Part 1

NOTES AND QUERIES

FOR

Worcestershire.

BY JOHN NOAKE,

AUTHOR OF "THE RAMBLER," &c.

LONDON: LONGMAN AND CO. AND SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. MDCCCLVI.]

=PRICE FIVE SHILLINGS=.

DEDICATED BY PERMISSION

TO

JOHN GOODWIN, ESQ.,

TWICE-ELECTED MAYOR OF WORCESTER;

AND UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF

THE VERY REV. DR. PEEL, DEAN OF WORCESTER,

THE RIGHT HON. EARL BEAUCHAMP,

J. H. H. FOLEY, ESQ., M.P.,

AND

R. PADMORE, ESQ.

In winter's tedious nights sit by the fire, With good old folks, and let them tell thee tales Of ages long ago betid.

Preface.

Another trifling instalment towards the history of Worcestershire is now respectfully presented to its inhabitants, and the Author ventures to express a hope that it may meet with the general favour of the reading public, equal to that which his previous works have elicited.

The materials of historical works usually consist of tables of pedigrees, charters, battles, sieges, enumerations of manors, with their successive owners, statistical details, and other tedious though useful information. These, however, are but the dry bones--the skeleton of history. The spirit of the past can only be evoked by a deep and extensive research among documentary and traditional evidences--by careful comparison and analysis--by judicious deduction and inference. To perform this effectually, even for the limited area of a county, the coöperation of many minds is almost indispensable. Let us take Worcestershire as an instance. Habingdon, Nash, Thomas, Green, and others, have accumulated large masses of the matter which conventionally passes for history, and I would not for one moment desire to detract from the merit of their labours: yet the history of Worcestershire remains to be written. What do we yet know of the manners and customs, the hopes and aspirations, the social every-day life, the habits and thoughts, of our ancestors? Yet surely this is not the least considerable feature of the times of which we would fain glean tidings. Who would not vastly prefer an hour or two's conversation with one who was in the flesh some centuries ago--could that be possible--to studying the pages of the most intelligent contemporaneous historian? Education had rendered the world dissatisfied with the old modes and precise forms of this department of literature, when such pens as Macaulay's were soon ready to supply the new want. Yet Macaulay could have done but little service in this way had he been content to receive old stereotyped facts which had for centuries been lazily copied by preceding writers. It was by industriously and perseveringly investigating public and private libraries, hunting up all available resources, and systematically comparing and arranging the information thus obtained, that he was enabled, by the potency of his genius, to erect on a new foundation a superstructure that has delighted and astonished all beholders. That great man's industry, at all events, if not his genius, may, and must be, imitated by all who would successfully labour in the field of history for the future. The annals of even so circumscribed an area as a county must not be written without at least searching the records of its principal courts of judicature, nor that of a city before consulting the dusty relics in the parochial chests and the municipal closets. Yet these fertile sources of authentic information have been almost entirely neglected by Worcestershire historians. The Author of this little work has made a commencement, humble though it be, towards furnishing data for the required undertaking; yet how much remains to be done! Nor can a single individual, confined to the requirements of an absorbing profession, be expected, alone and unaided, to achieve much. If some one in each parish would undertake to search the register, the old vestry and churchwardens' books, and any manuscripts or other material that may exist in the parish; if others would investigate the archives of the municipal towns, the Assize records (which I presume are in the possession of Mr. Wilde, at Clifford's Inn), the MSS. and rare books which may be found in the libraries of private gentlemen and the British Museum, and, though last, the most important of all, the ancient ecclesiastical registers and other records in Edgar Tower--the labour of a life--some material would then be gleaned from which a competent editor might produce a history worthy of the county--a picture of the life and manners of our ancestors, and not a mere record of names and dates and crude undigested facts.

The fragments which the Author has rescued from the accumulating dust of past ages are here presented, in the hope that others more competent will be stimulated to similar exertions in the various departments above indicated. Two insuperable reasons prevent his undertaking the task himself--first, that it would prove overwhelming and impossible to one who can spare only an occasional hour for the purpose, while, if divided amongst many, the accomplishment would be easy; and secondly, that much of the work to be done--especially the examination of ancient ecclesiastical documents--requires far greater scholastic attainments and a more intimate knowledge of the middle ages than he possesses. "Divide and conquer" must be the motto, if the work is to be done.

Meanwhile it will be noted with satisfaction that every successive exploration into the past indicates more distinctly the decided progress we have made, and exposes the fallacy of the belief in the "good old times:"

"The good of ancient times let others state: I think it fortunate we're born so late."

In the few sheets here collected, evidence is given of civil and religious strife, such as we are now happily exempt from; of coarse habits, and a reckless expenditure of public funds on gross sensuality; the primitive state of the highways and the miserable travelling consequent thereon; the infancy of science in almost every department, and the greater prevalence of disease; superstition pervading all classes; women flogged in public, and the gaol a very specimen of barbarism; the poor hunted out of their cottages in every parish like wild beasts, and nearly all descriptions of trade fettered by absurd restrictions; nonconformity persecuted, and constitutional liberty, as we now understand the term, unknown. Nor were the manners and customs of our ancestors much more desirable than our own, although there was a greater heartiness in them and apparently a more general mixing of classes. When Parry was searching for the north-west passage, a boat was one day sent on shore, under charge of a petty officer, who received, besides the usual instructions to keep a look-out for anything remarkable, a printed form, on which, under the heads of "Manners," and "Customs," to record what he saw among the natives. In due time the boat returned to the ship, the man delivered in his report; and an extraordinary one it was for pith and brevity, running thus:

MANNERS | CUSTOMS None at all. | Very beastly.

That the same report might have been truthfully applied even to English society in the last and preceding centuries the following pages prove, and still more conclusively might the charge have been brought home had the author felt himself justified in printing _in extenso_ some of the documents he has consulted, especially among the county rolls. Let us, however, not quarrel with our predecessors, but rightfully appreciate the blessings of advanced civilization by endeavouring, each one in his limited sphere, to inculcate contentment with our lot and an earnest desire to assist in the great work of human progress, both physical and moral.

In conclusion, the Author begs to offer his warm thanks to the patrons of this book (individually named in the dedication), without whose kind promises of support the work would not have been published; to Sir T. E. Winnington, Bart., M.P., for the inspection of many interesting manuscripts; to the clergy and churchwardens of the city, for their courtesy in permitting the examination of the registers and other parish books; to Mr. Carrington, barrister-at-law, for several valuable contributions and highly prized literary assistance; to Mr. Lewis, of the County Clerk of the Peace's office, for the trouble he so willingly incurred in displacing and re-arranging the Sessions' rolls; and lastly, to the general body of subscribers, who have so numerously signified their intention to take copies.

Index.

Abberley, 161, 240, 255, 289.

Abberton, 207, 297.

Abbot's Lench, 253.

Abbot's Morton, 177.

Abington's Manuscripts, 144.

Acton family, 264, 267, 270, 293, 315.

Acton Beauchamp, 159, 173.

Affiliations, 20, 42, 54.

All Fools' Day, 210.

All Saints' parish, 60, 222, 227.

Alfrick, 157, 173, 200, 204, 249, 289, 316.

Alvechurch, 102, 109, 132, 241, 253, 256, 271, 316.

Anabaptists, 117.

Ancient Inns, 258.

Archaic words, 251.

Areley, 202, 294.

Ascension Day, 208.

Assize notices, 273.

Astley, 80, 166, 246, 261, 289, 295, 310, 312, 313.

Astwood, 189.

Babes of Bethlehem, 205.

Badging paupers, 19, 41, 63, 68.

Badsey, 316.

Balls at Assizes, 279.

Baptisms, 176, 206.

Barneby family, 155.

Bearcroft family, 311, 315.

Bees, 179.

Belbroughton, 125, 182, 132, 254, 260, 310.

Bells, 17, 34, 47, 48, 52, 64, 177, 214, 240.

Beoley, 104, 126, 187, 132, 228, 253, 254, 316.

Berkeley family, 159, 160, 267, 293, 325.

Berrow, 253.

Besford, 234, 295.

Bewdley, 15, 75, 76, 100, 103, 125, 145, 150, 162, 173, 185, 198, 215, 232, 239, 245, 247, 253, 258, 264, 268, 301, 308, 318, 322, 328.

Birlingham, 125, 126, 315.

Birtsmorton, 203.

Bishampton, 101, 241, 272, 294, 314.

Bishop Skinner's Memoirs, 151.

Bishop Swinfield's Roll, 145.

Bishop Thornborough's monument, 287.

Black pear of Worcester, 228.

Blockley, 126, 272, 312, 315.

Bloody pond, 263.

Blount family, 120, 310.

Bockleton, 155, 315.

Brawling, 110, 118.

Bredicot, 297.

Bredon, 111, 126, 249, 256, 311, 313.

Bredon's Norton, 112.

Bretforton, 102, 199, 241.

Bricklehampton, 90, 316.

Bride ales, 218.

Bridges and highways, 130.

Broadheath, 64.

Broadwas, 208.

Broadway, 98, 238, 252, 266, 301, 312, 317.

Bromsgrove, 52, 65, 75, 84, 85, 100, 102, 106, 110, 113, 117, 124, 125, 198, 200, 132, 133, 235, 240, 260, 266, 268, 271, 289, 294, 296, 301, 305, 310, 312, 313, 316, 321.

Broughton Hackett, 203.

Burying in woollen, 26, 50.

Bushley, 295, 312.

Carriers, 101.

Cast-iron grave slabs, 231.

Castle Morton, 100, 129, 172, 290, 312.

Cathedral and precincts, 3, 9, 11, 12, 23, 25, 64, 96, 149, 152, 182, 196, 131, 142, 143, 206.

Catherning, 215.

Cattle market, old, 38.

Chaddesley, 106, 125, 126, 130, 182, 201, 217, 253, 255, 271, 290, 310, 312, 314.

Charlton family, 94.

Charms, 180.

Chaseley, 316.

Chimney money, 25, 28.

China trade, 254.

Christmas customs, 219.

Church and the people, 105.

Churchwardens of Worcester, 17, 26, 39, 45, 51, 56, 59, 62, 66, 69, 73.

Civil Wars, 10, 126, 318.

Claines, 70, 93, 271, 295, 311, 313.

Cleeve Prior, 316.

Clent, 196, 206, 240.

Clergy of seventeenth century, 108.

Clerks and sextons, 17, 259.

Clifton-on-Teme, 159, 161, 195, 137, 301.

Clothing trade, 305.

Club-men of Worcestershire, 324.

Cofton Hackett, 153, 132, 311.

Collins's fire, 60.

Comberton, 79, 127.

Communicants in 1548, 270.

Compositions to the king's household, 133.

Cookes family, 313.

Corn trade, 99.

Costume of the bar, 273.

Cotheridge, 229, 293, 315, 325.

Council of the Marches in Wales, 8, 15, 47.

County Sessions Records, 74 to 134.

Coventry family, 10, 18, 75, 87, 100, 122, 275.

Crabbing the parson, 206.

Crime, 82.

Cromwell pilloried, 229.

Cromwell's parliament, 292.

Cromwell's property tax, 264.

Croome, 75.

Cropthorne, 102.

Crowle, 188, 311.

Cuckolds, 84, 106.

Curfew, 214.

Cutnal Green, 181, 189.

Daylesford, 297.

Defford, 108.

Diary of Joyce Jeffries, 137.

Dineley family, 93, 135, 264, 310, 314, 323.

Dineley Manuscript, 135.

Dissenting meeting-houses, 124.

Distemper in cattle, 51, 103.

Doddenham, 289.

Dodderhill, 57, 125, 253, 312.

Doddingtree Hundred 200 years ago, 154.

Dogs and cats, slaughter of, 317.

Doverdale, 102, 297.

Dowdeswell family, 87, 122, 310.

Dressing a parson in 1627, 9.

Drinking healths, 210.

Droitwich, 11, 108, 115, 146, 203, 208, 243, 271, 289, 290, 294, 297, 301, 305, 308, 312, 313, 317, 321.

Dr. Prattinton's papers, 232.

Dudley, 75, 91, 100, 114, 125, 126, 171, 184, 185, 204, 231, 240, 267, 301, 319, 329.

Dunclent, 127.

Easter tokens, 16.

Eastham, 158, 236.

Echoes, 289.

Eckington, 245.

Edvin Loach, 159, 297.

Eldersfield, 265, 272, 314, 316.

Elmbridge, 291, 295, 310.

Elmley Castle, 142, 234, 266, 289.

Elmley Lovett, 79, 290, 312.

Evesham, 15, 75, 102, 126, 147, 196, 208, 238, 239, 248, 264, 272, 288, 293, 294, 301, 302, 305, 308, 319.

Excommunications, 32, 105.

Feckenham, 41, 75, 105, 118, 132, 148, 201, 242, 255, 258, 259, 313, 314.

Fees of Clerk of Peace in 1753, 76.

Female scolds, 106.

Fifth monarchy men, 116.

Figures, introduction of, 13.

Fishermen of St. Peter's parish, 40.

Fladbury, 102, 180, 240, 289, 295, 314.

Floods, 67, 239.

Flyford Flavel, 207.

Foley family, 92, 159, 264.

Foresters of Feckenham, 148.

Four children at a birth, 296.

Frankley, 266, 316, 328.

Funeral customs, 208.

Gaols, 37, 85.

Garden and butter markets, 38.

Ghosts, 187.

Giants, 237.

Gloucester city gates, 258.

Good Friday, 178.

Grafton, 124, 126, 241.

Graveyard punning, 265.

Grimley, 294.

Guy Faulx, 209.

Halesowen, 125, 200, 218, 233, 241.

Hallow, 253, 313.

Hampton Lovett, 271.

Hanbury, 15, 57, 102, 124, 147, 295, 311, 313.

Hanley Childe and William, 158.

Hanley Castle, 100, 104, 254, 310.

Hartlebury, 75, 125, 142, 154, 175, 180, 205, 210, 211, 232, 246, 248.

Harvington, 148, 215, 219.

Heaving, 211.

Hemp and flax, 102.

Henry the Eighth's obsequies, 5.

Hermitages and caves, 246.

Himbleton, 125, 231, 234, 241, 253.

Hindlip, 23.

Holt, 189, 256, 293, 295.

Holy loaf, 233.

Honeybourne, 102, 238.

Hop cribbing, 222.

Hop-pole hotel, 35.

Hops, 228.

Hopton family, 322.

House of Industry, 38, 43.

Housling pence, or Sacrament money, 31.

Huddington, 188, 205.

Iccomb, 95.

Image, destruction of at Worcester, 285.

Incumbents of Worcester, 17, 26, 39, 45, 51, 56, 59, 62, 66, 69, 73.

Inkberrow, 78, 83, 125, 177, 132, 218, 253, 311, 315, 316, 321.

Javelin men, 281.

Jeffries' Manuscripts, 136.

Kempsey, 15, 131, 147, 245, 271.

Kidderminster, 3, 14, 75, 100, 103, 125, 127, 151, 184, 185, 201, 211, 217, 249, 264, 268, 271, 293, 302, 305, 308.

King Charles's coins, 228.

King Charles's staff, 236.

King's Norton, 96, 103, 104, 113, 132, 203, 210, 240, 254, 260, 265, 271, 283, 292, 294, 310, 313, 314, 316.

King's tax, 27, 234.

Kington, 4, 80.

Knighton, 156, 272.

Knights of the Royal Oak, 266.

Knightwick, 128, 142, 166, 200, 252, 326.

Knightwood, fines for not taking, 309.

Kyre, 158, 161.

Lechmere family, 104, 122, 264, 292.

Lee, Rev. Dr., 261.

Legends and traditions, 193.

Leigh, 95, 185, 188, 215, 235, 253, 272, 289, 312.

Lindridge, 112, 147, 149, 156, 157, 142, 294.

Littletons, 102, 315.

Longdon, 90, 220, 240, 259, 311, 312, 314.

Longevity, 255.

Love spells, 189.

Lulsley, 158, 200, 253.

Lygon family, 37, 87, 88, 121, 123, 184, 264, 267.

Lyttelton family, 266, 267, 286, 294.

Magistrates in 1483, 267.

Malvern, Great, 126, 133, 147, 171, 186, 195, 256, 264, 311, 313.

----, Little, 154.

Mamble and Bayton, 83, 165, 210, 255.

Manuscripts, county, 135.

Marine store dealers, 228.

Martin Hussingtree, 255.

Marriage custom, 208.

Marriages by Justices, 57.

Martley, 129, 160, 165, 252, 255, 257, 310, 313, 326.

Mathon, 169, 181, 253, 263.

May-poles, 112, 210.

Memory, fine, 259.

Milward evidences, 230.

Morris dancing, 213.

Mortuary Cloth of Clothiers' Company, 305.

Moseley, 126, 265, 294, 317.

Mothering Sunday, 210.

Nash family, 37, 57, 119, 121, 123, 265, 310.

Naunton Beauchamp, 207.

Needle trade, 228.

New Year's customs, 221.

Nicknames, 218.

Nonconformity, 268.

Norbury family, 119, 120.

Northfield, 125, 132, 241, 253, 310.

Norton-juxta-Kempsey, 131.

Norton near Evesham, 205, 239.

Oddingley, 128, 202.

Offenham, 179, 210, 215, 253, 298, 313, 315.

Oil lamps first set up, 38, 41, 55.

Oldberrow, 297.

Oldbury, 116, 305, 313.

Old customs, 205.

Old family, 239.

Old sayings, 238.

Oldswinford, 80, 271.

Ombersley, 128, 266, 295, 310.

Organs at Cathedral, 152.

Orleton, 158.

Overbury, 262.

Oxford circuit, 275.

Pageant-house, 232.

Pakington family, 71, 122, 130, 270, 294, 310.

Paper, early mention of, 284.

Papists, 31, 75, 112.

Pensax, 155, 165, 288.

Pensham, 315.

Peopleton, 270.

Perambulations, 13, 22, 29, 41, 51, 55, 64, 68, 72, 222.

Pershore, 125, 174, 179, 239, 245, 252, 265, 270, 271, 303, 310, 311, 314.

Pillory, 84, 230.

Plague, 132.

Plum-pudding and pancake bells, 215.

Plymouth, Earl of, 87, 93.

Poor, 89.

Population of Worcester parishes, 17, 26, 39, 45, 51, 56, 59, 62, 66, 69, 73.

Powick, 55, 64, 253, 289.

Primitive Cathedral customs, 206.

Printer, first at Worcester, 236.

Quakers, 36, 39, 53, 112, 114.

Queen Elizabeth, 292, 298.

Queries, 228.

Rats, old English, 284.

Records of the City of Worcester, 1 to 73.

Redditch, 132, 228.

Redmarley, 261, 272, 311, 312, 315, 316.

Reformation, 4.

Ribbesford, 75, 163, 165, 193, 272, 294, 315.

Ridley the martyr, 261.

Ringing for the parson, 205.

Ripple, 75, 237, 272, 289, 314.

Rock, 150, 161, 204, 255, 256, 257, 272, 312, 314.

Roundhead's description of Worcestershire, 249.

Rouselench, 235, 316.

Royalists compounding, 292.

Royal oak day, 209.

Rushock, 79, 102, 182, 314.

Rushout family, 87, 122.

Saddle silver, 66.

Saffron, 237.

Salt, 36, 101, 297.

Salwarpe, 57, 85, 187, 271, 282, 291, 295, 312.

Sandys family, 123, 266, 295.

Sapey, 159.

Sculptures on churches, 235.

Seabright family, 295.

Seal of Worcester, 284.

Sedgberrow, 289.

Severn Stoke, 2, 13, 15, 271, 294, 313.

Shelsley, 75, 137, 159, 160, 185, 187, 199, 253, 256, 297.

Ship money, 308.

Shipston, 77, 303, 322.

Shrawley, 80, 166, 180, 293, 311.

Small parishes, 296.

Social regulations, 97.

Somers, the great Lord, 1.

Spetchley, 126, 228.

St. Alban's, 56.

St. Andrew's, 45, 197.

St. Clement's, 66, 197, 225.

St. Helen's, 52.

St. John's, 61, 285, 294, 312, 313.

St. Martin's, 57.

St. Michael's, 1, 131, 295.

St. Nicholas, 26.

St. Peter's, 39, 131.

St. Swithin's, 17.

Stanford, 137, 142, 145, 154, 161, 204, 248, 252, 314.

Star and Garter hotel, 35.

Staunton, 314, 316.

Stewponey, 232.

Stockton, 165.

Stoke Prior, 102, 132, 180.

Stone, 240, 249, 293, 314.

Stourbridge, 75, 100, 103, 124, 125, 133, 161, 182, 186, 206, 218, 231, 232, 233, 240, 253, 271, 304.

Stourport, 289.

Stourton Castle, 127, 232, 328.

Strensham, 256, 294, 295, 314.

Suckley, 158, 173, 249, 272, 296, 310, 314, 316.

Sunday schools, 38.

Superstitions, 167.

Talbot family, 266, 282, 295.

Tardebigg, 102.

Tenbury, 75, 103, 125, 142, 147, 149, 158, 180, 200, 220, 237, 238, 239, 255, 256, 272, 304.

Tenure, 218.

Theatres, 132.

Tibberton, 203, 313.

Tobacco, 103, 242.

Touching for King's evil, 27, 181.

Townsend Manuscripts, 141.

Traces of the Stuarts, 318.

Tradesmen's tokens, 298.

Traveller's passport, 129.

Tredington, 240, 312.

Trial by combat, 147.

Trumpeters at Assizes, 282.

Tything, 93.

Upton-on-Severn, 75, 85, 125, 130, 146, 270, 311, 313, 314.

Upton Snodsbury, 61, 245.

Upton Warren, 132, 253.

Vacarius' Roman law, 143.

Valentine's Day, 212.

Vernon family, 264, 295.

Versified will, 262.

Vineyards, 288.

Virtuous parish, 296.

Wages of Magistrates, 291.

Waits, 213.

Wake at Claines, 72.

Ward, Lord, 87.

Watchman, the last, 38.

Weather rhymes and sayings, 306.

Welland, 57, 126.

Whipping, 84.

Whitbourne, 128.

White Ladies, 212, 256.

Whitsun farthings, 14, 23, 56, 65, 69.

Whoop custom, 217.

Wichbold, 312, 313.

Wichenford, 295, 315.

Wick, 207.

Winnington family, 87, 123, 137.

Witchcraft, 78, 183, 142.

Witley, 75, 125, 160.

Wolverley, 142, 201, 259, 311, 325.

Yardley, 313, 314, 316.

PARISH RECORDS

OF

THE CITY OF WORCESTER.

St. Michael's.

The register of this parish commences with the year 1546, but as the entries for about half a century are apparently in the same handwriting, it is probable that in or soon after the year 1597, when an order was issued that all parochial registers should be transcribed on vellum, an older register of St. Michael's was copied on that now existing. It is on vellum and in excellent preservation--which probably will not be said some two or three centuries hence respecting the common and perishable paper registers now in use by Government authority. The first entry which attracted my attention in this register was--

"1648.--John Somers, gent., and Katherine, the daughter of John Seaverne, gent., and Mary his wife, were married Nov. 13."

And among the births are the following:

"1650.--John the sonne of John Somers, gent., and Katherine his wife, was born the fourth day of March."

"1653.--Mary, daughter of John Somers, gent., and Katherine his wife, was born 15th Oct."

"1655.--Katherine, daughter of John Somers, gent., and Katherine his wife, born 7th April."

Here, then, are the means of deciding a fact which has long been the subject of dispute. Mr. Cooksey, in his "Life of Lord Somers," asserts that he was born at the White Ladies; but Dr. Nash mentions the tradition that the famous Lord was born in the College Churchyard, in a house since pulled down, adjoining the south side of the old church of St. Michael; "but as during the Civil Wars (says that veracious and _painstaking_ chronicler, Chambers) the registers were discontinued, or very irregularly kept, _though the Doctor diligently searched, his birth could not be found_, either in the parishes of Severn Stoke, St. Michael, St. Helen, St. Peter, or the Tything." The "diligence" of the Doctor's search must now be a matter of doubt, as the four entries copied above are not only easily observed, but are somewhat prominent. The "John Somers, gent.," whose marriage with Katherine Seaverne is recorded in 1648, was unquestionably the attorney who resided for some time at the White Ladies, and afterwards within the Cathedral precincts; and their first-born, who was introduced to the world on the 4th of March, 1650, was afterwards the celebrated nobleman who became the head of the Whigs and Lord High Chancellor of England--whose eloquence, knowledge of the law, inflexible integrity, and great capacity for public business, made him an ornament to his country--and whose defence of the seven bishops, in opposition to the tyranny of James II, entitles him to a place in the foremost rank of the defenders of our constitutional liberty. The death of his parents is not entered in St. Michael's register, as they both died and were buried at Severn Stoke. Lord Somers himself was buried in Hertfordshire.

The period of the Civil Wars is distinguished by blank pages, but regularity again commences in 1660. The burial of "Sir Gilbert Jerrard, governor of Woster," is recorded on the 20th of January, 1644; and that of John Cox, master of the College school, on the 30th Dec., 1663. The prisoners and debtors who died in the Castle (the old prison stood on the site of the Castle, near the Cathedral, now converted into gardens) were buried at St. Michael's. It appears likewise that St. Michael's was considered the parish church for the whole of the College precincts, and that if any marriages were performed at the Cathedral, they were duly entered in St. Michael's register, and the incumbent of course received the fees.