Church Goods Sold by 1548

An extract from ….

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.

BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913). The text as originally published shows the original script with variable spelling.  In this item we have added in curly brackets (thus {}) the modern spelling of the words, which researchers may more easily find from search engines.  We welcome your feedback.}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548. The Essex parishes number one hundred and fifteen, and are distributed fairly equally over the county. The MS. is apparently a copy of the original certificates. The goods named in some parishes are mentioned in the later inventories already named, but in most the information is additional. The chief interest lies in the uses to which the money received was put. Some was of course used for church repairs, and for removing the signs of the old religion, but it will be seen that much was used for a great variety of secular purposes. Contractions in the MS. have been extended and a little punctuation added to make the sense clearer.

 [P. 33.]  THE DEANERY OF BARSTABLE

HUTTON. John Smith, Barnard Roos, Churchwardens doo say that he the same Barnard Roos and John hatter being Churchwardens there dyd sell of the church plate there one [sic] Croose and one chalyce for the somme of vjli. And they say That parte of the same Somme was bestowed in repayring the churche parte in amending the highwayes parte in setting forth of Souldyers and parte thereof yet still remayneth unbestowed which was soulde as they say abowte Easter last past.

{HUTTON.  John Smith, Bernard Roos, Churchwardens do say that he the same Bernard Roos and John Hatter being churchwardens there did sell off the church plate there one Cross and one chalice for the sum of £6. And they say that part of the same sum was bestowed in repairing the church part in amending the highway part in setting forth soldiers and part thereof yet still remains unspent which was sold as they say about Easter last past.}

BURSTEDDE MAGNA. William Harryes, John Bowyour, Churchwardens Doo presente and say That Thomas Wattis and Thomas Wolnur by the consent of parryshe dyd sell of the church plate there a senser, a shippe, ij. Sylver paxes, and a chalyce for the Somme of xijli. xiijs iiijd., whereof they say they haue layed owte and bestowed ixli. xiijs. iiijd. partelie emongest poore fookes, partelie for the reparcions of the churche, and partelie for the Churche debte, which was soulde as they say in the moneth of ffebruary anno 1545.

{GREAT BURSTEAD.  William Harris, John Bowyer, Churchwardens do present and say that Thomas Wattis and Thomas Woolnor by the consent of the parish did sell off the church plate there a senser, a shippe[1], 2 silver paxes, and a chalice for the sum of £12.8s.4d. whereof they say they have laid out and bestowed £9.8s.4d. partly among the poor folks, partly for the reparations of the church and partly for the church debt, which was sold as they say in the month of February 1545.}

LYTLE BURSTEDDE. John Dyer, Thomas Fenner, Churchwardens, doo say That he the same Thomas Fenner and John Stewarde with the consent of the parryshe hathe sold one chalyce of the churches for the Somme of iijli. ixs. ixd. whereof remayneth in thandis of certayne men of the same parryshe lvjs. viijd. And the resydue of the same money was gyven emongest poore people which was sould as they say at mydsommer was twelf moneth.

{LITTLE BURSTEAD. John Dyer, John Fenner, Churchwardens do say that he the same Thomas Fenner and John Stewarde with the consent of the parish have sold one chalice of the church for the sum of £3.9s.9d. whereof remains in the hands of certain men of the same parish 55s.8.d And the residue of the same money was given among poor people which was sold as they say at midsummer was twelve month.}

 [p. 37.] THE DEANERYES OF ONGO[R], CHAFFORDE, CHELMESFORDE, AND DENGEY.

{THE DEANERIES OF ONGAR, CHAFFORD, CHELMSFORD, AND DENGIE}

CHYGWELL. Roberte Woode, Laurence Mundis, Churchewardens Doo saye That they haue sold certayne candlestyckes of latten belonging to the said churche for whiche they have receaued the Somme of xviijs. whiche Somme they say ys employed upon the reparacions of the same churche.

{CHIGWELL. Robert Wood, Laurence Munds, Churchwardens do say that they have sold certain candlesticks of brass belonging to the said church for which they have received the sum of 18s. which sum they say is employed upon the reparations of the same church.}

WARELEY MAGNA. Robert Marrowe, parson, Rychard Nelson, Churchwarden and Rychard brighte Doo say that they with the advyse of the parryshe there hath sold so manny latten Candelstyckis of the saide churche as came to the Somme of xxixs. ijd. which Somme remayneth holle in the saide churchewardens handes as they say.

{GREAT WARLEY.  Robert Marrowe, parson, Richard Nelson, Churchwarden and Richard Bright do say that they with the advice of the parish there have sold do many brass candlesticks of the said church as came to the sum of 29s.2d. which sum remains wholly in the said churchwardens hands as they say.}

BADOWE MAGNA. Rychard hyckes, Lawrence Spylman, Churchwardens there doo saye That Roberte Kinge, James Drylande, John Postill, and Robert Sturgeon, parryshenours there did sell their parcells of plate folowinge; a Chalyce all gylte wayeng xix. vunces dimidium at iiijs. vjd. the unce … Summa iiijli. vijs. ixd.

Item, A shyppe of sylver parcell gylte and a lytle spoone wayenge vj. vunces dimidium at iiijs. ijd. the vunce, two silver sawcers parcell gylte wayenge vj vnces dimidium at iiijs. ijd. the vnce, ij. Cruettis parcell gylte wayenge x. vnces at iiijs. ijd. the vnce … … Summa xvijli. xvjs. vid.[? xiijli. vjs. 4d.]

All whiche money they saye ys bestowed vpon the reparacions of the churche allso sold fyfite pounds of latten ijd. the libra. Summa viiijs. iiijd. with as moche latten as came to vs. iiijd.

{GREAT BADDOW.  Richard Hyckes, Lawrence Spylman Churchwardens there do say that Robert King, James Drylande, John Postill, and Robert Sturgeon, parishioners there did sell their parcels of plate following: a chalice all gilded weighing 19½ ounces at 4s.6d. per ounce … Sum £4.7s.9d.

Item, A shippe of silver partly gilded and a little spoon weighing 6½ ounces at 4s.2d. the ounce, two silver saucers partly gilded weighing 6½ ounces at 4s.2d. the ounce, 2 cruetts partly gilded weighing 10 ounces at 4s.2d. an ounce … Sum £17.16s.6d [? £17.6.4d.}

All which money they say is bestowed upon the reparations of rhe church also sold fifty pounds of brass 2d the pound. Sum 9s.4d with as much brass as come to 5s.4d.}

LEES MAGNA. John England, George Osborne, Churchwardens Doo presente That James Spylman and John Danyell dyd sell vj. torches for iiijs. vjd. whiche was employed to the poore mens boxe.

{GREAT LEIGHS.  John England, George Osborne, churchwardens do present that James Spylman and John Daniell dis sell 6 torches for 4s.6d. which was employed to the poor mens box.}

CHELMESFORDE. Geffrey Skotte, William Nooke, Churchwardens Do presente That they and Roger Platte, paryshenour, solde as much mettall as they receaued xlviijs. vjd. with as many olde towels as came to viijd. whiche money they haue with more spente in wasshing the churche with lyme and wryting of scripture abowte the churche with taking downe of ymagis.

{CHELMSFORD. Geoffrey Skotte, William Nooke, Churchwardens do present that they and Roger Platt, parishioner, sold as much metal as they received 48s.6d. with as many old towels as came to 8d. which money they have with more money spent in washing the church with lime and writing of scripture about the church with taking down the images.}

WODEHAM FFERRYES. Robert Styleman, Rychard Newton, Churchwardens, doo presente That abowte three yeres agoo John Sandis, gentleman, and William pirrs beinge Churchwardens dyd sell a broken bell for the somme of xvli. Also a Chalyce of sylver with a paxe of sylver for the Somme of vli. whiche money the say was employed vpon the makinge of a newe fframe in the steple for the bells and for shingling ot the churche.

{WOODHAM FERRERS.  Robert Styleman, Richard Newton, Churchwardens, do present that about three years ago John Sands, gentleman, and William Pirrs being Churchwardens did sell a broken bell for the sum of £15. Also a chalice of silver with a paxe of silver for the sum £5 which money they say was employed upon the making of a new Frame in the steeple for the bells and for shingling out the church.}

NORTON. John Whytinge Churchwarden there doo say That he solde as myche allablaster as came to xxd. which money ys yet in his kepinge.

{NORTON MANDEVILLE. John Whiting Churchwarden do say that he sold as much alabaster as came to 20d which money is yet in his keeping.}

MARGARETYNGE. Robert Taber, William Dawson, Churchwardens doo say That they sold to repayre the church one unce of brooken sylver for iiijs.

{MARGARETTING. Robert Taber, William Dawson, Churchwardens do saythat they sold to repair the church one ounce of broken silver for 4s.}

 [P. 74]  THE DEANERY OF DUNMOWE.

{THE DEANERY OF DUMNOW}

SEELO BOWELLS. Rychard Sampforde hath solde of the said churches plate one Clalyce of sylver and gylte for the Somme of xxxvijs. iiijd. whiche money the same Rychard bestowed in repayring the same churche.

{SHELLOW BOWELLS. Richard Sampford has sold of the said church plate one chalice of silver and gilded for the sum of 37s.4d. which money the same Richard bestowed in repairing the same church.}

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[1] Shippe = perhaps suffix for –ship as in worship

Willingale: War Memorial

Work continues to establish the names and family histories of those who gave their lives in the Great War from Blackmore, Essex. Although 21 are named on the War Memorial the number under investigation with links to the village numbers over 40. This excludes the further 81 who are recorded on the Memorial as those who served and returned home.

One of the names under investigation is Wallace King, who is recorded on the War Memorial at High Ongar as well as Willingale.

The War Memorial for Willingale Doe and Shellow Bowells covers those who died in both the First and Second World Wars, and also pays tribute to the American Airmen who were stationed there in the 1940s. It stands in the churchyard.

The names are not recorded on the Internet so to make amends photographs of the Memorial will, from now, appear on the Willingale page of the ‘Blackmore Area Local History’ website. Go to http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/willingale.html. We will remember them.

Shellow Bowells: Church Now House Near Willingale

A recent visitor to the blackmorehistory site typed ‘church now house near Willingale’. The place he was looking for was Shellow Bowells (pronounced ‘bowls’) which is a small hamlet to the north of Willingale. Its church, once dedicated to St Peter, “was rebuilt in brick in 1754” (according to the Little Guide. Essex. 1909) but was deconsecrated and is now a house. For a picture of the building follow the link to History House: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/essexs07.html

Blackmore: New Book. The Smyth Family at Blackmore

An extract from the new booklet, ‘The Smyth Family At Blackmore’ (32 pages), now available from, and in aid of, the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore. Price £1.50. (or via this site, plus P&P).

Introduction

Blackmore’s history divides into three periods. The Church was an Augustinian Priory throughout the Middle Ages.

John Smyth purchased the site and advowson (the right to appoint a Vicar) from Henry VIII in 1540. He was one of the King’s escheators, whose name appears as an Attorney in the breaking up of Blackmore Priory in 1525.

The family dominated the parish’s history for five generations, until Thomas, the last surviving member died without issue in 1721.

The Smyth’s sold the Priory land to a ship-builder named Jacob Acworth in 1714. Thomas Smyth left his property, Smyth Hall, to his niece, Mary Tendring. It passed to her cousin, Thomas Alexander, in 1732, on condition that he adopted the name Smyth.

Thomas Smyth, though, left the Rectory to his cousin, John Gibson, son of John Gibson D.D., Provost of Queen’s College, Oxford. Upon his decease, both Smyth Hall and the Rectory passed to Charles Alexander. The Crickitt family later held the advowson. Since then there have been various holders. Patronage finally ceased, in 1899, when responsibility for nominating a Vicar passed to the Bishop of St Albans. In 1914, Blackmore transferred to the newly created Diocese of Chelmsford.


John Smyth (1498 – 1543)

John was the second son of Thomas Smyth, of Rivenhall, a family who descended from Sir Michael Carrington, standard bearer to King Richard I during the Crusades. The family apparently fled to France when Richard II was deposed and changed their name, early in the 15th century, from Carrington to Smyth on return to England.

The Smyth family was related to Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife. John’s brother, Clement married Dorothy, the sister of Lady Jane Seymour.

In the Essex Record Office [ERO D/DQ 55/36] are copies of the original sale Deed in Latin and an English translation, dating from 1714.

Henry the Eighth by the grace of God of England … King Defender of the Faith Lord of Ireland and on Earth Supreme Head of the English Church . To all whom those present Letters patent shall ye know that for the sum of Five hundred and sixty three pounds and five shillings of lawfull money to the hands of the Eroafuror (Escheator?) of the Court of Augman … by our John Smith of Blakamore otherwise called Blakemore in the County of Essex … have given and granted and by those present … to the said John Smith and Elizabeth his Wife All our Lordshipp and Mannor of Blakemore with all its rights … and appurtances … lately belonging and apportaining to the late Monastery of Waltham Holy Cross in the County of Essex lately dissolved and being parcel of the possessions of the late Monastry. And also all Messuages Houses … Lands … Pastures … Woods … And all the profits … lyeing in the villag or parishes of … Blakemore Shellow Norton Shenfield and Stondon … to the said John Smith and his assignees … And also all the Rectory and Church of Blakemore ... [of] the said late Monstery. … And the Advowson … of the parish Church of Blakemore … [the] shopp … being in the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary Colechurch in our City of London. And also a garden … lyeing in Fenchurchstreet … in our said City of London … [from] Abbot Fuller late Abbot of the late Monastory or any other of his … Abbots of the said late Monastory … in right of that late Monastory at any time before the Dissolution … And further by gift … doo grant to the said John Smith All that our Messuages and grange or farms called Woodbarnes … in Ging at stone … and to the late Monastery of Berking … .

This document, dated 22nd September 1540, meant that John Smyth now held the manor, rectory and advowson (the right to appoint a priest).

At that time about two fifths of the County’s land was sold, which represented one of the biggest sales of property since the Norman Conquest. For example, when Barking Abbey was suppressed, Sir William Petre bought Ingatestone Manor for £849 12s 6d, paying the King, in full, by instalments. Sir Thomas Audley did one better receiving Walden Abbey as a gift.

John Smyth received in the same year, as a gift from Henry VIII, property previously belonging to William Pawne. The original Deed bears the great seal of the King [ERO D/DRm T5/21]. An English translation is given:

John Smyth Esquire in our Court before the Justices at Westminster impleaded William Pawne and Ellen his Wife of Four Messuages* one Dovehouse One Hundred Acres of Land twenty Acres of Meadow twenty Acres of Pastuer and twelve Acres of Wood with the Appurtances in Blakemore and High Ongar by a Writ of Entity upon Disseisin** …. And into which the same William and Ellen have not Entry but after the Disseisin which Hugh Hunt … hath made to the aforesaid John ….

Smyth sold 30 acres of this land the following year [ERO D/DBm T5/22].

John Smyth died in late summer 1543, about the same time as the demolition of the priory buildings. In the inventories of his will, dated 10th May that same year, he mentions the contents of his private chapel in his manor house, Smyth Hall.

In the chapel chamber, a long setle joyned. In the chapel, one aulter of joyner’s work. Item, a table with two leaves of passion gilt [a panelled ditych]. Item, a long setle of wainscott. Item, a bell hanging over the chapel. Chapel stuff, copes and vestments three. Aulter fronts four, corporal case one, and dyvers peces of silk necessary for cushyons v. [Cutts 1914 p434].

The reference to the bell, according to Mrs E E Wilde (1913) was probably to the one hanging, at the beginning of the twentieth century, in the stables at The Hyde, Ingatestone. The bell, dating from around 1340, inscribed PETRUS DE WESTON ME FECIT, was probably a Sanctus bell. “Tradition says that it came from Blackmore Priory”. She suggests that when Smyth Hall, the house originally owned by the Smyth family, was demolished in 1844, “this bell may very probably have been bought there by Mr John Disney of the Hyde, who was a great collector of antiquities” [Wilde 1913 p103].

The Will does not mention altar vessels, as these were probably included with the remainder of the silver, indicative of the Smyth’s wealth.

Notes

* A messuage is a dwelling house.
** A disseisin is the removal of a seisin, or estate, from one person, placing it into the ownership of another.

Bibliography

Cutts. Rev Edward L. Parish Priests and Their People (SPCK, 1914)
Wilde, Mrs E E. Ingatestone and the Great Essex Road, with Fryerning (Oxford University Press, 1913)

Essex Record Office