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HIS TO RIC A. L NOTES

RELATING TO THE PARISHES OF £atrumlit am Spargrant,

CUM .

Cuf A/o £ 44+

NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Aitkens, Rev. C. H. Manser, W. Allan, Col. 2 # Massey, Mrs. Arnold, Rev. F. Middleton, Rev. S. Milard, J.

59 W. Moody, T. Neale, J.

35 • Barnard, J. Oliver, Miss Batcombe Library Parfitt, E. Baylis, H. , T., Semr. Bown, T. , T., Junr. Boyce, Miss C. Perrett, J. Bradley, T. Phippen, C. Brown, Capt. Pond, Mrs. Burton, Lady Rabbitts, Rev. H. Campbell, Miss Rashdale, Miss Cary, T. Rickard, Miss Clarke, Mrs. Rumsey, – Cock, W. Russell, Rev. A. Collings, J. Seagram, Mrs.

55 - Selwin, Rev. S. Dinsdale, F. Shears, C. Doman, W. Shortland, Archdeacon Du Cane, A. Sinclair, J. Dyne, Mrs. 1 Steeds, Mrs. Earle, E. Stephens, Mr. and Miss , - Swaine, J. Ernst, Capt. , Miss Farbrother, J. Sweet, Miss Fitz, – Talbot, Hon. and Rev. E... Foster, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. G. Francis, - , Rev. H. Friend and Winten, Messrs. ,, J., Senr. Genge, W. ,, J., Junr. Gibbons, Jno. ,, Jas. T: 1ppett, Milss 55 Miss £, E. Grafton, Rev. A. Trew, - Grey, Miss Wale, Miss Hannam, E. Welsh, J., Junr. Heginbotham, Dr. Wheller, A. Hodinott, G. White, Rev. J. Hunt, Mrs. ,, Gen. Hutton, H. ** W. King, Mrs. Wickham, Mrs. Macdonald, Col. W. P. 2-- Wicks, G.

35 Capt. J. C. Wylde, Mrs. F. 55 ERRATA.

Page 32 (6th line), for “stain,” read “stained.” , 36 (21st line) do. do. , 39 (last line), for “are,” read “is.” , 45 (13th line), for “form,” read “from.” HISTORICAL NOTES

RELATING TO THE PARISHES OF #atrumlit and $pargrußt,

CUM UPTON NOBLE;

COLLECTED FROM

A U T H E N T I C R ECO R D S ,

wiTH

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ABOVE CHURCHES.

DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO

IMIR. s. WIC KIHA. M.,

BY

GRANT W. MACDONALD.

SHEPTON MALLET: PRINTED BY ALBERT BYRT, BOOKSELLER. 1865.

TO MRS. WICKHAM.

MADAM, In hopes that the following pages, which I have compiled from the Parish Records and other sources, may be interesting to yourself and the parishioners generally, I dedicate them to you with your permission, not only because your life has for many years been anxiously devoted to the welfare of all around you, but as the relic of one who was the greatest benefactor and friend of this Parish, and whose life reflected the highest virtues that can adorn the Christian character.

Though the following notes may not convey much amusement nor instruction, yet I respectfully present them to you, in testimony of the high respect and regard in which you are held in this Parish, and sub scribe myself

Your faithful servant, GRANT W. MACDONALD.

Batcombe Rectory, November 26th, 1864. P R. E. FA C E.

-e THE chief design of the following compilation, is to give to the Parishioners of Batcombe and Upton Noble, a knowledge of the past history of those Willages. In collecting his materials the Author has spared neither labour, nor research. He has gathered his information, during his leisure moments, from documents contained in the Church Chest of Batcombe; and in the posses sion of the Clergyman ; from Collinson's History of ; and other authentic sources. The statements he makes are accurate, and will, he believes, bear rigid scrutiny. An apology is due to the Subscribers, for the delay which has taken place in the publication of the work; which owing to the season of the year has been unavoidable. To those persons who have kindly assisted the Author, by allowing access to books and documents under their charge, he here begs to tender his most grateful acknowledgments. G. W. M. Batcombe Rectory, January 28th, 1865.

-

NOTES.

THE beautiful and picturesque Parish of Batcombe, lies in the Hundred of Whitestone, about two-and-three-quarter miles North by East from the Railway Station at , and nine miles West of the manufacturing and market town of . It is in the Bishopric of Bath and Wells, the Archdeaconry of Wells, and Deanery of ; and contains the hamlets of Eastcombe (or Aishcombe); Bat combe; Westcombe; Alham; and Spargrove. The Part of the Parish lying immediately around the Church, and which is denominated Batcombe, may properly be termed the Village, and consists of two long streets of houses, lying from North-east to South-west : the North eastern part is called Kale Street, and the South-western Batcombe Street. The Parish is rated in the King's Books 2

&26 14s. 4d. : and contains 3147 acres; viz., 663 Arable, 2072 Meadow and Pasture, 60 Garden, 120 Orchard, and 232 Woods and Plantations. The following shows the census which has been taken every year since 1801. In the year 1801 the population was 667; in 1811, 719; in 1821, 792; in 1831, 839; in 1841, 773; in 1851, 742; in 1861, 714. The oldest written authority we have is “Adam de Domerham. i. 85,” where we find that the extensive manor of Batancumbe was given by AElsi, the Major-Domo of King Edgar, to the Monastery of . The following is taken from Domesday Book, the Great Survey of England of William the Conqueror, A.D., 1086. “TERRA SANCTAE MARIE GLASTINGBERIENSIs” “IPSA ECCLA TEN BATECVBE. T. R. E. GELD B P. XX HID. TRA. E. XVI. CAR. DE EA ST IN DNIo. IX. HIDE ET III. V TRE. ET IBI. II. CAR. ET WI, SERVI. ET IIII. VILLI ET XIIII. BoRD CU. III. CAR. IBI MoLIN. REDD. V. soLID. ET XX. ACPA. ET VI. AC PASTURE. ET XL. Ac silve. VALET ABBI. VII. LIB. DE HAC TRA HUI M. TEN. RogBRI. II. HID. WLUUI TENUIT 3

T. R. E. ET N POTERAT AB ECCLA SEPARARI. IBI HT. I. CAR. CU. I. SERVO. ET III. BoRD. IBI. XII. AC PA. ET X. AC PASTURE. VALET XX. soLID. DE UPSA TRA EID M TEN. AZELIN IN WEST CUBE. VII. HID ET III. v TRE. ALSHILLA TENUIT T. R. E. ET N POTERAT AB ECCLA SEPARARI. IN DNIO ST. II. CAR. ET VI. VILLI ET VII. BoRD ET VI. cotAR cu. I. SERVo HNT. II. CAR ET DIMID. IBI. II. MOLINI REDD. V. soLID. ET XII. AC PA. ET XII. AC PASTURE. ET XVI. AC SILVE. WALET. IIII. LIB ET X. solID. DUE

HIDE DE HAC TRA SUER DE TRA VILLOR. ET ALIE. W. ERANT TAIN LAND.” TRANSLATION. “THE LAND OF ST. MARY, GLASTONBURY.” “The Church itself holds Batecube. In the time of King Edward it gelded for twenty hides. There is land for sixteen ploughs. Thereof are in demesne nine hides, and three virgates of land. And there are two ploughs, and six serfs, and four villeins, and fourteen cottages, with three ploughs. There is a Mill rendering five |

4 shillings, and twenty acres of meadow, and six acres of pasture, and forty acres of wood. It is worth to the abbot &7. Of the land of this Manor, Roger holds two hides. Ulwi held them in the Time of King Edward, and could not be separated from the church. He has there one plough, with one serf, and three cottagers. There are twelve acres of meadow and ten acres of pasture. It is worth twenty shillings. Of the same land of this Manor, Azelin holds in Westcube seven hides and three virgates of land. Alshilla held them in the time of King Edward, and could not be separated from the church. In demesne are two ploughs, and six villeins, and seven bordars, and six cottagers, with one serf, having two ploughs and-a-half. There are two Mills rendering five shillings, and twelve acres of meadow, and twelve acres of pasture, and sixteen acres of wood. It is worth £4 and ten shillings. Two hides of this land were villenage and five others were thane land.” In reading this account we should bear in mind as regards the measures of land, that “the hide was the measure of land in the Confessor's Reign, the carucate,” which is to be interpreted ploughed land, “that to which it was reduced 5 by the Conqueror's new standard.” The hide is generally supposed to be equal to 120 acres, and money is generally estimated at thirty times its present value. In the 22nd year of the Reign of King Edward I., A.D., 1293, the monastic estates of Batcombe were rated at £21 15s. 0d., and in the Reign of King Edward III., the abbot had a charter of free-warren for them, granted by that King. On the dissolution of the Monastery at Glas tonbury the advowson of the Parish Church of Batcombe was granted, 36 Henry VIII. to James Bisse and his heirs. In 1689 it came into the possession of Humphrey Buckler, and on his death, of Thomas Buckler, his son. It became by purchase the property of Rodney Bridges, Esq., of Avington, in this County, in 1728, and from this family it descended to the Duke of Chandos. From him it was bought by the Coney family in 1790. It was purchased from them by the Rev. John Browne, who is the present Rector and Patron of the living. The following is a list of the Rectors and Curates from the 2nd year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, A.D., 1560 : RECTORS. CURATES. 1560, RichardEborne. 1560, 1613,PhilipBisse,D.D.1598to 1598, 1613, M.A.1641,RichardBernard, M.A.1645,EdwardBennet,}1688to 1641, M.A.1661,RichardAlleine, 1645, 1647,EmanuelHartford. 35 99 55 1647, 1648,JosephSwaffield. 1662, 99 **35 1666,RobertReade,M.A. 1666,, 1689,ThomasHolt,D.D. 1680, ThomasSouthport. 1681, 1689,EdwardDibble. 99 3539 1689, 1724,M.A.HumphreyBuckler, 16– 1714,GeorgeWebber. 1714, 25 M.A.1724,ThomasBuckler, 1724, 55 M.A.1727,ThomasBuckler, ** # “Mr.Ford.” 1727, M.A.1742,PeterNewcome, 39 1730, 1742,JohnPotter. | 1742, 1744, 1742, M.A.1769,RichardNaish, 99 1754,SympsonBennet. — , 1754, 1769,BenjaminMilward.

present

Officiating

Minister is the Henry who has had sole

Rev.

N.B.—The

Taylor, B.C.L.,

George Francis

,, 1859,

S.C.L.

Browne,

,, Thomas F.

1841,

M.A.

Horsford,

,, Richard Goldesbrough

1777,

Roger

,, 1837,

B.A.

Smith,

Edward

,, 1770,

Michell.

,, William

1790,

Norris.

, William

David

1795,

Coney.

Thomas.

CURATES.

,, J.

1779,

Jenkins.

and

1779

1777

1775

1790

(1769 1829 1854

|

|

|

U1838

charge of the Parish since the 24th of

1862.

October,

Alexander

Jacob, M.A.

1769, 1779,

Thomas

1790, 1840, Coney, L.L.B.

RECTORS.

1841,

John

B.A.

Browne,

John

1790, Poole. 1779, S

Of Richard Eborne, the first Rector recorded by the Parish Registers, nothing can be ascer tained. The Parishes of Spargrove and Batcombe were united during the time he held the Rectory. Philip Bisse, D.D., was born at Spargrove in 1541. He was educated at Oxford, and became a fellow of Magdalen College. He was Sub dean of Wells in 1572, Archdeacon of Taunton in 1584, and in 1598 was instituted Rector of this Parish. “He was a bold and uncompro mising asserter of the great truths of Protestant ism.” When Wadham College was founded he made the liberal and handsome benefaction of 2,000 volumes of books to it. The foundress caused his portrait to be hung over the door with this superscription, “Dorothea Wadham, fundatrix hujus collegii, hanc Phillippi Bisse, S Theologiae doctoris effigiem, quia hanc bibliothe cam suislibris ornavit, in grati animi testimonium, fieri voluit, atque hic appendi mandavit; aetatis suae 72, An. Dom. 1612.” He held the Rectory for 15 years, and died on the 28th of October, 1613, and was interred in a vault under the Rectory Pew, in the Chancel of Batcombe Church, aged 72. There is an old looking monument by the side of the Westry Door, to his memory, and represents him kneeling before 9 a reading desk repeating the words “SCIO QVOD REDEMPTOR MEVS VIVIT "–“I know that my Redeemer liveth.” Above and beneath the monument is the following inscrip tion :—

“HIC JACET ECCE-TVWM QUONDAM BATCOBIA LVMEN, QVI MIHI PATRONVS BIS TIBI DOCTOR ERAT. TERRA CADAVE HABET, VARIOS ACADEMIA LIBROS; CHARAS PASTOR OVES, ALTE ET ALTER OPES. ASTRATENENT ANIMA, WENERABILE PATRIANOMEN; TAM PIA WITA FWIT, TAM BONA FATA WIRI.” “QVI 28 OCTOB 1613 ANN AETA TIS SWAE 72. MORTWWS NWNC REGNAT CVM CHRISTO.” “NON MERITV NON MISSA IWWAT NON FICTWS & IG PYRGANS SED CHRISTI MORS MIHI SOLA SALV SIC DOCVIT WIXITQ PIE SIC MORTVV OM N AEWO BIS DOCTOR QVIQ BEATVS ERIT PHILIPPWS BISS ARCHIDIAC TAVNTON ET HVIWS ECCLAE PASTOR.” , M.A., was instituted on the death of Dr. Bisse. Little information, however, can now be obtained of him. He was the author of a book, entitled “The Isle of Man, or the Legal Proceedings in Manshire against Sin;” a book which suggested to Mr. John Bunyan the first idea of his Pilgrim's Progress, and of his Holy War. It was first given to the public 10 in 1627, and some idea of its success may be formed from the fact, that even in those days it ran through six editions before 1627 had passed away. “Pilgrim's Progress” was first published in the year 1678. The former work, although curious from the fact above stated, falls very far short of the genius of Bunyan. The South Aisle of Batcombe Church was built by James Bisse in 1629, during the time Mr. Bernard was Rector. In 1641 Mr. Bernard died, after having held the Rectory 28 years. During the last few years of his Rectorship he was assisted by the Rev. Edward Bennet, M.A., who was ordained to the Curacy of this Parish in the year 1638. He was born on the 18th of August, 1618, at South Brewham, and was educated first at the Grammar Schools of Bruton and Heytesbury, and afterwards at New Inn Hall, Oxford. After the death of Mr. Bernard he continued for some years under Mr. Alleine. He seems to have been a man of great piety, and was much beloved by his congregation. After he left Batcombe he went to Christchurch, in London, but returned soon after to Bratton-seymour, a small village, three miles from Wincanton. He now became the Vicar of the town of South Petherton, in this 11

County, where he became very much liked, had a large congregation, and his labours are thus

described :— - “He abhorred trifling in his study or pulpit, and was much delighted in his work. He preached three times a week in public, ex pounded the chapters which he read, catechised the younger and unmarried persons, and in the evening he repeated the sermons in his own family; to which many of his neighbours came for several years. He was very cautious in ad mitting to the sacrament, and as cautious in refusing. He used to take all occasions for good discourse; and had days of conference with his people; and carefully practised himself, the things which he recommended to others, and by his excellent instruction and wise conduct, he reduced a great part of the town to sobriety. He spent much time in visiting the sick, and re solving the doubts of many; and his success much added to his pleasure in his work.” He was made one of the Triers to approve of Ministers, by the Parliament in 1652, and two years after he went into Dorsetshire, having ac cepted the Vicarage of Morden, in that county. In consequence of the “Act of Uniformity” he resigned this living in 1662, and returned to 12

South Petherton, where he set up a school. He also, like most of the Nonconformist Ministers, who vacated their livings rather than conform to practices contrary to their conscience, went about preaching in private houses wherever he could gain access. It is said of him “Many a dark night he has been engaged in travelling to shew his sincere regard to the good of souls, and many weary steps he took to serve his Master.” On Sunday, the 5th of March, 1665, he was taken up for Conventicling, or preaching in un consecrated buildings. This was at Spargrove House, then the property of Thomas Moore, Esq., where one of the rooms had been fitted up as a Chapel. While in the middle of his sermon two Justices of the Peace entered, having first taken the precaution of surrounding the house with a body of foot soldiers. He was conveyed to Wells, and from thence committed to Ilchester Gaol, where he was imprisoned for two months, during which time he often preached to the prisoners. He settled down at South Brewham, his birthplace, in 1669. He preached three times every Sabbath day at this place, in private houses, being always careful that not more than four persons over the age of 16 were 13 • present, beside the family; that being the num ber allowed by the “Conventicle Act.” He met with his death in an affecting manner. Having called for his horse to go to a distance to preach, and while in the act of mounting he was taken with a fit of apoplexy, of which he died sud denly on the 8th of November, 1673, in the 56th year of his age. The Rev. W. Parsons, of Brewham, preached his funeral sermon. The character of this good man is given in the fol lowing words. “He was a man of good learn ing and eminent abilities; an excellent Hebrew scholar; of a quick and clear apprehension, and strong reason; most sincere and plain hearted in the whole course of his conversation; of a cheer ful temper, sweet and obliging in his deportment, and of very humble behaviour; a ready dispu tant, able to defend the truth by argument; of a bold spirit, and one that feared no danger in the way of his duty; a hard student: a strict observer of the Sabbath, and frequent in secret prayer: a great reprover of sin, wherever he saw it, in great or small: his discourses were ingenious, innocent, and instructive. He had always a fair correspondence with the neighbour ing Clergy between whom and him, there passed an exchange of friendly offices, without any 14 shyness; and by many of them he was treated with great respect.” The following to his memory is on a brass plate in South Brewham Church. “To the ever-living memory of the Rev. Edward Bennet, minister of the gospel, who, by a suddain sur prize, fell asleep in Christ the 8th day of Nov., 1673; aetat. suae 56. And Mary, his wife, who also by a suddain surprize, fell asleep in Christ Feb. 26, 1694. AEtat 79.” Richard Alleine was instituted 1641. He was born in 1611, at the village of Dichiat, in this county. His father, who was the rector of that place, conducted the education of his son until he was prepared for the University. He was sent to St. Alban's Hall, Oxford, where he finally took the degree of M.A. He then entered into Holy Orders, first as a Curate to his father, and afterwards as Rector of this parish, where he discharged the duties of a clergyman with great industry and fidelity. It is said of him “He was a pious, prudent, dilligent, zealous, but meek Instructor of his flock; much respected in his Parish and neighbourhood, and well-known through the nation by his practical writings.” He conceived from his education a predilection for the opinions of the Puritans and therefore 15 when the civil war broke out between Charles I. and the Parliament he sided with the latter, and in consequence often received a little disturbance from the King's troops. He, however, never carried his opposition to any undue length. The following curious entry is made in the Bruton Registers for this period: “1641 This year was Brewton's fear. 1642 All praise and thanks to God still give For our deliverance Matthias' eve. By His great power we put to flight Our raging foes the Batcombites, Who came to plunder, burn, and slay, And quite destroy our town this day.” In a paper which Mr. Alleine, along with other Ministers, signed, entitled “The Testi mony of the Ministers of Somersetshire to the truth of Christ,” their candid and declared prin ciples were fully shown. In 1652 he, as well as his father, was employed by the commissioners appointed by the Parliament for the ejection of scandalous Ministers. After the Restoration of Charles II. in 1660, he showed a disposition to loyalty, but he resigned this living the following year, after enjoying it for 20 years, being unable with a good conscience to unite in the “Act of Conformity;” and ranked with the meritorious 16

band of sufferers—the aggregate number of - whom after the most accurate computation is estimated at not less than 2,000—commonly called “the ejected Ministers.” He now fol lowed the same itinerant course as his brethren, and preached in private houses. He frequently visited the residence of Thomas Moore, Esq., at Spargrove, and exercised the duties of his minis terial office under the penalty of the “Conven ticle Act.” On one occasion he was apprehended at this Mansion, and Mr. Moore, a , paid a fine of £5 to prevent his imprisonment; but lest it should appear like the acknowledgement of an offence, he refused to pay the same sum for himself and in conse quence had to exchange the comforts of his mansion for the misery of a wretched prison. But although Mr. Alleine was often brought up be fore the magistrates, reprimanded, and even imprisoned, yet such was his piety and exem plary conduct that he obtained a mitigation of punishment. But danger could not deter him from what he considered to be his duty, and although, in consequence of the “Five-mile act,” he was obliged to give up visiting Spar grove; he still exercised the duties of his office at Frome-Selwood, until he ended his labours 17 by death on the 22nd of December, I681, in the 70th year of his age. Mr. Alleine was greatly admired as a pathetic and practical Preacher. He was much esteemed for the diligence with which he carried out both the public and private duties of his profession. Piety, boldness, activity, and candour, were beautifully displayed in his character. In his funeral sermon, preached by the Rev. Richard Jenkins, M.A., the vicar of Frome Selwood, ample testimony was borne to his piety, activity, and moderation. Like most Nonconformist Ministers, his studies and works were chiefly on subjects of Religion. His publications have often been reprinted, and have been much per used. A fact is related of his most celebrated work, which is worth recording. This was regarding his “Vindiciae Pietatis, or a Windication of God liness in its greatest Strictness and Spirituality, with directions for a Godly Life,” in four parts. It was refused a licence, but was, notwithstand ing, published in 1665 without a printer's name, and met with a very large circulation. The King's Bookseller, however, caused many of the copies to be seized and sent to the King's Kitchen for waste paper. This same man bought them from this place, bound, and sold 18 them in his own shop. The offence was soon discovered, and he was made to beg for pardon on his knees at the Council Table. The books were returned and bisked, or besmeared with an inky brush. His other Works are “Heaven opened, or a brief and plain discovery of the riches of God's Covenant of Grace;” printed in 1665. “The World Conquered; ” published in 8vo., in 1688. “Godly Fear; ” printed in 8vo., in 1674. “A Rebuke to Backsliders, and a Spur for Loiterers;” printed in 8vo., in 1677. “A Companion for Prayer;” in 12mo, 1680. “A brief character of Mr. ;” and “ Instructions about heart-work, what is to be done on God's part and ours for the cure and keeping of the heart; ” a posthumous piece, published in 8vo., by Dr. Annesley, in the year 1681. After the departure of Mr. Edward Bennet, Mr. Emanuel Hartford undertook the Curacy. His parents, although respectable, were poor, and would have found it quite out of their power to pay for his University education. An uncle of his, however, a Mr. Hartford, generously undertook to defray his expenses at Oxford., When he left the University, he maintained himself by keeping a School, but at length, 19 resolved to enter on the Ministry, and was ordained, at the early age of twenty, to the Curacy of Batcombe with Upton Noble. He resided at the Rectory House in the latter Parish. He was very poor, often not knowing how to procure necessaries for the ensuing day. But he was never forsaken by Divine Providence, who often sent him relief by the hands of strangers and unexpected friends. After he left these Parishes he became the Minister of Taun ton, where he was assisted in his labours by the Rev. Matthew Warren. He died at this place on the 4th of August, 1706. He was a hard student and an acceptable preacher. His ser mons were judicious, and he had a great facility and skill in interesting his hearers and making himself understood. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. John Sprint, of Milborne Port. Mr. Joseph Swaffield next became the Curate of Batcombe and Upton Noble. He was born in November, 1625, at the town of Dorchester, and was educated at Christ College, Oxford, which he was, unfortunately, obliged to leave before taking his degree, in consequence of his having injured his health by hard study. He commenced his Ministry in this Parish, but did 20

not hold the Curacy long owing to the weakness of his voice. He now became private Chaplain to the family of Sir T. Trenchard, in Dorset shire, but in the year 1649 accepted the Rectory of Odstoke, in Wiltshire, which he held till 1662, when he took a house and became a resi dent at Salisbury. He was committed to the County Gaol in 1674 for preaching in his own house, where he remained for about a year-and a-half, but on petitioning the King he was dis charged. He died at Salisbury in 1681, aged 56 years. The following is given as a description of this Minister —“He was a man with a great and generous soul in a sickly body; and tho’ in indigent circumstances, and with a large family, yet eminent for his benevolence, which he constantly enforced by his precept and ex ample. He was very courageous and constant in preaching in the most difficult seasons: his sermons were judicious and remarkable for their fulness.” He published a volume of sermons under the title of “The Body of Sin, or a discourse concerning the Saints failings and infirmities.” In the account of Ministers who laboured in Batcombe at this period, the name of the Rev. Henry Albin must not be passed by. He was 21 born at Batcombe, June 20th, 16-, and was educated at Glastonbury, and afterwards at Oxford. He became the Minister of the Parishes of West Camel and Duniet. He held the living of the former place till the year 1660, and being a Nonconformist he resigned the latter in 1662. He now returned to Batcombe, and often preached in his own and in the houses of his friends. He was often seen at the Parish Church, but preached twice every Sabbath day at Spargrove House, in the family of Thomas Moore, Esq. He was also at different times the Minister of Frome Selwood, , Bruton, and Wincanton. He died at Batcombe on the 25th of September, 1696, and was buried at the Parish Church, close by the Chancel, on the 6th of October. The following taken from the margin of the Register of Baptisms for the year 1673, shows that a party feeling existed between the Conformists and Nonconformists:— “Dorothea the Daughter of Tho: Moore Esq Baptized October 24” and below this in the handwriting of Thomas Holt Rector of Bat combe; “This above say’d, boldly e irregularly inserted by Henry Albin a non conformist to the Church of England.” The Rev. William Hopkins, of Milborne Port, preached his funeral 22

sermon, and in it thus spake of him —“He was a judicious man and of good learning; eminent for his piety, and very diligent in his work. He was a great redeemer of time, an hard student and remarkable for his prudence. He was one of a large acquaintance and of a very friendly temper. He taught by his life as well as his doctrine, and lived and died a great example of strict and close walking with God, and a heavenly conversation. He had a majesty in his countenance, and yet was clothed with humility.” In the Register of Baptisms for the year 1662 is a memorandum evidently recording the insti tution of Robert Reade to this Rectory, on the resignation of Richard Alleine. The writing, however, is nearly illegible. The following signatures are beneath the record :— “William Andrewes { Churchwardens Robert Norton Robert Layeb James Lovell Stephen Parsons Francis Beorn John Lovell” No information can now be obtained of this Rector. He appears only to have held this living. 23 four years, and died in July, 1666. “He was interred in the Chancel near the stepps.” His widow, Mary Reade, died at Cranmore, and was buried at Batcombe on the 5th of October, 1719, “in the same grave as he was, aged 83, by me

Tho : Buckler Curate ” - - Thomas Holt, D.D., was instituted on the death of Robert Reade, in 1666. He appears. to have held the living 22 years. He was also Rector of Wraxall and Canon of Wells. He died at Wraxall in April, 1688. The Rev. Edward Dibble was the “Curat of Batcomb” from the year I680 to 1688. He afterwards became the Minister of Brewham, and died in August, 1695, and was buried at Batcombe. Humphrey Buckler, M.A., was instituted in 1689. He held the Rectories of Batcombe and Upton Noble, in conjunction with the Vicarage of Chew Magna, in this County. He died on the 20th of June, 1724, within two months of the decease of his youngest Humphrey, “and was buried at Chew’’ on the 22nd of the same month. : “Thomas y” son of Humphrey Buckler Rector of Batcomb” and Jane his wife “was born Aprill 11th And was baptiz'd. Aprill y". 24

24: in y” year 1691" He was ordained in the 23rd year of his age to the Curacy of this Parish; which he held till the year 1724, when “he was presented upon his father's death by Trustees, the immediate right being his own" to the Rectory. “The Peers and Walls in y” Front of the Parsonage house were erected at y" expence of Thomas Buckler Rector of Bat combe in y" year of our Lord 1725” He died on the 15th of December, 1727, after having held the Rectory only three years, and “was interred” on the 18th of the same month “at his own Request in the Parsonage pew & in the Grave of y" Revd. Dr. P. Bisse.” Aged 36 years, Peter Newcome, M.A., Vicar of Wellow, in the County of Somerset, “was presented Jan : y" 1st 172' by y' Homble. George Bridges Esqr. of Avington in y” sd, county, to the Rectory of Batcombe, was instituted thereunto by John Ld. Bishop of Bath and Wells Jan : y” 12, was In ducted feb : y 8th by the Revd. Mr. Dutton & on Sunday the 11th inst, Ready" 39 Articles & common Prayer &c in the parish Church de claring openly his unfeigned Assent & consent according to Law.” Nothing more than this is known of this Minister. He held the Rectory till the year 1742. 25

The Rev. John Potter was the Curate of this Parish during the time Mr. Newcome was the Rector. Notice is taken of the act for burying in woollen during the time he held the Curacy. The affidavit is carefully alluded to in all cases of burial from the year 1730 to 1744, with few exceptions, and the rigidness with which the act was enforced may be inferred from the follow ing : “1743 * “Mrs. Mary Board was buried May 4th at her own Request in Linnen; & Information made before Thos. Coward Esqr. The fine 5 Pounds, divided between y” Informer, & y Poor of this Parish.” Mr. Potter died at Batcombe on the 7th of April, 1744, and was buried on the 9th of the same month. Richard Naish, M.A., “was presented by John Willis eldest son of Dr. Willis Ld. Bishop of Winchester,” to the Rectory of Batcombe with Upton Noble, on the 16th of September, 1742. He appears to have held the living till the year 1759, but was non-resident for the last 15 years, employing the services of the Rev. Benjamin Milward as Curate. The following extracts from entries made in the Register of Births, Marriages,

and Deaths may be thought interesting:— - 26

“Eight Young Sycamore Trees Transplanted into Batcombe Church-yard on Decbr. 4 1750 By Richard Naish Rector James Cox Senr. Planter” Three noble specimens still remain. “The Pulpit & the Reading Desk were mended and a New Rail to the Pulpit Stairs And the Stairs New Cas'd with Oak. Dec. 5. 1750, And a New Oak Shelf for the Books.—Robert White, John Lawrence, Church-Wardens.” “Books Given to the Church of Batcombe, Somerset. Two Volumes in Folio of The Annotations on the Old & New Testament Given by Mr. Philip Bradford & Mr. Benjamin Bradford his Son, Clothiers in Batcomb. 1720. One Volume of Sermons, comonly called Hom ilies. Dr. Taylor's Polemical Discourses in Folio, for merly Lord Bishop of Down & Conner, in Ireland, Given by The Revd. Mr. Richard Naish, Rector of Batcombe Dec. 25. 1750. And they were all Placed in the Chancel the same

day. - -

Witnesses . - - Church- . x - Rd. Naish 1750. Rector of Wardens Batcombe.” 27

The Annotations and the Homilies remain in the Church to this day. The other Books have been lost. “The Honble. George Rodney Bridges Esq, Patron of this living of Batcombe died at Avington May 13, 1751.” “There has not been any one child born at Spargrove, or at the Spargrove Tenents, for 60 years last past, that was ever brought or received, or publickly Baptized at Batcombe Church, but have been publickly Baptized at Spargrove House, or at the Tenent's Houses, till Richard the son of Joseph & Rebecca Papps” of Spargrove Mills “was publickly Baptized Feb. 11. 1750-1 by the Revd. Mr. Townshend Curate of Silton Dorsetr. Mr. Naish the Rectr. being lame of the Gout.” Alexander Jacob, M.A., was instituted in 1769 and held the Rectory till the year 1779, but only lived in the Parish three years. During his non-residence the Revds. Richard Goldes brough, David Thomas, and J. Jenkins, Curates,

performed his duties. . The Rev. John Poole next became Rector, but was non-resident, during the ten years he held the Rectory, 1780–1790. The Rev. William Norris appears to have held the Curacy for that period. He was very much liked, but was not very remarkable as a preacher. 2S

Thomas Coney, L.L.B., was instituted March 20th, 1790. He did not become a resident in this Parish till the year 1795; his brother, the Rev. William Coney, officiating as his Curate up to that year. This latter Mr. Coney, we find from the Register of Marriages, married Miss Anna Maria Wickham, of the Liberty of St. Andrews in Wells, on the 28th of February, 1791. After he left Batcombe he became the Minister of Bremor, in Wiltshire. The Rev. Thomas Coney held the Rectory of Batcombe with Upton Noble for the long period of 50 years. He was a man of ample fortune, having an income of upwards of £2,000 a year, besides his living. He was an energetic and popular preacher, always drawing crowded congregations, and was much respected and esteemed for his munificence and charity. Up to the year 1829 he discharged the duties of both Parishes by himself. From that time till the year 1837 he was assisted by the Rev. Roger Smith. In 1832 Mr. Coney was much shaken by attacks of epilepsy, which so far impaired his strength of body and mind as to render him unfit to take any duty. He died at Batcombe on the 30th of December, 1840, and was buried on the 6th of the following month, in a vault beneath the 29

Communion Table in the Chancel. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Coney, daughter of John Jeane, Esq., of Binfords, in this County, died at Puckle church, in Gloucestershire, on 29th of August, 1854. After the departure of Mr. Smith, till the death of Mr. Coney, the Rev. Thomas F. Horsford held the Curacy. He afterwards became the Rector of Sutton-Montis, near Ilchester, in this County. John Browne, B.A., was instituted February 2nd, 1841, and is the present Rector and Patron of the living. After residing at the Rectory for a period of 21 years, he left the Parish on the 24th of October, 1862, on a certificate of non residence; leaving the Rev. Henry Taylor, B.C.L., in sole charge of the Parish during his absence. In the year 1854 George Francis Browne, S.C.L., son of the Rector, was ordained to the Curacy of this Parish, which he held for five years. He now holds the Curacy of Sandford Orcas, in . this County. The Church was restored chiefly through the exertions of the Rector in the year 1844. THE CHURCH.

The Church is situated on the left hand side of the Road from the Village of to . Upton Noble, and must no doubt be an object of interest to all who have seen its lofty, massive, and magnificent tower. As far as can be ascer tained, of the building of this Church there exists no account; and therefore to answer the question so commonly asked “What is the date of it?” would be mere presumption. We will leave this to those who are in the habit of investigating such matters, and will only give a brief description of some of its constituent parts. Tradition has handed down to us the fact that the Church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary; and this is fully borne out by the cele bration of Batcombe Feast on the first Sunday after the 15th of August, which, according to the Roman Catholic Calendar, is the Festival of

the Assumption of the Virgin. - On St. Thomas's day there is a custom called by some “Gooding,” and by others “Mumping,” when every woman in the Parish who is able 31 goes from house to house to ask alms, which in most cases they receive either in money or in kind. The Church consists of a Chancel, Nave, Tower at the West end, North and South Aisle, South Porch, and Vestry on the North side of

the Chancel. - The Chancel is low and small, and has no pretension whatever to any Ecclesiastical style. The East Window is plain and square, divided into six parts by two vertical and one horizontal mullion. There are traces both in the interior and exterior, of there once having been a very different East Window. It was probably knocked out some time ago, and the present poor one put in its place to let in more light. Within the Altar Rails, at the distance of two feet from the East wall and three feet from the floor, on the South side, is a Piscina with a trefoiled. orifice, and a shelf. There is only one Altar Step running the whole width of the Chancel, at the distance of six feet from the East wall. The Altar Rail is of carved oak, running across from the North to the South wall : it was placed there in the year 1732, during the time. the Rev. Peter Newcome, M.A., held the

Rectory. - * . . . - 32

On the South side of the Chancel are two windows, the first at a distance of three feet eleven inches from the East wall, the second near the bottom of the Chancel, both of two lights, trefoiled, and are set deeply in the wall. In the year 1856 the Coney family put stain glass into these windows. The one nearest the East wall is in memory of the Rev. Thomas Coney, L.L.B., for 50 years Rector of this Parish; and represents “Suffer little Children to come unto me” in one light, and “Feed my Lambs” in the other. The following inscription on brass is beneath the window :

IN MEMORIAM. WIRI. ADMODUM. REVERENDI. THOMAE CONEY. L.L.B. QUI PER ANNOS QUINQUAGINTA. ECCLESIAE BATCOMBE CUM UPTON NOBLE. PASTOR FIDELIS. PROBATUS. DILECTISSIMUS. PRAEFUIT, OB: 30 DECEMBRIS. ANNO SALUTIS. 1840. AETATIS SUA. 82. HANCFENESTRAM PONENDAM CURAVERE. LIBERISUPERSTITES. WHEN THE EAR HEARD HIM. THEN IT. BLESSED HIM. AND WHEN THE EYE SAW HIM. IT GAVE WITNESS UNTO HIM.

The other window is in memory of Mrs. Eliza beth Coney, the wife of the Rev. Thomas Coney; and represents “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her,” in one light: and the three women “Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of 33

James, and Salome” at the sepulchre,” in the other. The following inscription on brass is beneath it :—

Elizabeth Coney. Wife of the Revd. Thomas Coney. Rector of Batcombe. And Upton Noble. Eldest Daughter and Coheiress of John Jeane Esqr. of Binfords. in this County. Died Deeply and Deservedly Lamented. 29th August. 1854. in the 85th Year of Her Age Her Children. Consecrate this Tribute of Their Love to Her Cherished Memory She hath Dispersed Abroad and Given to the Poor Her Righteousness Endureth For Ever. Between the two windows there was originally a door, which was closed at the Restoration of the Church in 1844. - The Chancel is elevated one step. On the North side is a small Vestry, built about the year 1810. The expense was defrayed partly by the Parish, who paid the sum of £20 towards its erection, and the remainder by the Rev. Thomas Coney, Rector. In it is an old Church Chest, which bears the date 1683. The Chancel arch spans nearly the whole width of the Nave. It springs from piers having semicylindrical shafts attached. The Capitals are plain champered. In the South-east angle of the North Aisle is a turret tower in which are stairs which must originally have led to a Rood-loft. This suppo sition is strengthened by the fact that when the Church was restored a doorway was found 34

blocked up with stonework, situated somewhere about the Northern capital of the Nave arch. The door leading up the stairs of this turret tower to the Rood-loft, is at the side of the Reading desk. The moulding above the door is beautifully foliaged. At the restoration of the Church the leaves which were found to be much damaged, were restored by a man named Cornish; who, sad to relate, fell from a scaffold at Wells, a few weeks afterwards and was killed. There are three piers and two half piers car rying four arches on either side of the Nave, separating it from the North and South Aisles. They are of the Perpendicular style, and may be described as formed from a square, with the angles fluted or cut in a bold hollow, having on the flat face of each side of the pier a semicylin drical or three-quarter round shaft attached. These shafts have capitals, the upper members of which are angular. The base mouldings are polygonal. The hollow mouldings at the angles are carried up from the base to the spring of the arch, and from thence in a continuous sweep to the apex of the arch. The Clerestory is 18ft 6in. high to wall plate and 31ft. to ridge-piece of roof. Its roof was put up new in the year 1732 at a cost of £80. 35

Till the restoration of the church in 1844, it was covered with plaster and whitewash. This was then removed and the roof was cleaned and oiled. At the same time the Clerestory windows which were much damaged, were restored to to their original form at the expence of the Rev. John Browne, B.A., Rector. They correspond exactly to the East window of the North Aisle, of which a description will be given. The drip of these windows outside, terminate on each side in hideous gargoyles. The tower, or Western arch, is very beautiful, rising from the ground to the height of 20ft. to the springers, and 28ft. 6in. to the apex. The piers and arch are champered and ornamented with trefoil. At the springers on either side are three angels. The Pulpit, Reading desk, and pews, are modern, placed in the church in the year 1844. The old pews were large unsightly enclosures, looking all ways. They were bought second hand, from the church of St. Leonards, in Bristol; and were put up in the year 1763, at a cost of £45. The present pews are of deal wood, which was left unstained and unvarnished. Added to the unsightly appearance which this gave, the church was lighted with tallow dips, 36 placed in small brass sconces. These dips used to be snuffed two or three times during service, by the Sexton, to the infinite amusement of some members of the congregation. Happily these drawbacks to the interior arrangements were removed in the year 1863; when the Pulpit, Reading desk and pews were all stained and Varnished, and handsome brass standards with paraffine lamps were placed in the church in lieu of the brass sconces and tallow dips. The expence of these improvements was defrayed in a great measure, by a subscription list in the Parish. The East window in the North Aisle is Deco rated, of three lights, cinquefoiled The heads of the window are supermullioned in six com partments, trefoiled with a quatrefoil at the apex. There is an external drip terminating on the North side in a female head. The termination on the South side is hid by the turret tower. There are some remains of stain glass in this window, as a witness against the desecrating hand which has destroyed the rest. Tradition states that this Aisle and East window was built by a family of the name of Baby. The fact that there are five bells on the stain glass in this window, the crest of that family; seems to bear 37

testimony to the truth of the tradition. There are three windows on the North side, which answer to the same description with the excep tion of the quatrefoil at the apex. When the plaster was removed from the West wall of this Aisle, in 1844, the text “Suffer little children to come unto me,” in red letters, was discovered. Why this was covered over again we cannot conceive, for we have Canonical authority for writing on the walls “chosen sentences” (see 82 Canon). The roof is of oak, the rafters of which are carved with flowers. There are six corbels apparently of early date, carved into angels holding shields, supporting the roof. In removing the old pews in this Aisle two niches, behind one of them, in the North wall were found. It is thought probable that they at one time contained the effigies of the founder of this Aisle, and his wife. The East Window of the South Aisle answers to the same description as that in the North , Aisle; differing only in the lower lights, which are trefoiled instead of cinquefoiled. On the South side are two windows, one on each side of the South door. They are of the Debased English style; being squareheaded, with plain vertical mullions having the heads of the lights 3S obtusely arched, without foliations. The roof is of oak, precisely similar to that of the North Aisle. According to tradition this Aisle was built by James Bisse, in 1629, and this is fully corrobo rated by the following facts —Firstly—There is an old monument to this family with their arms —three shells on it—on the lower part of the window, on the Eastern side of the South door. Secondly—There are the letters “I” “b” over the outer door of the South porch. And thirdly —There are the Bisse arms on the left hand side of this door; and the date 1629 on the right hand side. The South porch has a handsome carved oak roof, but in bad repair. There is no parvise over the porch. Over the outer door, in addition to what has already been mentioned, is a circle; the centre of which is filled up with a shield, on which are the Bisse arms, sable, three escallop shells in pale argent, with the following inscription in a circle round them :— “QVI. POTENS. EST. ET. SAN. TVWM. NOMEN. FECIT. MIHI. MAGNA.” “He. who is powerful, and, whose name. is. holy, hath done, great things, for me.” Over the porch is a sun-dial, which has not been kept up. 39

The font is of the Perpendicular style, and stands near the Western arch, in the South west corner of the Nave. The upper part is worked in eight panels, which contain the arms of the diocese, a Tudor rose, a Maltese cross, and other ornaments. The lower part, which accord ing to tradition, is of older date, is carved into columns, having caps and bases. The font is large enough for immersion, and has a water drain. The parapets on the Nave and North and South Aisles are of an elaborate kind; pierced with quatrefoil, having shields in the centre of each compartment. On these shields are various devices, arms of the diocese, Tudor roses, crosses, &c. The shields of the parapet round the South Aisle have the Bisse arms. In the centre of the Eastern parapet there is a cross, and on the cross a figure. From the third rafter of the Nave near the East end hangs a brass chandelier, given by the Lovell family, (there is reason to believe a Mr. Joseph Lovell,) in the year 1737. According to tradition, whenever any of this family were buried, all the candles in this chandelier used to be lit. This once wealthy family, owning a good deal of property in most of the surround ing villages, are now extinct. 40

The tower is square, Perpendicular, of two stages, having a stone spiral staircase at the North-east corner to the top. There is a base moulding running round the exterior. Over the Western porch, and below the first stage of the tower, is a very handsome groined arched roof; considered one of the finest specimens of its kind in the West of England. In it is now a trap door for raising the bells through. The belfry is over this roof. There are six bells of very sweet tone. We find, from the “Church wardens Accounts:” that Mr. T. Bilbie, of Chew stbak, cast six bells out of old ones, for our Church in the year 1760, and that the cost of “Castingy" Bells addition of mettle, carriage of y" Bells to and from Chewstoak,” &c., &c, amounted to £834s. Five of these bells, with no other in scription but the name “T. Bilbie,” remain in the Church, the sixth was removed in the year 1816, when the present large bell was hung in its room. It has the following inscription on it — *JAMES WELLS ALDBOURN WILTS FECIT 1816” Below the first stage of the tower, and over the West doorway, is the West Window, Per pendicular, of four lights, cinquefoiled. In the centre is a double mullion, which is vertical to the height of the spring of the arch of the 41 window, and then branches off on either side. The head of the window is supermullioned in three compartments, trefoiled. The West doorway has the flattened, four centered, or Tudor arch; one of the characteris tic features of the Perpendicular style. According to tradition, the tower is one of those built in Somersetshire by King Henry VII. In allusion to the traditions that this King built many of the Churches in this County, the follow ing is found in Wharton's Spencer's Fairy Queen, vol. ii. p. 259:—“Most of the Churches in Somersetshire (which are remarkably elegant) are in the style of the Florid Gothic. The reason is this : Somersetshire, in the civil wars between York and Lancaster, was strongly attached to the Lancastrian party. In reward for this service, Henry VII. when he came to the crown, rebuilt their Churches.” Above the West doorway, and below the West window, is an angel which has lost its head, holding a crown. The buttresses of the tower are angular, divided into three stages, finishing in pinnacles with finials. An open battlement runs round the tower, pierced with trefoil. The height is about 87 feet. On the Western face of the tower, over the West window, is a niche containing a figure, 42 thought by some to be that of the Virgin Mary, to whom the Church is dedicated; and by others with more brobability, that of King Henry VII., who built the tower. The figure has been much mutilated. On the head there is apparently a crown, and in the right hand a sceptre. There are six angels, three on each side of the figure, one above the other. The centre angel on the North side has in its hands what is said to be Jacob's ladder. The other angels also hold something in their hands, but the writer of these pages has not been able to ascertain what they are meant for. On the Southern side of the tower there are also two niches, which once contained statues; the staples which held the figures are still remaining. The belfry is lighted by panel work tracery, pierced partly in quatre foils, and partly filled with sunk panel work. On the Eastern face of the tower is a clock, which strikes on a bell called the “tingtang.” This bell has the following inscription:—“MIB. HD. I (a representation of a bell) L. 1691 ° The following date and name of Churchwarden is on the lead on the tower — “Joseph Chaddock C * W 1780” 43

The leads on the Nave and North Aisle were cast in the year 1732. The cost of this, includ ing “Glazing y' windows in y South side” was 4'680s. 9d. The Church is built for the most part of “” Stone, and stands, as is generally the case, on the Southern side of the Church yard. Most of the oldest graves and tombs are to be found on that side, which is very crowded. In fact the whole of the Churchyard is now over full, and should be closed. In consequence of the over-crowded state of the Churchyard, the ground round the Church has risen to a con siderable height; and it is a fact that the floor of the Chancel is four feet below the surface of the ground outside. Some of the old tombs give evidence of great expenditure, but as usual, in very bad taste. They are of that heavy and heathenish table kind, which convey a strong suspicion that they were placed there by the “eldest sons” for fear the original possessors of their property should ever rise up again. The Upton Noble inhabitants claim a right of burial in the North-eastern part of the Churchyard, and we find from the old Register of Burials that many people from that Parish were buried at Batcombe. The Churchyard is 2r. 20p. MANOR OF BATCOMBE.

As has already been mentioned: in the time of the Saxon King, Edgar, the Manor of Batcombe was given to the Monastery of Glastonbury. A great dispute arose between the Abbots of this place, and the family of Sanzaver, who held the Manor of Spargrove; about their intercommon age, or mixing of lands in the Manors of Bat combe and Spargrove. This dispute was however settled by Ralph Sanzaver, who gave up to Abbot Robert, of Glastonbury, two acres of arable land which lay intermixed with the Abbey lands; and also giving up his right of common in Batcombe: the Abbot at the same time renouncing his commonage in Spargrove, to the said Ralph Sanzaver, “in perpetuum (Adam de Domerham, ii. 532.)” The witnesses to this deed of composition were Sir Warin de Raleigh, and William Fitz-Adam, (Register Glastonbury, folio 307.) The Manor of Batcombe was held by the Abbots till the dissolution of the Monas tery, when it was granted 36 Henry VIII., together with the advowson of the Parish Church, and the demesnes, tenements, woods, 45

* and other hereditaments in Batcombe and Shepton Mallet; part of which, called North owes-wood, containing 100 acres; Wolly-wood, 20 acres; Withiwood, 10 acres; Blackland Petty-furlonge, Hewishe, and common pasture, in the common of Mendip: to James Bisse and his heirs, to be held of the King in chief by the service of a knights fee, and the annual rent of £3 6s. 6d. (Collinson's Hist of Somerset, vol. iii. p. 467.) The Manor afterwards came into the possession of the families of Malte and Harington; it became by purchase the property of the Bridges family, of Avington, form whom it descended to the Duke of Chandos. It was last held by the Duke of Buckingham. The Manor house was situated at Holly Hill, Batcombe, near Mr. Stephen White's house. A part of one of the walls is still standing, and may be seen in the “Back lane.” The house has been taken down within the last 20 years. The advowson of Batcombe is a Rectory. It was valued in 1292, 20 Edward I. at 13 marks and a half, or £9. The Sacrist of Glaston bury, having out of it a pension of 20 shillings, (Taxat Spiritual.) In the year 1842 the tithes were commuted at £731, including the tithe of Glebe. There is a large Rectory house, built by 46

Mr. W. Coney, about the year 1792. There is a large garden and a beautiful lawn to this house, with two magnificent cedar trees. Registers.—The earliest entry is in the Regis ter of Baptisms, in the 17th year of Charles I., 1642. The Registers of this date and down so late as to 25th of George II., 1752, are kept from Lady-day to Lady-day; the year com mencing and ending on the 25th of March, so that anyone, not being aware of this fact, might easily attribute an entry to the wrong year. The Baptisms are duly registered from 1642 to the present date, without any intermission. The Marriages are equally complete from 1673, and the Burials from 1646. The following entry is made in the Register of Baptisms for the year 1653, “Whereas in pursuance of an Act of Parliament yntituled an Act for Marriages, Births, e Burialls and Registringe of them, the Parishioners of Batcombe, within the County abovesd have made choyce of Nicholas Wininge to be the Registrar of the said parish for thre yeares next ensuinge unles cause be showen to the contrary accordinge unto the sd Act. These are to certify accordinge unto the sd Election and the sd Act y” doe approve of, and doe hereby admitt of the abovesd Nicholas 47

Wininge into the sd Office and place of parish Registrar for and duringe the time abovesaid. And have accordinge unto the sd Act given him an oath for the due execution thereof this 28th day of December, 1653.” In another page of this Register for the year 1662, is an entry which we have already alluded to, apparently recording the institution of Robert Reade, and his reading and declaring his assent to the 39 Articles and Book of Common Prayer, during the time of Divine Service; in the year “Regni Rgs Charoli Britania, ffrase et Hybernia decimo quarto.” In the year 1800 we find the following memorandum :— “The number of Baptisms, funerals & Marriages that occurr'd in the Parish of Batcombe from the year 1700 to 1800 inclusive which were ex tracted from the said Register agreeable to act of Parliament passed in the year 1800 for that purpose as under Namely, No. of Baptisms, Males 286 Females 293

No. Funerals. Males 209

Females 240

No. of Marriages, including Upton Noble, amot. to 318 Sent to the Bishop by Thos. Coney, L.L.B. Rector of the sd. Parish-1800.” Batcomb, Mar. 31st, 1800. 48

BENEFACTIONS. A Mr. Elias Jarvis, by his will, “made y"29th of May, 1679,” left a rent charge of £2 for the instruction of six poor children of Batcombe. The following is a copy of the will;— “Item I give to the Parish of Batcom Forty Shilings a year for ever, that is to say ten shil lings every quarter to be paid out of Mr. Samull Wilcox's tenement which is my land after his deceas; and the payment not to begin till on yeare after his deceas; to y' intent or the use of six poore children or as many as it will pay for their scooling till they can read theire Bibles & the ten shillings a quarter a foresaid shall be paid to the Churchwardens & Oversers of Batcom to be dispoosed of to the aforesaid use and intente and the count given thereof at Easter hou it is dis poos" of from year to year for ever. & whoever coms to injoy that Land after Mr. Wilcox's and my deceas and in case this ten shillings a quar ter should be neglected or refused to be paid by y" Owner thereof six weeks after the Quarter day from tim to time. Then it shall be lawfull for the Churchwardens and Oversers of Batcom to take any goods in the hows or grownds from time to time as often as it shall be neglected or refused to be paid as aforesaid and Return the 49

overplush to the owner.” We find from the Register of Burials that Mr. Elias Jarvis was buried on the 30th of June, 1697, and Mr. Samuel Willcox on the 22nd of December, 1699. The payment of this rent charge pro bably commenced therefore in 1700. In the “Churchwardens Accounts” for the year 1724 is the following entry: “August y' 10th 1724 Received of Philip Board” Churchwarden “ten Shilings being in fooll for Midsomer Rent dew from Mrs. Davison for kiping Six poore Children to reading by y” appointment of Mr. Jarvis.

- John baby (Probably Overseer).” We find from the Parliamentary Returns for the year 1820, that the sum of £2 was paid out of a farm at Westcombe, then in the occupation of Joseph Allen. For some years past the pay ment of this rent charge has lapsed. There is a National School, built chiefly by the exertions of the late Mr. Wickham, and also the late Mr. Ernst, about the year 1839. This School is supported by the great liberality of Captain and Mrs. Ernst and Mrs. Wickham, as well as by other parochial contributions. H A M L ETS.

ASHCOMBE, Or, as it is also called, Eastcombe, lies a mile towards the North-east of Batcombe, and in 1791 contained ten houses, but only four are now standing. It is spoken of in Doomsday Book, A.D. 1086, and appears to have belonged to the Bishop of Coutances. The following is the survey — “Herluin holds of the Bishop, Aisecome. Brictric held it in the time of King Edward (the Confessor), and gelded for three hides and a half. The arable is five ploughs. In demesne are two ploughs, and seven serfs (or servants), and six villeins, and five cottagers, with three ploughs. There are 40 acres of meadow and three acres of coppice wood, and one hundred acres of pasture. It was and is worth one hundred shillings.” As regards the measure of land in Doomsday Book, “The truth,” says Sir H. Ellis, “seems to be that a hide, a yard land, a knight's fee, &c., contained no certain number of acres, but varied in different places,” but it has been described to be “as much as was sufficient to the cultivation of one plough, whence our term of plough-land.” 51

We find (Lib. Feod) that Ashcombe afterwards belonged to the Arthur family. At this place, on the left hand side of the road from Batcombe, is the base of an old Cross. Traditionary reports concerning this Cross are various; but from all that we can gather, it appears to have been used as a .

WESTCOMBE Lies a mile to the West of Batcombe; in 1791 contained thirty houses; it now contains thirty two. The pasture in this hamlet is said to be much finer than at Batcombe. We find from a record in 1718 that, “The Parish of Spargrove includes a Will called Westcombe.” Westcombe House, the estate of Captain Ernst, is situated in this hamlet, and nearly all the land in it is owned by him. The pleasure grounds at West combe House are greatly admired by all who have seen them. They were laid out origin ally by Dr. Chalmers, and considerably improved by the late Mr. Ernst, who was a great benefactor to this Parish, and whose loss was sorely felt. They owe their present state of perfection to Captain Ernst. Through the grounds flows a beautiful trout stream, and pheasants, hares, and partridges abound on the estate. 52

BATCOMBE. The residence of Mrs.Wickham is situated near the Parish Church, and is also a very beautiful spot. The late Mr. John Wickham, one of the Magistrates of Somersetshire, lived many years at this estate, which he purchased. He was the son of the Rev. John Wickham, Rector of Horsington, in this County, where he was born in 1772. He was educated at New College, Oxford, where he obtained the Travelling Fellow ship; and was at Paris when Napoleon the Great issued his edict to arrest all Englishmen found in his dominions. Mr. Wickham was detained in different towns in Central France for some time, but at length obtained leave to join a select number of “detenus” at Geneva. After a time he obtained a memorial in his behalf to Napoleon from the late Dr. Jenner, and he was permitted to return to England free and without exchange. He settled at Batcombe, and regularly attended the Petty Sessions at Shepton Mallet, where his opinion was highly respected. He was a great friend and benefactor to this Parish; and his loss, at a good old age, was much deplored. His widow, Mrs. Wickham, is much esteemed for her kindness to the neigh

bouring poor. - .

* 53

ALLAM Lies about a mile to the North-west of Bat combe. Sometime ago it contained an old house and a beautiful estate—thought one of the prettiest in the neighbourhood—belonging to the Andrews family. Part of the house was taken down about two years ago, and the other part has been turned into cottages for the poor. SPARGROVE, Anciently called Spertegrave, is a small hamlet to the South-west of Batcombe. It was origin ally a distinct Parish, rated in the Liber Regis, or King's Book, £53s. 10#d., and having a separate Church, dedicated to St. Lawrence. This Church was united with Batcombe in the sixth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. To use the words of an old Parish Record, “by y" agreement of y" Patrons and Rectors of each Rectory y' 20" Decem 1564 Tempore Gilberti Epis! Bathon et Wellen: dioces, he y” said ordinary did unite and consollidate y' Churches and Rectories into one Church and Rectory, and declare yt y” same should be, and be ac counted but one Church and Rectory for y” future; with ys salva, yt y” same tenths, procu rations Paschalls and fees of institution and Duction should be p" and continued as before.” “The Church of Spargrove is and hath been time out of mind entirely demolished,” says a record in 1718. In a field called the “Park,” at Spargrove, is the glebe land of the Rectory of Spargrove, 1a. Or. 13p.; on some part of this land the Church stood. THE MANOR OF SPARGROVE. This Manor always had distinct lords from those of Batcombe. We find that in the reign of Edward I., Hugh Sanzaver was the lord, holding the manor of the heirs of Lord John de Brewes. He died in 1284, leaving Ralph, his son and heir. This Ralph Sanzaver was he who settled the dispute with the Abbots of Glaston bury, (Collinson's Hist. of Somerset). In the reign of Henry VI., the Manor belonged to John, Earl of Arundel. In I571, it belonged . to John Bisse. The Manor afterwards became the property of Thomas Moore, Esq. He died on the 6th of August, 1695, and was buried on the 16th at Hawkchurch, in Dorsetshire; leaving the property to Thomas Coward, Esq., to whom he was in some way related. The estate re mained in the hands of the Cowards till 1800, when they became extinct. The Manor House.—This house was probably rebuilt by Thomas Moore, Esq., about the beginning of the reign of Charles I. Over the porch, at the entrance, are the arms of the Moore family. The house contains several rooms of very good dimensions. There is a report that one of the lower rooms is haunted by Thomas Coward, Esq.; the origin of the story may be attributed to the rats, with which this house abounds, and which frightened some 56

one who slept in that room. One of the upper rooms was fitted up as a Chapel, during the time Thomas Moore, Esq., was the proprietor, and the house afforded a refuge for all the Noncon formist Ministers in this neighbourhood, who here exercised the duties of their ministerial office under the penalty of the “Conventicle Act.” It was while preaching in this Chapel that Edward Bennett was apprehended and imprisoned in 1665. The Sacrament of Baptism was very frequently administered here, as the following entry, amongst others, in the Register of Baptisms for the year 1746, shows:– “Sarah Daughter of John and Joan Dupe of Brewham was publickly Baptiz'd at Spargrove Study by the Revd. Mr. Coward November. 29. 1746.” After the death of the last Mr. Coward, in 1800, the estate was sold, and has since been in several hands: it is now the property of Mrs. Saunders. The Mansion has been turned into a farm house, and is falling into a very delapidated state. It is to be feared it will not stand many years longer. On the walls of one of the out-buildings are the Bisse arms, and over the stables the Coward arms, with the date 1749. The farm has been occupied for many years by a family of the name of Parfitt.

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UPTON NOBLE

Lies a mile and a half East of Batcombe, which is its mother-church. It is in the Hun dred of Bruton, and is situated on the Southeast slope of a hill, having the beautiful Plantations of Stourton full in view, intercepted by a valley. The following is the survey in Doomsday-book, in which Upton is called Opetone, and appears to have belonged to the Bishop of Bayeux: “The same Ralph holds of the Bishop Opetone. Lesmer held it in the time of King Edward, and gelded for three hides. The arable is three ploughs. There are five acres of meadow, a wood half a mile long, and four furlongs broad. It was and is worth sixty shillings.” The Parish contains 668 Acres, viz., 217 Arable, 392 Meadow and Pasture, 15 Home steads and Gardens, 5 Orchards, and 39 Woods and Plantations. There are 62 inhabited houses, 69 families, 53 of whom are employed in agri culture. The annual relief of poor previous to the New Poor Law, was £194, now £181. In the year 1816 the Population was 231. In 1841, 282, and in 1861, 214. 58

The advowson is a Rectory united with Bat combe, in the deanery of Castle Cary; and the Rev. John Brown is the present Rector and Patron. The Rector for the time being, is en titled to all the tithes arising in the Parish. The annual value is £138 7s. 0d. The tithes were commuted in the year 1842. There is an old Rectory house, clearly showing that at one time a Rector used to reside in the Parish. This house is in bad repair. There is a very old oak staircase in one of the upper rooms, and a very fine old oak bedstead, richly carved. It is stated that the four posts of this bed go from the roof to the bottom of the house, through the other rooms; but we are assured that this is without foundation. In 1645 Mr. Hartford, Curate of Batcombe, cum Upton Noble, lived in this Rectory house. Subsequently it became a Cloth Manufactory, and at a later date was used as a public house, called the “Red Lion.” About the beginning of the last century a family of the name of Dawe resided in it. Madam * Dawe is said to haunt the premises. THE CHURCH.

The Church is a small structure, consisting of a Chancel, Nave, South Aisle, and old Tower over the Porch. It is 38 feet in length, and 24 feet in breadth. Over the inner doorway of the Porch is a small niche which probably contained the figure of St. Mary Magdalene, to whom according to tradition, the Church is dedicated. Close to the entrance is an old circular Norman Font. Near this font is a Norman pier, which supports the arch separa ting the South Aisle from the Nave. This pier has been very much disfigured. In fact a piece has been cut away on one side to let in a pew and give more room. The windows of the South Aisle are of the Debased English Style, of three lights, square-headed without foliations. The East window is very small, of one light, trefoiled. There were no Altar Rails till Mr. Coney's time, by whom they were erected; the Holy Communion it is said was adminis tered from pew to pew. He also had seats placed round the Communion Table, and strange to say the people were allowed to 60 sit within the Altar Rails. This disorderly and improper state of things was put a stop to by the Rev. George Browne, Curate of the Parish. Concealed behind the Rectory pew is a Piscina, on the North side of the Altar. At the West end of the Nave is a gallery. There are two West windows, one above, and the other below it; they are plain, of no ecclesiastical style. The Church is built of “Doulting” free stone; and “Upton” stone. The pews are old; some falling into decay. It is to be hoped something will be done ere long towards re pewing this Church. On the floor of the Nave is a stone in memory of “William Dicke,” but the name is nearly effaced, and there is no date. On the floor of the Chancel is a tablet to the memory of two children of Thomas and Arabella Dawe, who died in 1708, and 1709, “AEtatis Suee 1°.” On the North wall of the Nave is a mural monument inscribed “In memory of Charity, wife of John Balch, who died April 16" 1805. Aged 67 years. Also of Benjamin Butler, who died Oct 15" 1805. The sweet Remembrance of the Just, shall flourish when they sleep in dust. Also of Betsy, wife of John Barnard and Daughter of the said John and Charity Balch, who died July 25 6]

1846. Aged 67 years.” There is an old Bible belonging to this church, printed in 1695. The tower is very curious, apparently very old, having a pent roof. It is stated on good author ity that there are only two other towers in England of like kind. In it are two bells with no inscription. The Church stands at the North-western corner of the Church-yard. There are the remains of an old cross in this Church-yard. “The original intention of erect ing crosses, whether in Church-yards or public roads, was to remind people of the meritorious cross and passion of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ; and the duty incumbent on them to pray for the souls of their departed brethren. Formerly there was scarce a village or hamlet which had not one or more of these pious mementos; some of them were inscribed with the names of the erectors, and with admonitions to the devout pilgrim: sermons were frequently delivered from them; and the knees of our re ligious ancestor with gladness pressed those steps, which the degeneracy of modern times has studiously contrived to unhallow and de stroy (Collinson's Hist. Somerset Vol. I. p 224).” Registers.—The Registers of this Parish are very imperfect, pages have been cut out of the 62 book, and there are erasures. They commence in the year 1677. The bad state in which they are kept elicited the following from Mr. Thomas . Buckler, Curate:— “Never was Register kept is such a pathless manner as at this Church. THos. BuckLER, CURATE.” MANOR OF UPTON NOBLE.

The earliest mention of the Manor is 21 Edward I. A.D. 1293, when Robert Burnel, Bishop of the Diocese, died, seized of Upton and left it to his nephew, Philip Burnel. This Philip held it of the heirs of Giles de Flory, by the service of one penny yearly. Edward Burnel, his son and heir, had livery of his land I of Edward II. 1307. He died without issue, and his sister Maud, wife of John Lovell, suc ceeded to the property. Maud survived her hus band and married secondly John De Handlo, who held this Manor in Edward third's reign, He died in 1347; when John Lovell, the son and heir of the said Maud by her first husband succeeded to the Manor. In 1353, by reason of the minority of John Lovell, the Manor was in the King's hands. In 1408 John Lovell, knight, is certified to hold at his death the Manor of Upton, of the abbot of Glastonbury. In 1442, reign of Henry VI. John Rogers, Esq., was lord thereof (Collinson's Hist. of Somerset Vol I p 228) and to him there is a monument on the North wall of the Church, nearly effaced, which has been plastered over. The Manor afterwards 64 belonged to the Baker family, from whom it has been purchased by the Harris family, who now

possess it. - - Manor House.—There is an old Manor house still standing.

BENEFACTIONS. Miss Baker by her will in 1832, left 2s. 6d. a week to the oldest widow in Upton. This money was not left on any land, it was to be paid by the Baker family. The Churchwarden of Upton collected it for many years of the steward to that family, but he at length be coming a bankrupt the money has never since been paid. With a respectful apology for the trial of the readers' patience, if it has been exercised, we here beg to take our leave, hoping that the foregoing account of these Parishes will give general satisfaction.

ALBERT BYRT, PRINTER, SHEPTON MALLET.

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