The first volume commences with the year 1574, and finishes in 1708; the accounts are all written at the time of their respective dates, and regularly signed by the auditors then and there present as correct.
I have made numerous extracts from these interesting documents, and notes thereon, which I shall at some future time be happy to lay before your readers, if you should consider them of sufficient importance.
As a voucher for what I have stated with regard to their existence, and to give some idea of their general character, I have selected (at random) a few items from the year 1580-1:—
"The Accompte of Henrie Jaye, Churchwarden of the Parishe of St. Antholyne, from the feaste of the Anunciacon of our Ladye in Anno 1580 unto the same feaste followinge in Anno 1581."
Among the "receaittes" we have—
"Rd of Mr. Thorowgoode for an olde font stone,
by the consente of a vestrie vs iiijd
"Rd for the clothe of bodkine[11] yt Ser Roger
Marten hade before in keppinge, and now
sold by the consente of a vestry and our