Some Vestry Book Entries, Bradford Abbas (as given on film)
1845-1923, Film MIC/R/1415, Dorset History Centre (previously DRO)
Listed in Vestry Book:
Mr George Masters, Mr John Sherring 1840, 1841, 1842
Mr James Vincent, Mr James Baker 1843, 1844
Mr James Vincent, Mr George Masters 1845
Mr James Vincent, Mr James ?Parsons 1846, 1847
Mr George Masters, Mr George Bartlett 1848, 1849
Mr Vincent, Clifton , Mr Baker 1850
Mr Granger, Mr Baker 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854
Mr Granger, Mr Stiby 1855
Mr Granger, Mr Vincent, Clifton 1856
Mr Granger, Mr Caddy 1857, 1858
Mr Newman , Mr Vincent 1859, 1860
Mr Newman , Mr Caddy 1861, 1862
Mr Granger , Mr Caddy 1863
Mr Buckman , Mr Caddy 1864-1872
Mr Buckman , Mr A. Clayton 1873
Mr J.G. Caines 1835-1837
Mr John Sherring 1838
Mr Geo. Masters 1839-1840
Mr James Read 1841
Mr Henry Feaver 1842
Mr James Vincent 1843-1844
Mr Geo. Masters 1845
Mr James Vincent 1846-1847
Mr Geo. Bartlett 1848
Mr Ernest Baker 1849
Mr Geo. Masters 1850-1851
Joseph Bartlett 1852
No entry 1853
Mr Geo. Masters 1854
Robert Stiby 1855-1856
Mr Caddy 1857-1858
J.J. Newman Esq. 1859-1863
Mr Caddy 1863-1865
Mr Buckman 1866-1870
Mr John Smith 1840
Mr Henry Feaver 1841
Mr Peter Ridout )
Mr Geo. Hodges ) 1842
Mr Jas. Bartlett 1843
George Read 1844
George Bartlett 1845-1846
George Plomer 1847-1851
Solomon Rendall 1852-1853
Solomon Rendall )
Thomas Patch ) 1854
Solomon Rendall 1855-1858
No entry 1859
Solomon Rendall )
Mark Rendall ) 1860-1864
Solomon Rendall 1865-1866
Mr James Read , Mr Peter Ridout 1840
Mr P. Ridout , Mr Joseph Bartlett 1841
James Parsons , John Smith 1842
James Snook , Joseph Bartlett 1843
John Minchington , Wm. Chancellor 1844
John Sherring 1845
George Bartlett , George Francis 1846
George Francis , Edward Thorne 1847
Geo. Hockey , Henry Arnold 1848
Henry Arnold , Thomas Garrett 1849
John Sherring , Peter Ridout 1850
Thomas Garrett , ?W. Baker 1851
J. Read , P. Ridout 1852
P. Ridout , Mr Baker 1853
Mr Patch , Mr Baker 1854
Mr Patch , Mr Sherring 1854, 1855
Mr Granger 1857
Mr Lanning 1858
Mr Arnold 1859
Mr Hall 1860
Mr Caddy 1861
Mr Sherring 1862
Mr Lanning 1863
Mr Patch 1864
Mr Hall 1865
Mr Caddy 1866
Mr Lanning 1867
Mr Whittle 1868
Mr Buckman 1869
Mr Patch , Mr Caddy 1870
Mr Caddy , Mr Hall 1871
Mr Lemon senr., Mr Geo. Bartlett 1840
Mr Geo. Bartlett, Mr John Sherring 1841
Mr John Sherring, Mr Geo. Masters 1842
Mr James Vincent, Mr Geo. Masters 1843
Mr James Vincent, Mr Peter Ridout 1844
Mr Geo. Masters, Mr Jas. Lemon 1845
Mr Jas. Lemon, Mr James Parsons 1846
Mr Geo. Masters, Mr James Parsons 1847
Mr James Read, Mr Joseph Bartlett 1848
Mr Ernest Baker, Mr Joseph Bartlett 1849, 1850
Mr ?S. Masters, Mr Sherring 1851
Mr Granger, Mr Sherring 1852
Mr Sherring , Mr Francis 1853
Mr Masters, Mr Francis 1854
Mr Baker, Mr Stiby 1855
Mr Baker, Mr P. Ridout 1856
Mr Caddy, Mr Patch 1857, 1858
Mr Newman 1859
Mr Newman, Mr Ridout 1860
Mr Ridout, Mr Hall 1861
Mr Hall 1862
Mr Caddy 1863, 1864
Mr Hall 1865
Mr Caddy 1866-1871
6.1.1845
At an adjourned Vestry held this day, present Revd. R. Grant, Mr J. Read, G. Bragg,
Mr G Masters, Mr Sherring
John Bishop applied for labour, he was told to apply to Saml. Brook, A. Brook,
H. Arnold and G. Bartlet
17.1. 1845
At a vestry held this day, present Mr J. Bartlett, Mr G. Bragg, J. Vincent and
Mr Chancellor, the Surveyor applied for a rate of ?3d in the pound which was allowed.
Mr Grant not being able to attend it was resolved to adjourn this Vestry to Monday the 20 th instant at 10 in the morning for the Overseers to make up their accounts.
20.1.1845
At an adjourned Vestry held this day, present Revd. R. Grant, Mr Vincent,
Mr G. Masters, Mr Parsons, Mr J. Bartlett, Mr Sherring, Mr Chancellor
A rate of 1s in the pound was applied for, and granted. The Overseer was directed to carry into effect the resolution of the Vestry which was passed on Nov. 4 th 1844 relating to Samuel Baker
24.2.1845
Mr ?Gillman agreed to pay ?1s per week to the overseer as long as his father is chargeable to the Parish – to commence from this day.
Mr Vincent and Mr Masters are apptd. ?Haywards for the ensuing yr.
25.3.1845
The Vicar nominated Mr Vincent, and the Vestry Mr G. Masters to be churchwardens for the ensuing year.
The organ blower was allowed £1.15.0.
It was resolved that Mr Baker be summoned after the Audit for the Arrears due.
The organ blower to be allowed in future £1 per annum.
5.5.1845
It appears that Farmers Sherring and Lemon are not employing the number of Labourers which they ought to do. It was unanimously resolved that if they do not forthwith act up to the Agreement entered into on 2 nd October last, that
Mr Castleman, of the College of Winchester , be written to, to inform them hereof.
7.7.1845
At a Vestry held this day, present Revd. R. Grant, Mr G. Masters, Mr Sherring,
Mr Parsons, Mr J. Bartlett, Mr P. Ridout
The Overseer’s Accounts were inspected, when it appeared that Wm. Chancellor, one of the Overseers, who has absconded, had collected £29.3.4 ½ ( ½ crossed through), part of a rate due, together with £12.2.5 in hand, and arrears of £1.1.3 ½ , amounting altogether to £42.7.1, out of which ?he paid £20 to the Treasurer of the Union, leaving a deficiency of £22.7.1 to account for. It was resolved that the following advertisment be sent to the Hue and Cry Gazette
“5 Pounds Reward
Whereas William Chancellor, who occupied a Mill in the Parish of Bradford Abbas, Dorset, absconded on or about the 14 th May, leaving his Children chargeable to the Parish, the above reward will be paid by the Parish Officers to any Person who will cause the said Wm. Chancellor to be delivered to them to be dealt with according to the Law. The said Wm. Chancellor is about 50 years of Age, 5 feet 9 in length, slender made, darkish Hair, rather weak and winking eyes, pale complexion, has a stooping and awkward gait. He generally wears leathern small-clothes and gaiters, and had the appearance of a Miller.”
For the quarter ending June 24; there was a Balance due from the Parish Officers of £26.8.11 ½ .
Robert Grant Chairman
George Master
Joseph Bartlett John Sherring
James Parsons Peter Ridout
16.10.1845
The Overseers Accounts were inspected up to Michaelmas when there appeared to be a balance of £5.7.11 ½ due from the Overseer exclusive of Wm Chancellor’s defalcation of £22.7.1.
5.2.1846
The Overseer was directed to call on Mr Gillman for the allowance which he promised to make towards the maintenance of his father.
17.2.1846
The Waywarden was directed to impound any stray cattle.
11.3.1846
It was resolved that the Overseer be directed to obtain summonses against
Virtue Garrett, Eliza Parsons and Ann King for leaving their children chargeable to the Parish. It was resolved that the Application be made to the Board of Guardians that there should be an additional Guardian for this Parish in consequence of the duties of that Office being so heavy.
26.3.1846
It was agreed this day on the part of the Parish to accept the following offer of
Mr Dunn, viz to take Henry Mitchell in his service etc. the payment of 1s 6d a week to ? expences from Lady day 1846 to Lady day 1847 after which Mr Dunn will undertake to keep him in his business for 5 years free of all expences to the Psh.
22.10.1846
The Overseers are requested to summons and get if possible the rate from all out parishioners.
4.2.1847
It was resolved that the Overseer apply for a summons for Peter Ridout to show cause why he does not help to support his father.
29.3.1847
The Chairman was requested to write to the Poor Law Commissioners to request that they would authorise the striking off of the arrears of Wm. Chancellor from the poor rate, at the recommendation of the Auditor. Samuel Hunt was excused paying the rate.
29.7.1847
Mr Vincent offered to put a Pump at the Church well for £2 which was agreed to.
20.9.1848
A warrant was obtained against John Bere for leaving his wife and children, but it was not served upon him, the tythingman having gone to Portland in search of him, but he had left. In consequence whereof, a Vestry was held this day Sept 26 to consider what further steps should be taken in the Matter.
It was resolved that no further proceedings be taken at present as it is unknown where he is, but as soon as there is a likelihood of his being apprehended, that he be so.
6.11.1848
The adjourned Vestry took place this Day to take into Consideration of Wm. Chancellor’s children.
Adjourned to Nov. 8
8.11.1848
It was resolved that Mr Roberts application on behalf of Wm. Chancellor’s children be not entertained by the Parish.
It was unanimously resolved that the Vestry are of the opinion that a coffin for
Sarah Garrett ought not to be provided by the Parish, on the ground that she left articles of property behind her of the value of between £2 and £3, besides some money to the amount it is believed of a Sovereign.
30.1.1849
It was resolved that a quarry be opened at Butcher’s bars Hill for the supply of stone for the roads.
Robt. Grant Chairman
George Masters George Bragg Henry Arnold George Hockey
Geo. Tuck Joseph Bartlett James Read
19.2.1849
It was resolved that the expenses for engaging Counsel for conducting the prosecution of George Warren be defrayed out of the Church Rate.
21.2.1849
Mr Baker and Mr G. Masters reported to the meeting that they had seen
Mr Melmoth and he undertook that 4 Guineas should cover all the expenses attending the prosecution of George Warren .
21.6.1850
At a Vestry held this Day to Consider Providing William Cabell with a Woodden Leg and by ?Consulting the Rate payers the Guardian was Recommended to wish
Mr Williams , Medical Gentleman to get one from London .
22.4.1851
Mr Ayres (in the margin “John ? Eyears” ) agrees to take a lease of the land for 7 years, and to keep everything in repair for that time.
27.5.1852
Resolved, that the Overseer be authorised to advance Two pounds in order to assist
Abner Toop in emigrating.
22.9.1853
Mr P. Ridout to form a Committee, to go round the Parish and examine drainage, and cause all obstructions to be removed, as well as heaps of filth near the dwelling Houses, and report, if necessary, to the Vestry any improvements in the sewage, which may tend to the health of the Inhabitants, or any other matter connected with the cleanliness of the Parish, which may fall under their notice. It was resolved that a substantial iron railing be placed on the parapet of Smith’s Bridge at the joint expense of Bradford and Clifton parishes.
27.3.1854
That the Waywardens be empowered to impound any stray Cattle on the raods or lanes, and that the Pound be put in good repair forthwith.
11.10.1854
It was resolved that Mr Stiby ’s New House be rated at £15 p. Ann.
29.3.1856
Mr Grant reported to the Vestry that in consequence of Henry Bragg refusing to ring the morning bell at 6 o’clock from Michaelmas to Lady Day, he resigned the office of Sexton - ? which Mr Grant appointed Solomon Rendall as Sexton.
The attention of the Vestry was called to the encroachment made by George Francis in making a carriage road to his Barton which never existed before. The Parish Officers were directed to make enquiry concerning the same and report to a special Vestry.
14.4.1857
It was unanimously resolved that the waywardens do put up immediately two string posts at the top of the street leading from the Church well, so as to prevent wagons or carts from passing beyond the corner of the house occupied by George Francis.
1.6.1857
Resolved, that the waywardens wait upon Mr ?Melmoth at their earliest convenience to consult him about taking legal steps against George Francis for cutting down and removing two posts which had been recently erected by the parish at the top of Church-well street
9.9.1857
It was resolved that the churchwardens and waywardens and Mr P. Ridout be a committee to go round the Parish and inspect the state of the drains, and privies, and have all heaps of filth removed, and lime thrown where necessary.
28.3.1858
It was resolved that Mr Caddy and Mr Peter Ridout be requested to wait on Mr Melmoth to consult him relative to the prosecuting of Francis’s case and report thereon to the Vestry.
It was resolved that Mr Peter Ridout be deputed to provide at Mr Wadman’s necessary articles of clothing for Daniel Garrett to enable him to emigrate to Australia, the sum not to exceed Five Pounds.
5.10.1858
It was resolved that the Chairman be requested to write a letter to Mr Clayton detailing the circumstance of the Church well being dry, whereby his tenants, and others, are deprived of the convenience which they have for a length of time enjoyed, and that he be requested to cause it to be put in a state of repair.
18.12.1861
Mr Caddy reported to the Vestry Mr Melmoth’s opinion relative to the removal of Mary Ann Stevens to this Parish, viz that he was quite clear that she was chargeable to this parish – and that he would not advise the Parish to resist the order. The Vestry therefore decided that no further steps should be taken in this matter.
27.3.1862
Resolved that the application from the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of ?Llanvsno in Wales for the removing of the children of ?Jonas Pavitt be postponed for future consideration, in order that enquiries might be made respecting their being legally charged on the Parish or no.
2.7.1863
It was resolved and carried that the Parish Officers do use every exertion to apprehend Eli Capel who has left his wife and family chargeable on the Parish, to be dealt with according to the Law.
It was resolved and carried that the Overseers do see the Relieving Officer with the view of laying George ?Parsons case before the Board in order to obtain some extra allowance for him as he is bedridden.
It was stated that as Josiah Bragg’s corpse was brought to his sister’s house the day before the funeral, the usual expenses of tolling the Bell and digging his grave were not to be allowed – the Vestry considered this to be unjust, and the Overseer was directed to communicate their sentiments to the Relieving Officer.
18.4.1865
Resolved that Mr Ring will be left to the Churchwarden to enquire about. Also
U. Lang’s bill – the other bills were allowed.
23.4.1867
Solomon Rendall resigned the office of Sexton.
19.4.1870
The Vestry determined to combine the offices of assistant overseer and collector of rates. And appointed Mr Ring to the office at a salary of £4 per year.
C.J. Powys chairman
James Buckman churchwarden
John S. Caddy churchwarden
Samuel Hall
Thomas Patch
James Vincent
Henry Arnold
J.J. Ring
The Vestry very much regrets the absence of the Vicar by reason of severe illness and desires to express their sincere condolence with him and his family.
23.3.1871
At a Vestry held this day were present The Revd. C.F. Powys, Mr Caddy, Mr Patch, Mr Arnold, Mr Ring
Mr Hall and Mr Caddy were nominated Overseers
Mr Caddy was nominated Waywarden
Mr Buckman was nominated Guardian of the Parish
Mr Plomer and Mr Mark Ridout were nominated constables
Mr Ring was appointed assistant Overseer
11.4.1871
Mr Buckman was appointed Church Warden by the Vicar, and Mr Caddy by the Vestry.
The Vestry agrees to give Mr Arnold £1 a year for attending to the warming apparatus for heating the Church.
If alteration can be made in the distribution of the bread charity, two persons from Clifton Maybank to be selected.
The following account of the subscriptions towards the warming of Bradford Abbas Church , and the expenses there-of, was inserted at the desire of the Vestry held on 11 th April 1871 .
W. Clayton Esq. £10.0.0
Revd. R. Grant £5.0.0
Revd. L.C. Powys £5.0.0
Revd. C.F. Powys £1.0.0
Mr Buckman £5.0.0
Mr Vincent £2.0.0
Mr Caddy £0.10.0
Mr Patch £0.10.0
Mr Harbin £5.0.0
The Revd. W.H. Turner £5.0.0
A. Bridge Esq. £2.2.0
Winchester College £5.0.0
Mrs Shean £0.14.4
Miss Garrett £2.0.0
Mr Digby £5.0.0
Mr Vincent (add sub) £2.4.0
22.4.1884
It was agreed to insure the Church for £1000 in the Church of England Insurance Office.
J.W. Valentine chairman
Henry Arnold
J.J. Ring
14.4.1887
The extraordinary expenses were discussed. Andrews bill of £28.10.10, Lang’s of £17.19.6 for the rebuilding of the South Wall and clearing of Church respectively were presented.
11.4.1898
An application from Mr Job Gill was made for an increase of salary for Organ blowing and the matter was deferred.
The Churchwardens were empowered to arrange about the winding up of the new clock recently presented to the parish by E.C. Clayton Esq. And Albert Clayton Esq.
Gordon Wickham
Albert Clayton
Wm C. Whittle
Henry Arnold
W. Walker
William E. Lang
14.4.1903
An application from James Bragg for an increase of salary was then considered. It was agreed that his salary be not increased, but that a special donation of 5/- (five shillings) be granted this year.
4.4.1904
It was decided that James Bragg be granted a donation of 5/- this year.
24.4.1905
James Bragg was granted an additional 5/- (five shillings) for attending to the Church lamps.
17.4.1906
Present:
The Revd. Gordon Wickham Vicar
Mr W.C. Whittle Vicar’s Warden
Mr H. Warr Vestry Clerk
Complaints having been made as to the undue haste in extinguishing the lamps on Sundays, it was resolved that in future no lamps are to be extinguished until the congregation have left the Church. The clerk was instructed to notify the present cleaner, J. Bragg, of this resolution.
Date not clear
Mr William Collis Whittle, who has been the Vicar’s Warden for many years, having now left the parish, the Vicar wishes to place on record his deep regret at his departure, and also his sincere appreciation of the valuable services rendered by
Mr Whittle during his years in office.
Church officers
The following were appointed
Mr A. Clayton Parish Warden
Mr Wyndham J. Pomeroy Vicar’s Warden
Messrs R.H. Cooper, W. Lang, J. Leeding, H. Warr Sidemen
12.4.1909
Present:
Revd Gordon Wickham Vicar
A.Clayton Esq.
Mr W.J. Pomeroy
H. Warr Clerk
Hele’s Charity
It was agreed that as there has been a surplus 4/- in connection with the above charity there should in future be an extra recipient, the number being now 13. It was further agreed that the fund should in future be administered by the Churchwardens.
Further documents at the Dorset History Centre re. Hele’s Charity
PE/BRA/CH/1/1 Original documents
Handwritten note:
Extract from Boswell’s Charities of Dorset
“Sir John Hele, serjeant-at-law of Wembury, Devon , by ---- dated ----- (he died
4 June 1608 ) gave a rent charge to be paid out of his estate at Clifton , for the benefit of the second poor of this parish – vested in the Marques of Anglesea and the minister, churchwardens and overseers.
Annual produce £2.12.0”
Letter, dated 24 th May 1895
My Dear Wickham,
I have been making enquiries re Hele’s Charity Bradford Abbas and have ascertained that
Typewritten document
Sir John Hele’s Charity
The Trustees of the above Charity have permission of the Charity Commission to administer the Charity in the following fashion
The yearly income of the Charity may be applied by the Trustees of the Charity in the supply of Clothes, Boots, Linen, bedding, Fuel, Tools, Medical or other aid in sickness, Food or any other articles in kind to such poor persons resident in one of the Parishes of Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maubank and not in receipt of Poor-law relief other than medical relief, as the Trustees select for this purpose.
The Trustees will make this change on Dec 31 st 1945 , after which the Charity will be administered as above.
G.V. Kendrick Vicar
Thomas Patch)
E.C. ?Foeden) Churchwardens
Trustees of Sir John Hele’s Charity
November 3 rd 1945
27.3.1910
The matter of letting the “Post” was considered. It was suggested that it might be disposed of as a possible building site. The matter was left for further consideration.
26.5.1911
The Vicar presided. There were also present Col. C.E. Duff, C.B.; Messrs John Lang, John Rodber and the Clerk (Mr H. Warr)
The Vicar proposed and Col. Duff seconded “That the Vestry approves the plans submitted to it and prays for a faculty in due course” Carried
This concluded the business of the meeting
Gordon Wickham chairman
C.E. Duff
Wyndham Pomeroy
John Lang
John Rodber
Harry Warr
31.3.1913
Canon Wickham proposed and Col. Duff seconded “That the Insurance of £1000 now paid in for the Church be increased to £3000” This was carried.
Proposed by Canon Wickham and seconded by Col. Duff “That a small committee should be appointed consisting of the Vicar and Churchwardens, Col C.E. Duff and Mr J. Lang with power to add to this number to consider whether there is a real demand for additional cottage accommodation and if so to suggest and report upon the means of obtaining the same.” Carried
Gordon Wickham Vicar
Albert Clayton
Wyndham Pomeroy
Richd. Jeffery
John Lang
William E. Lang
C.E. Duff
Harry Warr Clerk
10.4.1914
Mr Pomeroy suggested that the Clerk write to the Church cleaner that the Churchwardens require the Church to be cleaned on Mondays (sweeping) and before Festivals.
It was agreed that the assistant blower’s salary be increased by 2/6.
4.4.1916
At the Vicar’s suggestion with the Vestry’s unanimous approval, the clerk was asked to write to Mrs Cooper expressing thanks for her service as organist during the absence of Miss Wills.
Col. Duff pro. and Mr Lang seconded that an ?increase of 10/- be given to
Mr Hutchings the Church lamps attendant on condition that he prepares the lamps for special services.
4.4.1918
The Vestry decided that Mr Denslow the Church cleaner should be paid at the rate of 2/- weekly plus 1/- each Festival.
It was also decided to grant the promised increase of 10/- to Mr Hutchings the lamp attendant.
21.4.1919
It was decided to increase the organist’s salary by £5