It should be mentioned that in the old registers his Christian name is spelt “Anthony,” the omission of the “h” being peculiar to Hawker.
In the records of the Blanchminster Charity in the parish of Stratton (compiled by R. W. Goulding, 1898) the names of several Paynes appear. The following are some of the entries:—
(1603) “Paid to Nicholas Paine for writtinge of the Quindecem booke 8 [d.].”
By a “Feoffment,” dated “12 Jan., 1618-9,” Walter Yeo and another make over to William Arundell and others, including Anthony Payne and Nicholas Payne, certain property at Mellhoc and elsewhere.
(Either of these, Anthony or Nicholas, might be the father of the giant.)
In a “Feoffment” dated “20 March, 14 Charles II. (1662),” the names of Nicholas and William Payne appear.
“18 March 1688. Item pd Hugh Payne p Riding to Launceston upon the Report yt (that) the ffrench were landed 00 02 06.”
“After the Stockwardens’ account for 1719 there is a statement by Anthony Payne,” etc.
(This Anthony Payne might be a son of the giant.)
The flagon which contained the giant’s allowance of liquor is mentioned by Hawker in a private letter. He says—