[990a] The following appeared as officiating clergy or ministers in the two churches of this parish within the time of Dr. Arrowsmith’s residence here—Messrs Caston, Stalham, Hares, Swallowe, Emmotte, Nic. Toll, Caston junr. Rawlinson, Purchas, Gatford, Leech, Almond, Bell: but they were not all here at the same time; several of then being successors to such as had removed or died. There seem, however, to have been more stated and officiating ministers here then, than there are at present; and the same probably was the case afterwards during the common-wealth and protectorate.
[990b] The chief document alluded to is an old quarto MS. or record, evidently extracted from an older one, or from the Hall-books, for the use, it seems, of the clergy, and probably by some of that body, as it has passed through that channel, and is written by different hands. In this record the following notices of Mr. Arrowsmith occur—
“1630, Sept. 29. Mr. John Arrowsmith M.A. Fell. Kath. Hall, made choice of from the university of Cambridge to be one of the Lecturers of this town; and he is to have a ffee of 50l. per annum, and a convenient dwelling house, or 5l. in lieu thereof—to preach twice every Sunday, except 1st. Sunday in every month, and then but once, and with the other Lecturer, or to preach by several turns, viz. Days K’s entrance into ys kingdom 1st. Augt. 29th. Augt. 29th. Sept. 5th. Nov. 25th. Dec. and to help the curate in the mynistring Sacrament Ld’s supper, and if hereafter he shall take any benefice then this election shall be void.”
—again—
“Dec. 10th. Mr. Arrowsmith chosen one o’Lecturers, 29th. Sept. &c. now ordered to preach at St. N. every Sunday morning, and be respited of’s aft. S. also to preach Wednesday every forenoon St. M. and Mr. Caston to preach afternoons St. N. and forenoons at St. M. as usual.—Mr. Arrowsmith and Mr Caston, Lecturers, had ffee either of ym 50l. a piece, and either of ym Dwelling house, or 5l. a piece in lieu yereof, thr. ffees to be made up 100 marks (66l. 13s. 4d.) apiece, and their houses continued, or 5l. a piece yearly as formerly, and yt the xii Sermons they were respited, shall in respect of ys increase be preached by each of ym: ye increase of this ffee to begin from Xtmas next.”
—again—
“1631, July 1st. Mr. Arrowsmith’s ffee made up the whole to 100l. per ann. Qterly beg. 29th. Sept. next.”
—again—
“Dec. 7th. a patent under com. seal M. and burg. at request of Mr. Arrowsmith M.A. for his ffee of 100l. a year to be paid Qterly, with such covenants and agreements as shall be thought fit to be inserted.”
—again—