George Stephens.
Stockholm.
Witte van Haemstede (Vol. iii., p. 209).—It may be of use to the editors of the "Navorscher" to know that Adrianus Hamstedius became pastor of the Dutch church in Austin Friars, London, in the year 1559. He succeeded Walterus Delaenus, and resigned his office, one year after his appointment, in favour of Petrus Delaenus, probably a son of the before-named Walterus.
I cannot answer the question as to whether there still exist any descendants of Witte van Haemstede; but as late as 1740, Hendrik van Haemstede was appointed pastor to the Dutch congregation in London. He held the office until the year 1751, when Henricus Putman succeeded him.
Edward F. Rimbault.
The Dutch Church in Norwich (Vol. iii., p. 209.).—The editors of the "Navorscher" will find the early history of this church in Strype's Annals of the Reformation; Blomefield's History of Norwich; and in Burn's History of the Foreign Refugees. Dr. Hendrik Gehle, the pastor of the Dutch church in Austin Friars, who is also the occasional minister of the Dutch church at Norwich, would be the most likely person to furnish information as to its present state.
Edward F. Rimbault.
Fest Sittings (Vol. iii., p. 328.).—Festing is, I presume, without doubt, a Saxon word. A "Festing-man," among the Saxons, was a person who stood as a surety or pledge for another. "Festing-penny" was the money given as an earnest or token to servants when hired.
In the word sittings there might be some reference to the statute-sessions, which were courts or tribunals designed for the settlement of disputes between masters and servants.
R. Vincent.