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72
land Protestants, who, a century earlier, had been compelled
to seek shelter in England from the cruelties of their Spanish
rulers, introduced worsted weaving in the eastern counties of
our land. It does not appear to have occurred to the rulers
of those times, either in England, which sent forth the Pilgrim
Fathers, or elsewhere, that the men who were ready to endure
hardships for conscience sake, did not form the least valuable
portion of the community.
The bounds of the Parish were first perambulated on St.
James's Day, 1685, but no particulars are given thereof. The
bounds were again walked on the 5th May, 1687, as appears
by the following Minute of the Vestry:—
A motion being made for nominating a day for the perambulation or
bounds of the Parish to be walked,
It was order'd and agreed to be walked on Thursday, the 5th May (viz.)
to-morrow come seavennight at 8 in the morning; and that 20 nobles be
allowed for the churchwardens to expend on that occasion for the gent. and
boys.
That notice be given in the Church on Sunday of the said perambulation
and that there will be prayers on that day at 7 and 10 in the morning.
The twenty nobles (about £7) voted by the Vestry for
defraying the expenses of the day were charged upon the
Church Rate.
In 1689 the bounds were perambulated on Ascension Day,
notice being previously given in the Church in the following
terms:—
I am desired to give notice that the procession or bounds of this Parish
will be had and made on Thursday next, being Assention Day, and those
Parishioners that shall be pleased to accompany the Rector and the Churchwardens
therein, are desired to take some refreshment at the end of the
perambulation. But to prevent the unruly concorse of other people thereunto
which goe not in the procession, all such are desired to forbeare to be
present to prevent any extraordinary expence, which might be otherwise
imposed on the Parish by unnecessary intrusion.