For the most noble John, Duke and Earl of Bedford, Marquess of Tavistock, Baron Russel of Thornbaugh, and Baron Howland of Streatham. Proprietor of these Remains. This Prospect is humbly Inscrib’d by Your Grace’s most Dutiful, and Obedient Servants, Saml & Nathl Buck. Ordigarius or Orgarius Duke of Devonshire & Cornwall, whose Daughter was married to K. Edgar, Very probably kept his Court here, till his son Odulph built this Abbey Anno 961, for then the whole Mannor of Tavistock, & Jurisdiction thereof, were given to the Monastery with view of Frank Pledge, Gallowes Pillory assize of Bread Beer &c. The Church was dedicated to St. Mary &. St Rumon. The Danes burnt it but it was soon rebuilt, In the Reign of Ed. I. The abbot claim’d the aforesaid Priveleges, which were by that King allow’d & confirm’d. There were some famous Men Abbots thereof, particularly two Bishops & one Earl of Devonshire; of the Courtenay family, Lectures were herein read in the Saxon language to preserve it in Memory; it was of the Dignity of the Mitred Abbots, who sat as Barons in Parliament. Their Power and Priveleges continued till the Dissolution by K. H. 8. who gave it to John L’d Russel, in which Noble Family it still continues. Annual Value £902 5 7¾.
S. & N. Buck delim et sculp 1733.