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53
to surrender the prerogative successfully maintained for
nearly two hundred years.
Claims of other kinds were resisted by the Vestry with
equal concern for the parochial interests:—
7th December, 1670. Dr. Owtram haveing this day made Report
touching an Application and Complaint lately made by Mr.
Warder unto the Deane and Chapter concerning a Right which
he pretendeth to have to bring Loaden Carts, or other
Carriages through ye Church yard to his House or Houses
situate therein. And the Vestrie haveing deliborately Considered
of the Annoyance that will thereby arise to the sayd
Ground by Rowting ye Graves and discovering and tearing up
the Corps of Persons enterred there The Doctor is desired to
Represent unto the sd Deane and Chapter That the Designe of
this Vestrie by their endeavouring to keepe the sayd Church
Yard as private as conveniently may be, is not for anie particular
ends they have for themselves or to deprive anie person
of his just Right But onely to preserve and keepe the sayd
Churchyard in such decent condition as becomes ye place, and
as all other Consecrated Grounds in this Kingdome is and
ought to be kept.
Notice having been given to ye Rt. Honble Ld BishPp of Winton
then liveing in this parish church yard of damages done to
several Graves Gravestones and the Pavemts in the sayd
Church Yard by the frequent goeing in and out of his Losp
Coach and Horses, and of the evill consequences that might
ensue by such a bad president. And his Lordsp being very
sensible thereof did send unto this Vestry the sume of ffive
pounds with his desire of their acceptance thereof for and
towards the Repaire of such Damages as had beene done in
the Church Yard as aforesayd with his Lops serious promise
not to comitt the like Errour againe together wth his Lops
harty thankes for the notice they had given him thereof.
Ordered That the Churchwardens doe take Care that all the
Passages into the Church Yard be forthwith made up
with Posts Railes or otherwise as they shall see good soe
that noe Coach Cart or Hors may passe in or out thereat. And
That all Graves Gravestones and Pavemts endamaged by his
Lops Coach or Horses as aforesayd be forthwith Repaired and
amended. And the charge thereof to be defrayed out of the
5£ I0sh his Lordps did give for that purpose
Nevertheless the condition of the Churchyard does not
appear to have reflected credit upon its guardians:—
Wednesday the7th Sept. 1670—The Vestrie taking notice in what
undecent condition ye Church Yard belonging to the Parish