| Description | From: Edward VI, king of England
Exemplification of a decree recorded in the court of first fruits and tenths in Michaelmas term 1547 (recited, in English).
The rectory of St Martin's, outside the walls of Canterbury, Kent, was valued at £9, but this has been reduced because 350 acres of arable land, which were worth £8 a year, have been enclosed as part of the king's park at Canterbury and the rector only received 53s 4d in compensation. Consequently, the rector has been overcharged for tenths and subsidies and will be for first fruits. The court issued a commission, dated 12 Jul 1547 at Westminster, to Sir William Fynche, knight, William Coppyn', gent and Bartholomew Barham and Thomas Frenche, gents, returnable on 13 Oct, to enquire into this.
The commissioners found that the rectory was worth only £6 5s 8d, comprising income from tithes, lands and offerings as specified, and that its income had been reduced for 8 years by the enclosure of the 350 acres. The chancellor and council of the court ordered the certificate of valuation to be altered in accordance with the commissioners' evidence and findings, so that in future the amount of first fruits, tenths and subsidies should be calculated on an annual value of £6 5s 8d.
Exemplification made at the request of Thomas Nycolls, clerk. Sent patent. Note on plica that the document was enrolled in the office of John Wrothe, esq, one of the auditors of the king's court of first fruits.
Given at Westminster [Middlesex].
Witnesses: John Bakere, knight
Endorsed with description in mid 16th cent hand. |