The three main Parish Churches in Dorchester are
St Peter's, Holy Trinity
(See below) & All Saints

They are of very ancient foundation being as old as the introduction of Christianity in the Kingdom of the West Saxons in the 7th Century. Further more detailed background is freely available from the book 'The History of Dorchester' by James Savage which was published in 1837. A full transcription can be viewed at google books. Most of the text given below however has been transcribed from John Hutchins book 'The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset'. I have taken the liberty of adding some pictures which relate to the text and cross referencing to other information on this site.

Though St Peter's is the largest and the principal church in the town, it was only a chapel to Holy Trinity church, and has been since 1303, and perhaps even before that; yet there are two instances in the Sarum Registers when the king presented this as a distinct Rectory. From the municipal records of Dorchester in 1657, and a legal case that arose in 1826, it is clear that the two churches were united and this for example was why the Rev. John White was appointed by the King to Holy Trinity in 1606 but often preached from the pulpit and, was eventually buried in the south porch of St Peters church in 1648.

Holy Trinty becomes the Roman Catholic Parish Church of Dorchester - May 1976:
In 1974 Holy Trinity Church closed and its role in the community was taken over by St Peters which now contains many of its former memorials. It formally passed out of the hands of the Church of England when Her Majesty the Queen in Privy Council initialled the document authorising the transfer in May 1976.

Michael Russell OPC for Dorchester

The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset
(3rd Edition published 1868 - pages 334 to 409)
by John Hutchins -- Pages 389-407
Part 25

(3rd Edition published 1868)

The Parish of Holy Trinity


Holy Trinity Church Dorchester

The Parish of Holy Trinity contains the West Street, from 'Trinity Church' on one side, and the 'Crown Inn' opposite to it, to the west end of the town inclusive; also the 'Back Lane', part of which is parallel to West Street, the other to South Street: also Pease or Sheep Lane, and the ancient parish of Frome Whitfield.

The CHURCH
The Church says Hutchins, "stands at the lower end of the west street, not far from St Peter's. It is not a very large nor ancient fabric, consisting of a body supported by five arches on each side, and a south aisle of equal length and height. The chancel is divided from the body only by rails, and stands in the middle of the body and aisle. The tower containing five bells, is adorned with battlements and pinnacles, but is low, and probably not raised since the fire of 1613, in which the church is thought to have been consumed. The south aisle was built about 1612 (after the union with Frome Whitfield the parishioners being too numerous for the church), at the expense of "241 13s It appears by the church book that £211. 19s. 6d was given by the inhabitants and neighbouring gentry. The whole church is very neatly pewed and adorned; has an handsome pulpit and gallery, and altar-piece with the decalogue , &c"

The church was rebuilt ad enlarged in the year 1824, when Robert Gerard DAVIS and John TULLIDGE were churchwardens. The interior is without any architectural pretensions according to the present revived taste. It is a plain quadrangular building with a long narrow window of three lights at the east and west ends, and galleries run the entire length on each side and across the west end. There are four two-light windows in each of the side walls, which have buttresses between them exteriorly, terminating in crocketed pinnacles. In the place of a tower at the west end are two octagonal turrets. There is an ancient font, the bowl and stem of which appear to be of Norman character.

Fraternities
In this church were fraternities dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, to the Holy Trinity, and Corpus Christi. 20 Richard II (1). a grant was obtained to found a fraternity dedicated to the Blessed Virgin here.

It was probably identical with the chantry of the Blessed Virgin Mary founded" says Hutchins " according to some records, by John SEYWARD, 1 Henry IV" (2) John SYWARD died previously to this date, but the chantry was founded by his executors. His will is enrolled in the Dorchester Domesday Book :-
    At the court held at Dorchester, Feb 3, 22 Rich II (1399) (3) appeared Robert GELLE Clerk , John GOVYTZ and Robert VEEL, executors of the will of John SYWARD senior, and made proof of the same before the bailiffs according to the custom of the same town, in which will, dated Nov 23, 1398, inter alia, is contained these words : I give &c to the abbot and convent of Cerne the estate, right, and claim which I have &c. in a messuage, with appurtenances, which I have caused to be newly built, on the ground of the same abbot and convent , in Dorchester in which Robert DEVENESHIRE and Geoffrey MOSE now dwell, near the market, to pray for my soul and the souls of my father and mother, at the discretion of the same abbot and convent . Item I give to my executors a burgage, with appurtenances in Southampton, co. Southampton, to sell and dispose, and all for the cause to establish and ordain for my soul, the souls of my father and mother and our benefactors, at their discretion". He also gave the same Robert, John and Robert, to the same uses 20s annual rent out of a tenement which Henry ESTAFELD and Alice his wife held, and 4s annual rent of a tenement which Margaret FROME held in Dorchester, with all the burgages, lands , and tenements, rents, and services, &c. which he had in Dorchester and Melcombe Regis. [Note:- See Charter 41]
By letters patents, tested at Westminster March 4th, 2 Hen IV (1401)(4). licence was granted to Robert GELL clerk, John GOVITZ, and Robert VEEL, to alienate in mortmain to John DUDDILL and John BLOUNT, bailiffs of the town of Dorchester, five messuages and 11 a (acres) of land, with appurtenances to have and to hold to themselves and their successors bailiffs of Dorchester , to procure a certain chaplain to celebrate divine offices for the good estate of Elizabeth, who was the wife of John SYWARD Senior, of John SYWARD Junior and Joan his wife, whilst they shall live, and for their souls when they have departed from this light; also the souls of the aforementioned John SYWARD Senior and and of Katherine late his wife, and of Roger SYWARD, father of the same John SYWARD Senior, and for the souls of all the faithful deceased, according to the ordination of the same Robert, John GOVITZ, and Robert, in this behalf made in the church of the Holy Trinity in Dorchester, for ever.[Note:- See Charter 57]

By Charter dated at Dorchester on Monday next after the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mary, 1 Hen VI. (1423) (5) John MORTON clerk , John JURDAN, of Wolverton, and Robert MOSE, of Dorchester (executors of the will of Robert GRENELEFE alias BAKER , granted to John ARTOUR of Dorchester, Baker , and Matilda his wife, 2a (acres) of arable lying in the "west walls" of Dorchester , one of which lies between the land of the chantry of John SEWARD on the west, and the land of the rector of Holy Trinity of Dorchester on the east, and the other acre lies between the land of Thomas FARYNGDON on the north , and the land of John JEWES on the south [Note:- See Charter 367]

By Will dated Aug 20, 10 Hen VI AD 1442? (Actually 1432 (6)) Agnes who was the wife of William NAGARD, bequeathed her soul to God, and her body to be buried in the church of Holy Trinity of Dorchester; to the fabric of the church of Sarum 12d; to the rector of the church of Holy Trinity aforesaid, for tithes forgotten, 6s; to Thomas PYVET, chaplain, iijs. ivd (i.e. 3s 4d). Item, I give and leave to Thomas BUDDE one of my tenements in Dorchester, situate on the south side of the lane called Pyse [Pease] Lane, between the tenement of the rector of the Holy Trinity aforesaid on the east, and the tenement of the Fraternity of the Blessed Virgin in the church of St Peter of Dorchester aforesaid on the west, so that the said Thomas shall pay, or cause to be paid, annually at the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, to the rector of the church of the Holy Trinity aforesaid xxid during the life time of the said Thomas , for a rogation for the souls of the aforesaid William NAGARD and Agnes his wife (testatrix), of William their son, and John HANLE; and furthermore, she directed the said Thomas BUDDE, his heirs, feoffees, or assigns to dispose of the said tenement to the best advantage, and to distribute in the best manner the money thence arising for her soul, the souls of the said William her husband and William their son, and for the souls of all the faithful deceased. She also gave and left to the same Thomas BUDDE and Robert STOURY a tenement, situate on the south side of the West street, in Dorchester, conjointly to sell the same to the best advantage, and employ the money thence arising in holding an anniversary, and celebrating divine offices by the chaplains of the church of Holy Trinity aforesaid, whilst the same money shall last, for the souls of William late her husband, for her own soul, and the souls of all her parents and benefactors, and of all the faithful deceased; and she left the residue of her goods to the same Thomas and Robert, to be disposed of to the same uses. [Note:- See Charter 459]

Philip HELYER, of Dorchester, by will dated April 6th, 1441, bequeathed his soul to Almighty God, and his body for sepulture in the church of the Holy Trinity of Dorchester; to the fabric of the church of the Blessed Mary of Sarum 6d.; to the fabric of the church of Holy Trinity aforesaid 16d; to the Fraternity of the Holy Trinity in the same church 12d; to the Fraternity of the Blessed Mary in the same church 12d; to the rector of the same church 12d., &c. &c. . [Note:- See Charter 487]

In the chantry roll the chantry of the Blessed Virgin Mary was valued at £6 15s 2d out of which rents resolute were paid 13s. There was then no incumbent, but in the Sarum registers is a list of nine chaplains or wardens of the chantry of John SYWARD, at the altar of St Mary in this church, from 1403-1541. These were presented by the bailiffs of the town.

2 Edw. VI. (1548)(7) the King granted to the burgesses of Dorchester and their successors a messuage and lands, and twenty-two messuages, burgages, and gardens, belonging to this chantry, amounting to £6. 9s. 3d for £149. 11s. 8d

11 Eliz. (1568-1569) (8) five tenements and eleven acres of land in Dorchester, belonging to a chaplain in this church, in the occupation of the bailiffs, were granted for 21 years to John HERBERT

Thomas WARYN [WARRIN] rector of the Holy Trinity leaves by will 1441, hereafter given, 3s.4d. to the fraternity of Corpus Christi in this church . [Note:= Link to transcription to the Will of Thomas WARYN]
Monumental Inscriptions

1. Sacred to the memory of John COX esq. for many years partner in the Old Bank of this town, who departed this life August 1st 1842 aged 37 years. Erected by his widow. [Note:- Link to burial and more information about John Albion COX (1806-1842) also transcription of his monumental tablet and his marriage and children]

2. Sacred to the memory of Mary BRYER, born October 15th, 1771, died March 9th 1853; also of the Revd Edmund BRYER, BA brother of the above, born 16th Nov 1775, died 8th April 1854 [Note:- Link to entry in Monumental Inscriptions file and burials at HT of Revd Edmund BRYER (1775-1854) at burial 91 and Mary BRYER (1771-1853) at burial 52]

3. Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth BANGER, relict of William BANGER, esq of Ilminster, in Somersetshire, who died on the 23rd day of December 1842, aged 92 years. Also of her nephew Thomas BOWER esq an old and much respected inhabitant of this parish, who died on the 10th day of September 1842, aged 64 years. Also of Edward Owen PAYNE, son of Capt. Charles Frederick PAYNE, R.N. and Elizabeth PAYNE niece of the above Elizabeth BANGER, who died February 14th 1843, aged 29 years. [Note:- Link to entry in Monumental Inscriptions file ]

4.To the memory of the Revd Nathaniel TEMPLEMAN, who was Rector of this parish and held the living of St Peter's in this town with it for thirty years. He died on the 8th of June 1813, aged 87, and was buried at Long Bredy, of which parish he was also Rector. [Note:- Link to entry in Monumental Inscriptions file ]

5. Sacred to the memory of Joseph FRITH, esq formerly quartermaster in the Royal Horse Guards Blue, and for upwards of 24 years adjutant of the Queen's Own Regiment of Yeomanry cavalry, who died June 30th 1855, aged 61 years. Also of the following sons and daughters of the above and Mary his wife. Joseph Henry FRITH, a lieutenant in the Bengal Army, who died June 15th 1853 aged 28 years. Henry William FRITH, a deputy assistant commissary general, who was killed in action at Malageak, on the west coast of Africa, may 20 1855, aged 28 years. Sarah Louisa FRITH who died February 4th 1843 aged 12 years. Lucy FRITH, who died April 7th 1851, aged 18 years,. George Hippon, Mary, and Sarah who all died in infancy. erected by the widow and mother of the above. [Note:- Link to entry in Monumental Inscriptions file ]

6. "Sacred to the memory of William Mitchell FRITH, assistant surgeon, HM 54th Regiment, who died on the 7th March 1856, whilst on service with his Regiment at Gibraltar, aged 27 years. This Tablet was erected by Colonel William Yorke MOORE, and officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of his regiment as a mark of their esteem" (with coat of arms) Arms: Gules, a cross voided between four cross- crosslets fitchee or. Crest : A lion counter passant or.

7. In memory of Henry John RICHMAN, clerk,LLB many years Master of the Grammar School in this town, and subsequently Rector of this parish, who was killed by the fall of a stack of chimneys during the storm of Novr 23rd 1824. His mortal remains and those of his wife (whose death was occasioned by the same awful catastrophe) were interred in the burial place of his family in Christchurch, Hants".

8. Near this place are interred the remains of William BOWER esq; for many years an alderman of this borough, deputy lieutenant of the county of Dorset, and Lieutenant colonel of the Dorset Volunteers. He died on the 27th March 1829, aged 83". Arms: Sable, three talbots heads couped in chief argent. Crest A talbots head. [Note:- Link to more information about William BOWER (1747-1829) gentleman and the marriage of his father Edmund BOWER at St Georges Church in Fordington to his mother Elizabeth Shorto on 26th Jan 1740/1]

9. In a vault near this spot are deposited the remains of Sarah, wife of William HENNING, esq of Frome, in this parish, who departed this life Feb 8th 1825, aged 56. Also in the same vault lie also the remains of the above mentioned William HENNING, who resided at Frome upwards of 70 years, and departed this life on the 26th day of March 1842, in his 82nd year". [Note:- Link to burial of Sarah HENNING and marriage to William HENNING (1760-1842) ]

10. Sacred to the memory of Thomas Gould READ, esquire, many years alderman of the borough who departed this life the 22nd January 1835, aged 76 ". [Note:- Link to more information about Thomas Gould READ (1759-1835) 4 times Mayor of Dorchester]

11. "In memory of William BRIDGE, esq; who departed this life the 26th of April 1858, aged 62 years". [Note:- William Bridge (1795-1858) was buried at the Civic Cemetery in Dorchester ]

12. To the memory of Rev George WOOD MA (1774-1847), formerly of Oriel College Oxon. He was Rector of the parish during twenty three years, having in the earlier part of his life held successively the livings at Martin's Town and Cann St Rumbold, near Shaftesbury. He departed this life August 21st 1847 in the 75th year of his age. Also of Betsy WOOD wife of the above, who died the 7th day of December 1855, in her 83rd year".

13. To the memory of John James LAMBERT, Esq of Dorchester, who departed this life on Saturday May 10th 1856, in the 63rd year of his age. This tablet is erected as a tribute of affection by his son, Francis Henry [Note:- Link to entry in Monumental Inscriptions file ]

14. "In memory of Christopher COOPER M.D. who departed this life July 30th 1842 aged 69". [Note:- Link to summary of his will and more information ]

15. "Sacred to the memory of John CROUCH esquire one of the aldermen of the corporation of Weymouth, who departed this life the 4th December 1817, aged 79. Also Elizabeth his wife who died the 21st March 1814 aged 61. [Note:- Link to burial of Elizabeth CROUCH ]

16. "Near this monument is interred the remains of Samuel RICKWOOD, who died February 15th 1762, aged 74 years; Sarah his wife, died September 10, 1763, aged 75 years. Samuel their son, died Dec 18, 1788, aged 75 years. Elizabeth, his wife, died April 17th, 1803, aged 70 years, and Samuel their son, died some years before in infancy. [Note:- Link to entry in Monumental Inscriptions file and more information about his family]
The following appeared in the last edition of this work:


"To the pious memory of Dorothy TURNER, widow, late of this town. She died 9 Nov 1718, aged in years, but much more in piety and virtue. Near this place also lieth the body of Katherine ROSE widow of Thomas ROSE, late of this town MD. They were the only surviving sisters and coheirs of John HURDING, of Longbredy in this county, esq; by whose death that ancient and religious family was extinct" (Hutchins adds a list of burials in this parish that Thomas ROSE MD was buried in 1700, and Mrs Catherine ROSE was buried in 1709).
On a Tablet of wood in gold letters:
Dedit ille cœcus,
At vos accipite oculati.

To the memory of Mr Edward DASHWOOD, of this parish of Holy Trinity, who by his last will and testament gave to the poore of the three parishes within this borough of Dorchester, of which he was thrice maior [mayor] 50l [pounds]; the profit thereof to be annually and equally divided between them the 9th day for March ever; and also to the poore of West Stafford 10l [ten pounds], the profit thereof to be distributed amongst them on the same day.
Ob: quinto id Feb: (5 Feb) 1666, aetatis suae [his age] 78 Feneratur Dominjo, qui pauperis miseretur".

[Note:- Also recorded in Holy Trinity Memorials file - See transcription of the will of Edward DASHWOOD (d1666/7) merchant of Dorchester dated 27th Jan 1666/7 and genealogical notes for more information]
"Near the former, on another tablet".
" The benefactors of the parish of the Holie Trinity in Dorchester:

Henry EDWARDS, deceased August 1610 [Note:- buried HT 17th Aug 1610] , gave 40s a-yeare, to the poor for ever, out of his land in Pease Lane.
John PERKINS. deceased Nov. 1640 [Note:- parish registers not survived for 1640], gave 10l [i.e. £10 ] a-year, to be paid out of his land in Dorchester, whereof 5l [i.e.£5 ] to an assistant minister, and £5 to the hospital.
Julian PERKINS, deceased Jan. 1658 [Note:- buried HT19 Jan 1657/8] , gave 100l {i.e. £100 ] to the poor of the three parishes, the profit thereof to be paid the 25th day of March for ever.
John CHURCHILL, deceased [Note:- buried HT 15th June 1672], gave 10l [i.e. £10 ] to the poor of Trinity parish, the profit whereof to be disbursed to the poore once every yeare".
In 1788, a plain white but neat white marble monument was erected against the north wall of the church, with the following inscription, written by himself:

"Near this place lie the remains of William CUMMING MD Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and of the Societies of Antiquaries of London and Edinburgh, who practiced physic in this town and county during the space of 49 years, and who desired to be buried in the churchyard rather than the church, lest he, who studied whilst living to promote the health of his fellow citizens, should prove detrimental to it when dead. He was born at Edinburgh September 30, N.S. 1714. He died March 25. 1788".

"Dr CUMING was son of James CUMING, an eminent merchant in Edinburgh (who died 1736), by Margaret, only daughter of George HEPBURN, merchant in the same city. Of their eight sons only three arrived at man's estate, and of these William was the youngest, and was born in 1714. He was educated at the High School, Edinburgh; and at the age of thirteen removed to the tuition of Mr Alexander MOIR, who had resigned his professorship of philosophy in the University of Aberdeen, and retired to Edinburgh. With him young Cumings continued four years; and before he was eighteen applied himself to the study of physic. In 1735 he visited France, and resided about nine months at Paris, improving himself in anatomy in the Hotel Dieu. In 1736 he attended the venerable Boerhaave's lectures at Leyden, whence the death of his father soon recalled him, and he resided in his native city about one year and a half. In 1738 he came to London, and by the advice of his friend Fothergill settled in Dorchester, where he soon formed such respectable and valuable connections that no solicitations could afterwards draw him to the capital. In 1752 he received a diploma from the University of Edinburgh, and was soon after adopted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in that city. In 1769 he was admitted a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London; and in 1781 chosen, without his knowledge, an honorary member of that in Scotland. The doctor enjoyed a good constitution which he inherited from his parents; the tenderness of his eyes was through life the greatest obstacle he had to struggle with. In his retirement he afforded a pleasing instance that virtue and probity, whether glowing in the public walks of life, or calmly shining only in the private avocations of retirement, will ever be courted and admired. The surviving companions of his youth remained the friends and correspondents of his advanced years, and those who consulted him professionally continued to visit, and occasionally to consult him and though retired from active business, and almost wholly confined within doors, he enjoyed the singular satisfaction not to be forgotten, but to be visited by persons the most respectable in the country for probity, rank, and fortune" (See Lettsome's Life of him pages 210-223)

Here he lived, exercising the duties of his profession for more than forty years, with the greatest ability and success. It may be truly said of him, that he possessed in an eminent degree all the virtues that adorn either the head or the heart. He was a universal scholar, a sincere friend, a well-bred and pleasing companion, and, with till more valuable, a real and practical Christian. In short , he was a person in whose praise it was impossible to say enough.

The interest Dr CUMING took in the first publication of this History has been gratefully and handsomely acknowledged by its author in the close of his Preface. "Mr HUTCHINS, after thirty years close application in compiling this work, gave out proposals for its publication, but, as he was a reserved man, and but little known, they found not the reception they merited. A concurrence, however, of some accidental circumstances soon afterwards proved favourable to him, and he met with support from several gentlemen of fortune and distinction. To these Mr CUMING gave his aid, and at a very numerous meeting of the first persons of the county of rank and property, assembled at the summer assizes 1770, it was agreed to encourage the publication; and so general was the doctor's reputation, that he was unanimously requested to undertake the care of the publication. In this work his leisure hours during the next four years were employed, and with the assistance of his ingenious and learned friend Richard GOUGH, of Enfiel, esq author of the British Topography, it was offered to the public in the year 1774. That publication gave it a very favourable reception and it daily rose in value and reputation (ibid p 218)
The REGISTER begins in 1559. In it is inserted the following memorandum:-

1651, Aug 22. At night there was great thunder and lightening, such as has not been known by any living in this age; and there fell with it a great storm of hail, some of the stones of which were seven inches about, with abundance of rain, and it continued all night and a great part of the next morning, till eight of the clock. That same day were Mr LOVE and Mr GIBBONS beheaded.

BAPTISMS:
1653: Humphrey, son of Mr Humphrey HULL [Note:- Not located in Baptism Register]

1671 [1691] : John son of William CHURCHILL Esq [Note:- typo in year - should be 1691 as baptised HT 18 Nov 1691 ]

1693: William son of William CHURCHILL Esq [Note:- baptised HT 08 Jan 1693/4 ]

1700: Susanna, daughter of Francis TUTHILL, M.D. [Note:- baptised HT 26 Sep 1700]

1714: John son of James RICHARDS [Note:- baptised HT 25 Mar 1714]

1717: Joseph, son of Mr Joseph DAMER, March 15 [Note:- baptised HT 15 Mar 1717/18 ]

1738: William, son of William CHURCHILL, esq 15 Sep [Note:- baptised HT 15 Sep 1738]

MARRIAGES:
1655: Christopher BATTISCOMB esq of Symondsbury, and Mrs Mary STARRE, of this parish [Note:- Married HT 18th Sep 1655]

1656: Mr George DAUBENEY and Mrs Katherine FRAMPTON [Note:- Married HT 14th Oct 1656]

1657: Mr George TURBURVIL, of Winterbourne, and Mrs Elizabeth LEWEN, of this parish [Note:- Married HT 15th Sep 1657]

1660: Mr Sam. SIMMS and Mrs Kath. HULL [Note:- Married HT 17th July 1660]

1664: Henry HENLEY, esq and Mrs Mary BULKELEY [Note:- Married HT 31st Jan 1664]

1674: Mr John GOLLOP and Mary, daughter of Philip STANSBY [Note:- Married HT 28th May 1674]

1693: Christopher PITT, M.D. and Mrs Elizabeth BACKWAY [Note:- Married HT 25th April 1693]

1722: William ROBINS, esq co. Gloucester. and Dorothy BACON of Bubdown [Note:- Married HT 22nd Sep 1722]

BURIALS:
1661: Mr HERNE, a minister [Note:- Buried at HT 5th Nov 1661]

1667: Mary, wife of Mr Walter FRY? [Note:- Buried at HT on November 10th 1667 as Mary wife of Mr. Walter FFOY ]

1669: Elizabeth, wife of Mr Robert NAPIER [Note:- Buried at HT 27th July 1669]

1688: Mrs Anne ROSE [Note:- Buried at HT 24th Sep 1688]

1693: Mr. Joshua CHURCHILL [Note:- Buried at HT 08 Jan 1693/4 Link to more information about the Rev Joshua CHURCHILL (1627-1693/4) who was vicar of St Georges Church in Fordington from 1656 until 1662 when he was ejected]

---: Mrs Elizabeth CHURCHILL, widow [Note:- Buried at HT 08 Jan 1693/4]

1700: Thomas ROSE M.D. [Note:- Buried at HT 13th Apr 1700 where more info about him is available]

---: Mr Henry WILLIAMS [Note:- Buried at HT 14 Feb 1700/1]

1704: Mr Francis TUTHILL, gent [Note:- Buried at HT 1st Sep 1704]

1709: Mrs. Catherine ROSE [Note:- Buried at HT 17th Nov 1709]

---: Mr Abraham TEMPLEMAN [Note:- Buried at HT 11 Mar 1709/10]

1712: Mrs Elizabeth PLEA, widow [Note:- Buried at HT 6th June 1712]

1718: Mrs. Elizabeth TURNER, widow [Note:- Buried at HT 14th Nov 1718]

1719: George FRAMPTON, gent [Note:- Buried at HT 24th Sep 1719]
The RECTORY


The ancient patron was the Crown. It is thus mentioned in the Tesa de Neville (page 167) "The church of the Holy Trinity is in the gift of the King, and Master Alexander de Dorset holds the same by the gift of King John, value 10 marks". It is now vested in trustees of the school and almshouse. The parish of Frome Whitfield was annexed to it 7 Jac I (1610).
    Valor . . . . . . . . . . .12 marks
    Present Value . . .£17. 8s 8½ d
    Tenths . . . . . . . . £1. 14s 10¼ d
    Bishops procurations . . . £0. 2s 10d.
    Archdeacons procurations . . . £0. 11s. 6d
The return to the commission, 1650, for Holy Trinity parish, was, they had a parsonage £130 per annum, out of which is paid to the school and almshouse £30 per annum, and in other rates and taxes £10 per annum. Mr Stanley GOWER, minister. No Chapel belonging to the parish; no parish church fit to be united; no chapel to be taken way, nor any village that wanteth a new church.

The Feoffees of the parsonage of the Holy Trinity in 1790 were David Robert MICHEL, esq. William DAVIS, Robert LAMBERT, Richard COZENS, Robert STICKLAND, John GOLLOP, M.D. John TEMPLEMAN, George CHURCHILL, esq. Christopher ARDEN, Charles WHITE, James CHAFFEY

INQUISITIO NORARUM

Parochia Sanctæ Trinitatis in eodem. Richardus Tyte, Galfridus Joup, Johannes Rofout, Stephanus Wydecoumbe, parochiani ibidem jurati presentant quod ecclesia predicta taxatur in viii li. Et quod ix pars garbarum, vellerum et agnorum valet per annum xiij s. iv d. et sic minus taxæ xi marcas, eo quod proficuum dictæ ecclesiæ consistit in dominicis terris rectoris ut de dote ecclesiæ, et in decimus lini, canabi, oblationibus et obventionibus, decimis mercatorum, et aliis minutis decimus.
Summa ixnæ" partis xiij s. iv d.
RECTORS

Alexander de Dorset, inst. temp. King John -- This priests name occurs in the close roll of King John . "The King to the Barons of the Exchequer, &c. Allow the executors of the will of my Lord of Canterbury, against the debt which he owes us, £260. sterling, which they paid into our chamber, on Monday next, before the feast of St. Margaret, in the 7th year, &c., by the hands of Alexander de Refham, Alexander de Dorset, and Richard de Bellhus, &c. &c. Witness myself, at Rocheste, July 19".

Ralph de Odyham, pbr [alias to the chapel of St Peter tanquam ad matricem ecclesiam]. He brought an inquisition 13 Nov 1302, by which clearly appeared that the chapel of St. Peter was dependent on the church of Holy Trinity, and was admitted 8th Sep 1302, it having been put in commendam for six months (Reg. Gaunt).

John de Ayremynne, clerk, on the resignation of Will, de Ayremynne, 17 cal.April, 1305. (Reg. Gaunt)

William de Ayremynne, clerk, on the resignation of John de Ayremynne,on the nones of May 1306 (Ref Reg.Gaunt)

Alan de Cancia, clerk, on the resignation of W. de Ayremynne, instituted 6 cal. March 1312, (Ref Reg.Gaunt) occurs 1321

John de Warblynton, clerk, on resignation of de Smereden, the last rector, inst, cal. March 1334 (Ref. Mortival)

Walter Swaine, clerk, on the death of Warblynton, instituted 19th Oct 1348 (Ref Wyvil)

Simon Macy de Clifton, clerk, on the dismission [i.e. resignation] of Swaine, inst 29 May 1349 (Ref Wyvil)

Jeffery de Hardwick, on the death? of Macy, inst 7th Nov 1350.

Robert de Cherlton, exchanged with John Robekyn, Rector of Tadmerton, diocese of Lincoln, instit 7th Feb 1362 (Ref Wyvil)

John Rouland, on the death of Robekyn, 27th April 1379.

William Totell, pbr, presented to this rectory with the chapel of St Peters annexed, on the death of Rowland . Instituted 29th Sept 1384, (Ref Erghum) exchanged with next.

William Holym, vicar of Wethernese diocese of York, presented to this rectory, with the chapel of St Peter annexed , Instituted Oct 31st 1385, exchanged with next.

Peter Mighel, rector of Pulham in Norfolk, presented to this rectory, and chapel of St Peter annexed, instit 30th Nov 1385 exchanged with next.

John Rygges vicar of Cranborne, instituted 1st May 1393.

Thomas Waryn, clerk presented to this rectory, with the chapel of St Peter annexed inst 30th May 1420. (Ref Chandler)
    Link to transcription of his will also provided by John Hutchins as a footnote
William Wotton, clerk inst 16th Dec 1441 (Ref. Ayscough)

Richard HYLL, clerk instituted 12th Oct 1475. (Ref Beauchamp)

John Ap - Harrys Priest instituted 31st May 1485 (Ref Langton)

Robert Gaskyn, pbr on the resignation of Ap-Harrys Instituted 27th Dec 1504 (Ref Audley).

John Glynne, bachelor in decrees, presented, on the death of Gaskyn, to this rectory, with the chapel of St Peter annexed instituted 3rd June 1524.

William Tresham Occurs 1534.

William Bryce pbr on the resignation of ...... instituted 13th May 1540:

Nicholas Knewstubb instituted 1543.

William Woodman instituted .......

Edward Doughty, inst. 1580

Richard Johnson, inst. 1585.

John White, inst. 1605 See an account of John White in Fuller's Worthies, 1811, vol ii. p 233, under Oxfordshire

Stanley Gower, rector 1650 [Rev. Stanley Gower BA (1603-1660) Notes also provided by JH have been incorporated into the account of his life - follow link]

George Hammon, admitted 1660, ejected 1662.[George HAMMOND MA (1620-1705) Notes also provided by JH have been incorporated into the account of his life - follow link]

John Knightsbridge, 30 June 1663 [i.e. John KNIGHTBRIDGE BD (1620-1679) - follow link for more information]

Samuel Rayner , M.A. 6 Oct 1670 He published a sermon preached at the funeral of the right Honourable Denzil Lord Holles, &c., from Isaiah iii, 1-3. 4 to. 1680. [i. e. Samuel REYNER MA (1623-1704) - follow link for more information]

Sam. Conant, inst 1704 or 5, resigned 1706 [i.e. "Samuel CONANT MA (1677-1706) - follow link for more information - he died of TB in 1706]

William Leigh, D.D., also rector of Litchet Matravers, inst 1707, ob. 4th Jan 1752 [i.e. William LEIGH BD DD [1677-1752] - follow link for more information]

John Hubbock M.A. rector of Batcomb and Downfrome, prebendary of Chichester, schoolmaster here, official of the Bishop of Bristol, inst. on the death of Dr Leigh, 12 May 1752; ob. at Bath, 20 Feb 1781, aged 69. [i.e. John HUBBOCK MA [1712-1781] - follow link for more information]

Nathaniel Templeman, M.A., rector of Almer, vicar of Lothers, and rector of Anderson (1791), all in this county, inst. 20 July 1781 on the death of John Hubbock, ob 7 jun 1813, aged 87. [i.e. Rev. Nathaniel TEMPLEMAN MA (1727-1813) - follow link for more information]

Henry John Richman B.C.L. Corpus Christi Coll. Oxford, inst. 1813 on the death of Templeman; died Nov. 28 1824, aged 74 [i.e. Rev. Henry John RICHMAN (1756-1824) - follow link for more information] - His death was awfully sudden, being occasioned by the falling of a stack of chimneys through the roof of his house during the storm of 1824. A few minutes before six o'clock am a tremendous crash was heard, and the other inmates of the house immediately hastened to the bedroom of Mr Richman, but could not open the door. A surgeon residing in the same street was instantly called, and, on his entering the bedroom with other persons, they discovered a mass of rubbish on the bed, on the removal of which appeared the lifeless bodies of the venerable rector and his wife, who had both been suffocated. No wounds were discovered on either, and their deaths seem to have been instantaneous. Mr Richman was born at Christchurch, Hants, educated at Winchester College, and resided for some years at Poole. On the resignation of the Rev John Cutler he was elected master of Dorchester Grammar school, which office he held twenty three year, and greater part of the time officiated as curate to his predecessor in this rectory.

George Wood, M.A. Oriel College, Oxford, inst. 1824, on the death of Richman; died 1847 [i.e. Rev George WOOD (1773-1847) - follow link for more information]

William Buller, M.A. Were Coll. Oxon. Inst. Feb 22nd 1848. [i.e. Rev William BULLER MA (1799-1862) - follow link for more information]

James Fisher, M.A. Worcester Coll. Oxford, inst. Oct 15 1855, on the cessation of Buller [i.e. Rev James FISHER MA (1825-1870) - follow link for more information]
CHURCH ESTATE Parish of Holy TRINITY {Extracted from Page 401 of The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset]

The origin of which is unknown, consists of the rents and fines of certain premises, in Dorchester, eight in number, leased for lives, which rents, &c. are applied to the purpose of a church rate.

Henry EDWARDS by will dated 13 Aug 1610 [actually 8th] , charged the sum of 40s annually upon a certain tenement in Dorchester, the same to be yearly distributed for ever by the discretion and appointment of the church wardens and overseers of the poor of the same parish, to be paid on the feasts of St Thomas and St. James the Apostle, by equal proporttions.

Humphrey JOLIFFE of Dorchester gave an annuity of Four marks, to be issuing out of a certain premises in Dorchester, for the relief of the poor; but the charity has not been distributed for many years, neither does it appear in the returns of 1786.

William CHURCHILL, by will dated 19th April 1639, gave unto the poor of Trinity parish £10, which seems eventually to have been paid into the cash of the Hospital. It is mentioned in the returns of 1786 as producing 10s per annum. [Note:- No Burial or Will located]

John SAMWAYES, by will dated 28th April 1738, charged his dwelling house in the parish of the Holy Trinity in Dorchester, with the payment of £5 a year for ever to the intent that every two years £10 should be laid out in clothing and binding out apprentice a child of some poor inhabitant of the parish of Holy Trinityor St Peterin Dorchester, such as his nephew Richard SAMWAYS, or such other person who should be seised of the freehold of the said house, and his honoured friend William BOLETH , of Kingston-Upon-Thames and John DAMPER of Dorchester and their respective heirs, together with the minister of Holy Trinity for the time being, who should be resident on his benefice, or the major part of them, should appoint; and he directed that if he had any poor relation who should be willing to accept the said charity he should have a preference. [Note:- No Burial or Will located]
CHURCH LANDS: Parish of Holy TRINITY {Extracted from Page 401 of The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset]

There is a messuage and gardenin the parish of Holy Trinity, situate on the north side of Pease-Lane which has always been been considered as belonging the the church of St Peter, the profits of which are carried to the account of the church rates.
Extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts of the parish of Holy Trinity (1614-1731)
[Copied from The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset Dorchester  Pages 401-403


1614 Received towards bread and wine , £1. 8s. 5d. Paid Samuel DAUBENEY for work in chancel by thr pulpit, and for timber towards the making of the pulpit £4. 8s. 10d.; for Ministers seat and communion table £1. 12s; laid out at Blandford warned by the paritor, 1s. 2d; cloth for the communion table, 5s. 8d.; sexton wages for this year were 6s. 8d.

1615 Received for bread and wine, £1. 9s. 1d. ; book of articlesand church rent, 2s 6d. ; book of articles for 19th Dec 2s. 6d. paid more by the present churchwardens for bread and wine for this year past £2. 18s. 3d

1616 Gathered by the parish towards bead and wine £1. 2s. 1d.; a burial in church, 6s. 8d. ; book of articles and church rent 2s. 6d. ; for delivering the copy of the resiter, 4d., for parchment for the same 2d.; paid the carver at rtwo several times for his labour about the arms £1.; for lime to set the arms 9d.; for baking the plaster for the arms 1s. 8d.; quarts and half a pint of Malaga sack to serve the communion £3. 1s. 2d

Account of what was delivered to the new churchwardens - 26 rolls of writing in parchment concerning the lands belonging to the church ; one communion cupof silver; one surplus; one green carpetfor the communion table ; one Bible; one Book of Common Prayer.

1617 A burial in church 6s. 8d. ; collection for building the gallery amounted to £2. 9s. 6d.; sacremental collection £2. 3s. 4d ; cushion for the pulpit cost £1. 13s. 1d.; for a billprtesentment, 4d; for two skins of parchment 1s; paid for commission 10s. 4d book of articles and church rent 2s. 6d.; washing the communion cloth3d.; expense for buildin g the gallery, £11. 8s. 2d. ; for painting the same £1. 13s. 4d. ; The same articles delivered to trhe new churchwardens as last year, with the same addition of a cushion for the pulpit; book of homilies.

1618 Two gifts to the parish, one of 20s. the other of 5s. ; delivering the present,emt to the bishop's court, 8d. ; delivering the register and for parchment to write it on, 6d.; paid for paving the church, 19s. 6d.; a book of articles and chuch rent, 2s. 6d. ;paid for bread and wine, £4. The same articles delivered over to the new churchwardens, and one bond.

1619 Account of monies received at nine communions £14. 16s. 10½ .; smoke money, 8d; book of articles and delivering the presentment, 2s. 4d.; delivering the register, 4d; delivering the presentment of non-communicants, 4d.; book of canons, 6d.; paid for bread and wine, £4. 8s. 4d.; Same articles delivered to churchwardensas last year.

1620 (Missing)

1621 John CHURCHILL, esq. paid 5s.; for parchment and writing the register, 6d.; for delivering the same, 4d. ; paid at Blandford Court 4s. book of articles 4d.

1622 Book of articles, 2s. ; smoke money, 6d.; paid GOODIE for washing the communion cloth, 6d.; paid for writing the register, presentment, and delivering the same 1s. 2d.; for pointing the tower, 2s.2d.; book of articles /against the bishop's visitation, 4d.; for a book of prayer for the 5th of August, 6d.; paid at the bishop's visitation, 2s.10d.; book of articles, 4d.; on exchanging the old Bible, £1.8d.; was paid with it it for a new one. Same articles delivered as last year.

1623 Recevied of GOODWIFE, for changing her seat, 8d.; paid the ringers at the prince's return home, Nov 10th 1s.; As the plumber charges 3s. 4d.; for wood, it seems likely that coalswere no usedat this time.; for relieving maimed soldiers, 4s. 4d.; church rent, 6d.

1624 For making the Serjeant's seats, £2. 2s. 6d.; Church suffered from great wind this year; given to the ringers at proclamation of King Charles 6d.[ Note:- At the end of his reign James 1st showed signs of senility. By the time of his death in March 1625, Charles and the Duke of Buckingham had already assumed de facto control of the kingdom]; paid to maimed soldiers, April 12th 2s.2d.; paid the ringers 4th March , 2s.; for feathers and making the cushion 7s.

1625 Robert POLDEN's wife pays 1s. 6d. for a seat in the woman's square; Goodman DEVENISH, for glasing and cleaning the church windows; paid the ringers on the Coronation day [Note:- This is actually the date Charles I became King 27th March 1625 his coronation was actually at Westminster Abbey 2nd Feb 1626], 1s. paid for making the canopy over the pulpit £1. 6s. 8d ;paid the ringers 5th November 1s.; for paving the church £2. os. 6d.

1626 Expenses of a journey to Blandford, 2s. paid for two books for fast days, 2s. ; for maimed soldiers, 11s. ; for a book for November 5th, 6d.

1627 Ringing 5th November 1s.; two ringers are mentioned; two cups for the communion bought this year, £5. 14s. 0d exclusive of the old ones; frequent charges to Blandford this year; one Mr COOK goes for 1s.

1628 Two tin flaggons were bought this year, 18s. 10d. ; a bason for the communion cost 3s. 1d.; ringing 5th of November, 1s.

1629 Much business this year in spiritual court; expenses to Bristol, 9s.; expenses waiting on the bishop, 1s.

1630 Ringing for the birth of the prince [Note:- birth of Charles II on 29th May 1630] , 1s. ; a charge is made for carrying a corpse through the town and resting in the parish. [Note:- This was probably the body of Mr Henry WHITTLE a Capital Burgess and Alderman of Dorchester buried at Holy Trinity Church on 14th Oct 1625]

1631 Four days pay for nursing, 1s. 6d.; given to a poor woman 4d.; due to the bason £4. 8s. 8d; This year they nborrowed out of the bason money 6s. 9d.; paid the ringers for the King, and Laud's victory, 1s.

1632 Ringing 5th November, 1s; paid ringers 26th March 1s. q.if on STRAFFORD's Impeachment?

1633 Visitation expenses, 3s.; ringing 5th November 1s.;

1634 Pentecost money, 6d.; paid ringers at bishop of Britol's visitation, 2s. 6d.; mention made concerning glebe lands; ringers allowed 2s. 6d Nov 17th.

1635 Distinction of Tothes mentioned; 12 men's dinners, concerning the patronage or parsonage, q if not a jury? witness dinner at assizes, 13s. 8d.; bason for the altar cost 4s.8d.; Henry PENNY, for ringing when Lord Bishop came, 1s. 6d.; 5th Nov paid 2s.

1636 A Common Prayer Book bought, cost 8s.6d.; ringing 5th and 17th November 1s. each time; for fast daysprayers, 1s. 2d.; a citation to court, concerning the communion table expenses.

1637 Rining at coming of Lord Bishop, 1s. 6d.; ringing 5th November 1s. 6d. paid GOODWIFE MORRICE, for schooling the gamesters.

1638 Paid for putting the register into Court, 4d.; book of articles, 2s.; for putting a presentment into the bishop's court 4d.; paid Nathaniel BOWEN for poor Frenchmen that were lodged in town, 1s.; for mending the church after a great wind2s.; ringing 5th and 17th November 2s.; paid to the paritor, 6d.; paid Mr GOULDE for keeping the clock and horolidge [ horologe or timepiece], £1.; what was disbursed abvout the clock and horolidge, and cover upon the tower £8. 5s. 10d.; for parchment and writing the register 1s.6d. [Note:- This would be in connection with producing a copy of the parish registers to send to the Bishop]

1639 Men's seats are described as being at this time in the chancel. For a prayer for the KIng 3d.; for a sun-dial to set the horolidge by; a great wind 17th January paid for repairing the church afterward, £1. 15s. 8d.;

1640 A great many seats bought and exchanged this year, paid the ringers, Nov 17th, being a fast day, 1s. two booksfor the fast day; for lining the pulpit and nails3s. 3d.; a prayer for the KIng, 4th Sep 4d.; to the church holders at the visitation5s. 8d.; ringers Feb. 20th for the happy success of parliament, 1s.; 5th and 17th Nov, 2s.; ringing on the coronation day, 6d.

1640-1686 The church book is missing which contains the parish accounts and transactions from 1640-1686

1686Ringing on St George's day, 1s.; paid towardthe care of a poor woman's child, 4d.; visitation charges, 7s.; ringing on the day of rejoicing, and on the 6th January, 1s. each.; 12 hedgehogs caught this year, at 2d. each; collection for briefs, 14 | 34 | intwo columns, whether shillings or poundsuncertain. This year the church was vaulted (i.e. compass- roofed); by the command of bishop TRELAWNEY. Esquire COKER had at this time a seat in the church. Q. Whetherthey were not resodent at Coker's Frome?

1687 Visitation expenses, 16s. 4d.; Mrs Edith HAWKINS appears by the rate to have possessed in this parish 25 tenements. [Note:- Mrs Edith HAWKINS was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 16th July 1708] R.COKER, esq appears on the rate.; expenses for railing, and for the screen for the communion, £16. 10s. 2d.;

1688 A grant to Lord HOLLIS [i.e.  Denzil HOLLES (1599-1680) ] , in consideration of his procuring the junction of the estate of Frome Whitfield to the parish of Holy Trinity, two pews. It appears that the week day prayers were not used till this year, by an increase of the clerk's wages in attendance. Collected by virtue of a brief from his majesty, for the relief of French Protestants £6. 2s. 5d.

1689 Mending several of the public tankard, 8s. 10d.; ringing when the seven bishops were acquitted, 2s.; for a prayer before the birth of the prince. and one after he was born, 2s.; a brief for an earthquake in Yorkshire, £8. 5s. 7d.;

1690 Fast Book , July 26th 1s.; paid Irish Protestants 1s.

1691 Ringing at the King and Queen's coronation day 1s; paid for ringing April30, for news from Ireland, 1s; June 24th paid for ditto 1s.; for ringing thanksgiving day, 1s. ditto Allhallows'-tide, Nov 5th , and Queen Elizabeth's coronation day, 3s.; ditto ringing all the Christmas, 2s. for the king's landing in Holland.

1692 Ringing on the Coronation day, 1s.; ringing for the King's return from Flanders , 1s; book for the fast day, 1s.; paid ringers at the taking of Limerick, 2s.; ditto on the King's birthday, 1s.; burgage money , 3d.; wages 1s. per day for workmen about the church. Paid the ringers on the King's landing in Flanders, 1s. 6d

1693 Fast books, 1s.; paid for the ringing at the King's return from Flanders, 1s.; ditto Nov 5th.; ditto when the French Fleet was routed, 2s; Ditto for the King's return 1s. 6d.; ditto for thansgiving day, 1s.

1694 May 26th, fast book, 1s.; paid the ringers the king's birthday, 1s.; ditto Nov 17, 1s.; paid for the ringers several times , 6s.;paid Mr COKER's shepherd for polecats' heads. 4s.;

1695 Nov 1st and 5th paid the ringers, 2s.; for tolling the bell the day the queen was buried , 6d. [Note:- This was Queen Mary (1662-1694) the wife of William, Prince of Orange. She actually died of smallpox on 28th Dec 1694 but was buried at Westminster Abbey on 5th March 1695. ] paid the ringers for the King and Laud's victory, 1s.

1696 Ringing in March, the King's coronation day, 1s.; ditto 3 days in May, 3s.; ditto at Christmas, 1s.; This year a veryt curious order, by agreement with the parishionersat a meeting respecting the tolling of bells. and fees. 96 persons rated.

1697 Ringing St George's day, 1s.; A new common prayer book bought this yea; ringing the 5th November, and ringing out the old year and ringing in the new one, 4s.; horse-hire and expenses for GOODY CURTIS to Cerne, 3s. 88 persons rated.

1698 Expenses for the two tables of Commandments, the table for the Lord's prayer, and one for the Creed, and putting up the same, £45. 2s. 8d.; An entry of the Rev. Mr RAYNER, rector [ i.e. Samuel REYNER MA (1623-1704) ], consenting to the election of parish officers as made by poll.

1699 For ringing at seven different times , 7s.; a cushion for thge Mayor's seat, 7s.6d. ; fast book 1s.

1700 Ringing seven different times onpublic occasions, 7s., bishop's visitation expenses, £1. 7s. 6d.; archdeacon's ditto, £1. 4s. 7d.,

1701 Archdeacon's Visitation , £1. 5s. 6d.; paid the ringers for six times, 6s.; a church Bivle bought, £4. 15s.; gave more to the ringers on different public occasions, 9s. 6d.; collected from the inhabitants of this parish towrda the relief of the inhabitants of Fordingbridgewho suffered by fire 11s. 4½

1702Paid the Ringers at different times, 10s.; the Dean's Visitation 10s.;

1703 Collected by briefs this year £5. 5s. 0½d.; The present vestry room was this year erected. The old surplus sold for 4s.; the new one cost £4. 10s.; some canary wine usedthis year for sacrement.

1704 Sack used for sacrement. A sequestration.

1705 Collected by briefs this year £3. 3s. 9¾

1706 Ditto £1. 0s. 1d.

1707 Ditto £7. 3s. 11d.; paid the ringers at several times 7s. 6d.

1708 Collected by briefs , £4. 11s. 2d.; paid the ringers and for beer 9s. 6d.; expenses for building new seats at the east side of the pulpit , £11. 8s. 8d .

1709 Paid the ringers at different times 8s.; This year the branch in the south aisle was put up , being the gift of Mr.Nicholas PURCHASE, of London, it cost £9,; Expenses in putting it up £2. 1s.;

1710 Beer for the ringers 5s.;

1711 Fast book 1s.; The first cost of the dial and expenses of putting it up £8. 9s.6d.; for ringing and beer about the dial 9s. 6d.

1712 Paid the ringers at different times 7s.6d.

1713 A new prayer book, cost £1. 1s. 6d.; paid for a flag on thansgiving day and expenses putting it upon the tower6s. 6d.; paid the ringers at several times 17s.; Mr LEIGH {i.e. William LEIGH BD DD (1677-1752) Rector of Holy Trinity Church} is allowed 5s towards defraying his expenses at visitation.

1714 Paid for the tolling of the bellat the death of her majesty Queen Anne, 1s.; paid the ringers at different times £1. Dr LEIGH the rector, this year nominates the churchwardens.

1715 Paid the ringers the prince's birthday, 5s.; ditto for several times 5s.; ditto at the coronation day and Nov 5th 7s. 6d.; ditto at the news of the Preston Victory.

1716 Paid the ringers on a rejoicing day , 7s. 6d.; ditto coronation day 7s.; ditto on the arrival of his Majestry, 5s.; ditto on the king and prince's birthday, 5.

1717 Paid the ringers on King George's birthday, and King Charles return, 6s.; ditto on proclamation and coronation days, 5s each.; ditto, Nov 5th, and prince's birthday, 8s. 6d.

1718 Paid the ringers for king's birthday, coronation and proclamation day, and prince's birthday, in all £1. 1s. 6d.; Dr LEIGH's visitation fees 2s, 6d.; Regulation made at vestry this year respecting the fees for ringers - they are not to have more than 2s. 6d each day for ringing, and the days are fixed according to the canons and acts of Parliament. The occupiers of the Quaker's meeting house charged upon land rate. Mention made of a place 'Pye Corner'. Number of voters 80. Q. If there was not an election this year?

1719 Paid for ringing 28th and 29th May, 1st Aug and 20th Oct, 10s.; For Prince of Wales birthday, Nov 5th, King's return from Hanover, and for agreement between the king and prince, 10s.; Memorandum of £10 the gift of John CHURCHILL, being paid by the late churchwardens to the present ones, for the use of the poor of the parish. A parish resolution against the rector's customary fees for church burial. And this year also the vestry took away what they used to allow the rector as expenses for visitation dinner.

1720 Fast books, 1s. 6d.; paid ringers, May 28 and 29, Aug 1st, Nov 5th and 14th. 2s.6d. each time; Vestry order for two flaggons to be bought, and the pillars of the church to be painted marble colour.

1721 Paid the ringers, April 17 for the birth of the prince 2s.6d.; ditto 28th and 29th May, 1st August, coronation day and 5th Nov 2s. 6d.

1722 Thanksgiving book for deliverence from the plague 1s.; paid the ringers, May 28th and 29th, 1st Aug Oct 4th and Nov 5th, 2s. 6d each time. Dr LEIGH refuses to give up the parish books.

1723 Paid the ringers, thanksgiving day, May 28 and 29, August 1, Oct 20 and 28, Nov 4 and 17, and January 17, for the king's return from Hanover, 2s 6d. each time

1724 Paid the ringers, May 28 and 29, August 1, Oct 20 and 28, Nov 5, 2s. 6d each time.; for wainscoting the gallery, £16. 4s.; Another regulation this yearrespecting the ringers; they are not to have more than 1s each time. An order for all inhabitantsto turn out all inmatesor else give them a certificate for them; and an order for buying a new pulpit cloth.

1725 A Common Prayer book cost £3.; paid the ringers the king's birthday, May 29, Aug 1, gunpowder treason day [i.e. Nov 5th], kings coronation day, and prince's birthday, Queen Elizabeth's coronation day, and king's return from Hanover2s. 6d each time. a Communion cloth cost £1. 5s. 6d.

1726 Paid the ringers the usual fee of 1s. for ringing 10 several time.

George I (1660-1727)1727 Paid the ringers as usual, and for the King George the Second's coronation, 5s for the Prince of Wales's birthday 1s.6d and King's birthday 2s.; a new sound boardfor the pulpit cost £7. 10s.; mention made of the rector's repairing the chancel; for tolling the bell at the death of the king. 1s. [King George I suffered a stroke on 9th June 1727 onthe road between Delden and Nordhorn on one nof his trips to Hanover. He was taken on a carriage to the Prince-Bishop palace at Osnabruck where he died on 11th June 1727. It would have taken a while for news of his death to reach Dorchester]

1728 Paid the ringers , May 28 and 29, King's birthday, landing of the Prince of Wales, his birthday, queen's birthday, Oct 11, Nov 5, each time 2s. 6d. and the 1st August 1s.

1729 Paid the ringers nine different times, 2s. each; The occupiers of the Presbyterian Meeting House rated.

1730 Paid the ringers at six different times, 2s.6d. each.

1731 Paid the ringers ten different times, 2. 6d. each. This year they ring in the new churchwardens.

NOTE:- There then follows another Section on page 403 which I have not transcribed; similar to the above it is very repetitive and exclusively devoted to sacremental collections for the period 1614 to 1721 inc. which is confined to yearly amounts spent by Holy Trinity on bread and wine, No people were mentioned in Hutchin's listing although some are said to be mentioned in the original entries.
Gifts to this town for the Relief of the Poor
[From an old book in the possession of the Corporation and reprinted by Hutchins page 404]

Link to Charitable Benefactions (The Hospital, Gifts and Charities set up for the Poor) -- Pages 397-400

Impremis: By Sir George TRENCHARD, knight (in the hospital stock (£40)
    [Note:- probably Sir George TRENCHARD Knight (c1548-1630) ]
By Mrs. PAYNE £20 to have a portion bestowed on the poor out of the profit thereof (£20)

1599: By Mr. John CHURCHILL, of Corton (Colliton) £100. committed to overseers to be lent out to the poor men yearly (what had families) gratis. (£100)
     [Note:- John CHURCHILL (c1568-1621) Esq., Includes a transcription of his tripartide indenture]
1616: By Dr. JAMES Chancellor, £25 to be lent out every Good Friday to five tradesmen (gratis) which had families, for a year or two at the most -- the branch of the Will in the town coffer .... (25)
    [Note:- This was actually Francis JAMES D.C.L. (c.1559-1616) of Wells who was MP for Dorchester in 1593, and Chancellor of the Diocese of Bristol 1590-1603. The bequest is in his will proved 1616 PROB 11/127 image ancestry.com - 704 of 1099]
By Mr Humphrey JOLIFF, gent four marks yearly, to be paid out of his land in the West Walls; the deed in the town chest; viz. to be given to twelve poor persons weekly. in a penny loaf to each person; the money to be paid quarterly to the bailiffs, and the bailiffs, or one of them, is to distribute the bread accordingly (£2. 14s. 0d)
    [Note:- Humphrey JOLIFFE (1575/6-1653) ]
By Mr. William ADYN, of this townlong since, 20s. a year for 100 years following to be paid out of the lands that Laurence ADYN now enjoyeth, viz. 15s. to the old Almhouse, and five shillings to the prisoners at the gaol; to be paid them, the one moity at Easter Law day, the other moiety the Monday after Michaelmas, when the bailiffs are chosen. (£100)
    [Note:- William ADYN of Dorchester was the father of Cicely who married Oliver HAYNE (1563-1622) of Dorchester about 1589. - see page 54 Visitation Dorset 1623]
1620: Given to the Bailiffs and burgesses of Dorchester, by Owen SAMWAYS, of Dorchester, milner by his will dated Nov 13th 1620, proved in Blandford court Dec 7th 1620 , one burgage at Melcombe, after the decease of Elizabeth wife of Peter FILDEW, without issue of her body, one half to the use of the womans almshouse, and the other part to the hospital, worth clearly by estimation yearly (£1.10s. 0d )

1631/2: There is given by the Lady BROWNE to this town as a stock to set the poor on work, the sum of £10 put into the hospital stock (£10)
    [Note:- Elizabeth BROWNE nee TRENCHARD (1586/7-1656/7) the wife of John BROWN JP (1582-1659) and daughter of Sir George TRENCHARD of Wolfeton & his wife Anne SPEKE.Both John Browne and his wife shared John Whites vision for Dorchester and Lady Browne in 1631/2 gave £10 towards 'the employ of the poor in work" and this was handed to the Governor of the Hospital so that according to her request her name might "remayne in record to posterity amongst many worthy benefactors".20 ]
1632: Oct 26th -- There is given by Joan GOULD, late of Dorchester, widow, deceased, to the maypr, bailiffs, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Dorchester, to be employed by them in charitable uses within the said borough, the sum of 100 marks. (£66.13.4d)

AND there is also given by the said Joan GOULD, by her last will and testament, unto the said mayor, bailiffs, aldermem, and burgesses, (£28. 6s.8d) as a gift, to be employed for the benefit of the new school, in the parish of Trinity, in Dorchester, for the better teaching of poor chgildren within the said borough, and towards the maintenance of a schoolmaster there; both which sums of money were delivered to the said mayor, bailiffs, aldermen and burgesses by Gilbert LODER , ececutor of the said Joan GOULD, the 24th day of October 1632, whereof is a true copy of an acquittance to him given in a book of orders and copies of letters for the said borough ----(£28. 6s. 8d.)

£18 of the said sum is already bestowed in re-edifying of the school, and for the better accommodating of the school and dwelling house; £10. 6s. 8d is in the brewhouse.

There is also given by the said widow Joan GOULD and paid over to the town streward, £33. 6s. 8d. to and for the benefit of the hospital and the children of the same, which, is yet in the stewards hands (£33. 6s. 8d.)
    [Note:- Joan GOULD (d.1630) widow of James GOULD (d.1613) ]
1635: By Sir Francis ASHLEY , knight to be paid by his executor upon his will, who died the last day of Michaelmas term 1635, was given to the women's almshouses near the Friary, per annum for ever 40s. besides a sum of money, to be distributed the day of his funeral amongst the poor of this borough; accordingly performed the last day of December then following. (£2. 0s.0d)

More by Sir Frances ASHLEY given upon his will 100 marks, upon condition that the town buy the fee of the impropritor of Wterson (£66. 13. 4d)
    [Note:- Sir Francis ASHLEY JP (1569-1635) ]
1647: July 6th. - - Given by Captain John GOULD, of Upway, Esq. for the use and benefit of the poor of this town, to be employed for them, and the said principal to remain in stock, upon his Will and to be paid unto the steward of the brewhouse, £10 which money is to be paid to the brewhouse by the steward of the parsonage of Fordington.

1649: By Lady Ann ASHLEY, who deceased the 10th of June 1649, besides a sum of moneyto be distrubutedthe day of her funeral amongst the poor of the borough, accordingly performed the 26th of the same month, to the same almshouse, per annum for ever £1 (£1. 0. 0d)

More given by Lady ASHLEY to the poor of St Peter's Parish for ever, per annum [Denied to be upon the Will] (£2. 0s. 0d)

1640: Given by Mr. William WHITEWAY, sen. upon will who died Jan 4th 1689, viz to this corporation sum of £30 to redeem 40s. per annum, which he for many years before paid to the womans almshouses; and until the money be paid, the 40s. to be paid per annum by his executors (£2. 0s. 0d)

More given to te Corporation, during a a lease of two lives upon Ashton Farm, the sum of £5 per annumby the said Mr William WHITEWAY (£5)
    [Note:- William WHITEWAY Senior (1570-1640) ]

1643: Mr Edmund DASHWOOD upon his will hath appointed 20s. per annum for ever, to be paid out of his house in Dorchester to the Woman's almshouse (£1. 0s. 0d)
    [Note:- Mr Edmund DASHWOOD (1588-1643) ]
Mr William PARKINS gave to the Corporation, by his will, £100 for which, by agreement with his father, the said Corporation hath accepted of £5 per annum, out of his dwelling house, until the said £100 be paid (£100) .
    [Note:- Mr. William PERKINS was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 25th Feb 1630/1. See transcription of his Will dated 5th Feb 1630/1. ]
1628: Mr. Richard BUSHROD hath given upon his will for the use of the corporation, Viz:-
    To the Hospital of the town for ever, out of his farm ar Wotton, per annum (£2. 0s. 0d)
    To the schoolmasters better maintenance, out of the same land, per annum. (£2. 0s. 0d)
    To other charitable uses, out of the same land, per annum. (£2. 0s. 0d)

    [Note:- Richard BUSHROD (1575-1628) : The above entries listed by Hutchin's do not however give a proper appreciation of Richard BUSHROD's contribution - follow link to his biography for a more detailed account and an actual transcription of his Will. Soon after the arrival of Revd John WHITE (1574/5-1648) in Dorchester in the year 1606 Richard BUSHROD, who was one of his parishioners, became a keen supporter of White's vision of a 'Godly Reformation', and in 1616 gave £24 towards the purchase of a property to establish the Dorchester Hospital for setting poor people to work. It was his fishing boats that enabled the transportation of settlers to New England and he played a key role in the foundation of the Dorchester Company in 1624. ]
1691: Mr John SYMONDS, by his last Will and testament, out of the house late Robert FILDEW's (now James WOOD's) (£1. 0s. 0d)
    [Note:- John SYMONDS (bur. 1691) Buried Holy Trinity 22 Feb 1691

Genealogical Notes:-

(1). The 20th year of the reign of King Richard II ran from 22nd June 1396 to 21 June 1397

(2). The 1st year of the reign of King Henry IV ran from 30th Sep 1399 to 29th Sep 1400

(3). The 22nd year of the reign of Richard II ran from 22nd June 1398 to 21 June 1399

(4). The 2nd year of the reign of King Henry IV ran from 30th Sep 1400 to 29th Sep 1401; See also Charter 57 in the Municipal buried at Holy Trinity 14th Oct 1625Records of Dorchester. Here and in other charters the clerk is referred to as Robert BELLE not Robert Gell.

(5). The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary also known as Candlemas was held on the 2nd of February. The first year in the reign of Henry VI ran from 1st September 1422 to 31st Aug 1423

(6). The 10th year of the reign of King Henry VI ran from 1st Sep 1431 to 31st Aug 1432 so the correct year is 1432 not 1442.

(7). The 2nd year in the reign if King Edward VI ran from 28th Jan 1547/8 to 27th Jan 1548/9

(8). The 11th year in the reign of Elizabeth I ran from 17th Nov 1568 to 16th Nov 1569

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