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CONCISE HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 OF 
 
 WORCESTER. 
 
 ]S'KW 
 
 MARKKT. 
 
 A NEW EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS. 
 
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 T **■** **•**■+* 
 
 81 quid novisti rectius istis, 
 
 Candidus imperii ; si non, his utcre mecum. 
 
 WORCESTER, 
 
 Printed and Published by T. Eaton, Bookseller, 
 
 College Street, and to be had of 
 
 other Booksellers. 
 
 I8ir». 
 
c 
 
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PREFACE. 
 
 ANIMATED by past Approba- 
 tion, announced by the rapid Sale of 
 the preceding Edition, the Editor is 
 again stimulated to reprint this con- 
 cise History, with corrections and 
 additions ; which he trusts will be 
 found fully to answer the enquiries of 
 the Traveller, and the purpose of ge- 
 neral Information ; being compiled 
 from the most authentic Sources, the 
 greatest part newly arranged, and the 
 subject extended under almost every 
 head, as also much original Infor- 
 mation given. 
 
 To be corrected in Errors, which 
 unavoidably may have been commit- 
 ted ; or to be informed of fresh inci- 
 dent by the learned or scientific, will 
 be thankfully accepted, 
 
 January i 1816. 
 
IV 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 ETYMOLOGY, 
 
 Sketches concerning the City, 
 
 Topographical Account of the City, 
 
 Descriptive Lines by a young Gentleman 
 
 Population, 
 
 P^n, 
 
 References to the plan of the City 
 
 Salubrity of Situation, 
 
 Government, 
 
 Fairs, <fcc. 
 
 Trade and Manufactures, 
 
 Glove Trade, 
 
 Porcelain Manufactories, 
 
 Hop Trade, 
 
 Distillery, 
 
 Rectifying House, <fec. &c 
 
 Banks, . . 
 
 Inns, .... 
 
 Fire Office, 
 
 Severn, 
 
 Worcester and Birmingham Canal 
 
 Bridge, , 
 
 Guild Hall, 
 
 New Market Place, 
 
 Theatre, 
 
 Public Subscription Library, 
 
 General Infirmary, 
 
 Hospitals, <fec. 
 
 Inglethorpe's, 
 
 Nash's. 
 
 Wyatt's, 
 
 Trinity, 
 
 Berkeley's, 
 
 Moore's, 
 
 Sir Thomas White's Gift, 
 
 Shewring's Hospital, fc 
 
 St. Oswald's, 
 
 Goulding's, 
 
 Public Schools, 
 
 Bishop Lloyd's, . 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Lancastrian, 
 
 Dr. Bell's, 
 
 Lying-in Charity, 
 
 House of Industry, 
 
 City Gaol, 
 
 Castle, 
 
 New County Prison, 
 
 Monasteries, 
 
 Account of the Bishoprick of Worcester 
 
 Bishop's Palace, 
 
 Cathedral, 
 
 References to the Plan of the Cathedral 
 
 Monuments in the Cathedral, 
 
 Tomb of King John, . 
 
 Prince Arthur's Chapel and Tomb, 
 
 Choir, .... 
 
 Crypt, .... 
 
 Charnel House, . . . . . 
 
 Cloisters. 
 
 College Hall, .... 
 
 Dean and Chapter, 
 
 7» 
 
 81 
 
 82 
 
 86 
 
 87 
 
 90 
 
 92 
 112 
 114 
 115 
 Ibid. 
 116 
 117 
 
 PAROCHIAL CHURCHES, #e. 
 
 St. Helen, 
 St. Alban, 
 St. Andrew, 
 All Saints, 
 St. Nicholas, 
 St. Swithin, 
 St. Martin, 
 St. Clement, • 
 St. Peter, 
 St. Michael, 
 Township of St. John, 
 Claines, and Tything of Whiston, 
 Dissenting Chapels and Meeting Houses, 
 Public Walks and Social Amusements, 
 Eminent Persons, natives of, or long re- 
 sidents iu or near Worcester, 
 
 118 
 
 120 
 
 121 
 
 122 
 
 123 
 
 124 
 
 Ibid. 
 
 126 
 
 127 
 
 Ibid. 
 
 128 
 
 129 
 
 131 
 
 132 
 
 134 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Remarkable Occurrences, Royal Visits, r 
 
 &c. > 144 
 
 Abstract of the Charter of King James > TiM 
 I. to the City, : . f 161 
 
 Copy of Mr. Harris's Manuscript, relat- > , 
 
 mg to the Corporation, C 1G6 
 
 Copy of a Bye Law, . . .168 
 
 Ancient Perambulation of the City m 
 
 Ancient Duties, <fec. paid by Foreigners, 173 
 Tolls claimed by the Sword Bearer, 1 7 5 
 
 REFERENCE TO THE PLATES. 
 
 New Market, . . , Title 
 
 East View of the City, . Frontispiece." 
 
 Plan of the City, . q« 
 
 Guild Haii, . . . : ; 5g 
 
 Cathedral, .... gg 
 
 Plan of ditto, ....'." 88 
 
A 
 
 CONCISE 
 HISTORY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 CITY AND SUBURBS 
 
 O F 
 
 WORCESTER. 
 
 ETYMOLOGY. 
 
 IT is a matter of difficulty at the present period, 
 to investigate with any accuracy cr precision, 
 the ancient name of the City of Worcester. Its 
 great antiquity is unquestionable; and during the 
 time it was under the dominion of the Saxons, we 
 find it mentioned in various authors by different 
 appellations. Writers, however, in general, during 
 those dark periods, were i ot very exact in the re- 
 gularity of their orthography, and hence arises the 
 uncertainty in which the origin and ancient state of 
 our Cities is involved — a darkness which the most 
 careful research into original records can scarcely 
 hope to dispel, almost every thing relating to the 
 stare of ancient Britain being covered with the veil 
 of obscurity. 
 
 Worcester is called by the Welsh, Caerviran- 
 
 gon, i. e. a fortified City, — by the Saxons it was 
 
 written, Wiga-erne, signifying the warrior's lodge; 
 
 others deduce the etymology from Wic, as the hills 
 
 B 
 
2 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 encompass it from the east to the Severn. It was, 
 as some writers relate, probably built by the 
 Romans (said to have been founded by Constantius 
 Clorus,) who, to prevent the incursions of the Bri- 
 tons on the opposite side of the Severn, raised 
 Cities as fortresses on the eastern bank. 
 
 Without venturing etymologies founded upon 
 conjecture, or the fanciful interpretations of indi- 
 viduals, (the opinions of men being so various.) we 
 will proceed to the time of King William the Con- 
 queror, by whose order, Doomsday-Book, the most 
 authentic record we have, was completed. It is there 
 written Wirecestre, the station or camp under the 
 hill; its termination, oesfre, plainly denoting it to 
 have been at that time fortified, as we find no excep- 
 tion whatever of the kind in the whole kingdom. 
 
 The venerable Bede, one of the most ancient of 
 our Saxon writers, mentions this island to have con- 
 tained twenty-eight very noble Cities. Ninnius, 
 an ancient British Writer, in his catalogue of the 
 same, calls the fourteenth Caer Guarangon ; we 
 may, therefore, safely follow Alfred of Beverley, 
 and Henry of Huntingdon, in admitting it to be 
 the City of Worcester. 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 SKETCHES 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 THE CITY OF WORCESTER, 
 
 THIS Ci*y is, beyond all doubt, a place of great 
 antiquity, though particulars relating to it are, 
 probably, after so long a period, lost in the general 
 wreck of time. When the Britons were driven over 
 the Severn by the conquering Saxons, Worcester 
 was a part of the Mercian Kingdom, and possessed 
 by the Wiccii, who seating themselves on the turn- 
 ings and windings of the pleasant Rivers Severn and 
 Avon, took their name from thence; and by them, 
 probably, was this City founded. 
 
 As Worcester was placed on the confines ot 
 Wales, its inhabitants mnst certainly have sutiered 
 ranch from the wars and devastations of their tur- 
 bulent neighbours; neither is it to be supposed that 
 the \ncient Britons, valiant as they were, and fond 
 of novelty, could coincide with the hard measures 
 of the English. About the year 777, they made 
 incursions into the country adjacent to he Severn, 
 and it is said, that about that period the City ot 
 Worcester suffered considerably from their repeated 
 inroads. 
 
 Some years after, when England was overrun 
 with the depredations of the Danes, we find f hi* 
 place to have suffered in the general wretchedness 
 
 of the Kingdom. It was plundered and burnt to 
 the ground; insomuch, that it remained m ruins, and 
 uninhabited, until Ethehecl, Viceroy of the Wic- 
 cian*, with his Lady Eihelfreda, daughter of Alired 
 
4 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 the Great, invited the inhabitants to resort again t» 
 their ancient residence; a Bishop's see was established 
 here, and, numbers returning, great privileges were 
 granted to them. 
 
 Notwithstanding the losses sustained by the 
 plundering of the Danes, yet, when a Duty was laid 
 upon the nation at large ,called theDanegelt, to oppose 
 their cruel devastations, we find Worcester join with 
 other parts of the Kingdom in a refusal to pay the Sub- 
 sidy. Though the evident design of this Tax was to 
 enable government to raise troops for the general secu- 
 rity, and prevent a renewal of these plundering in- 
 vasions, yet such is oftentimes the obstinacy of man- 
 kind, even to schemes tending to their own good, 
 that it was looked upon as oppressive by a great part 
 of the Nation ; and a spirit of discontent arising, a 
 general murmur ran through the whole country. 
 
 Two of the Huscarles, or confidential servants of 
 the King, were sent to Worcester in 1041, to inspect 
 the collection of the Tax, but the multitude rose upon 
 them, and though they endeavoured to save them- 
 selves in one of the towers, they were intercepted 
 and slain. 
 
 King Hardicanute, highly irritated at this of- 
 fence, was resolved to take a severe revenge, and for 
 that purpose detached a large body of forces, with 
 orders to put all the inhabitants indiscriminately to 
 the sword, and afterwards to destroy the City. Bishop 
 Alfrick is even said to have instigated him to this act 
 of cruelty, because the Citizens had refused to accept 
 him as their Bishop. 
 
 This design would, in all probability, have been 
 put into execution, hai not the inhabitants been ap- 
 prised in time ; they had previously endeavoured to 
 treat with the King, by delivering up the chiefs con- 
 cerned in the murderous act ; but now finding them- 
 selves doomed to be involved in one general destr u ct ion, 
 they broke off all pacific measures, and consulted 
 upon the best means of providing for their safety. 
 Unanimity prevailed ; for each individual, seeing the 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 5 
 
 danger common, was forced to coincide with the best 
 method for the general security. Not finding the 
 City tenable, they prudently retired into the small 
 island nfBevere, about two miles from Worcester, up 
 the current of the river Severn. This they fortified 
 with all possible skill, resolving to sell their lives 
 dearly, or obtain from Hardicanute more moderate 
 terms. 
 
 The Soldiers, on their arrival at Worcester, per- 
 ceiving the place void of inhabitants, began to plun- 
 der the City, which they continued to do for four 
 days, and after they had glutted their avarice, set it 
 on fire, and the houses, being then built of timber, and 
 mostly covered with straw, were quickly reduced 
 to ashes. They afterwards went to attack those 
 who had entrenched themselves at the island of 
 Severe; but meeting with a vigorous resistance, 
 and being frequently defeated, the Commanders 
 of the King's forces were so terrified at the gene- 
 ral spirit of discontent which seemed to prevail 
 through the country, that they granted to the besieged 
 honourable terms of capitulation, which were ac- 
 cepted. Upon the retreat of the army, the inhabi- 
 tants returned to rebuild the City. 
 
 Though it may, with probability, be conjectured 
 that the City of Worcester, after so general a de- 
 struction, must have taken a considerable time to re- 
 establish itself, still we find in the Conqueror's Sur- 
 vey, (drawn up about forty years afterwards) that it 
 was at that time a considerable City, with the privi- 
 lege of coining money. In Doomsday it was taxed 
 at fifteen hides, and when it coined any money, every 
 coiner paid for his Dies, at London, twenty shillings 
 to the Conqueror, who received from hence 231. 5*. 
 in weight paid to him by the Sheriff, besides a cer- 
 tain sum of money from every householder for the 
 house he lived in, called burgage-money. 
 
 To the Conqueror we find the inhabitants of Wor- 
 cester to have been faithful ; to his son Rufns, equally 
 so, an instance of which occurred in the second year 
 
6 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 of his reign. When Bernard de Newmark, with 
 many other powerful Barons of the Marches, invaded 
 this country in an hostile manner, threatening the lives* 
 and destroying the habitations of those who adhered 
 to the King, the citizens took up arms in their own 
 defence, and, aided by the skilful advice of Bishop 
 Wulstan, who defended the Castle, they sallied out 
 when the detached parties were plundering the coun- 
 try in various directions, and totally defeated them, 
 after repeat el engagements. 
 
 In t the whole of this lau table transaction, as well 
 as niiiforrnly Iht .ugh life, Bishop Wulstan seems to 
 have supported an amiable and unsullied character, 
 which he obfained as much by the piety of his life, 
 as by aclose attention to the happiness and temp ral 
 welfare of his people. Yet as many form their opi- 
 nions through some foolish prejudice, we find that se- 
 vere reflections have been made upon this Holy Pre- 
 late by sundry modern writers ; bat- if the utility of 
 recording the noble deeds of the dead, be to excite i li- 
 the living an emulation to imitate their virtuous ex- 
 amples, the page of history can hardly afford a more 
 Worthj- object than that of this Prelate. It appears 
 rather singular that the preservation of the City was 
 accomplished principally by the skilful counsel of 
 Bishop Wulstan, without the co-operation of the 
 Nobles of the adjacent districts; the truth is. ;he 
 Barons in general were, even then, jealous of the 
 increase of the Royal Prerogative, and connived at any 
 disaster which might tend to diminish its rising 
 power ; for during the prevalence of the feudal sys- 
 tem, many great families were ruined by revolutions 
 in government ; and the civil wars during the reign 
 of Henry, had given to that Monarch an opportunity 
 of dividing some of the Baronies, which by their 
 power and opulence were become obnoxious to the 
 Crown. 
 
 Stephen, who ascended the throne contrary to 
 the rule of hereditary succession, was obliged to pur- 
 sue the same line of conduct. He expelled William 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 7 
 
 de Beauchanlp who was Lord of the City and Castle 
 of Worcester, from his situation, as being too firmly 
 attached to the Empress Maud, and gave it to Wai- 
 leran, Earl of Mellent. Walleran soon after iccuSr* 
 ring the King's displeasure, Stephen resolved to 
 deprive him of what he had formerly granted to him ; 
 but the former found so powerful a support from the 
 interest of the Nobles, that Stephen, in the fifteenth 
 year of his reign, assaulted and burnt the City of 
 Worcester. He also made many fruitless attempts 
 upon the Castle, but was obliged to abandon the 
 siege : whereupon it is said he raised two forts or 
 mounts, to confine the garrison, the one upon Ben- 
 wick Hill, to the north-west of the City ; to com- 
 mand the Welsh road from Ludlow; the other on & 
 part of the Red Hill, near Diglis, to the south-west 
 of it, and very near the castle, to keep succours com- 
 ing to relieve it from Bristol and Gloucester, the 
 remains of which may be traced to this day. 
 
 Notwithstanding numerous concessions were 
 made during the preceding reigns in favour of the 
 people, yet under John the spirit of liberty ro.se to 
 such a height, that in 1214, when that Monarch held 
 his chief Synod at Worcester, sundry of the Nobles 
 came with their petitions against the many grievances 
 which were said to exist. 
 
 The Barons uniting in their claims, the King was 
 soon after obliged to sign Magna Charta, and to 
 restore to the different ranks of the people some por- 
 tion of the liberties of which his predecessors had de- 
 prived them. Soon after that memorable act, the 
 Barons increased their insults to the King, as liberty 
 but too often degenerates into licentiousness ; and a 
 war ensuing, they offered the crown to Philip, son 
 of Lewis, King of France, The hatred that John 
 bore to the Barons was ever detrimental to his inte- 
 rest, and, through the power of William de Bean- 
 champ, Lord of Worcester, the Earl of Mellent, and 
 others who sided with the Barons, we find that 
 the City of Worcester was delivered np to Philip 
 
8 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 soon after the commencement of that melancholy 
 contest. 
 
 Though Worcester was afterwards recovered to 
 his interest, and large sums raised spontaneously in 
 the adjacent parts to support John's cause, yet a series 
 of misfortunes seemed to attend that unfortunate 
 Monarch ; after having lost his treasure, (fee. in the 
 Wash between Lincolnshire and Norfolk, he arrived 
 at the Abbey of Swineshead, where he died. By his 
 own particular desire, his body was brought by the 
 Earl of Pembroke and the Pope's Legate to Wor- 
 cester, and interred with great pomp and splendour 
 in the centre of the choir of that Cathedral. The 
 following account of his death was taken from an old 
 book, in black letters, in the Spetchley library : how 
 far it may be authentic, I shall leave to the judgment 
 of the better informed reader. See Heylin and many 
 other writers upon the same subject. 
 
 44 And the Monke toke the enppe and fylled it 
 ** with goode ale, and broughte it before the Kynge, 
 * 4 nelyng, Syre, sayde he, Wassayl, for never the 
 44 daies of youre lyfe dronke ye of so goode a cuppe. 
 44 Begyn, Monke, sayde the Kynge, and the Monke 
 * 4 dronke a gret draught©; so tooke the Kynge the 
 44 cuppe, and the Kynge dronke alsooagret draught© 
 44 and lette downe the cuppe. The Monke anone 
 44 ryghte went into the farmarye and there dyed 
 44 anone, on whoos soul God have mercie. The 
 44 Kynge arose up anone ful ioyl at ease and com- 
 44 manded to remevc the table, and axed after the 
 44 Monke, and men tolde him that he was deed, for 
 44 his wombe was broken in sundre. When the 
 44 Kynge herde this, he begun to swelle, for the 
 44 drynke he had dronke, and win two daies he dyed, 
 44 on the morrowe after Saint Luke's day, anno 
 44 121G." 
 
 John seems to have been particularly partial to 
 Worcester, as appears from the long residence he 
 oftentimes made there; he also regulated the form of 
 the civil government of most boroughs in the county, 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 9 
 
 particularly of Droitwich and Bromsgrove ; and 
 granted to the Priory and Church of Worcester the 
 most valuable privileges they possessed ; so that, not- 
 withstanding the odium and contempt which he in- 
 curred fromhis people,it must be acknowledged, that 
 his reign was not altogether barren of laudable 
 transactions. 
 
 From this time, except some partial details in 
 which this City partook, in some small degree, in 
 the general calamities of the Kingdom, we do not 
 find any circumstance sufficiently material to record. 
 Scenes of misery and civil distress are but too care- 
 fully transmitted to posterity in the page of history, 
 whilst the happy periods of peace and industry re- 
 main lost and unrecorded. We may, therefore, 
 conclude that this interval, in which all historical 
 information is silent, was a time of peace and tran- 
 quillity to its industrious inhabitants. 
 
 But during the turbulent reign of Charles the 
 First, we come to a period in the history of Wor- 
 cester when that City was doomed to suffer all the 
 dire effects which civil dissensions generally entail 
 upon mankind. It had been previously remarkable 
 for its attachment to the cause of royalty, and dur- 
 ing the great Rebellion we find it adhere to the 
 same line of conduct ; a detail of the principal cir- 
 cumstances from the commencement, in 1642, to 
 the termination, in 1651, may, perhaps, prove 
 acceptable. 
 
 This City, on account of the navigation of the 
 river, the fertility of the adjacent country, the security 
 of the place, and the reciprocal communication it had 
 with other towns, soon became a desirable object to 
 Parliament ; and accordingly, early in the business, 
 we find sundry attempts made to get possession of it. 
 
 About the year 1642, the City was occupied by 
 the King's forces, the strength of its works was much 
 augmented, and supplied with every thing requisite 
 for the defence of the place ; but it was doomed not 
 to remain long in a state of tranquillity ; for Colonel 
 G 
 
io .aoKmnne of immc&rem: 
 
 Tynes, with a body of nearly 6000 ' 'boP, 
 
 hikl siege to it. aad f mi ally demanded pttes ssi 
 the pfonfe for (be Parliament : bttt orders fa 
 Try the acting (rj^'ernors. Lord Cove i try end Sir 
 iiam Kussel. for a resolute defence, the reptfl 
 army, being without any battering Grdnanee. the r;ht 
 proper, after a few skirmishes, to act meneiy on the 
 ilefensive. 
 
 Yet what the strength an 1 power of the enemy 
 wore not able to effect, the imprudent confine! of the 
 royal Chiefs easily bresnght to pass. Prince I* i 
 with his brother, Prince Man rice, in or ler to :•!;-■ -.v rfee 
 vttei contempt in w bicft ihey hel i (he Par! i 
 truces, marched out of Worcester with the •/"■■■ 
 part of the garrison into a large meaiow, ffl 
 Pitchcroft. There they hnng in effigy + he e 
 of the oppose party, making the soldiers stoat at 
 them, at the same time chali. :r;' ig the re 
 in the mojv irrrdent language, to a trial of sMW and 
 courage. 
 
 THE republicans, fired' • fTi rruhm fit sneii & 
 
 fannting disp-hy of fietiHo' b add. -d to- 
 
 gether the greatest part of their lio .-. (.' 
 Were distributed round the tfii&r rrl I i the 
 
 ■City, and a greatf parr " Drathe 
 
 r-^her side 'the ;i Her Severn. N 
 u sad vantage. Colonel Sandys '■. nwtin 
 
 exerted themselves. >»n -| finding : 
 with the same spirit of anger and iv. i nge, a i: 
 and sudden onset was ma;'- c. on llie royal i 
 who. not expecting snch an ai'hiei: from t ! 
 corps of the e»:f>p-iy. and n rt • ; ed ''• r 
 
 and parade than f r a ■■ rag 1 iar <■■■■ < •- were e 
 put to flight. The Pr: .<•< '•.■ i, ©s id H&fo I 
 
 City in great disorder. ond:< . uhdy 
 
 following (hem. a bloody and n; e >i/ifad eoniliofi 
 ensnccTin the different stve«t*5/whi«t] lasted till wifi- 
 night. The cfhiefs of tive r< j al party, fearful le.-t 
 the event should prove fatal to them, and bavi*g 
 #vory thing to dre.d lYnni as spieU 
 
HISTORY *F WORCESTER!. 11 
 
 enemy, in tttge ^;.?i; - Id L" cni off, -with- 
 
 drew the rfo" . <v #ie Ifridge, 
 
 leaving the City io the [posse -on of the 
 
 eremy. The Karl of'} y entering 
 
 fbeCi^y, fch« whole w.i» ,•:. i;-,ea u>:on fur the use of 
 of the republican par f y. 
 
 Thus was this line City expose! to all the, dire 
 effects of rapine and plunder, which an irritated 
 enemy conld devise, in ro^e-i '•::'" Df a mere act of 
 ill-conceive ! bravado, nv re becoming the renowned 
 Knight of La Mancha. than the prudent General of 
 a regular army. It, however, presents us with a 
 remarkable instance of the uncertainty of warlike 
 transactions, and, that the greatest events may be 
 oftentimes traced back to slender causes. 
 
 We may easily conceive, that a place taken as it 
 were by storm, could not be saved from the pillaging 
 designs of the soldiers: they accordingly visited the 
 Cathedral on the Sunday following, in large bodies, 
 and wantonly plundered it of every thing valuable. 
 They pulled down the altar, and burnt the greatest 
 part of the rieh vestments in the College-yard; they 
 then destroyed or mutilated most of the tombs, taking 
 off the brass plates ; lead also seems to have been au 
 article of value, as they stripped it off most of the 
 public buildings, an I even dug up the pipes which 
 were used to convey water fvom a fine spring at 
 Henwick Hill, over the Bridge to the Lavatory, 
 adjacent to the Cathedral. The vault beneath the 
 Cathedral was also examined, and in it was found a 
 large quantity of stores and provisions which had 
 been provided for the use of the garrison. The 
 Mayor and an Alderman were sent prisoners to 
 London, and with them a waggon loai of plate, 
 weighing 22001b. the greatest part of which be- 
 longed to Uie Corporation, and was intended for the 
 King's use. 
 
 The Earl of Essex, previous to his departure, im- 
 posed a fine upon the City of 5000/. and then distri- 
 buted his army into three bodies, with one of which 
 
12 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 he marched towards Shrewsbury, against that part of 
 the royal forces which was commanded by the King 
 in person. 
 
 But the loyalty of the inhabitants of Worcester 
 was not, however, entirely downcast ; a certain spirit 
 of irritation and revenge, caused by the repeated de- 
 predations and losses they had sustained, seemed to 
 pervade the minds of the principal Citizens ; for al- 
 though small injuries may be effaced from the me- 
 mory, yet a continual succession of them, as in the 
 present case, comprehended a multiplicity of cir- 
 cumstances, all of which tended in no small degree 
 to renew the injury, and to enkindle fresh rage and 
 animosity. 
 
 In 1642, Worcester was again taken by Sir John 
 Byron, and in 1646, Sir William Brereton, Colonel 
 Morgan, and Colonel Birch, summoned the City to 
 surrender ; but, receiving a spirited answer from the 
 Governor, Washington, they drew off their forces 
 towards Droitwich. The ensuing month they re- 
 ceived numerous reinforcements, which had been 
 employed in the reduction of Ludlow Castle, and 
 other places on the confines of Wales, and made their 
 approaches so near to the City, that the inhabitants 
 were terrified, and mutinously insisted on the sur- 
 render of the place. 
 
 During the doubtful event of this civil contest, 
 there had been always two contending parties in the 
 City and neighbourhood, it being almost an impos- 
 sibility for any gentleman to observe a neutrality. 
 The loyalists, who consisted mostly of persons pos- 
 sessed of the greatest rank and property both in the 
 City and County, had numerous adherents ; as, 
 wherever there is wealth, there will be dependence 
 and expectation. The republican party, on the 
 contrary, was made up of men in low and desperate 
 circumstances, who, fond of the novelty which civil 
 commotions create, and oppressed by the frowns of 
 the world, easily entered into any schemes which 
 might alleviate their present indigence ; poverty being 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 13 
 
 bo powerful as oftentimes to produce a passive com- 
 pliance even with the crimes of others. The whole 
 garrison amounted at first only to 1507 men, includ- 
 ing officers, a force much too small to defend so ex- 
 tensive a place. Of this the republican partizans 
 within the City took advantage, and were resolved 
 to use all their endeavours to have the place given up 
 to the besiegers. A secret correspondence was car- 
 ried on between them, and every public plan or 
 design of the Governor's was generally frustrated by 
 the immediate information communicated to the 
 enemy. This, and various other reasons, induced 
 the Governor, after mature deliberation, to surrender 
 the City to Major-General Rainsborough, on the 
 19th of July, 1646, by an honourable capitulation, 
 which preserved the City from further plunder or 
 devastation. 
 
 For the Information of the Curious Reader, 
 a Copy of the ARTICLES of SURRENDER, 
 are subjoined. 
 
 Articles of Agreement for the Surrender of the City 
 of Worcester, and the Forts belonging thereunto, 
 concluded July 19. 1646, between Colonel THO- 
 MAS Rainsborough, on the behalfe of his Ex- 
 cellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of the 
 Forces raised by the Parliament, and Colonel 
 Henry Washington, Governourof Worcester. 
 
 THAT the City of Worcester with all Forts, 
 Ordnance, Armes* Ammunition, Stores and 
 Provision of War thereunto belonging, shall be 
 delivered, without wilfull spoyleand imbeazlement, 
 unto his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, or to 
 such as he shall appoint to receive them, upon the 
 22. of this instant July at ten of the Cloche in the 
 morning, in such manner and with such exceptions 
 «« are contained in the ensuing Articles. 
 
 II. That on the 23 of July the Governour and 
 
14 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 all Qgicers and Souldiers of the Garison. with all 
 otier persons {herein that will, shall march out of 
 "Worcester with their Horses. Armes and Baggage 
 belonging to them, to any place within one mile of 
 Worcester, which the Govetnour shall ehvse. where 
 nUlleir Horses and Armes, except what are allowed 
 in the insuing Articles^ shall he delivered tip to 
 such as his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax shall 
 vfpoint. All the Souldiers shall be disbanded, and 
 all such both Officers and Soyldurs, and others, a* 
 thcll engage themselves by promise never to beare 
 Armes any more against the Parliament >f Eng- 
 land, nor doe any thing wilfully to the prejudice 
 of their affaires, shall have the benefit of these 
 ensuing Articles. 
 
 III. That all such as shall desire to goe to their 
 cwne homes, or private friends, shall have the 
 Generals Passes and Protection for their peacea- 
 ble repaire to and aboad at their severall places 
 they shall desire to goe unto ; The Governour to 
 passe with all Horses, Armes, and Baggage pro- 
 perly belonging to him, and each Colonell to passe 
 with three Horses, and each Lieutenant Colonell 
 and Sergeant Major, with two Horses, each Cap- 
 tain^ Lieutenant and Comet with one Horse, and 
 every person not under the degree of an Esquire 
 with three Horses, and all of them with their 
 Armes and goods properly belonging to them to be 
 carried on their Horses, and all Souldiers with 
 their Swords and such Baggage us properly belong 
 to them, which they carry about them. 
 
 IV. That all persons which are to have the be- 
 nefit of the preceding Articles, shall, if they desire 
 it, have Pauses to goe beyond Seas, provided they 
 depart this Kingdcme within two Months after 
 the surrender of the Town. 
 
 V. That the City and Garison of Worcester, 
 and all the Inhabitants thereof shall be preserved 
 from all plunder and violence of the Souldier. 
 
 VL That Sir William Russell, now residing in 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. IS 
 
 Worcester, he excepted from any benefit of theme 
 J Hides, 
 
 Signed and Sealed Hen. Waski?jijtox. 
 
 July 19, LGi-G. 
 
 A number of persons of rank marched put of W'o-- 
 
 ■ - •; among whom were the E ! 
 
 •'r.iry, Lord Talbot, Lord Brere.on, S*- 
 
 Edward L Sir llowland Berkeley, Sir 
 
 ;ra Eiissel, Sir Bafritfbas 
 
 Governor of Hereford, and 
 
 n i-.irabcr i,f c;h"r c;^ ir.guished personages. 
 
 Yiikrw were found in the town 3000 raidiers, 
 whereat" nearly 2000 were townsmen: 3000 s ' 
 is. 88 cannon, G drakes and sting pieces: about 
 30 b ~rels of powder, 0000 matches, and corn and 
 for »x months ; a supply of provisions -and am- 
 munitinru which proved extremely useful to the 
 Fan; or;. ■•:•]< ary army. 
 
 these WEiaappy commotions, with which the 
 whole ration was convulsed, were now coming to a 
 ('.'>.'■, and after an interval of five y»a*& r3i; City 
 was doomed to suffer for the cause of ro\ : : y, all tlr? 
 miseries which civil discord and tho animosity of 
 party conld excite. 
 
 U/BSrll, with his army from Sen 'land, ac- 
 famed by the Unices & •;i' 1 .";- 
 
 hain, and various other Noble, I ■ . > 
 Worcester. He had flattered" . -ow .- 
 
 hiiry and Gloucester would h wo d-.'ai.^' for hi 5. 
 during his march, and that f : vonM !vv; 
 
 increased by v lunteers in the fii i 3j of the 
 
 country Witough wbieh he passed, bit ' ■' > fehe e - 
 (rary happene 1 : for when he came to V/o • or, ', s 
 had the morti ieatioa to find I hat hie troops were not 
 more numerous than when he loft Se ol :! j/.d. Tin; 
 principal inhabita.its, who had always remained ' a 
 to the cause of royalty, rejoiced a< a:i opportunity 
 of leaving the banners of anarchy; the Common 
 Council of the City had directed the gates, v, 
 
16 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 the Parliamentary soldiers had kept shut, to be 
 opened. This order was obeyed, insomuch that the 
 small garrison escaping by flight to Pershore, the 
 King entered the City without any opposition. 
 
 VARIOUS reasons induced Charles to select Wor- 
 cester as a place well suited for the commencement 
 of his operations in England ; some of them are 
 briefly related in Ibbetson's proceedings in Parlia- 
 ment, No. 105, p. 1622. 
 
 44 The 22d of August, 1651, with 500 horse and 
 44 dragoons, about noon, he (the King) entered 
 44 Worcester, than which no place seemed more to 
 44 answer all his ends, it being a City seated on the 
 44 Severn, within twelve miles of five counties, near 
 44 unto Glocester, the Forest of Dean, and South 
 44 Wales, where Massey, (who, a little before called 
 44 off from the Earl of Derby to serve this design) pre- 
 44 tended his greatest interest to be ; and by gaining 
 44 that place, the enemy well knew he should be 
 44 master of all the passes upon Severn, from Shrews- 
 44 bury to Glocester, (and there not being a hundred 
 44 of the Parliament's forces within twenty miles of 
 44 him) he might lie the more secure for refreshing 
 44 his wearied men, employ his interest to get what 
 44 additional men he could from those parts, or at 
 44 least, might make it up a winter war, and thereby 
 44 gain time for foreign assistance, and better oppor- 
 44 tunity for his agents to stir up tumults in Eng- 
 44 land, and for raising a new army in Scotland." 
 
 Charles, on his arrival, was proclaimed with 
 great solemnity, and the same day published a ma- 
 nifesto, declaring his grievances, specifying the 
 justice of his pretensions, and exhorting the people 
 to assist him in the recovery of the throne of his an- 
 cestors. For this purpose, Summonses were sent 
 to the chief gentlemen of the City and neighbour- 
 hood, desiring their attendance to consult on the 
 best means of securing the public tranquility. A 
 general rendezvous was accordingly held on the 26th 
 in Pitchcroft, where appeared Lord Talbot, (after- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 17 
 
 wards Earl of Shrewsbury.) Sir John Pakington, Sir 
 Walter Blount, Sir Rowland Berkeley, and other 
 distinguished persons, with a reinforcement of about 
 2000 men, which added to the King's forces, made 
 an army of 12,000 men ; but, being mostly new 
 raised, were in general badly equipped, and ex- 
 tremely deficient in regularity and discipline. 
 
 Cromwell, with all that diligence and activity 
 for which he was so eminently conspicuous, no 
 sooner heard of the King's arrival at Worcester, than 
 he left the siege of St. Johnstone's, on the 3d of Au- 
 gust, in order to pursue the unfortunate Monarch 
 with all possible speed. He accordingly set out 
 with hi3 army, which consisted nearly of 17,000 
 men, and on the 28th arrived near Worcester, and 
 fixed his head-quarters at the house of Judge Berke- 
 ley, at Spetchley, about three miles east of the City. 
 Being joined by the troops under Fleetwood, Harri- 
 son, Sir Thomas Honywood and others, the whole 
 of his force is said to have exceeded 30,000 men, the 
 greatest part of which was cavalry. 
 
 So shrewd and penetrating a general as Cromwell, 
 soon discovered that no time was to be lost ; and per- 
 ceiving that the superiority both in force and disci- 
 pline was evidently in his favour, he knew that delays 
 might prove extremely dangerous, and therefor© 
 conjured his different officers to use all possible expe- 
 dition in their various attacks, and chill* as he hy- 
 pocritically termed it, the flower of pride before it 
 could arrive at a blossom. We accordingly find 
 that the very day of his arrival was marked by a vi- 
 gorous commencement of hostilities on the part of 
 the republican army. 
 
 The quarters of the royalists were very extensive, 
 being obliged to defend all the passes of the Severn, 
 and Major-General Massey had been stationed at 
 Upton, with between 5 and 600 horse, to secure that 
 place and bridge ; but these men were placed in diffe- 
 rent parts of the town and neighbourhood, for the 
 lietter accommodation of themselves and borse§ ? ia- 
 
18 HtSTOIiY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 somueh that the main body destined to defend the 
 pass, was quite inconsiderable. On the 28th, early 
 in the morning, Major-Gevera! Lambert, with a body 
 of horse and foot, came from Evesham to reconnoitre 
 them, and, observing their careless posture, remark- 
 ing also, that the town was entirely open to his 
 attack, he resolved to take immediate advantage of 
 the circumstance. A party of his men was ordered 
 to take possession of the church, which was executed 
 without much trouble, and the battery of cannon, 
 which had been planted in the church-yard, turned 
 against the enemy. AF was hurry and confusion 
 among the royalists, who were not in the least pre- 
 pared for so sudden an onset, and before they 
 conld muster their scattered forces together, the 
 republicans had rendered themselves masters of 
 the bridge, and secured their position on the wes- 
 tern bank. 
 
 A severe contest, notwithstanding, ensued between 
 the two parties, but the unexpected panic was nofc 
 to be overcome ; and though Major-General Massey 
 did every thing that a brave and experienced officer 
 could do, being himself shot through the hand and 
 thigh, his detachment was completely routed, and 
 forced to save themselves by a precipitate flight tq 
 the troops stationed at Powick. 
 
 This action was of infinite advantage to the re- 
 publicans, as it not only rendered them masters of 
 an important, pass, but also compelled the King's 
 forces to contract their stations, and at the same time 
 showed the royalists, that they had to cope with a 
 well-disciplined army, careful, circumspect, and 
 always ready to seize upon every advantage which 
 might present itself. The Lord General the sam» 
 day moved his Army to the Red-Hill, and pushed 
 his advanced posts close to the walls ; having fixed 
 his mortars, a fierce bombardment was begun on the 
 town. The Fort Royal, a strong work erected on 
 an ascent towards the east of the city, fired in return 
 upon the enemy, but the artillery men being mostly 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 19 
 
 inexperienced, little advantage was derived from 
 their exertions* • 
 
 The King in council, finding that little could be 
 effected bv remaining idle within the walls, whilst 
 the enemy without was making regular approaches, 
 bad c < '•" scheme of making a sally by night 
 
 with 1500 serlj erf men, to attack in two separate de- 
 tachments the enemy's out-posts and camp on the 
 Red-Hill; but the whole plan proved abortive, and 
 many were killed and wounded. Cromwell's adhe- 
 rents in Worcester had made him acquainted both 
 with the scheme and signals : and one Guy, who 
 conveyed the information, was the next day publicly 
 hanged at the Cross. 
 
 On the 3d of September, (the anniversary of the 
 battle of Dunbar, so fatal to ihe cause of monarchy,) 
 Cromwell, who had passed the night at the house of 
 a very intimate acquaintance, one Justice Symonds, 
 near Spetchley, was up at break of day, and imme- 
 diately sent orders to Lieu tenant-General Fleetwood 
 (brother to Dr. Fleetwood, afterwards Bishop of 
 Worcester,) who lay with a large body of troops on 
 the western side of the Severn, near Upton, to pro- 
 ceed with all possible dispatch, and make a vigorous 
 attack on the royal forces stationed near the village 
 of Powick. 
 
 Cromwell in the mean time was busily em- 
 ployed in throwing a bridge of boats over the Severn, 
 about a quarter of a mile to the north of a place 
 called the Ketch, near to which the Teme forms a 
 junction with that river. This part he had selected 
 for various reasons, as fit to attempt a passage, the 
 distance from thence to Powick not being above a 
 mile, and about the same to Worcester, so that he 
 could either make a diversion, or assist the forces 
 under the command of Fleetwood ; the .passage also 
 was so convenient that he could at his option, by 
 letting his boats drop down the current, land his men 
 either on the east or west bank of the Teme, a cir- 
 cumstance which afterwards proved of great utility. 
 
20 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 A conncil had been convened by the King the 
 same morning about nine o'clock, on the top of the 
 Cathedral tower, from whence they had an advanta- 
 geous view of the enemy ; to their great astonish- 
 ment they not only beheld the republicans employed 
 in erecting a bridge of boats over the Severn, but 
 plainly perceived the firing which had now begun 
 between Fleetwood's detachment and the royal 
 forces which lined the hedges near Powick. 
 
 At this sight Charles went in person to give the 
 strictest orders to Major-General Montgomery to 
 defend the bridge of Powick to the last extremity, 
 and also to detach a party to oppose those who were 
 attempting to pass the Severn ; but the King's in- 
 structions were rendered totally ineffectual by the 
 speedy and skilful exertions of the enemy. Scarcely 
 was Fleetwood arrived at Powick bridge, than the 
 detachment sent by Cromwell, having crossed the 
 Severn to the eastern bank of the Teme, and routed 
 the party sent to oppose them, came up just in time 
 to co-operate with him, and attacked the main body 
 of the royalists, which was drawn up in Wykefield^ 
 a large common field, now enclosed, near to the 
 bridge ; being the same ground where King Charles 
 the First engaged the forces of the Parliament in the 
 same month of September, 1642. 
 
 Fleetwood, having soon rendered himself mas- 
 ter of the bridge, and Cromwell's detachment pressing 
 on, the King's forces were attacked Jboth in front 
 and rear ; notwithstanding which having discharged 
 their musquets, they came to push of pike with the 
 enemy, but after an obstinate contest of nearly two 
 hours, they were forced to give way, and getting 
 into disorder, were pursued with great slaughter to 
 the draw-bridge ani ga+e of the City; Montgomery 
 himself being dangerously wounded. 
 
 Cromwell, brave to temerity in the execution 
 of military enterprizes, seems to have been the very 
 soul and spirit of this expedition ; he was the first 
 who landed on the west side of the Severn over th» 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 91 
 
 bridge of boats, and acted on foot during the whole 
 of the engagement, encouraging his men both by 
 word and example to support their former reputa- 
 tion for valour and intrepidity. The event of this 
 affair succeeded to the utmost of his wishes, and 
 having witnessed the complete route of the enemy 
 in that quarter, he returned in all haste over the 
 river to the main array encamped on the Red-Hill. 
 
 During the hurry and bustle of the morning, 
 the King appointed the chief officers of his army to 
 rendezvous at the house in which he resided, toward* 
 the north end of New-street ; the room in which 
 they met was the King's bedchamber, facing th» 
 Corn Market. Over the entrance of the house wai 
 this inscription— Love God> (W. B. 1577, R. D.) 
 Honour the King. It was the largest of the old 
 houses in the City. He there proposed to them the 
 measure of attacking the main army of the enemy 
 with the whole force of the City. 
 
 This proposal seemed to be in general acceded to, 
 as it was the common opinion that the greatest part 
 of the republicans were on the western bank of the 
 Severn, and consequently, that by being so much 
 weakened they might be attacked to advantage. 
 General Leslie alone intimated to the King, " that 
 " the Scottish forces, as well as they appeared, 
 " would not fight, and that he for one would not be 
 " responsible for the event of such a measure." 
 Though to give good counsel be the most evident 
 mark of a firm attachment, yet we find that his ad- 
 vice was treated with silent contempt ; most of th# 
 officers, being young and inexperienced, were for vi- 
 gorous measures, which agreeing with the King 1 * 
 private opinion, an engagement was resolved upon, 
 and the whole force of the City was ordered to be in 
 readiness for a general action. 
 
 Cromwell, on his part, was not deficient in 
 providing against every emergency ; he had removed 
 the principal part of his force to a more advantageous 
 situation at Perrywood, at the south end of which 
 
22 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 be caused a breast-work to be raised, and a battery 
 cf peat guns to he opened upon the Fort Royal. 
 
 It was chvv. evening, when the King, 
 
 with ihe Dukes of C"^-i^tam and Hamilton; Lord 
 Grandison. Sir Ale^i'der Forbes, and others of the 
 nobility, marched with the main body of the army 
 through Sidbi.ry Gate, to make, according to the 
 intended plan, an unexpected attack od the whole 
 line of the enemy : but Cromwell, whose adherents 
 in the City were numerous, had received intimation 
 of their design, and had prepared accordingly. The 
 King's troops advanced, but instead cf meeting with 
 small and straggling parties, they found the republi- 
 cans arranged, and awaiting their approach, with 
 Cromwell at their head, who was supposed to be 
 with Fleetwood's forces at Powick, on the other 
 side of the Severn. 
 
 We seldom find hasty measures prove successful, 
 more particularly when not favoured by a certain 
 contingency of circumstances, or where some pro- 
 bability of success does not seem sufficiently evident 
 to encourage the design. In addition to this im- 
 prudence, an obstinate rashness seems to have been 
 prevalent during the whole of this battle, and the 
 result of it will justify the observation. Notwith- 
 standing the republicans were found so well prepared, 
 the royal army was formed in order of battle, as 
 well as the nature of the ground would permit, 
 which proved in general highly unfavourable ; for 
 Cromwell with his usual skill, had seized upon every 
 advantage, which could be derived from the range of 
 the country. The signal for engaging is said to have 
 been given by Charles himself. 
 
 The contest was desperate for four hours, the 
 animosity and hatred of the parties being violent to 
 a degree. Victory in the beginning seemed to favour 
 the cause of the royalists, who forced Cromwell's 
 troops to retreat, and took possession of their great 
 guns. The honour of this atchievement is ascribed 
 to the regiment commanded by the Duke of Ha- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 23. 
 
 milion, who behaved with astonishing bravery, 
 having his horse shot under him, and soon afterwar Is 
 fighting at the head of his men, was dangerously 
 wounded. 
 
 But this success was only momentary ; perhaps, 
 even, (as mentioned in a short If. S. account) the 
 retreat was a feint on the part of Cromwell, to throw 
 them into confusion ; for as soon as they pressed on, 
 and got somewhat deranged, a fresh attack was 
 made with a numerous reinforcement received from 
 Powick. This unfortunately had the desired effect; 
 the royalists, who had expended all their ammu- 
 nition, being obliged to fight with their swords, or 
 the but-end of their musquets, could not bear this 
 onset, and were obliged to give way. 
 
 The King used every effort to persuade his men 
 to renew the charge, riding up and down among 
 them, with his hat in his hand, exhorting them to 
 stand to their arms and fight like men ; but finding 
 all his intreaties in vain, he exclaimed, " J had 
 u rather you would shoot me, than keep me alive to 
 *' see the sad consequence of this day /" All his 
 endeavours were however useless ; the royalists were 
 overpowered, and Charles, being seen to ride away, 
 the soldiers became panic-struck, entire companies of. 
 the Scottish foot, as Leslie had previously menti- 
 oned, threw down their arms, and the whole army 
 retreated in great disorder towards Sidbury Gate. 
 
 At this gate, which was rather narrow, Charles 
 would certainly have been taken by Cromwell's ca- 
 valry, who were close at his heels, had not one of 
 the inhabitants drawn a load of hay into the gate- 
 way, which blocked up the passage, so that no horse 
 could enter. The King was obliged to dismount, 
 and. creeping under the hay, entered the City on 
 foot. A cry being made to remount him, Mr. 
 William Bagnal, a loyal gentleman who then lived 
 in Sidbury, turned out his horse ready saddled ; 
 upon this horse his Majesty (after the fate of the 
 battle had been decided) made his escape from the 
 
24 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 back door of the house where he resided, very nar- 
 rowly avoiding the pursuit of Colonel Cobbet, who 
 entered the front door just at the same time in search 
 of him. 
 
 It has been mentioned by some writers, that no 
 royal mark of benevolence was given to Mr. Bagnal. 
 It may be so ; Charles, above all men, was particu- 
 larly indebted to the generosity and unshaken loyalty 
 of individuals for his support and preservation ; but, 
 let it be remembered, that the satisfaction of doing 
 good is, of itself, a great reward ; and unhappy in- 
 deed, would it be for mankind, if no one would do 
 a generous action without anticipating an adequate 
 recompence for the same. 
 
 The republicans having taken the Fort Royal by 
 storm, put all indiscriminately to the sword, and it* 
 guns being pointed and fired upon the City, caused 
 great confusion, which was much augmented by the 
 entrance of the victors, who poured in on all sides. 
 The Earl of Cleveland. Sir James Hamilton, Colo- 
 nel Carles, Captain Hornyold, and others rallied 
 what forces they could in Sidbury, and endeavoured 
 to charge the enemy, but they were unsuccessful, 
 having numbers killed and wounded. The chief 
 seat of the action lay near the Command ery ; Duke 
 Hamilton when wounded, was carried thither and 
 died. The next and last stand was at a place called, 
 the EarVs Post, nearly opposite to the Town-Hall, 
 where the conflict was carried on with desperate reso- 
 lution on the part of the royalists, but with no better 
 success than the former ; they were overpowered by 
 numbers, and no further attempt was made to resist 
 the impetuosity of the conquerors. 
 
 The chief persons slain in this battle were, the 
 Duke of Hamilton, Captain W. Erwyne, Major 
 Knox, Sir John Douglas, Mr. Coningsby Colles, 
 and about 3000 private men. The principal priso- 
 ners were, the Earls of Derby, Lauderdale, Cleve- 
 land and Shrewsbury, with Lord Wentworth taken 
 in their flight ; Generals Leslie, and Middleton, Sir 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 25 
 
 Alexander Forbes, who commanded the Fort Royal, 
 and, being shot, through the calves of his legs, lay in 
 Perry Wood all night; Robert Earl of Carnwarth, 
 Alexander Earl of Kelly, John Lord St. Clare, Lord 
 Grandison, Sir John Pakington, Major-Generals 
 Montgomery and Piscotty, Colonel Keyth, Mr. 
 Richard Fanshaw, the King's Secretary, the General 
 of the Ordnance, Adjutant -General of Foot, Marshal 
 Gereral, 6 Colonels of horse, 13 of foot, 9 Lieut. 
 Coi nels of horse, 8 of foot, 6 Majors of horse, 13 of 
 foot, 37 Captains of horse, 72 of foot, with a great 
 number of inferior officers, 158 colours, the King's 
 standard, his collar of S. S. and other things of con- 
 siderable value fell into the hands of the victors. 
 
 Cromwell, in his account to Parliament, dated 
 Sept. 4, 1651, states K the royal army to have been 
 44 about 16,000 men; that the battle was long and 
 44 very near at hand, often at push of pike, and that 
 44 his own loss did not exceed 200 men." But the 
 following letter written by him to the Speaker of 
 Parliament, seems to give the most accurate account 
 of the action. 
 
 A Letter from the Lord General to the Hon. 
 Wm. Lenthall, Speaker of the Parliament. 
 
 " SIR,— Being so weary and scarce able to write, 
 " yet I thought it my duty to let you know thus 
 " much ; that upon this day, being the third of Sep- 
 44 tember, (remarkable for a mercy vouchsafed to 
 44 your forces on this day twelvemonth in Scotland, 
 44 we built a bridge over Severn, between it and 
 44 Thame, about half a mile from Worcester ; and 
 44 another over Thame within pistol shot of the other 
 44 bridge. Lieutenant General Fleetwood and Major 
 " General Deane marched from Upton, on the south 
 44 west side of the Severn, up to Powick, a town 
 44 which was a pass the enemy kept. We passed 
 44 over some horse and foot, and were in conjunction 
 44 with the Lieutenant General's forces. We beat 
 
26 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 " the enemy from hedge to hedge, till we beat him 
 " into Worcester. The enemy then drew all his 
 " forces on the other side of the town, all but what 
 " he lost, and made a very considerable fight with 
 " us for three hours space ; but in the end we beat 
 " him totally, and pursued him to his royal fort, 
 " which we took, and indeed have beat in his whole 
 " army. 
 
 " When we took this fort, we turned his own 
 " guns upon him. The enemy hath had a great 
 " loss, and certainly is scattered and run several 
 " ways ; we are in pursuit of him, and have laid 
 " forces in several places, that we hope will gather 
 " him up. 
 
 " Indeed this hath been a very glorious mercy, 
 u and as stiff a contest for four or five hours as ever I 
 " have seen; both your old forces and those new 
 " raised, have behaved themselves with very great 
 u courage, and he that made them come out, made 
 w them willing to fight for you. The Lord God 
 " Almighty frame our hearts to real thankfulness for 
 " this, which is alone his doing. I hope I shall 
 w within a day or two give you a more perfect 
 " account; in the mean time, I hope you will 
 * pardon, 
 
 " Sir, 
 " Your most humble servant, 
 O. CROMWELL. 
 " Near Worcester, 3 Sept. (3) 1651, 
 " ten at night." 
 
 Thus was a final blow given to all the civil con- 
 tests which had so long prevailed over different parts 
 of Great Britain, and which established Cromwell in 
 the possession of the three kingdoms. Few battle* 
 could be more critical or important as to the event ; 
 for if we judge of a victory, not by the number of 
 the slain, or the partial miseries entailed upon indi- 
 viduals, but by the advantages obtained by the con- 
 quering party, no engagement could be more decisive 
 *s to the general issue. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 27 
 
 The following curious paragraph is taJcen from 
 the Supplement to Dr. Nash's Collections. 
 
 I shall therefore, (says the Dr.) mention a trifling 
 anecdote of the escape of my grandmother's father, 
 who, after the battle was lost, met the King and a 
 council of some of the leaders held on Barborne bridge, 
 where they agreed that every one should shift for him- 
 self: — Sir Rowland Berkeley with speed galloped 
 home to Cotheridge; but thinking he should be marked 
 by the particularity of a pied horse, he immediately 
 gent the horse he rode in the battle to a farm he had at 
 some distance, and put another horse of the same 
 colour into the stable fresh and in body-clothes, pre- 
 tending himself to be very ill, and unable to go 
 abroad. It was not long before a detachment came 
 to seize him : on his pleading his infirmities, and 
 that it was impossible for him to be at Worcester, 
 they replied, that he was particularly marked by a 
 piebald horse he rode ; Sir Rowland said, he had in- 
 deed such a horse, but that if they would go into the 
 stable and examine the horse, they would be con- 
 vinced that the horse had not been out that day: 
 which they did; and being satisfied went back to 
 Worcester without their prey, leaving Sir Rowland 
 in his night-cap and slippers : though he was after- 
 wards forced to compound for his estate, paying 
 2030/. 
 
 The Parliamentary army, now masters of th» 
 City, committed all those depredations to which 
 towns taken by storm are generally subject; few of 
 the Citizens eseaped their violence or eruelty; and 
 in orJer to form some idea of the repeated losses 
 sustained during the contests, it may enable the 
 reader to appreciate the injury which befel public 
 and private property, by stating a copy of the dis- 
 bursements of the City of Worcester alone, com- 
 mencing from the year 1643. 
 
28 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 Disbursements of the City of Worcester, in the 
 collected in the Year I d66, by 
 Mr. John Bearcroft, 
 Mr. Edward Ashby, 
 Mr. Thomas Hall, 
 Mr. George Hill, and others. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Sept. 1643— Lent King Charles the ? 200Q Q Q 
 
 First, S 
 
 In June, 1644, Lent more, - - 1000 
 Paid for Coals for the Main Guard, ^q,,- , - ~ 
 
 as by account appears, S 
 
 Paid for making a Draw-bridge, and } 
 
 other Fortifications as by account >0273 18 
 
 appears, - - 3 
 
 Lent by the Citizens in the Year £ q^qq q q 
 
 1644, - S 
 
 Paid for Saddles, by Prince Rupert's £ Q068 16 
 
 Order, - - - * - $ 
 
 Paid for Cloth to clothe the Soldiers, 0084 14 4 
 Paid the Soldiers when they drew } 
 
 out to go to Hereford, in the Year > 0035 11 8 
 
 1645, 3 
 
 Paid more in which the City Lands £ qqqq q q 
 
 were engaged, - S ' 
 
 Paid more by the Chamberlains, as } Q202 i q 4 
 
 by the Audit Book appears, S 
 
 Disburs. by the Chamberlains, m £oi63 8 1 
 
 43 and 44, - > 
 
 More Extraordinary disbnrsments } 
 
 in his Majesty's service, as by > 0385 
 
 account appears, - - 3 
 
 Disburs. by Alderman Hackett, who £ qqqi n n 
 
 made the City his Debtor, $ 
 
 Disburs. by the Chamberlains in } 
 
 Military Affairs, as by account >0243 19 9 
 
 appears, 3 
 
 Disburs. by Mr. Ford, as by his ac- d 0139 8 4 
 
 eouut appears, - - $ 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 29 
 
 Disburs.by Mr. Jones, as by hisac- £ niS"? 14 4 
 
 count appears, > 
 
 Paid for Cloth to clothe the soldiers £ ~ . -_, , ,. 
 
 at the same time, $ 
 
 Paid for Bullets at the same time, 0124 16 8 
 
 Taken np of the Poor's Money, 0950 9 8 
 
 Paid for Shoes and Stockings for the ? q, -q , ~ ~ 
 
 Army, S 
 
 Total - £.7945 13 7 
 
 Besides the plunder of this City, ^ 
 
 which was given in upon oath tof_ 
 
 the Commissioners, amounts toC 80.000 
 
 above - J 
 
 Besides the firing of the Suburbs^ 
 
 and Hospitals most City Landaf 100000 Q Q 
 
 and Citizens Jbstates, to the va-f 
 
 lue of - J 
 
 The City ordinary payments to the } 
 
 fortification, after the rate of 180/. > 
 
 per month. - - 3 
 
 Free Quarters, Contributions ; personal service and 
 
 servants ; and fuel for all the Guards, arising to 
 
 an immense sum. 
 
 The above was copied from a M.S. that fell into 
 the hands of the Editor by chance. 
 
SO HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 TOPOGRAPHICAL 
 
 A CCO TINT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CITY. 
 
 WORCESTER, a Bishop's see, and place of 
 great antiquity, is situated in a fine vale on the 
 eastern bank of the Severn, nearly in the centre of 
 the county to which it gives name. The surround- 
 ing country is peculiarly remarkable for its variety 
 and fertility, and the boundaries and other outlines 
 of view are every where pleasing, which has tempted 
 many families of affluence and independence to re- 
 move here from different parts of this, and the sister 
 kingdom to reside. 
 
 Towards the north-east and east, it is sheltered 
 by Elmbury and Perry Woods, which terminate the 
 view in that direction, and at the same time by their 
 elevated situation, that they conduce to the beauty 
 of the scenery, add much to the salubrity of the 
 place, by breaking off the strong easternly winds. It 
 is open towards the north and south, and has gene- 
 rally a brisk current of air, the direction of the 
 course of the river, which flows southernly and ra- 
 pidly by the town. The Abberley and Woodbury 
 Hills, present themselves in the north-west. On the 
 south-east side, arises Cruckbarrow Hill, and several 
 other beautiful eminences, and the Breedon and 
 Cotswold Hills, obscure the horizon. Towards the 
 west, the landscape is agreeably broken by gentle and 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. S * 
 
 well-wooded swells, yet the termination of the view 
 is rendered rather more pleasing by these verdant un- 
 dulations, for the summits of the Malvern Hills, with 
 their varied tints, complete the picture, and deceive 
 in the distance, for they appear near to the ; City, 
 though it is upwards of seven miles to the village ot 
 Great Malvern, situate near their basis. This venera- 
 ble and majestic mountain, which befriends its neigh- 
 bourhood, is also beneficial to Worcester, by at- 
 traeting its numerous visitors of rank and fashion, 
 who come there during the summer season, to drinK 
 the highly recommended and salutary waters, to 
 view the China, Glove, and other Manufactories of 
 this City. 
 
 The following beautiful and descriptive Lines, 
 were composed about Eighty Years ago, by a 
 young Gentleman of Seventeen :— 
 
 FROM green retreats, *Wigornia! that surround 
 Thy glitt'ring domes withpompousbeautiescrown d; 
 Where fair 4. Sabrina rolls her gentle tide, 
 And views thy tow'rs in their increasing t pride ; 
 From meadows bord'ring on her silver streams, 
 Thence spring my numbers, and arise my themes. 
 
 Hail ! gentle monarch of thy neighb'nng floods, 
 With plenty crown'd, and tall aspiring woods ; 
 Tho 1 here obscur'd. thy waters glide along, 
 Nor raisM, nor honour'd by the poet's song ; 
 On Thames' s bank not fairer groves appear, 
 His fields not wealthier, nor his streams more clear; 
 Not swelling Nile, that num'rous regions laves, 
 And renders fruitful by his powerful waves ; 
 Not foaming Tuber, whose fam'd current strays 
 Thro' spacious realms, and pompous Rome surveys, 
 
 * The City of Worcester. J. The River Severn. 
 t At this time there are several Churches repairing 
 and beautifying. 
 
32 HISTORY OP WORCESTER; 
 
 Can boast such pastures, or luxuriant fields, 
 Or various race thy plenteous water yields. 
 
 Let Windsor-Forest boast her silver scenes, 
 The flow'ry landscape, and surrounding greens ; 
 Nor envy these, whose shades exclude the day, 
 And verdant meads their flow'ry blooms display. 
 Here lofty woods their tow'ring honours rear, 
 There thinner trees their annual verdure wear ; 
 Here, interspers'd, stupendous mountains rise : 
 And lose their cloudy summits in the skies. 
 Not fam'd Parnassus yields a nobler sight, 
 Than twi-fork'd Malvern with his tow'ring height ; 
 There humbler fields of yellow waving corn. 
 The fruitful plains, and ample meads adoni ; 
 There the mix'd product of the ploughman's plains, 
 And Albion's peace proclaims a 4 Brunswick reigns. 1 
 
 Not thus it look'd almost a cent'ry ** past, 
 By native foes, and civil wars laid waste ; 
 When barb'rous troops, led on by lawless pow'r, 
 Did all our blessings, and our hopes devour ; 
 In vain our cries, or bold attempts t' oppress 
 The proud oppressors, or our wrongs redress ; 
 O'er fertile fields were rang'd battalions led, 
 And arms display'd where bearded harvests spread ; 
 The conscious swain, with wild affright, survey'd 
 His fruitful land, the field of battle made ; 
 Sees groves of lances, and the glitt'ring spear, 
 Where lowing herds, and bleating flocks appear ; 
 A maz'd and trembling, now beholds, from far, 
 The dire destruction that attends the war, 
 The rattling drums, and distant tumult hears, 
 And burst of cannon thuni'ring in his ears ; 
 Alas ! no more the hills resound his strains, 
 No more re-echo to the Woods and plains ; 
 The tuneful vales no more his ear salute. 
 With the soft language of the sweet-mouth'd flutes 
 
 ** Alluding to the Fight at Worcester in the 
 Reign of King Charles the Second, 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 
 
 33 
 
 His toil he sees on fruitless works employ'd, 
 His labour frustrate, and designs destroyed ; 
 Shuns the rich pastures which he sought before, 
 His hope, his glory, and his joy no more! 
 
 Here too tVigornia viewM the dismal scene, 
 And stood the shock of adverse lines in vain ; 
 Her walls she saw invoiv'd in rolling fire, 
 Her tow'rs demolish'd, and her sons expire ; 
 From their extended limbs, the gushing blood 
 Distain her pavement witL a crimsou flood ; 
 There Cromwell entering With victorious arms, 
 And Stuart trembi'ing at his oold alarms. 
 But cease, my Mnse, nor more attempt f explain 
 The dismal series of th 1 ungrateful scene. 
 Let Britain now be heaven's peculiar care, 
 Nor more the seat of an intestine war ; 
 See now her cities and her towns increase, 
 The beauteous emblems of descending peace ; 
 While she (blest Goddess !) views her olives spring, 
 Beneath the blessings of the wisest King. 
 
34 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 Worcester was formerly surroundel with a 
 very strong wall, of 1 650 paces, as appears by Saxton's 
 plan, taken before the civil wars of Charles II. and 
 Oliver Cromwell ; and had six handsome ports or 
 gates, viz. — The Fore-gate, St. Martin's-gate, Friar- 
 gate, Sidbury-gate,* Frog-gate, and Water-gate, 
 commonly called St. Clement's-gate ; all of which 
 have been taken down, in order to improve the 
 different entrances into the City. 
 
 Worcester lies in 52° 9' 30" north latitude, 
 and 2°0' 15" west longitude, from Greenwich ; 112 
 miles W. N. W. of London, 26 N. of Gloucester, 30 
 E. by N. of Hereford, 26 S. W. of Birmingham, and 
 is about four miles in circumference. 
 
 POPULATION. 
 
 The first account of the population of this City 
 that I find mentioned, was made during the reign of 
 Queen Elizabeth, when the number of families 
 amounted to 1025 ; and during the great rebellion in 
 the time of Charles I. the inhabitants amounted to 
 7176, and the garrison to 2007, total 9,183. 
 
 In the plan of the City, published by Mr. Young, 
 Surveyor, in 1779, the area of each parish within the 
 City, is stated to be as under ; in addition to the 
 statement of the then population subjoined, th& 
 Editor has thought proper to add the account of the 
 population since taken by the order of Government, 
 in the years 1801, an 1 1811 ; by which its progressive 
 increase in houses and inhabitants will be seen at oue 
 
 * This, which was the last standing* was taken 
 down in the year 1769, by order of the CommiS' 
 sioners of the Turnpike Road* 
 
o 
 Ph 
 
 ©©<MC0t~<Mt-'-'O? 
 ,_H fcj rW ,_, ,-w r-4 CM CM 
 
 fifflNOOOlXMN 
 
 
 C» O Oi -* r-j £- 0t t- C* 
 _l CO Ol CO CM i— if!" 
 
 ©Oi t~ <M^f -> OO00 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 on -_ 
 
 ^ S3 r> ee O 
 
 J ^* ^ J -J J -u' -^ "^ -^ n 
 
 22 1 
 
 
86 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 It, therefore, appears by this Statement, that 
 in 1801, the Females exceeied the Males by 1481, 
 and in 1811. by 1881; and the increase of inhabi- 
 tants from the year 1801, to the year 1811, was 2420. 
 The number of Houses uninhabited in 1811, was 64, 
 and the nmber then building was 38. Since which 
 time a considerable number of Houses have been 
 built, particularly upon the extra-parochial lands, 
 in the Block-house Fields, on the east side Friar- 
 street ; in Lowesmere and in Lowesmere Close, here- 
 tofore a meadow, north of Lowesmere-sfreet, and 
 upon the line of the Worcester and Birmingham 
 Canal. These returns go no further than the actual 
 limits of the City, without including those popu- 
 lous parts, viz. — The Ty thing of Whitstone, the 
 College Precincts, part of Sidbury, Leech-street, <fcc. 
 which join the City, though actually in the County; 
 when these, with St. John's, are taken into the ac- 
 count, the population of Worcester, not confined to 
 the City limits, may be fairly stated at Fifteen 
 Thousand. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 57 
 
 PLAN, 
 
 The plan and construction of Worcester in ifj 
 outlines are regular, and, considering its great anti- 
 quity, may be deemed as perfect as any City in the 
 Kingdom. Great improvements have been made, 
 and are daily making in its different avenues ; and 
 the late undertaking of a more direct communication 
 between Sidbury and the south part of the High- 
 street, through the College Yard, thereby forming a 
 new street ; and the improvements now making, by 
 taking down the houses on each side of Sidbury-street, 
 neartheKing's Head Inn, where the Sidbury Gate for- 
 merly stood, for the purpose of buildinga Bridge over 
 the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, and widening 
 that part of the street which was very narrow; adds 
 much to the elegance of the place, and, in point of 
 convenience, will prove a valuable acquisition to the 
 public. The houses, which are mostly of brick, are 
 lofty and well built ; the shops modernized, and 
 many are elegantly grand, the goods well assorted, 
 and as tastefully displayed as in the metropolis. The 
 streets are in general broad, so as to admit of a free 
 circulation of air, well paved and lighted ; of these, 
 the Foregate-street, the High-street, and the Broad-* 
 street, are extremely regular and beautiful; the 
 first is exceedingly grand, being a series of modem- 
 built houses of long extent, and the street equally 
 spacious from end to end ; this, with an uninter- 
 rupted length of spacious street, continues to the 
 College Yard, which out of London, is scarce to be 
 equalled: indeed, the general appearance of the 
 whole City does credit to its inhabitants, and indi- 
 cates at the same time both taste and opulence. 
 
38 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 REFERENCES TO THE PLAN OF WORCESTER. 
 
 PRINCIPAL STREETS. 
 
 A. Sidbury 
 
 H. Corn Market 
 
 B. High-Street 
 
 I. Mealcheapen-Street 
 
 C. Cross 
 
 K. Goose-Lane 
 
 D. Foregate-Street 
 
 L. Broad-Street 
 
 E. Tything, &c. 
 
 M. Bridge-Street 
 
 F. Friar's-Street 
 
 N. Silver-Street 
 
 G. New-Street 
 
 O. Lowesmere 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 a. Cathedral 
 
 g. All Saints 
 
 b. Saint Michael's 
 
 h. Saint Clement's 
 
 c. Saint Peter's 
 
 i. St. Swithin's <fe School 
 
 d. Saint Helen's 
 
 k. Saint Martin's 
 
 e. Saint Alban's 
 
 1. Saint Nicholas 
 
 f. Saint Andrew's 
 
 
 CHA1 
 
 'ELS. 
 
 m. Independents 
 
 p. Anabaptists 
 
 n. Lady Huntingdon's 
 
 q. Catholic 
 
 o. Presbyterian and City 
 
 r. Quakers 
 
 Library. 
 
 
 HOSPj 
 
 TALS. 
 
 s. Wyatt's 
 
 w. Berkeley's 
 
 t. Nash's 
 
 x. Inglethorpe's 
 
 u. Moore's 
 
 y. Shewring's 
 
 v. Trinity 
 
 z. Saint Oswald's 
 
 PUBLIC BUI 
 
 LDINGS, 6fc. 
 
 1. Diglis Bowling-Grn. 
 
 10. Town- Hall 
 
 2. Chamberlain and Co's 
 
 11. New Market 
 
 China Factory. 
 
 12. Wilkins's Factory 
 
 3. Castle and Castle Hill 
 
 13. Reservoir 
 
 4. Commandery 
 
 14. Cold Bath 
 
 6. Priory Ferry 
 
 15 Theatre 
 
 6. Edgar's Tower, Re- 
 
 16 Hop-Market 
 
 gister Office and 
 
 17 Infirmary 
 
 Deanery 
 
 18 Sansom-Field's Walk 
 
 7. Bishop's Palace 
 
 19GraingerandCo's China 
 
 8.Flight,BarrandBarr's 
 
 Factory 
 
 China Factory. 
 
 20 New County Prison. 
 
 9. City Gaol 
 
 21 New Water Engine, 
 
mji ,-,„/,,. 
 
 FJLAK of WOJRCJBSTJBK 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 39 
 
 SALUBRITY of its SITUATION. 
 
 Worcester, has been deemed an unhealthy place ; 
 but this cannot be owing to the air or any natural 
 cause, as the situation is remarkably dry and healthy ; 
 and instances of longevity in the inhabitants, by 
 which its salubrity may be proved, are as numerous, 
 as appears from its registers, as in any of the larga 
 towns of the kingdom. Great pain3 have of late 
 years been taken, and great expences incurred, to 
 clear and enlarge the sewers, and to supply the City 
 with water ; the w T orks erected for the latter purpose 
 were on the Severn, about a mile north of the City, 
 and cost upwards of 11,000/. Within these few 
 years, a new building, containing a steam engine, 
 has been erected near to the River, in Little Pitch- 
 croft, within the City, near to St. Clement's Church, 
 for the better supplying the City with the Severn or 
 soft water. It is now supplied with that necessary 
 element more regularly and with greater facility, 
 but at an increased expence to the inhabitants. 
 
 But, laying aside objections, " let us admire," 
 says Dr. Nash, 4; the beauties and advantages of this 
 44 town, which, indeed, are many and great ; the 
 44 streets are broad, handsome, well built, and very 
 44 well paved, having excellent flag pavement for foot 
 44 passengers, and no projecting signs. The markets 
 44 are well supplied with all kinds of provisions, and 
 44 as cheap as in any town in England, sea-fish only 
 44 excepted, which, from its inland situation, it 
 44 cannot have in such plenty as many other places. 
 44 Indeed, the great concourse of polite strangers 
 44 that come here to reside from every quarter, shews 
 44 the superior excellence of this town and neigh- 
 44 bourhood." 
 
 GOVERNMENT. 
 
 The government of this City is administered by 
 a Mayor, Recorder, six Aldermen, who are Justices 
 
40 HISTORY OF WORCESTER; 
 
 of the Peace, chosen out of 24 capital Citizens and 
 Councilors, a Sheriff, and two Chamberlains, who 
 are annually elected. These are assisted by a Town 
 Clerk, two Coroners, and 48 Common Council men, 
 who compose the Corporate Body, and are attended 
 by a Sword Bearer, 4 Serjeants at Mace, 13 Consta- 
 bles, 4 Musicians and 4 Beadles. 
 
 It appears from the authority of sundry records, 
 that the civil privileges of this City, were first granted 
 by Henry I. — Henry III. in the 45fh year of his 
 reign, invested by his charter the government of this 
 City in two Bailiffs, (fee. before which time the 
 chief civic power was lodged in the hands of a Consta- 
 ble. Other charters of privilege were granted by se- 
 veral succeeding Kings before Jas. I. in the year 1620, 
 granted the City a new Charter, by which he trans- 
 ferred the title and jurisdiction of Bailiffs to that of 
 Mayor. In 1684, the Corporation surrendered their 
 franchises to Charles II. but were restored to their 
 ancient rights in October 1688, by King James the 
 Second's Proclamation. This City has since been 
 honoured with several marks of Royal favour, though 
 additional privileges have not been granted. 
 
 Worcester is a City and County of itself, and 
 returns two Members to Parliaments The right of 
 election was agreed 7th February, 1693, to be in 
 the Freemen not receiving alms, and on the 11th Fe- 
 bruary, 1747, in the Citizens not receiving alms, and 
 admitted to their freedom by birth or servitude, or 
 by redemption, in order to trade within the City ; 
 the number of electors are computed to be about 
 2,400. At the last contested General Election, in 
 October, 1812, the number of Citizens resident in 
 the City polled, were 986, and the number of 
 country, or out votes polled, were 779, making the 
 total number of Freemen polled at this Election, 
 1765. 
 
 Here are five annual Fairs viz. on the day before 
 Palm Sunday, on the Saturday, in Easter week, 
 on the 15th day of August, on the 19th of Sep- 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 41 
 
 tember, and the first Monday in December. And 
 the following markets toll free:— Second Monday in 
 February, first Monday in the months of May, June, 
 July, and November. Weekly markets, Wednes- 
 day, Friday and Saturday : the latter is the principal 
 market day for all kinds of commodities. 
 
 Trading Companies incorporated at Worcester* 
 
 Glovers, Pursers, Pouch-makers, and Poynters, 
 incorporated in 1497. 
 
 United with the Tanners, Saddlers, Pewterers, in 
 1664. 
 
 Cordwainers, 1504. 
 
 Mercers, Grocers, Haberdashers, and Upholsterers, 
 1504, to whom in 1663, the Apothecaries were 
 united. 
 
 Clothiers, first in 1511— renewed in 1590. 
 
 Bakers, 1528. 
 
 Tailors, 1551. 
 
 Ironmongers, 1598. 
 
 Butchers, 1604. 
 
 Barbers and Tallow Chandlers, 1677. 
 
 Carpenters and Joiners, 1690. 
 
 Bricklayers, 1713. 
 
 Coopers, 1726. 
 
 Masons, a fellowship erected 1739. 
 
 Fishermen, a fellowship by prescription. 
 
 Parish-clerks, a fraternity by prescription. 
 
 TRADE AND MANUFACTURES, 
 
 In a well governed City, nothing t«nda so much 
 to increase both the number of its inhabitants, and 
 the general wealth of the place, as the industry of 
 the people and the multiplicity of its trades and ma- 
 nufactures. For as the works of industry are more 
 valuable than the mere productions of nature, so 
 more inhabitants are supported by the former than 
 by the immediate produce of the latter j hence we 
 G 
 
42 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 find manufacturing towns more populous than 
 others not possessed of equal commercial advantages. 
 England, indeed, has been long noted for the indus- 
 trious spirit of its inhabitants, and a certain perse- 
 verance requisite to bring manufactures to a pitch of 
 perfection ; and it will be found by the sequel that 
 the City of Worcester is by no means deficient in 
 supporting the national character. 
 
 That it was formerly a place of great trade, ap- 
 pears from the account of Leland, who lived in the 
 reign of Henry VIII. " The wealthe of Worcestre 
 " standeth most by draperinge, and no towne of 
 " England at the presente tyme, maketh so much 
 " cloth yearely, as this towne doth." The society 
 of Cloth Makers of Worcester was incorporated 2nd. 
 Hen. VIII. from which time till the end of the last 
 century, that trade was very considerable, so as to 
 employ at one time between 6 and 7000 persons 
 within the City, and twice that number in the va- 
 rious branches of the manufactory carried on in the 
 neighbourhood. The manufacturers finding their 
 trade so rapidly increasing, presumed too much upon 
 the strength of their credit. They overstretched 
 their cloths so much, that when they came to Black- 
 well Hall, a deficiency was always discovered in the 
 measure. The workmen persisting also in making 
 a thick heavy cloth, instead of one that was light and 
 spungy, the merchants of Leghorn and Smyrna 
 withheld their orders, and thus dwindled away one 
 of the first branches of commerce of Great Britain ; 
 through the medium of which, Worcester had ex- 
 tended its trade to the most distant parts. To this 
 succeeded 
 
 THE GLOVE TRADE. 
 
 WHICH has been brought of late years into great 
 repute and perfection, and is now carried on upon a 
 large scale, the greatest part of it being for exporta- 
 tion. There are near 100 masters, and tjie number 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 43 
 
 ©f persons employed in this extensive manufac- 
 tory may be fairly estimated at about 8000. This 
 trade is not only beneficial to the City at large and 
 its vicinity, but also affords employment to num- 
 bers of industrious poor in the parishes of Ledbury, 
 Cradley, Bosbury, and various other parts of the 
 adjoining county of Hereford. A spirit of improve- 
 ment has appeared in this trade, in common with the 
 other British manufactures ; and the beauty and ex- 
 cellent quality of Worcester gloves, have not only 
 attracted the attention of home consumers, but have 
 likewise acquired an excellence in the estimation of 
 foreign merchants, which, we have a right to pre- 
 sume, will not only support the present demand, 
 but in times of of peace, add considerably to the com- 
 mercial advantages of the City of Worcester. 
 
 PORCELAIN MANUFACTORIES. 
 
 Worcester is also well known to the mercantile 
 world, for its beautiful Porcelain, now in such ge- 
 neral use as to become an important branch of natio- 
 nal manufacture. This composition unites strength, 
 with a superior whiteness and a delicate semi-trans- 
 parency ; whereby its surface admits of the most 
 agreeable and surprizing efforts of the pencil ; and the 
 colours and the gold are united to the glaze, by un- 
 dergoing a complete fusion in the kiln, which renders 
 the paintings firm, brilliant and durable. The mate- 
 rials used by the Chinese, in the making of porce- 
 lain, are well known by the names of petunse and 
 kaolin, and on examination, similar substances were 
 found in England, as well as in various parts of Eu- 
 rope. The late Dr. Wall, well known for his skill 
 in chemistry, directed his researches to the investi- 
 gation of these materials ; and to his experiments 
 Worcester is principally indebted for the establish- 
 ment of this interesting and flourishing Manufactory, 
 which was founded in 1751, and for many years was 
 carried on by several gentlemen of fortune and con- 
 
44 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 sideration in this City and County, under the Firm 
 of " The Worcester Porcelain Company.'''' 
 
 The Works, situate in Palace Row, and extend- 
 ing to the banks of the Severn, of which Messrs. 
 Flight, BARR and BARR are now the sole Proprie- 
 tors, received the distinguished honour of being perso- 
 nally examined by their Majesties and the Princesses, 
 during their visit to Worcester in the year 1788, when 
 the Royal Party minutely traced the various ope- 
 rations to the full completion of the process. — The 
 Proprietors, at this period, received the reward for 
 which their active and liberal exertions had laid the 
 foundation *, and Worcester has thence the gratifica- 
 tion of having the first Royal Porcelain Manufac- 
 tory established within its walls. — His Majesty also 
 most graciously condescended to advise the Proprie- 
 tors to open a Repository for the sale of their Porce- 
 lain in the Metropolis, and this highly encouraging 
 suggestion, was immediately followed by the esta- 
 blishment of a warehouse, at No. 1, Coventry-street, 
 London. 
 
 The Proprietors have subsequently beenhonoured 
 with a visit from H. R. H. the Prince Regent, and 
 an appointment as his Manufacturers ; also from 
 other members of the Royal Family, and the Grand 
 Duchess of Oldenburgh, sister to the Emperor of 
 Russia, and the patronage of these distinguished cha- 
 racters, has not a little tended to increase the cele- 
 brity of this Establishment, together with the pa- 
 triotic and enlightened policy of the Nobility and 
 Gentry, who have displayed a generous pride in 
 encouraging a manufacture the offspring of native 
 materials and native workmen. These works are in 
 consequence conducted on a more extensive scale, 
 forming not only the support of nnmci-ous ingenious 
 artists, but also an ornament to the Kingdom at 
 large. 
 
 Messrs. Flight, Barr and Barr,wUs thegreat- 
 est liberality, furnish t ickefs of admission, on applica- 
 tion at their warehouse, No. 45, High-sheet, to 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 45 
 
 view the process by which the porcelain receives its 
 form and decorations. 
 
 Messrs. Chamberlain's Manufactory, near 
 the Cathedral, has also been established many 
 years, and by the indefatigable exertions of the 
 Proprietors, has attained such a degree of perfection, 
 as also to receive the patronage of H. R. H. the 
 Prince Regent, who granted them his Royal Licence 
 to exhibit his Arms. Specimens (similar to those 
 the Proprietors have had the honour to place at Carl- 
 ton House) may be seen at their elegant Shop and 
 Ware-rooms, 59, High-street, Worcester, and 63, 
 Piccadilly, London. 
 
 Messrs. Chamberlain's have lately been ho- 
 noured with the patronage of Her R. H. the Princesf 
 Charlotte of Wales, in addition to that of her Royal 
 Father; the Duke of Cumberland, and Prince Frede- 
 rick of Orange. 
 
 Cards of admission, to view the interesting process 
 of this Manufactory, may with the greatest libera- 
 lity be had at No. 59, High-street. 
 
 Here is also a more recent establishment for the 
 Manufacture of Porcelain by Mr. Thomas Grain- 
 ger and Co. without St. Martin's Gate, not far 
 from the Worcester and Birmingham Canal ; who 
 have large and elegant shew-rooms, and a retaii 
 warehouse, nearly opposite the Hop-market, within 
 a few doors of the Hop-pole Jun; where Cards of 
 Admission to view their Manufactory, may be had 
 \vi th facility. The Proprietors of this Manufactory, 
 ■though they have not yet received any marks of 
 Royal Favour, have been patronised bj>- many of 
 the Nobility and Gentry in this Country, from whom 
 they have received many extensive order.-, which 
 lunch to their eredifc, have been executed in a most 
 masterly and en pert) manner. 
 
 TVK intelligent 'To mist will be most amply re- 
 paid when Inspecting the prod actions of the*e MVfiral 
 
46 HISTORY OP WORCESTER; 
 
 works, by having the gratification of viewing supe- 
 rior paintings in Historical Compositions, Land- 
 scapes. Flowers and other ornamental designs, which 
 combined with the great improvements made in the 
 texture and white of the Porcelain, have at length 
 rendered England independent of the Chinese, the 
 Germans and the French, who have now, most hap- 
 pily, successful rivals in our own Country. 
 
 HOP TRADE. 
 
 The Hop Market, situate at the south end of 
 Foregate-street, almost in the centre of the City,* is 
 a large and regular pile of building, the interior of 
 which forms an extensive quadrangle, surrounded by 
 well-built warehouses ; the rents of which, under 
 the direction of the Guardians of the respective pa- 
 rishes in the City, are applied to the laudable purpose 
 of supporting the House of Industry. The Hop 
 trade in this City is conducted on an extensive scale, 
 and during the season, is the most considerable mar- 
 ket in the kingdom for that essential article ; three 
 fifths of the produce of the surrounding plantation* 
 
 First erected as a General Work-house for the 
 poor, by virtue of an Act of Parliament obtained 
 tn 1703, by which a Corporation was established, 
 called " The Corporation of the Poor of the City 
 of Worcester ," consisting of 44 guardians, 11 
 of whom to make a Court, viz.— The Mayor, two 
 Aldermen, two out of the twenty-four, and six out of 
 the forty-eight. These to be chosen by the twenty- 
 four and forty-eight respectively, every first Mon- 
 day after St. Bartholomew's Day. The 33 other 
 guardians to be chosen by and out of the nine City 
 Parishes, each of which returns four, except St. 
 Alban's, which returns but one. By this Court the 
 Governor of the Hop Market, the Deputy Gover- 
 nor, Treasurer, Receiver, and Assistants, are 
 annually elected. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 47 
 
 being, on an average, brought hither for sale. The 
 number of pockets sold for the last fourteen years may- 
 tend to shew the regular supply this market affords. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Pockets. 
 
 Years. Pocket*. 
 
 1801 . , 
 
 . 46.228 
 
 1808 ... . 48,274 
 
 1802 . . 
 
 . 13,596 
 
 1809 .... 9816 
 
 1803 . . 
 
 . 38,851 
 
 1810 .... 14,743 
 
 1804 . . 
 
 . 37.542 
 
 1811 .... 24,617 
 
 1805 . . 
 
 . 11.824 
 
 1812 .... 4334 
 
 1806 . . 
 
 . 26,492 
 
 1813 .... 14,665 
 
 1807 . . 
 
 . 17,223 
 
 1814 .... 15.562 
 
 So that the average ma}' be stated at about 23,000 
 pockets per annum, the price of which is so very 
 precarious, that it would be futile to make any cal- 
 culation on that head. 
 
 THE DISTILLERY. 
 
 Situated at the south-east end ofTurkey,near the 
 site of the west end of the Old Bridge, over the Se- 
 vern, was brought to full maturity by the late Mr. 
 Alderman Williams, and is now conducted on a 
 more extensive scale by his Son, who is sole Pro- 
 prietor. Though this establishment does not appear 
 very conspicuous to a stranger, yet it should not be 
 passer! over in silence, as it pays very high duties to 
 Government ; and the refuse, after the spirit is 
 extracted from the grain, will, it is said, fatten 
 nearly the same number of oxen and hogs, as the 
 grain itself; by which the country must be profited, 
 and the neighbouring farmer is easily supplied with 
 the manure from these animals, which is the best 
 that can be procured for the purpose of agriculture. 
 Therefore upon due consideration, this concern, 
 which has been censured by some from an erroneous 
 opinion of its great consumption of grain, ought, 
 instead of receiving public censure, to meet with en- 
 couragement. 
 
48 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 RECTIFYING HOUSE, $c. 
 
 The buildings used for the rectifying of Spirit*, 
 and the manufacture of Raisin Wine, carried on 
 by Mr. F. Williams, brother of the above, on the 
 north Parade, nearly opposite the Distillery, are large 
 and extensive, and contribute not a little to the con- 
 venience of the public, and the flourishing state of 
 the place. 
 
 A considerable trade has also for many years past 
 been established for the manufacture of British 
 Wines, by Messrs. Cowell, Crane and Kilpin, 
 who have very extensive Warehouses and Vaults, in 
 Foregate- street, nearly opposite the Star and Garter 
 Inn. 
 
 A few years ago, a very considerable trade was 
 carried on in the manufacture of Carpets, in this 
 City. Very little, if any, is done in that branch at 
 the present time. 
 
 It cannot be the business of this Compendious 
 Work to enumerate all the Manufactories established 
 in this City and its vicinity, but that of Boots and 
 Shoes should not be overlooked ; in which those arti- 
 cles are no where executed with superior neatness 
 and dispatch : particularly that of Messrs. Burling- 
 ham's, in Sidbury ; who have made it an extensive 
 branch of commerce, and a benefit to the City, by- 
 employing a great number of ingenious hands in that 
 necessary article. 
 
 BANKS. 
 
 In a large manufacturing town like Worcester, it 
 would naturally be expected, for the facility of trade, 
 and the convenience of the public, that a Bank should 
 be established ; such was the case at an early period ; 
 and as trade and commerce increased, it became ne- 
 cessary to add to the number. It therefore at this 
 time has the? honour of enumerating three of these 
 establishments ; all of which stands high in public 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 49 
 
 estimation; we shall therefore state them as esta- 
 blished. First, the Old Bank, in High street, by 
 Messrs. Berwick, Lechmere, Wall andlsAAC, 
 who draw npon Messrs. Robarts, Curtis, Ro- 
 BARTS and Curtis, 15, Lombard-street, London. 
 
 Second, that of Messrs. Farley, Johnson, and 
 Turner, at the Cross, who also draw upon Messrs. 
 Rob a Rife, Curtis and Co. 15, Lombard-street, 
 London. 
 
 Third, that of Messrs. Atwood, Spooner and 
 Carden, in Mealcheapen-street, who draw upon 
 Messrs. Spooner, Atwoods and Co. 27, Grace- 
 church-street, London. 
 
 Attendance is given at each of these Banks 
 daily, for the transaction of business, from 10 to 3, 
 except Saturdays and Fair days, when the time is 
 extended from 10 to 6. 
 
 INKS. 
 
 THE Posting and Coach Inns of this City, for the 
 accommodation of the Nobility, Gentry and Com- 
 mercial Travellers, with those for domestic pur- 
 poses, are not excelled by any in the United King- 
 dom ; and the thoroughfare, (particularly to an ' from 
 London, and from the North to the South parts of 
 England, arid into the Principality,) is so great, that 
 Coach conveyance occurs almost every hour in the 
 day ; whereby business is transacted with the utmost 
 dispatch, and persons of all distinctions are commo- 
 diously expedited to the places of their destination ; 
 a matter we are traditionally told, of so much dread 
 and difficulty in early times, that a journey from 
 hence to London, (which now, since the introduction 
 of Mail Coaches, is performed in sixteen hours) is said 
 to have been immediately preceded by the making 
 of Wills, and settling worldly affairs.— O the 
 change of the times ! 
 
 H 
 
£0 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 THE FIRE OFFICE 
 
 In this City, claims particular notice, as an insti- 
 tution peculiarly adapted f o the safety, interest, con- 
 venience, and welfare of the place and its inhabitants; 
 and not the less so to those without the City, who 
 insure property in it; its funds are ample, its pro- 
 prietors ostensible, its vigilance active and competent, 
 and its firm composed principally of residents within 
 the City. The interests of the insured and the in- 
 surers are thence so intimately blended, that they 
 become mutual guarantees of each others property, 
 and ultimately the most effectual safeguard that 
 could be provided for its general or particular ser- 
 vice. 
 
 THE SEVERN. 
 
 The River Severn, from which Worcester derive* 
 such considerable advantages, takes its name from 
 sabi&nd sabrin, sandy, from the muddiness of the 
 water after rain ; in Latin, Sabrina', in Welsh Ha 
 mi rian, signifying the queen or chief river. It rises 
 in a small cavern on the eastern side, near the top of 
 Plralymmon mountain, in Wales, not far from the 
 heads of the rivers Wye and Rhydol, bearing the 
 title of the Hafren river, as it flows through a wild 
 district towards the S. E. to Llanidloes, where it 
 is joined by a small river called the Si, or Se, 
 from the hissing sound of its waters. Here a double 
 junction is formed of the names as well as the 
 waters, whereby the name Sehavern is formed, 
 which turning to the north-east, approaches New- 
 town, where it takes the name Severn. From thence 
 its course is due north, through the vale of Montgo- 
 mery, and after passing Welch Pool, it enters the 
 plains of Shropshire, and making a considerable com- 
 pass, turns abruptly to the S. E. It then almost en- 
 circles the town of Shrewsbury, and proceeds in a 
 S. E. direction till it has passed Colebrooke Dale. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 61 
 
 Soon after which it flows southward to Bridgnorth, 
 and enters this county a little above Bewdley. It 
 next receives the river Stour, at Stourport ; then 
 the Sal warp, out of which, and the adjacent canal, 
 navigable to Droitwich, it has the overflowings of the 
 salt springs. Passing then near the pleasant seat of 
 Hallow Park, and adding considerably by its mean- 
 dring course to the fine views from that place, it soon 
 receives on its opposite side the humble tribute of the 
 Beverborn, or Otter Water, so called from the great 
 number of Otters, or Beavers, formerly found in that 
 small stream. Passing the foot of Henwick Hill, and 
 much beautifying and enlivening the view from the 
 many genteel mansions lately built on that admired 
 eminence, it softly approaches this City, which it 
 partially separates ; and after flowing by the Garden 
 of the Bishop's Palace, and College walls, it receives 
 the waters from the Worcester and Birmingham 
 Canal, at Diglis ; about a mile and a half from 
 thence, on the opposite side, the Teme falls into it. 
 Passing Upton, previous to its entering Gloucester- 
 uhire, it forms a junction with the Avon, a little 
 below Tewkesbury ; then gliding by the City, and 
 proceeding through the County of Gloucester, re- 
 ceives the Wye near Chepstow, the Usk near New- 
 port, and afterwards gradually dissolves itself in the 
 Bristol Channel. 
 
 This river is particularly noticed for the follow- 
 ing sorts of fish, viz. salmon, shad, lamprey and 
 lampern -, the first was formerly so plentiful here, as 
 well as in many other parts of the kingdom, that 
 children when put apprentices, were not to be obliged 
 to eat it more than twice a week.* 
 
 • For several years past, Worcester has been 
 but very indifferently supplied with this excellent 
 commodity. owing in a great measure, to the mal- 
 practice of the fishermen, using nets with the 
 meshes much smaller than the law directs, by which 
 the fry or young fish, were taken before they had 
 
52 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 The Lamprey, which Linnaeus calk Petromyzon 
 Marinus, is the Lamprey of this river, and several 
 others ; it quits the sea and comes up into fresh wa- 
 ter in the spring ; it is easily known by its size, being 
 often three or four pounds weight, and is esteemed a 
 delicious fish, though unwholesome if eaten in great 
 quantities ; witness the death of Henry T. 
 
 This fish is found in other rivers, but none are so 
 much valued as those taken out of the Severn, from 
 whence they are sent over England, and to many parts 
 of Europe, being esteemed a luxurious delicacy. 
 
 The Lampern is called Petromyzon Fluviatilis, 
 because this fish at certain seasons goes to the sea. 
 This is the lampern of the Severn; it is more common 
 than the preceding, consequently cheaper and less 
 esteemed ; it is about the size of a man's finger, and 
 from ten to twelve inches in length. 
 
 In a commercial point of view, the Severn is of 
 the utmost importance to this City, being connected 
 with all the northern counties, by navigable cuts or 
 canals, particularly by the canal from Siourport, 
 and by that now making from hence to Birmingham. 
 It has also an immediate connection with the me- 
 tropolis, and various other parts of the kingdom, 
 by means of its junction with the Thames by 
 the Stroud Canal, a few miles below Gloucester. 
 Much notice has been taken about the propriety 
 of improving the navigation of this river, by means 
 of locks, or in some places by collateral cuts ; but 
 the Severn seems to bid defiance to any improve- 
 ment by these means, being too rapid to admit of 
 
 attained their usual size. But measures have lately 
 been adopted to remedy this evil ; meetings having 
 been held, and resolutions entered into, in concert 
 with other towns on the Severn, to enforce the ex- 
 isting laws for the preservation of the various kinds 
 of fish, in the several seasons, which it is hoped 
 will in a very short time ensure a regular supply w 
 the market, at considerably reduced prices. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 53 
 
 any restraint. It is navigable for vessels of 110 tons 
 to Gloucester, 90 to Tewkesbury, 80 to Worcester, 
 60 to Stourport, and Bewdley 40 to Shrewsbury, 
 and 30 to Po> 1 Quay, though during floods it is ca- 
 pable of carrying vessels of more considerable bur- 
 then. 
 
 Although the Severn has been navigable from 
 very early times, yet the first vessel loaded with 
 coals, was brought to Worcester by water, by one 
 Richard Dawson, barge-master, in the year 1570. 
 
 The tolls and customs of the river, and the re- 
 pairs of the bridge and quays, were very anciently 
 put under the care of a water-bailiff, an officer ap- 
 pointed annually. No person can be arrested, or 
 holden to bail, on the river within the liberties of 
 the City, without the officer taking the water-bailiff 
 to protect him in his duty. 
 
 WORCESTER AND BIRMINGHAM 
 CANAL. 
 
 This long expected and arduous undertaking, is 
 now nearly completed, though great delays have from 
 time to time arisen from unexpected and unforeseen 
 events, which are now in a great measure surmounted 
 by the zeal and activity of the Proprietors. It was 
 first begun in the year 1791, when an Act of Parlia- 
 ment was obtained, entitled, - 4 An Act for making 
 f and maintaining a navigable Canal, from, or from 
 44 near to the town of Birmingham, in the County 
 44 of Warwick, to communicate with the river Se- 
 44 vern, near to the City of Worcester." And which 
 recites the advantage that will arise from this Canal 
 by supplying the Counties of Worcester, Warwick, 
 Gloucester and Hereford with coals. The Proprie- 
 tors are allowed to take for tonnage and wharfage the 
 following sums : — 
 
 On Coal, Iron, Ironstone, Stone, Timber, and 
 ether goods and things, (except Lime and Linae- 
 
54 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 stone) upon any part of the Canal, (except the first 
 ten miles from Birmingham,) 2s. (id. per ton. 
 
 On Lime and Limestone, upon any part of the 
 Canal, (except the first 10 miles from Birmingham,) 
 lOd. per ton. 
 
 On Coal, Iron, Iron-stone, Stone, Timber, and 
 other goodsand things, (except Lime and Lime-stone) 
 upon the first 10 miles from the head of the Canal 
 at Birmingham. 3d. per ton per mile. 
 
 On L^me and Lime-stone, upon *he first 10 miles 
 from 'he head of the Canal at Birmingham, Id. per 
 ton per mile. 
 
 Oi.ly Id. per ton to be taken on goods or other 
 things carried to or from the Severn, into or out of 
 the basin intended to be made in or near the City of 
 Worcester, and not passing on any other part of the 
 Canal. 
 
 Paving-stones, Gravel, Sand, and other materials 
 for making and repairing roads, and dung, soil, 
 marl, ant! other manure for the improvement of the 
 lands or grounds of persons whose lands shall have 
 been taken for the use of the Canal, except lime and 
 lime-stone, are to pass free, with the usual excep- 
 tions. 
 
 As the Canal is not yet finished, though in great 
 forwardness, it will be premature to say what ad- 
 vantage the Proprietors, or the Public will reap 
 by the undertaking ; it must therefore be left to per- 
 severance, trade and time to determine. Thus much 
 with propriety maybe said: — It will tend to stimu- 
 late mercantile speculators to remove hither from 
 distant parts, to carry on manufactures hitherto un- 
 known in these paits. A Steam Engine has been 
 built, and an Iron Foundry established upon its banks, 
 near the Commandery ; and other great works are 
 already begun, all which will considerably add to the 
 greatness of the City, and its vicinity, and render 
 the east side thereof a busy scene of active life and 
 industry, which must in the end prove a general 
 £ood. 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 5m. 
 
 THE BRIDGE. 
 
 THE old bridge over the Severn being narrow, in- 
 convenient, and much out of repair, H. C. Boulton 
 and J. Walsh, Esqrs. the then members for the City, 
 gave 3000/. either for repairing the old bridge, or to- 
 wards the erection of a new one. Accordingly, in 
 the year 1781, the present elegant and superb bridge 
 was opened for the accommo 'ation of the public, the 
 expence of completing which, forming the avenues, 
 quays, &c. are stated to amount to about 30,000/. 
 It is a noble structure of stone, built under the di- 
 rection of that eminent architect the late Mr. Gwyn, 
 consisting of five semicircular arches, the diameter 
 of the centre arch 41 feet, the span of the others de- 
 clining in a very small proportion. The extent of 
 the bridge from bank to bank is about 270 feet, and 
 its width between the parapets near 25 feet, of which 
 a flag pavement of four feet on each side, is for foot 
 passengers. The ends of the bridge are returned by 
 a range of balustrades extending 72 feet, between 
 which and the river are considerable lengths of flag 
 pavement, 12 feet wide, leading through arches, de- 
 signed for towing paths, to prevent interruption to 
 carriages, <fec. passing over the bridge. At the west 
 end are two toll houses: on the north principal key- 
 stone the head of Sabrina, and on the south that of 
 Oceanus, with the City arms in a shield, within a 
 pediment, which is over each, forms the sculptured 
 ornaments of its outside :— To make the approaches 
 to the City correspond with the elegance of this struc- 
 ture, the avenues on either side of the river have 
 been laid open to a very commodious extent, it* 
 quays rendered more spacious, convenient, and easy 
 of access, and a very handsome street 40 feet wide, 
 named Bridge-street, from its vicinity to the Bridge, 
 has been built, thereby connecting Broad -street and 
 others with this, has rendered it by far the grandest 
 entrance into the City. In the Act of Parliament 
 
56 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 obtained for erecting this Bridge is a clause directing, 
 that when the snra borrowed on that security shall 
 be reduced to 5000/. the toll on foot passengers shall 
 cease. 
 
 This long looked-forand desirable event took place 
 to the no small joy of the public, on the 2nd of July. 
 1809, and what will for ever render 'he occurrence 
 remarkable was, *hat the very same person. (William 
 Broughton, a Sail -maker.) who paid the first half- 
 penny, as toll, for passing over it as a foot passenger, 
 paid also the last halfpenny for the same purpose, the 
 interval between each paymert being about twenty- 
 eight years. The toll for horses and carriages, still 
 continues to be collected as heretofore ; but we may 
 with confidence hope, that with prudent manage- 
 ment, the time is not far distant before the debt 
 thereon will be liquidated, and the tolls altogether 
 cease. 
 
 PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 
 
 THE public buildings of Worcester are numerous 
 and worthy the dignity and grandeur of the City. 
 Among the many handsome structures which it has 
 to boast of, one is remarkably pre-eminent, viz. 
 
 THE GUILDHALL. 
 
 WHICH is placed nearly in the middle of the 
 High-street. It is a modern edifice, began building 
 in 1721, and finished about the year 1723, from a 
 design of Mr. White, a native of Worcester, and 
 pupil to Sir Christopher Wren. The front is of brick, 
 with stone quoins; the windows are ornamented 
 with stone mouldings, under which are stone tablets, 
 differently sc ulptured. Over the whole rises a cove cor- 
 nice, with a circular pediment, from fluted pilasters 
 of stone, beneath which, is a large Roman trophy, 
 eicellently sculptured ; the imperial arms of Eng- 
 
A" 
 
HISTORY OS" WORCESTER. 57 
 
 land supported by two Angels, are the principal of 
 the group. After ascending a flight of semicircular 
 Bteps, the entrance is by a pair of large doors, (hav- 
 ing a fan-light over,) The frontispiece of stone, has 
 two-3 quarter columns composite; enriched, in- 
 dented cornice, and open pediment ; in which are 
 the City Arms, (carved) viz. Quarterly, Sable and 
 gules, a tower tripple towered, argent ; in the dexter 
 chief, on a canton, argent, a fess between three pears, 
 two and one, sable ; over an impost moulding be- 
 neath the cornice is this motto, " Floreat semper 
 fidelis civitasf in English, May this faithful City 
 ever flourish. In niches on each side of the en- 
 trance are the statue* of Kings Charles, first and se- 
 cond, the former on the south side, and the latter on 
 the north.* 
 
 IN a niche between the two centre windows, under 
 the trophy is a statue of Queen Ann, and underneath 
 is written in gold letters, Anna Regina. — The pa- 
 rapet is ornamented with five statues, viz. at the 
 top of the arched cornice, over the trophy, is a 
 figure of Justice blind-folded, with her sword and 
 balance ; on her right hand is the effigy of Peace, 
 with the olive branch ; on her left, is the figure of 
 Plenty, with the Cornucopia : the other two figures 
 represent, that at the north end, Chastisement, and 
 that at the south, Hercules or Labour. The whole 
 building, with the side wings makes a noble appear- 
 ance, and is justly esteemed the most elegant and 
 magnificent of the kind in the kingdom ; neither is 
 the inner part inferior to its external grandeur ; the 
 hall on the first floor is a handsome light room, 110 
 feet 6 inches by 25 feet 6 inches, and 21 feet high. 
 Towards the west are two spacious Courts of Justice, 
 projecting from the main structure; that on the south 
 side for the Nisi Prius Bar ; and that on the north for 
 
 * It has been said that one of these statues stood 
 formerly in a niche at the Cross, facing the top of 
 the Broad Street. 
 
68 -HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 -the Crown Bar. On the chair of the Crown Bar, is 
 written in gold letters, u Accessit 31agistratibus 
 
 Auctoritas," Authority belongs to Magistrates. 
 
 " Honor antur Recta, Proba puniuntur^ Good deeds 
 honoured, bad ones punished. Facing which, over 
 a head of Justice, in a scroll, is written, " Fiat 
 Justicia, mat Calum? — Let Justice be done at all 
 events. Over the centre arch of the Nisi Prius 
 Bar is Written, " Audi et alteram Partem," — Hear 
 also the other side. Here the assizes and sessions, 
 both for the City and County, are holden. 
 
 Over the Hall is the Council Chamber, a most 
 sumptuous apartment, which was in the year 180£, 
 beautified at a very considerable expence. In the 
 centre, opposite to the entrance, is a portrait of his 
 present Majesty, a present from him to the Corpo- 
 ration, placed on a bracket of statuary marble, and 
 otherwise elegantly embellished. There are also in 
 the Hall below some other good portraits, among 
 which are those of the Lord Keeper Coventry, and 
 Thomas Winnington, Esq. who was first Lord of the 
 Treasury, in 1736, and a City member, in 1741. The 
 latter is esteemed a masterpiece by connoisseurs : in 
 short, the whole of this noble fabric is well adapted to 
 every purpose for which it was intended. 
 
 NEW MARKET PLACE, 
 
 Situate in High-street, opposite the Town Hall, is an 
 ornamental and convenient structure ; it occupies 
 a considerable space of ground extending to the 
 Shambles, its interior arrangements are handsome, 
 and it was first opened on the 18th of February, 
 1804. The Corporation having expended in its- 
 erection about £5050, by concentrating the various 
 markets in one place, and thereby preventing the 
 necessity of putting up stalls in different parts of 
 the City, particularly at the Cross, and in other of 
 the principal streets, as was done before this building 
 was erected", added much to its beauty and cleanliness, 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 5$ 
 
 THE THEATRE, 
 
 SITUATE on the north side of Angel-street, is a 
 neat, and commodious building about 66 feet long 
 and 36 wide, completed in the year 1780, and well 
 adapted for the intended purpose. It was built upon 
 the following plan : twenty persons subscribed £50 
 each, to be advanced on the security of the build- 
 ing ; each subscriber to receive interest for his money, 
 and a silver ticket, transferable at pleasure. Since 
 the time of the original building, it has b*en much 
 improved, and has now to boast of elegant internal 
 decorations. Plays, during the season, are exhibited 
 four times a week ; it is well frequented, and seems 
 to give general satisfaction, under the present ma*- 
 nagement of Mr. Crisp. 
 
 PREVIOUS to the erection of this theatre, drama- 
 tic representations were upon a very low scale in 
 Worcester : a stable at the back of the KingVHead 
 Inn, opposite to the Town-hall, where the Market- 
 place now stands, being the only place appointed for 
 the purpose ; and in this sequestered place of exhi- 
 bition Mrs. Siddons and various other capital per- 
 formers, first felt the effects of public applause. 
 
 PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION LIBRARY, 
 
 SITUATE on the north west side of Angel-street, 
 opposite the Sheep Market, (late a burial ground 
 belonging to All Saints) is an institution established 
 in 1790. Its direction is confided to a President, 
 Treasurer, and a Committee of 15 other subscribing 
 members, (chosen at their Annual General Meeting, 
 holden the first Thursday in December) under a well 
 digested system of regulations. The present num- 
 ber of subscribers are near 2G0, and as it contains 
 upwards of 4000 volumes, which are considerably 
 increased every two or three months, each sub- 
 scriber has a variety of ehoice. A libarian attends* 
 
00 history op Worcester; 
 
 daily, from half past eleven, to half past two, Sun- 
 days and holidays excepted. The terms of subscrip- 
 tion are very moderate, viz. only two Guineas and 
 a half for a transferable ticket, and fifteen shilling! 
 annually. Strangers and non-residents are admitted 
 if introduced by a subscriber. 
 
 It may not be improper in this place, to take a 
 cursory view of the rise and progress of the Press 
 in Worcester. It is said that about the year 1548, 
 one John Oswen, from Ipswich, settled in the 
 Printing Business at Worcester, with tne exclusive 
 privilege, soon after his arrival, from King Edward 
 VI. to print or re-print every kind of Book used in 
 the service of the Church, for seven years. Of 
 twenty-one Books printed by him at Worcester, 
 four are New Testaments, viz. — One in folio, and 
 another in 4 to. in the year 1548, and one in 4to and 
 another in 8vo. 1550. In 1549, he printed a Com- 
 mon Prayer in 4to. and a Liturgy in folio. Among 
 the others printed by him were, " A Message from 
 King Edward the Vlth, at Richmond, the 8th of 
 July, the third yeare of his reigne, concerning Obe- 
 dience to Religion. " Cum previlegio, solum, 
 1549."— Sixteens. 
 
 " St. Ambrose of Oppression; translated by 
 John Oswen, and entitnled, * s Poore Naboth op- 
 pressed by rich Ahab, printed by him 1550.'" — Six- 
 teens. A Homilie, to bee reade in the time of pesti- 
 lence ; and a most present remedie for the same : — 
 By Bishop Hooper, 1553,"— 4to. 
 
 «' Statutes 7th Edw. VI. 1553," folio. 
 
 After the death of the King, which happened 
 this year, (1553) Oswen's privilege doubtless fell 
 among the other deprivations that marked the pro» 
 gress of the succeeding reigns ; for we find that; the 
 Press at Worcester is no more heard of till the next 
 Century. 
 
 It has been conjectured that a public paper was 
 established in, Worcester as early as the commence* 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 61 
 
 merit of the Revolution. If that was not the ease, 
 it is clearly ascertained that this place was one of the 
 earliest, if not the first of the provincial Cities, that 
 opened this very important channel of communica- 
 tion of foreign and domestic intelligence. 
 
 It is uncertain in what order of succession these 
 publications were first issued, whether monthly or 
 weekly, on what day of the month or week, or ra 
 what form, folio, quarto, or otherwise ; but in June, 
 1709, they assumed a regular and orderly appear- 
 ance, in a small folio, published every Friday, by 
 Stephen Bryan, under the title of " The Worcester 
 Postman. 1 ' That title afterwar is gave way to " The 
 Weekly Worcester Journal, 1 ' which it retained till 
 near the time of Mr. Bryan's death, in June, 1748, 
 when the Printing Business was assigned over to a 
 Mr. Harvey Berrow, who changed the day of publi- 
 cation to Thursday, from whom it descended to the 
 present Proprietors, Mr. J. Tymbs and Sons, who 
 now publish it on Thursdays, under the title of 
 44 Berrow's Worcester Journal." 
 
 Another Paper is published here weekly (Sa- 
 turdays) by Mr. T. Holl and Son, entitled " The 
 Worcester Herald." 
 
 GENERAL INFIR3IARV. 
 
 The Infirmary as a public building, ranks among 
 the ornamental structures of this City. It is situate 
 a little to the west of the Foregate-street, at the 
 extreme north boundary of the City, on an emi- 
 nence that commands a most extensive prospect. 
 The plan of the building, which is of brick, is ju- 
 dicious and appropriate to its purposes ; the apart- 
 ments are high, airy, and spacious, the east and 
 west fronts are regular and handsome ; its entrance 
 is in its east front. This building was erected by 
 voluntary contribution at an expence of £6085, 
 9s. 9d. toward which the late Sir John Rushout 
 subscribed £500. In the committee room there is 
 
52 fllSTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 an excellent marble bust of this gentleman, pre- 
 sented by himself some time previous to his death. 
 This building was begun in March 1767, and occu- 
 pied by patients in 1770, who were brought from 
 the old Infirmary which was situate in Silver-street,* 
 and first opened there in the year 1745. It is at- 
 tended by 3 physicians and 3 surgeons ; patients 
 are admitted by recommendation. Subscribers of 
 One Guinea annually * or benefactors of 5 Gs. can re- 
 commend one-in, or one out-patient, within the 
 year, as their cases may require, at the weekly board, 
 held on Saturdays, between the hours of Flevenand 
 Twelve o'Clock, but in cases of fractures or other 
 accidents, patients are admitted at any hour during 
 the day or night, without any recommendation. 
 The average number of in-patients is about 58, and 
 of out-pat ientsl 50. The public and private concerna 
 of this charity are governed by an excellent system of 
 regulations. It is supported by voluntary subscrip- 
 tions, benefactions and legacies, and being a general 
 Infirmary, is open to patients of all countries. The 
 receipts and disbursements for the year ending 1814, 
 tenH to shew the extensive benefit derived from it, 
 having admitted 63075 poor objects as patients since 
 its establishment in 1745. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Receipts 3795 9 
 
 Disbursements 3336 4 4 
 
 Balance in hand the 31st of ) A . n . Q 
 July, 1814, ? 4„9 4 8 
 
 The Annual Subscriptions ending 31 July 1813, was 
 
 £. 1273 18*. 
 
 It must be a source of pleasure to every benevo> 
 
 lent heart to observe this excellent institution so 
 
 * Where J. Simpson, M. A. has for many years 
 past kept an Academy for young Gentlemen, upon 
 an extensive and well governed system, in Classic 
 cat, Commercial, and polite Literature, 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. €3 
 
 liberally supported, and the superfluities of wealth 
 directed to the relief of disease and poverty, and that 
 its resources are at present adequate to its expend!-* 
 tare ; this we trust will ever be the case, and that 
 the inhabitants of Worcester and its neighbourhood, 
 will emulate each other in the support and mainte- 
 nance of this noble and excellent charity. 
 
 HOSPITALS, Sfc. 
 
 It has long been remarked, that Worcester ranked 
 as one of the most ancient and eminent Cities of 
 England ; that there were but five superior to it 
 for extent and population ; that ft has at various 
 times been the scene of cruelty and devastation ; 
 its buildings, Private, Public and Religious, burnt, 
 destroyed and ransacked, and its terrified inhabitants 
 murdered, fined and driven to shelter in the neigh- 
 bouring island.* towns, villages and woods: Yet 
 after having borne all these and other dire afflictions, 
 it Phoenix like has arisen from its ashes, and gra- 
 dually come, by perseverance and industry, to its 
 present dignified state. And, by its advantageous 
 site and situation, being on the banks of one of the 
 greatest rivers in the kingdom, and by its alliance 
 with the neighbouring country ,made it early esteemed 
 for trade and commerce ; which has been carried 
 on to a considerable extent by spirited individuals, and 
 rendered from time to time many of its inhabitants 
 not only respected but opulent. Several of these 
 observing that all men are not by divine providence, 
 immediately endued with the same enlightened 
 gifts and good fortune ; and prompted by a bene- 
 volent spirit towards the really indigent, infirm, 
 and necessitous of their brethren ; have founded and 
 endowed, either by themselves in their life time, or 
 by their wills, or otherwise, out of their well earned 
 riches, the following several Hospitals, and other 
 charitable Institutions for their relief; thereby re- 
 
 * At Bfcere, on the &evern,-~Ste page 5. 
 
64 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 cording to future ages their respective acts of muni- 
 ficence, and holding up to posterity imitable ex- 
 arnples of piety and benevolence. 
 
 INGLETHORP'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Situated on the north side of TaylorVlane, between 
 Sansome Field's-walk and Foregate-street, was ori- 
 ginally endowed for six poor men, and one woman, 
 but hath since been augmented by the addition of two 
 men. On a stone in the front of this hospital, be- 
 tween the lodges, No. 8 and 9, is inscribed," Richard 
 Inglethorp, Gent." On another stone placed be- 
 tween 9 and 10, is this inscription, " This im- 
 provement of the charities of Mr. Alderman Nash, 
 and Richard Inglethorp, Gent, was made by a cham- 
 ber order, anno 1730." On a third stone, placed be- 
 tween the two lodges, No. 10 and 11, is inscribed, 
 44 Mr. Alderman Nash's;" and between the two last 
 doors of the thirteen lodges,built on an uniform plan 
 from west to east, as their numbers occur, 4i C. G. 
 1773" is inscribed, denoting an addition of two other 
 lodges provided for the accommodation of two poor 
 people, by the liberality and benevolence of Mr. 
 Charles Geary. 
 
 NASH'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Situated on the east side of New-street, and near 
 the south end, is endowed for eight poor men, and 
 two women. On a stone, fixed in the centre of 
 the building, is the following inscription, viz. " Mr. 
 John Nash, Alderman of this City, founded these 
 aim-houses, to be maintained out of the tithes 
 of Powick, to be disposed of by the chamber of 
 Worcester, for ever. Erected anno Dom. 1664." 
 This charity was augmented by an additional provi- 
 sion for two poor men, who have had houses built 
 for them adjoining to Inglethorp's hospital ; under 
 which nead, they have already been noticed. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 65 
 
 In 1809, a further augmentation took place, when 
 five more honses were built, adjoij ing the former, 
 in New-street, for five poor women. 
 
 Although it will exceed the limits of this little 
 History, to detail at length every munificent endow- 
 ment within the City ; yet for general information, 
 and to transmit to posterity the many noble deeds of 
 this great and good man, the following extracts are 
 made from his will, which cannot fail to gratify 
 every pious and benevolent reader : 
 Extracts from the Will of JOHN NASH, Esq. 
 
 Alderman of Worcester, dated ZQth August, 
 
 1661. 
 
 He gave honest young Tradesmen 3007. to be lent 
 without interest. 
 
 To the Parishes of St. Martin and St. HELEN, 
 8/. yearly to apprentice young lads. 
 
 To Trustees named, he gave sundry Estates in 
 Powick and St. Martin's, together with the Tythe 
 of Powick, as a perpetual Fund for the building 
 and Endowment of an Hospital for eight poor Men 
 and two poor Women* preferring always such as 
 shall be of his Name or Kindred. 
 
 He orders the overplus and savings of his Es- 
 tate, before bequeathed (whilst it is a small sum) 
 to be lent to young Tradesmen without interest, but 
 when it shall amount to a sum sufficient to purchase 
 Lands of the clear yearly value of SI* the same to 
 be given to the Parishes of St. Andrew and St. 
 Nicholas, for the apprenticing young Lads ; and 
 to in like manner 41. yearly to the several Parishes 
 of St. Peter, All Saints # St. Swithin, 6f to 
 
 * Accordingly, in 1679, the Corporation pur- 
 chased 5 Acres of Land within the City of Wor- 
 cester, which now forms the site of the present 
 Infirmary, and the Gardens adjoining, called, 
 w Wheeler* 8 Gardens;" and these, in the present 
 improving times, it is expected, will shortly odd a 
 considerable increase to this Charity, 
 K 
 
66 HISTORY OF v. orcestek: 
 
 St. Clement # St. Alban 21. each yearly. The 
 next savings from his Estate, when under 1001. to 
 be lent to young Tradesmen gratis, when it amounts 
 to that sum, to be laid out in Land, and the produce 
 applied to the clothing poor Freemen for ever. 
 
 He orders that no Lease of his Estates thus be- 
 queathed, be made in Reversion or for a term 
 exceeding 21 Years from the commencement thereof 
 in possession. 
 
 He orders that the Corporation of the City of 
 Worcester shall use their best means, at the charge 
 of his Executors, to have his charities settled by 
 Act of Parliament. 
 
 He orders likewise his Will so far as relates to 
 his charitable bequests, to be Publickly read by the 
 Town Clerk at the Guildhall of the said City, on 
 the first Friday in Lent, and he to receive for Ms 
 trouble Jive Shillings. 
 
 WYATT'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Is situated on the east side of Friar-street, near its 
 south end. It is endowed for six poor men. In the 
 centre of the building, beneath a carving of the 
 Wyatts' arms, is this motto, " Endure and Hope." 
 
 THE TRINITY, 
 
 Situated on the east side of the Cross, (near to where 
 the reservoir of water for supplying the City is 
 constructed,) is a charity endowed by Queen Eliza- 
 beth, for twenty-nine poor women. Its govern- 
 ment is invested in six of the chamber, who have 
 passed the chair. 
 
 BERKELEY'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 A regular and handsome building, in a square form, 
 (situate at the south end of the Foregate -street, 
 opposite the Hop Market,) so called from being 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 67 
 
 founded by Judge Berkeley of Spetchley, for 12 
 poor men. It is a very neat structure, has a Chapel 
 at the west end of the quadrangle, in the centre of 
 the front of which, in a niche, is a well executed 
 figure of the pious founder ; and has a resident 
 chaplain. 
 
 MOORE'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Which is situated on the east side of Silver-street, 
 near Mr. Simpson's Academy, was founded and 
 endowed by a Mr. Thomas Moore, and Anne his 
 wife, (who was the eighth daughter of a Mr. Rowland 
 Berkeley, by his wife Catherine) for the relief and 
 education of 10 poor children, of St. Martin's parish, 
 all of them male, and lawfully begotten, above the 
 age of 5 years, and under the age of 12. It provides 
 an uniform clothing of blue for the boys, for which 
 the Governor has 41. per month, with an additional 
 month. They attend for their education at the 
 school-house used for the scholars on Queen Eliza- 
 beth's foundation ; where they are taught reading, 
 writing, and accompts. 
 
 SIR THOMAS WHITE'S GIFT. 
 
 Worcester is the seventh City in order of the 
 twenty-four Cities and Towns appointed to receive 
 the benefit of the noble donation of Sir Thomas 
 White, merchant-taylor, of Bristol. The follow- 
 ing is a copy of this gift, transcribed from the table 
 of it placed in the Guildhall, viz. 
 
 " In the first year of the reign of Queen Mary, 
 Sir Thomas White, for this year Mayor, and mer- 
 chant-taylor, a worthy patron and protector of poor 
 scholars and learning, renewed, or rather erected a 
 college, in Oxford, called St. John's College ; he also 
 erected schools at Bristol, and delivered them two 
 thousand pounds of ready money, to purchase lands 
 to the yearly value of 120Z. for the which it is de- 
 creed, that the Mayor, Burgesses, and Commonalty 
 
68 HISTORY OP WORCESTR. 
 
 of Bristol, in the year of onr Lord 1567, and so 
 yearly, during the term of ten years then next en- 
 suing, should cause to be paid at Bristol, 1000/. 
 of lawful money. The first 800/. to be lent to 16 
 poor young men, clothiers and freemen of the said 
 City, .50/. a-piece, each of them putting in sufficient 
 sureties for the same. And at the end of 10 years, 
 to be lentto other 16, at the discretion of the Mayor, 
 Aldermen, and four of the Common Council of the 
 said City; and the other 200/. to be employed in 
 provision of corn, for the relief of the poor of the 
 said City, for their ready money without gain, to be 
 taken. And at the end of ten years, at the feast of 
 St. Bartholomew, in the year of our Lord 1577, at 
 the merchant-taylor's hall, in London, unto the 
 Mayor and Commonalty of York 104/. and so on in 
 order as here id set down, unto every the Cities and 
 Towns here undermentioned as is quoted on their 
 beads. 
 
 f 1567. Bristol,9th Nov, A. D. 1567,") 
 1567J is to receive soma 100/. and thence-f 
 1577} forth, yearly, on the same dayX 1000 '' 
 
 C until A. D. 1577, soma 100/. ) 
 
 1577 York the 24th August, is to receive 104/, 
 
 1578 Canterbury. 1589 Winchester. 
 
 1579 Reading. 1590 Oxford. 
 
 1580 Merchant Taylors. 1591 Hereford. 
 
 1581 Gloucester. 1592 Cambridge. 
 
 1582 Worcester ( # ) 1593 Shrewsbury. 
 
 1583 Exeter. 1594 Lynn. 
 
 1584 Salisbury. 1595 Bath. 
 
 1585 Westchester. 1596 Derby. 
 
 1586 Norwich. 1597 Ipswich. 
 
 1587 Southampton. 1598 Colchester. 
 
 1588 Lincoln. 1599 Newcastle. 
 
 All which towns receive this gift on the 24th Anguit, 
 
 C) Worcester has, in its course, received this 
 bounty ten times ; and in the year 1822, will again, 
 receive it* 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 68 
 
 except Bristol, which receives it on the 9th Nov. 
 Then York, 24th August, &c. And all others in 
 order aforesaid, yearly, viz. every 24 years from 
 and after their last receipt." 
 
 " All which payments are to be received in the 
 Merchant-taylor's hall, between the hours of two 
 and six of the clock of the said days, to be put forth 
 in free love to four young men, freemen and occu- 
 piers of the cities aforesaid, viz. 251. a piece, for the 
 term of ten years, upon sureties to be then repaid, 
 that it may be put out again to other such young 
 men, from ten years to ten years as aforesaid. Pro- 
 vided, that where any cities make default in the due 
 putting forth of the said 100/. (for the four pounds is 
 given to the surveyors of the same cities or towns) 
 shall lose for ever the benefit of this devise." 
 
 SHEfVRING'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Situated on the east side of the Tything, is endowed 
 for six poor women, who have been housekeepers. 
 These women are chosen out of the following pa- 
 rishes, the names of which are inscribed in stone, 
 under the windows of their several dwellings, viz. 
 St. Andrew's, St. Helen's, All Saints', St. Clement's, 
 Tithing of Whiston, and St. Swithin's. 
 
 ST, OSWALD'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Situated on the east side of the Tything, at the 
 north end of the Foregate-street, is a very ancient 
 foundation ; perhaps it owes its origin to the Bishop 
 whose name it bears; but it was considerably aug- 
 mented by Thomas Haynes, Esq. Sergeant of his 
 Majesty's Chapel Royal. On a stone in the front 
 of his building, which is erected on the south side 
 of St. Oswald's hospital, was the following inscrip- 
 tion, viz. " In the 4th year of the reign of King 
 Charles II. this hospital was built and endowed, for 
 »ix poor men, by Thomas Haynes, Esq. sexgeajat 
 
?• HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 ?ftfii s ,? Iaj r sty,s chapel royal ' m the > rear ° f ° ur Lord, 
 
 A , „ * P reseut both - go under the title of St. 
 Oswald's hospital. It had been for many years de- 
 prived of its possessions, by a person who held them 
 without any legal title ; but the late Dr. Fell, Dean 
 oi Lnrist Church, laying the case before Parliament, 
 succeeded in the recovery of them. A new building 
 with a chapel, was erected : the revenues are at 
 the present time found sufficient for the support of 
 sixteen men, and twelve women. A chaplain is 
 resident in the hospital; the rector of St. Martin 
 is the present occupier. The cemetry of this hos- 
 pital, winch is a very extensive piece of ground, 
 serves as a place of sepulture for those of the City 
 parishes, whose churches are not well accommo, 
 dated with burial-grounds. 
 
 GOULD ING'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 IT is gratifying to see that these works of charity 
 are continued in our own times, and that we have 
 to record the munificence of Mr. Robert Gould- 
 ING, now a worthy inhabitant of the Ty thing, who 
 has erected six Alms-houses, on a pie^e of fround, 
 adjacent to St. Oswald's hospital, heretofore a part 
 of the Church-yard Close, for the habitation of three 
 poor wen, and three poor women, with an ample en- 
 dowment for their maintenance. 
 
 Here are also many others upon a smaller scale, 
 all tending to the same benevolent purpose of provid- 
 ing for the helpless and infirm, as well as to assuage 
 the distresses of honest poverty, and mitigate in some 
 measure the awful visitations of providence. 
 
 THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 
 
 Founded and endowed in this City and neighbour- 
 hood by royal and private munificence, are the fol- 
 lowing, viz. 
 
 The King's, or college-school, was founded by 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 71 
 
 King Henry VIII. A. D. 1541-2, for 40 scholars, 
 10 of whom are appointed to it by the Dean, and 3 
 by each of the ten prebendaries of the church of 
 Worcester. — (See further under College Hall.) 
 
 Queen Elizabeth endowed a school in this City, 
 for the classical education of twelve boys, with the 
 allowance of 13s. Ad. to the three senior scholars, to 
 buy books. This school-house is situated on the* 
 north side of St. Swithin's church ; over the entrance 
 of which is the following inscription, cut in stone, 
 " This school was founded and endowed by Queen 
 Elizabeth, in the third year of her reign, and rebuilt 
 in the year 1735." 
 
 Mrs. Milbrow Hook, of St. John's, in Bed war- 
 dine, built a school-house, and endowed it with 51, 
 a year ; which hath since been augmented by a do- 
 nation of >30/. by Mrs. M. Herbert, of the same pa- 
 rish : the sum so bequeathed having been laid out 
 in the purchase of lands at Martley, near Worcester; 
 the revenues of which are united with the former, 
 for the same pious purpose. 
 
 BISHOP LLOYD'S. 
 
 May 8, 1708.— A Mr. Symonds, a descendant 
 of Justice Symonds, being at this time executed, 
 (with his brother-in-law, Mr. Palmer.) for the mur* 
 der of Mr. Palmer's mother and servant, whose house 
 they, with accomplices, robbed and burnt, at Upton 
 Snodsbury, in this County, the preceding year ; by 
 whose untimely dea*h, a part of his estate, at White 
 Lady Aston, and other property, devolved to Bishop 
 Lloyd, the then Bishop of this diocese ; who un- 
 willing to appropriate an estate fallen to him through 
 so calamitous an event, or that his posterity should 
 inherit it after him, he determined to devote it 
 to this most useful of public purposes. To this 
 end, his Lordsbip executed a deed of endowment for 
 the establishment of two charity schools in this City, 
 the one providing for the education of sixteen boyi, 
 
72 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 and the other for that of eight girls. In the excellent 
 rules laid down by the founder for their government, 
 he directs, that no children be taken into the schools 
 tinder the age of six years, nor above the age of 12 ; 
 nor permitted to continue at the school above the 
 term of six years; that they shall be such children 
 whose parents are not able to pay for their educa- 
 tion ; and to accommodate this benevolent institu- 
 tion to the circumstances of future times, permission 
 was given to the Trustees to alter, add to, or annul 
 any of the rules or appointments made in the original 
 foundation of this charity; to which the Dean of 
 Worcester, the Archdeacon and Chancellor of the 
 diocese, and the Mayor of the City of Worcester for 
 the time being, in succession, were to be perpetual 
 Trustees and Governors. The estate is granted for 
 the lives of three feoffees. 
 
 In 1782, a house on the west side of New-street 
 was purchased by voluntary subscription, and fitted 
 up as a school-house, in which the master and mis- 
 tress reside. The following inscription is put up 
 over its entrance, " The Bishop's Charity Schools. 
 Founded by William Lloyd, D. D. Bishop of Wor- 
 cester, in 1713. This school-house was purchased 
 by public benevolence in 1782." 
 
 The number of children now educated at these 
 schools is, from 
 
 All Saint's parish 3 
 
 St. Helen's - - 
 
 2 
 
 St. Nicholas's - 3 
 
 St. Alban's - - 
 
 1 
 
 St Martin's - 3 
 
 St.. Michael's - 
 
 1 
 
 St. Andrew's - 3 
 
 St. Clement's - - 
 
 1 
 
 St. Peter's - - 3 
 
 St. John's 
 
 1 
 
 St. Swithin's - 2 
 
 TheTything - - 
 
 I 
 
 Many improvements and additions have been made 
 to this charity from time to time by the Trustees, 
 by which the beneficent intentions of the founder 
 have been much extended, and the objects of its 
 bounty consequently benefited. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 73 
 
 Without St. Martin's Gate, near to Messrs. 
 Grainger <fe Co's. China Manufactory, is erected 
 a School House, for the instruction of boys, in 
 reading, writing, and arithmetic, upon Mr. Lan- 
 caster's system. On a stone tabie in front of the 
 building, is the following inscription : 
 
 " Subscription Free School, 1810." 
 
 In the year 1812, was opened a school, (in thfe 
 building lately used as a Riding School, in Frog- 
 lane) on the Madras system, first invented by the 
 Rev. Dr. Bell, and now intended as a National 
 School, for the instruction of youth of both sexes, 
 in reading, writing and accompts : it is supported 
 by voluntary subscriptions and donations. Amongst 
 the names of the former we have the pleasure to ob- 
 serve the present Lord Bishop of the Diocese, 100/. 
 and the Dean and Chapter 30/. per annum. The 
 number of boys in this school receiving at this time 
 instruction, is 150, and girls 60. 
 
 Worcester and its vicinity has for a long time 
 past been particularly distinguished for the eminence 
 of its Schools, private as well as public, for the edu- 
 cation of the youth of both sexes. This character it 
 still maintains with the highest respectability. The 
 preceptors and teachers of these seminaries of learn- 
 ing having always been famed for ability, and their 
 several functions having been ably and faithfully 
 discharged to the general satisfaction of the parents 
 and guardians, and the true interests of the pupils ; 
 who have not only inculcated on their juvenal minds 
 the true principles of moral virtue and religion, but 
 are ably instructed in the necessary rudiments and 
 accomplishments requisite to their future progress 
 and respectability through life; whether in the one 
 sex, as the domestic matron, or accomplished lady, 
 L 
 
74 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 and in the other, fitting them for merchants, <fec. or 
 for the attainment to ecclesiastical, civil, or military 
 preferment. 
 
 LYING-IN CHARITY, 
 
 FOR THE RELIEF OF POOR MARRIED WOMEN. 
 
 THIS very benevolent Institution is entirely sup- 
 ported by voluntary contribution ; liberal donations 
 have been given, and many ladies, (much to their 
 honour) have very much assisted the eharity, by 
 making themselves the several garments necessary 
 to support the undertaking. It is entirely managed 
 by a Committee of Ladies, chosen by themselves 
 out of the whole number of Subscribers. Though 
 the Institution has not long been formed, and the 
 funds but small, yet by the praise worthy economy 
 with which they have been applied, it is incredible 
 the relief it has afforded to the many poor objects of 
 its Institution, having relieved during the last year, 
 304 poor women, at an expence of only 180/. 5*. 6d. 
 2401 individuals have been relieved since its esta- 
 blishment in 1806; and as its funds increase, will 
 enable the Committee to extend relief to a much 
 greater number. 
 
 HOUSE OF INDUSTRY. 
 
 In large mercantile and manufacturing towns, a 
 number of poor must be expected, who, being sub- 
 ject to more immediate necessities than the higher 
 classes, are often driven to break through the esta- 
 blished laws of society. They, therefore, become 
 a very essential object of attention, and it is cer- 
 tainly a most worthy and meritorious undertaking, 
 to render their indigence more supportable, and, at 
 the same time, by discouraging idleness, to make 
 them subservient to benefiotal purposes. 
 
 The handsome and exteo§ive new edifice built 
 
history op Worcester; 75 
 
 for this purpose, is placed on an eminence called 
 Tallow Hill, at a small distance to the east of th© 
 City, and is as remarkable for its appearance, as for 
 the fitness of design for the variety of purposes to 
 which it is applied. It was erected by virtue of an 
 act of the 32d of his present Majesty, and is under 
 the management of twelve directors, being calculated 
 for the reception of 150 persons from the incorporated 
 parishes of St. Nicholas, St. Swithin, St. Helen, 
 All Saints, St. Andrew, St. Alban, St. Martin, and 
 St. Clement, contrived as follows: — a eentre build- 
 ing 116 feet by 44 ; two wings detached 30 feet from 
 the centre building. The north wing contains th© 
 kitchen, bakehouse, dairy, and laundry. The south 
 wing consists of two rooms for aged people, a room 
 for stripping and washing the poor on admission, 
 with an oven for baking their cloaths, a hot and cold 
 bath, with a brewhouse, infirmary, water closets, <fcc. 
 On this wing is a large reservoir to supply the whole 
 with water. The centre building is 40 feet high. 
 On the ground floor in the centre of the east front is 
 a dining-room 56 feet by 19. The same space of 
 the west front is occupied by a hall, the directors 
 room, the boys school room, the girls school room, 
 and women's sitting room after work. At the north 
 end of the house is the matron's room, with store 
 rooms, <fec. and the one pair of stairs floor is divided 
 into work rooms, and bed rooms for matron and 
 steward. The two pair of stairs floor is divided into 
 different sleeping rooms ; at each end of the building 
 is a staircase. Under part of the building are excel- 
 lent cellars for Beer. Before the east front are airing 
 yards. At the south end of the building is a garden, 
 and a farm yard, and to the east an enclosed burying 
 ground. This building was designed and executed 
 under the direction of G. Byfield, Esq. it was begun 
 in June 1793, and finished in December 1794, at an 
 expence of £7318 7*. and lOd. besides £2273 3*. 3d. 
 in purchase of about 22 acres of land adjoining. On 
 iae lOtli of November 1794, the poor of tlis united 
 
76 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 parishes were first admitted into this comfortable 
 asylum, where the wants of the widow, the unpro- 
 tected orphan, and the wretched, are carefully at- 
 tended to and relieved. 
 
 Several attempts have been made to introduce 
 ( different manufactories, but none have hitherto been 
 attended with a success adequate to the good inten- 
 tion, as the principal trade of the City is in the arti- 
 cle of gloves, it has beon considered by some, that 
 connmng the hands to that manufactory, would be 
 more advantageous to the town and beneficial to the 
 undertaking. 
 
 THE CITY GAOL, 
 
 Situate on the east side of Friar-street, is a place of 
 great antiquity, being according to Leland, used as a 
 religious house, for the Grey, or Franciscan Friars, 
 asearly as 1266. This building is the most entire 
 ol any ancient religious house in the City, indubi- 
 table marks of which appear from the carvings in the 
 refectory ; and those apartments which were once 
 used for exercises of devotion, are now the receptacle 
 of criminals and debtors. It is encompassed to the 
 east, by the ancient City wall. After its suppres- 
 sion as a priory, Henry 8th granted it to the Bailiffs, 
 and Citizens of Worcester, and having been put into 
 repair and safety, has been since used as the City 
 Prison. J 
 
 THE CASTLE* 
 
 It appears from the authority of sundry records, 
 that the Castle of Worcester was built by Urso 
 d Abitot, a Norman Captain, who came over with 
 the Conqueror, and who was the founder of the 
 Pnory at Great Malvern, Leland descrihes it in the 
 following manner:— 
 
 44 The Castle stood hard on the south part of the 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 77 
 
 u Cathedral Church, almost on Severhe ; it is now 
 " clean down, and half the base court or area of it is 
 44 now within the wall of the close of the Cathedral 
 44 church. The dungeon-hill of the Castle is a greate 
 44 thinge, at this tyme overgrowen with brushwood. 
 44 This castle fell to ruin soon after the conquest, 
 44 and half the ground of it was given to the aug- 
 44 mentilig the close of the Priorye." 
 
 The guard of the Castle appertained to the office 
 of Sheriff of the county, which was hereditary iri the 
 family of the Earls of Warwick, till the 10th of 
 Edward the fourth, when Richard Neville, the great 
 Earl of Salisbury, in right of his wife Ann, sister 
 and sole heiress of Henry Duke of Warwick, being 
 slain in Barnet field in fighting against the King, this 
 office was lost, and annexed to the Crown. Since 
 that period Sheriffs have been appointed annually, to 
 whose jurisdiction the management of the Castle ap- 
 pertains by virtue of their office. 
 
 It was anciently a large and magnificent structure, 
 but little now remains as a testimony of its former 
 greatness ; part of the rampire is not yet removed, 
 and the exterior ditch may be easily traced, extend- 
 ing towards Edgar's Tower. This stately portal is 
 the finest remnant of antiquity in the whole City. It 
 formed the main entrance into the Castle, and ap- 
 pears by the style of building to have been coeval 
 with the church of St. Helen, being erected, ac- 
 cording to an inscription on it, about the year 970. 
 In the east front are the statues of King Edgar and 
 his two Queens, though much mutilated by time ; 
 and on the west front, a bust of George II. The si- 
 tuation of this Castle was very select, being placed 
 contiguous to the banks of the river, and admirably 
 adapted for defence. The artificial Mount called 
 Castle-hill, on the summit of which was the keep 
 of this ancient fortress, is now converted into a plea- 
 lant garden, and the Castle itself was used as a county 
 
78 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 prison, until March, 1814, when the prisoners were 
 removed from thence to the 
 
 NEW COUNTY PRISON, 
 
 Almost opposite the Infirmary on the road lead- 
 ing from Foregate-street into Pitchcroft, just with- 
 out the boundaries of the City. This ample suit of 
 buildings was designed by Francis Sandys, Esq. and 
 erected under the superintendence of Mr. Nicholas 
 Willoughby, at an expence of nearly 19,000/. The 
 boundary wall of brick, 15 feet high, encloses about 
 three acres of ground. The garden without the wall 
 contains about 1£ acre. The front of the prison is 
 formed of Bath stone rusticated, and the entrance is 
 by a door under an arch of freestone. On one side is a 
 lodge, the other side consists of receiving cells and 
 cells for condemned felons ; this part of the building 
 is called the Lazaretto. The jailor's house, is placed 
 in the middle of the enclosed ground, and command* 
 a view of the buildings appropriated to the different 
 classes of criminals, and those wretched beings con- 
 demned to solitary confinement. The jailor's house 
 includes the chapel, which is connected with the 
 various buildings by bridges. 
 
 MONASTERIES. 
 
 That there were sundry Monasteries founded in 
 this City by the piety of our forefathers, appears 
 manifest, from the authority of many ancient re- 
 cords, though the most remarkable circumstances re- 
 lating to them are probably lost in so long a period 
 of time. 
 
 The principal was saint Wulstan's, which was 
 situate towards the south-east side of the City, and 
 was endowed by the pious Prelate of that name. It 
 usually bore the name of Commandery, from the 
 title which its master assumed. Cardinal Wolsey 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 79 
 
 had a bull from the Pope, authorising him to sup- 
 press this Monastery ; the King, upon his disgrace 
 seized it into his own hands, and afterwards gave the 
 lands to the College of Christ Church Oxford, by- 
 lease, from whom it was for some time held by the 
 Wylds, whose principal seat it was in this county. 
 
 It is at present a fine old edifice, chiefly constructed 
 with wood. The refectory, or great hall, is the prin- 
 cipal of its remains ; it is nearly of a square form, re- 
 taining the original door and staircase. The windows, 
 w r hich are high and spacious, are filled with small 
 panes of glass, on which are depicted various curious 
 emblematical representations of birds, flowers, <fcc. 
 
 There were also many other Monasteries ; as St. 
 Oswald's, that of the Grey or Minor Friars, Domi- 
 nicans, Penitents, <fec. but as the documents relat- 
 ing to these establishments may prove uninteresting, 
 it will doubtless be better to abandon a mere recital 
 of records, which would only tend to fill up the nar- 
 row limits of the present work. 
 
 ACCOUNT OF THE BISHOPRICK OF 
 WORCESTER. 
 
 This Bishoprick wa9 founded by Ethelred, King 
 of the Mercians, at the request of Ofric, a petty 
 Prince of the Mercians, anno 680, and taken out of 
 the diocese of Lichfield ; Tad frith or Tadfrid being 
 appointed the first Bishop. Before that time, namely, 
 from about 657, one Bishop presided over the whole 
 kingdom of Mercia. The diocese was formerly of 
 
80 HISTORY OP WORCESTR. 
 
 much larger extent than at present ; Gloucester 
 which belonged to it, was erected into a Bishoprick 
 in 1541 : and the following year the King appointed 
 a Bishop of Bristol, which likewise belonged to the 
 aee of Worcester. 
 
 At present the Bishoprick of Worcester, contains 
 almost the whole of the county, excepting a few 
 parishes and chapelries in the diocese of Hereford ; 
 also about a third part of Warwickshire, the parishes 
 of Brorne and Clent in Staffordshire, and Hales Owen 
 in Shropshire. It is divided into nine deaneries, in 
 which are contained 116 rectories, 79 vicarages, 29 
 curacies, and 41 chapels. 
 
 The fixed rents of the Bishoprick of Worcester, 
 clear of all deductions, were in the year 1699, 1302/. 
 15s. 4|d. ; since that time they are considerably in- 
 creased, so that, on the average, they may amount 
 to 3000/, per annum. 
 
 The lives of the Bishops of this see, from the 
 earliest periods, may be seen amply detailed in the 
 Account of the Cathedral* by Dr. Thomas ; or in 
 the History and Antiquities of Worcester, by 
 Val. Green, Esq. Among its Prelates, it has been 
 observed, that there has been 1 Pope, 4 Saints, 7 
 Lord High Chancellors, 11 Archbishops, 2 Lord 
 Treasurers, 1 Chancellor to the Queen, 1 Lord Pre- 
 sident of Wales, 1 Vice President, and even by the 
 confession of the satirical Pope, an unsullied Mitre, 
 the pions Dr. Hongh, to whom Lord Lyttleton al- 
 ludes in these lines : 
 
 " Good Worcester thus supports his drooping age, 
 
 *■ Far from Court flattery, far from party rage; 
 
 " He who in youth, a tyrants frown defy'd, 
 
 " Firm and intrepid on his country's side, 
 
 " Her boldest champion then, and now her mildest pride." 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. §1 
 
 THE BISHOP'S PALACE. 
 
 The Bishop's Palace is placed in a charming si- 
 tuation on the eastern bank of the Severn, on a fin© 
 eminence contiguous to that River.Itwas surrounded 
 with embattled walls, by Bishop Giffard, had many- 
 additions made to it by succeeding Prelates, and was 
 newly fronted by Bishop Hough. The interior 
 was much beautified in 1788, for the reception of his 
 present Majesty, and the Royal Family, whose re- 
 sidence, during their stay in this City, was at this 
 Palace. In commemoration of which, his Majesty 
 has been pleased to present two fine whole length 
 Portraits, one of the King, in his Windsor Uniform, 
 blue and gold; the other of the Queen, in a lilac 
 dress, fringed with gold, which are both placed in 
 the Drawing room ; between which Portraits, is the 
 following Latin inscription, in gold letters, on a 
 white oval marble : 
 
 Hospes 
 
 Imagines, quas contemplaris. 
 
 Augustorum Principum 
 
 Georgii III. et Charlottie Conjugis, 
 
 Rex ipse 
 
 Richardo Episcopo Vigorniensi, 
 
 Donavit, 
 
 MDCCXC. 
 
 THE structure is ancient and commodious, and 
 many parts of the old building still remain, though 
 much altered by improvements in the modern taste. 
 The east front is neat and regular ; the west, towards 
 the River, is a pretty mixture of Gothic solemnity 
 with works of a late date ; and though modelled at 
 different periods, has notwithstanding many apart- 
 ments furnished with much elegance. The gardens, 
 which are laid out upon a gentle declivity, near to 
 the water, commands a delightful view of the Severn, 
 and a fine range of country, terminated by the Mal- 
 vern Hills, and other fine distant objects. 
 M 
 
82 HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 
 
 THE CATHEDRAL. 
 
 The Church, which the Britons had in this place, 
 had probably been rebuilt years before Bosel was 
 appointed Bishop. It was not a Cathedral till 680, 
 when Ethelred, King of Merc i a, placed in it the chair 
 of that Bishop of the Wiccians. with the concur- 
 rence of Archbishop Theodore, by whom he was 
 consecrated : It was at this time dedicated to St. 
 Peter. The first mention of its dedication to St. 
 Mary, we find in a charter of King JEthelbald, dated 
 A. D. 743, where it is called, " Ecclesia in 3Ionas~ 
 terio Sancta: Mar tee ,*" from that period little men- 
 tion is made of it till the destruction of the City by 
 Hardicanute's soldiers. Though the ravages in stone 
 buildings might have been possibly soon repaired, yet 
 notwithstanding the care of succeeding Prelates in 
 beautifying the structure, external violence or the 
 lapse of time, had made such impressions on the fa- 
 bric, that in the year 1084, Bishop Wulstan was 
 obliged to rebuild it from the ground ; the whole of 
 which, together with the Monaster)', is said to have 
 been finished in the space of five years. 
 
 It is recorded of this pious Prelate, by William 
 de Malmsbury, that upon seeing the workmen em- 
 ployed in pulling down the old Church, be wept: 
 one of his attendants expostulating with bim, and 
 reminding him, that he ought rather to rejoice, as 
 be was preparing in the room of it, an edifice of 
 greater splendour, and mure proportioned to the en- 
 larged number of his Monks, he replied, M I think 
 44 far otherwise ; we poor wretches destroy the 
 M works of our forefathers, only to get praise to 
 " ourselves ; that happy age of holy men knew not 
 " how to build statety churches, but under any roof 
 " they offered themselves living temples unto God, 
 " and, by their examples, excited those under their 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 83 
 
 66 care to do the same ; but we, on the contrary, 
 " neglecting the care of souls, labour to heap up 
 " stones." 
 
 Though this Cathedral suffered considerably 
 from repeated fires, yet as, after the Norman con- 
 quest, most scientific improvements were made by 
 the Ecclesiastics, we find that the reparations of this 
 noble fabric were generally conducted with great 
 skill by the various bishops. 
 
 Upon the death of King John, (who, as the an- 
 cient annalists state, was buried A. D. L21G, 4i in 
 " the middle of the choir of this church, before the 
 " high altar, between the Saints Oswald and Wul- 
 " stan,") we find that the liberties and privileges 
 granted to this Church were very considerably aug- 
 mented. 
 
 About this period, it was customary for ourMo- 
 narchs to pass the holy time of Christmas in some 
 cf their great Cities, and this they did not only to 
 satisfy their own private devotions, but also, by 
 their example, to inspire the public with a greater 
 reverence for the holy ceremonies of religion. In 
 1158, King Henry II. kept his Christmas here, as 
 Henry I. had done before him, and held here the 
 great assembly of the nation, being attended in the 
 Cathedral with all the dignity and splendour of 
 royalty; he sat down during the time of divine ser- 
 vice with his crown on his head, as the Kings in 
 those days were used to do at solemn feasts ; but the 
 ceremony finished, he placed it on the altar, as a 
 sign of humility, saying, " that God alone was 
 " worthy of the crown." This act seemed to pro- 
 ceed from a real and sincere motive, for it is recorded 
 that he never wore it afterwards. 
 
 Soon after this period, as Camden relates, it was 
 newly fronted from the foundation, and soon after 
 
84 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 the tower was rebuilt. In 1301, Bisbop Giffard, 
 who was Lord Chancellor of England, beautified the 
 pillars of the choir and chapels, and aisles surround- 
 ing, by interlaying small pillars of artificial stone, 
 representing grey marble, fastened together with 
 rings of copper, gilt. Between 1217 and 27, it is said 
 that Bishop Cobham vaulted the north aisle of the 
 nave, and that Bishop Wakefield afterwards length- 
 ened the body of it, by the addition of two arches of 
 different forms, to the west end, and built the beau- 
 tiful north porch. With respect to his adding the two 
 arches at the west end, it seems a matter of great 
 doubt, as the style appears more ancient than any 
 other part of the present Cathedral : there is great 
 probability of that part being the remains of St. Os- 
 wald's Church, from which the further addition now 
 constituting the nave, might have been made by 
 Bishop Blois ; and that these parts only were com- 
 pletely repaired by Bishop Wakefield, after some 
 conflagration, is most probable. But these points, 
 after the lapse of so many ages, and where the proof* 
 are lost, mnst be left by us undetermined. 
 
 From this time we find little remarkable, till the 
 Civil wars during the reign of Charles I. Worcester 
 being at that time taken by the Parliamentary army, 
 the Cathedral suffered greatly. * 
 
 * An extract from " A short View of the late 
 Troubles in England,'"* said to be writien by Sir 
 William Dugdale, may serve to convey some idea 
 of what was done in the Cathedral. " When their 
 " whole army from London, under the Earl of 
 " Essex, came to Worcester, the first thing they 
 4i did wa$, the profanation of the Cathedral, de- 
 w stroying the organ, breaking in pieces divers 
 " beautiful windows, wherein the foundation of 
 u that Church was lively historified with painted 
 " glass ; and defacing divers fair monuments of 
 " the dead. And, as if this was not enough, they 
 u brought their horses into the body of the Churchy 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 85 
 
 Although this Cathedral has undergone conside- 
 rable mutilations, it is at this time a fair and magni- 
 ficent structure ; and though it shews a great variety 
 of style by being erected at different periods, it pre- 
 sents, however, a grand and venerable appeanu.ee. 
 The genera] plan is that of the double cross, a mode 
 generally used in the construction of Cathedrals, and 
 in which both the strength and grandeur of the Gothic 
 taste are eminently conspicuous. The tower which 
 is 200 feet high, arises from the centre of the great 
 cross aisle, its top is terminated by four pinnacles of 
 open work, and surrounded with battlements. Its 
 several sides are enriched with a great deal of curious 
 work. The statues of the Virgin Mary and our 
 Saviour in her arms ; and of St. Oswald, and St. 
 Wulstan, on each side of her, are on a level with the 
 windows of the Bell room, which contains a set of 
 eight bells, cast at different times. The improve- 
 ments lately made both in the interior and exterior 
 by the Dean and Chapter, do honour to their libe- 
 rality ; and the whole of the building may now be 
 deemed worthy of minute attention. 
 
 INTERNAL MEASURES OP THE CATHEDRAL. 
 
 feet. 
 
 Length from East to West 394 
 
 Length of the Choir 124 
 
 Breadth of Nave and Aisles 78 
 
 Height of Choir 68— of the Nave ... 66 
 
 u keeping fires and courts of guard therein. mak~ 
 " ing use of the quires and side aisles, with the 
 44 font in a most indecent manner. Also, to make 
 44 their wickedness the more complete, they rifled 
 44 the Library with the records and evidences of 
 44 the Church, tore in pieces the Bibles and service 
 44 books pertaining to the quire, putting the sur- 
 44 plices and other vestments upontheir dragooners, 
 * 4 who rode about the streets with them" 
 
86 
 
 HISTORY OF WORCESTER; 
 
 REFERENCE TO THE PLx\N. 
 
 A. Consistory Court. 
 
 L. Nave. 
 
 B. The Lady Chapel. 
 
 M. M. Entrance from 
 
 C. Bishop's ditto. 
 
 the Cloister. 
 
 D. Altar. 
 
 N. Crypt under the Choir. 
 
 E. Pr. Arthur's Chapel. 
 
 0. Audit Hall 
 
 F. Dean's ditto. 
 
 P. Chapter-house and 
 
 G. Choir. 
 
 Library. 
 
 H. Great Cross Aisle. 
 
 Q. Q. Q. Q. Cloister. 
 
 I. JesusChapel &Font. 
 
 R. King's School. 
 
 K. Principal Entrance. 
 
 S. Charuel Vault. 
 
 MONUMENTS. 
 
 1 Mrs. Rae. 
 
 18 King John. 
 
 2 Bishop Thornbo- 
 
 18* Pr. Arthur's tomb. 
 
 rough. 
 
 19 Bishop Hough. 
 
 3 St. Wulstan. 
 
 20 Bishop Maddox. 
 
 4 St. Oswald. 
 
 21 Dean St. John. 
 
 5 Dean Eedes. 
 
 22 Bishop Johnson. 
 
 6 Sir Jas.Beauchamp. 
 
 23 Judge Street. 
 
 7 Bishop Gauden. 
 
 24 Mrs. Hall. 
 
 8 Bishop Stillingfieet. 
 
 25 Bishop Thomas. 
 
 9 Bishop Fleetwood. 
 
 26 Friar Baskerville. 
 
 10 Bishop Blandford. 
 
 27 Unknown. 
 
 11 Bishop Parry 
 
 2^ Sir John Beauchamp. 
 
 12 Walter de Canta- 
 
 29 Robert Wylde, Esq. 
 
 lupe. 
 
 30 Mrs. C. Warmstry. 
 
 13 Johnde Constantiis. 
 
 31 Judge Lyttleton. 
 
 14 Bishop Bullingham. 
 
 32 The Moore's Family. 
 
 15 Duke Hamilton. 
 
 33 Bishop Wakefield. 
 
 16 Sir Griffith Rice and 
 
 34 R. Solly, Esq. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 35 Jas. Johnstone, jun. 
 
 17 Sir Robert Harcourt. 
 
 M. D. 
 
 Since the first Publication o 
 
 F this Work, in 1S08, the fol- 
 
 lowing Monument 
 
 s have been erected. 
 
 36 Bishop Hurd. 
 
 38 James Johnstone, 
 
 37 Randolph Marriott, 
 
 M. D. 
 
 Esq. 1 
 
 39 John Clifton. 
 
LAN of WOJRCESTJEK CaTHMWIRAjL , 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 87 
 
 MONU3IENTS. 
 
 The following Monuments, Tombs, and other 
 sepulchral memorials are referred to in the annexed 
 plan of the Cathedral, and appear most worthy of 
 notice. 
 
 1. At the east end of the north aisle of the Lady 
 Chapel, is a very beautiful monument of Mrs. M. 
 Rae, who died in 1770, aged 29. It is composed of 
 various coloured marble, and enriched with a profile 
 bust on an oval tablet. 
 
 2. Under the first arch, between the pillars, on 
 the north side, is a handsome monument erected by 
 Bishop Thornborough in 1(527, fourteen years before 
 his death. On the tomb is his statue in bris episco- 
 pal robes, his hands elevated as in prayer, several in* 
 scriptions are on an arch over him supported by 
 pillars. 
 
 3. 4. Are supposed to be the tombs of Sis. Oswald 
 and Wulstan, lying on each side the once supposed 
 tomb of King John, at equal distances from the great 
 east window. They are represented as vested for 
 the altar and mitred, their right hands lifted up as 
 giving a blessing, and in their left hands a baculus or 
 staff. 
 
 5. Opposite to Bishop Thornborough , s, on the 
 south side under the first arch, is a fine monument of 
 Dean Eedes, in which his figure is represented cum- 
 bent, his head resting on a double pillow, and his 
 hands joined in the gesture of prayer ; at his feet a 
 lion. Four Corinthian pillars support the top. 
 
 6. Under the third window of the north aisle is an 
 ancient tomb of a Knight of the holy voyage, sup 
 
58 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 posed to be Sir James Beauchamp ; he is armed in 
 mail, with a round helmet and surcoat, his right 
 hand on his sword, which is partly drawn : on his 
 left a long painted shield ; his legs laid across ; and 
 at his feet a lion. 
 
 7. 8. 9. 10. At the west end, behind the altar 
 screen, was the situation of the four monuments of 
 Bishops Gauden, Stillingfleet, Fleetwood and Bland- 
 ford, until the year 181 2, when the Choir was length- 
 ened about 4 feet towards the east, and a new altar 
 screen ereted in the Gothic style, with the compart- 
 ments, above the Communion Table, perforated and 
 glaze .1 ; the like continued in the side screens. This 
 altar screen is composed of parts of what was sup- 
 posed to be the original screen, and the screens of the 
 Bishop's and Bean's Chapels, which are now entirely 
 removed. At the same time, the above monuments 
 were removed and placed as fallows : — Bishop Stil- 
 lingfleet, under the great east window in the Lady 
 Chapel, on the south side ; Bishop Gauden on the 
 north side of the altar; Bishops Fleetwood and Bland- 
 for!, in Jesus Chapel, in the north aisle of the nave, 
 east and west of the font ; and that masterpiece of 
 sculpture, Mrs. Warmestry, from the middle pillar 
 of the north aisle of the nave, to the altar, parallel 
 to Bishop Gauden ; and the effigy of Philip Haw- 
 forH, last Abbot of Evesham, from his grave in the 
 Dean's Chapel, and placed under a low Gothic arch, 
 in the middle of the back of the altar screen, in the 
 Lady Chapel ; and the rest of the screen divided into 
 appropriate compartments. These alterations cer- 
 tainly give an airy lightness to the Choir and Lady 
 Chapel, and must rank as improvements. 
 
 11. Against the north wall of the Bishop's chapel, 
 is a handsome tomb of Bishop Parry, with a statu© 
 of him recumbent and praying. Over an arch sup- 
 ported by pillars, are the figures of Time and Death 
 with an inscription. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 89 
 
 12. Under the easternmost arch of the north wall 
 of the choir, parallel with the altar, is the tomb of 
 a Bishop supposed to be Walter de Cantelupe. He 
 is represented in his sacred vestments, much defaced, 
 his head lying on a double cushion, supported by- 
 Angels, and at his feet two lions. 
 
 13. Under another arch of the same wall, is the 
 tomb of John de Constantiis, Bishop of Worcester, 
 who is represented mitred and vested, his hands raised 
 as giving a benediction, his head supported by two 
 angels, and at his feet a lion. 
 
 14. On the north side of the altar, is a monument 
 of Bishop Bullingham, whose figure is laid on the 
 tomb, but separated by a snperinenmbentwai!, rudely 
 piled, so that only his head, which is res'e ! o'A a 
 book, and the upper part of his body with his arms, 
 appear in one opening of the wall, and his legs ii 1 the 
 other; in this state lies the Bishop with his hands 
 elevated, as if imploring a release from the barba- 
 risms that surround him. 
 
 15. Before the high altar lies the body of William 
 the gallant Duke of Hamilton, slain at the battle of 
 Worcester, 1651. The wound which occasioned 
 his death was received in one of his legs, a little be- 
 low the knee, by a slug shot, which shattered the 
 bone so fatally as wholly to disable him from keep- 
 ing the field, and he was forced to retire into the 
 town, where he fell into the enemy's hands. He 
 was lodged at the Commandery, and Cromwell sent 
 his own Surgeon, Trapham, to wait upon him, who 
 assured him there was no hazard. Two days after, 
 Sir Robert Cunningham, the King's Physician, be- 
 ing found among the prisoners, was brought to him, 
 who told him, that from the great loss of blood, no- 
 thing but an amputation afforded a probability of his 
 recovery. Trapham's opinion had. however, so en- 
 couraged the Duke to save so severe an operation, 
 
 N 
 
90 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 9 
 
 that death alone could extinguish. At length, find- 
 ing his strength fail, and feeling himself gradually 
 declining, he sent his last thoughts to his lady, writ- 
 ten with his own hand, dated Worcester, Sept. 8, 
 1651, and a short time after expired, in the 31st 
 year of his age. 
 
 16. In the centre of the Dean's chapel, is an an- 
 cient tomb of Sir Griffith Rice and his lady, whose 
 figures were of cast brass, inlaid on the top, now 
 gone. 
 
 17. Adjoining to the south wall of the same cha- 
 pel, is an ancient tomb, with an incumbent effigy 
 of Sir Robert Harcourt, a Knight of the crusade, in 
 a helmet, surcoat, and coat of mail, exactly cor- 
 responding in figure, arms, and attitude, to the one 
 described before, of the supposed Sir James Beau- 
 champ. 
 
 18. In the choir, near the ascent of the altar is the 
 tomb of King John, the most ancient one that is ex- 
 tant, in England at least, of all the lineal ancestors 
 of his present Majesty, from the time of William 
 the Conqueror, His effigy, of granite, lies on the tomb? 
 crowned ; whereon was written, " Johannes Rex 
 Anglia" now entirely defaced ; in his right hand a 
 sceptre, in his left a sword, whose point is received in 
 the mouth of a lion, eou^hant at his feet. The figure 
 is as large as life ; on each side are cumbent images 
 in smaller size, of the Bishops St. Oswald and St. 
 Wulstan, represented as censing him. King John 
 died 19th October, 1216, in the Fifty-first year 
 of his age, and Eighteenth of his reign. His bowels 
 were buried at Croxton Abbey, and his body which 
 was conveyed hither from Newark, was, accord- 
 ing to his desire, buried in this Cathedral, This 
 tomb was asserted by Green, to be a cenotaph, and 
 accordingly the Dean and Chapter had determined on 
 its removal, and placing it over the supposed remain§ 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 91 
 
 of the King, in the Lady chapel. But on opening 
 the tomb on Monday, July 17th, 1797, the Royal 
 remains were found therein, in a stone coffin, whose 
 internal measure from the feet to the top of the exca- 
 vation hollowed out for the head, was 5 feet 6 inches 
 and a half. The body was doubtless originally placed 
 in the coffin nearly in the same form, and arrayed in 
 such a robe as the figure on the tomb, with his sword 
 in his left hand and booted, but it was so much de- 
 ranged as evidently to shew that it had been disturbed, 
 and that perhaps at its removal from the place of its 
 first interment in the LaJy Chapel, if ever that event 
 had place ; which seems to have been a point of con- 
 troversy with historians, and perhaps will never be- 
 decided : however that may be, the body was cer- 
 tainly found in the tomb in the Choir, the most per- 
 fect part of which seemed to be the toes, on some of 
 which the nails were still distinguishable. Waving 
 the dress, (for to say what it was originally com- 
 posed of can be only conjecture,) what the writer of 
 this thinks most interesting in this discovery, (for 
 he was present at the time) was a vast quantity of 
 dry skeletons, or skins of maggots, dispersed over 
 the remains, particularly the abdomen, on which 
 were several pieces of what seemed to be mortar, in 
 which the maggots had been so mixed, that on break- 
 ing them, the skins were found as thick in the mid- 
 dle, as the outside ; but whether this was really 
 mortar, or a preparation to fill the abdomen at the 
 time of embalming, may be a question ; for it must 
 be regretted, that this matter was not analized at the 
 time ; it may be that some part of the body might 
 have gone into putrefaction, and the maggots mixed 
 with the paste whilst it was soft. But this must be 
 left for the consideration of the curious. 
 
 The influx of people eager to see the royal re- 
 mains after an interment of near 600 years, was so 
 great as to be the cause of the tomb being closed on 
 the morrow, so to remain, it is hoped, to the end of 
 time. 
 
92 HISTORY OF WORCESTER, 
 
 PRINCE ARTHUR'S CHAPEL, 
 AM) TOMB. 
 
 This Chapel may without exception, be justly 
 reckoned the most curious part of the Cathedral. Its 
 form is an oblong square, situated on the south side 
 of the Altar ; it is of stone, highly ornamented with 
 open work, (on all sides except the east) after the 
 fashion of Gothic screens, having on the north side 
 several statues of saints, and escutcheons supported 
 by angels ; on the south side several pillars with 
 ranges of images of virgins, bishops, kings, confes- 
 sors, tfec. also an angel holding a crown over the letters 
 I. H. S. and the arms of England, as then borne, with 
 the quartering* of De Burgh, for theEarldom of Ulster, 
 aid of Mortimer, Earl of March, the supporters being 
 then a Greyhound collared, and a lion gardant. Here 
 are also many symbols of the then contending par- 
 ties; a Rose in the sun- beams for the House of York; 
 a Bundle of Pheons, or arrows within a band, indica- 
 tive of mutual accordance; a falcon displayed with 
 an open fetterlock, flourished with roses, \yhich was 
 a device of the Dukes of York ; also one rose in- 
 cluding another, alluding to the union of York and 
 Lancaster; all these accompanied by the plume of 
 Ostrich feathers,the portcrll is of Beaufort,Fleur de lis 
 of France, Pomegranate of Spain, <fec. The inside of 
 this stately Mausoleum has not, until lately, for ages 
 past been seen with its original ornaments, (it being 
 erected long before the troublesome times of Chs. 1st. 
 &2i. and Oliver Cromwell, when the most beautiful 
 and sacred relics fell victims to lawless power. But 
 luckily for this, (the Church's greatest beauty) 
 some kind band anticipating the threatened destruc- 
 tion, covered over the surface with plaistering, in a 
 rough manner, which upon its being removed in the 
 year 1788, presented to view at the east end, the 
 following sculptures, in canopied niches : 
 
 First. A religious character, on whose right shoul- 
 der a cross is represented. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 93 
 
 Secondly. A kins; crowned, in his regal vestments 
 anH at his feet an animal, which is too much deface;! 
 to ascertain its species. 
 
 Thirdly. A mutilated figure of the dead Christ, 
 the head and hands gone, and the lower parts much 
 injured. On the body are represented red spots, 
 expressive of the blood which had issued from his 
 wounds. The drapery in which this figure is placed, 
 is upheld by two angels, represented near the top 
 of the niche, and is partly gilt. 
 
 Fourthly. Another king crowned, and in his royal 
 robes. 
 
 Fifthly. A figure in armour, much mutilated, the 
 arms and the right leg gone. At the feet of this figure 
 are the remains of an animal sufficient to shew that 
 it was meant as a dragon. 
 
 It may be possible to conceive that the statues of 
 the two kings were intended to represent Henry VI. 
 and Edward IV. and that this stately sepulchre, by 
 the several external and internal sculptured devices 
 with which it is embellished, was erected as much to 
 commemorate, the important event of the coalition 
 of the houses of York and Lancaster, of which those 
 kings had been respectively the principals, as it was 
 for a repository of the remains of this prince, the 
 first issue of their immediate representatives. 
 
 The vaulted roof of this Chapel is very curiously 
 fretted, having two pendents bossed with roses, and 
 in the centre pane are the prince's arms, supported 
 by two stags rampant. 
 
 18* The tomb in which the body is deposited (in 
 the middle of the Chapel) is of granite, decorated with 
 the arms of France and England, quarterly, painted 
 on the several dies of its sides and ends, in quatrefoils, 
 and on the verge of its covering stone is the following 
 inscription in black letter : 
 
94 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 " Here lyeih buried Prince Arthur, the first be- 
 gotten sonne of the righte Renowned king Henri/ 
 the Seaventhe, which noble Prince departed out of 
 this transitory life attthe castle of Ludlowe in the 
 seavenieenthe yeere of his fathers raygne, and in 
 the yere of oure Lorde God on thoasonde Jive hun- 
 dred and two.'''' 
 
 19. In the north transept of the great cross aisle, 
 an 1 against the east wall, where formerly stood the 
 altar of the holy cross, is a most elegant and magni- 
 ficent monument erected to the memory of that 
 eminent and distinguished prelate Dr. John Hough, 
 Bishop of this diocese. He is represented of the 
 size of life, habited in his robes, which are dis- 
 posed in a bold, free, and graceful manner, and 
 seated in an easy dignified attitude, in a reclined 
 posture, on a sarcophagus, which is formed of 
 black marble, with yellow veins beautifully dis- 
 persed over its surface, his right elbow renting on some 
 books, and his hands joined as in the act of devotion. 
 The position of his head is inclined towards the left 
 shoulder, and somewhat elevated: the countenance 
 highly expressive of quick sense and religious hope, 
 meek, yet animated ; and if an image of the piety 
 of his mind may be attempted to be drawn from that 
 faithful index, it may be said that in the commu- 
 nion this revered patriarch of our religion seems to 
 hold with his Maker (for he looks beyond this world) 
 he appears to have newly " heard the voice from 
 heaven, saying, blessed are the dead which die in the 
 Lord," and gratefully to feel the comforting infe- 
 rence that " he shoud rest from his labour/' 
 
 Beneath, to the right of the prelate, is the figure 
 of Religion standing on the top of the base of the 
 monument, having in her right hand the Bible open, 
 which she supports against her hip ; her left hand is 
 employed in supporting a part of the drapery falling 
 from the bishop, which, it appears would otherwise 
 intercept her view, and also that of the spectator, of 
 the basso relievo on the face of the sarcophagus. The 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 9S 
 
 figure of Religion is here viewe i profile, standing at 
 due angle with the whole. The gentle stooping of 
 her body, as if more minutely inspecting into the 
 above story, is most happily expressed. The centre 
 of gravity is seated in the right foot, supported by 
 the stress of the left hand against the drapery, as be- 
 fore described : the left foot, touching only with the 
 toes, is no sort of support to it. This attitude, though 
 intricate, is amazingly easy ; her aspect has the 
 sweetness and complacency which should accompany 
 pure religion ; yet tempered here with the appear- 
 ance of concern, as though she felt the removal of an 
 advocate whom she had tried and approved. 
 
 The subject on the bas-relief represents the high 
 commission court held in the hall of Magdalen Col- 
 lege, Oxford, on Friday October 21st, 1687, before 
 Cartwright, Bishop of Chester, Wright, chief justice 
 of the king's bench, and Jenner, one of the barons 
 of the exchequer, as visitors appointed by James II. 
 to remove Dr. Hough from the presidency of the 
 College, to which he had been duly elected by the 
 fellows, and confirmed by the Bishop of Winchester, 
 appointed by the statutes of the foundation visitor 
 of that college. The composition is formed of two 
 groups of figures most expressively characteristic of 
 their opposite interests in the scene. The first to the 
 left consists of the three tools of tyranny already nam- 
 ed, seated on the bench, imperious and overbearing, in* 
 flated with all the consequence and importance that 
 could be derived from the impetus of their mission. 
 The second represents Dr. Hough at the head of the 
 fellows of his College, attired in their academic ha- 
 bits, making his defence. 
 
 This group is judiciously connected with the first, 
 by the introduction of a secretary, seated at a table, 
 minuting down the order of the proceedings, as di- 
 rected by the principal commissioner, the Bishop of 
 Chester. In a word, as an historical composition, 
 this story is treated in the most correct and masterly 
 manner. The characters are well discriminated, 
 
96 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 expressive, and just; the figures are critically under- 
 stood, and as happily executed. The groups bear out 
 with a well regulated effect, and the perspective is so 
 scientifically adjusted, as that all the objects of the 
 composition approach or recede from the eye, and 
 hold their proportions and places in the most orderly 
 and correct manner possible. 
 
 Opposite to the figure of Religion is seated a naked 
 boy weeping, his left hand employed in rubbing his 
 eyes. Love, bewailing the separation of a tender 
 pair, is in this figure finely imaged. The right hand 
 of the little genius, supports an oval of black marble, 
 on whose plane is a profile head of the bishop's lady, 
 in demi relievo, with this inscription round it, in 
 gold letters. 
 
 By me she was most entirely beloved, and by all 
 other Persons esteemed and valued for her good 
 Understanding, sweet and even Temper, courteous 
 and easy Carriage, vnb tameable Life, and prudent 
 and exemplary Conduct in every Condition and 
 Circumstance. 
 
 Jo. Worcester. 
 
 Beneath the subject, in basso relievo, is placed the 
 arms of the see of Worcester, impaling those of his 
 lordship. To use an animated expression, which the 
 object may well excuse, the larger figures of this 
 sculptured pile have an air of life, and seem to want 
 nothing but the vital fluid, and the Almighty's 
 breath ; for mind and sentiment were certainly never 
 elicited from marble with more forcible effect than 
 is found in this admirable production of modern art. 
 We cannot but commend the grateful spirit of the 
 gentleman who chose so able an artist, to give to 
 posterity a just sense of his lordship's worth. The 
 memory of a Hough seemed to require the hand of a 
 Roubillac, to embrace the wide extended honours of 
 his name, to hold them forth to public veneration, 
 and preserve the full benefit of his illustrious exam- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 91 
 
 pie to the present and future ages : The whole is 
 finished with a pyramid of fine grey marble as its 
 ground, and the Monument is happily fixed at a due 
 distance from the window, so that the effect of the 
 clara obscuro is thereby rendered very beautiful. 
 
 There are few great men, whose characters may 
 be taken from their epitaphs. But it is not so with 
 the memory of Bishop Hough. Here we have a 
 picture of the man, a just and decent memorial of 
 his private as well as public virtues, succinctly sum- 
 med up, in the following inscription, written by the 
 late Dr. Tottie, Archdeacon of Worcester, which 
 is on the base of the pyramid. 
 
 SACRED TO POSTERITY 
 
 Be the Virtues of the most excellent Prelate 
 Dr. JOHN HOUGH; 
 
 The ever memorable President of Magdalen College 
 
 Oxon, in the Reign of K. James lid. 
 
 Called forth to this dangerous and important Station 
 
 For his Learning, Prudence, Piety, 
 
 He maintained it in the Day of Trial 
 
 With Ability, Integrity, Dignity : 
 
 Firm in the Defence of the invaded Rights of his 
 
 College. 
 
 How providentially for this Church and Nation, 
 
 He opposed the Rage of Popish Superstition and 
 
 Tyranny — 
 
 Let the ANNALS of ENGLAND testify. 
 
 In happier Times 
 
 He was advanced to be a Guardian of the Religion 
 
 and Liberties of His Country, 
 
 In honourable Testimony of his eminent Services 
 
 to Both ; 
 
 Was made Bishop of Oxford, A. D. 1690 ; 
 
 Was translated to the See of Lichfield and Coventry 
 
 A. D. 1699. 
 
 To the See of Worcester, A. D. 1717. 
 
 In his faithful Administration of the pastoral Office, 
 
 By prudent Government, by impartial Affection, 
 
 O 
 
»8 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 By persuasive Example, 
 
 He was honoured and beloved ; 
 
 And left to each Successor a well-regulated Diocese* 
 
 In every Condition and Relation, 
 
 From the Influence of a lively Faith, 
 
 From the Overflowings of a Benevolent Heart, 
 
 It was the Business and Pleasure of his Life 
 
 To serve God and to do Good. 
 
 His Benefactions to Magdalen College, and to his 
 
 Episcopal Houses, 
 
 Are illustrious and lasting Monuments of his 
 
 Munificence ; 
 
 Yet much were they excelled by the nobler Instances 
 
 Of his diffusive, unbounded Charity. 
 
 His courteous Affability, and engaging 
 
 Condescension, 
 
 Were the Delight of the numerous Partakers 
 
 Of his generous Hospitality. 
 
 Grace was in his Address, and Dignity in his 
 
 Deportment. 
 
 In Conversation — Propriety and Purity of Language, 
 
 In Writing — Exactness, Ease and Elegance of Style, 
 
 Embellished 
 
 The justness, the Delicacy, the Humanity, the 
 
 Pietj T of his Sentiments. 
 
 Blest with uninterrupted Health and Tranquility of 
 
 Mind,* 
 
 * The following Anecdote is thus related of him 
 by the late Dr. Nash. " One day after dinner.ayoung 
 Clergyman, Curate of a neighbouring parish, taking 
 his leave, and making many aukward bows, ran 
 against, and threw down on the floor, a favourite 
 Barometer of the Bishop's : the young man was 
 frightened, and extremely concerned ; but the good 
 old prelate, with all the complacency possible, went 
 to him and said, w Sir, do not be uneasy, I have 
 observed this glass daily for upwards of 70 i/ears, 
 and never saw it *o low before." 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 90 
 
 Happy in his Life, and in his Death ; 
 
 Full of Honour, and full of Days, 
 
 In the 93d Year of his Age, and the 53d of his 
 
 Consecration, 
 
 In the entire Possession of his Understanding 
 
 In the Consciousness of a well spent Life, 
 
 In sure and certain Hope of a joyful Resurrection, 
 
 He expired without a Groan. 
 
 He was the Son of John Hough Citizen of 
 London, and of Margaret his Wife, Daughter of 
 John Byrche of Leacroft in the County of Stafford, 
 Esq. and married Lettice, Daughter of Thomas 
 Fisher, of Walsh all, in the County of Warwick, 
 Esq. by Dorothy his wife, Daughter of John Lacon, 
 of West Coppice, in the County of Salop, Esq. 
 She was Relict of Sir Charles Lee, of Billesley, 
 in the County of Warwick. He was born April 
 12th, 1651. and died May Sth, 1743. She was 
 born July 20th, 1659, and died Nov. 12th, 1722, 
 Both lie interred in our Lady's Chapel, 
 
 This Monument was erected at the expence of 
 Mr. John Byrche, the Bishop's Executor. 
 
 20. On the east wall of the south transept is a very 
 magnificent monument of Bishop Maddox, a vene- 
 rable prelate, equally illustrious for his various writ- 
 ings, as for being a patron of merit, and a zealous 
 (supporter of every useful charity. Upon it is a 
 figure of conjugal fidelity, a* large as life ; she is 
 leaning, in a melancholy posture, with one hand 
 resting upon an hymeneal torch inverted ; in a com- 
 partment under, is a piece of sculpture representing 
 the parable of the good Samaritan. On the base is 
 the following inscription : — 
 
 MAY THIS MARBLE 
 
 Record to future Times 
 The Excellent Endowments and benificent Vertues 
 
 . LofC 
 
100 HISTORY of worcester; 
 
 Of Dr. ISAAC MADDOX, Bishop of this Diocese ! 
 
 An exact Knowledge of the Constitution of this 
 
 National Church, 
 
 And an active Zeal for its Support and Prosperity, 
 
 Manifested on a variety of Occasions, 
 
 And Especially in writing a judicious Vindication 
 
 Of the Plan of the Reformation adopted by 
 
 Q. ELIZABETH, 
 
 Eminentl} 7 qualified him for the Prelacy : 
 
 All the extensive and important Duties of which 
 
 Function 
 
 He perfectly understood and conscientiously 
 
 Discharged 
 
 With Fervour, Prudence & Integrity. 
 
 The Love of his Country 
 
 (The ruling Passion of his truly English Heart) 
 
 Urged him to promote with unwearied Care, 
 
 Loyalty, Industry, Sobriety, 
 
 And whatever might secure and increase the 
 
 Publick Welfare. 
 
 A Father to his Clergy- 
 He directed them by his Counsel, 
 Supported them by his Authority, 
 And assisted them by his Liberality: 
 
 A rare Example ! 
 After many other bountiful Donations, 
 He assigned £200 per Annum during his Life 
 For the Augmentation of the Smaller Benefices of 
 His Diocese. 
 A GUARDIAN of the Poor- 
 He abounded in Private Charities and encouraged 
 
 every publick one. 
 
 Long may the Sick and Impotent bless the Patron, 
 
 And those of this County the INSTITUTOR of 
 
 INFIRMARIES ! 
 
 HOSPITALITY & Generosity 
 
 Enlivened with Chearfullness, Affability and Good 
 
 Nature, 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 101 
 
 Were the distinguishing Vertues of the Man 
 
 and the Friend ; 
 
 And the Piety and Fortitude of the Christian 
 
 Were brought to the Test and stood the Trial 
 
 In two most afflicting Circumstances — 
 
 The Death of a lovely Daughter, 
 
 In whom at XI Years of Age 
 
 All the Graces of the mind dwelling in the most 
 
 Elegant Form 
 
 Not only began to dawn, 
 
 But seemed to be hastening to Maturity ; 
 
 And the Death of a most accomplished Son at the 
 
 Age of XVII ; 
 
 Whose vertuons Disposition and uncommon 
 
 Attainments in Learning 
 
 Deserved and received the Favour and Applause 
 
 OF ETON & CHRIST CHURCH. 
 
 CONJUGAL & Maternal Affection 
 
 Weeping over the mingled Ashes 
 
 Of her much honoured and much lamented Lord 
 
 And of her dear Children, 
 
 Erected this Monument to their Memory. 
 
 He was born July 27, 1697, was appointed Clerk 
 of the Closet to Q. Caroline in 1729, was made 
 Dean of Wells in 1733, was consecrated Bishop 
 of St. Asaph 1736, and was translated to the See of 
 Worcester in 1743. He married in 1731 Eliza- 
 beth, Daughter of Richard Price of Hayes in the 
 County of Middlesex Esq. and died Sept. 27 1759, 
 leaving to a tender Mother'' s Care one surviving 
 beloved Daughter, since given in Marriage, to the 
 Hon. and Rev. Mr. Yorke, Dean of Lincoln. 
 
 Near this Monument, erected by herself to the 
 memory of her much loved husband, and dear 
 children, and in the same vault with him, are de- 
 posited the remains of Mrs. Elizabeth Maddox, who 
 departed this life in the year of our Lord 1789, on 
 
102 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 the 19th day of February, and in the 89th year of 
 her age. She was amiable and exemplary in every 
 part of her conduct, ami piously hopeful, through 
 the merits of her Redeemer, of everlasting happi- 
 ness. 
 
 21. Under the north window is a very neat Mo- 
 nument of marble, to the memory of the Honoura- 
 ble and Reverend St. ANDREW St. JOHN, D. D. 
 (second son of John, tenth Lord St. John, of Blet- 
 soe) Deanofthu Cathedral, who died 23d March, 
 1795. aged 64. This Monument, the last mark of 
 filial duty and affection, was erected by his son, 
 A.S. 
 
 22. In the south transept is a neat Monument of 
 Bishop Johi-son, with a most excellent bust by Nol- 
 lekens, esteemed a very great likeness; the Epitaph 
 underneath delineates the character of this worthy 
 pi elate. 
 
 M. S. 
 
 Viri admodum Rev. Jacobi Johnson, 
 
 Qui optimam indolem feliciter promovit, 
 
 Collegii primum Westmonasteriensis, 
 
 Deinde iEdis Christi, 
 
 Alumnus. 
 
 Erat, 
 
 Ingenio culto et urbano, 
 
 Animo temperato et aequabili, 
 
 Summa in suos Pietate et Mnnificentia, 
 
 Studio in Amicos ardentissimo, 
 
 Benevolentia erga omnes 
 
 Insignis : 
 
 Aliquando Scholae Westmonast. Hypodklascalus. 
 
 Exinde Ecclesise Paulina? Londin. Praebendarius. 
 
 Consecratus anno MDCCLII Episcopus Glocest. 
 
 Postea MDCCLIX Vigorniam translatus. 
 
 Ubi duas Episcopales, Domos 
 
 Splendide et eieganter 
 
 Restauravit : 
 
 Ob omnia Praesulis Officia rite praestita. 
 
 Clero suo totique Dicecesi, 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 103 
 
 Acceptissimus 
 
 Tandem, dum Bathonise, solntis ergo, degebat 
 
 Ab Equo preecipitatus, 
 
 Morte, 
 
 Flebili hen ! et pene repentina 
 
 Sedpio proboque Viro nunquam intempestiva, 
 
 Abreptns est, 
 A. D. MDCCLXXIV ML suee septuagesimo. 
 
 23. Opposite to Bishop Hough is a very handsome 
 Monument of Sir Thomas Street, Knight. It ia 
 embellished with an urn, and his coat of arms. A 
 boy is represented displaying the Cap of Liberty : 
 At the foot of the urn a book lies open, in which 
 is written, " Articuli Ma gnce Charts Libertatcm." 
 To these enrichments are added the insignia of Jus- 
 tice. There is an air of elegant taste that prevails 
 over the whole of this Monument, strictly attaching 
 to the character of the person it is meant to comme- 
 morate, and does great honour to the hand of Mr. 
 Wilton. 
 
 24. On the west wall nearly opposite to Bishop 
 Maddox, is a handsome marble Monument of Mrs. 
 Hall, (who is buried in the middle aisle of the Lady 
 Chapel), formed of a pyramid arising from a base, 
 supported by brackets. The enrichments are com- 
 posed of a figure of Religion, seated in a reclined 
 posture, leaning against an urn, and holding a book 
 in her right hand, which is rested upon her knee, 
 the following is part of the inscription on the tablet : 
 4i Sacred to the memory of Mary, the truly regretted 
 wife of William Hall. Esq. of the island of Jamaica, 
 and of Bevere, near this City. On the 11th of April, 
 1794, in the 45th year of her age, she was suddenly 
 taken from this world to a life of eternal happiness." 
 This Monument was the production of Mr. William 
 Stephens, a native of, and late a resident in this City. 
 
104 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 25. Under the first window of the south aisle of 
 the nave, near the cloister door, is a handsome Mo- 
 nument of Dr. William Thomas, Bishop of Wor- 
 cester. 
 
 26. Under the second window of the same aisle 
 beneath an arch in the wall, is an ancient tomb sup- 
 posed to be that of Friar Baskerville, whose statue 
 is represented cumbent as a priest, vested for the 
 altar, with a large tonsure, and at his feet a lion. 
 
 27. Under the third window, beneath an arch, is 
 a raised tomb ; to whom it belonged is not known, 
 as its figure and inscriptions have been long defaced. 
 
 28. Between the third and fourth pillars from the 
 great transept, on the north side of the nave, is the 
 tomb of Sir John Beauchamp, of Holt, in this 
 County, on which lies his, and his lady's effigies. 
 His figure, which is in complete polished armour, 
 has a greyhound at his feet; under his head an helmet 
 crowned, out of which issues a swan's head and neck, 
 with the two wings (which crest is said to denote 
 him to be of this family). The Lady's figure has on 
 a loose mantle, her veil flowing back, a flowered 
 surcoat with close sleeves buttoned to the wrist, the 
 apron studded ; her head is rested on a swan, sup- 
 ported by angels ; the head-dress is reticulated with 
 a fillet of flowers round it, the hair plaited behind, 
 the rest flowing about her shoulders. The arms on 
 the panes of the tomb, are those of the Beauchamps, 
 Earls of Warwick, and the Beauchamps, Barons of 
 Powick. 
 
 29. Between the third and fourth pillars on the 
 south side of the nave, opposite to Sir John Bean- 
 champ's, is a fine raised tomb of Robert Wylde, 
 Esq. and his lady, whose figures are cumbent thereon, 
 clothed in gowns nearly alike, their hands lifted as 
 in prayer, a lion is placed at their feet. Agaiust the 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 105 
 
 pillar at the head of the tomb, is an ornamented 
 tablet with an inscription, over which are their 
 arms. 
 
 30. On the middle pillar of the nave opposite the 
 north entrance of the Church, was the situation 
 of the Monument to the Memory of Mrs. Cicel 
 Warmstry, who died in ] 649, widow of William 
 Warmstry, Esq. now removed to the altar, (see 
 page 88.) She is represented in a sculpture about 
 two feet long, wrapt in her widow's veil, cumbent, 
 with her head leaning on her right hand. The mus- 
 cles of the body are admirably well expressed, the 
 whole intimating the most piteous dejection, and 
 emaciating grief. Above her is an inscription in 
 Greek, taken from Rev. 14 chap. 13 verse. 
 
 31. Under the fifth window of the south aisle of 
 the nave within an arch of the wall is a plain tomb, 
 over the renowned Judge Litleton, a Justice of the 
 Common Pleas, in King Edward 4th's reign : On 
 it is the following inscription : — 
 
 Hie jacet corpus 
 
 Thome Litleton dc Frankly, 
 
 militis de Balneo, 
 
 Et unns Justiciariorum de Communi Banco, 
 
 Qui obiit 23 Aug. A. D. 1481. 
 
 On a small brass on the top, was a representation of 
 the Judge in his robes, aud these words issuing from 
 Lis mouth : 
 
 Fill Dei miserere mei ; 
 
 but this was taken by Cromwell's soldiers during the 
 civil wars. On the floor near the Monument wai 
 the following concise, but elegant sentiment, which 
 was appointed to be thereon inscribed by his expresi 
 will: 
 
 Let no man slight his mortalities 
 P 
 
106 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 32. To the right of the north entrance, fixed to 
 the wall under the second window, is a large Monu- 
 ment of the family of the Moore's of the City of 
 Worcester, on which are the figures of three men in 
 gowns, and three women by them, kneeling and 
 praying, having this inscription under: 
 
 HEBE LYETH THE BODIES OF IOHN 
 MOORE, AND ANNE HIS WIFE, 
 FATHER AND MOTHER TO 
 THOMAS MOORE, WHO 
 HERE LYETH, WITH MARY HIS WIFE, 
 ALSO IOHN MOORE AND MARGERET 
 THEIR SISTER HERE LYETH : 
 HERE BORN, HERE BRED, 
 HEREBVRIED, DECEM- 
 BER ANNO 1613. 
 
 33. In the centre of the two lowermost arches in 
 the middle aisle, opposite the great west window, 
 was a flat stone over the grave of Bishop Wakefield, 
 who it is said added those arches to the Church. 
 This stone was removed wiien the present pavement 
 was laid about the year 1756. 
 
 34. Near to the west end of the south aisle of tb« 
 nave, is a neat white marble Monument to the me- 
 mory of Richard Solly, of York-place, Portman- 
 square, London, Esq. representing his disconsolate 
 widow, seated and leaning very low on a Sarcopha- 
 gus, with an infant daughter in her lap, attended by 
 another standing, and a son kneeling, with their 
 hands joined, whose countenances are deeply ex- 
 pressive of concern for the living, as well as departed 
 parent. These with the mournful emblem of th« 
 drooping poppy, appropriately alluding to his fading 
 in the bloom of life, form an assemblage of pathos 
 that must always assail the heart ; and the whole is 
 •legantly sculptured by the younger Bacon. 0» 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER 107 
 
 the Sarcophagus is this sublime sentiment in gold 
 letters : — 
 
 Absent from the body — but present with the Lord. 
 
 And on a tablet underneath, is an inscription im- 
 porting that being on a tour of pleasure with his fa- 
 mily, he died at Malvern of an iniiamation of the 
 intestines, on the 13th of September, 1803, in the 
 33d year of his age. An affecting lesson of the tran- 
 sitory happiness of this life. 
 
 35. On the same wall near the east end of the aisle, 
 oh a white oval tablet, fixed on a grey marble slab, 
 nearly square, as its ground, is the following very- 
 classical inscription, by Dr. Par* : 
 
 IACOBO. IOHNSTONE^VN. 
 QUI. IN. HAC. VRBE. PER. IX. ANNOS 
 ARTEM. MEDICAM. EXERCVIT 
 ET. DVM. iEGRIS. IN CARCERE. 1NCLVSIS 
 
 OPEM. FEREBAT 
 
 FERRIS. IBI. SiEVIENTIS. CONTAGIONE. 
 
 CORREPTVS 
 
 DECESSIT. XVII. KALE ND. SEPT . 
 
 ANNO. CHRIST!. M.D. CC.LX XXIIl* 
 
 .ETAT. SVM. XXX. 
 
 IACOBVS. IOHNSTONE. M. D- 
 
 FIL. B. M. F. C. 
 
 36. Under the greatEast window, in the Lady Chapel, 
 on the north side, is an elegant plain Monument, to 
 the memory of the venerable Dr. Hurd, the last de- 
 ceased Bishop of this See ; consisting of a neatly de- 
 signed pedestal, and a Sarcophagus surmounted with 
 a Mitre and Crosier, in Alto^elievo, all of whit© 
 
108 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 marble ; backed with a pyramid, of dove marble, 
 terminated like a pointed Gothic Arch ; the whole 
 resting on a black marble plinth, surrounded with a 
 border of the same, and enclosed with iron railing* 
 On the front of the Sarcophagus is this Inscription. 
 
 M. S. 
 
 RICHARDI HURD S. T. P. 
 
 EPISCOPI VIGORNIENSTS PER ANNOS 
 
 FERE XXVII 
 
 QUI OBIIT XXVIII MAII MDCCCVIII 
 
 iETATIS SU.E LXXXVIII. 
 
 On the table of the pedestal, in Basso-relievo, a 
 Cross, with the initials I. N. R. I. on a label ; a 
 glory above, and the motto 
 
 EK niSTEHS 
 below, metaphorically infer that Through faith in 
 the Cross of Christ we rise to glory '• 
 
 Perhaps a better eulogy on the - virtues of this most 
 excellent Prelate could not be conceived, than that 
 pronounced by his worthy Dean (Onslow), in a Ser- 
 mon preached in the Cathedral, on Sunday the 12th 
 of June ; when the Choir was completely hung with 
 superfine black Cloth and Escutcheons. From St. 
 Paul's first Epistle to the Corinthians, chap. 13, 
 v. 12, " For now we see through a glass, darkly ; 
 but then face to face : now I know in part ; but then 
 shall 1 know even as also I am known," the very 
 reverend preacher feelingly expatiated on the uncer- 
 tainty of this life ; and then adverting to the mourn- 
 ful scene before him, dwelt on the eminent quali- 
 ties of the deceased Prelate, particularly his exem- 
 plary moderation in the pastoral exercise of his Epis- 
 copal functions, in language perhaps never more pa- 
 thetically expressed ; concluding with the words of 
 St. Peter, in his second Epistle, w And besides this, 
 giving all diligence, be added to his faith, virtue ; 
 and to virtue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, tern- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 100 
 
 perance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to pa- 
 tience, godliness ; and to godliness, brotherly kind- 
 ness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity." 
 
 37. On the south wall, near the west end of the 
 aisle of the nave, is a neat marble Monument to the 
 memory of Randolph Marriott, Esq. with this In- 
 scription : — 
 
 Sacred to the Memory of 
 
 RANDOLPH MARRIOTT, Esq. 
 
 eldest son of the Rev. Dr. MARRIOTT, 
 
 Rector of Darfield, 
 
 In the County of York, 
 
 And of The Right Honorable 
 
 LADY DIANA FIELDING, 
 
 Daughter of BASIL, 
 
 bth Earl of Denbigh ; 
 
 Having strictly fulfilled every duty of a good Man 
 
 and a sincere Christian, He departed this Life on the 
 
 2d June, 1807, Aged 71. 
 
 38. On a neat white marble tablet, having a crest 
 and a device over, affixed to the same wall, near the 
 tomb of Judge Litleton, is the following classical 
 inscription : 
 
 IACOBO. IOHNSTONE. 
 
 QVI. PER. ANNOS. LI 
 
 IN. AGRO. VIGORNIENSI 
 
 ARTEM. MEDICAM. PERITISSIME. 
 
 EXERCVIT 
 
 MAGNAM. 1NGENII. ET. DOCTRINAE. 
 
 F AM AM 
 
 SCRIPTIS. SVIS. ATQUE. ETIAM. 
 
 1NVENTIS. 
 
 ASSECVTVS. EST. VIXIT A NN. LXXI I 
 DECESSIT. IV. CAL. MAIL MDCCCII 
 
 QVINQVE. L1BER1 
 El VS. SVPERST1TES PATR1.DE.SE. 
 OPT1ME 
 MER1TO. H. M. F. CC 
 
110 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 39. On the other side of the tomb of Judge Litle-" 
 ton, on a similar tablet of white marble, is thia 
 inscription : 
 
 Johannes Clifton, Deeano capitnloqne vigorniensi 
 e Consiliis ; amplissimis Jngenii Dotibns gaudens, 
 Justitia Fide, Benevolentia, Necessitudine nuili 
 eecundus Vitee eeternae potitus est, Oetobris die XIII, 
 Anno Salutis, MDCCCVII. ^Etatis, LIX. 
 
 Maria et Jana Filise carissimae, immature Morte 
 correptee, revixerunt; Ilia Augnsti Die XIII Anno 
 Salut : MDCCCV, Haec Oetobris VIII MDCCCIX. 
 
 40. Against the same wall, near to the entrance 
 
 into the Cloister, is a Monument of white marble, 
 
 containing the following inscription : 
 
 Sacred to the Memory 
 
 Of THOMAS JAMES, Doctor in Divinity, 
 
 Heretofore Fellow and Tutor of King's College in 
 
 Cambridge, 
 
 Sixteen years Head-Master of Rugby School 
 
 In the County of Warwick, 
 
 And afterwards Prebendary of this Church : 
 
 A sincere Disciple of Christ, 
 
 With all the Meekness and Humility of his Master; 
 
 And guileless, 
 
 If ever such thpre were among the Sons of Men* 
 
 He was a Scholar and a ripe and good one, 
 
 Without the smallest spark 
 
 Of scholastic Pride or Acrimony ; 
 
 And with what Zeal, Labour and felicity 
 
 He dealt out the treasures of his Learning 
 
 For the benefit of the rising Generation, 
 
 The present Age knows and acknowledges, 
 
 And succeeding Ages will feel with gratitude ; 
 
 While so singular was the Attachment, 
 
 The Veneration and filial Love of his Scholars 
 
 For their Master, their Friend and their Parent 
 
 As hardly obtained belief, 
 
 But from those who witnessed it, 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. Ill 
 
 Strict himself in the exercise of every Duty, 
 
 Yet compassionate to the Failings of others, 
 
 He held that Virtue the most sacred, 
 
 Which is indeed of all the most, comprehensive, 
 
 The Love of Human Kind. 
 
 Having at his Church of Harrington, On Sunday th§ 
 
 23d day of September, 1804, 
 
 Exemplarily discharged the duties of his pastoral 
 
 Oifice, 
 
 At midnight on a Sudden call of his Master, scarcely 
 
 Wakened from the restless Sleep of this World, 
 
 He slept in Peace everlasting, Aged 55 Years. 
 
 This Memorial of his Virtues was erected by his 
 
 Widow, ARABELLA JAMES. 
 
 There are many more Monuments and Tombs in 
 and about this august and venerable pile, but tha 
 conciseness of our work obliges us to be brief; be* 
 sides, most of them are amply detailed in the works 
 of Dr. Thomas, Dr. Nash and V. Green. 
 
 Since our Account of the Infirmary, Hospitals and 
 other charitable institutions was printed, an act 
 of munificence unexampled in our times, ha* 
 occurred, which would be unpardonable in us 
 did we not avail ourselves of some opportunity to 
 insert in this little volume, and upon delibera* 
 Hon we have selected this as a proper place for 
 the purpose : it will not only point out the place 
 of his interment, but will also remain a memo-' 
 rial of his good deeds. 
 
 On Monday the 25fhday of April, 1815, were de« 
 ♦osited in a vault in the Cloister-green of this Cathe- 
 ral, the remains of Mr. ROBERT VELLERS, 
 ged seventy-two years, who from rather an hum- 
 le beginning in business as a Silk Mercer, in this 
 "ity, by constant assiduity, strict oeconomy and 
 idicious management, acquired a very considerable 
 u-tune 5 which, by his will, made a short tim« 
 
112 HISTORY OP WORCESTER 
 
 previous to his death, he disposed of in the following 
 manner. After many specific Legacies to select 
 friends, he gave 
 
 TO THE WORCESTER INFIRMARY 
 SIX THO USA ND PO UNDS ! 
 To be paid to the Governors of that excellent insti- 
 tution, by his Executors, thus : 
 
 The sum of Three Thousand Pounds (sterling) 
 to be paid within two years, according as the 
 state of the Funds may matte it prudent for his Exe- 
 cutors to sell thereout, which sum when so received, 
 is to be applied by the Governors for the permanent 
 use of the institution. The interest to be paid and so 
 applied in the mean time. And the remaining prin- 
 cipal sums to be applied in like manner after the se- 
 veral deceases of two Annuitants, namely, £iOQ, to 
 his Assistant (aged 40), to whom he also left an 
 handsome legacy, for his diligent and faithful ser- 
 vices : and £50 a year to his housekeeper, aged 
 about 50 years. 
 
 He also gave to the Minister and Churchwardens 
 of St. Michael, in Bedwardine, (the parish in which 
 he resided many years) £100, the interest thereof to 
 be applied by them for the benefit of the most de- 
 serving poor : and to the Minister and Churchwar- 
 dens of the eight united Parishes within the City 
 of Worcester, £100 each, the interest thereof to 
 be by them applied in like manner to the poor of their 
 respective Parishes. 
 
 THE CHOIR. 
 
 The stalls in the Choir, in number fifty-two, 
 were made in 1397, twenty six on each side, of 
 which the Bishop's throne takes up two, and on the 
 oppposite side the Arch-deacon has two. The beau- 
 tiful columns and cornices over the stalls, appear to 
 be more modern, being of fine Irish oak, curiously 
 oarved. Adjoining to the Arch-deacon's stall, on 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 113 
 
 the north side, are the seats of the civil Magistrates 
 of the City, who on particular occasions use this 
 Church. 
 
 The Bishop's Throne is of Oak, ornamented with 
 a variety of emblematical devices : on the top is the* 
 mitre on a cushion, the type of ecclesiastical jurisdic- 
 tion ; below which is an olive branch, the emblem, 
 of peace. 
 
 The Pulpit, which is affixed to the second pillar 
 from the Altar, on the north side of the Choir, is of 
 stone ; its form is octagonal, most elegantly cut in 
 the Gothic mode, having a curious carved represen- 
 tation of the New Jerusalem at the back, and sym- 
 bols of the four Gospels in front. The top is a ca- 
 nopy with festooned embroidered drapery, sus- 
 pended at the several angles by a hand emerging 
 from beneath, and surmounted by a folding riband 
 running round it. 
 
 The Organ, which with its gallery terminates th©_ 
 west end of the Choir, consists of nine stops ; th© 
 trumpet stop is esteemed the finest of the kind in 
 England: the stopped diapason is also excellent. Ifc 
 is of a dimension proportioned to the Church, and 
 forms a grand object when viewed from the Choir 
 or Nave. The east front of the gallery towards th© 
 Choir, incloses the floor of the gallery over the Dean 
 and Prebendal stalls. On this side the lesser, or 
 Chair Organ is seen, which consists of five stops. 
 The pipes of this Organ have their tops inserted be- 
 hind the expanded plumes of a large cherub's wings. 
 The painted decorations are the arms of the See, 
 over which is an angel sounding a trumpet, and hold- 
 ing an olive branch in his left hand, with a carving 
 of the King's Arms, without supporters, at the top, 
 from which on each side is a festoon composed of 
 flowers, fruits, <fec. On a plane in the centre of th© 
 front next the nave, is a painting of the Virgin Mary, 
 with our Saviour in her arms^ over which are th© 
 Arms of England as on the other side : underneath 
 the paiuting of the Virgin and Child, are tlie arms 
 
114 HISTORY OF WORCESTER* 
 
 of the See, displayed by two naked boys, with- 
 drawing a large drapery from before them. On the 
 pannels in the front of this gallery are the arms of the 
 Gentlemen who were contributors towards its erec- 
 tion, which by the date on the cornice, appears to 
 have been in 1614. The centre pane contains three 
 Coats of Arms, viz. — The Arms of the See, impal- 
 ing those of Bishop Parry, the Dean and Chapter^ 
 and Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury. It appears that 
 in 1752, it underwent a very considerable repair, 
 and at this time received the addition of the fine 
 trumpet stop, above noticed. The expence then 
 incurred was £ 300* 
 
 THE CRYPT. 
 
 Under the Choir, is a very extensive vault called the 
 Crypt, (which extends also under the side aisles) 
 supported by several rows of stone pillars. This 
 vault is in length sixty feet, and is ten in height. 
 It appears that many Crypts, or vaults, had their 
 distinct and peculiar dedications, as those at Can- 
 terbury and London ; aud that chapels and altars 
 were set apart and dedicated to particular saints ; 
 they were appropriated to obituary services; and 
 the most distinguished characters among their saints, 
 martyrs, confessors, princes, bishops and founders, 
 have had interment in them, as in the most sanctified 
 part of their respective churches. Here is no trace, 
 however, of the dedication of this Crypt to any of 
 the saints, nor even of an altar, by which to infer it 
 ever received such distinction ; and there only ap- 
 pears one item of any part of it having been used 
 for obituary purposes ; and that occurs on the south 
 •side, nearly opposite its entrance from the great cross 
 aisle of the nave. This part separated from the 
 Crypt at large, as a kind of Chapel, is immediately 
 under the east or second vestry, and of nearly the 
 same dimensions : on the north wall of which, in a re- 
 •es» 7 are visible three Coats of Arms, of the family 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER 115 
 
 of Clare, Earl of Gloucester, some of whom may 
 probably have been buried there. 
 
 THE CHARNEL HOUSE, 
 
 Situated without the walls of the Cathedral, on 
 the north side, between the north entrance of the 
 Church and the entrance to the Bishop's Palace, 
 extending westwardly, is a Crypt or Vault, (over 
 which was an obituary Chapel for the service of 
 the dead) in which the bones* of the bodies interred 
 from time to time were deposited upon their remo- 
 val from the original place of interment, when the 
 Church underwent any alteration or addition, so as 
 to disturb the relics of the dead ; as in early ages the 
 Cathedral and its cemetery, it is said, were the usual 
 places of interment, not only for the City, but also 
 for the principal families of the adjacent country. 
 
 THE CLOISTERS. 
 
 THE cloisters were built in 1 372 ; the east cloister i* 
 125 feet long, the south, west, and north cloisters 120 
 feet each, and the whole 16 feet wide. The vaulted 
 roof is adorned with a variety of sculptures : The 
 area of the Cloisters is used as a burial ground, as is 
 also the ground under the pavement. The body or 
 nave of the Church is contiguous on the north side, 
 having two doorways, one opening to the west 
 Cloister, but seldom used, and the other opening to 
 the east Cloister, most generally used, as it forms a 
 straight and direct communication, passing the 
 Chapter House to the College Green, the residence 
 of the Dean and many of the Prebends. From the 
 east Cloister is a covered passage, leading to the 
 
 • They were piled up in regular order, so as to 
 admit of a person passing freely, for the purpose 
 of depositing when occasion required. 
 
US HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 Deanery, a very ancient building, which has been 
 much enlarged and modernized, by each of its suc- 
 cessive possessors. On the same side of the Cloisters 
 is the entrance into the Chapter House, a circular or 
 rather a ten sided building, 58 feet in diameter, and 
 45 feet high, built at the same time with the Clois- 
 ters. Its groined roof of stone radiates to a centre, 
 "which is supported by a circular pillar, thereby 
 forming a fine umbel, which gives the whole a 
 light and pleasing effect. This room is also the 
 library of the Church, in which are preserved a 
 choice collection of printed books, and many valua- 
 ble manuscripts, chiefly of canon law. The col- 
 lection of books has been greatly augmented of late 
 by the care of the Deans, and the benefactions of 
 private persons. 
 
 COLLEGE HALL. 
 
 Towards the west end of the south Cloister, is the 
 entrance of the ancient refectory, now called the Col- 
 lege Hall ; a lofty room 120 feet long, and 58 in 
 breadth, built with the Cloisters. This is now used 
 as the school-room for the education of forty scho- 
 lars, (founded by King Henry VIII) who receive 
 their education free of expence for five years, in 
 English, Writing, Arithmetic, Latin and Greek, 
 under proper masters ; and a regular preparation for 
 the University. The present head master is the 
 Reverend W. I. Porter, A. M. In this room is 
 also performed the sacred Oratorias, and other select 
 musical compositions of the most eminent masters, 
 at the triennial meetings of the Choirs of Worcester, 
 Hereford and Gloucester, for the benefit of the wi- 
 dows and orphans of the clergy of their respective 
 dioceses. Not far from the door of the Refectory, 
 turning from the south into the west Cloister, is "the 
 ancient Lavatory or Cistern for washing, in which 
 the monks were obliged to wash their hands when 
 going in and coming from their meals. Water to 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 117 
 
 drink was supplied from another cistern, supposed 
 to be within the door of the refectory, having pipes 
 branching to the kitchen and Infirmary. This La- 
 vatory, in form similar to a manger, was supplied 
 by a spring of pure water (possessing similar proper- 
 ties to the celebrated Malvern waters) from Hen- 
 wick Hill, on the other side of the Severn, about a 
 mile up the river, and was conveyed from thence by 
 leaden pipes along Hinton-lane, and under the pave- 
 ment of the old bridge, along the side of the river 
 to the Cloisters, which p 
 civil wars, see page 11. 
 
 DEAN AND CHAPTER. 
 
 The revenues and manors of the ancient Priory 
 of Worcester were granted at the dissolution to the 
 Dean and Chapter by Henry VIII. whose founda- 
 tion charter is dated Jan. 24, 1541-2, for the endow- 
 ment of a Dean, ten Prebendaries, ten Minor Ca- 
 nons, ten Lay Clerks, ten Choristers, two School- 
 Masters, forty King's Scholars, and many other in- 
 ferior attendants or servants of the Church. 
 
 The members of this Chureh are the Bishops 
 Dean, Archdeacon, ten Prebendaries, ten minor 
 Canons, Sacrist, Chanter, head School Master, and 
 under School Master, Organist^ eight Lay Clerks, 
 or Singing men, ten Choristers, forty King's Scho- 
 lars, ten of whom are under the Dean, and three 
 under each Prebendary, two Vergers, two Sextons, 
 two Butlers, one Caterer, one Cook, two Porters, 
 ten Beadsmen. 
 
 Op the ten Prebends in the Cathedral Church of 
 Worcester, nine are in the gift of the King, and one 
 (the sixth) is annexed to the Margaret Professorship 
 of Divinity in Oxford University, by Act of Parlia- 
 ment 3d of Charles I. 
 
US HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 
 
 AN ACCOUNT 
 
 OP THE 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 — * — * — 
 
 CHURCH OF ST. HELEN, 
 
 Situate in the High Street, contiguous to Fish- 
 street, between the Guild Hall and the Cathedral. 
 This is said to be the most aucient Church in the 
 City, and Leland, in his Itinerary, strengthens the 
 opinion ; to which he adds, " that it was a Prebend 
 before the time of King Edgar, to the Cathedral of 
 Worcester." It is at this time a Rectory in the gift 
 of the Bishop. The building is old and venerable ; 
 the style in which it is erected, and the havoc time 
 has made upon its exterior, are evident marks of its 
 great antiquity. Its east end has within these few 
 years, been cased with free-stone, before which, 
 next the street, are iron palisadoes ; and other ex- 
 ternal repairs and alterations are now making, which 
 with the late improvements made in the interior, by 
 rendering the seating more regular, and separating 
 the belfry from the middle aisle, to which it before 
 Jay open, has rendered the Church not only more 
 compact and uniform, but more agreeable and con- 
 sonant to its use. A piece of ground adjoining the 
 Church, on the north west side, was consecrated for 
 a burial ground, on Friday, May 31, 1793 ; conti- 
 guous to which, a new house was built for the Rec- 
 tor's residence, both which are improvements and 
 accommodations heretofore unprovided. The tower 
 of this Church, now taken down for the purpose 
 of being rebuilt, contained eight tuneable bells, re- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 110 
 
 markable for the curious inscriptions on them, re- 
 ferring to the principal victories during the reign of 
 Queen Anne* 
 
 1. BLENHEIM. 
 
 First is my note, and Blenheim is my name ; 
 For Blenheim's story will be first in fame. 
 
 2. BARCELONA. 
 Let me relate, how Louis did bemoan 
 His grandson Philip's flight from Barcelon. 
 
 3. RAMILLIES. 
 Delug'd in blood, I, Ramillies, advance 
 Britannia'3 glory in the fall of France. 
 
 4. MENIN. 
 Let Menin on my sides engraven be, 
 And Flanders freed from Gallic slavery. 
 
 5. TURIN. 
 
 When in harmonious peal I roundly go, 
 Think on Turin, and triumphs of the Po. 
 
 6. EUGENE. 
 With joy I bear illustrious Eugene's name ; 
 Fav'rite of fortune, and the boast of fame. 
 
 7. MARLBOROUGH. 
 But I, with pride, the greater Marlborough beai 1 £ 
 Terror of tyrants, and the soul of war. 
 
 8. QUEEN ANNE. 
 
 Th' immortal praises of Queen Anne I sound ; 
 With union blest, and all these glories crown'd. 
 
 Against the north wall of the chancel of thii 
 Church, is an altar tomb of stone, with a cumbent 
 statue at full length, in magisterial robes, with thii 
 inscription: "Here lieth the body of John Nash, 
 Esq. late Alderman of this City, who was buried 
 May 22, 1662, aged 72 years, and full of good works, 
 as by the liberal provision for the poor and needy, 
 does appear in his last will and testament, dated 
 August 30, 1661. A copy of which was delivered 
 to the Chamber of Worcester, and appointed to b» 
 r«ad once every year to them by the town Clerk." 
 
120 HISTORY OP WORCESTER 
 
 Underneath the Statue on the base, is this inscrip- 
 tion : " Here lieth the body of John, the son of 
 Richard Nash, Esq. of this City, who departed this 
 life the 23d day of November, anno Dom. 1681. 
 iEtatis suae 2do." On the top of all, on a large shield, 
 the arms of Nash, a Chevron between three Grey- 
 hounds. 
 
 On a marble Monument in the vestry, is the fol- 
 lowing monumental inscription : — " Philip Bear- 
 croft, Gent, late Alderman of this City, whose jus- 
 tice and integrity in his public offices, the grateful 
 Citizens can attest; whose humanity to the dis- 
 tressed, and charity to the poor, this parish more 
 particularly experience th, died the 9th of August, 
 1728, aged 80. His first wife, Mary, daughter of 
 Richard Weston, Gent, lies interred at Martley in 
 this County ; by whom he had one child, Mary. 
 His second wife, Eliz. Ford, whose Remains lie 
 near his in this Church, died Sept. 3d, 1731, aged 
 77. Their said daughter Mary, having married 
 John Mence, of the Rock, Gent, and lived many 
 years a widow, after a life spent in doing good, gave 
 at her death many charitable legacies ; among which 
 were, to the Society for propagating the Gospel £100 ; 
 to the Infirmary in this City £100 ;to the Rock pa- 
 rish, in which she lived, and to this parish, where 
 she lies buried, legacies for cloathing poor men and 
 women annually. In testimony of her affection for 
 those her parents, having by her will ordered this 
 Monument to be erected, she exchanged this life fox 
 a better, the 14th of February, 1760, aged 75. 
 
 ST. ALBAN'S, 
 
 Is one of the most ancient Churches in Worcester, 
 situate at the north west corner of Fish Street ; it 
 is a small gloomy edifice, conjectured to have been 
 founded by Ecwine, or Egwine, the third Bishop of 
 Worcester, early in the eighth century, Tne internal 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 121 
 
 jparfs having been lately repaired and cleaned, has se- 
 cured to it a decent appearance, devoid of its former 
 sombre hue. It is a rectory in the patronage of th© 
 Dean and Chapter. About the middle of the southt 
 aisle, is the following Monumental inscription, on a 
 flat stone : George Lewis, who departed this life, 
 the 29th day of Sept. 1790, aged 57. He was the 
 conductor of the Printing Business in the Porcelain 
 Manufactory in this City, upwards of thirty years ; 
 in which capacity his indefatigable attention and in- 
 tegrity were worthy of imitation. 
 
 NEAR the middle of the north aisle, close to the 
 wall, Mr. Chew, Organ Builder, and one of the Lay- 
 Clerks of Worcester Cathedral, buried 1790. 
 
 ST. ANDREWS, 
 
 Situated on the north side of Cooken-street, is a 
 Rectory in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter of 
 Worcester. The Church is old, supposed to hav© 
 been built in the eleventh Century ; its tower, con- 
 taining a Clock and a peal of five Bells, has within, 
 these two years been cased with free- stone; this, 
 with the lofty spire which it supports, forms on© 
 of the most fascinating objects of the place, and as- 
 sails the eyes of all visitants at every entrance into 
 the City ; but the view from the New Road to th© 
 Bridge, from Malvern, is the most beautiful and at- 
 tractive. 
 
 This grand and beautiful piece of Architecture, 
 which for symetry and execution, has not its supe- 
 rior in these kingdoms, was erected by Nathaniel 
 Wilkinson, a native of Worcester, where he lived 
 as a stone mason ; a convincing proof of his supe- 
 rior skill and ingenuity in the building of this. 
 spire, which has stood the wreck of almost seventy 
 years, is at once visible to all connoisseurs, by 
 the exact diminution from the base to the top ; 
 whereas most other spires, particularly that at Sa- 
 lisbury, generally admired, seem to terminate 
 ft 
 
\t2 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 abruptly. However, that the readeT may form * 
 more perfect idea of this beautiful piece of work- 
 manship, the dimensions are here subjoined, as given 
 l>y the builder in 1751. Ft. In. 
 
 The height of the Tower, (part of the ) Qf| n 
 
 old Church) S u 
 
 i the Spire 155 6 
 
 Diameter of the base of the Spire ... 20 
 
 under the Cap 6| 
 
 The spire is terminated with a Corinthian capital, 
 on which is fixed a weathercock, gilt. 
 
 The interior of the Church is now undergoing 
 considerable improvements, which when completed 
 ■will not only make it convenient but handsome ; it 
 contains but few Monuments, and those have been 
 already noticed by Green. 
 
 ALL SAINTS, 
 
 A Rectory in the dispensation of the Crown, is si- 
 tuate near the bottom of the Broad-street, on the 
 aouth side. It is a new Church, built in the year 
 1741. The old church was so much damaged dur- 
 ing the civil wars, that it was found requisite to take 
 it down, and build the present structure, which is 
 of stone. It is well pewed, has a good light, and 
 makes a handsome appearance. The pulpit has 
 lately been removed, and placed immediately below 
 the altar, in the middle aisle ; and evening lecture* 
 are given on Sundays, at six o'clock. 
 
 Near the east end of the south aisle, is an <|>ld Mo- 
 nument of Edward Hurdman, Esq. the first Mayor 
 of Worcester, on which are the effigies of him and 
 his wife, represented kneeling and praying; it has 
 no inscription. In a circular niche, in the pediment 
 of the east front is a bust of Bishop Hongh ; un- 
 derneath which are the arms of the See. The tower 
 is terminated by four pinnacles with battlements, 
 and contains a complete set often very musical bells. 
 The rectory was augmented, ia J.765, to the amount 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 12$ 
 
 of 800?. whereof 600Z. was given by Queen Anne's 
 bounty, 100/. by the parish, and 100/. by th* 
 Rector. 
 
 ST. NICHOLAS, 
 
 Is a Rectory, in the patronage of the Bishop, situat© 
 on the east side of the Cross. It is a handsome well 
 built structure of stone. The front is rusticated 
 and doric, consisting of four pilasters of that order, 
 returned by two, and bailustraded to the return of. 
 the tower, where it is rested upon a parapet wall* 
 The frontispiece is also of the doric order, having 
 3-quarter columns with plain mouldings ; on th© 
 inner pilasters over the doorway, is a circular pe- 
 diment, under which is a earring of the arms of 
 England, with the supporters as large as life. Th© 
 whole w r ell executed. The base of the tower is 
 square, with double breaks at the eorners ; on th© 
 plane fronting the street is the clock dial ; on th© 
 north and south sides are windows, and on the east 
 side a door, opening upon the roof. From a plain 
 cornice it is set off square, with breaks and circular 
 corners, having a window in each plane, with a pe- 
 diment over ; in this story is a peal of six bells. From 
 ihence it is set off to an octagon, in w 7 hose several 
 sides are windows. From thence it is brought into a. 
 round, on which is a cupola supported by eight Tus- 
 can eoiumns, with a pyramidical top, concluded- 
 with a ball and weathercock gilt. This tower is much 
 admired for its varied composition, and is with th© 
 Church a very elegant building. The inside of th© 
 Church is fitted up very neatly, and consists of a cir- 
 cular doric altar-piece, over which is a round window ; 
 upon the glass is a painted dove, the hieroglyphic of 
 the Holy Ghost descending, encompassed with a full 
 glory of excellent transparency that fills up the whole 
 window. In the centre of the cieling is a circular 
 moulding ornamented for a sconce. The seating is 
 of oak, ogee and raised pannels. In 1813, this Church 
 received the addition of an Organ ; for the reception 
 
124 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 of which, and for the accommodation of the pa- 
 rishioners, galleries were erected ; the expence of 
 which was defrayed by contributions, and by sub- 
 scriptions of such of the inhabitants as chose to 
 have seats annexed to their houses ; for which a fa- 
 culty was granted by the Bishop. These additions 
 have given room for a greater auditory ; and since 
 the completion, evening lectures have been given : 
 and although galleries surrounding the area of small 
 Churches, cannot fail to make the under parts more 
 gloomy, yet upon the whole, by its uniform struc- 
 ture, it appears neat, and of course it must be deemed 
 an improvement. Underneath the floor is a spacious 
 vault for the interment of the dead. 
 
 ST. S WITHIN* S, 
 
 This Church is a Rectory, in the gift of the Dean 
 and Chapter, situate at the west end of Mealchea- 
 pen-street, between Goose-lane and Church-street; 
 and owing to its ruinous state, was rebuilt in 1736. 
 It is a neat handsome structure ; the east front has 
 heen lately repaired and beautified ; the interior of the 
 Church is elegantly arranged, and was until lately, 
 the only Church in the City, besides the Cathedral, 
 which had an Organ and Chimes. 
 
 A Rectory, in the gift of the Dean and Chapter, 
 situate at the north west angle of the Corn Market, 
 is a brick edifice on a foundation of stone, with rustic 
 corners, door and window cases, a stone pediment and 
 block cornice of the same. This Church, the area of 
 which is 60 feet by 45, began building July, 1768, 
 dnd opened for service October 11, 1772. The tower, 
 which contains a clock and a set of six bells, is of 
 brick, 70 feet high, strengthened and ornamented 
 with rustic corners and windows, with a balustrade, 
 and pinnacles ©f free stone. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 125 
 
 The inside of this Church is fitted up in a very 
 neat manner ; the pews are of oak, the pulpit of 
 mahogany, and the altar of cedar, ill the centre of 
 which is a glory. In 1812, the westend of the Church 
 over the doorway into the belfry, received the ad- 
 dition of an organ and gallery extending the width 
 of the Church ; the expetice of which was defrayed 
 by contributions. Since these improvements have 
 been made, evening lectures are given on Sundays. 
 
 On a neat marble Monument on the south side of 
 the Altarpiece is this Inscription — In a vault under- 
 neath lies the body of Mrs. Ursula Howman, who 
 
 died Aug. the 28th, 1775, aged 95. Also Mr. 
 
 John Howman, who died Dec. 21st, 1756, aged 74. 
 Benjamin Johnson, Esq. who died July 13, 1773, 
 
 aged 70. And Mary, his Wife, who died 7th of 
 
 April, 1784, aged 75. 
 
 On a very neat marble Monument on the North 
 side the Altarpiece, having the arms of the family 
 in relievo, and an urn covered with drapery on the 
 top — Sacred to the memory of George Wingfleld, 
 Esq. of Leopard, who departed this life the 24th day 
 of August, 1785, aged 49 years. An affectionate 
 Husband, and a valuable Friend. 
 
 On a table over the south door — Mr. Thomas 
 Moore and his Wife Ann founded an hospital in this 
 parish, for the relief and education of 10 poor children 
 of this parish and City, and endowed it with houses 
 and lands in this parish and City worth above £40 
 per aim. She at her death appointed £150 for cha- 
 ritable uses ; which was disposed of by Sir Robert 
 Berkely as followeth, viz. a rent charge of inheri- 
 tance of £9. 3s. 4d. per ann. was purchased, and is 
 to be paid to the Churchwardens of this parish at 
 Christmas and Midsummer, by equal portions, and 
 by them to be distributed as follows, viz. upon every 
 New-year's Day, for ever, 50s. amongst 50 poor 
 people of this parish: upon every Saturday in the 
 year 2s. 6d. to the Governor of the said Hospital, 
 for the better relief of the 10 poor children : and 
 
125 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 every Christmas Eve 3s. 4d, to the Governor of the 
 said Hospital, to make some extraordinary provision 
 for the 10 poor children's dinner on Christma* 
 Day. 
 
 In the Register of this Parish, which begins in 
 the year 1538, is the following curious entry : 
 
 " Mem. that I John Wilkinson, paioon of the 
 " parish Church of St. Martin's, within the City of 
 64 Worcester, have licensed Thomas Heywood, of 
 44 the said parish, mercer, (being very sick in body, 
 44 for the recovery of his former health, if it shall so 
 44 please God) to eat Flesh for the time of his siek- 
 " ness, and no longer, according to the effect and 
 *' meaning of the statute in that case provided Anno 
 44 Quinto Dominoe nostrae Regince Elizabethae nunc 
 44 cap. quinto. 
 
 " In witness whereof 1 the said John Wilkinson, 
 44 have signed this present license with my own 
 44 hand, given the 17th day of Feb. in the 22d year 
 44 of the reign of our sovereign Lady Elizabeth, by 
 
 64 the Grace of God, of England, France, and Ire- 
 44 land, Queen, defender of the faith, <fec. And also 
 W the same licence, according to the purport of the 
 44 same statute aforesaid, registered in the Church 
 
 65 book of the aforesaid parish of St. Martin's, in the 
 44 25th of the same month aforesaid, 
 
 " By me John Wilkinson, parson of St. 
 
 Martin. 
 ? By me Rowland Bartley, one of th» 
 
 Church-wardens there." 
 
 ST. CLEMENTS, 
 
 Is a Rectory, in the gift of the Dean and Chapter 
 of Worcester. The Church was built by the Saxona, 
 after they had fortified the City, to prevent the in- 
 cursions of the Britons. The Republican army, 
 when they took the City, destroyed the City-wall, 
 and also pulled down the tower of the Church. It is 
 at present a small, ancient structure, and does not 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 127 
 
 contain any thing either for observation or remark. 
 One circumstance relating to it is rather singular — 
 that the Church was until lately, the only part of 
 the parish inhabited to the east of the Severn, all 
 the houses being on th* opposite shore : the proba- 
 ble reason for this was, that it was built within the 
 City walls for its security ; so that whatever fate 
 their houses might meet with, the Church should 
 be safe from the devastation of their enemies. 
 
 ST. PETER'S, 
 
 SITUATE near Diglis meadows, a small but neat 
 Church, the whole, particularly the tower, having 
 been lately repaired and beautified, is a vicarage in 
 the presentation of the Dean and Chapter of Worces- 
 ter. According to authentic records, it was founded 
 about the year 1280, and appertained to the Abbey 
 of Pershore, till the period of the dissolntion, in the 
 time of Henry the Eighth. 
 
 ST. MICHAEL'S, 
 
 Is a Rectory in the gift of the Dean and Chapter 
 of Worcester, situate at the north east angle of the 
 Cathedral ; and although its structure appears to be 
 very ancient, yet the care and attention bestowed 
 upon it in its reparation from time to time by the 
 Churchwardens and parishioners, has arrested the de- 
 vastation time generally makes upon such structures. 
 Its inside, in 1755, was cleaned and beautified, and 
 Teceived the additions of a Gallery, new Altar-piece, 
 Communion table and Pulpit ; which has given it 
 altogether a respectable appearance. Here stood 
 the once famous leaden Spire or Clochium,* part 
 of the east wall of which appears to be now re- 
 maining, and makes up the west end of the Church; 
 the other parts of this tower and spire, were pulled 
 
 • See Green : vol. 1 ? p. 42. 
 
128 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 down about the year 1647, and sold for £617, 14*. 2d. 
 which money was given to repair churches and alms- 
 houses destroyed or damaged during the course of 
 the war. Inglethorp's hospital had £113. 3*. id. 
 given them to repair the houses burnt down by the 
 King's forces, and £246 3*. 8d. to purchase a reve- 
 nue. Lady Booth's gift had £20 17*. 3d. allowed 
 to make good what was taken away by force. St. 
 John's, Castle Morton, Dodderhill, and many other 
 Churches, had money allowed them to repair their 
 damages. 
 
 THE TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOHN, 
 
 Consists principally of one spacious street, leading 
 from Worcester to Powick, Malvern, Ledbury, <fcc. 
 in which are many modern and well built houses, si- 
 tuated on rising ground, on the west side of the Severn, 
 contiguous to the City ; from whence are beautiful 
 and commanding views of that side of the City, Ri- 
 ver, and adjoining scenery. The Church is a vica- 
 rage in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of Worces- 
 ter. The structure is old, and the inside very irre- 
 gular in its arrangements, and has nothing worth 
 material notice, except one or two neat Monuments. 
 One at the east end of the south aisle, has this in- 
 scription : — w Here lieth the remains of the truly 
 valuable Edward Cope Hopton, late of the Precincts 
 of the Cathedral Church of Worcester, Esq. of 
 whom it is difficult to say enough, and to say nothing 
 would be unpardonable ; his integrity and honesty, 
 piety and charity, generosity and hospitality, de- 
 clared tiie man, the christian, and the friend ; with 
 patience and christian fortitude, he endured a pain- 
 ful life, which with calmness and serenity he re- 
 signed April 24th, 1754, aged 56, beloved and la- 
 mented by all who knew him." In the tower is a 
 peal of six bells. 
 
 On the Friday before Palm Sunday, annually, 
 feeing the day preceding the first Spring Fair, holden 
 
HfSTORY OP WORCESTER. 129 
 
 in Worcester, the Mayor and Aldermen, attended 
 by the Sword bearer and other City Officers, go in 
 procession, according to an ancient custom, through 
 this township to a place called St. John's Green, 
 and there call a Court of Pied Powder, which they 
 adjourn to hold at a more convenient time and place 
 within the City, although they have no jurisdiction 
 there, being without the City liberties. 
 
 CLAINES, AND TITHING OF WHISTON. 
 
 It will be seen at page 35 of this work, that there 
 are upwards of 15 acres of land within the liberties 
 of the City, in the adjoining parish of Claines, 
 which forms the northern boundary of Worcester ; 
 there is also, on a line with the Foregate-street, 
 leading to Omberslej 7 , Droitwich, <fcc. a large ti- 
 thing extending from Salt-lane, to the tithe barn, 
 which forms a continuation of spacious street, near 
 half a mile in length, on each side of which are many 
 modern, well-built dwelling houses, whose inhabi- 
 tants chiefly perform their religious duties at the 
 Chapel* belonging to St. Oswald's Hospital, (before 
 
 * Against the east wall, on a neat white marble 
 tablet, having the family arms and crest, is the 
 following classical inscription, from the pen of 
 Dr. Parr : 
 
 6i Richard Ingram, Esq. a native of St. PauVs 
 parish, Covent Garden, London, formerly a Mem- 
 ber of Pembroke College, Oxford, afterwards a 
 Student at Lincoln's Inn, and for more than forty) 
 years an Inhabitant of White Ladies, near Wor- 
 cester. Died Oct. 20, 1811, aged 63; and was 
 interred in the Burying Ground of this Chapel. 
 Independent in Spirit as well as Fortune, and un- 
 ambitious alike of Station and of Fame, he pre* 
 f erred the pure and calm Pleasures of a studious 
 Life to the brightest prospect of success in the Law, 
 for the practice of which he teas called to the Bar 
 in 1772. He was a profound Scholar, without 
 Pedantry : An acute Critic, without Acrimony : 
 S 
 
120 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 noticed) which is a very neat and commodioas struc- 
 ture, fitted up appropriately, situate at the north 
 
 Knroh n°f r, anS ° m ? ? ieW > Walk; the parochial 
 Cnurch of Claines being situate nearly two miles 
 further to he north of this tithing, which may now 
 
 2&2EK ft f , C °K aiU Uear 100 ° inhabitanta, ti£ 
 greater part of which live in social retirement, and 
 by its immediate connexion with the City, are par- 
 m^^ 1 ^ * ^theircon^enienciL 
 
 dies, founded by Walter de Cantelnpe, Bi L of 
 Worcester ; parts of the remains of whTch ta2r JtiU 
 be traced in and about the honse, built upon ifs site 
 now occupied by Mrs. Ingram; particularly hJ 
 Refectory and some fragments of the Chapel. It is 
 said there was a subterraneous passage ftriHtaf. *« 
 nery to the Cathedral ; the eSSoPSS 
 still be seen in the north wall of ih* rw„* H 1 
 now closed up. In the latter part of the kS r £?fi 
 part of this passage fell in, at KSwufifiK 
 post, near the Town Hall ' avir? f ln,wi! 
 other parts remain unfilled I "p, by ^ ho low ""J 
 and shaking of toe houses, oi the^og ^^ 
 along the High Street ; particularly toward i fhi n! 
 ihedral The farm whic'h belonged to ^S nunnery 
 is situated about a mile from the City" on the' 
 
 mg subjects of Theology and Ethics : Unshaken 
 ** his attachment to the noblest principles o) dlZ 
 «nd Religious Liberty: Exemplary zi uniting the 
 
 iirn f ^ Jmtl - e ,r th the delicacies of Honour 
 and all the amiable graces ofnatfa* n~ ™nour, 
 
 Sincere *£*}&% ttZ^7f°^. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 131 
 
 Spetchley road, and still bears the name of the nun- 
 nery farm ; as does a coppice adjoining, called the nun- 
 nery wood. Those who are solicitous to gee more 
 of this nunnery, are referred to Nash and Green. 
 
 Besides the parochial Churches, there is near to 
 Sansome Street, a neat Chapel for the use of persons 
 professing the Roman Catholic religion, 
 
 The Presbyterians have a Meeting-house next ad- 
 joining the Subscription Library, at the north west 
 end of Angel- street. 
 
 The Quakers have their Meeting-house and burial 
 ground, at the south west end of Sansome-fields walk. 
 
 The Anabaptists have lately built them a mor© 
 enlarged Meeting-house at the north west corner of 
 Silver-street, which they have fitted up in a very 
 neat and commodious manner. 
 
 The Independents, or Methodists, have also lately 
 built a much enlarged and magnificent Chapel in. 
 Pump-street, the interior of which is fitted up very 
 neatly. 
 
 Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, in Birdport-streef, 
 has received many alterations and improvements, 
 both in its exterior and interior, so as to render it a 
 very convenient and commodious building, and is 
 the only Chapel in Worcester that has an organ, 
 
XZ2 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 PUBLIC WALKS 
 
 AND SOCIAL AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 The diversity of Hill and Dale, and the charm- 
 ing and varied prospect scenery by which this City 
 and its vicinity is encircled, afford to the inhabitants 
 many pleasing and rural walks for amusement and 
 relaxation, after the fatigues and toil of the day; 
 indeed since its population has increased, and the 
 town been enlarged, many of the more opulent, whose 
 avocations confined them during the day, have 
 adopted the London plan of having small suburban 
 villas, for the purpose of breathing a more pure 
 air, and as a retirement in the evening from the noise 
 and bustle of the City, as well as to indulge their 
 families in the enjoyments attendant on a rural and 
 retired life ; and as most of these residences are newly 
 erected, and finished in their accompaniments of 
 gardens, shrubberies, <fec. with some portion of 
 taste, the effect produced thereby, is highly pleasing 
 and ornamental, and makes the Public Walks by 
 these retired villas, agreeable Promenades ; but 
 the principal and most favourite Public Walk, lies 
 parallel with the Foregate-street, and is called San- 
 some Field's. It is shaded on each side by rows 
 of fine elms, from which branch off in various direc- 
 tions, foot paths through rich pastures. For these 
 accommodations the public are principally indebted 
 to the taste and liberality of the late proprietor, Sir 
 Charles Trubshaw Withers, whose handsome man- 
 sion stood at the southern end of this majestic walk ; 
 and although not a very modern building, was consi- 
 dered as an ornament to that part of Worcester ; but 
 since his decease, it has been sold, and the present 
 proprietors have made very considerable alterations 
 and improvements, and rendered it and its neigh- 
 bourhood still more attractive. 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 133 
 
 The Walks over Rainbow Hill, and near Perry- 
 Wood, the site of the engagement between King 
 Charles and Cromwell, are particularly pleasing, and 
 the prospects from thence are as rich and extensive as 
 any in the Comity. The banks of the Severn, and 
 along the line of the new Canal, afford many varied 
 and agreeable Walks. Pitehcroft. where the Races 
 are held, and the Moors adjoining, by being so near 
 to the City, are frequented as Promenades ; and in 
 the summer months the tea gardens at Jleuwiek 
 Hill, on the opposite side of the Severn, (on which 
 a boat is always in waiting), are resorted to, not so 
 particularly as lounges, but for their pleasant and 
 delightful views ; where the vale of the River, the 
 City, enlivened with its numerous towers and lofty- 
 spire, graced with its light and elegant bridge, and 
 by the Cathedral with its numerous spires and pin- 
 nacles ; the whole of which being backed by the 
 summits of tlie neighbouring- woods and hills, equals, 
 if not surpasses in grandeur, any thing of the kind 
 the metropolis can boast. 
 
 In addition to the Theatre and Library, before no- 
 ticed as social and domestic enjoyments, there are 
 card and dancing Assemblies held at the Town 
 Hall, under the patronage of the neighbouring nobi- 
 lity and gentry, as well as public and private Con- 
 certs, held principally at the Hop-pole Inn, where 
 there is a large and commodious room, purposely- 
 appropriated for such amusements. The private con- 
 certs are supported by the inhabitants of the place, 
 whose polite and polished manners have long been 
 considered to vie with most Cities in this part of the 
 Empire. These, with the annual Races, and the 
 triennial Meetings of the Choirs f>i Worcester, He- 
 reford and Gloucester, draw an assemblage of rank 
 and fashion, and strangers of all orders of society ; 
 which tend to keep up a social connexion between 
 the various classes of the community, resident in 
 the City and it# vicinity. 
 
134 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 EMINENT PERSONS, 
 
 NATIVES OF WORCESTER. 
 
 *— # — * — 
 
 Worcester has given birth to many eminent 
 persons, both in literature and other department*. 
 The chief writers are the following ; 
 
 HEMINGUS, 
 
 A Monk of Worcester, who maybe ranked among 
 the ornaments of the City. His compilations, towards 
 the investigation of the history cf ihe anc.eut Sep 
 of Worcester, were selected with great care and 
 industry, and together with some extracts of the 
 late Mr. Graves, were published by the celebrated 
 antiquary, Mr. Heme, in 2 vols. 12mo. 
 
 WILLIAM OF WORCESTER, 
 
 Was also a Monk, and Author of the Itinerary, 
 a curious work, of considerable service in assisting 
 investigation, and illustrating difficulties in the ear- 
 lier historians, 
 
 SENATUS, 
 
 Surnamed Bravonius, who wrote the Lives of St. 
 Oswald and St. Wulstan, and many other tracts. 
 
 FLORENCE OF WORCESTER, 
 
 Was a Monk of the Priory, greatly reverenced 
 by his cotemporaries for his great learning and piety. 
 I know not whether to call him an epitomizer or 
 transcriber of Marianm Sqotus ,* he seems to give 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 135 
 
 himself the latter character, though it must be ac- 
 knowledged that he had added very valuable collec- 
 tions out of the Saxon Chronicle, and other writers, 
 with much care and judgment. Ke so scrupulously 
 adheres to his authorities, that he sometimes retains 
 even their mistakes, which has occasioned Sir Tho- 
 mas Craig to say of him, 4i that he led his followers 
 into error, like so many cattle breaking over a ditch." 
 However, upon mature examination, he cannot ba 
 deemed guilty of the many contradictions laid to his 
 charge. 
 
 RICHARD BEAUCIIAMP, EARL OF 
 WARWICK, 
 
 Was born in the City of Worcester, 1381. H» 
 assisted at the coronation of Henry IV. and mad© 
 such a distinguished figure by his art and courage at 
 tournaments, that the King created him Knight of 
 the Bath, and bestowed upon him many other marks 
 of his favour. At the battle of Shrewsbury, his 
 proofs of courage were so conspicuous, that the 
 King employed him in an expedition against Owen 
 Giyndwr. In the reign of Henry V. he attended 
 that Prince in his expedition into France, and Was 
 present at the Battle of Agincourt, where he be- 
 haved with most astonishing bravery. After the 
 death of that Monarch, he was appointed Regent of 
 France, which high employment he enjoyed only 
 four years, dying in Normandy, A. D. 1439. 
 
 The EARL OF WORCESTER, 
 
 Who was raised to that title by Henry VI. was 
 a native of Worcester, though others say of Ever- 
 don, in Bedfordshire. It is mentioned that this 
 nobleman erected Beauchamp's Court, about three 
 miles to the south of this City, contiguous to 
 the banks of the Severn. Having passed through 
 the highest posts of the reajrn, he preseut* u« with 
 
136 HltffOKY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 a- striking instance of the vanity of worldly gran- 
 deur; for upon the restoration of Henry VI. he 
 alone was sacrificed, and endeavouring to elude the 
 search made for him, was discovered concealed oil 
 the top of a large tree near his mansion, taken to 
 London, and beheaded on Tower Hill, in 1470. 
 Caxton who published many of his tracts, parti- 
 cularly a translation of Cicero de Amicitia, speaks 
 
 thus of this nobleman : " At his deth every 
 
 44 man that was there might learn to dye, and take 
 44 his deth patiently." And afterwards," the noble 
 44 famous Erie of Worcestre, in his tyme, flow'red 
 
 44 iii vertue and cunnyng ; to whom I knew none 
 
 45 lyke amonge the Lords of the Temporaliti in sci- 
 44 ence and moral vertue." Learning, as Mr. Wal- 
 pole, in his list of noble authors observes, had a pa- 
 tron in this nobleman ; but true honour and virtue, 
 on account of his wanton cruelties, will scarcely 
 allow him a seat in their temple. 
 
 THE RENOWNED 
 
 JOHN LORD S03IEKS, 
 
 As tradition relates, was born in Worcester, the 
 4th of March, 1650, in a house near to the east 
 end of the Cathedral, being as a learned writer 
 mentions, a person of extraordinary endowments, 
 and early taken notice of for his great abilities, es- 
 pecially in the knowledge of the law, was chosen, 
 amongst others, the most eminent Councellor of 
 that time, to plead the cause of the imprisoned 
 Bishops, in the reign of King James II. and upon 
 the happy revolution which followed, he was made 
 Lord Chancellor of England ; being also (besides hia 
 extraordinary abilities in that profession, and an ac- 
 curate and uncommon knowledge in the most polite 
 parts of learning) universally esteemed and acknow- 
 ledged to be the ablest statesman of the age, 
 
 Indtedy whether we consider this nobleman as a 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 1ST 
 
 scholar, a statesman, a patriot, or a protector of 
 genius in others, he demands the highest admiration 
 and applause. The annals of Great Britain and the 
 grateful pen of Addison, sufficiently celebrate his 
 character. The MSS. of this eminent statesman 
 and lawyer, filled above 60 vols, in 4to. which were 
 destroyed by fire at Lincoln's Inn, in 1752. A 
 number of scarce tracts had been reprinted from his 
 collection, in 16 vols. 4to. Some remains, Immi- 
 tis ingis Riliquice were published by Lord Hard- 
 wicke, entitled State Papers, from 1501 to 1726. 
 The noble editor observes, that the treatise on Grand 
 Jurors, the just and modest vindication of the last 
 Parliament of Charles II. and the famous last speech 
 of King William, were in Lord Somers's hand 
 writing. 
 
 EDWARD KELLY, 
 
 That extraordinary character was a native of 
 Worcester, bred an Apothecary, and was a good 
 proficient in chemistry; pretending to have the grand 
 Elixir or Philosopher's Stone, which Lilly, in his 
 Life, tells us he made, or at least received ready 
 made from a Friar in Germany. He pretended to 
 see apparitions in a chrystal or beryl looking-glass. 
 The King of Poland ; Alasco, Palatine of Poland ; 
 Pucel, a learned Florentine ; Prince Rosemburg of 
 Germany, and others, were associated with him 
 and Dr. Dee, and often present at their apparitions. 
 But Lilly observes, he was so wicked, that th© 
 angels would not appear to him willingly, nor be 
 obedient to him. Weever, in his funeral monu- 
 ments, allows him to have been a skilful chemist, 
 and that Queen Elizabeth sent for him out of Ger- 
 many, but climbing over a wall at Prague, where 
 it is reported he was imprisoned for a chemical 
 cheat put upon the Emperor, he broke his leg, and 
 died in 1581. 
 
 DR. SANDYS, 
 
 Who greatly assisted in preparing the Book of 
 T 
 
138 HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 
 
 Common Prayer, and the general reformation of the 
 Church, under Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 DR. HICKS, 
 
 Dean of Worcester, much noted for the progres* 
 he made in the investigation of Gothic Antiquities. 
 
 DR. WHITGIFT, 
 
 Whose writings were in great esteem. 
 
 BISHOP PRIDE AUX, 
 
 Was raised from the situation of once desiring te 
 be a parish clerk, to the see of Worcester. 
 
 BISHOP GAUDEN, 
 
 The reputed author of Icon Basilike. 
 
 DR. WILLIAM DERHAM, 
 
 Was born at a small village called Sto niton, near 
 the City of Worcester, 1657. The life of this man 
 was spent in pointing out the infinite wisdom of the 
 Deity, in forming the various bodies of nature. His 
 two treatises, entitled Physico Theology, and Astro 
 Theology, are justly admired by all lovers of virtue 
 and religion ; and there certainly are not two books 
 in the English language better calculated to over- 
 throw atheism, and establish a belief of the divine 
 perfection^ He died in 1725, aged 79. 
 
 EDWARD STILLINGFLEET, D. D. 
 
 A divine of great renown, well versed in ecclesias- 
 tical learning, and in all branches of antiquity. Of 
 his writings, his Origine3 Sacrae, are his noblest and 
 most lasting memorial. 
 
 MR. JOHN DOUGHARTT, 
 
 A celebrated Mathematician, who kept an aca- 
 demy here upwards of fifty years. His principal 
 publications were, a treatise of practical Gauging, 
 and his Mathematical digests. 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 139 
 
 ])R. STAMPE. 
 
 In the parish of St. John's, it has been said was 
 torn Dr. William Stampe ; who was presented with 
 the living of Stepney, and who about the year 1 650, 
 published a treatise, entitled, " Spiritual Infatua- 
 tion, being the present disease of the English nation;" 
 delivered in several sermons at the Hague in Hol- 
 land, by William Stampe, D. D. the imprisoned, 
 plundered, exiled minister of God's word, at Step- 
 ney, near London ; with an epistle dedicatory to 
 his flock, the parishioners of the said parish ;" 
 wherein he exhorts them to return to their allegiance 
 to the King, and shews the advantages of a kingly, 
 over a popular government. 
 
 SAMUEL BUTLER, 
 
 Author of H udibras and other poetical works, was 
 born at Strensham, in this County ; by which parish 
 Register, he appears to have been christened Fe- 
 bruary 14, 1312. He received the first rudiments 
 of his Education at the College Free School here ; 
 from whence he is supposed to have been sent to 
 Cambridge, but never matriculated in that Univer- 
 sity. But the life and writings of this celebrated 
 author are so well known and approved, in this and 
 other countries, as to need no further mention in this 
 concise history than that of Dr. Samuel Johnson's 
 just enconium, who says " his name can only perish 
 with our language." He died in September, 1630, 
 and was buried in the Church Yard of St. Paul's, 
 Covent Garden, where a Monument is erected to his 
 memory ; as also in Westminster Abbey, 
 
 MR, T. WHITE, 
 
 Was a native of this City ; having served a regu- 
 lar time with a statuary in Piccadilly, near Hyde 
 Park Corner, and being a very ingenious young man, 
 
140 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 Sir Christopher Wren took him with him to Rome 
 In the intervals of business, he made admeasure- 
 ments of all the component parts of St. Peter's 
 Church, and assisted Sir Christopher in modelling 
 that of St. Paul's, London. At his return to Eng- 
 land, Wren wo nil have retained him as his foreman, 
 to superintend the building of St. Paul's ; but Mr. 
 White, having an estate in Worcester, ehose rather 
 to retire to his native City, where he lived in great 
 reputation as a master builder and architect. He 
 also, occasionally, exercised the art of sculpture, 
 many beautiful specimens of which are now to be 
 seen in sundry parts of the City. The statue of 
 Queen Anne, now in the front of the Town Hall, 
 the bust of Bishop Hough, at the east end of All 
 Saint's Church ; the bust of King George II. over 
 the gateway at Edgar's Tower ; and that beautiful 
 figure of Britannia in the tything, are said to have 
 been the work of his hands. He is believed to have 
 been architect to several of the new Churches ; and 
 at length, at the request of the Corporation, he un- 
 dertook to rebuild the Town-hall, which he per- 
 formed so much to their satisfaction, that they set- 
 tled vipon him an annuity of 30Z. a year. He never 
 married, lived in easy circumstances, and died about 
 the year 1738. 
 
 WILLIAM THOMAS, D. D. 
 
 Grandson of the Bishop of that name, who died 
 in 1688, was educated at Westminster School, from 
 •whence at the age of seventeen, he was elected to 
 Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his de- 
 grees, and upon his coming to reside at Worcester, 
 was by Bishop Hough preseuted to the Rectory of 
 St. Nicholas, in 1623. He was a learned antiquary, 
 and in 1725, published his Antiquitates Prioratus 
 Malverne ; in 1730, his Edition of Dugdale's War- 
 wickshire; and in 1736, his Survey of the Cathe- 
 dral Church of Worcester. If Providence had spared 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 141 
 
 his life, he intended to have published the History 
 of Worcestershire, for which he made ample collec- 
 tions. He died July 26th, 1738, aged 68, and is 
 buried in the Cloisters of Worcester Cathedral, near 
 his grandfather. 
 
 JOHN WALL, M. D. 
 
 A man of fine genius and inestimable worth. His 
 account of the Malvern waters was a great induce- 
 ment to company to resort to that delightful situa- 
 tion ; and to his knowledge of experimental che- 
 mistry, the Worcester China Manufactories are 
 much indebted for the great improvements made in 
 their materials. He also excelled in the art of paint- 
 ing. Dr. Wharton, who speaking of his capital 
 picture of Brutus condemning his sons, writes thus , 
 44 This subject has been well executed by Dr. Wall: 
 44 of Worcester, whose fine genius for history paint- 
 44 ing would make us regret that his time is era- 
 44 ployed in another profession, were it not for the 
 44 interest of mankind that he is so employed. Ha 
 died in the year 1776. 
 
 JAMES JOHNSTONE, JUN. M. JJ. 
 
 Was an eminent Physician in Worcester, whose 
 knowledge of medicine, correct application, dili- 
 gence and success, gave him a large share of medical 
 practice in the City and County, for he displayed 
 that happy sagacity and discernment, that energy, 
 tempered with prudence in his practice, which 
 alone belongs to the rare character of a Physician of 
 genius ; and a little before his death he was looked 
 up to as one who would soon arrive at the head of his 
 profession, as his abilities and knowledge were great 
 and extensive, hi3 manners remarkably cheerful and 
 pleasing, and his vigour of body seemed to promise 
 a longer life ; but being called upon by the Magis- 
 trates of the County to visit the prisons, where many 
 
lit HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 laboured under the gaol fever, he, nobly attentive to 
 his duty, but negligent of his own safety, went into 
 the cells and dungeons full of pestilential contagion, 
 and restored health to the miserable sufferers ; bufc 
 his own invaluable life fell a sacrifice to the exer- 
 tion. He was seized with the dire contagion, and 
 fully persuaded that the event would be fatal, he 
 was conveyed to his father's house in Kidderminster, 
 to receive from him the last attentions of parental 
 skill and affection. Every medical eifort proving 
 ineffectual, he died a greatly lamented victim in 
 the discharge of one of the most dangerous duties of 
 his profession, August 16th, 1783, in the 30th year 
 of his age. (See an account of the Monument erected 
 to his memory, in Worcester Cathedral, at page 107 
 of this work. 
 
 His Thesis on the Angina Maligna, and the Eng- 
 lish translation, published in 1779, were considered 
 as masterpieces, and recommended to the attention 
 of Physicians by Dr. C alien; the late Dr. Fothergill, 
 Dr. Rowley, and others likewise bestowed much 
 commendation upon it. 
 
 RICHARD HURD,D.D. Bishop of Worcester, 
 
 Born at Congreve, near Penkridge, in Stafford- 
 shire, Jan. 13, 1719-20; and died at Hartlebnry 
 Castle, May 28, 1808. To the classical pen of this 
 eminent prelate, the world is indebted for many 
 theological and critical works ; written in the purest 
 and most impressive style and language. If a selec- 
 tion may be made from these, the twelve sermons 
 on the prophecies, originally preached at Lincoln's 
 Inn Chapel, before the benchers, perhaps may claim 
 the pre-eminence. Asa preacher, the pious fervor 
 of his eloquence fascinated the attention, and the 
 soundness of his doctrine assailed the heart : and as 
 a true disciple of his divine master, he was what a 
 Bishop ought to be, " a pattern of good works." 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 14S 
 
 TREAD WAY RUSSELL NASH, D. D. 
 
 F. S. A. 
 
 Born at Clerkenleap, in the parish of Kemsey, in 
 this County, June 22, 1725; and died Jan. 26, 
 1811, at his seat at Bevere near this City. This 
 learned antiquary was indefatigable in the illustra- 
 tion of his native County ; of which he was very* 
 fond, and in which he had a very considerable stake. 
 Two large folio volumes of collections for its His- 
 tory, he published in 1781, and 1782 ; with nume- 
 rous plates, and a beautiful fac-simile of Domes- 
 day relating to the County ,• one of the first, if not 
 the very first, attempts of the kind ever published. 
 These were followed by a superb Quarto Edition of 
 Hudibras, with notes, in three volumes, with plates, 
 in 1793; and a supplement to his Worcestershire in 
 1799 ; all which are before the public, and rising in 
 reputation daily. His style is plain and unassum- 
 ing, as the historical page should be ; expressing a 
 seeming diffidence of his own powers as an historian : 
 a modesty not often met with in such superior 
 ability. 
 
 VALENTINE GREEN, F. S. A. 
 
 Mezzotinto Engraver to his Majesty, and Author 
 ©f the History of Worcester ; born at Salford, near 
 Evesham in this County, October 3, 1739 ; and 
 died June 29, 1813. His first survey of this City 
 was published by S. Gamidge, in 1764, in one vol. 
 Octavo, under the correction of the Rev. Samuel 
 Garbet, then resident here. What corrections, ad- 
 ditions and embellishments that work received in 
 the second edition of 1796, in two elegant volume» 
 quarto, (which many have thought inferior in con- 
 ciseness and merit to the first), may be seen by a 
 comparison of the works themselves. Suffice it to 
 say that both of them will remain memorials of the 
 author's diligent research in the archives of his al- 
 most native City ; for which he always retained an 
 inviolable regard. 
 
144 HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 
 
 Remarkable Occurrences, 
 
 RELATING TO THE 
 
 CITY OF WORCESTER, ROYAL VISITS, 
 4». <fec 
 
 1041. — A sreat tumult at Worcester. — Seep. 4. 
 
 1113.— The 13th June of this year, the City with 
 all its Churches, together with the Cathedral Church 
 tod Castle, were consumed by tire, and oup Monk, 
 with two of their servants, and fifteen Citizens, 
 perished in the ilames. 
 
 1133. — In November of this year, great part of 
 the City was again burnt by casual tire, and the Ca- 
 thedral Church much damage,!. 
 
 1139. — lu the beginning of the civil wars between 
 Stephen and Maud the Empress. William de Beau- 
 champ, then Lord of this City and Castle, was by 
 the King turned out. as being too much in the inte- 
 rest of the Empress, and the same was given to 
 Walleran. Earl of Mellent. To revenge which, 
 Robert Earl of Gloucester came with an armed 
 force, took the City, burnt part of it, and spoiled 
 the whole. 
 
 This Walleran Earl of Mellent afterwards in- 
 curred the displeasure of King Stephen, and he was 
 resolved to take from him what he had given him : 
 to this end. 1150, he assaulted the City with a 
 great army, took it. plundered it. and burnt it, but 
 could not take the Castle. 
 
 1168. — King Henry II. crowned in the Cathedral. 
 See page 83. 
 
 Worcester was fortified by Hugh Mortimer, against 
 Henry II. but on the approach of the Royal forces, 
 be submitted and was pardoned. 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 145 
 
 —Almost all Worcester destroyed by fire. 
 1202. — Xhe Cathedral and adjacent office*, with 
 great part f the City, burnt. 
 
 1207.— King John came to Worcester in Septem- 
 ber, and performed bis devotio Wulstan'a 
 tomb, at which time he gave to the monastery 100 
 marks towards the rebuilding their cloisters, and 
 office--. 
 
 12 14.— King John kept his Christmas here. 
 
 1216.— This year Louis the Dauphin, eldest son 
 of the King of France, who had been sent for by 
 the Barons to ascend the English throne, came be- 
 fore Urn City, to whom it submitted, aud received 
 William, the son of W T illiam Mareschal, to main- 
 tain bit interest among them : but on St. Kenelm's 
 day, July 17, the Earl of Chester, with others 
 came upon them, took the City, plundered the 
 Monks, aud taxed them at three hundred marks, to 
 pay which they were forced to meltdown the shrine 
 of St. Wulstan. 
 
 King John died soon after, and was brought hi- 
 ther and buried in the Cathedral between St. Os- 
 wald and St. Wulstan, *ee page 90. 
 
 1232.— King Henry III. kept the festival of the 
 Nativity, at Worcester. 
 
 1234.— The King kept Whitsuntide at Worces- 
 ter, and there invested Gilbert Mareshal. the new 
 Earl of Pembroke, fa younger brother of' William 
 before mentioned) with the order of Knighthood. 
 
 1263.— Robert de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, 'and 
 other Barons, laid siege to the City of Worcester, 
 and after several assaults, took it 28th February. 
 The church they spared, but rifled the houses of the 
 Citizens, and put some of the Jews to the sword, 
 and imprisoned others. 
 
 1264.— Towards the end of this year. King Henry 
 III. was brought to Worcester, by the Earl of Lei- 
 cester, having fallen into his hands at the battle of 
 Lewis. 
 
 1265.— Prince Edward, afterward* King Edward 
 
 ¥ 
 
146* HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 the first, who had been taken prisoner by Simon de 
 Montfort, was carried with the King, his father, 
 to the eastie of Hereford, from whence he escaped 
 to Worcester by stratagem. Here an army was 
 speedily assembled under his banners, which enabled 
 him shortly afterwards, to defeat that of the Earl of 
 Leicester, in the famous battle fought at Evesham, 
 on the 4th of August of that year, in which Mont- 
 fort and many of his principal adherents were slain. 
 By this important victory gained by the Prince, the 
 regal power of the kingdom was restored, and the 
 captive Henry who had been placed in the front of 
 the battle, clad in a suit of Leicester's own armour, 
 was miraculously preserved, and ultimately restored 
 to his throne and kingdom. 
 
 King Edward the first, who seems to have had a 
 pre lilection in favour of the City, after his accession 
 to the throne, made eleven visits to Worcester in 
 different years. The first in September 12'/ 6, the 
 second in October 1278 ; when Llewellyn Prince of 
 Wales met him there, and was gratified with the 
 marriage of an English heiress, daughter of Simon 
 de Montfort : the third was on Christmas eve, in 
 1281; the next year he came in May, and held a 
 Parliament, about a military expedition against 
 that Prince. In November 1283, we find him again 
 at Worcester, and in March 1289, and November 
 1291 He came twice in the year 1294, to pay his 
 devotions to St. Wulstan. In July, he came hi- 
 ther by water ; in April 1301, he brought his Queen 
 with him then big with child, and took the pleasure 
 of being rowed to Kemsey, along one of the finest 
 rivers in this kingdom. 
 
 1281.— April 27, Godfrey Giffard. Bishop of Wor- 
 cester, laid the first stone of the pavement of th» 
 town. , . , 
 
 1299.— A street in the suburb of Worcester, lead- 
 ing to St. John's, was entirely consumed by fire. 
 
 1313.— The stone bridge was built across the Se- 
 vern, as appears by the Priory register. The for- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 147 
 
 mer bridge was, it is probable, of wood, and had 
 been destroyed by the above mentioned conflagra- 
 tion. 
 
 1342. — On the 11th April, a plague broke out in 
 Worcester, very fatal to the inhabitants. 
 
 1349. — Another pestilence which carried off so 
 many of the citizens of Worcester, as to make it 
 unsafe to admit interments of those who died of it, 
 in the cemetery of the Cathedral, on which account 
 Bishop Wulstan de Brannsford, granted the Citizens 
 leave to have a burying place at St. Oswald's Hos- 
 pital. 
 
 1401. — Worcester burnt and plundered by Owen 
 Cflendowr's troops, from whence Henry IV. drove 
 them back to Wales. The King in his return halted 
 at Worcester, where, on the approach of winter, he 
 dispersed his troops, and privately made his way to 
 London. 
 
 1407 — Henry IV. visited Worcester twice this 
 year. 
 
 1459. — After the battle of Bloreheath, on the 
 borders of Staffordshire, between the Yorkists and 
 Lancastrians, the success of which, favoured the 
 Royal party, Henry VI. came to Worcester, from 
 whence he sent offers of pardon to the Earl of War- 
 wick's party, which were refused by their leader. 
 
 1484. — A most wonderful flood of the Severn, 
 which carried away men, women and children. 
 
 1485. — This year was fought the memorable bat- 
 tle of Bosworth field, in which King Richard the 
 third was slain, and the City of Worcester seized 
 into the King's (Henry VII.) hands, and men be- 
 headed at the high cross ; and there were paid for 
 the redemption of the City, 500 marks, whereof 
 300 went to the King, and 200 to the Duke of 
 Bedford. 
 
 King Henry VII. his Queen, Prince Arthur, and. 
 the Countess of Richmond, the King's mother, vi- 
 sited Worcester at the same time, 
 
148 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 1534. — A great earthquake happened at Worces- 
 ter, on the 15th clay of September. 
 
 1552. — January 25th, the Lady Princess Mary, 
 came to Worcester ^ she had not then completed 
 her 10th year. 
 
 1570. — Richard Denson, barge master, brought; 
 the first vessel loaded with coals, by water, (on the 
 Severn) to Worcester. 
 
 1574. — August 13th, Queen Elizabeth honoured 
 the City of Worcester with her presence, at which 
 time among other benefactions, she made a grant of 
 free bench to widows, whose husbands died seized 
 of freehold lands within the City, by which they are 
 empowered to enjoy such freehold estate during 
 their lives, in preference to any claim that may be 
 made by creditors, or any claiments whatsoever, in 
 cases of insolvency or otherwise. 
 
 1637. — In the beginning of June, a most destruc- 
 tive pestilence broke out in this city, and continued 
 its ravages till April following, during which time it 
 appears that 1551 persons fell sacrifices to its fatal ef- 
 fects. 
 
 1642. — Siege of Worcester — see page 9. 
 
 1645. — King Charles first, came with his army on 
 Sunday, August 31st, from Shipston upon Stonr, to 
 Worcester, where they rested till Wednesday the 3d 
 September, when they removed to Bromwich, in 
 Herefordshire, where his court was, and the army lay 
 in the fields. The guards lay at Claines, while th© 
 King was at Worcester. 
 
 1646. — Siege of Worcester — see page 12. 
 
 1651. — Battle of Worcester — see page 15. 
 
 1661.— March 14, Ursula Corbett,of Defford in th» 
 County of Worcester, burnt at Worcester for poison- 
 ing her husband, having been married three weeks. 
 
 April 13th, The choir service was said and sung in 
 the cathedral, for the first time since 25 July, 1646. 
 
 1662. — February 13th, The price of wines was 
 fixed by proclamation: Canary, Alicant, Muscadel, 
 Sack and Malaga, at £,29 the butt or pipe, and Is. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 14S 
 
 6d.per quart, Rhenish, 12d. per quart; French wine 
 £.23 per tun and 8d. per quart by retail. 
 
 1672. — December 23d, a great flood happened on 
 the Severn, the rise of which is marked by a plate 
 still remaining in the wall, by the side of the river 
 near the water gate. 
 
 1687.— On the 23d. August, King James 2d. hav- 
 ing his Queen at Bath, arrived at Worcester in his 
 progress to Cheshire. The next morning being the 
 feast of St. Bartholemew, the king attended in the 
 cathedral, to gratify those who offered themselves 
 for healing ; and this ceremony performed, proceeded 
 in great solemnity to the popish chapel built at his 
 accession to the throne, on the east side of the Fore- 
 gate street preceeded by the Mayor, Aldermen, 4*c. 
 On their arrival at the oratory, his Majesty asked, if 
 they would not go in with him ? to which the Mayor 
 (Thomas Shewring, Esq.) replied, " I think we have 
 attended your Majesty too far already," depositing 
 the sword therefore, before the King in the Chapel, 
 and making their reverence to him, they retired, 
 and returned to divine service at the cathedral. 
 
 1723 — The summer assizes of this year, were 
 first held in the present Guildhall. 
 
 1724. — June 11th. a severe storm of thunder and 
 lightning here, did much damage. 
 
 1733.— June 5th. The steeple of St. Andrew's 
 church, was so much fractured by lightning, that it 
 was obliged to be taken down and rebuilt. At the 
 same time other damage was done in the city. 
 
 1750. — July 16th. A terrible storm of thunder, 
 lightning and rain, which terrified the inhabitants, 
 and did very considerable damage. 
 
 Hannah Snell, (the female soldier.) a native of 
 Fryer-Street in the city of Worcester, made the fol- 
 lowing deposition before the Lord Mayor of London. 
 Vide Gents. Mag. for June and July, 1750. 
 
 Hannah Snell, born in the city of Worcester, in 
 the year of our Lord 1723, and who took upon her 
 the name of James Grey, maketh oath and saitb, that 
 
50 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 she this deponent served his present majesty King 
 George, as a Soldier and Sailor, from the 27th of 
 November 1745, to the 9th of this instant June, and 
 entered herself as a Marine, in Capt. Graham's com- 
 pany in Col. Eraser's regiment, and went on board 
 the Swallow his Majesty's sloop of war, to the East 
 Indies, belonging to Admiral Boscawen's squadron, 
 where this deponent was present at the siege of Pon- 
 dieherry, and all the other sieges during that expedi- 
 tion, in which she received twelve wounds, some of 
 which were dangerous, and was put into the Hospital 
 for cure of the same, and returned into England in the 
 Eltham man of War, C. Lloyd commander, without 
 -the least discovery of her sex. And this deponent fur- 
 ther maketh oath and saith, that she has delivered to 
 It. Walker, Printer, in the Little Old Bailey, London, 
 a full and true account of the many surprising inci- 
 dents, and wonderful hardships she underwent dur- 
 ing the time she was in his Majesty's service as afore- 
 said, to be by him printed and published. And this 
 deponent lastly saith, that she has not given the least 
 hint of her surprising adventures to any other person, 
 nor wili she, this deponent, give the least account 
 thereof, to any person whatsoever to be printed or 
 published, save and except the above-mentioned Rob. 
 Walker. 
 
 Sworn before me this 27th day of June, 1750, at 
 Goldsmiths Hall, London. 
 
 Witness, J. Blackford, Mayor. 
 
 Susannah Snell, Hannah Snell, 
 
 sister of the said Hannah Snell. her mark ft 
 
 T. Edwards. 
 His majesty granted her an allowance of one shilling 
 a day for her natural life. 
 
 1751. — The Porcelain Works, situate in Palace 
 Row, on the banks of the Severn, established by 
 Dr. Wall and other Gentlemen, under the firm of 
 the Worcester Porcelain Company. 
 
 1757. — In the spring assizes of this year, a violent 
 west wind blew down a stack of chimnies from the 
 
HTSTORY OV WORCESTER. 161 
 
 south wing of the Guildhall, which fell upon the roof 
 of the Nisi Prius bar, whilst the court was sitting, 
 broke through the cieling.and killed 6 men on the 
 SD ot who were buried in the ruins*, many others 
 wee terribly bruised. Sir John Eardley Wilmoi, the 
 jadge, then presiding, with great difficulty escaped- 
 unhurt, by making his way close to tne wall of the 
 court, round the ruins, and through the hall door. 
 Mr Baron Adams, who sat at the crown bar, had 
 adjourned the court, and was gone to his lodgings but 
 a few minutes before this melancholy aecident hap- 
 pened, which put an entire stop to the business of the 
 
 1782 —August 11th. A London carrier residing iff 
 New-street, in the city of Worcester, having brought 
 down 3 barrels of gunpowder, set. them, whilst other 
 articles were unloading, by the warehouse door, on 
 one side the gateway. The cask? being not so close 
 and firm as they ought to have been, some of the 
 powder unluckily scattered, and a little boy, seeing 
 a train of gunpowder thought to divert himself by 
 setting fire"to it, which kindled the whole- and blew 
 up the warehouse, gatehouse, and part of a dwelling 
 house. The houses on the opposite side of the way 
 suffered greatly, and others in proportion to their dis- 
 tance and situation, particularly the windows and til- 
 ing of some buildings more remote. 1 he windows of 
 the Town hail, though at a considerable distance, and 
 behind the house of the said carrier, received some 
 damage from the shock, as also those of the parish 
 church of St. Swithin's, which were still at a greater 
 dist ance. The report was so great as to be heard 9 
 or 10 miles, particularly by some reapers m a field 
 adjoining the town of Pershore. The child who was 
 the unhappy instrument of all this miscnief, may be 
 well supposed to have paid his life for it, and was so 
 terribly burnt, and withall so black, that the only 
 mark left whereby to distinguish him was his but- 
 
 ° 1768.— .December 20th, two very smart shocks of 
 
152 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 an earthquake were felt in this city between five and 
 six o clock in the evening ; its direction was from east 
 to west. 
 
 1770.— A very great flood on the Severn, did consi- 
 derable damage to the City bordering on the river, 
 and endangered the lives of many of the inhabitants; 
 iortuna.ely, however, none were lost. On the Priory 
 wall at the water gate, is a memorial of this inunda- 
 tion fixed np, indicating that on the 18th of Novem- 
 ber 1770, the flood rose to the lower edge of this brass 
 plate, being 10 inches higher than the flood which 
 happened December 23rd, 1672. 
 
 1788 —August the 2nd their Majesties, the Duke 
 ot \ork Princess Royal, Princesses Augusta and 
 Elizabeth, passed through Worcester from Chelten- 
 ham on a visit to Dr. Hurd, Bishop of Worcester, at 
 Hartlebury, and returned to Cheltenham in the after- 
 noon. 
 
 Aug. 5th. between seven and eight o'clock in the 
 evening, their Majesties, Princesses and suit arrived 
 at the Bishops palace, for the purpose of honouring 
 with their presence the triennial meeting of the three 
 choirs, Worcester, Hereford, and Gloucester, which 
 was celebrated this year at Worcester. As the royal 
 party approached the palace, the college bells were 
 rung with the greatest glee, and in a few minutes all 
 the steeples m the town resounded with joyous peals 
 The next morning, his Majesty being an early 
 riser, had surveyed the cathedral and its precincts, 
 and walked to almost every part of the town before 
 seven o'clock. At half past Ten, his Majesty held 
 a levee at the palace, when the bishop, attended by 
 the Dean, prebendaries, and some of the parochial 
 clergy, addressed the King, in a loyal and dutiful 
 speech ; to which his Majesty returned a most gra- 
 cious answer. His Lordship afterwards addressed the 
 Queen in a short speech. The corporation of the 
 City, (72 in number) attired in their proper gowns, 
 and attended by their officers, were next introduced. 
 The Right Hon, the Earl of Coventry, as recorder, 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 153 
 
 was pleased to accompany them, and address the 
 King, in a very elegant speech. To which his Ma- 
 jesty returned the following answer: 
 
 " The loyalty and affection which I have expe- 
 rienced amongst my subjects in this part of the king- 
 dom, and especially on this occasion, are an ample 
 recompense to me for the public service of twenty- 
 eight years. 1 ' 
 
 The several members of the corporation had the 
 honour of kissing the King's hand, after which he 
 conferred the honour of Knighthood en Charles 
 Trnbshaw Withers, Esq. a county magistrate.— 
 At half past eleven^ their Majesties and Princesses, 
 with their retinue, proceeded to the Cathedral, 
 where a magnificent gallery was prepared for their 
 reception, under the great west window of the 
 nave ; it was spread with a rich Worcester Carpet, 
 lined and faced with crimson silk, and shaded with a 
 lofty canopy of the same, terminating in a crown. 
 In the afternoon their Majesties walked to the house 
 of Messrs. Flight and Barr, in High-street, for the 
 purpose of inspecting the beautiful Porcelain manu- 
 factured at their works, of which the King ordered 
 several elegant Services. They then proceeded to 
 Messrs. Michael and Watkin's Carpet Manufactory 
 in Silver-street, whose productions were likewise 
 honoured with their approbation and orders. 
 
 On Thursday Aug. 7th, his Majesty visited dif- 
 ferent parts of the town. 
 
 On Friday the 8th, his Majesty having signified 
 his pleasure to pay a visit to the corporation, at the 
 town-hall. The Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and 
 Common Council in their gowns, attended by their 
 proper Officers, Band of Music, and Flags of the 
 City Companies, repaired to the Palace, and con- 
 ducted his Majesty from thence in procession to the 
 hall. The Mayor bearing the Sword, and four se- 
 nior Aldermen the Maces : his Majesty having first 
 Viewed the Courts of Justice, pictures, &c. on the 
 ground floor, proceeded up stair* to the Assembly 
 Y 
 
154 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 Room, where he was graciously pleased to accept 
 of a glass of port wine, and drank " Prosperity to 
 the City and Corporation of Worcester." On his 
 jMajesty's commanding them to ask some mark of 
 Jlis royal favour, the Recorder, in the name of the 
 body, requested the picture of a Sovereign who had 
 conferred so distinguished an honour on them, to 
 which his Majesty most graciously assented. After 
 retiring from thence, he proceeded with the Queen 
 and Princesses, from the Palace to the Cathedral, 
 to hear the Oratorio of the Messiah, at which near 
 3000 persons were present. 
 
 On Saturday morning the 9th. their Majesties, 
 Princesses, and several of the nobility, visited the 
 Porcelain Works belonging to Messrs. Flight and 
 Barr, and minutely inspected the whole process, 
 with which they were highly pleased. At Eleven 
 o'Clock, the Royal Family and Suit left this City, 
 and returned to Cheltenham. 
 
 Their Majesties gave £50. each to be distributed 
 amongst the poor of the City ; and the King gave 
 £200. to the collection for relief of clergymen's wi- 
 dows and orphans, in the three diocesses ; and £300. 
 to liberate debtors of a certain description, beside* 
 many private donations. His Majesty also pardoned 
 such criminal prisoners under sentence of transpor- 
 tation, as from the regularity of their conduct in the 
 gaol, or other favourable circumstances appeared (in 
 the judgment of the magistrates) to deserve it. 
 
 1791. — On midsummer day, there was a most 
 alarming flood of the Severn. 
 
 1795. — The Severn from the severity and long 
 continuance of the frost of last winter, was com- 
 pletely frozen over, so that people daily passed and rer 
 passed over ii in many places, above and below the 
 bridge, and indeed walked along its centre, from the 
 bridge to near the boat house, particularly on the 
 23d. January, whei\ it became a general promenade, 
 which induced a Printer of this City to record this 
 Jttemorable event ; by setting up his Printing Press 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 153 
 
 upon it, and distributing to the populace there as- 
 sembled (for a small sum each) a paper containing 
 the following notices, and apt quotation, viz. 
 
 " The art of Printing was invented by Lawrence, 
 John Koster, and brought into England by Caxtoa 
 and Turner, in the year 1468." 
 
 "His hoary frost, His fleecy snow 
 " Descend and clothe the ground ; 
 1 The liquid streams forbear to flow, 
 " In icy tetters bound." 
 
 " Psalm CXLVII. verse 16, 17. 
 M Worcester, Printed upon the Severn, Jan. 23d. 1796* 
 
 On the 12th February this year, was one of the 
 highest and most alarming floods of the Severn^ 
 known since the building of the present bridge, which 
 by the breaking up of the ice which choaked its pas- 
 sage, threatened its destruction ; however, it with- 
 stood its fury without damage. The waters rose 
 precisely to the height of that which happened in 
 1672, and was 3 feet above the high water line of 
 the bridge. 
 
 On a stone fixed on the wall of the north parade^ 
 near the bridge, is the following memorial. 
 
 " On the \2th of February, 1795, the flood rose 
 to the lower edge of this stone. T. P. C." 
 
 On the 18th of November of the same year, a 
 slight shock of an earthquake was felt in this City, 
 a few minutes before 11 o'clock at night. 
 
 1796. — August 13th, their Serene Highnesses th© 
 Prinee and Princess of Orange, came to Worcester, 
 and visited the Porcelain Manufactory of Messrs. 
 Chamberlains, to whom they gave orders. 
 
 On the opening of the Tomb of King John, in 
 the Cathedral, on Monday July 17th, 1797, a gen- 
 tleman of this City took an handful of the skeleton* 
 
155 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 or skins of maggots, that were in and about the Ab- 
 domen of the body, and angled with them in the 
 Severn ; and absolutely caught a brace of Bleak with- 
 them. 
 " Imperial Caesar, dead and tum'd to clay, 
 " Might stop a hole to keep the wind away : 
 u O, that that earth, which kept the world in awe, 
 M Should patch a wall to expel the winter's flaw !" 
 
 1801. — The spire of St. Andrew's being much 
 damaged, by a violent storm of wind, from the S. W. 
 was this year taken down for a considerable way, 
 and rebuilt by Mr. Nelson, a stone mason of this 
 City. 
 
 1802.— Aug. 30th. The late Admiral Lord Nel- 
 son, came to Worcester, when the Corporation pre- 
 sented him with the freedom of the City. His 
 Lordship visited Messrs. Chamberlains China Manu- 
 factory, and gave them extensive orders. 
 
 1803. — His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumber- 
 land visited Worcester, in the months of March, and 
 August of this year, when he was pleased to view 
 the Public Buildings, and also to inspect the Porce- 
 lain manufactured by Messrs. Flight and Barr, 
 which he greatly approved. 
 
 1807.-^-August 20th, his Royal Highness the 
 Duke of Gloucester, attended by his Equerries, and 
 Lord and Lady Foley, visited this City, and viewed 
 the Cathedral, the Town Hall, and Bishop's Palace, 
 and was conducted over the Porcelain Works of 
 Messrs. Flight and Barr, who have since manufac- 
 tured a superb Service for his Highness. 
 
 Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, 
 and Duke of Sussex, being on a visit to the Mar- 
 chioness of Downshire, at Ombersley court, in this 
 County, were pleased to honour the City with their 
 presence, (on Friday, 25th September) accompa- 
 nied by the Marchioness of Downshire, several of 
 the neighbouring nobility, and other persons of 
 disUoctioD. Tbe Royal party were received in 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 157 
 
 the City by the Worcester and Birmingham Volun- 
 teers, who lined the principal streets, leading to the 
 Town-hall with presented arms, the bands playing 
 '* God save the King, <fec. M On their arrival at the 
 Town-hall, they were received by the CorporaMon, 
 attended by the venerable Recorder the Earl of Co- 
 ventry, who complimented their Royal Highnesses 
 for the honour they had conferred on the Citizens of 
 Worcester, by their Royal visit, after which, the 
 Royal party partook of a very elegant collation and 
 dessert. After taking leave of the Corporation at the 
 Hall, they proceeded to view the Porcelain manu- 
 factured by Messrs. Barr, Flight and Barr, and Messrs. 
 Chamberlains ; to each house his Royal Highness 
 the Prince of "Wales gave liberal orders. After 
 which, the whole party returned to Ombersley to 
 dinner. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, 
 was pleased to appoint Messrs. Chamberlains, and 
 Messrs. Flight, Barr and Barr, Porcelain Manufac- 
 turers to his RoyalHighness. His Royal Highness the 
 Prince of Wales gave, by the hands of Lord Foley, 
 £50. to the Infirmary, and his Royal Highness the 
 Duke of Sussex, £20. His Royal Highness the Prince 
 of Wales afterwards generously sent £50. and the 
 Dake of Sussex £20. to the Mayor, to be distributed 
 among the poor of the several parishes in this City. 
 
 1809.— On Sunday the 29th of January, the wa- 
 ter at the water gate, rose to within 19 inches of the 
 lower edge of the brass plate affixed to the wall 
 there, and to within 8 inches of the lower edge of 
 the stone fixed in the wall, to commemorate the 
 flood on the Severn, in 1795, on the north parade, 
 rear the Bridge. 
 
 July 2nd. — The Bridge Toll on foot passengers 
 taken off. 
 
 . 1811. — The Spring of this year was remarkable 
 for the frequency of thunder storms in all parts of 
 the kingdom ; and this City and neighbourhood ex- 
 perienced several of great severity. The storm on 
 'Thursday, 16th May, was particularly severe : a 
 
158 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 Gentleman at Wick, had a valuable horse killed by 
 the lightning, whilst grazing in a field ; and six 
 sheep belonging to H. Wakeman, Esq. of Perdis- 
 well, shared the same fate. But this and ail other* 
 preceding, may in comparison be called mere showers 
 to the one which occurrel on Monday the 27th of 
 the same month, which for horror and devastation, 
 Surpassed any thing of the like before seen, or heard 
 to have happened iu this place by the oldest inhabi- 
 tant. A more correct account of the ravages com- 
 mitted by this terrible convulsion of the elements, 
 in this City and neighbourhood, cannot be given, 
 than the one published in the Worcester Herald, of 
 the succeeding Saturday, (June 1st), a copy of 
 which is here subjoined : 
 
 " A visitation of a singularly awful and destruc- 
 tive nature befel this City and its environs, between 
 the hours of four and five in the afternoon of Mon- 
 day last. Horribly black clouds from the S. E. 
 quarter, accompanied by a hideous noise, were the 
 precursors of a hurricane more dreadful than this 
 country ever experienced before, or the power of lan- 
 guage can describe. A tremendous storm of hail, or 
 rather of ice, in flakes, measuring five or six inches 
 in circumference, fell with an unprecedented vio- 
 lence, and its coarse was marked with unsparing de- 
 solation. The windows of the different houses 
 facing tha storm, were, with very little exception, 
 entirely demolished, gardens were laid waste, trees 
 were torn up by the roots, and their limbs scat- 
 tered to distant parts, and fields both of grass and 
 corn, sustained irremediable damage. Heavy tor- 
 rents of rain, fearful peals of thunder, and vivid 
 flashes of lightning, lent their powerful aid to ren- 
 der the scene more terrific. With these aggra- 
 vated calamities, the measure of evil was not com- 
 plete — the river Severn in one hour rose six feet, 
 which continued to increase until it had reached 
 the height of twenty feet, and a flood, rapid and 
 wide-spxeading r succeeded, sweeping away i& itg 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 15S 
 
 impetuous career herds of cattle and other pro- 
 perty of considerable value. The attempt to parti- 
 cularize the losses occasioned to individuals would 
 foe a task too mighty for the limits of our paper, and 
 would present a scene of frightful ravage which the 
 -sympathetic mind might unceasingly deplore. For 
 the information of our country readers, however, 
 we shall enumerate a few, lest those who happily 
 escaped the reach of this ruinous and merciless tem- 
 pest, should think it too miraculous to be literally 
 true. — The House of Industry had 500 panes of glass 
 broken; the Infirmary 150; the Bishop's Palace, 
 Town-Hall and Chapels, in a like proportion; the 
 China Manufactory of Messrs. Barr, Flight and 
 Barr, 1200 ; that of Messrs. Grainger's and Co. to a 
 very great extent ; Mr. FreameY Cabinet Ware- 
 houses in Goose-lane, lost upwards of 1000 panes; 
 and the painted eastern window of the Cathedral 
 received serious injury. The greatly admired walks 
 in Sansom Fields present a lamentable consequence 
 of this destructive hurricane. Many of the stately 
 elm and bowery chesnut trees have received irrepa- 
 rable damage ; the gardens are despoiled of their 
 fruit and herbage ; the hot-houses, green-houses, 
 <fcc. have been totally destroyed, and its baleful in- 
 fluence has with remorseless severity extended to£p 
 adjoining houses. The winged tribes tooj. sblMel 
 in the general devastation: 150 rooks were killed in 
 the rookery at the White Ladies, belonging to Mr. 
 Ingram, and a vast number of other bird* shared the 
 same fate. At Henwick, Hallow, Perdiswell, and 
 other places situated near this City, the Crops have 
 miserably suffered, particularly those of Mr. Joseph 
 Smith, Mr. Nott, &c. &c. 
 
 Inconvenience and distress, the most vexatious, 
 was occasioned by the want of glass — for the City 
 could not supply either materials or workmen, in 
 sufficient quantities, to repair the havoc that has 
 been made, and the inhabitants have been conse- 
 quently obliged to be witnesses of the most heavy 
 
160 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 rains without fbe means of protecting their habita- 
 tions. — Calculations have been formed of the amount 
 of the mischief effected, which of course are various 
 and doubtful, but it is generally supposed that the 
 reparation of the glass alone, will exceed the sum of 
 £5.090 ! — Many officers who have been stationed in 
 the West Indies declared, that the tornados common 
 to that country, were not in their worst state more 
 alarmingly severe than that we have been thus fated 
 to represent. Consternation was the only feeling of 
 which the inhabitants were susceptible, and the 
 44 elemental conflict," to the heated apprehension 
 of many, " shook the earth almost to dissolution." 
 
 1813.— A fog from Dec. 26th, to Jan. 4th, 1814, 
 inclusive, 
 
 1814. — Jan. 8th, the Severn above and below the 
 Bridge, fozen over. 
 
 May 6ib. On the evening of this day, her Serene 
 Highness the Grand Duchess of Oldenburgh, sister 
 of the Emperor of Russia, arrived in this City, 
 attended by the Russian Prince Gagarine, the Prin* 
 cess Vacousky. and General Turner, with a nume- 
 rous suite. Early the following morning, her Se* 
 rene Highness proceeded to view the extensive 
 Glove Manufactory of Mr. John Knapp jun. in 
 Sidbury, of which she expressed her highest appro- 
 bation. From thence she went to inspect the 
 Porcelain Works belonging to Messrs. Flight, Barr 
 and Barr, where she expressed herself gratified at the 
 process, and at the verj^ high state of perfection to 
 which this branch of national manufacture had ar- 
 rived. 
 
 Being in haste to meet her brother the Empe- 
 ror of Russia, on his arrival in London, she was pre- 
 vented from receiving in form, the congratulations 
 of the Mayor and Corporation, and- Dean and Chap- 
 ter, on her arrival in this City. The Mayor, how- 
 ever, had an interview with her Highness, who ex- 
 pressed her admiration of the town in general, it« 
 public buildings, <fcc. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 1 61 
 
 ABSTRACT 
 
 OP THE 
 
 CHARTER GRANTED 
 
 TO THE 
 
 CITY OF WORCESTER, 
 
 Dated at Westminster, 2nd. October, 1621. 
 19th King James I. 
 
 THE City of Worcester to be a County and City 
 of itself, distinct from the County of Worcester, 
 and to be called thecounty of the city of Worcester. 
 
 The Judges and Justices to have the power of 
 holding the Assizes and the Sessions for the County, 
 in the City. 
 
 The former Bailiffs, Aldermen, Chamberlains and 
 Citizens, to be one body corporate, by the name of 
 Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of the City of 
 Worcester. 
 
 May purchase Lands, <fec. and may grant and de- 
 mise Lands, <fec. 
 
 May plead and be impleaded. 
 
 May have a Common Seal, changeable at pleasure. 
 
 One Citizen to be Mayor. 
 
 Six Citizens to be Aldermen. 
 
 One Citizen to be Sheriff. 
 
 Two Citizens to be Chamberlains. 
 
 Four and twenty to be capital Citizens, wheleof 
 the Mayor and six Aldermen, are to be seven. 
 
 Eight and forty other capital Citizens, of which 
 the Chamberlains are to be two. 
 
 The four and twenty, and the eight and forty, to 
 be called Common Council. 
 
 Edward Hurdman to be the first Mayor. 
 
 Robert Staynor, John Batchellor, John Coucher, 
 Thomas Moor, George Stinton, and Edward Moor, 
 the elder, to be first Aldermen. 
 
 Robert Durant to be first Sheriff. 
 Yf 
 
160 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 John Haslelock and John Hanbury, to be first 
 Chamberlains. 
 
 Edward Hurdman, Robert Staynor, John Bat- 
 chellor, John Coucber, Thomas Moor, George 
 Stinton the elder, Edward Moor the elder, and Ro- 
 bert Farlej', Thomas Chetle, Richard English, 
 John Tomkins, Edward Fleet, John Street the 
 elder, Richard Hall, Edward Soley, George Hall, 
 Robert Luddington, Geo. Gough, George Sfinton 
 the younger, Foulk Bronghton, Henry Baker, 
 
 Thomas Hemming, John Watts, and 
 
 Crosby, to be prime Citizens and Couneellors, of 
 the four and twenty. 
 
 Robert Durant, John Haslelock, John Hanbnry, 
 and John Wainman, William Massey, George 
 Taylor, John Phillips, John Hemming, Edward 
 Estop, Francis Street, Edward Hudson, John 
 Heynes, George Hancock, Henry Hackett, Thos. 
 Badiand, John Smith, John Brinton, John Fillam, 
 Richard Hemming, William Milton, Edward 
 Moor the younger, John Cox, John Street the 
 younger, John Barber, John Carwardine, Edward 
 Wareing, Henry Mozely, Thomas Harley, A lieu 
 Figs, John Hibbins, Thomas Manning, William 
 Haw, Lewis Walton, Thomas Chetle the younger, 
 Thomas Shewsni'tch, Rowland Kilvert, Richard 
 Best, James Norton, William Gibbs, Thomas 
 Hackett, Edward Skinner, John Collins, Elias 
 Rawlinson, Geo. Daunce, Richard Cox, Walter 
 Weaver, Edward Miiton, and Stephen Stancey, to 
 be capital Citizens of the eight and forty. 
 
 To have a Council House in the Guild Hall, and 
 to make Bye Laws. 
 
 To inflict corpora.! punishments, or Fine. 
 
 To levy Fines by distress. 
 
 The Body at large to choose a Mayor yearly, on 
 the Monda\ next after the Feast of St. Bartholomew, 
 out of the twenty-four. 
 
 If the Mayor die during his office, another to be 
 appointed. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 1 163 
 
 The body at large to choose six Aldermen yearly 
 out of the 24. 
 
 If any Alderman die in office, another to be ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 To choose a Sheriffyearly out of the Body at large. 
 
 If the Sheriff die daring his office, another to b© 
 appointed. 
 
 Tvv© Chamberlains to be elected yearly out of the 
 Bo jy at large. 
 
 If the Chamberlains die during office, others to be 
 appointed. 
 
 One learned and discreet man to be chosen Re- 
 corder, to continue in office during pleasure. 
 
 Robert Berkley ehosen first Recorder. 
 
 A Common Clerk, four Auditors, and other infe- 
 rior officers, to be appointed. 
 
 Two Coroners to be elected out of the Citizens. 
 No other Coroner to have power in the City. 
 
 An Escheater to be elected out of the Citizens, 
 who i* to answer before the Barons of the Exche- 
 quer. 
 
 A Sword Bearer to be elected, and to continue in 
 office during pleasure. And to attend the Mayor, 
 and carry the Sword before him in the city, and in 
 St. Michael and St. John's Parishes. 
 
 Four Sergeants at Mace to be elected, and conti- 
 nue in office during pleasure, and attend the Mayor 
 and Sheriff. 
 
 The Eody at large to attend the King. The 
 Mayor to carry the Sword before the King. Four 
 Aldermen to carry the Maces, and at his departure 
 to attend him to the limits of the county of Wor- 
 cester, 
 
 The Body at large to attend any of the Royal 
 Family. The Mayor and three of the Aldermen to 
 carry before them the Maces, and at their departure 
 to attend them to the limits of the county of Wor 
 center. 
 
 If any person elected to any office (except the Re- 
 corder or Common Clerk), shall refuse to act, to be 
 
164 HISTORY OP WORCESTER, 
 
 expelled from all liberties and franchises, or to be 
 committed to Gaol, until he will exercise it, or bo 
 fined and amerced, and may be committed to GaoJ 
 until such fines are paid. 
 
 If any member refuse or neglect to come to convo- 
 cation, to be amerced and another chosen. 
 
 When any of the 24 die, orshall absent themselves 
 from any meeting for 12 months after summons, they 
 may be removed and other members chosen into the 
 24 from the 48. 
 
 When any of the 48 die or be removed, the residue 
 of the 48 to choose other Citizens into that number to 
 fill up the vacancies. 
 
 The Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriff and Chamberlains 
 to take their respective oaths yearly for the due exe- 
 cution of their several offices, before 10 or more of 
 the capital Citizens, the Mayor to be sworn on the 
 Monday next after St. Michael's day, or within 15 
 days following; and Aldermen, Sheriff and Cham- 
 berlains, on the second Monday after St. Michael's 
 day, or within 15 days following. 
 
 The Recorder, Common Clerk, Auditors, Coroner, 
 and other Officers to take their several oaths, for the 
 due execution of their offices, in like manner. 
 
 A Court of Record to be holden every Monday, 
 before the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen, or any 
 three or more of them, the Mayor, or one of the 
 two ancient Aldermen to be one, of all pleas, ac- 
 tions, suits and trespasses, with force of arms or 
 otherwise, as well above as under 40s. and of actions 
 real as well as personal and mixt. 
 
 William Wyatt Esq, appointed Common Clerk 
 for recognizances of debts, keeping of records, <fec. 
 
 The Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the City 
 to be Justices, during the time they shall be in of- 
 fice, for the preservation of the peace, and to chastise 
 and punish offenders, according to the statutes, for 
 offences committed within the City. 
 
 They are also to adjust and rectify abuses, in, 
 weights and measures, or in selling victuals con- 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 165 
 
 trary to the Statutes, and punish all forestalled, re-? 
 graters, extortioners, <fcc. within the City. 
 
 Henry Baker and Thomas Heming to administer 
 the oath to Edward Hurdman, for his execution of 
 his office of Mayor, and one of the Justices for the 
 Gaol delivery, and for the peace in the City, and 
 County of the same City, who is to administer the 
 oaths to other Justices, and to the succeeding Mayor, 
 for the execution of their respective offices. 
 
 The Coroners to make return of Juries, Inquisi- 
 tions, <fcc. by them taken, before the Mayor, Recor- 
 der, and Aldermen. 
 
 The Sheriff to be attendant upon the Justices of 
 Gaol delivery of the prisoners in the Gaol of the City, 
 and the precepts of the Mayor, Recorder, and Alder- 
 men, and take his oath for the due execution of his 
 office, and the office of Escheater, before the Mayor, 
 in the Guild Hall of the City, and not elsewhere. 
 
 The Mayor to return the name of every Sheriff 
 under the Seal of the City, into Chancery. 
 
 The Sheriff to keep a Court withiu the City, from 
 month to month, upon the Tuesday yearly, and ex- 
 ercise all powers, jurisdictions, &c. which belong to 
 the office of a Sheriff. 
 
 Sheriff to accompt before the Barons of the Exche- 
 quer yearly. 
 
 The Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens, to have one 
 prison or Gaol within the City, and the Sheriff to be 
 the keeper. 
 
 Mayor. Aldermen, and Citizens have power and ail* 
 thority to purchase manors, lands <fec. in Mortmain. 
 
 A Confirmation granted to the Mayor, Aldermen, 
 and Citizens of all and the like Liberties, Franchises, 
 Rights, Jurisdictions, Fairs, Markets, Tolls, Cus- 
 toms, Goods and cattell, of felons and fugitives, 
 goods and cattells, wayt, estrays, escheats, fines, 
 amercements, issues, forfeitures, lands, tenements, 
 soils, commons, void ground, ponrprestures, approve- 
 ments and all other hereditaments whatsoever, which, 
 the burgesses of the town of Worcester, or the Bailiffs, 
 
166 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 Aldermen, Chamberlains and Citizens of Worcester^ 
 heretofore held and enjoyed, yeilding to the King 
 such and the like services, rents and sums of money, 
 as were heretofore yeilded and paid. 
 
 The Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens to enjoy all 
 gifts, grants, legacies, &c. as the Bailiffs, Aldermen 
 and Chamberlains heretofore enjoyed, with the same 
 power to recover and use the same. And to enjoy 
 all offices, jurisdictions, powers and privileges within 
 the City as was heretofore enjoyed by them. 
 
 The Mayor to do and execute all and singular tho 
 things within the City, which the Bailiffs heretofore 
 lawfully did. 
 
 The Mayor and Aldermen to have, hold and enjoy, 
 all offices and privileges within the City, which the 
 Bailiffs and Aldermen heretofore lawfully held and 
 enjoyed 
 
 The Aldermen to hold and enjoy all offices, dc. 
 which the Aldermen of the City heretofore law* 
 fully held and enjoyed. 
 
 The Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council, 
 to do and execute all things within the City, which 
 the Bailiffs, Aldermen, Chamberlains and Council 
 used to do and execute ; and the Chamberlains to do 
 and execute all things which the Chamberlains* 
 within the City were lawfully wont or ought to do. 
 
 The Bishop, Dean and Chapter, and their Tenants, 
 to enjoy all privileges and customs anciently due to 
 them. 
 
 Young and Pye. 
 
 By a Writ of Privy Seal. 
 
 Copy of an old Manuscript found in the Stztdy of 
 Thomas Harris Esq. some time Town Clerk 
 of Worcester. 
 The City of Worcester is incorporated by the 
 
 name of Major, Aldermen, and Citizens, by the 
 
 Charter of King Jame* I. 
 
HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 167 
 
 And the Court of Record is to be kept by the 
 Major, Recorder, and Aldermen, or by any three of 
 them, whereof the Major, Recorder, or one of tbe 
 two ancient Aldermen to bee one. 
 
 Some customes in this City in use formerly, and 
 to be observed, viz. any widow to enjoy during her 
 life all such lands within the City as her husband 
 was seized of, cf an estate in fee simple or fee tail 
 general after their intermarriages, so as no acte was 
 done by him after to discontinue her right thereto. 
 
 The eldest sonne that a freeman had, if he re- 
 quire it. is to be made free, paying fifteen penca 
 fees; but it must be his eldest son borne after he 
 was made free, for his sonne borne before cannot 
 challenge it, but must have his freedom by service 
 or composition, and not by birth; and heretofore 
 freemens danrs had the priviledge, that such as mar- 
 ried with them, paying 13s. 4d. to the Citty, and 
 other usual fees, they were to be admitted to bee 
 ffeemen, but of latter time, about 30 years past, 
 that custom was held in chamber to be a hindrance 
 to the cittyes good, and to those that by birth or 
 service ought to have the benefit of freedom, and 
 aje tyed to support and maintayne the city ; where- 
 fore it was ordered^ it being so hurtfull and not for 
 the common good, to be omitted and discontinued. 
 And by our Charters our customes are approved and 
 made good to us, if they shall be good and meet to 
 be used, otherwise they are to be discontinued and 
 altered as time and occasion shall require. It was 
 anciently in custome, and use that any freeman of 
 this Citty, if he did depart from the Citty to inha- 
 bit elsewhere, if he did not kepe in his power his 
 bouse to resorte unto, or did not perform the duties 
 and payments as a freeman is -bound to do, if he did 
 absent himself and had not kept a house for habita- 
 tion ther for the space of one year, then 'by the 
 chamber and counsill of the said Citty he was to be 
 ordered to repair unto the cittie, and to make his 
 habitation there, and do the duty of a freeman. 
 
168 HISTORY OF* WORCESTER. 
 
 withyn one yere then next ensuing, or else to stand. 
 and be after the yere ended absolutely disfranchised, 
 and loose the benefit Of his freedom, and that he 1 
 and his friends might take notice thereof, his name 
 was to be entryed in a roll to be sett over a post in 
 the Tolsey; to signify such his disfranchisement, if 
 he did not within the yere return to inhabit there to 
 do the duties and services of a freeman within the 
 tyme limittecl. 
 
 The custome is alsoe, that he that hath served hi* 
 Apprenticeship may not open his shop for his trade 
 nntill he shall be made free of the Citty. 
 
 Antiquity in the places and offices of service, is 
 to be preferred before seniority in age, although they 
 be one society. 
 
 The custome hath been and is, that every one of 
 this Citty at his entering into his house, is on the 
 right hand thereof to mainteyne tbe leaden gutter 
 and the inclosnres betwixt him and his next neigh- 
 bour. 
 
 By the custom of this Citty tbe widow of every 
 freeman may exercise her husband's trade, soe long 
 as she continues his widovve. 
 
 Examenat per me, Egid Trimnel, und. Corona- 
 toru ejusdem Civitatis, Anno Dom. 1688. 
 
 AN ACT, ORDINANCE, AND BY-LAW, 
 
 Made by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of 
 the City of Worcester, in Common-Council 
 assembled, on the twelfth day of May, in the 
 pear of our Lord one thousand seven hundred 
 and eighty-Jive, for the good government of the 
 same. 
 
 Whereas the City of Worcester hath been and is 
 an ancient City; and hath been and now is incorpo- 
 rated into one body corporate and politic in deed, 
 fact, and name, by the name of Mayor, Aldermen, 
 
History op Worcester 169 
 
 and Citizens of the City of Worcester; in which 
 City there hath been and is a certain Common Coun- 
 cil, consisting of one Mayor, six Aldermen, and 
 twenty-four capital Citizens and Counsellors (of 
 whom the said Mayor and Aldermen for the time 
 being have been and are seven), and forty-eight ca- 
 pital Citizens of the said City, for all things, matters, 
 causes, and affairs of the same, and touching and con- 
 cerning the good rule, state, and government thereof: 
 And whereas in the said City there is, and time 
 immemorial there hath been, a certain ancient 
 and laudable custom, that no person not being free 
 of the said City might, may, or ought to sell or put 
 to sale any wares or merchandizes within the said 
 City, or the liberties of the same, by retail, or keep 
 any open or inward shop, or any room or place for 
 shewing, selling, or putting to sale of any wares or 
 merchandizes, or for use of any art, occupation, 
 mystery, or handicraft, within the same City and 
 liberties : And WHEREASdiverslaws and ordinances 
 from time to time have been made by the Chief Offi- 
 cers and Citizens of the said City respectively, to 
 enforce the observance of the said custom, which 
 have proved and are now found to be ineffectual to 
 enforce the same ; whereby not only great losses and 
 injuries arise to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens 
 of the said City, but they and other of his Majesty's 
 subjects are liable to daily frauds and impositions, 
 because such venders of goods, wares, and merchan- 
 dizes, and professors of arts, occupations, myste- 
 ries, and handicrafts, not being free of the said City, 
 are under no rule or government whatever. 
 
 For redress therefore of such grievances and mis- 
 chiefs, and the better to enforce the observance of 
 the said custom, be it enacted, ordained, and esta- 
 blished by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of 
 the said City, in Common Council assembled for 
 the good rule and government of the said City, 
 that if any person or persons whatsoever, not being 
 free of the said City of Worcester, shall, at any time, 
 
 X 
 
170 HISTORY OF WORCESTER. 
 
 after the first day of Julie now next ensuing, sell or 
 put to sale any wares or merchandizes whatsoever* 
 within the said City, or the liberties of the same,, 
 by retail, or keep any open or inward shop, or any 
 room or place, for shewing, selling, or putting to sale 
 of any wares or merchandizes, or use any art, occu- 
 pation, mystery, or handicraft within the same 
 City or liberties, such person or persons shall for- 
 feit and lose, for every time he, she, or they shall 
 60 offend, contrary to the true effect of the said custom, 
 and of this act, ordinance, and by-law, the sum of 
 TWENTY POUNDS of lawful money of Great 
 Britain, to be recovered in manner as herein after 
 mentioned. 
 
 And be it further enacted and ordained by the au- 
 thority aforesaid, that all forfeitures and penalties 
 made payable by virtue of this act, ordinance, and 
 by-law, shall and may be recovered by action of 
 debt, bill, or plaint ; to be commenced and prose- 
 cuted in the names of the Chamberlains of this City 
 for the time being, in any of his Majesty's Courts of 
 Record at Westminster: and that the Chamber- 
 lains of the said City for the time being, shall, in all 
 such suits to be commenced and prosecuted by them 
 as aforesaid against any offenders against this act, 
 recover their ordinary costs of suit expended in and 
 about the prosecution thereof: and that one equal 
 third part of all such forfeitures (the costs in and 
 about the recovery thereof being first deducted and 
 allowed) shall, after the receipt thereof, be imme- 
 diately paid to him or them who shall first have given 
 information of the offence or offences for which such 
 forfeitures shall have accrued, and prosecuted the 
 suit in the names of the Chamberlains of the said 
 City for the recovery of the same: and the other two 
 parts of such forfeitures shall be paid unto the trea- 
 surers of the poor of the said City for the time being, 
 for i he use of the poor of the said City. 
 
 Provided always, that this act, ordinance, and by- 
 law, or any thing herein contained, shall not extend 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER* 171 
 
 to any person or persons bringing or causing to be 
 brought any victuals to be sold within this City or 
 the liberties thereof, but that they or any of them 
 may sell victuals within the said City or liberties 
 thereof, any thing herein contained to the contrary 
 thereof in any wise notwithstanding. 
 
 In witness whereof the said Mayor, Aldermen, 
 capital Citizens and Counsellors, and capital Citizens 
 of the said City, in Common Council assembled, 
 have hereunto affixed and set the Common Seal of the 
 said Corporation, the day and year first above- 
 written. 
 
 Wigom\ 
 
 Not* de Perctmhuld O Wigorn at Suhurh 
 emse 12 Die April, A" 12 H. Vh, Tempe 
 Thorn Birkin and Rob* Style, BalCs. 
 
 Where at the furst hegynyng Master Baillies and 
 Richard Litelton, Recorder, byfore dy verse and meny 
 persons opynly in the Yeldhall deposid and swore 
 upon a booke Willm Turner, Will' Garewey, John 
 Roberts, John Grove, Rie' Careless. Thomas Glo- 
 ver, and Thomas Gold, referes, that they shuld be 
 the leaders of the perambulacion, and for no favour, 
 love, nor affection that they owe to the citie, nor for 
 hate ne malice that they shuld owe unto the pry- 
 ory or eny other partye, that they shuld not other- 
 wise goe then they have goon and knowen to be 
 goon in tymes passed : and over that hit whas or- 
 dered that every person goyng in this perambula 
 cion shuld walk as peaseable men, havying no ar- 
 mur ne wepyn defencible, but oonly small walkyn 
 stafis and order. Furst, in ther goyng they went 
 from the Highcrosse unto the Gresscrosse, and so 
 directly to Severnbrydge ; and when they were 
 over the bruge they turned over the lyfte hand into 
 
172 HrSTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 Wynriall strete, down unto Sevarnbank, unto the 
 dyche bcyend the furzbut, directly lying ageynst 
 the utter parte of the Key, and so over a iesowe di- 
 rectly to a style, and into the Koferrers Iesowe to a 
 shorte croppd grete oke, levyng the oke on the lyfte 
 hand, and from thens to the corner of a hege and 
 ditehe which strechith to the corner of the how«e 
 that byn set nyghe the hiewey ledyng toward Har- 
 dewicks Court, and from the mydd of that wey 
 streite over into a strete callid the Bare yate, unto 
 Leighton Court, levyng hoolly the court on the 
 right hand, and keepyng the dytche on the right 
 hand in the lane bey end the court unto Lyppers le- 
 seow, going in the seid leseow at a grete eime, lev- 
 yng the elm of the right hand, and keypng styll the 
 dytche under the hege side unto a watry lane callid 
 Cutthrote Lane, otherwyse callid Froge Lane, 
 and soe over the highe wey into a dytche at Amy3 
 acre yend, stretching to Sevarn, and so over Severn 
 directly on Pitehcroft, into a lane callid Saltewey, 
 and into a garden and throw a house of the White 
 Ladies on the left hand at the seid lane yend, and so 
 over the highewey into a bowse and garden of the 
 commander* of Seynt Oswalds, in the which Raffe 
 Laurance, tailor, dwell ith, and over a crofte of the 
 White Ladies unto another elme, levyng the elm 
 on the right hand into Whistonefylds, and so directly 
 unto ij withies on Losemorebank, levyng the 
 wethies on the right hand, and so over Lesemore di- 
 rectly to a poplem growyng ageynst the said whe- 
 thies, and over the hege into Losemore Furlong, 
 kepyng the hege styll on the right hand, unto the 
 overyend of Wood Iesowe, and through Losemore 
 yete ynto the Wynmyll wey, and to Lesemore 
 «rosse, levyng the crosse on the right hand, and 
 kepyng the hege on the lyfte hand, tyll they com 
 over ageynst the corner of Westbury fyld, and from 
 that into Crowell wey to the over parte of a crofte 
 callid Shennoke, into a crofte callid Parsons crofte, 
 and so directly over a style into Seynt Marty ns 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 173 
 
 crofte, and so followyngly by the hege, levyng the 
 hege on the right hand into the grenefeld over Pery- 
 broke, and so directly over thatfild through ayate into 
 a wey callid the Commanders wey. and over the 
 highewey ynto Tewksbury wey, levyng the cross© 
 on the right hand, and kepyng the wey unto the 
 Herren ditche in Duydeley, next to the Wynmyll 
 hyll, and so over that leseow by the hege side tyll 
 they come to the Sextens Duydeley, and then to Se- 
 varn bank, levyng the pole on the lyft hand, kepyng 
 Severn bank tyll they com to the Castell ditche, and 
 so following that ditche till they come to Frogmyil, 
 levyng the myll on the right hand, and so to the sign 
 of a crosse made in a wall of the Priory, and so from 
 that crosse full by the wall is sid to the Priory gate, 
 kepyng the hole creste of the pavement at Knowle, 
 and so compassing the Knowle unto Seynt Mary 
 steyers. and into the High strete, to the High Crosse 
 agen. 
 
 J. W. BOD. 
 
 SOME few years ago, a paper was printed and dis- 
 persed, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 Ancient Duties and Customs to be observed and 
 paid by all Foreigners that come into, or go out 
 of the City of Worcester, 
 
 For toll of a horse, mare, colt or gelding, four- 
 pence ; two-pence buyer, and two-pence seller. 
 
 For a score of sheep 8d. — 4d. buyer, 4d. seller. 
 
 A beast 2d. — Id. buyer, and Id. seller. 
 
 A hog 2d. — Id. buyer, and Id. seller. 
 
 For a'store pig. Id, — halfpenny buyer, and half- 
 penny seller. 
 
 A boar 2d. — Id. buyer, and Id. seller. 
 
 A ton of coal 3d. for wheelage, and a halfpenny 
 per ho.rse. 
 
174 HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 
 
 A ton of Merchant's goods, 3d. fcr wheelage. 
 
 A waggon load of soot, 3d. for whe lage. 
 
 A waggon load of fruit, 3d. for wheelage. 
 
 A wey of malt, 3d. 
 
 A cartload of goods, 2d. 
 
 A horse load of fruit, or a pack-horse, a half-penny. 
 
 A waggon load of timber, 3d. for wheelage. 
 
 A waggon load of cider, or perry, 3d. or Id. per hd. 
 
 A ton of iron, 4d. or a halfpenny per bar. 
 
 A horse load of bread, a halfpenny. 
 
 A waggon load of lime, 3d. or a halfpenny a barrel. 
 
 A mill-stone 6d.— a grinding stone, 2d. — sheep- 
 skins 2d. per dozen ; calf skins the same. 
 
 A green hide, one halfpenny: for tanned two- 
 pence per pack. 
 
 A bag or bundle of bops, a halfpenny. 
 
 Every roll of cloth brought into the City upon a 
 fair day, or eve, one penny. 
 
 For a horse load, one penny. — A waggon load of 
 charcoal, threepence ; or a halfpenny per horse. 
 
 A waggon load of rags, threepence, or a halfpenny 
 per horse. 
 
 For salt going through the gate, threepence a 
 wain, or a halfpenny a horse. 
 
 For any baker that shall buy corn, threepence a 
 wain, or a half penny a horse. 
 
 For any licensed badger that shall buy corn, or 
 malt, threepence a wain, or a halfpenny a horse. 
 
 For any kind of seed-corn, that is taken out of 
 the City, a halfpenny a horse, except a like quan- 
 tity of corn, shall have been brought into market for 
 sale the same day in lieu thereof. 
 
HISTORY OP WORCESTER. 175 
 
 TOLLS CLAIMED BY THE SWORD 
 BEARER. 
 
 Every tub of Fish sold by persons not free, 4 
 
 Standing with sea fish, - - - 4 
 
 Every stranger with fish, - - - 4 
 
 with elvers, - - - 3 
 
 Every boat with oysters, - - - 4 
 
 Every hogshead of oysters, - - 4 
 
 Horse with oysters, - - - 2 
 
 Horse with herrings, - - - 1 
 
 Every salmon sold by persons not free, 1 
 
 Waggon of fruit, potatoes, &c. 1 
 
 Cart of garden stuff, drawn by two horses, 6 
 
 Ditto, with one horse, - - - 3 
 
 Standing with garden stuff, <fec. - 3 
 
 A orate, sack, &c. with plants, - 1 
 
 Horse with plants, - - - - 1 
 
 A person with small quantities of turnips, 2 
 
 Wheelbarrow of garden stuff, - - Of 
 
 Basket of ditto, - - - - 0| 
 
 Every pot of fruit, - - - - 0| 
 
 &uts, per bushel, - - - - 1 
 
 A person hawking the streets with goods, 1- 
 
 A hawker or pedlar selling by hand or £ , ~ 
 
 auction, - - - S 
 
 A vessel of coals, unladen within the City, 1 
 
 Cart lead of yellow sand, - - 6 
 
 Ditto fuller's earth, - 6 
 
 Show cf wild beasts, &c. - - - 10 
 
 A box showman, - - - - 1 
 Every hawker of Almanacks, ballads, <fec. 2 
 Every fair-day, one egg out of each basket. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 43, line 19, dele, and. 
 
 48, last line, for stands, read stand. 
 
 53, line 10, for Dawson, read Densoti. 
 
 56, line 8, for was, read 'is. 
 
 65, line 14, for he gave honest young Trades* 
 
 men, 6pc. read, he gave to honest young 
 
 Tradesmen. 6fc. 
 139, line 28, for 1630, read 1680. 
 158, line 28, for tha, read the. 
 
 In the Reference to the Cathedral Monu- 
 ments, read 40, Dr. James. 
 
 H 221 85 
 
APR ? 9 1902 
 
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