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94
ments, and hereditaments demised by the original lease granted
by Charles II., in the 20th year of his reign, to Sir Wm.
Poultney. The land had been subsequently divided, and
part of it let on lease, in 1676, at £10 per annum. This
latter piece of ground was again divided in 1683, and part of
it let on lease to Mr. Paulett, or Pollett, at £,20, and Mr.
Paulett's interest in a portion of his ground was now purchased
for £80. The entry referred to runs as follows:—
Then the Dr. (Dr. Birch, Rector) mentioned Mr. Paulett's ground for a
churchyard. Mr. Paulet was called in, the Ground halfe an Acre proposed
to have 100l. for it was offered 60l.
This offer was declined, and on the 18th April,
"Mr. Paulett attending was called in and discoursed about halfe an acre
of his ground view'd and measured by the Gent. named last Vestrie and
refusing to take fourscore pounds for the same which they had offered him.
Sr. Thomas Clarges and other Gent. of the Borde were of opinion to let it
alone and buy out Mr. Poultney's time in the said Ground and gett it of
the Crowne first.
"But Mr. Paulet upon consideration return'd and consented to take the
80l. and to make it a full Halfe Acre and allow passage to it of Twenty
foote broad."
The King's grant was subsequently made, and the land
enclosed with a brick wall. The burial ground was situate to
the west of Poland Street, from which street the approach
was afforded, and the western boundary of the ground is
given as the Pesthouse wall.
This new burial ground was not obtained too soon, for nearly
two years previously (August 1691), Lady Manchester "and
other inhabitants in Jermin Street against the church yard
complain'd of the great annoyance they received by the ill
scents from the said churchyard," and the ground having
been viewed, the gravemaker was ordered "to take all
imaginable care to prevent the same by suffering noe grave at
any time to ly open."