[89] Examples will be found in the churchwardens’ accounts of the period, the Morebath, (Devon) Acc’ts for instance, which have been transcribed in extenso up to 1573 by Rev. J. Erskine Binney (Exeter, 1904).  The garrulous old vicar here, Christopher Trychay, who wrote the parish accounts himself for more than a generation, and always punctiliously styled himself “Sir,” is a fascinating figure.  Thanks to his chatty explanations on all subjects, bits of the daily life of this little Devonshire parish from Henry VIII’s, from Edward VI’s, from Mary’s, and from Elizabeth’s reigns are brought down to us with great vividness.  Cf.  James Stockdale, Annals of Cartmel (1872), 58-9 (Custom of addressing minister as “Sir” lingering down to nineteenth century in Lancashire).

[90] Lambard, Duties of Constables, Borsholders, etc. (ed. 1619 frequently made an appendix to his Eirenarcha), 67, says:  “The ...  Lawes, hauing imployment of many to make, hath borrowed some use in a few easie matters of spirituall Ministers, chiefly for the helpe and readinesse of their pen, which in many Parishes few, or none (besides they) can serue withall.”

[91] Canterbury Visit., xxv, 22 (1590); 23 (1593). Dean of York’s Visit., 231 (1594); 315 (1595).

[92] Warrington Deanery Visit., 184 (Farmer of advowson not repairing chancel); 186 ("Wm. Brereton of Hareford, Esquire,” ditto); 188 (Executors of will of the late rector, ditto); 191 (Rector of Warrington); 192 (Rector of Wigan). Canterbury Visit., xxv, 32 (Dean and Chapter of Christ Church. 1583); 26 ("Mr. John Smyth, Esquire").  For not keeping in repair vicarages, barns, dove-houses, etc., see ibid., xxvi, 20, 32.  Also ibid., xxvii, 222, etc.

[93] Hale, Crim.  Prec., 160 ("Dominus injunxit dicto Simpson [rector of Pitsea, Essex] that he shall procure iiijor sermons in the yeare ...” 1575-6). Canterbury Visit., xxvi, 44 (Wardens present “they have no quarter sermons"). Ibid., 213 (1569); 214 (1574); 222 (1600). Dean of York’s Visit., 222 (Wardens present “Mr. Deane for want of the quarter sermons.” 1592). Canterbury Visit., xxv, 43 ("Sir Wm. Baldock our Vicar, himself unlicenced to preach, doth not provide a preacher for the sermons appointed by her Majesty’s Injunctions.” 1593).  The Queen’s Injunctions of 1559, art. iv, provided that parsons should preach in their own persons at least one sermon in every quarter of the year.

[94] Canterbury Visit., xxv, 22, 23 (two examples). Ibid., vol. xxvi, 31, 44, 222, 319, etc.  See Queen’s Injunc. of 1559, art. xi.

[95] See authorities above cited.  Whether the incumbent kept hospitality was a standing article of inquiry in the visitations of the period; e.g., Grindal’s Metrop.  Visit.  Art of 1576, Remains of Grindal, Parker Soc., 157 ff.