Inhabitants of London in 1638: St. Bartholomew the Great

ST. BARTHOLOMEW THE GREAT.

MS. p. 331.

I know not what certificate to make about the execution of his Majesty's order concerning Tithes, seeing tithes were never paid in the parish of St. Bartholomew's. The Priory was dissolved about the end of Henry 8th his reign, by him it was made a parish and a rectory and there was set out a good proportion of houses (I do believe the tenth house as the parish then was) for the maintenance of the Rector. Most of these houses were let out by the first parson there at too low a rate by long leases which are not yet expired to the great prejudice of his successors.

At the expiration I suppose they may be let at a moderate indifferent rate for an £100 per anm. I receive as yet but about £60 and this is the only clear yearly Revenue of maintenance which the parson hath as yet independent. With this and his Easter book and casual duties (which I find to amount communibus annis towards £40 more) together with that voluntary maintenance which the parishioners have constantly given me ever since my first coming thither for the space of 32 years, I do rest so well satisfied as that I find no cause to complain for relief. Although I could wish the living were made better and the means more certain for the good of my successors, yet I know not how to effect it, seeing the parishioners are in a liberty, not under the City and have not submitted themselves together with the City to any Award in this business of tithes. I would be glad to receive any command from my Lord or direction from you what to do herein. And so with my best respect remembered to you, I commend you to the protection of the Almightie and rest

Yours most assured,

St. Bartholomew's, Thos. Westfeild.

May 21, 1638.

To my much respected good friend Mr. Sam. Baker at London house these.