the advantages secured to present worshippers. The
space formerly wasted by a western vestibule, with its boarded partition,
and baize-covered doors, leading into nave and aisles, reducing by
several feet the length of sitting space; the basement of the tower shut
off, and occupied only by the bell ringers, who are now removed to the
chamber above; the chancel aisles unused for seats and partially blocked
up; the high square pews, rising in tiers westwards, roomy enough for
undisturbed slumber; above all, the heavy galleries, with pews, made by
faculty private property; all these arrangements so curtailed the
accommodation, that the congregation, at its best, could be little more
than half what it has been in recent years; while the _tout ensemble_,
not omitting the flat whitewashed ceiling, put up, it has been said, by a
kind lady, because the vicar, sensitive to cold, felt the draughts
through the fine wooden roof thus hidden above, had an effect the very
opposite of stimulating devotion, bad alike for minister and people.
Under the restored condition, with sixty additional seats provided in the
tower, the south chancel aisle also seated, and every available space
utilized, there is now ample accommodation for some 800 worshippers, and
on special occasions more than 1,200 have been seated (the late Mr. W.
Pacy counted about 1,250 passing out at the evening service at the
re-opening in April, 1861); while the services, and the surroundings, are
alike calculated to inspire feelings of reverence, with hearty
earnestness of worship; this is the result mainly due to the "decency and
order" effected through the care and self-denying efforts of the
restorers, for which all should be grateful.
We should here add that in the year 1892, it being found that decay had
occurred in the walls and other parts of the church, about 150 pounds was
raised by subscription, and once more the fabric was put into a complete
state of repair.