[0]His father, for about 12 months, occupied the house in North Street, of late years known as the “Red House,” distinguished, it is said, as being the only house in the town having a front door of mahogany.
[1a]Mr. Jeans, in hisHandbook for Lincolnshire, p. 142, says “the Roman station (here) probably utilized an existing British settlement.”
[1b]Words and Places, p. 13, note. Ed. 1873.
[1c]There are probably traces of British hill-forts in the neighbourhood, as on Hoe hill, near Holbeck, distant 4 miles, also probably at Somersby, Ormsby, and several other places.
[1d]In the name of the near village of Edlington we have probably a trace of the mystic Druid,i.e.British, deity Eideleg, while in Horsington we may have the Druid sacred animal. Olivers’Religious Houses, Appendix, p. 167.
[2a]Words and Places, p. 130.
[2b]The meadow which now lies in the angle formed by the junction of the Bain and Waring at Horncastle is still called “The Holms,” which is Danish for “islands.”
[2c]The name Bain, slightly varied, is not uncommon. There is the Bannon, or Ban-avon (“avon” also meaning “river”), in Pembrokeshire; the Ban in Co. Wexford, Bana in Co. Down, Banney (i.e.Ban-ea, “ea” also meaning water) in Yorkshire, Bain in Herefordshire; Banavie (avon) is a place on the brightly running river Lochy in Argyleshire; and, as meaning “white,” a fair-haired boy or girl is called in Gaelic “Bhana.”
[2d]The name Waring (G commonly representing the modern W) is found in the Yarrow, and Garry in Scotland, the Geirw, a rough mountain stream, at Pont-y-glyn, in North Wales, and in the Garonne in France.
[2e]Ars Poetica, l 59.
[2f]An account of this urn is given by the late Bishop Trollope, with an engraving of it, in theArchitectural Society’s Journal, vol. iv, p. 200.
[2g]De Bella Gallico, bk. v, ch. 12–14.
[2h]Some idea of the extent of these forests, even in later times, may be formed from the account given by De la Prime (Philosophical Transactions, No. 75, p. 980) who says “round about the skirts of the wolds are found infinite millions of the roots and bodies of trees of great size.” Pliney tells us that the Britons had “powerful mastiffs” for hunting the wild boar, and Manwood in an oldTreatise on Forest Laws(circa 1680) states (p. 60) that the finest mastiffs were bred in Lincolnshire. Fuller, in hisWorthies of England(p. 150) mentions that a Dutchman (circa 1660) coming to England for sport, spent a whole season in pursuit of wild game “in Lincolniensi montium tractu,” by which doubtless were intended the wolds. A writer in theArchæological Journal(June, 1846) says “the whole country of the Coritani (i.e.Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, &c.) was then, and long after, a dense forest.” The name “Coritani,” or more properly Coitani, is the Roman adaptation of the British “Coed,” a wood, which still survives in Wales in such place-names as “Coed Coch,” the red wood, “Bettws y Coed,” the chapel in the wood, &c. This was their distinguishing characteristic to the Roman, they were wood-men.
[3]To the skill and bravery in war of the Britons Cæsar bears testimony. He says, “They drive their chariots in all directions, throwing their spears, and by the fear of their horses and the noise of their wheels they disturb the ranks of their enemies; when they have forced their way among the troops they leap down and fight on foot. By constant practice they acquire such skill that they can stop, turn, and guide their horses when at full speed and in the most difficult ground. They can run along the chariot pole, sit on the collar and return with rapidity into the chariot, by which novel mode (he says) his men were much disturbed.” (“Novitate pugnæ perturbati.”)De Bella Gallico, lib. iv, c, 33, 34.
[5a]An account of this milestone is given by the late Precentor Venables, in hisWalks through the Streets of Lincoln, two Lectures, published by J. W. Ruddock, 253, High Street, Lincoln.
[5b]Stukeley,Itinerarium curiosum, p. 28; Weir’sHistory of Horncastle, p. 4, ed. 1820; Saunders’History, vol. ii, p. 90, ed. 1834; Bishop Trollope,Architectural Society’s Journal, vol. iv, p. 199, &c.
[5c]Ravennas, whose personal name is not known (that term merely meaning a native of Ravenna), was an anonymous geographer, who wrote aChorography of Britian, as well as of several other countries, about A.D. 650. These were confessedly compilations from older authorities, and were, two centuries later, revised by Guido of Ravenna, and doubtless by others at a later period still, since the work, in its existent form describes the Saxons and Danes, as well, in Britain. As Gallio, also of Ravenna, was the last Roman general in command in these parts, it has been suggested that he was virtually the original author (Horsley’sBritannia, 1732, chap. iv., p. 489; alsoThe Dawn of Modern Geography, by C. Raymond Beazley, M.A., F.R.G.S., 1897, J. Murray). Messrs. Pinder and Parthey published an edition ofRavennas,or the Ravennese Geographer, as did also Dr. Gale.
[5e]Life of Agricolac. xxxi.
[6a]This is a thoroughly provincial word for highway or turnpike. It is of course a corruption of “Rampart,” a fortified passage. In the marsh districts the main roads are called “rampires.” See Brogden’sProvincial Words.
[6b]The name Baumber, again, also written Bam-burgh, means a “burgh,” or fortress on the Bain, which runs through that parish.
[7a]These urns are fully described with an engraving of them in vol. iv, pt. ii, of theArchitectural Society’s Journal, by the late Bishop Dr. E. Trollope.
[7b]Architect. S. Journal, iv, ii, p. 201.
[8]Gough,Sepulchral Monuments, Introduction, p. 59, says “coffins of lead and wood are believed to have been used by the Romans in Britain.”
[9]The first Danish incursions into England were in A.D. 786 and 787, specially in Lincolnshire in 838. In 869 was fought the decisive battle of Threckingham in this county, which made the Danes paramount. The name Threckingham is said to be derived from the fact that 3 kings were slain in this battle, but we believe this to be an error, and that the place was the residence, the “ham” of the Threcginghas.
[10]The prefix “Horn” is also found in Holbeach Hurn, an angular headland on the south coast of Lincolnshire. In the monkish Latin of old title deeds, we also find the patronymic Hurne, Hearne, &c., represented by its equivalent “de angulo,”i.e.“of the corner.”
[11a]Dr. Mansell Creighton, late Bishop of London.Essays, edited by Louisa Creighton, 1904, pp. 278–9.
[11b]The palace of the Bishop was on the site of the present Manor House.
[11c]Dugdale, vol. ii, p. 336.Monast. Angl., vol. ii, p. 646.
[12a]Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No. 14, m. 1.
[12b]Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No 14, m. 1, 3 Edward I., 1274–5.
[12c]This sale was confirmed by the King, as shewn by a Charter Roll, 14 Henry III., pt. i, m. 12 3 Ed. I., 1274–5.
[12d]Patent Roll, 14 Richard II., pt. i, m. 3. A.D. 1390.
[12e]Patent Roll, 6 Edward VI., pt. iii, m. 1.
[12f]Patent Roll, 1 Mary, pt. 8, m 2, (44) 28 Nov., 1553.
[12g]Memoirs of Sir Henry Fynes Clinton.Annual Register, 1772, p. 2.
[12h]Coram Rege Roll, Portsmouth, April 20, 14 Chas. II.
[13a]Exchequer Bills and Answers, 11 Charles V., Lincoln, No. 185.
[13b]The carucate varied in different parts of the country, in Lincolnshire it was 120 acres. Gelt was a land tax, first imposed by the Danes in the reign of Ethelred, about A.D. 991, being 2s. on the carucate. Villeins and bordars were under-tenants of two different classes, bordars being superior to villeins. (Introd.Domesday Book, by C. Gowen Smith, 1870).
[13c]Barristers are said to have been first appointed by Edward I., A.D. 1291.
[16a]Among the Lincoln Cathedral Charters is an imperfect one, which mentions her “Castle of Tornegat (can this be a corruption for Horncastle?), her land at Wicham in Chent (Kent?), at Carlton and Torleby (Thurlby) in Lincolnshire,”Architectural Society’s Journal, 1901, p. 22. There is a notice of her in theDictionary of National Biography, vol. I.
[16b]This Geoffrey Gairmar is himself rather an interesting figure in local history. He is mentioned in the Rolls Series, 91, i, ii (Ed. Hardy and Martin, 1888–9), as the author ofL’estorie des Engles, a rhyming chronicle, based chiefly on theAnglo-Saxon Chronicle, and Geoffrey of Monmouth (between A.D. 1135 and 1147). He undertook his work at the request of Custance, wife of Ralph Fitz Gilbert; the latter held the manor of Scampton near Lincoln, and Geoffrey was probably a Norman who lived in that parish. He quotesThe Book of WashingboroughandThe Lay of Haveloc the Dane, relating to Grimsby. He does not directly mention Horncastle, but shews acquaintance with the neighbourhood by celebrating the burial of King Ethelred at Bardney.
[16c]Camden’sBritannia, pp. 45, 288, 529.
[16d]History of Lincoln, 1816, p. 138.
[16e]Camden, p. 88. A Lincoln Chancery Inquisition (Oct. 31, 1503) shows that on the death of Anne, daughter and heir of Edmund Cheney, owning the manors of Tothill, Gayton, Riston, and Theddlethorpe, Robert Willoughby, Lord Broke, was declared to be her kinsman and heir.
[16f]Dugdale, vol. ii, p. 336. D. Mon, ii, p. 646. (Architectural Society’s Journal, 1895, p. 23).
[17a]DugdaleBaronage, p. 39.
[17b]Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No 14, m. 1, 3 Ed. I., A.D., 1274–5. A Pipe Roll also, 1 Richard I., A.D. 1189–90, mentions “Gerbod de Escalt as paying a tale of £80 in Horncastre.”
[17c]Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 37 Henry III., No. 36 (3 Nov. 1252), and ditto, No. 38, same date. Gerard de Rhodes is also named in a Chancellor’s Roll, 3 John, A.D. 1201–1, as paying certain fees for Horncastle. He is also named in the document above quoted (Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, 14, m. 1) as succeeding to the manor on the demise of Gerbald de Escald.
[17d]Feet of Fines, 9 Henry III., No. 52, Lincoln.
[18a]Quo Warranto Roll, 9 Ed. I., 15 June, 1281, quotedLincolnshire Notes & Queries, vol. v, p. 216.
[18b]Coram Rege Roll, 13 Ed. I., m. 10, 12 May, 1285.Lincs. Notes & Queries, pp. 219–20.
[18c]The transfer of the manor to the bishop is further proved by a Carlisle document, a chancery inquisition post mortem, dated Dec. 11, 1395, which states that a certain John Amery, owner of a messuage in the parish “by fealty and the service of 16d. of rent, by the year, holds of the Bishop of Carlisle, and the said Bishop holds of the King.”
[18d]The bishops of those days were sportsmen. It is recorded of a Bishop of Ely that he rode to the Cathedral “with hawk on wrist,” and left it in the cloister while doing “God’s service.” There it was stolen and he solemnly excommunicated the thief. Aukenleck MS., temp. Ed. II., British Museum. The extensive woods in the soke of Horncastle abounded in game, as we have already shown by the tolls charged on roebuck, hares, &c., brought into the town. The punishment for killing a wild boar, without the king’s licence, was the loss of both eyes. These feræ naturæ became extinct about A.D. 1620.
[18e]These and other privileges granted to the Bishop are first specified in a Cartulary Roll, 14–15 Henry III.; they are renewed in a Memoranda Roll of 4 Ed. III.; again in the 25th year of Henry VI., and further in a Roll attested by Charles II., in his court at Westminster, Feb. 26, 1676. The August Fair was, in late years, altered by the Urban Council to begin on the 2nd Monday in the month, and to end on the following Thursday, it really however begins on the previous Thursday.
[19a]Roll 104, Hilary Term, 24 Ed. III. (1350). County Placita, Lincoln, No. 46.
[19b]De Banco Roll, Michaelmas, 41 Ed. III., m. 621, Aug. 3, 1368, Lincoln.
[19c]Coram Rege Roll, Trinity, 13 Ed. I., m. 10, Westminster, 12 May, 1285. Given inLincolnshire Notes & Queries, vol. v., p. 220.
[20a]Patent Roll, 14 Richard II., pt. 2, m. 47, 8 Dec., 1390.Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. v., p. 221.
[20b]Fuller’sChurch History of Britain, vol. i, pp. 240, 242.
[20c]Camden’sBritannia, p. 484.
[20d]Camden’sBritannia, p. 522.
[20e]Ibid, p. 978. The name of Tibetot may possibly still survive in the family of Tibbot, who till quite recently held the manor of Thimbleby in the soke of Horncastle.
[20f]Ibidem, p. 489.
[20g]Ibidem, p. 88.
[20h]Ibidem, p. 760. This castle was built by Richard, Baron le Scrope, Chancellor of England under Richard II.
[20i]Ibidem, p. 99.
[20j]Ibidem, p. 722.
[20k]Patent Roll 6 Ed. VI., pt. 3, m. 1, 21 Nov., 1552, witnessed by the king at Westminster.
[21a]Patent Roll, 1 Mary, pt. 8, m. 2 (44), 28 Nov., 1553.
[21b]Historical MS. Commission. Calendar of MS. of the most Honble. the Marquis of Salisbury, K.G., &c., p. 179.
[21c]This Earl of Lincoln would seem to have been of a particularly hot temperament. I have mentioned in another volume (Records of Woodhall Spa, pp. 14.0, &c.) several of his actions of gross violence against the Saviles of Poolham Hall, in this neighbourhood, about the same date (1578). I will merely state here that he, with a party of followers, attacked Sir Robert Savile, when on a hunting excursion, seized several of his hounds and hanged them, as Sir Robert says, “upon my own tree within my own ground.” He forced his way into the parlour at Poolham and challenged Sir Robert to fight “six to six” of their dependents. After an entertainment at Horncastle his followers, at his instigation, got hold of an unfortunate tailor, “drew their swords and sore wounded him,” saying he should “have that and more, for his master’s sake,” Sir Robert Savile’s son. One Robert Fullshaw, of Waddingworth, prayed the justices for protection against his “horrible outrages,” and it was said that his conduct “savoured of insanity.” (Illustrations of English Historyby Lodge. Lansdown MS., Brit. Mus., 27, art. 41.)
[21d]Patent Roll, 6 Ed. VI., pt. i, m. 11. Date 8 Dec., 1554.
[22a]Esch. Inquis. post mortem, 3–4 Henry VIII., No. 14.
[22b]It does not appear where this “Parish-fee” was situated, doubtless it was subordinate to the main manor of Horncastle, such “fees” were generally named after the owners once “enfeoffed” of them, as we have at Spalding Ayscough-fee Hall, once owned by the Ayscoughs, Beaumont-fee at Lincoln, owned by the Beaumonts, Panell-fee by the Paganels, Nevill-fee by the Nevills in Middle Rasen, &c.Architectural Society’s Journal, 1895, p. 19. There is a family named Parish at Horncastle but they are a modern importation.
[22c]Inquis. post mortem, 6 Edward III., held at Haltham, Sep. 21, 1333.
[22d]Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 32 Henry III., 21 July, A.D. 1248.Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iv. p. 120. This is repeated in a Final Concord of the same date between Silvester, Bishop of Carlisle, and other parties.Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. vii., p. 114.
[22e]Cottonian Charter, v., 61, quotedLincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iii, p. 245.
[22f]Architectural Society’s Journal, 1896, pp. 254–257.
[22g]Court of Wards Inquis. post mortem, 3, 4 and 5 Ed. VI., vol. v., p. 91.Architectural Society’s Journal, 1896, p. 258.
[22h]Chancery Inquis. post mortem, 20 Henry VI., No. 25.Architectural Society’s Journal, 1899, p. 257.
[22i]Ibidem.
[22j]Ibidem, p. 258.
[24a]Lincs. Notes & Queues, vols. i., p. 183, and ii., p. 219.
[24b]Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. i, p. 47.
[24c]Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 27 Edward III., No. 158.
[24d]Originalia Roll, 34 Edward III., m. 35, A.D. 1360–1.
[24e]Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 41 Edward III., No. 94.
[24f]Inquis. post mortem, 10 James I., pt. i., No. 11.
[25a]Chancery B. and A., James I., R., r, 10, 1, 8 October, 1623.
[25b]These details are all taken from Camden’sBritannia, Gibson’s Edition, 1695.
[26a]Chancellor’s Roll, A.D. 1201–2.
[26b]Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iii., pp. 244–5.
[27a]Ibidem.
[27b]Camden’sBritannia, p. 712.
[27c]Pipe Roll, 1160–1.
[27d]Pipe Roll, 1161–2.
[27e]Testa de Nevill, folio 348. He also held the advowson of Mareham, which was transferred to the Bishop of Carlisle, as Lord of Horncastle, in 1239 (Final Concords, p. 304) by his successor, William de Bavent.
[27f]Cathedral Charters (Calcewaith), folio 106 (a), quotedArchitectural Society’s Journal, No. xxvii, p. 14.
[27g]Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 18 Ed. I., No. 34.
[27h]Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 12 Ed. II., No. 22.
[27i]Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 44 Ed. III., No. 32. These trustees were John Amery of Horncastle; Simon, Parson of Wilksby; John of Claxby Pluckacre; and others.
[27j]De Banco Roll, 5 Henry VII., Hilary, M., A.D. 1490.
[28a]Architectural Society’s Journal, 1894, p. 190.Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iii., p. 204, vol. vii., p. 3.
[28b]Maddison’sWills, 1st series, p. 360, No. 96.
[28c]Lansdown MS., British Museum, 54, 62, &c., quoted inOld Lincolnshire, vol. i., p. 118. In All Saint’s Church at Theddlethorpe is a fine brass of an Angevin and his wife of the 16th century.
[28d]De Banco Roll, 5 Henry VII., Hilary, M., A.D. 1490.
[28e]Chancery Inquisition post mortem, taken at Alford, April 28, 14 Henry VIII., A.D. 1522.
[28f]Bridge’sHistory of Northamptonshire, quotedArchitectural Society’s Journal, 1879, p. 45, note.
[28g]Patent I Ed. IV., pt. 2, m. 59, quotedOld Lincolnshire, vol. i., p. 124.
[29a]Chancery Inquisition, 18 Henry VII., No. 34., taken at East Rasen, 26 Oct., 1502.
[29b]Commission of Peace, 13 July, 1510, quotedLincs. Notes & Queries, Jan. 1896, p. 15.
[29c]Inquisition post mortem, 6 Henry VIII., 20 Jan., A.D. 1515.Old Lincolnshire, vol. i, p. 221.
[29d]Circa A.D. 1536.Architectural Society’s Journal, 1895, p. 14.
[29e]Architectural Society’s Journal, 1894, p. 192.
[29f]Architectural Society’s Journal, 1894, p. 215.
[29g]Architectural Society’s Journal, 1894, p. 221.
[29h]Architectural Society’s Journal, 1879.Pedigree of Fitz-Williams, p. 44, &c. A Douglas Tyrwhitt of this family, daughter of George Tyrwhitt, Esq., in 1703 left a dole of 10/-, charged on land at Belchford, to the poor of Horncastle.
[29i]Patent Roll, 19 Elizabeth, pt. iv, m. 13, 2 May, 1577.
[30a]Privately printed, from Burghley Papers, by Right Hon. Edward Stanhope of Revesby Abbey, 1892.
[30b]Works of Thomas Becon, Parker Society, p. 480, note.
[30c]Bishop Aldrich died at Horncastle in March, 1555, he was a distinguished graduate of King’s College, Cambridge, Provost of Eton, a correspondent of the great Dutch scholar Erasmus; afterwards made Archdeacon of Colchester, Canon of Windsor, Registrar of the Order of the Garter, and consecrated to the See of Carlisle 18 July, 1537.
[31a]Exchequer Bills and Answers, Chas. I., Lincoln, No. 36. Among the charges brought against Rutland Snowden (as already stated elsewhere) one was, that, besides having aided the forces of the Parliament, he had more than one wife. The Snowden Arms are given in “Yorks. Union of Honour,”Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iv., p. 16.
[31b]Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. i., p. 106.
[31c]The valuable collections of Sir Joseph Banks are still carefully preserved at Revesby Abbey, and form in themselves almost a museum.
[32a]Leland’sCollectanea, 66, p. 300.
[32b]The stables of John of Gaunt’s House still exist adjoining the High Street.
[33a]Quoted Weir’sHistory of Horncastle, note p. 29, ed. 1820.
[33b]On Saturday, next the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, 21 Jan., 1384–5, held by John de Feriby, Escheator of the King, in the County of Lincoln.
[34]Most of these fragments were removed by Mr. Stanhope to Revesby Abbey. Two of them are preserved in the garden of Langton Rectory, near Horncastle.
[36]The origin of this Chantry is shewn by the following documents:—In the archives of Carlisle Cathedral is a copy, in Latin, of a Privy Seal State Paper, Domestic, vol. i, 5039, of date 5 May, 6 Henry VIII. (A.D. 1514), slightly imperfect, but running thus: “The King to all . . . greeting. Know that we, of our special grace . . . by these presents do grant . . . for us, our heirs and successors . . . to the devout woman, the Lady Margaret Copuldyke, widow, and Richard Clarke, tanner, of Horncastle, that they found a fraternity, or guild, to the honour of St. Katharine, and for the extending of divine teaching, in the Parish Church of the blessed Virgin of Horncastell, and mortain licence to acquire land of the annual value of 25 marks” (£16 15s. 4d.). Another document, a Chantry Certificate, Lincoln, No. 33 (55), Ed. VI. (1552), states that “the Guild of St. Katharine, in Horncastell, was founded byJoanCopuldyke, widow, and others, with the intention that one Chaplain for ever, should celebrate divine services in the church, for the souls of the founder, and others; the profits of the land and possessions are received by the Alderman of the Guild.” They are described as “worth yearly £13 8s. 8d., with fees, wages, rents and other reprises, £7 15s. 3d. The clear value, reprises deducted, yearly, £5 13s. 10d.,” with “goods, chattels and ornaments worth £1 10s.” It is to be observed that Gervase Holles says, that at the time of his visit, she was named “Margaret,” in a window then existing in the church. A Patent Roll, 3 Ed. VI., pt. 5, m. 4, gives various lands and tenements, with which this chantry was endowed, in Horncastle, Spilsby, Thornton and Roughton, occupied by about 100 tenants; and states that all these were granted “by the King to Robert Carr, gent., of Sleaford, and John Almond, their heirs and assigns.” Witness, the King, at Westminster, 15 July, 1549. This is further confirmed by an Inquisition post mortem, 5 Eliz., pt. 1, No. 67. [This was ‘in return for a payment by them of £1,238 11s. 10d.’] Among the signatories to a declaration of the Royal supremacy (Lincoln Chapter Housebook, B. 3, 14, p. 39) are the names of Robt. James, Vicar of Horncastle Michel Whithed, Curate of Horncastle Hugh Doddington, “Cantuarista” of Horncastle (probably Chaplain of this Chantry). It was also served by Robert Geffrey in 1552. Chantry Certificates, Lincoln 33 (55).
[37a]Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 241. In a window in the north aisle was the inscription “Orate pro ái’â Thomæ Coppuldike armig., et D’næ Margaretæ, Consortis suæ, fundatoria gildæ cantar . . . fenestram fieri fecit. Ano D’ni 1526.” In the eastern window of the south aisle was the inscription “Orate pro benefactoribus artis sutorum, qui istim fenestram fieri fecerunt. sc’æ Nemanæ cum sera et catena. Item S’ci Crispinus et Crispinianus cum instrumentis calceariis.” Here it is distinctly stated that a Guild of Shoemakers gave the window, and that Crispinus and Crispinianus the patron saints of shoemakers, were there represented. A note in the same MS. states that Frances, wife of Gervase Holles, died at Horncastle and was buried there. (These passages are quoted in Weir’sHistory of Horncastle, pp. 30, 31, note, edition of 1820).
[38]Mr. Dee had formerly been a Clerk in Mr. Clitherow’s office, as Solicitor.
[39a]This was formerly the altar-piece below the east window of the chancel, before the present reredos was placed there, and dedicated at the Harvest Festival, 22 Sept., 1870.
[39b]It may here be stated, that the former font was quite as good as the present one, octagonal in form, and of perpendicular design, in harmony with older portions of the church. It was, however, discarded at the restoration, and, for some time, hidden away among rubbish, but eventually presented to the restored church of the neighbouring parish of Belchford. The bowl of the present font is too small to answer the requirements of the Rubric, and is not in keeping with the architecture of the church.
[39c]A Lectern, consisting of a large eagle, of cast iron, bronzed, on the model of one in St. Margaret’s Church, Lynn, was presented by the late Prebendary Samuel Lodge, Rector of Scrivelsby. This is still preserved in the south chancel chapel.
[40a]Walker in hisSufferings of the Clergy(1714) gives an account of Thomas Gibson, which we here abridge. Born at Keswick (in the diocese of Carlisle), he went to Queen’s College, Oxford, was appointed Master of the Free School at Carlisle, there promoted to the similar post at Newcastle, and finally preferred by the Bishop of Carlisle to the Vicarage of Horncastle in 1634. In consequence of a sermon preached by him, at the Election for Convocation, he was seized, in 1643, and carried as a prisoner to Hull. Being released after four month’s detention, and returning to Horncastle, he was charged with teaching “ormanism” (arminianism), and committed to the “County Jail” at Lincoln, a Presbyterian minister being appointed in his stead at Horncastle. In 1644 Colonel King, the Governor of Boston under the Parliament, ordered a party of horse to seize him (apparently having been released from Lincoln) and to plunder his house, but an old pupil, Lieut. Col. John Lillburn, interceded for him with his superior officer, Col. King, and the order was revoked. In the subsequent absence, however, of Lillburn in London, the order was repeated, and Mr. Gibson was made prisoner, his house plundered, and his saddle horse, draught horses, and oxen carried off. He was imprisoned at Boston, Lincoln and “Tattors-Hall Castle,” where he had “very ill-usage for 17 weeks.” He was sequestrated from his benefice and an “intruder,” named Obadiah How, put in charge. He was now accused of defending episcopacy, “refusing the covenant,” &c. He retired to a “mean house,” about a mile from Horncastle, supposed to be at “Nether (Low) Toynton,” where he and his family “lived but poorly for two years, teaching a few pupils.” He was then appointed Master of the Free School at Newark, two years later removed to the school at Sleaford, being presented by Lady Carr. There he lived until the Restoration, and then resumed his Vicarage at Horncastle, until he died in 1678, aged 84. “He was a grave and venerable person (says Walker), of a sober and regular conversation, and so studious of peace, that when any differences arose in his parish, he never rested till he had composed them. He had likewise so well principled his parish that, of 250 families in it, he left but one of them Dissenters at his death.” (Walker’sSufferings of the Clergy, pt. ii, p. 252, Ed. 1714).
[40b]There is an error in the date, which should be Oct. 11. Further, the term “arch rebel” is inappropriate, as Cromwell was, at that time, only a Colonel, far from having attained his later distinction; the term “skirmish” is also inadequate, as the Winceby battle was a decisive engagement, with important consequences.
[41a]The origin of these scythes has of late years been avexata questio. It has been suggested that they are not, as generally supposed, relics of the Parliamentary War, but of the earlier so-called “Pilgrimage of Grace,” or “Lincolnshire Rising,” a movement intended as a protest against certain abuses attending the Reformation, in the reign of Henry VIII. The evidence, however, gathered from various directions, would seem to be strongly corroborative of the old and more general opinion. History shows that, for many years, about the period of the Commonwealth, scythes were among the commonest, rude weapons of war. The artist Edgar Bundy, in his painting “The morning of Edgemoor,” recently (1905) purchased for the National Gallery by the Chantry Trustees, represents a soldier armed with a straight wooden-handled scythe. The battle of Edgemoor was fought Oct. 23, 1642, one year before that of Winceby. We have also contemporary testimony in theMemoirs of the Verney Family(vol. i, pp. 109–118 and 315), members of which took part in the civil war of that period, that King Charles’ forces consisted largely of untrained peasants, “ill-fed and clothed . . . having neither colours, nor halberts . . . many only rude pikes . . . few a musket.” To such the scythes used in their farm labour would be handy weapons in emergency. As a parallel to these cases Sir Walter Scott, in his preface toRob Roy, states that “many of the followers of MacGregor, at the battle of Prestonpans (Sep. 21, 1745), were armed with scythe blades, set straight upon their handles, for want of guns and swords.” It is not without interest to note, that about 60 years ago there were exhumed, on the farm above Langton Hill, in Horncastle, the remains of 6 bodies, lying buried in a row, with scythe blades beside them. It is known that skirmishes between Royalists and Roundheads took place in this locality, and it can hardly be doubted that these also were relics of the Winceby fight. The then tenant of the farm, Mr. Dobson (as the writer has been informed by his granddaughter, Mrs. H. Boulton of St. Mary’s Square, Horncastle), carted these remains to the town and they were re-buried in the south side of St. Mary’s Churchyard, while the scythes were added to those already in the church. An incident, which further confirms their connection with the Winceby fight, is that the present writer has in his possession a pair of spurs, which were found on the field of Winceby, remarkable for the long spikes of their rowels; and he himself once found the rowel of a spur, with similarly long spikes, within a few yards of where the bodies were discovered; and in the year 1905 he also examined several bones, pronounced by a doctor to be human, which were found near the same spot, while workmen were digging for the foundations of a house since erected there. On the other hand, as against the theory of the scythes having been used in the earlier “Pilgrimage of Grace,” we are distinctly told that the mobs concerned in that movement were deprived of all weapons before they could use them. In the Lincoln Chapter House books (c. i, 20, f 193) is a letter from Richard Cromwell, dated Oct. 29, 1586, which says that he, and Admiral Sir John Russell, went to Louth, where “all the harness and weapons were seized, and conveyed to Lincoln,” and that for the same purpose Mr. Bryan had been sent to Horncastle, and Mr. Brown to Market Rasen. On the whole, therefore, the preponderance of evidence is strongly in favour of the connection of all these scythes with the neighbouring Battle of Winceby—the original tradition.
[41b]Weir, in hisHistory of Horncastlegives the quarterings of these shields as follows:—
(1) Sable, 2 lions passant in pale, ducally crowned, or, Dymoke impaling Barry of 6 ermines, and gules, 3 crescents, sable, Waterton; a crescent for difference.
(2) Dymoke impaling Vairè, on a fess, gules frettè, or. Marmyon, in chief, ermine, 5 fusils in fess, Hebden, a crescent for difference.
(3) Argent, a sword erect, azure, hilt and pomel gules.
(4) Dymoke impaling quarterly, gules and argent, a cross engrailed. Countercharged, Haydon, a crescent for difference.
[42a]The only other theft from the church of which we have record, was when the vestry was broken into in December, 1812, and the money collected for parish purposes was stolen. A reward of £50 was offered for information of the thief, but without result. (MS. notes by Mr. T. Overton in possession of Mr. John Overton, of Horncastle.)
[42b]Details of these are given by Holles as follows:—
In fenestra Insulæ Borealis.
“Orate pro a’ia Thomæ Coppuldike Armig. & D’næ Margaretæ Consortis suæ fundatoris Gildæ Cantar . . . Fenestram fieri fecit Ano Dni 1526.”
“Orate pro a’ia Thomæ Coppuldike Armig. & D’næ Margaretæ Consortis suæ fundatoris Gildæ Cantar . . . Fenestram fieri fecit Ano Dni 1526.”
In superiori fenestra Borealis Cancelli.
‘Gules a lion passant guardant. Arg. . . .
‘Gules a lion passant guardant. Arg. . . .
Sable, 3 flowres de lize betw: 6 crosses botony fitchy Arg. . . .
Sable, 3 flowres de lize betw: 6 crosses botony fitchy Arg. . . .
Gules, a cross sarcelly Arg.” . . .
Gules, a cross sarcelly Arg.” . . .
Bec.
Bec.
In fenestra Orientali Insulæ Australis.
“Orate pro benefactoribus artis sutorum, qui istam fenestram fieri fecerunt stæ Ninianæ cum cera et catena. Item sti Crispinus et Crispianus cum instrumentis calceariis.” (N.B. The feminine is an error of Holles, as St. Ninian was a man. Collier’sHistory, vol. i. p. 100).
“Orate pro benefactoribus artis sutorum, qui istam fenestram fieri fecerunt stæ Ninianæ cum cera et catena. Item sti Crispinus et Crispianus cum instrumentis calceariis.” (N.B. The feminine is an error of Holles, as St. Ninian was a man. Collier’sHistory, vol. i. p. 100).
Fenestra Borealis superior.
Empaled
Sa, 2 lions passant arg. crowned or.
Dymoke
Or, a lion rampant double queue sa.
Welles
Empaled
Quarterly
Arg. a chevron betw: 3 bulls passant sa.
B. a fesse betw: 3 goats’ heads erased arg.
Tourney
Quarterly
Arg. a chevron gobony sa.
Arg. on a bend g. 3 roses arg.
Quarterly
Arg. chevron betw: 3 griphons’ heads erased, g.
Tilney
Arg. 3 bars g. over all a bend engrailed, sa.
Ros
Quarterly
Quarterly or and g. a border sa bezanty.
Rockford
Arg. 3 crosses botony fitchy B. semy of flowres de lize
Quarterly ermine and chequey or. and g.
Gipthorpe
Arg. a chevron betw: 3 roses, g.
Taylboys &c
Fenestra Australis superior.
G. a fesse betw. 3 water bougets ermine
Meres
Empaled.
Marchants Mark.
Arg. on a Bend, G. 3 ferniers of the first
Hic jacet Francisca filia primogenita Petri Fressheville de Stavely, in com. Derb. arm [ex priore uxore sua Ehzabetha filia Gervasii Clifton de Clifton, in com. Nott. Militis] et quondam uxor Gervasii Holles de Burgh in cum. Lincoln. Militis, cui peperit Freschvillum Holles, et Margaretam, gemellos, et Franciscum Holles filium juniorem. Obijt Horncastell. Harleyan MS., No. 6829, p. 241.
Hic jacet Francisca filia primogenita Petri Fressheville de Stavely, in com. Derb. arm [ex priore uxore sua Ehzabetha filia Gervasii Clifton de Clifton, in com. Nott. Militis] et quondam uxor Gervasii Holles de Burgh in cum. Lincoln. Militis, cui peperit Freschvillum Holles, et Margaretam, gemellos, et Franciscum Holles filium juniorem. Obijt Horncastell. Harleyan MS., No. 6829, p. 241.
[42c]Mr. Sellwood lived in a house on the west side of the Market Place, now occupied by R. W. Clitherow, Esq., of a family long established in Horncastle.
[44a]Mr. Fretwell was Curate of Horncastle and Rector of Winceby, (Directory of Horncastle, 1791–2). He would appear to have been, for a time, in sole charge of Horncastle, as we find that on one occasion (Feb. 23, 1790) “sensible of the distresses of the sick poor, he gave 1½ g. from the communion money to be laid out in Salop sago and Bowen’s sago powder, to be distributed at the discretion of the Faculty.” (See account of the Dispensary.)
[44b]The vault of Dr. Madeley is within the chancel rails, beneath the tablet. His son was an officer in the 68th Regiment of Foot, in which also a Horncastle man, named Walker, was sergeant.
[46]There is still, in Westminster Abbey, a chantry named “The Islip Chapel,” which is used as a Robing room, at the consecration of the Bishops.
[50]A List of Institutions given inLincs. Notes & Queries, vol. v, p. 236 has the date of C. Monke’s appointment, 24 Oct., 1558, and gives his predecessor as Henry Henshaw. In a previous notice (Ibidem, p. 201) the latter is given as Henry Henshoo.
[57a]The patronage and manorial rights (as already stated) were transferred to the Bishop of Lincoln, on the death of the Bishop of Carlisle in 1856.
[57b]We may add that Dr. Madely also left a bequest of £50 towards a much needed church at Woodhall Spa; where through the energy of the Rev. H. Walter, Vicar of the parent parish of Woodhall St. Margaret, and Rector of Langton, the Church of St. Andrew was built before that of Holy Trinity, Horncastle, the foundation stone being laid by Sir H. Dymoke, April 2, 1846, and the consecration by Bishop Kaye taking place Sep. 14, 1847; the architect in this case also being Mr. Stephen Lewin, of Boston, a vicarage being built at the same time.
[59]All the coloured windows are by Messrs. Clayton & Bell.
[60]The sister of the present writer, who was a brilliant pianist, frequently went to play to Mr. Clarke, and, as she touched the piano, he would rouse himself and take his flute and try to accompany her. It is not a little remarkable, that Mr. Clarke’s widow, after a few years married again, a Medical Practitioner, near Windsor, and committed suicide by placing herself on the railway line, near that place, her mangled remains being afterwards found on the line. Whether her mind had been affected by her first husband’s tragic death, who can say?
[61]To show Mr. White’s energy of character the writer may mention that he frequently, as a healthy diversion from his professional work, walked up to Langton Rectory before breakfast, and plied his spade in the garden, and then enjoyed a hearty breakfast with the Rector, returning to Horncastle in time for the daily service at 11 a.m. As an instance of his kindly nature we may give the following: At Horncastle a poor girl was suffering from a “white swelling” in the knee. The doctor declared that her life could only be saved by the leg being amputated above the knee. She dreaded the operation, but consented, if Mr. White would support her in his arms during the process. He was greatly averse to painful scenes, but reluctantly consented. Those were not the days of anæsthetics, when such operations can be performed without the patients feeling it; but he said to her “Let us pray,” and while the doctors were at work they prayed so fervently that she was too much absorbed to notice what was done. At length she said, “Dear Mr. White will they never begin?” His reply was “My good girl, your leg is off, and the Lord has spared you all the pain.” She lived to be a strong healthy woman and always blessed the curate.
[62]The writer had the privilege of visiting Mr. White at Jedburgh, and retaining his valued friendship through life, visiting him a short time before his death, and receiving many kindnesses from him.
[64]TheMorning Postof April 8, 1889, referring to the death of Sir F. Gore Ouseley, says “He was a member of an ancient Irish family . . . which gave to the world the Wellesleys, the Wesleys, and the Ouseleys, all springing from the same stock;” all three names being only varied forms of the same. A clergyman, Rev. L. H. Wellesley Wesley, now of Folkestone, combines the two names.
[65]Samuel Wesley, the father, was himself originally a dissenter, but afterwards conformed to the established church. He was appointed to the benefice of South Ormsby in 1699 and afterwards held the Rectory of Epworth, and that of Wroot. His eldest son, Samuel, born about 1692, was an Under Master in Westminster School for several years, and later became Head Master of the Grammar School at Tiverton, in Devonshire.
[66a]This has been re-issued by Mr. A. C. Fifield, as No. 16 of “The Simple Series,” 6d., 1905.
[66b]As a proof of his regard for the church we may quote his remark (given inChristian Sects of the19th century, W. Pickering, 1850) “The Church of England is the purest in Christendom.”
[66c]The first Conference was held in London at “The Foundry,” June 25, 1744. It consisted of only 10 persons, viz., the two brothers, John and Charles Wesley, three beneficed clergymen, John Hodges, Rector of Wenvo, Henry Piers, Vicar of Bexley, Samuel Taylor, Vicar of Quinton, and John Meriton, with four Methodist preachers, viz., John Downes, John Bennett, Thomas Richards and Thomas Maxfield. At this gathering “The Rules of a Helper” were adopted, which form to this day a part of the “discipline” enjoined on Wesleyan Ministers.
[68a]Mr. Carr Brackenbury died August 11, 1818, aged 65, and theStamford Mercuryof the time says of him, “He powerfully and eloquently preached the glad tidings of the gospel during many years, in numerous Wesleyan Chapels, in various parts of the kingdom. He had previously to his intimacy with Wesley been a celebrated character on the turf.”
[68b]The aged son of the last named is still (1905) living at Alford, and several grandsons are dispersed about the country.
[70a]Horncastle News, August 31, 1907.
[70b]The first Sunday School was held in the British School (later the Drill Hall) east of the Wong, from 1812 to 1848.
[71a]We may add that at the time of writing (1905) a Wesleyan Church House is about to be erected in Westminster, a fine building in the Renaissance style of architecture, which is to cost £140,000, the firm of Lanchester & Richards being contractors for the work.
[71b]In addition to the authorities already named, we are indebted for much of the information here given to an account by Mr. Watson Joll, in theMethodist Recorderof Aug. 27, 1903, and to an article by the late Mr. W. Pacy, in theLincoln Gazetteof Aug. 20, 1898.
[71c]Religious Worship in England and Wales, by H. Mann, from the census of 1851.
[72]Within comparatively recent times a Primitive Chapel at Thimbleby was commonly called “The Ranters” Chapel.
[73]Life of the Venerable Hugh Bourne, by Rev. Jesse Ashworth, 1888; alsoHistory of the Primitive Methodist Connexion, by Rev. H. B. Kendall, B.A.
[74]The Venerable William Clowes, a sketch, by Thomas Guttery.
[78]In connection with Robert Brown’s writings it may be of interest to note, that in the year 1907, an American scholar, Mr. Champlin Burrage, of the Newton Theological Institution, of Massachusetts, discovered in the Library of Lambeth Palace, London, a hitherto unpublished work, in MS., entitledThe Retraction of Robert Brown; which the author himself describes as “A reproofe of certeine schismatical persons and their doctrine touching the hearing and preaching of the Word of God.” This was written about the year 1588. It has now been published by permission of the Archbishop of Canterbury (Oxford University Press, 2/6 net), and is described by the editor as “a sane and broad-minded” production. [Guardian Newspaper, June 19, 1907.]
[80a]These particulars are gathered from the volumeChristian Sects of the19th century, published by W. Pickering, 1850.
[80b]Mann’sReligious Worship in England and Wales, from the census of 1851.
[80c]Only two copies of this pamphlet are known to exist; one in the Library at Revesby Abbey; the other is in the possession of Mr. C. M. Hodgett, of Horncastle, an officer of the chapel, having been given to him by Miss Frances Robinson, a relative, presumably, of the author “W.R.,” otherwise William Robinson.
[80d]Letter of Rev. J. G. Crippen, of The Congregational Library Memorial Hall, London, Dec., 1858.
[82]A fuller notice of Rev. T. Lord appears on page 89.
[84a]Written in prison, A.D. 1675.
[84b]Under what was called “The Five Mile Act.”
[84c]The chapel generally regarded as the oldest in the kingdom is that at Highthorne, in Kent, which dates from 1650.
[84d]There is a tradition that there was a chapel near the watermill, but this was probably only a room retained for the convenience of those who were “dipped” in the pit. Under date, Aug. 7, 1889, it is recorded, as though a novel event, that at a special service in the evening, the Lay Pastor, Mr. W. P. Milns, performed the ceremony of baptism, by immersion, in the chapel, the baptized being an adult,Horncastle News, August 10, 1889.
[85a]In 1876 the Horncastle Baptists joined the “Notts., Derby and Lincoln Union,” which proved a great help to them.
[85b]Among those present were Rev. M. C. Mason from Tura, Assam, British India, a member of the American Missionary Union; Pasteur Saillens, of the French Baptist community; Dr. B. D. Gray of Georgia, U.S.A.; as well as delegates from Russia and Japan.
[91]For further information as to the origin of the school seeaddendumat the end of this chapter.
[92a]“Comorants,” this is the Latin “Commorantes,” meaning “temporarily resident.”
[92b]Lord Clinton was 9th in descent from John de Clinton, of Armington and Maxlock, Co. Warwick. He was born in 1512; married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Blount, and widow of Gilbert, Lord Tailbois. He was made Lord Lieutenant of the County of Lincoln, Governor of the Tower of London, had been already granted the Manor and Castle of Tattershall by Ed. VI. and was created Earl of Lincoln by Elizabeth in 1572, a title still held by his descendants, now Dukes of Newcastle. He died January 16, 1584, and was buried in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.