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Although no record is preserved of the use of the
Churchyard itself, a claim was based upon the user of its
surroundings on the occasion of an exceptional procession
towards the close of the reign of George I.
6th Jane, 1725. Ordd That the Clerk of the Vestry do forthwith
draw up a petition (on the behalf of the poor of this parish) to
yc Rt. Honble the Lords Commrs of ye Treasury for their grant
of the Boards Rails and Cloth to be used in the procession of
the Knights of the Noble Order of the Bath to and from the
Abby at their approaching Installation And that the Churchwardens
be desired to deliver in the same.
In connection with the procession to the Abbey on the
occasion of the crowning of King George II., special
privileges were extended to the parish officers:—
12th September, 1727.—Ord That John Fisher Sexton, Humphrey
Drew the Vestry Clerk and John Willis Carpenter have leave
upon their request now made to erect a Single Seat against ye
North Wall of the Church Yard containing from the Church Yard
Gate next ye Engine house to ye return of the said Wall One
hundred & Sixty five foot or thereabouts they paying to ye
Churchwardens five Guineas for ye land and Indemnifying the
parish from all charges & trouble upon that Account.
Ordd. Also That ye sd. John Fisher & Humphrey Drew have leave to
erect three Rows of seats against ye West Wall of ye Church
Yard and that ye Churchwardens do set out how much they shall
have in front so as not to Obstruct ye Vew of the Conduit &
Indemnifying the Parish upon that Acct.
In preparation for the Coronation of George III. the
Vestry empowered the Churchwardens to let the Churchyard
for erecting scaffolds, subject to a space being reserved
for Vestrymen. Instructions were also given in other
respects:—
Thursday, 6th November, 1760. Ordered that the Church-Wardens
do provide a Hogshead of Port, Musick, and all such other
things as have been accustomed and were usually done at
former Coronations, and the charge thereof shall be allowed on
their account.
A claim made by the Dean and Chapter to a right over
the Churchyard was again renewed:—
Sat. 15 Aug. 1761—The Church Wardens acquainted this Vestry that
they had received a Message from the Dean & Chapter of Westminster
purporting that no Person whatever has any right to