These details have been compiled from transcripts of Purse Caundle's and other Parish Registers; plus memorial inscriptions inside the church, and in the churchyard and cemetery.
Friday, August 13, 2010
PURSE CAUNDLE HISTORY - APPENDIX C5: PARISH REGISTERS - BURIALS
Updated 14th August 2010, 3.40 p.m.
These details have been compiled from transcripts of Purse Caundle's and other Parish Registers; plus memorial inscriptions inside the church, and in the churchyard and cemetery.
These details have been compiled from transcripts of Purse Caundle's and other Parish Registers; plus memorial inscriptions inside the church, and in the churchyard and cemetery.
PURSE CAUNDLE HISTORY - APPENDIX C5: PARISH REGISTERS - MARRIAGES
Updated: 13th August 2010, 4.30 p.m.
Not only has a researcher to deal with the often poor or unclear writing of an incumbent when they wrote in parish registers, but in the case of marriages there is also a similar problem with the lay participants.In the case of those who could only make their 'X' mark, one has to rely on the priests as to the accurate spelling of their names - especially when given them in a broad "Darset" dialect. All these 'X's, and in latter years their diminishing frequency, can give some guide as to local literacy. Improved literacy can also bring its own problems, as one can then come across the double situation of poor writing by the priest, and an illegible scribbled signature by a spouse and/or witness. Occupations and addresses are also sometimes not written clearly.
Occasionally one notices some difference in the spelling of a name as written by the priest, and that as signed by the spouse or witness.
As seen with baptisms, microfilming of regiesters does not always produce the clearest images. Thus sometimes the only way to try and elucidate a name in a microfilm image is to go back to the original register.
There is here first a surmised partial reconstruction of the missing early marriage register:
[26] Dec 1269 Roger de Wyveleshulle & Margery --- (Inquisitions
16 Jan 1605/6 Joseph Hussey gent & [Mris] Ann Clyfford (Milborne
Not only has a researcher to deal with the often poor or unclear writing of an incumbent when they wrote in parish registers, but in the case of marriages there is also a similar problem with the lay participants.In the case of those who could only make their 'X' mark, one has to rely on the priests as to the accurate spelling of their names - especially when given them in a broad "Darset" dialect. All these 'X's, and in latter years their diminishing frequency, can give some guide as to local literacy. Improved literacy can also bring its own problems, as one can then come across the double situation of poor writing by the priest, and an illegible scribbled signature by a spouse and/or witness. Occupations and addresses are also sometimes not written clearly.
Occasionally one notices some difference in the spelling of a name as written by the priest, and that as signed by the spouse or witness.
As seen with baptisms, microfilming of regiesters does not always produce the clearest images. Thus sometimes the only way to try and elucidate a name in a microfilm image is to go back to the original register.
There is here first a surmised partial reconstruction of the missing early marriage register:
[26] Dec 1269 Roger de Wyveleshulle & Margery --- (Inquisitions
Post Mortem 1291)
1528/9 William Hannam & Margaret Long of Purse Caundle (20 Henry 8)
12 Sep 1559 William Plucknet & Johan Kelway (Milborne Port Register)
27 Sep 1568 James Hannam & Mary Watkins16 Jan 1605/6 Joseph Hussey gent & [Mris] Ann Clyfford (Milborne
Port Register)
11 Jun 1610 [1640?] Roger Bartlett & Elizabeth Mews (SDNQ XVII, 1923)
c.1625 Edward Thornhull Esq. of Thornhull and Wolland [died 1676] & Margaret Highmore of Purse Caundle [died 1667]
16 May 1663 William Ellis of Purse Caundle & Joane Hallett of Henstridge [at Henstridge, in Henstridge Register]
2 Mar 1728 Samuel Game of Milborne Port & Judith West of Purse Caundle [in Goathill Register]
Friday, June 11, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
PURSE CAUNDLE HISTORY - APPENDIX C5: PARISH REGISTERS - BAPTISMS
Updated: 12th August 2010, 7.50 p.m.
The recording of items of importance into liturgical books was made a rule by the Salisbury Diocesan statutes of c.1217, when parish priests were enjoined to "write in missals and other books the properties and rents of the church and lists of the books, vestments and furnishing". This was the first step in the long process of making parish priests the registrars of their parishes.
In 1538 Thomas Cromwell ordered that each parish should keep a register of baptisms, marriages and burials. The entries were to be made after each Sunday service. Then in 1598 the Provincial Constitution of Canterbury required that the registers should be of parchment. All previous entries, which had usually been written on paper, had first to be copied up, particularly those since the accession of Queen Elizabeth (1558). This is the reason so many rgisters commence in 1558, the previous registers having become unreadable through damp and decay. Up to about 1732 it was common to record the entries with the Latin forms of Christian names. It is possible that there may have been errors in the above copying up, as can be found with any transcription, both by the author and others. When copying Register entries it is occasionally noticed that some entries are out of sequence, where presumably the incumbent (or Parish Clerk) had omitted to make an entry at the time of the event, and rectified matters later. And in APPENDIX C3 it will be seen that the Rev. Thomas Medens in the Milborne Port Register was accused of it being the "worst kept" during his 1560s incumbency.
Hutchins in the 2nd edition of 1796-1814 mentions that "The Register begins 1731." But according to a talk given by Lady Victoria Herbert in 1927, reported in APPENDIX A3, the Parish Registers for the period prior to 1730/1731 were taken away by a churchwarden in 1883. DHC ref: PE/PCD: INV 6/1 says that the registers were extant in 1880.
However, the latest discovered evidence in this saga was in 2010, for at the Bristol Record Office there was found to be a letter dated 29th May 1813 from John Peddle, curate of 'Purse Candle'. He stated that there were "Three Registers . . . to wit - One of Burials begun in the year 1731 - another of Baptisms begun 1731 - and another of Marriages 1754 - all of them kept correctly . . ." Had those missing Registers come back only to be 'borrowed' again?
It has not helped matters that Purse Caundle has not always been in the same diocese. Up until 1542 the parish was in the Diocese of Salisbury. It was then transferred for some reason to the Diocese of Bristol. Then in 1836 it was transferred back to Salisbury. Unfortunately the Bishop's Transcripts were destroyed by fire at Blandford (Archdeanery of Dorset, Diocese of Bristol) in 1731.
Efforts have been made by the author to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Registers at both Dioceses, but so far without success. However, in SDNQ XVII, 1923, page 2, Canon C. H. Mayo noted that pre-1731 Registers seemed to have still been at Purse Caundle during the Rectorship of the Rev. R. Messiter 1829-1885, i.e. subsequent to the Rev. Peddle's information of 1813. (It was from Canon Mayo's notes that Lady Victoria Herbert derived her talk of 1927.) At one stage early baptism and marriage information had been able to be provided by the late Dalton Hascoll Serrell of Haddon Lodge, Stourton Caundle (which he built in 1861), and who died in 1901, which is another line of enquiry followed. It is noticed that the earliest Stalbridge Register is also missing. Dorset History Centre (formerly Dorset County Record Office) thus only holds the Purse Caundle Parish Registers for 1730-1837. These have been microfilmed, as well as being transcribed, from which the following have been copied. Possible partial reconstructions of missing earlier Registers have been derived from other sources, e.g. headstones, wills, Hutchins, and other publications as noted.
To set the above deficiences into context, one cannot do better than reproduce a letter sent to the weekly Dorset newspaper Southern Times, 6th April 1872, reproduced in the Genealogist's Magazine, Vol. 28, No. 1, March 2004:
"Dear Sir,
The last issue of the Southern Times reports that the ratepayers of Wimborne Minster propose to send a protest to Parliament against the 81st section of Lord Shaftesbury's Ecclesiastical Courts and Registries Bill, by which it is proposed to remove all the old registers of each parish from the care of the churchwardens and clergymen and place them in some public building in London. Perhaps it may be worth while for those who are asked to sign such a protest to consider the following fact:- Since Hutchins wrote his invaluable history of this county at least six old register books of parishes within a few miles of this place have disappeared, whilst another was found a few years ago concealed in the thatch of a cottage! I once had occasion to consult a parish register in Wiltshire, when I was told it no longer existed; but I afterwards accidentally met with it at the bottom of the muniment chest of a gentleman who owned the whole of the land in the parish, and there, for aught I know to the contrary, it still remains. On asking to see the register in Deptford, in Kent, a few loose leaves were brought to me, which might have been bound, and so preserved, at the cost of half-a-crown. I have recently wished to obtain an extract from a register in Somersetshire, and have been told the leaf which ought to contain it has been cut out; and a similar answer has been given to me respecting another register in Wiltshire. On an application being made by a member of the College of Arms to the clergyman of a parish for an extract from his register, the worthy custode cut out the bit of parchment on which the entry was made and obligingly forwarded it to the applicant, saying he was unable to read it correctly. Several old registers were found by the late Sir Charles Young, Garter King-at-Arms, in the library of the Herald's College, no doubt sent there by persons of less destructive proclivities than the cutting gentleman above alluded to. They have since been restored. If these instances have occurred within a very limited range of experience, it can scarcely be doubted that throughout the country generally a vast number of these most valuable and interesting documents have, through neglect or carelessness, been irrecoverably lost or destroyed. Contrast this wholesale destruction with the careful preservation of our national records - some of them more than 700 years old - in a public repository in London, where they are accessible to all the world.
The recording of items of importance into liturgical books was made a rule by the Salisbury Diocesan statutes of c.1217, when parish priests were enjoined to "write in missals and other books the properties and rents of the church and lists of the books, vestments and furnishing". This was the first step in the long process of making parish priests the registrars of their parishes.
In 1538 Thomas Cromwell ordered that each parish should keep a register of baptisms, marriages and burials. The entries were to be made after each Sunday service. Then in 1598 the Provincial Constitution of Canterbury required that the registers should be of parchment. All previous entries, which had usually been written on paper, had first to be copied up, particularly those since the accession of Queen Elizabeth (1558). This is the reason so many rgisters commence in 1558, the previous registers having become unreadable through damp and decay. Up to about 1732 it was common to record the entries with the Latin forms of Christian names. It is possible that there may have been errors in the above copying up, as can be found with any transcription, both by the author and others. When copying Register entries it is occasionally noticed that some entries are out of sequence, where presumably the incumbent (or Parish Clerk) had omitted to make an entry at the time of the event, and rectified matters later. And in APPENDIX C3 it will be seen that the Rev. Thomas Medens in the Milborne Port Register was accused of it being the "worst kept" during his 1560s incumbency.
Hutchins in the 2nd edition of 1796-1814 mentions that "The Register begins 1731." But according to a talk given by Lady Victoria Herbert in 1927, reported in APPENDIX A3, the Parish Registers for the period prior to 1730/1731 were taken away by a churchwarden in 1883. DHC ref: PE/PCD: INV 6/1 says that the registers were extant in 1880.
However, the latest discovered evidence in this saga was in 2010, for at the Bristol Record Office there was found to be a letter dated 29th May 1813 from John Peddle, curate of 'Purse Candle'. He stated that there were "Three Registers . . . to wit - One of Burials begun in the year 1731 - another of Baptisms begun 1731 - and another of Marriages 1754 - all of them kept correctly . . ." Had those missing Registers come back only to be 'borrowed' again?
It has not helped matters that Purse Caundle has not always been in the same diocese. Up until 1542 the parish was in the Diocese of Salisbury. It was then transferred for some reason to the Diocese of Bristol. Then in 1836 it was transferred back to Salisbury. Unfortunately the Bishop's Transcripts were destroyed by fire at Blandford (Archdeanery of Dorset, Diocese of Bristol) in 1731.
Efforts have been made by the author to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Registers at both Dioceses, but so far without success. However, in SDNQ XVII, 1923, page 2, Canon C. H. Mayo noted that pre-1731 Registers seemed to have still been at Purse Caundle during the Rectorship of the Rev. R. Messiter 1829-1885, i.e. subsequent to the Rev. Peddle's information of 1813. (It was from Canon Mayo's notes that Lady Victoria Herbert derived her talk of 1927.) At one stage early baptism and marriage information had been able to be provided by the late Dalton Hascoll Serrell of Haddon Lodge, Stourton Caundle (which he built in 1861), and who died in 1901, which is another line of enquiry followed. It is noticed that the earliest Stalbridge Register is also missing. Dorset History Centre (formerly Dorset County Record Office) thus only holds the Purse Caundle Parish Registers for 1730-1837. These have been microfilmed, as well as being transcribed, from which the following have been copied. Possible partial reconstructions of missing earlier Registers have been derived from other sources, e.g. headstones, wills, Hutchins, and other publications as noted.
To set the above deficiences into context, one cannot do better than reproduce a letter sent to the weekly Dorset newspaper Southern Times, 6th April 1872, reproduced in the Genealogist's Magazine, Vol. 28, No. 1, March 2004:
"Dear Sir,
The last issue of the Southern Times reports that the ratepayers of Wimborne Minster propose to send a protest to Parliament against the 81st section of Lord Shaftesbury's Ecclesiastical Courts and Registries Bill, by which it is proposed to remove all the old registers of each parish from the care of the churchwardens and clergymen and place them in some public building in London. Perhaps it may be worth while for those who are asked to sign such a protest to consider the following fact:- Since Hutchins wrote his invaluable history of this county at least six old register books of parishes within a few miles of this place have disappeared, whilst another was found a few years ago concealed in the thatch of a cottage! I once had occasion to consult a parish register in Wiltshire, when I was told it no longer existed; but I afterwards accidentally met with it at the bottom of the muniment chest of a gentleman who owned the whole of the land in the parish, and there, for aught I know to the contrary, it still remains. On asking to see the register in Deptford, in Kent, a few loose leaves were brought to me, which might have been bound, and so preserved, at the cost of half-a-crown. I have recently wished to obtain an extract from a register in Somersetshire, and have been told the leaf which ought to contain it has been cut out; and a similar answer has been given to me respecting another register in Wiltshire. On an application being made by a member of the College of Arms to the clergyman of a parish for an extract from his register, the worthy custode cut out the bit of parchment on which the entry was made and obligingly forwarded it to the applicant, saying he was unable to read it correctly. Several old registers were found by the late Sir Charles Young, Garter King-at-Arms, in the library of the Herald's College, no doubt sent there by persons of less destructive proclivities than the cutting gentleman above alluded to. They have since been restored. If these instances have occurred within a very limited range of experience, it can scarcely be doubted that throughout the country generally a vast number of these most valuable and interesting documents have, through neglect or carelessness, been irrecoverably lost or destroyed. Contrast this wholesale destruction with the careful preservation of our national records - some of them more than 700 years old - in a public repository in London, where they are accessible to all the world.
Yours faithfully,
Tyneham, 28th March, Thomas BOND'
The following comment wass appended in the magazine: 'The author was obviously unaware of the appalling conditions in which some public records were kept in the Tower of London.'
It is well known to genealogists that many wilful and deliberate calamities could have befallen parish registers which had managed to survive being damaged by vermin and damp, e.g. used as wrapping material or to light domestic fires.
Because of all the above difficulties, the reading and transcribing of handwritten documents is thus an art, not an exact science. In this instance, during copying from microfilm copies of registers, written in different and indifferent hands, it is inevitable that there could well be errors and with subsequent transferring to wordprocessor or PC - especially if the microfilm copy itself is not of the highest standard.
The following transcripts of Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials are a combination of those derived from DHC microfilm images by both the author, and Karen Francis on www.dorset-opc.com/PurseCaundle - to whom grateful acknowledgements are made. The author would thus be appreciative of any errors being brought to his attention so that he may amend this History record; and similarly of any incomplete transcription.
BAPTISMS
[8] Dec 1269 Roger Aleyn, son of John Aleyn (both date of birth
and baptism as recorded in Inquisitions Post Mortem 1291)
[1270] Robert, son of Robert & Margery de Wyveleshulle
(Inquisitions Post Mortem 1291)
14 Mar 1618 Peter Mew, son of Ellis Mews (SDNQ IV, 1895) Date of
birth.
19 Mar 1618 Peter, son of Ellis Mews (SDNQ XVII, 1923) - presumably
born 14th. and baptised on the 19th.
7 Dec 1619 Elizabeth Mew, daughter of Ellis Mew (SDNQ IV, 1895)
7 Dec 1619 Elizabeth, daughter of James Mews (SDNQ XVII, 1923)
12 Mar 1620 John Mew, son of Ellis Mew [John later to be a Colonel]
(SDNQ IV, 1895)
12 Mar 1620 John, son of Ellis Mews (SDNQ XVII, 1923)
29 Dec 1730 Jonathan, son of Jonathan Snook.
10 Mar 1731 Robert, son of Robert Barber.
PURSE CAUNDLE HISTORY - APPENDIX C2: CLERGY, PARISH CLERKS, CHURCHWARDENS
Updated: 24th August 2010, 7.05 p.m.
It may be useful to first explain the difference between a 'rector' and a 'vicar' of a parish church. A rector is usually a parson or incumbent whose right of certain tithes are not impropriate, i.e. not appropriated to some particular lay person who would instead be termed a 'lay rector'. Where the tithes are so appropriated the incumbent is then called a 'vicar'. In the case of Purse Caundle it would seem that the tithes have not been so appropriated, and thus it has had a 'rector'.
According to G. D. Squibb in his article 'Dorset Incumbents, 1542-1731' in DNHAS, Vol. LXX, 1948, Archbishop Benson about 1883 suggested that every parish ought to have a list of its rectors or vicars set up in a prominent place in the church, thus showing the historic continuity of the Church of England. In most of the Dorset parishes in which this advice was followed, the lists set up appear to have been copied from Hutchins. Squibb was able to show that Hutchins' lists were inaccurate as regards either length of tenure of some incumbents, or the incompleteness of the lists. Purse Caundle seems to have been typical, with its List apparently compiled by the Rev. William Delahay in 1895, being later updated in 1946.
As a result of further researches I have been able to even more amend and expand the version of the framed incomplete illuminated List of Incumbents on the north wall of the nave, alongside the doorway to the chapel. Names and dates by themselves are rather meaningless, and as this whole work is a HISTORY, I have endeavoured to compile for each incumbent something of a potted biography.
Amongst the several other sources for this APPENDIX have been: DNHAS, Vol. LXXI, 1949; SDNQ Vols. IV 1897, VI 1899, XIII 1912/1913; Alumni Oxonienses; various editions of the Clergy List, Crockford's Clerical Directory, and Bishops' Registers and Surveys. The internet website <http://www.theclergydatabase.org.uk/>. Other sources are mentioned where appropriate.
c.1249 RALPH BARET
This name is not in the church's List. In Curia Regis (1199-1272) Roll No. 135, Mich. 33/4 of Henry II, m39d, a Ralph is menioned as parson of the church of Caundle - but situated exactly where was not given. But in the Cartulary of Athelney Abbey of the mid-15th century, there is mention of a 'John Baret, brother of Ralph, formerly parson of Purs-Candel', who gave land to the Abbey which he had inherited from his brother.
c.1269 ROGER COSEN
This is another early incumbent not mentioned in the church's List. On 8th December c.1269 Roger Cosen apparently recorded in the (church's) Missal the baptism at Purse Caundle of his nephew Roger Aleyn. This event was first related by the late Canon C. H. Mayo, derived from his own researches; but his source and whereabouts of his relative notes are unfortunately not known. (For ALEYN see APPENDIX C1)
There was neither mention of Purse Caundle not its incumbents in the Register of Simon de Candovo, Bishop of Sarum (Salisbury) 1297-1315.
1315 HENRY le WHITE
This is the first incumbent mentioned in the church's List. Clerk to the rectory of Candel Purse, December 1315. Patron: The Abbess of Shaftesbury. He resigned in 1326.
1326 JOHN KENN
Clerk. Instituted to the rectory in October 1326. 1331/1332 - see CHAPTER 5 re. demesne, etc.
1333 De Banco Roll No. 294, Easter, 7 Edward III:
'Dor. John Ken parson of Pursecaundel V William Engelley Roger de Kyngeston and Henry le Parker for assault at Pursecaundel. To St. Michael.'
Unfortunately nothing further has been found as to details of the incident, or any subsequent outcome.
1336 There was a composition concerning tithes between the rector and the abbot of Athelney (Reg. Wyvil, vol. ii, pp. 31/33):
It may be useful to first explain the difference between a 'rector' and a 'vicar' of a parish church. A rector is usually a parson or incumbent whose right of certain tithes are not impropriate, i.e. not appropriated to some particular lay person who would instead be termed a 'lay rector'. Where the tithes are so appropriated the incumbent is then called a 'vicar'. In the case of Purse Caundle it would seem that the tithes have not been so appropriated, and thus it has had a 'rector'.
According to G. D. Squibb in his article 'Dorset Incumbents, 1542-1731' in DNHAS, Vol. LXX, 1948, Archbishop Benson about 1883 suggested that every parish ought to have a list of its rectors or vicars set up in a prominent place in the church, thus showing the historic continuity of the Church of England. In most of the Dorset parishes in which this advice was followed, the lists set up appear to have been copied from Hutchins. Squibb was able to show that Hutchins' lists were inaccurate as regards either length of tenure of some incumbents, or the incompleteness of the lists. Purse Caundle seems to have been typical, with its List apparently compiled by the Rev. William Delahay in 1895, being later updated in 1946.
As a result of further researches I have been able to even more amend and expand the version of the framed incomplete illuminated List of Incumbents on the north wall of the nave, alongside the doorway to the chapel. Names and dates by themselves are rather meaningless, and as this whole work is a HISTORY, I have endeavoured to compile for each incumbent something of a potted biography.
Amongst the several other sources for this APPENDIX have been: DNHAS, Vol. LXXI, 1949; SDNQ Vols. IV 1897, VI 1899, XIII 1912/1913; Alumni Oxonienses; various editions of the Clergy List, Crockford's Clerical Directory, and Bishops' Registers and Surveys. The internet website <http://www.theclergydatabase.org.uk/>. Other sources are mentioned where appropriate.
c.1249 RALPH BARET
This name is not in the church's List. In Curia Regis (1199-1272) Roll No. 135, Mich. 33/4 of Henry II, m39d, a Ralph is menioned as parson of the church of Caundle - but situated exactly where was not given. But in the Cartulary of Athelney Abbey of the mid-15th century, there is mention of a 'John Baret, brother of Ralph, formerly parson of Purs-Candel', who gave land to the Abbey which he had inherited from his brother.
c.1269 ROGER COSEN
This is another early incumbent not mentioned in the church's List. On 8th December c.1269 Roger Cosen apparently recorded in the (church's) Missal the baptism at Purse Caundle of his nephew Roger Aleyn. This event was first related by the late Canon C. H. Mayo, derived from his own researches; but his source and whereabouts of his relative notes are unfortunately not known. (For ALEYN see APPENDIX C1)
There was neither mention of Purse Caundle not its incumbents in the Register of Simon de Candovo, Bishop of Sarum (Salisbury) 1297-1315.
1315 HENRY le WHITE
This is the first incumbent mentioned in the church's List. Clerk to the rectory of Candel Purse, December 1315. Patron: The Abbess of Shaftesbury. He resigned in 1326.
1326 JOHN KENN
Clerk. Instituted to the rectory in October 1326. 1331/1332 - see CHAPTER 5 re. demesne, etc.
1333 De Banco Roll No. 294, Easter, 7 Edward III:
'Dor. John Ken parson of Pursecaundel V William Engelley Roger de Kyngeston and Henry le Parker for assault at Pursecaundel. To St. Michael.'
Unfortunately nothing further has been found as to details of the incident, or any subsequent outcome.
1336 There was a composition concerning tithes between the rector and the abbot of Athelney (Reg. Wyvil, vol. ii, pp. 31/33):
'L. s. d.
Present value 7 8 9
Tenths 0 14 10 1/2
Bishop's procurations 0 1 2
Archdeacon's procurations 0 4 3
Clear yearly value 43 0 0'
If he was to be the incumbent of Purse Caundle as it appears for some 36 years, then he would have survived the Black Death of 1348-1350, unlike many other of his bretheren in Dorset and diocese; but possibly not of its return in 1361.
1362 RICHARD de STOKE
Prebend, installed 13th May 1362.
c.1388 WALTER WROXALE
The evidence for this name which is not on the church's List is derived from the Register of JohnWaltham, Bishop of Salisbury 1388-1395. On 11th December 1388 the Bishop sealed a letter to the Abbess and nuns of Shaftesbury appointing (along with others) Walter Wroxhale, Rector of Caundel Pors, as their confessor, even for reserved cases, during the next year. On 13th September 1389, Walter Wroxhale, Rector of Caundle Perse, was a member of an Inquiry in a full chapter in the church of Stour Provost. On 7th April1394, John de Waltham, the Bishop of Salisbury, made an episcopal visitation of Purse Caundle, when Walter Wroxale, the Rector, was cited [to appear] personally - see CHAPTER 5. On 20th November 1394, a Licence was granted to Walter Wroxale, Rector of Caundel Purse, to be absent from his church for two years, with no explanation given.
It should be remembered that the religion in England was Roman Catholic. About 1390 Geoffrey Chaucer was writing his Canterbury Tales, with its 'Parson's Tale'. It may thus be worth reading, together with such studies as An Introduction to Chaucer by Hussey, et al. Chaucer gives his opinion of Parsons and their mode of living. If a parson were a rector, and entitled to the parish tithes, he could be economically classed with the small farmer. An ordinary priest would thus have a smaller income, and a lowly curate even less.
c.1400 WILLIAM ARCHOR
Died 1411.
Purse Caundle is mentioned several times in the Register of Robert Hallum, Bishop of Salisbury 1407-1417:
1411 WILLIAM PACARE
'Institution of William Pacare, chaplain, in person of Richard Willesden, clerk, his proctor, to church of Caundell Purs, vac. by death of William Archor; patrons, abbess and conv. of Shaston [Shaftesbury]. Ind.: archd of Dorset. London, 21 Swo, 1411.' A William Packere, a vicar choral, was one of the executors of John Tourmour, Vc of Salisbury. Resigned 1413.
1413 RICHARD PARIS, PARYS, or POWYS
'Institution of Richard Parys, chaplain, to church of Caundell Purse, vac. by resig. of William Pacere; patron, abbess and conv. of Shaston. Ind.: archd of Dorset. Sherborne, 4 Jan 1414.' Installed 31st December 1413. Died 1415.
1415 JOHN FOVENT
'Institution of John Fovent, clerk, to the church of Caundell Purs, vac. by death of Richard Parys; patrons, abbess and conv. of Schaston. Ind.: archd of Dorset. Salisbury, 31 July 1415.' Installed 30th June 1415. 'Orders celebrated by Richard, bp. of Achonry (Caten'), by authority of Robert, bp. of Salisbury, then abroad, in the conventual church of the friars preacher at Fysshenton by Salisbury, Ordination Lists - 22 September 1415: Acolytes: John Fovent, dioc. Salisbury.' Ditto - 'Subdeacons. 14 March 1416. John Fovent, rector of Candel Purse.' Resigned 1418.
1418 NICHOLAS SADELER
Chaplain. Installed 11th May 1418, on resignation of John Fovant. Resigned 1424.
1424 ROBERT HALET
Chaplain. Installed 25th October 1424.
1434 JOHN COKK or COKKETT
Chaplain. Installed 18th September 1434. Died 1440.
1440 THOMAS TREGENHAM
Clerk. Instituted 15th June 1440. Resigned 1444.
1444 JOHN WARFULL or WAREFEYLE
Instituted 24th May 1444. Exchanged with ........
1448 John SCOVYLE or STRYVILE alias CAMMEN
Rector of Fisherton de la Mere, Wiltshire. Instituted 21st January 1448. Died 1450.
1450 JOHN DRIWE
Prebend. Instituted 21st June 1450. Resigned 1461.
1461 WILLIAM SOMERTON
Chaplain. Instituted 31st March 1461. Resigned 1465.
1465 ROBERT CROSBY
Chaplain. Instituted 5th August 1465. Church rebuilt c.1480.
HENRY PENDRIFFE
Died 1495.
1495 HUGH VAGHAN
Prebend. Instituted 2nd June 1495. Died 1508.
1508 RICHARD BRODWAY
Clerk. Instituted 17th October 1508. In 1524 Chantry Chapel built, probably by, or in memory of William Longe.
An undated note found stuck in a Dorset Scrapbook, page 1, in the Dorset County Museum library:
'CAUNDELL PURS
RICUS BRODEWAY RECTOR IB'M
In terr' gleba p annu - ---- xiij iiij )
In omiod' decimis - ---- ciij --- ) £ s. d.
In oblac' & alijs pfic' - ---- xlv --ob') viij --- xvj ob'
In porc' & penc - n' )
Inde folut' archidiac' Dors' ) --- iiij iij )
p finod' & pcur' anti' ) )
Et in quadm penc' folut' ) ) £ s. d.
abbi de Adhelney & fucc') --- v ---) --- xij viij
s' ant' & imppm ) )
Et in quadm annua penc' ) )
folut' acclie de Mylbrne ) --- iij iiij )
Port anti' & imppm ) )
£ s. d.
Et reman' - vij viij viij ob'
Inde p xa - x iiij x ob'
Richard Brodeway. Rector there
In glebe land yearly 13s. 4d
In all kinds of tithes 103s. £8 0s. 16 1/2d
In oblations and other revenues 45s. 0 1/2d
In portions and pensions nothing
Out of which is paid to the Archdeacon of Dorset for
synodal dues and ancient corodies 4s. 4d.
And in a certain pension paid to the Abbot
of Athelney and his successors [anciently] and in 5s. - £0. 12s. 8d.
perpetuity
And in a certain annual pension paid to the church
of Milborne Port [anciemtly] and in perpetuity 3s. 4d.
And there remains £7. 8s. 8 1/2d
Out of which for tithes 14s. 10 1/2d
As rector he died in 1536. On the south wall of the church chancel is a brass of a priestly robed headless figure, with the following inscription:
1537 THOMAS MEDENS, MEDENT, MEYDEN, or MODEN
Prebend. Instituted 27th January 1536/7, by the Abbess of Shaftesbury, which would have been just prior to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. At same time he also became rector of Goathill until 1571. In 1542 the parish was transferred from the Diocese of Salisbury to that of Bristol. In 1552 there was a compilation of church inventory, due to changing Royal pro and anti-Catholic legislation. This was signed by Thomas Meden parson; John Domet and John Mewe, churchwardens; William Mewe, Thomas Duffet and Thomas James, parishioners. On 5th March 1561/2, whilst rector of "Purs Candell" he was granted a Dispensation by the Bishop of Bristol to hold two benefices - presumably Purse Caundle and Milborne Port. (SDNQ XIII, 1912/1913; DNHAS LXXI, 1949) According to a notation in the Milborne Port Register, 'Thomas Meyden Vicar in whose tyme this booke was worst kept was buried ye xiijthe of Decbr 1570.' (SDNQ II, 1891)
1564 or 1584 THOMAS GEST, or GAST
Instituted 28th August 1564 or 1584. (Patron: Queen Elizabeth) He was also rector of Goathill 1571-1603. 9th October 1592 at the Purse Caundle Manor Court Baron: 'Thomas Geiste, clerk' was ordered to scour his section of a ditch at 'Parsons Lanes Barres'. At some time two bells were installed in the church.
In his will, made 3rd November 1602, and proved 6th May 1603: 'Body to be buried in Purse Caundle parish church. To Purse Caundle church 3s 4d. To the poor of Purse Caundle 2s. To each of my godchildren 6d. To my brother Robert Geste one yearling colt, my best coat and my best hat. To my sister Margery Warren one cow. To my sister Joan Ploughman one cow. To my sister Margaret Browne one cow. To my kinsman Humphrey Pitt £3. 6s 8d if my brother takes an estate in a bargain [and sale] at Marnhull to the said Humphrey. To my man George Bailie 26s 8d. To my maidservant Alice Chamberlaine 40s. To Ellen Hastings one heifer bullock. To John Hooper 6s 8d. To my brother Henry Stake one bay nag "which he hath in his own possession". The residue of my estate to my wife Elizabeth. Executrix: wife Elizabeth.' (DNHAS LXXI, 1949)
1566 saw the passing of the second Tudor 'Vermin Act', which made churchwardens responsible for the secular duty of making bounty payments for prescribed vermin; and later for poor law payments - see later churchwardens' accounts below, and CHAPTER 5.
1591 The Parish Clerk was possibly 'Thomas Toogood, clerk' - see Manor Court 8th January 1591.
1603 EDWARD HIGHMORE M.A.
Acknowledgement is made to the assistance given by Chris Highmore as to his family's genealogy. The Highmore families of Dorset are said to be descended from the Highmores of Harbybrow, Cumberland, who bore the arms: Argent, a cross-bow pointed upwards between 3 moor-cocks sable, membered and beaked gules; but see below for the arms of Highmore of Sherborne..
Illustrated is a page from the Gentleman's Magazine of October 1772, referring to "Nathanael Heighmore".
1883 - April: Both resigned, and no churchwardens elected. October: Frederick Bugg chosen as Rector's churchwarden, and Henry Harris as Parish churchwarden.
1885 - John N. Bugg (Rector's) Albert J. Brown (Parish)
1886 - Raymond T. Lees (Rector's) Albert J. Brown (Parish)
1887 - John N. Bugg (Rector's) Albert J. Brown (Parish)
1888 - Albert J. Brown (Rector's) Raymond J. Lees (Parish)
1889 -
1905 - J. B. Hayter H. R. Watson
1906 - J. B. Hayter H. R. Watson
1907 - J. B. Hayter H. R. Watson
1908 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1909 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1910 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1911 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1912 - H. R. Watson (although would not be resident in Parish after September 1912)
1913 - Hon. Mrs Alfred Ker (Rector's) E. R. Cox (Parish's)
1914 - Hon. Mrs Alfred Ker (Rector's) E. R. Cox (Parish's)
1915 -
1916 -
1917 -
1918 -
1919 -
1920 -
1921 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake (Rector's) Edward Richard Cox (Parish's)
1922 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake Edward Richard Cox
1923 -
1924 -
1925 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake Edward Richard Cox
1926 -
1927 -
1928 -
1929 -
1930 -
1931 -
1932 -
1933 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake Edward Richard Cox
1934 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake (Rector's) R. B. E. Greig (People's)
1935 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake (Rector's) R. B. E. Greig (People's)
1936 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake R. B. E. Greig
1946 - Sidney H. White
1947 - Sidney H. White
1948 - Sidney H. White
1949 - Sidney H. White
1950 - Sidney H. White
1951 - Sidney H. White
1952 - Sidney H. White
1953 - Sidney H. White
1954 - John Waltham Sidney H. White
1955 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1956 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1957 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1960 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1961 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1962 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1963 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1964 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1965 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1966 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1967 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1968 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1969 - John Waltham (Rector's) Mrs N. Henderson (People's)
1970 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1971 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1972 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1973 - John Waltham (Rector's) Mrs N. Henderson (People's)
1974 - John Waltham (Rector's) Mrs N. Henderson (People's)
1975 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1976 - John Waltham (Rector's) David Pilgrim (People's)
1977 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1978 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1979 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1980 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1981 -
1982 -
1983 -
1984 -
1985 -
1986 - John Waltham H. S. Shepherd
1987 -
1988 -
1989 -
1990 -
1991 -
1992 -
1993 -
1994 -
1995 -
1996 -
1997 -
1998 -
1999 -
2000 -
2001 -
2002 -
2003 -
2004 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2005 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2006 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2007 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2008 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2009 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2010 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
c.1388 WALTER WROXALE
The evidence for this name which is not on the church's List is derived from the Register of JohnWaltham, Bishop of Salisbury 1388-1395. On 11th December 1388 the Bishop sealed a letter to the Abbess and nuns of Shaftesbury appointing (along with others) Walter Wroxhale, Rector of Caundel Pors, as their confessor, even for reserved cases, during the next year. On 13th September 1389, Walter Wroxhale, Rector of Caundle Perse, was a member of an Inquiry in a full chapter in the church of Stour Provost. On 7th April1394, John de Waltham, the Bishop of Salisbury, made an episcopal visitation of Purse Caundle, when Walter Wroxale, the Rector, was cited [to appear] personally - see CHAPTER 5. On 20th November 1394, a Licence was granted to Walter Wroxale, Rector of Caundel Purse, to be absent from his church for two years, with no explanation given.
It should be remembered that the religion in England was Roman Catholic. About 1390 Geoffrey Chaucer was writing his Canterbury Tales, with its 'Parson's Tale'. It may thus be worth reading, together with such studies as An Introduction to Chaucer by Hussey, et al. Chaucer gives his opinion of Parsons and their mode of living. If a parson were a rector, and entitled to the parish tithes, he could be economically classed with the small farmer. An ordinary priest would thus have a smaller income, and a lowly curate even less.
c.1400 WILLIAM ARCHOR
Died 1411.
Purse Caundle is mentioned several times in the Register of Robert Hallum, Bishop of Salisbury 1407-1417:
1411 WILLIAM PACARE
'Institution of William Pacare, chaplain, in person of Richard Willesden, clerk, his proctor, to church of Caundell Purs, vac. by death of William Archor; patrons, abbess and conv. of Shaston [Shaftesbury]. Ind.: archd of Dorset. London, 21 Swo, 1411.' A William Packere, a vicar choral, was one of the executors of John Tourmour, Vc of Salisbury. Resigned 1413.
1413 RICHARD PARIS, PARYS, or POWYS
'Institution of Richard Parys, chaplain, to church of Caundell Purse, vac. by resig. of William Pacere; patron, abbess and conv. of Shaston. Ind.: archd of Dorset. Sherborne, 4 Jan 1414.' Installed 31st December 1413. Died 1415.
1415 JOHN FOVENT
'Institution of John Fovent, clerk, to the church of Caundell Purs, vac. by death of Richard Parys; patrons, abbess and conv. of Schaston. Ind.: archd of Dorset. Salisbury, 31 July 1415.' Installed 30th June 1415. 'Orders celebrated by Richard, bp. of Achonry (Caten'), by authority of Robert, bp. of Salisbury, then abroad, in the conventual church of the friars preacher at Fysshenton by Salisbury, Ordination Lists - 22 September 1415: Acolytes: John Fovent, dioc. Salisbury.' Ditto - 'Subdeacons. 14 March 1416. John Fovent, rector of Candel Purse.' Resigned 1418.
1418 NICHOLAS SADELER
Chaplain. Installed 11th May 1418, on resignation of John Fovant. Resigned 1424.
1424 ROBERT HALET
Chaplain. Installed 25th October 1424.
1434 JOHN COKK or COKKETT
Chaplain. Installed 18th September 1434. Died 1440.
1440 THOMAS TREGENHAM
Clerk. Instituted 15th June 1440. Resigned 1444.
1444 JOHN WARFULL or WAREFEYLE
Instituted 24th May 1444. Exchanged with ........
1448 John SCOVYLE or STRYVILE alias CAMMEN
Rector of Fisherton de la Mere, Wiltshire. Instituted 21st January 1448. Died 1450.
1450 JOHN DRIWE
Prebend. Instituted 21st June 1450. Resigned 1461.
1461 WILLIAM SOMERTON
Chaplain. Instituted 31st March 1461. Resigned 1465.
1465 ROBERT CROSBY
Chaplain. Instituted 5th August 1465. Church rebuilt c.1480.
HENRY PENDRIFFE
Died 1495.
1495 HUGH VAGHAN
Prebend. Instituted 2nd June 1495. Died 1508.
1508 RICHARD BRODWAY
Clerk. Instituted 17th October 1508. In 1524 Chantry Chapel built, probably by, or in memory of William Longe.
An undated note found stuck in a Dorset Scrapbook, page 1, in the Dorset County Museum library:
'CAUNDELL PURS
RICUS BRODEWAY RECTOR IB'M
In terr' gleba p annu - ---- xiij iiij )
In omiod' decimis - ---- ciij --- ) £ s. d.
In oblac' & alijs pfic' - ---- xlv --ob') viij --- xvj ob'
In porc' & penc - n' )
Inde folut' archidiac' Dors' ) --- iiij iij )
p finod' & pcur' anti' ) )
Et in quadm penc' folut' ) ) £ s. d.
abbi de Adhelney & fucc') --- v ---) --- xij viij
s' ant' & imppm ) )
Et in quadm annua penc' ) )
folut' acclie de Mylbrne ) --- iij iiij )
Port anti' & imppm ) )
£ s. d.
Et reman' - vij viij viij ob'
Inde p xa - x iiij x ob'
Richard Brodeway. Rector there
In glebe land yearly 13s. 4d
In all kinds of tithes 103s. £8 0s. 16 1/2d
In oblations and other revenues 45s. 0 1/2d
In portions and pensions nothing
Out of which is paid to the Archdeacon of Dorset for
synodal dues and ancient corodies 4s. 4d.
And in a certain pension paid to the Abbot
of Athelney and his successors [anciently] and in 5s. - £0. 12s. 8d.
perpetuity
And in a certain annual pension paid to the church
of Milborne Port [anciemtly] and in perpetuity 3s. 4d.
And there remains £7. 8s. 8 1/2d
Out of which for tithes 14s. 10 1/2d
As rector he died in 1536. On the south wall of the church chancel is a brass of a priestly robed headless figure, with the following inscription:
Hic jacet dns Richard Brodewey quondam
rector hui ecche qui obut sexto die decembris
Ano dui Mo Ve XXXVI cui Aie propiciet de ame
'Here lies sir Richard Brodewey formerly rector of this church who died the sixth day of December in the year of our Lord 1536 on whom may God have mercy. Amen.'
"dns" is an abbreviation of "dominus" = lord, or a courtesy title of a non-graduate clergyman.
This is said to be a rare brass, in that besides wearing vestments, the hands are held in prayer. (See also APPENDIX B1)
1537 THOMAS MEDENS, MEDENT, MEYDEN, or MODEN
Prebend. Instituted 27th January 1536/7, by the Abbess of Shaftesbury, which would have been just prior to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. At same time he also became rector of Goathill until 1571. In 1542 the parish was transferred from the Diocese of Salisbury to that of Bristol. In 1552 there was a compilation of church inventory, due to changing Royal pro and anti-Catholic legislation. This was signed by Thomas Meden parson; John Domet and John Mewe, churchwardens; William Mewe, Thomas Duffet and Thomas James, parishioners. On 5th March 1561/2, whilst rector of "Purs Candell" he was granted a Dispensation by the Bishop of Bristol to hold two benefices - presumably Purse Caundle and Milborne Port. (SDNQ XIII, 1912/1913; DNHAS LXXI, 1949) According to a notation in the Milborne Port Register, 'Thomas Meyden Vicar in whose tyme this booke was worst kept was buried ye xiijthe of Decbr 1570.' (SDNQ II, 1891)
1564 or 1584 THOMAS GEST, or GAST
Instituted 28th August 1564 or 1584. (Patron: Queen Elizabeth) He was also rector of Goathill 1571-1603. 9th October 1592 at the Purse Caundle Manor Court Baron: 'Thomas Geiste, clerk' was ordered to scour his section of a ditch at 'Parsons Lanes Barres'. At some time two bells were installed in the church.
In his will, made 3rd November 1602, and proved 6th May 1603: 'Body to be buried in Purse Caundle parish church. To Purse Caundle church 3s 4d. To the poor of Purse Caundle 2s. To each of my godchildren 6d. To my brother Robert Geste one yearling colt, my best coat and my best hat. To my sister Margery Warren one cow. To my sister Joan Ploughman one cow. To my sister Margaret Browne one cow. To my kinsman Humphrey Pitt £3. 6s 8d if my brother takes an estate in a bargain [and sale] at Marnhull to the said Humphrey. To my man George Bailie 26s 8d. To my maidservant Alice Chamberlaine 40s. To Ellen Hastings one heifer bullock. To John Hooper 6s 8d. To my brother Henry Stake one bay nag "which he hath in his own possession". The residue of my estate to my wife Elizabeth. Executrix: wife Elizabeth.' (DNHAS LXXI, 1949)
1566 saw the passing of the second Tudor 'Vermin Act', which made churchwardens responsible for the secular duty of making bounty payments for prescribed vermin; and later for poor law payments - see later churchwardens' accounts below, and CHAPTER 5.
1591 The Parish Clerk was possibly 'Thomas Toogood, clerk' - see Manor Court 8th January 1591.
1603 EDWARD HIGHMORE M.A.
Acknowledgement is made to the assistance given by Chris Highmore as to his family's genealogy. The Highmore families of Dorset are said to be descended from the Highmores of Harbybrow, Cumberland, who bore the arms: Argent, a cross-bow pointed upwards between 3 moor-cocks sable, membered and beaked gules; but see below for the arms of Highmore of Sherborne..
This Edward Highmore was the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Highmore 1558-1621, rector from 1588 of Hinton Martel, Dorset, and Elizabeth (nee Bayley?). Edward was born 1579, going to St. Alban's Hall, Oxford; matriculated 13th May 1598, aged 19. B.A. 29th January 1601/2. M.A. 5th July 1605. Instituted rector of Purse Caundle 1603, and at same time also of Goathill, Somerset - Patron: Queen Elizabeth.
11th October 1612 he wrote and signed a Terrier of Purse Caundle glebe lands:
'A true Terrier of the Glebe landes etc. belonging to the psonadge of Candle Purs taken by those whose names ar vnder written.
Imprmis a parsonadge howse wth a barne stable and stall.
Itm an Orchard Garden and backside conteyning by estimaco an Acre.
It' one pasture ground called by the namme of psons lanes conteyning by estimacon fowre and twentie Acres.
It' the pasturinge of fowre oxen and a horse in a ground belonginge to the farme of Elize Mewe called by the name of Court Leasse conteyning by estimacon fiftie Acres from the third day in May called Hollierood day to the feast day of St. Andrew thapostle.
It' out of the farme of James Hulet 2s to be paid at Easter.
It' the whole Tythes of the rest of the P'she to belonge to the said psonadge.
In witness wherof we haue sett or hands the xjth of October ao Dni 1612.
Per me Eduardu Highmore Rectore'
James Hulet ) Ward'
Ellis Mewe )
) Sidme'
Willm Stone )'
Edward Highmore married Margaret Lambert, and about 1613 they had a son Edward - see below. He resigned 17th February 1614/5, when he became Rector of Winterborne Stickland, and died 1667. (SDNQ VI, 1899; DNHAS LXXI, 1949)
1615 NATHANIEL HIGHMORE M.A.
Nathaniel Highmore was born c.1585, in Hinton Martell, Dorset, being the younger brother of the above Edward Highmore, whom he followed in succession as rector of Purse Caundle. He also went to St. Alban's Hall, Oxford, matriculated 16th October 1601 when aged 16 years. B.A. from Merton College, Oxford, 27th November 1604. 1606 he was ordained as a Priest and Deacon. M.A. from Queen's College, Oxford, 17th June 1607.
On 18th August 1607, he married Margaret Hussey (born c.1587) of Pentridge, Dorset, at Wimborne St. Giles, Dorset; and on 6th February 1613, at Fordingbridge, Hampshire, their son Nathaniel was baptised, who was to become the famous physician - see below. There was a second son William - see below; and Richard (1621-1693). There was also to be two daughters, Margaret (1615-?), and Susanna (1618 - ?), who married firstly Andrew Starkey (1616 - ?) of Bagber, Dorset; and secondly c.1649 to Edward Thornhill Esq. (1618-1676) of Thornhill and Woolland, Dorset, with whom she had a son Robert Thornhill 1650-1721 who married Frances Sydenham of Wynford Eagle, Dorset.
Nathaniel senior was instituted rector of Purse Caundle on 14th February 1613/1614 - Patron: Sir William Dodington, Knt. At the same time he became rector of nearby Goathill - until 1640.
He was one of the three Purse Caundle speculators in the New England venture of 1623 by the Rev. John White, rector of St. Peter's, Dorchester, Dorset - see CHAPTER 7. In 1641/2 he made his Protestation Oath as 'minister' and 'rector' before the Justices of the Sherborne Division, as did the then churchwardens James Mewe and Lawrence Ellis; and overseers John Clarke and Edward Everett, and male parishioners. (SDNQ IV, 1895; DNHAS LXXI, 1949)
The future Dr. Nathaniel Highmore, son of the above Rev. Nathaniel Highmore, was baptised 6th February 1613, at Fordingbridge, Hampshire, and brought as a baby to Purse Caundle. He attended Sherborne School, and matriculated on 4th November 1631 at Queen's College, Oxford, aged 17 years. Elected scholar of Trinity College, Oxford, in 1632. B.A. on 6th February 1634/5, and M.A. 1638. Proceeded to M.B. in physic (medicine) 10th July 1641. Created M.A. 16th january 1642/3, and Doctor of Medicine 31st January 1642/3 by special decree of Charles I, though he was actively studying towards that degree. This favour may have been the result of Highmore possibly attending on young Prince Charles during a bout of measles at Reading in November 1642.
On 30th December 1640, at Salisbury, Wiltshire, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Haydocke, a noted physician of Salisbury, but apparently they were not to have any children. They settled in Sherborne about 1644, where he practiced as a doctor with great success: never taking a fee of the clergy among whom he had a great practice.
In the village of Stalbridge lived Robert Boyle (1627-1691), the youngest of fourteen children of the Earl of Cork. He had been taken away from Eton and went to live at his father's newly acquired Stalbridge House. Here Boyle spent his formative years. Following an enforced return from his European Tour, closely followed by the death of his father in 1643, Boyle found himself the Lord of the Manor of Stalbridge, and owner of his "ruined cottage in the country." In 1647 he installed a laboratory for his chemical experiments. Later he studied physiology under Dr. Nathaniel Highmore at Sherborne. Boyle was to die in 1691.
Highmore was an Anglican. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace for the county. He published, in folio, Corporis humani Disquisitio Anatomica in 1651, to which he added an Appendix, but he died before it was finished. It was in this publication that he included that for which he becamed famed in human anatomy, as from him came the antrum Highmorianum, the maxillary sinus or great cavity in the jaw. Thus keeping his name in perpetuity - see illustration. He said that that his attention was brought to it by a lady who had an abcess in that situation.
There was also the same year, in octavo, The History of Generation; with a general Relation of the Manner of it as well in Plants as Animals, and Discourse of the Cure of Wounds by Sympathy. De hysterica passione, et de affectione hypochondriaca, two theses at Oxford and Amstel in 1660; and De hysterica et hypochondriaca passione, responso epoistolaris ad Doctoruem Willis, medicum Londinensem celeberrimum in 1670. He discovered a new duct in the testicles, Highmore's body, a mass of fibrous tissue which is a prolongation of albuginea testis, projecting forward into the testis from its posterior border. He worked closely with the great William Harvey, whose discoveries included the circulation of the blood, and produced a classic treatise on the human anatomy.
It is thought that Highmore could also have been an astrologer.
In the Sherborne Manor Survey 1677, Doctor Nathaniel Highmore is shown as being Leaseholder or Copyholder of several propertieds or pieces of land in Overcombe, Nethercombe, Houndstreet, Westbury, Bishops Caundle, Barton Farm, Primsley Manor.
These arms differ from those shown previously in that there are four moorcocks (instead of three), and that the crest is a Talbot's head couped at the neck.
Doctor Highmore is believed to have lived in this house called Bracondale in Long Street, Sherborne.
He died at Sherborne on 21st March 1685, aged 72; a much loved practising physician. He was buried on the right-hand (southern) side of the altar at Purse Caundle, marked by an inscribed black marble slab:
POSITAE SVNT HIC RELIQVIAE VIRI ADMODVM DOCTI
NATHANIELIS HIGHMORE IN MEDICINA DOCTORIS
IN SPEM RESVRRECTIONIS AD VITAM AETERNAM
QVI OBIIT MARTIJ 21 ANNO DOMINI J685
AETATIS SVAE 71
[HERE LIE THE REMAINS OF A TRULY LEARNED MAN, NATHANIEL HIGHMORE, DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, IN HOPE OF RESURRECTION TO LIFE ETERNAL, WHO DIED MARCH 21, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1685, AGED 71]
By his will dated 4th March 1684, he left an annuity of £5 to be raised out of the rents of his houses in the borough of Newland in Sherborne, as a scholarship for a poor boy to be sent from the free grammar school there, by the free choice of the governors, to the university, for a term of six years, and so from time to time during the term of 76 years. [His widow Elizabeth needed to be reminded of this legacy on more than one occasion.] To the master of the Sherborne almshouse the sum of £50 to be employed in erecting a workhouse, if they shall go about such a work. His 21 copper plates of anatomical figures to the Royal Society; and his long table of muscles to the physic school at Oxford. His executors were his brother Richard Highmore of 'Purse Candel', clerk, and his cousin William Highmore of Winterborne, clerk; his residuary legatee was his cousin Nathaniel Highmore, clerk. A framed panel on the Longe tomb in the church's Chantry Chapel gives further details of his life and work - see illustration below.
Illustrated is a page from the Gentleman's Magazine of October 1772, referring to "Nathanael Heighmore". c.1645 EDWARD HIGHMORE M.A.
Another son of the above Edward Highmore. Attended New Inn Hall, Oxford, where he matriculated 4th November 1631, aged 18 years. B.A. from Gloucester Hall, Oxford, 4th June 1635. M.A. 20th April 1638.
Believed rector of Purse Caundle by 1645 - Patron: Sir William Dodington, knt. (DNHAS LXXI, 1949) At the same time he was rector of Goathill.
In 1635 he married Agnes Lacey, but they were not to have any children.
1650 RICHARD HIGHMORE M.A.
Believed son of the above Rev. Nathaniel Highmore of Purse Caundle, being born 1621. Trinity College, Oxford, where matriculated 6th July 1638, aged 17 years. Scholar 1639. B.A. 11th February 1642/3.
Fellow 1643, but removed by the visitors 1648, but still on the college books in 1651. M.A. on 4th August 1646. Installed as rector of Purse Caundle by 1650; and also of Goathill 1662-1695.
Hutchins recorded: 'The return to the Commission in 1650 was that the parsonage is worth £46 per annum. Mr. Richard Highmore, incumbent, who supplied the cure. That they had a chapel at Goathill, whose profits had time out of mind belonged to their minister and fit to be united to them; its value is £25 per annum.' Patron: Sir William Dodington, knt. Became rector of Goathill 1662.
In the Dorset Hearth Tax Assessments of 1662-1664, for the Candle Purse Tithing, a 'Mr Richard Heymer' was assessed for five hearths. He survived the Great Plague of 1665. Died in 1693. (DNHAS LXXI, 1949)
c.1656 WILLIAM HIGHMORE
Here there is now something of an anomaly. According to Lambeth Palce Library ref: COMM-12A-5-5 (1650-1656) a "Mr William Heymore" is shown as the Incumbent of Candle Purse, and Mr Edward Dorrington (presumably Dodington) as Patron. Thus he is believed to have been the second son of the above Rev. Nathaniel and Margaret Highmore, being born 1616. Married Frances Browne (1630 - ?). William's date of death is not known.
A third bell was installed in the church tower in 1667.
1695 RICHARD HIGHMORE B.A.
Following the death of the previous Rev. Richard Highmore in 1693, this later Richard Highmore was Presented as rector of Caundle Purse to the Bishop of Bristol by a formal letter (in Latin, but see a later version in English for John Chaffey in 1757) dated 6th April 1695, signed by the Patron, Fulke, Lord Brooke (Bristol Record Office ref: EP/A/3/93). A given date of institution as rector of Purse Caundle has been 15th May 1695, when Richard Highmore B.A. became yet another family member to be the incumbent: but not also of Goathill as with previous Highmores since 1603.
He was the son of R. Highmore of Berwick, Somerset. All Souls College, Oxford, matriculated 30th October 1679, aged 20. B.A. 19th February 1683/4.
He was to make his will on 11th April 1723, whilst weak in body but sound and perfect in mind and memory, with witnesses being Edward Curray Jun. and ---- Brodrip. He left £30 each to his sisters, Rachell wife of Briant Hoare, Mary wife of David Thomas, and Jane wife of Thomas Capell(?); £5 each to kinswomen Hanah and Katherine Trash; £5 each to kinsmen William and Samuel Trash; £2-2s-0d to his sister Elizabeth wife of James Legg; to his loving wife all the leasehold estate in Berwick, all goods in their dwelling house, the little gold ring, and £109; two guineas to Robert Barber; with all the rest of goods, chattels, etc. to his loving brother John Highmore sen. of Berwick and sole executorship of the will. (His brother Richard had died in 1711.)
He died 1730/1, with the will being proved on 9th December 1731. (DNHAS LXXI, 1949) A brass plate to his memory is in Purse Caundle church.
About 1729 a John Burgess became Parish Clerk, remaining so until his death in 1763.
1731 JOHN CHAFIE, CHAFEY, CHAFFEY or CHAFFY M.A.
Born 1686, son of Walter Chafey of Sherborne. Wadham College, Oxford, matriculated 22nd March 1704/5, aged 18 years. Servitor 1705. Clerk 1707/8. B.A. 1708. M.A. 1712. Vicar of Long Burton 1712-1718. Vicar of Lillington, Dorset 1718-1757. On the death of Richard Highmore in 1730 he was Presented as rector of Caundle Purse to the Bishop of Bristol by a formal letter (in Latin, but see a later English version for John Chaffey in 1757) dated 17th November 1730, witnessed, signed and sealed by the Patron, Francis, Lord Brooke - Bristol Record Office ref: EP/A/3/93. A given date of institution as rector of Purse Caundle has been 26th December 1731. The same year the church clock possibly installed in the tower.
The second edition of Hutchins stated that the Parish Register began 1731, thus the earlier one seemingly already missing by this date, with any current whereabouts not known.
Richard Cox was a churchwarden 1731-1733. In 1733 Richard Wiffen, the other churchwarden died, with a bier inscribed to his memory in the church porch.
25th July 1746 was the baptism at Purse Caundle of the Rev. Chafey's son William. There is a note in the front of the Baptism/Marriage Register, 'a son of the Reverend Mr Chafey between 12 and 1 o'clock at noon named William' was born 30th April 1746. (DHC ref: PE/PCD RE 1/1. See also Gentleman's Magazine 1826, pages 180/1.)
In 1747 a churchwarden was Robert Snooks.
20th July 1753 saw the marriage at Purse Caundle of the Rev. Chafey's daughter Mary to Benjamin Jeffry of Taunton, Somerset. 4th December 1753 was the marriage at Purse Caundle of Martha Chafey to Richard Littlejohn, also of Taunton.
The Rev. Chafey died 9th November 1757, being buried at Purse Caundle on 15th November. On a grave stone in front of the altar there is an inscribed epitaph to him:
H.S.I.
Cineres adhuc mortules
JOHANNIS CHAFY, A.M.
Ecclesiae de Caundle-Purse, necnon
alterius de Lillington, in hoc
Agro Dorsettr Rectoris
Obiit Die nono Novris 1757
Annum AEtatis suae degens 70muTN
Homo fuit Doli expers,
Moribus admodum simplex,
Vitaeque integerrimus,
Amicum, Patrem, Conjugem,
Ingenuum, colendum, fidelem.
Amaverunt vivum,
Mortuum desiderant.
Familiares. Liberi. Marita
Here Lies in the Hope of Resurrection
The as yet mortal ashes
Of John Chafy, Master of Arts
Of the church of Caundle-Purse, and
Also of Lillington, in this
County of Dorset. Rector.
He died on the 9th of November 1757
In his 70th year of life.
He was a man without guile,
Artless in manners,
Of a most pure life.
As a friend, father and husband,
Noble, honourable and loyal,
His acquaintances, children and wife,
Loved him whilst living,
And miss him now dead.
On a small black stone on the south wall of the chancel is the inscription:
Haec Cancella reaedificata erat et ornata per JOHANNEM CHAFIE
rectorum 1731
(This chancel was rebuilt and embellished by John Chafie, rector, 1731)
Throughout this incumbency the Parish Clerk was John Burgess.
On 21st April 1759 was the marriage by licence at Purse Caundle of Ursula Chafy, to James Parsons of Holy Trinity, Dorchester; with witnesses John Chafie and Ann Chafy. (DNHAS LXXI, 1949)
On 29th August 1774, Elisabeth Chafy, widow, of Purse Caundle, made her will. Although not categorically stating who had been her late husband, from internal evidence it seems that it was the above Rev. John Chafey. The will's provisions were:
'In the Name of God, Amen. I, Elizabeth Chafy, of Caundle Purse, in the County of Dorset, Widow, being in good Health and of sound Memory, (Thanks to Almighty God) do make and ordain this, as my last Will and testament. - Whereas I have already given my Leasehold Estate now lying and situate in Caundle Purse to my Son William upon Condition (as by Assiognment bearing date March the 30, 1774) that he pays me, during my Life, the clear annual sum of thirty pounds, and after me, the same clear annual sum of thirty pounds to my daughter Elizabeth (provided she shall survive me) during her Natural Life. I therefore do bequeath and devise what effects I have remaining as followeth:- I give to my three sons, John, James and William, one Guinea each, to purchase a Ring:- To my daughter Elizabeth, the Bed Bedspread, and Curtains, Quilt, Blanketts, two pr of Sheets and Pillowties, in which she and I sleep:- To my daughter Mary Jeffries my wrought Curtains and Counterpane:- The rest of my Linnen, Wearing Apparel and Plate to be divided equally between my four daughters, Elizabeth Chafy, Mary Jeffries, Martha Littlejohn, and Ursula Parsons:- All my other Effects, as Goods, Monies, that are due to me (after my Funeral Expenses and Debts are first paid by my Executor) to be sold, and divided equally between my three daughters, Mary Jeffries, Martha Littlejohn, and Ursula Parsons. I do hereby appoint my Son William, the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, and my son John and Mr Curtis of Milborne Port, Trustees, to see this my Will duly executed. Item, I give to my sons-in-law, Benjamin Jeffries and James Parsons, one shilling each:- and lastly, I do hereby declare this to be my last Will and Testament, revoking and disannuling all other Wills, at any Time heretofore made by me - - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty ninth day of August in th year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy four.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Elizabeth Chafy, as and for her last Will and Testament, in the Presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witness thereto, In the Presence of the said Testatrix, and in the Presence of each other
Robert Shepherd Eliz Chafy
Thomas Burges
Mary "X" Haggitt'
The will was proved 6th November 1780, with her son the Rev. William Chafy being sworn as sole executor. She had died on 8th July 1780, being buried at Purse Caundle on 12th July.
A memorial slab was placed on the floor of the sanctuary, in front of the altar:
In humble Hopes of a Resurrection to life eternal,
here sleeps ELISABETH,
Widow of the Rev. JOHN Chafy,
Rector of this Parish.
She died, as she had lived,
A Pattern of many Female Excellences,
Full of Years as of Virtues.
In her social, moral, & religious duties,
Benevolent, righteous, pious:
In a Word - a CHRISTIAN.
In her domestic Relation, as a Wife
Prudent, attentive, faithful.
What she was as a Mother
Let the true tears
of her seven disconsolate children testify.
Blessed woman!
May Their last end be like thine.
She left Them and the World
July 8th 1780,
Aged 83.
1758 WILLIAM SHARP(E)
William Sharp(e) is shown as being Curate in Bishop Secker's Diocesan Survey 1766.
1758 JOHN CHAFEY, CHAFY or CHAFFEN M.A.
(This author is at some confusion as to the genealogy of the whole Chafey Family, and what branch connections there are, and where. The following contains some obvious inconsistences or errors, or of no particular relevance. Any assistance that can be offered in this matter would be greatly appreciated, and acknowledged.)
John Chafey was born at Lillington, Dorset, son of the Rev. John Chafey above. Educated at Eton. Matriculated 1738 from King's College, Cambridge. M.A. in 1746. Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. In early 1752 he became rector of Broad Chalke, Wiltshire.
Following the death in 1757 at Purse Caundle of the incumbent, John Chaffey, the following document (in English) was prepared:
'To the Right Reverend Father in God John, by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Bristol, or, in his Absence, to his Vicar General in Spiritual Things, or to any other Person having sufficient Authority on His Behalf, Francis Earl Brooke, the true and undoubted Patron of the Rectory of the Parish Church of Caundle Purse, Health everlasting in the Lord. To the Parish Church of Caundle Purse, of your Diocese, now vacant by the natural Death of John Chafy, the last Incumbent there, and belonging to my Presentation by full Right; I do present to your Lordship my Beloved in Christ John Chafy, Clerk, Master of Arts, humbly entreating you, that you will vouchsafe with Favour to admit the said John Chafy to the said Church, and cause him to be instituted and inducted into the Rectory of the said Church, with all the Rights and Appointments, and to do and fulfill on His Behalf all and singular the other Things, which shall appear to belong to your Episcopal Office. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this thirtieth Day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred, and fifty seven. [Signed] Brooke. Witness- Fred Nussen, David Maclean.' (Bristol Record Office ref: EP/A/3/93)
The following item appeared in the London Chronicle of February 1758:
'A difpenfation paffed the seal, to enable the Rev. John Chaffy, M.A. Chaplain to the Duchefs Dowager of Hamilton, to hold the rectory of Broadchalk cum Burchalk and Alvfton confolidated, in Wilts, and also the rectory of Caudle Purfe, in Dorsetshire.'
He was apparently instituted at Purse Caundle on 7th March 1758.
In the Bishop of Bristol's Survey of Dorset Parishes in 1766-1767, he commented that the Rev. Chaffey was "good", and resided "upon a peculiar [which?] within" 1 1/2 miles distant; and his wife, because of ill health, was living "in Salisbury near which he has some other preferment."
The Rev. John Chafy was to die in 1782.
On 20th July 1753 his daughter Mary was married at Purse Caundle to Benjamin Jeffry of Taunton, Somerset; and on 4th December the same year at Purse Caundle his sister Martha (1726- ?) had married Richard Littlejohn of Taunton; on 21st April 1759 Ursula Chafy was married by Licence at Purse Caundle to James Parsons of Dorchester, Dorset; and on 5th April 1774 William Chafy of Purse Caundle had married Mary Chafie at Sherborne. Also in 1774 a John Chafy of 'Caundle Purse' was buried there.
John Burgess, the Parish Clerk, died in 1763, having been such since 1729. He was succeeded by his son Thomas Burgess who was to remain so until his death in 1800.
1766 JAMES SHEILDS
James Sheilds shown as being Licensed Curate at Purse Caundle, at a salary of £20 per annum, plus surplice fees.
1782 WILLIAM HORSEY 'the younger'
Following the death of the previous incumbent John Chaffey, on 13th June 1782 Henry Hoare, the then Patron, sign and sealed a formal document presenting William Horsey 'the Younger' of Caundle Marsh, to Lewis the Bishop of Bristol, to be the next Rector, being witnessed by Jno [Aislabie] Benson and Moulton Messiter. (Bristol Record Office ref: EP/A/3/93) William Horsey was instituted 22nd August 1782.
About 1787/8 he resigned 'and declared the said Rectory void.'
In 1786/8 a churchwarden of Purse Caundle was Edward Miller. The Parish Clerk during the incumbency was Thomas Burgess.
1788 JOHN MESSITER B.A.
Possibly the son of Moulton Messiter of Wincanton, Wiltshire. Attended Merton College, Oxford, where matriculated 30th May 1781, when aged 17 years. B.A. in 1785. Licensed as curate at Purse Caundle 21st December 1786, at a salary of £30. Inducted as Rector of Purse Caundle 23rd January 1788 - Patron: Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. Box pews were installed in the church around this period.
Vicar of Bratton, Somerset, 1789; and Caundle Marsh 1790. Garrison Chaplain to the Royal Artillery, being shown in the 1807 Dorset General Election Poll Book as residing at "Woolwich, Kent". He was also Rector of Romans Leigh, Devon 1813. A Justice of the Peace.
He died 15th November 1828.
The Parish Clerk wcontinued to be Thomas Burgess during this incumbency.
1791 WILLIAM PROVIS WICKHAM B.A.
Licensed curate 14th June 1791, at a salary of £40. Presumably he was officiating for the absent Rev. John Messiter who was presumably living at Woolwich.
The Parish Clerk continued to be Thomas Burgess until his death in 1800, but it is not known who succeeded him.
1813 JOHN PEDDLE
Curate, viz having signed as such a Declaration regarding extant Registers at Purse Caundle. (Bristol Record Office ref: EP/A/38/11) He\also completed the Return to the Select Committee on Education of the Poor. Also officiated at Purse Caundle burials March 1814-1829.
1823 W. PARTRIDGE
Rector, with Caundle Marsh.
1829 RICHARD MESSITER M.A.
Son of the above Rev. John Messiter. Wadham College, Oxford. Matriculated 22nd October 1817, aged 17 years. Exhibitor at Corpus Christi College, Oxford 1818-1821. B.A. 1821. M.A. 1827.
Licensed Stipendiary Curate at Purse Caundle 19th February 1824, at a salary of £55-10s-0d. He also held the Rectory of Caundle Marsh from 1828. In December 1828 he wrote to the Bishop of Bristol, to say he had been presented by his good friend Sir Richard Hoare to the Recory of Purse Caundle, void by the death of his father, to which he was instituted 19th January 1829. Sir Richard had also nominated him to the perpetual curacy of Bratton, Somerset, into which he was instituted in 1829. He was also instituted into Stourton Caundle church in 1830 (until 1864).
It was Sir Richard's wish that all three adjoining parishes (Purse Caundle, Stourton Caundle, Caundle Marsh) should always be held by the same incumbent, with a united value of less than £400 a year before any Deductions for a Curate. Caundle Marsh and Purse Caundle had exceedingly small populations - 46 and 148 respectively. Both these parishes were situated low and damp, and in one of them (presumably Purse Caundle) the high floods ran through the Parsonage House, making it uninhabitable. Sir Richard intended doing building work to make it possible for the Rector to reside there as soon as possible. (Wiltshire & Swindon Record Office ref: 383/942)
In 1845 the four parishes are shown as having the following values and populations: Caundle Marsh £143, 77; Candle Purse £160, 183; Caundle Stourton £50, 394; Bratton £161, 103.
Purse Caundle church nave rebuilt 1883, and installation of the Ten Commandments boards. At the bazaars and entertainment in 1883 to raise funds for this work was a Miss. C. Messiter who was one of the musicians. At this same date is said to have occurred the alleged taking away of the pre-1731 Parish Register by one of the Churchwardens, which has not yet been recovered - though as has been noted elsewhere, there is evidence for it having disappeared much earlier.
The Rev. Richard Messiter died on 15th May 1885.
1830 HENRY MICHELL B.A.
Licensed Stipendiary Curate 10th January 1830, at a salary of £50.
1885 CHARLES LEMON
Born c.1825 at St. Germans, Cornwall. Deacon in 1849. Priest 1859 at Exeter. Curate of Gerrans, Cornwall; curate of Bratton St. Maurice 1871-1885. The Times of 29th October 1885 announced the ecclesiastical appointment of the Rev. Charles Lemon, rector of Caundle Purse - patron Sir H. A. Hoare. Instituted Rector of Purse Caundle by 28th October 1885.
The Times of 10th February 1875 carried a notice regarding a claim by Edward Broadlake and Alfred Dingley as creditors were bringing against Emma Lemon, widow, and the estate of Edwin Lemon, yeoman, deceased, late of Manor Farm, Purse Caundle, who died July 1873. The notice requested any other creditors to contact Emma Lemon and the administrators of Edwin Lemon's estate. Were these family members?
On 19th January 1886 the Rev. Charles Lemon was a visitor at a meeting of the Vale of Blackmore Clerical Society.
In 1889 the Tithe Rent Charge was £162. Average £140, with 23 acres of Glebeland. Gross Income £154 with House.
According to the 1891 Census, the Rev. Charles Lemon was a widower, aged 66, "Deaf", with a son Edward Wallis Lemon, aged 30, living with him at Purse Caundle Rectory. Both had been born a St. Germans, Cornwall. Edward was Clerk to the Purse Caundle School Board, and Attendance Officer. The Rev. Lemon seemingly retired/resigned the same year.
He had possibly died by 1903. Apparently two brass candlesticks were the gift of "Dr. Lemon" - see COWAN below.
1891 WILLIAM JOHN BIRBECK
No trace can be found of him in Crockford's. The Times of 6th November 1891 published the preferment/appointment of the Rev. William John Birbeck, rector of Purse Caundle (held by dispensation with Milborne Port) - Patron Sir H. A. Hoare. Shown as officiating as Rector at burials in February and April 1892, and July 1893.
1891-1893 BENJAMIN MATURIN junior, M.A.
Born 14th February 1858 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Educated at St. John's College, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex. Trinity College, Dublin, 10th October 1878. B.A. 1885. M.A. 1892. Deacon 1887 at Armagh, Northern Ireland. Priest 1888. Curate of Derryloran, Cookstown, co. Armagh 1887-1889. Clones in Clogher, co. Monaghan 1889-1890. Rincurran, near Kinsale, co. Cork 1890-1891.
Curate of Milborne Port and Purse Caundle 1891-1893, officiating as Curate at Purse Caundle burials May 1892-April 1893.
A member of the Vale of Blackmore Clerical Society, with his first meeting on 3rd May 1892, and the last on 25th April 1893.
Curate of Churchdown, Gloucestershire 1893-1895. Curate of Loer Mitton, Stourport 1895-1896. Curate of Badgeworth, Cheltenham 1901-1903. Curate of Nafferton, Yorkshire 1904-1907. Rector of St. Magnus's Episcopal Church, Lerwick, Shetland Islands 1908-1917.
Died unmarried on 9th February 1917.
1894 HARRY ALEXANDER CARYL, M.A.
Cavendish College, Cambridge. B.A. 1885. M.A. 1889. Deacon 1891. Priest 1892, Salisbury, Wiltshire. Curate of Charminster with Stratton, Dorset, 1891-1893. St Thomas, Salisbury 1894-1898. Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, 1898-1900. Charminster with Stratton 1900.
Officiated at a Purse Caundle burial on 25th January 1894. 13th February 1894 was a visitor (said to be Curate of Purse Caundle) at a meeting of the Vale of Blackmore Clerical Society.
1894 CHARLES HUBERT PAYNE CRAWFURD, M.A.
Born c.1860 as one of 11 children of the Rev. C. P. Crawfurd and Mary (nee Ogle) at East Grinstead, Sussex. Educated at Tonbridge 1872. Corpus Christi College, Oxford. B.A. 1882. M.A. 1885. Sarum College 1887. Deacon 1888. Priest 1889 Rochester, Kent. Curate of St. Bartholomew, Sydenham 1888-1893.published the preferment/appointment of Rev. Charles H. P. Crawfurd, rector of Caundle Purse, held with the vicarage of Milborne Port, by dispensation - Patron: Sir Henry Hoare. Rector of Purse Caundle and Vicar of Milborne Port 1894-1895. Officiated at Purse Caundle burials July-September 1894.
The Times of 29th June 1894 published the preferment/appointment of the Rev. Charles H. P. Crawfurd, rector of Caundle Purse, held by dispensation with the vicarage of Milborne Port - Patron: Sir Henry Hoare. Rector of Purse Caundle, officiating at burials there July-September 1894.
1895 GEORGE ARTHUR COWAN
The 1911 Census states that he was born c.1856 in Bath, Somerset. Educated at London College of Divinity 1877. Deacon 1881 Ripon. Priest 1882 at Ripon. Curate of Bishop Thornton, Yorkshire 1881-1882; Devizes, Wiltshire 1882-1885; Sherborne and Castleton, Dorset 1885-1888; St. Paul, Bath 1888-1890. Chaplain to Wiltshire County Asylum 1888-1890. Curate of Horsington, Somerset 1891-1893; Andover, Hampshire 1893-1895.
The Times of 25th January 1895 published the preferment/appointment of the Rev. George Arthur Cowan, rector of Caundle Purse - Patron: Sir Henry H. Hoare. Rector of Purse Caundle 1895, living in the rectory. He\started officiating at Purse Caundle burials from March 1895. Tithe Rent Charge £162. Average £108 with 23 acres Glebe. Gross income £136. Net income £116 and House.
Chantry Chapel in the church restored 1896, possibly at the expense of the owner of Purse Caundle manor house. The church tower was restored in 1905.
Possible known as 'Snowy' because of his white hair. He married Fanny (surname unknown) c.1898, she having been born at Whiteparish, Wiltshire c.1855.
He was a member of the Blackmore Vale Clerical Society, to which meetings he read papers on 13th May 1901 - 'The Amusement of the People in our Country Parishes'; 27th October 1902 - 'Popular absence from Public Worship'; 7th November 1904 - 'Qualification of the Ministry'; 19th November 1906 - 'Antichrist'; 5th October 1908 - 'Religion in Worship'; 3rd April 1911 - 'The Fall, who was the Tempter?'; 2nd June 1913 - 'Faith Healing'; 5th April 1915 - 'The Inspiration of Scripture' (this paper had to read for him); 16th April 1917 - 'Are the Ten Commandments binding?'; 29th September 1919 - 'The Silence of God'.
Churchwardens: 1905 - J. B. Hayter and H. R. Watson
1907 - H. R. Watson and C. A. Newman
The Times of 27th January 1923 reported: 'On Thursday, 25th January 1923, as the Rev. George Cowan was cycling just beyond Inwood Lodge gates on the Sherborne-Shaftesbury road, he collided with a motor-car driven by Mr. John Hargreaves of Templecombe House. He sustained two broken thighs and concussion. Dr. Macormick (Templecombe) and Dr. Coulson (Wincanton) were quickly on the scene of the accident, as were also messrs F. Trevett (Commandant of the Dorset Men's V.A.D.), and C. J. Cooper. The Rev. Cowan was removed in a precarious condition to Sherborne Hospital, and there was little hope of his recovery.' The Dorset County Chronicle later reported that he was making a recovery. He was aged about 66 years at the time.
His "beloved wife" Fanny died at Purse Caundle on 25th October 1924, aged 70, but not before she had managed to present an inscribed Prayer Book to young parishioner Frederick Ashford. Her death was to be announced in The Times of 30th October, and was to be buried outside the west side of the church porch.
His last stated officiation at a Purse Caundle burial was on 22nd October 1924., but did attend yje Annual Parish Meeting on 6th April 1925.
In DHC ref: PE/PCD:IN 4/1 (Microfilm 1677) is a record of:
'Crendle
Sherborne
Dorset
In oak Chest in Mr Cowans Room Rectory Purse Caundle 17th May 1926.
Register of Christenings & Marriages 1730-1812
Register of Burials 1731-1812
Register of Banns & Marriages 1754-1812
Register of Births 1813-1926
Register of Burials 1814-1924
Register of Marriages 1819-1840
Church Wardens a/c 1822-1881
Register of Marriages 1838-1926
Vestry Meeting accounts & notes 1863-1889
Glebe Papers
Faculties, Marriage Certificate papers.
Book on Marriage Registration etc.
Dorset C.C. Education Paper 1919.
Occasional Officers Diocese of Sarum Book.
Constitutions & 39 Articles book.
Return of Marriage Papers.
2 Books of Certificate Marriage Papers.Sarum Year Book & a/c. 1924.
Officers of The Church book. 1823.
Confirmation Forms.
Packet of letters & note books.
Register of marriage papers.
Finance Act 1910. Valuation Rectory Grounds etc.
Papers Registration of Marriage.
Maps & Papers &c. Survey of Church Lands.
Map of Purse Caundle Parish 1838.
(Maps of Purse, & Stourton Candle,
(Tithe Rent Charges. 22 January 1908.
Tithe Map 1912.
4 Small Linen Cloths & embroidered Case for Altar uses.
Flag. In Revd Cowans Cupboard.
__________________________________
In oak armsbox in the Church
3 Brass Vases - Quantity of Hymn Books. 1 Bell Rope.
__________________________________
In Church Tower
Notice of Erection of a Gallery 1770.
Some Stained Glass
___________________________________
In Church Vestry
1 Small Deal Table
2 Chairs
1 Small Harmonium
1 Ancient oak Arms box with Chains to lock.
Old Oak Sanctuary Chair.
Lecturn & Bible.
8 Brass Vases )
1 Wooden Cross) missing
1 Brass Cross )
Altar Cloth Frontal missing
Holland C-u-- of same missing
___________________________________
on 23-5-26. Mr Cowan wrote he had found Frontal & 3 Vellum Books on Sale of property in P & S Caundle.
[Signed] L.Tyrwhitt Drake'
'THE INCUMBENTS' RESIGNATION ACTS 1871 and 1887
NOTICE OF ISSUE OF COMMISSION
Diocese of Salisbury
Benefice of Caundle Purse in the County of Dorset
To The Revd Edward Henry Fincher
IN THE MATTER of the proposed resignation by the
Reverend George Arthur Cowan of the Rectory
of Caundle Purse in the County and Diocese above named,
under the provisions of the above named Acts, I, the under
signed, ST CLAIR GEORGE ALFRED, Bishop of Salisbury, hereby
give you notice that I have this day issued a Commission
addressed to The Ven. Charles Leslie Dundas,
Archdeacon of Dorset, The Revd Canon
Morgan, Yourself, The Revd Everard
Verdon Roe and Capt Vivian George
Kennard of Frith House Stalbridge, J.P.
authorising and requiring them to inquire into and to report
to me upon the truth of the ground alleged, and upon the
expediency of such resignation of the said Incumbent, and upon
all such matters in anywise affecting such resignation, or
connected therewith, as they may deem necessary.
DATED the 1st day of April 1926
[Signed] St Clair Sarum
Note. The date, place, and time of meeting of the Commissioners
will be arranged by the Venerable Archdeacon Dundas
to whom the Commission has been sent.' (DHC ref: PE/PCD: IN 6/9)
After his retirement the Rev. Cowan apparently continued to live for a while in Purse Caundle parsonage as a tenant.
In letters dated 26th July and 6th August 1927, the late Rev. Cowan's nephew, James L. Cowan, proprietor of The Oriental Trading Co. at Orient House, Edgar Buildings, Bath, he wrote to the Rev. Fincher, the succeeding incumbent of Purse Caundle. They were to say that his uncle was worried about the Pewter Flagon found buried in the Rectory Garden many years ago, and not knowing its connection with the church it had been sold along with other oddments just prior to his departure from Purse Caundle. It was suggested that should the original not be traced, then a close replacement be obtained. Apparently according to the dealer it was not of any real use as it had been top heavy, and with a loose or broken lid. Any missing Frontals must be with either Mrs Deaken or Mrs Cox. The two brass candlesticks, which Rev. Fincher said had been the gift of Dr. Lemon (probably the incumbent at Purse Caundle 1885-1891), were being sent back to Purse Caundle by carrier. Mr Cowan wrote again on 12th October 1927 to say his uncle had died peacefully early that morning. He also asked that the grave at Purse Caundle of his aunt be opened for his uncle. Mr Cowan's final letter of 18th October was to thank Rev. Fincher and the village for their sympathy, etc.; and to say that nothing of Purse Caundle interest had been found in his uncle's effects. What the outcome was of the missing Flagon is not known. It had possibly been originally buried during the religious troubles following the Tudor breakaway from Rome, and the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The Rev. Cowan had died at The Firs, Coombe Down, Bath, aged 71. He was subsequently buried on 16th October 1927 in the grave of his late wife at Purse Caundle. The Times of 17th November 1927 published details of his will. He had left estate of gross value of £5,737, with net personalty of £5,680. He left £100 to the British and Foreign Bible Society.
1926 EDWARD HENRY FINCHER
London College of Divinity 1890. Deacon 1892, London. Priest 1893, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Curate of St. Matthew, Islington, London 1892-1895. Church Missionary Society Mission at Frere Town, East Africa 1895-1898; at Mpwapwa 1898-1901. Curate at Cann, Dorset 1901-1906; Holy Trinity, Trowbridge, Wiltshire 1906-1908; Semley, Wiltshire 1910-1914; Shaftesbury 1903. Perpetual Curate Stourton Caundle 1914-1940, and was to live in the vicarage there. Rural Dean of Stalbridge 1925-1940.
Started\officiating at Purse Caundle burials from 28th October 1924, until December 1939. He had a beard, and discouraged boys from smoking.
He was mentioned in correspondence re. the sale of Purse Caundle rectory house in 1926/7, which he was still nominally inhabiting in May 1927. (DHC ref: IN 2/2/2) Appointed County Council Representative Manager of the Church for Caundle County School. In 1927 he received a letter from James L. Cowan re. the sale and location of a pewter flagon that had been "dug up in the rectory garden some good many years ago." (DHC ref: PE/PCD/IN 4/2 - see also Rev. G. A. Cowan above.)
He retired\in 1940, and was still alive in 1946.
Churchwardens: 1925 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake of Crendle, and Edward Richard Cox of Manor Farm.
1936 - A. Tyrwhitt Drake and R. B. E. Greig.
1940 NIGEL EVERARD HAWKSLEY WESTHALL B.A.
Late Sedgewick Exhibitioner of Queen's College, Cambridge. B.A. 1923. Deacon 1927. Priest 1928, London. Assistant Chaplain of Deaf and Dumb Associartion, West London District 1927-1929; Chaplain-in-Charge, Clapham District from 1929. All Saints Church for Deaf and Dumb, West Ham, London, 1933-1937. Royal Association for Deaf and Dumb, Diocese of London 1937-1940.
Vicar of Stourton Caundle with Purse Caundle 1940-1946. First officiated at a Purse Caundle burial 3rd June 1940, with the last one on 13th October 1945. Curate of St. Luke's, Skerton, Blackburn, Lancashire from 1946. Illustrated below is the Rev. Westhall in 1941.
1946 WILLIAM DELAHAY
St. David's College, Lampeter 1908. Deacon 1908. Priest 1909 Truro. Curate of Bude 1908-1911; St. Columb Major 1911-1913; South Hill with Callington 1913-1916; St. Gabriel's, Plymouth 1916-1917. Temporary Chaplain to the Forces 1917-1919. Chaplain at Shwebo 1919-1920; Mandalay 1920-1923; Bhamo 1924; Furlough 1923-1924, 1927, 1930, 1934-1935; Mingaladon 1930-1931; Rangoon Canton 1924-1930, 1931-1937; Archdeacon Rangoon 1937-1938. Rector of Childe Okeford 1938-1946. Perpetual Curate of Hanford 1938-1944.
Vicar of Stourton Caundle with Purse Caundle, instituted 27th June 1946, though first officiated at a Purse Caundle burial on 24th March 1948. He compiled Purse Caundle church's List of Incumbents up to 1895.
Retired 1951. Obtained permission to Officiate in Diocese of Exeter from 1952.
Churchwarden: 1946-1950 S. H. White.1951 ALLAN EDWARD BARRET or BARRIT
London College of Divinity. Deacon 1932. Priest 1933, Salisbury. Curate of St. Mark's, Talbot Village, Bournemouth 1932-1936; Tarrant Gunville with Tarrant Rushton and Rawston, and Tarrant Keynston 1936-1937. Vicar of St. Paul's, Poole 1937-1951.
Rector of Stourton Caundle with Purse Caundle 1951-1954. Curate of St. John with Christ Church, South Hackney, London from 1954.
Churchwarden: 1951-1954 S. H. White.
1954 FREDERICK LYLE UPPLEBY M.A.
Exeter College, Oxford. B.A. 1914. Deacon 1915. Priest 1916, Rochester. Curate of Christ Church, Erith, Kent 1915-1917; East Grinstead 1917-1920. M.A. 1920. Forest Row in charge of Ashurst Wood Mission 1920-1924; St. Luke's, Bournemouth 1924-1925; Travancore, Secretary Melanesia Mission 1925-1928; Organising Secretary Mission to Seamen 1928-1937. Vicar of St. Paul's, Swanley 1937-1940; Upnor 1940-1945. Rector of Ashmore, Dorset 1945-1954.
The Times of 22nd May 1954 announced his appointmrnt as rector to the united benefice of Caundle Stourton and Caundle Purse, his his first officiation at a Purse Caundle burial on 4th November 1954. The Rev. Merriman seemed to have acted during the interregnum.
Following the Rev. Uppleby's institution there was to be an annual Stourton Caundle church fete held every summer in the rectory garden there. See 1957 photograph. Purse Caundle's Chantry Chapel was restored for the second time.
He retired in 1958, with he and his wife Gladys moving into the Old Schoolhouse in Sandford Orcas, Dorset. There is a joint-headstone in Purse Caundle cemetery for his wife (1965) when aged 75, and for himself (1975) aged 86. Below is an illustration of the Rev. Uppleby in 1957.
Minutes of the Purse Caundle Parochial Church Council meetings were started from 1954 in the old Parish Meetings Minute Book.
Churchwardens: 1955-1957 - John Waltham (Rector's) and S. H. White (People's).
1959 STEPHEN JOSEPH OSBORNE M.A.
All Saints College, Cambridge. Senior Optime Mathematics Tripos. B.A. 1936. M.A. 1940. Cuddesdon College, Down, N.I., and ordained 1954. Priest 1955 Salisbury. An Assistant Master at Sherborne Boys School 1946-1959, being mathematics master in May 1958.
The Times of 21st August 1959 announced his appointmernt as priest-in-charge of Stourton Caundle with Caundle Purse. He was in post by 29th October 1959, and living at Stourton Caundle. He encouraged participation of the younger generationnin the activities of the church.
He announced his resignation at the Parochial Church Council meeting 28th September 1964, but was to be still in post on 7th April 1965. The Times of 17th May 1965 announced his being vicar of Stourton Caundle with Caundle Purse, but now being appointed rector of Poltimore with Huxham, Exeter.
Churchwardens of Purse Caundle 1960-1965: J. Waltham (Rector's/Vicar's sic) and S. H. White (People's).
Below are illustrations of the Rev. Osborne in 1960 and 1963, and Mrs Osborne 1960.
1965 LAWRENCE GANE INGE
Born 16th April 1905, at Hambledon, Surrey. 1945-1947 phonebooks show hin as a Regional Wireless Engineer at The Parsonage, Fairburn, Ferrybridge, Yorkshire (Tel: Knottingley 170). St. Aidan College 1948. Deacon 1948. Priest 1949, York. Curate of Stokesley, Yorkshire, 1948-1952; Rector of Sangre Grande, Trinidad 1952-1954; Pembroke, Tobago 1954-1958 - during this period flew from Bermuda and arrivd at Idewild Airport, New York on 6th July 1956. Orcheston, Wiltshire, 1959-1965 (Tel: Shrewton 285). Following a possible six months' interregnum, The Times 13th September 1965 announced his appointment as rector of Stourton Caundle with Caundle Purse, being instituted that same year.
He and his wife Naomi lived in the vicarage at Stourton Caundle, but found it difficult to get warm there as it did not have an efficient heating system. Some parishioners paid to have a few night-storage heaters installed. Mrs Inge organised a Purse Caindle church choir of local 15-16 year old children, who also went around the village carol singing. The Rev. Inge was said at Purse Caundle to have been a good parson: visiting the sick at home and in hospital. He was a big man, some 6 feet tall, with Mrs Inge a small woman. They had brought with them from the West Indies an adopted white daughter. They used to exchange home visits with Mr. & Mrs. James Fisher of (the Old Rectory) Purse Caundle - possibly because Mr Fisher had also lived for a time in the West Indies.
The British Astronomical Association say he was never a paid-up member, but he contributed to the work of the observing sections such as the Artificial Satellite Section (which began in 1960) from qbout 1961-1966/7. He also appears to have computed comet orbits for the Comet Section. His study ('star room') at Stourton Caundle was considered by another visiting star-gazer (George R. Williams) as being well equipped with astro instruments and charts, which he used as an official satellite tracker, when he recorded the overhead occulating of certain stars by the then geodetic satellites as they travelled his 'site'. According to the quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol. 8, page 97, at the Society's Anniversary Meeting on 10th February 1967, he was admitted as a Fellow of the Society.
Acording to the Dorset Evening Echo of 27th October 1967:
'Last night people over a wide area of Southern England claimed to have seen a strange formation of lights in the sky. Among them was the Rev. Lawrence Inge who operates an "International visual satellite tracking station" from his vicarage at Stourton Caundle. He is convinced the mystery is solved by his view that the U.F.O.s are in fact R.A.F. air-refuelling exercises. These, he says, involve one tanker and well-lighted planes.'
The Times of 16th October 1972 announced his resignation at the end of October as vicar of Stourton Caundle with Caundle Purse. The Rev. and Mrs Inge retired to September 1972 to the very small house of 11 St. James Street, Shaftesbury, where central heating was paid for by Mrs Fisher of Purse Caundle. About three years later Mrs Inge died. The Rev. Inge married again, to a blind widow of Shaftesbury, but she died after about three years. In 1984 he is shown at both 'Barnaby' St. James, Shaftesbury, and at 2 West Cloister, College of St. Barnabas, Lingfield, Surrey. He died in December 1991, in Surrey, aged 86.
Churchwardens: 1967-1968: J. Waltham (Rector's) and S. H. White (People's).
1969-1972: J. Waltham (Rector's) and Mrs N. Henderson (People's).
1973 FREDERICK WALTER SUMMERS M.A.
Born 1916. Possibly in the army. Jesus College, Oxford. B.A. (3rd Class Theology) 1948. M.A. 1953 Lincoln Theology College. Deacon 1950. Priest 1951, Southwark. Curate of Lambeth 1950-1954. Vicar of St. Joseph Evangelist, Kingston 1954-1970. Curate/Priest-in-Charge of Stourton Caundle with Purse Caundle 1973, being instituted by 28th March.
He used to upset some parishioners by lighting-up his pipe in the church porch immediately after the end of services. Possibly died in 1975.
Churchwardens: 1973-1974: J. Waltham (Rector's) and Mrs N. Henderson (People's).
1975 DAVID ARTHUR KIRSOPP GREENE M.A.
Born 1936. St. Peter's College, Oxford. B.A. 1960. M.A. 1964. Further Education Teacher's Certificate 1961. Tyndale Hall, Bristol 1961. Ordained Deacon 1963. Ordained Priest 1964. Curate at Southgate, Chichester, Sussex 1963-1966. Curate at Kirby Grindalythe, Yorkshire 1966-1969. Curate at North Grimsrton with Wharram Percy and Wherran-le-Street 1966-1969. Rector of Folke, North Wootton and Haydon with Long Burton 1969-1975. Rector of Long Burton, Folke, North Wootton, Haydon, Purse Caundle from 1975, being instituted by 24th April. Priest-in charge of Thornford with Beer Hackett 1980-1984. Priest-in-charge of High Stoy 1981-1984. Rector of Bradford Abbas and Thornford with Beer Hackett 1984-2000. At some the parishes of Stourton Caundle, Purse Caundle, Bishops Caundle, Folke and Holwell were amalgamated to form a united benefice.
Apparently his assertive wife was disliked, particularly on account of her insistence on local footpaths being kept open. The Rev. Greene retired 2000.
Churchwardens: 1976-1979: John Waltham (Rector's) and David Pilgrim (People's).
1980 DEREK JOHN HILLIER
Born 1930. Sarum Theological College 1961. Ordained Deacon 1963. Ordained Priest 1964. Curate at St. Mark's, Salisbury 1963-1965. Curate at Holy Trinity, Weymouth 1965-1968. Rector of Bishops Caundle with Caundle Marsh and Holwell 1966-1975. Priest-in-charge of Pulham 1970-1978. Rector of the Caundles and Holwell 1975-1981. Rector of the Caundles with Folke and Holwell from March 1980-1982, being instituted by 28th April. 1997 became Rector of the Caundles with Folke and Holwell, living at Bishops Caundle rectory. He was considered a good parson as being a good visitor of the sick and bereaved, though inclined to be publically over-friendly.
Retired 2002. Obtained permission to Officiate in Sarum and Bath & Wells from 2002.
Churchwardens: 1980- John Waltham and David Pilgrim.
1981- John Waltham and H. S. Shepherd.
2002 WILLIAM THOMAS RIDDING
Born 1954. Southampton University, Bachelor of Theology. Sarum & Wells Theological College 1980. Ordained Deacon 1983. Ordained Priest 1984. Curate of Verwood, Dorset 1983-1986. Team Vicar of Gillingham, Dorset 1986-2001. Rural Dean of Blackmore Vale 1995-2001. Priest-in-charge at Stalbridge 2001-2002. Rector of Stalbridge and Stock from 2002. Rector of Spire Hill (Purse Caundle, Stalbridge, Stock [King's Stag] and Stourton Caundle) from July 2007. 31st January 2008 appointed an Assistant Curate for Hazelbury Bryan and the Hillside Parishes, and the Okeford Benefice.
Churchwardens: c.2004 et seq - Edward Waltham and Mrs Caroline Mumford.
PARISH CLERKS
Details in this section are mainly derived from the article 'The Ancient Office of Parish Clerk and the Parish Clerks Company of London' by Oswald Clark in the Ecclesiastical Law Journal, from his paper delivered to the Ecclesiastical Law Society on 10th November 2004. A good source book is The Parish Clerk by P. H. Ditchfield, 1907, which gives a history of the office, and biographical examples of actual parish clerks. It must be pointed out that this post of Parish Clerk has nothing to do with that of the more recent Clerk to the Parish Council - which is purely a community political one.
It was Pope Gregory who said to St. Augustine (who both died in 604) that "If there are any Clerics who have not received Sacred Orders and who cannot accept a life of continence, let them marry and receive their stipends outside the common fund." Thus it would seem that amongst Augustine's company of clerics were some who were not ordained celibate priests, but were either laymen or in office within the Minor Orders of ministry.
Priestly ordained monks were trained for a community life, and needed practical, basic, menial support. The chapel had to be cleaned, lit and if possible heated. The altar had to be dressed and furnished. Bread, wine, fesh water, incense had to be procured. Vestments had to be prepared and mended. The celebrant always needed a server not only to assist him but to make the responses which the ordered liturgy required.
It was thus within that monastic setting of worship that the primary functions of the non-priestly ordained, non-celibate clerk - to serve at Mass, to lead the responses, to sing the psalms and to help practically in the chapel - first took formal shape within the English Church. Over the centuries other functions were added: to read the liturgical Epistle, to bear the holy water and the aspergillum (the implement used to sprinkle holy water, i.e. a round brush of horse-hair with a short handle), to lead the congregation, to help the parish school, etc. The holy water also used to be taken around the parish by the Parish Clerk to be sprinkled inside all the houses and cottages, at which he would be rewarded with a small gift.
Dating from the Anglo-Saxon period, when small village churches began to be built, the post of non-ordained parish clerk was also continued there to assist the parish priest. Pope Leo IV (847-855) set out in detail the duties of the clerk, and final formality was given to those duties by a Canon of the Council of Nantes, later embodied in Book III of the Decretals of Gregory IX in 1230. Thus the parish clerk found his modest place - the oldest, non-priestly ordained office in the Church at the parochial level. Bishops often wrote learnedly of the office, duties, privileges and responsibilities of the Parish Clerk.
Secular urban guilds were being formed from early Anglo-Saxon times, but by the time of Canute (1017-1035) there was apparently formed at Abbotsbury an example of a parish guild of a purely religious character. These latter were formed and endowed by local people, bsed on the local parish church, cathedral or monastery, and devoted to common worship and mutual fellowship and support.
Early parish clerks were local boys recruited into the bishop's familia, the majority until the 13th century were doubtless tonsured and in minor orders. Many of them were married, to the displeasure of the papalistically conservative. A Parish Clerk was first documented in Chaucer's The Miller's Tale c.1386, and was however not tonsured. Thus it seems that by at least the late 14th century the layman parish clerk had arrived, and by the end of that century had become the norm, and becoming better informed. The office was\often conjoined with that of sexton.
The parish clerk had to be at least twenty years of age. Although in the modern sense he would be illiterate, he was not ignorant. They obtained learning and knowledge by listening, repeating, looking, doing, and by tenacious memory. A new parish clerk learned from his forbears, from the constant repetition of the prayers of the Church, from handling missals and other books, from looking at pictures, wall-paintings, and other church images. As the laity became more involved in ecclesiastical administration, particularly at the parochial level, and as literacy and the use of English increased, parish clerks were thus seen as clerici et litterati, i.e. common clerks and able to read basic Latin. Some young Parish Clerks could go on to become ministers.
Parish clerks survived the traumas of the Tudor Reformation, and were not subject to dismissal from their churches as were many clergy. But there were changes. The lay parish clerk became less 'a servant of the sanctuary', but became a pastoral leader of the prayers and praises of the congregation. From 1640 he wore a sombre gown, and within a century might occupy an elevated place in a centrally sited and all-dominating pulpit. From 1536 when they were introduced, it became the parish clerk's job to collect the necessary details for the compilation of the Register of Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals.
The CLERK'S BOOK of 1549 set out in great detail the duties of a Parish Clerk, as set out in:
'The contentes of this boke.
I. First, the ordre how the Psalter shalbe red.
II. The table for the ordre of the Psalmes.
III. The Kalender for the ordre of common praier.
IIII. The ordre for Mattyns and Euensong the whole yere.
V. The Letanie and Suffrages.
VI. All that shall apperteigne to the clerkes to saie or syng, at the ministracion of the Communion and when there is no Communion.
At Matrimonie.
The visitacion of the Sicke.
At Buriall of the dedde.
At the Purificacion of women.
And the first daie of Lent.'
Included is a List of the appointed Lessons for every day of the year.
Following the introduction of the Elizabethan Poor Law, there developed an increasing adaptation of the ecclesiastical parish to secular uses, and in the administration of the laws relating to settlement, vagrancy, poor relief and foundling children, churchwardens and the parish clerk became deeply involved as parish officers.
In Canon 91 of 1603, a Parish Clerk "shoule be at least 20 years old. Known to the parson as a man of honest conversation and sufficient for his reading, writing and competent skill in singing." His functions were the reading of the lessons and epistles, singing in the choir, giving out the hymns, leading the responses, serving at the altar and other like duties, opening of the church, ringing the bell, digging graves if there be no sexton. A century and a half later, it was Dr. Johnson's view that 'a parish clerk should be . . . able to make a Will or write a letter for anybody in the parish. From the 18th century onwards women could act as parish clerks.
As far as Purse Caundle is concerned, the possible first known references to a Parish Clerk were in the Manor Court records for 8th January and 11th October 1591, when a Thomas Toogood "clerk" is Presented and fined for allowing his barn and cowstall to become ruinous. A John Burgess became Parish Clerk c.1729, remaining so until his death in 1763. At which date he was succeeded by his son Thomas Burgess, who remained in post until his death in 1800. In the earliest surviving 'Churchwardens' Accounts 1822-1881', yearly payments in April of £3-0-0 were paid from 1823 as 'the Clarks wages', but no names were ever given; then in March 1826; then £1-10-0 half-yearly in September 1826 and April 1827; reverting to £3-0-0 in April 1828 and in March or April thereafter; in April 1839 it changed to 'Clarcks fees £3-0-0'; in 1842 it was 'The Clarks fees' £3-0-0'; in September 1842 it was 'Clark Wages half year £1-10-0, and April 1843 'Gorge Clarke for halfe years Salary for the Church £1-10-0'; in 1844-1858 'The Clarks fees £3-0-0'; in 1859-1860 'Clerks fees £3-0-0'; in April 1861 'Clarkes fees £4-5-0'; 1862 £4-4-0'; 1863 'Clerks Fees £3-1-0'; 1864 'Clerks Salary £3-10-0'; 1865-1869 'Clerk's Salary £4-4-0'; 1873-1874 'Clerks Salary £4-4-0'; 1875 'Paid G. Clarke £3-0-0'; 1876 'George Clark £5-0-0'; 1877 'George Clark £4-17-0'; 1878 'Paid G. Clarks Bill £5-0-0'; 1879 'To George Clarke For the School and Glebe Ship £5-0-0'.
Under the 'Lecturers and Parish Clerks Act 1844', (7 and 8 Victoria, cap LIX, An Act for better regulating the Offices of Lecturers and Parish Clerks. [29th July 1844.]), the parish clerk lost most of his historic canonical duties, which were transferred to the curate. Clause II of the Act read: 'And be it enacted, That when and so often after the passing of this Act as any Vacancy shall occur in the Office of Church Clerk, Chapel Clerk, or Parish Clerk, in any Districy, Parish, or Place, it shall be lawful for the Rector or other Incumbent or other Person or Persons entitled for the Time being to appoint or elect such Church Clerk, Chapel Clerk, or Parish Clerk as aforesaid, if he shall think fit, to appoint or elect a Person in the Holy Orders of Deacon or Priest of the United Church of England and Ireland to fill the said Office of Church Clerk, Chapel Clerk, or Parish Clerk; and such Person so appointed or elected as aforesaid shall, when duly licensed as herein-after provided, be entitled to have and receive all the Profits and Emoluments of and belonging to the said Office, and shall also be liable in respect thereof, so long as he shall hold the same, to perform all such spiritual and ecclesiastical Duties within such District, Parish, or Place as the said Rector or other Incumbent, with the Sanction of the Bishop of the Diocese, may from Time to Time require; but such Person in Holy Orders so appointed or elected as aforesaid shall not by reason of such Appointment or Election have or acquire any freehold or absolute Right to or Interest in the said Office of Church Clerk Chapel Clerk, or Prish Clerk, or to any of the Profits or Emoluments thereof, but every such Person in Holy Orders so appointed or elected as aforesaid shall at all Times be liable to be suspended or removed from the said Office, in the same Manner and by the same Authority, and for such or the like Causes, as those whereby any stipendiary Curate may be lawfully suspended or removed; such Suspension or Removal nevertheless being subject to the same Power of Appeal to the Archbishop of the Province to which stipendiary Curate is or may be entitled.' Thus an incumbent had the power to appoint someone in Holy Orders to be a Parish Clerk, etc., but not compelled to do so, and could presumably if he wished still appoint a layman to that position. A curate so appointed to that position could be required to undertake in addition ecclesiastical duties.
Clause V gave 'Power to suspend or remove Church Clerks, Chapel Clerks, or Parish Clerks not in Holy Orders who may be guilty of Neglect or Misbehaviour.' Vacancies thus created could be filled by the same procedure as in Clause II. Clause VI covered the procedure to be followed should a Parish Clerk, etc. cease to hold that position, and be required to vacate premises held by him in right of his employment.
A judgement of 1891 held that the parish clerkship was now merely a temporal office. Then under the 'Local Government Act 1894' the parish clerk was left with the care of certain documents and map. Thus the parish clerk had little left to do, although successive Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measures have preserved the power to appoint and dismiss him/her.
1591 - Thomas Toogood
1729-1763 - John Burgess
1763-1800 - Thomas Burgess
1844-1871 - Thomas Baker (from Post Office and Kelly's Directories)
1880-1889 - George Clark (from Kelly's Directories)
CHURCH WARDENS
In England a Churchwarden is a lay honorary officer of a parish, elected to assist the incumbent in the discharge of his administrative duties, to manage such various parochial offices as by custom or legislation devolve upon him, and generally to act as the lay representative of the parish in matters of church organization. As a rule there are two churchwardens, elected annually at the Easter vestry, one by the incumbent, the other by the parishioners. (OED) Churchwardens were first documented in the late 14th/early 15th centuries. Over the years their duties have changed, e.g. with the introduction of the Tudor Vermin Acts.
The following list of Purse Caundle churchwardens has been derived from the above Incumbent entries, and from surviving Vestry Meeting minutes and Churchwardens' Accounts.
1552 - John Domet John Mewe
1612 - James Hulet
1641 - James Mewe Lawrence Ellis
1731 - Richard Cox
1732 - Richard Cox Richard Whiffen
1747 - Robert Snooks
1786 - Edward Miller
1787 - Edward Miller
1788 - Edward Miller
1822 - James Styles
1823 - James Styles
1824 - James Styles
1825 - James Styles
1826 - James Styles
1827 - James Styles
1828 - James Styles
1829 - James Styles
1830 - James Styles
1831 - William Styles
1832 - William Styles
1833 - William Styles William White
1834 - William Styles William White
1835 - William Styles William White
1836 - William Styles William White
1837 - William Styles William White
1838 - Richard White William White
1839 - William Styles William White
1840 - William Styles William White
1841 - William Styles William White
1842 - William Styles William White
1843 - William Wilkins William Galpin
1844 - John Ings William White
1845 - John Ings William White1846 - John Ings William White
1847 - John Ings William White
1848 - John Ings William White
1849 - John Ings William White
1850 - John Ings William White
1851 - John Ings William White
1852 - Robert Minchinton William White
1853 - Isaiah Dowding William White
1854 - Isaiah Dowding William White
1855 - Isaiah Dowding William White
1856 - Isaiah Dowding William White
1857 - Isaiah Dowding William White
1858 - Thomas Worthy William White
1859 - Thomas Worthy William White
1860 - Thomas Worthy William White
1861 - Henry Ayles William White
1862 -
1863 - Henry Ayles Frederick Bugg
1864 - Henry Ayles Frederick Bugg
1865 - Henry Ayles Frederick Bugg
1866 - Henry Ayles Frederick Bugg
1867 -
1868 - Henry Ayles Frederick Bugg
1869 -
1870 -
1871 -
1872 -
1873 -
1874 -
1875 - Charles Bugg Frederick Bugg
1876 -
1877 -
1878 - Henry Harris Frederick Bugg
1879 -
1880 -
1881 - Henry Harris Frederick Bugg
1882 - Henry Harris Frederick Bugg1883 - April: Both resigned, and no churchwardens elected. October: Frederick Bugg chosen as Rector's churchwarden, and Henry Harris as Parish churchwarden.
1885 - John N. Bugg (Rector's) Albert J. Brown (Parish)
1886 - Raymond T. Lees (Rector's) Albert J. Brown (Parish)
1887 - John N. Bugg (Rector's) Albert J. Brown (Parish)
1888 - Albert J. Brown (Rector's) Raymond J. Lees (Parish)
1889 -
1905 - J. B. Hayter H. R. Watson
1906 - J. B. Hayter H. R. Watson
1907 - J. B. Hayter H. R. Watson
1908 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1909 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1910 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1911 - J. B. Hayter (Rector's) H. R. Watson (People's)
1912 - H. R. Watson (although would not be resident in Parish after September 1912)
1913 - Hon. Mrs Alfred Ker (Rector's) E. R. Cox (Parish's)
1914 - Hon. Mrs Alfred Ker (Rector's) E. R. Cox (Parish's)
1915 -
1916 -
1917 -
1918 -
1919 -
1920 -
1921 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake (Rector's) Edward Richard Cox (Parish's)
1922 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake Edward Richard Cox
1923 -
1924 -
1925 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake Edward Richard Cox
1926 -
1927 -
1928 -
1929 -
1930 -
1931 -
1932 -
1933 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake Edward Richard Cox
1934 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake (Rector's) R. B. E. Greig (People's)
1935 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake (Rector's) R. B. E. Greig (People's)
1936 - Arthur Tyrwhitt Drake R. B. E. Greig
1946 - Sidney H. White
1947 - Sidney H. White
1948 - Sidney H. White
1949 - Sidney H. White
1950 - Sidney H. White
1951 - Sidney H. White
1952 - Sidney H. White
1953 - Sidney H. White
1954 - John Waltham Sidney H. White
1955 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1956 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1957 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1960 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1961 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1962 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1963 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1964 - John Waltham (Vicar's sic) Sidney H. White (People's)
1965 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1966 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1967 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1968 - John Waltham (Rector's) Sidney H. White (People's)
1969 - John Waltham (Rector's) Mrs N. Henderson (People's)
1970 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1971 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1972 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1973 - John Waltham (Rector's) Mrs N. Henderson (People's)
1974 - John Waltham (Rector's) Mrs N. Henderson (People's)
1975 - John Waltham Mrs N. Henderson
1976 - John Waltham (Rector's) David Pilgrim (People's)
1977 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1978 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1979 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1980 - John Waltham David Pilgrim
1981 -
1982 -
1983 -
1984 -
1985 -
1986 - John Waltham H. S. Shepherd
1987 -
1988 -
1989 -
1990 -
1991 -
1992 -
1993 -
1994 -
1995 -
1996 -
1997 -
1998 -
1999 -
2000 -
2001 -
2002 -
2003 -
2004 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2005 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2006 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2007 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2008 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2009 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
2010 - Edward Waltham Mrs Caroline Mumford
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