PARISH CHURCH OF WEAVERHAM n i^Uu 232

was in no way for ye Parishioners interest but rather to furnish his own private designs.

Spent then .. .. .. oo oo oG."

The wardens evidently did not want Mr. Warburton to have the credit of stopping this practice, for they called several meetings themselves to agree to the making of an order, for it proceeds :—

" Nothing being then agreed on the s'd Parishioners requested us Wardens to call another meeting to make order to lymitt ye officers expenses which was complained of and to prevent the like business hereafter o 3 6."

" Spent at 2 several times we meeting about drawing orders against the aforesaid meeting 01 o."

" Spent with 40 Parishioners (& upwards) who signed and agreed to the older then being made . . 10 9."

Then follow the signatures of the forty parishioners, and one wonders how they enjoyed the feast they had and the satisfaction of having, as they thought, checkmated Mr. Warburton, for among the many orders then made was one which says that in future any person who " refused to pay his lays should be prosecuted at the Parish expense."

He scored too, for another order runs : " No ale or treat be given by any Warden to any workman employed in the repairs of the Church, but he shall be paid in dry money."

A notable entry records the visit to the church of one of the Royal Princes. In the Baptismal Register under August 19th, 1804, there is the following :—

" Frederica Mary Gatherina, daughter of John Ashton, Esq., per Mary his wife. Born in May, 1804. Prince William of Gloucester, Mrs. Ashton and Miss Bover, Sponsors."

This, however, was not the first visit of " Royalty " to the parish for in Gough's Itinerary of King Edward /, 1272-1307, it is recorded that that monarch stayed at Wallerscote on August 7U1, 8th and 9th in the year 1277,