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61
in the Church, though the Minister of the day
disapproved of the arrangements:—
Friday, 6 April, 1770. The Clerk laid before this Vestry a Letter
which he received from the Revd Dr Thomas Wilson Minister
of this Parish relative to the late Order of Vestry for the
Burying of Corps in the Great Vault of this Parish Church in
Leaden Coffins.
And the same being Read
Resolved that the Clerk do wait on the Revd Dr Thomas Wilson
and acquaint him that the true and only Motive for this
Vestry's coming to the said Resolution and Order was on
account of the Smell of the Bodies buried in Wood only
begining to be offensive, and for prevention thereof in future
And that this Vestry will take the Contents of his Letter
into further Consideration.
Resolved that the Churchwardens be desired to take the best
advice they can touching the Legality of the Resolution and
Order of the last Vestry concerning the Burying of Corps
in Lead Clerk to make enquiry of other Parishes in Westminster.
Friday, G Apl., 1770. Mr. Churchwarden Webb reported that in
pursuance of the Resolution of last Vestry he and his Partner
Churchwarden had taken advice concerning the Resolution and
Order of this Vestry taken the 19th day of March last relating
to the Burying of Corps in Lead in the Great Vault of this
Parish Church, and that they are advised the said Resolution
and Order is legal.
The Clerk reported that in pursuance of the Order of the last
Vestry, on enquiry he had been informed as follows (Vizt)—
That St. George, Hanover Square, is prohibited by Act of Par
liament from Burying in the Church.
That St. James Bury in the Vault in their Church in Lead only.
That St. Paul, Covent Garden, Bury in the Vault of their Church
in Lead only.
That St, Martin's, St. Clement's, and St. Ann's Bury in Lead or
wood.
Resolved that the Churchwardens be desired to acquaint Dr.
Wilson that advice having been taken and enquiry made of
the Custom in other parishes touching the burying of the
dead in Vaults in Churches, This Vestry are fully satisfied in
what they have done.
According to Mr. Walcott, a triumphal arch was erected
in the Church annually, in commemoration of the Restoration
of the Royal Family, which arch was taken down,
and the annual erection discontinued in consequence of a