A history of the royal foundation of Christ's Hospital : with an acount of the plan of education, the internal economy of the institution, and memoirs of eminent Blues : preceded by a narrative of the rise, progress, and suppression of the convent of the Grey Friars in London

Front matter

Wf

DUKE

UNIVERSITY

Preface

It is somewhat remarkable, that, while other Public Schools have their respective histories, no authentic account of Christ's Hospital has hitherto appeared ; more especially as the most erroneous and conflicting notions have been frequently entertained of the real objects of the Institution. In order to supply this deficiency, the present volume has been prepared ; and the author has reason to hope, from the connected review which has been taken of the internal and external economy of the Establishment from its foundation to the present time, that all charges of misapplication of its funds will be effectually silenced. The materials of his History have been derived from a variety of independent sources, as well as from information supplied by a personal connexion with the Hospital from his childhood; and, though he is ready to avow, with pride and gratitude, the most affectionate regard for the place of his education,

263863

VI PREFACE.

he has endeavoured to preserve the strictest impartiality in deducing inferences from facts. Except, however, in a very few instances, he has allowed facts to speak for themselves ; fullv aware that nothing more was required to place the conduct of the Governors in the most honourable light, and to establish the character of the Institution, over which they preside, in the estimation of the Public.

With respect to the assistance which he has received in the compilation of the Work, besides a general acknowledgment to the Treasurer and Committee for permission to engrave such pictures in their possession as were required for its illustration, and to copy the Charters, he is bound to make particular mention of the kindness of an individual Governor in forwarding his views. From the deep and anxious interest which the Rev. W. H. Hale has always taken in the welfare of Christ's Hospital, and the opportunities he has enjoyed of becoming acquainted with the nature of its early records, the loan of his papers was a most desirable acquisition ; and it is but justice to add, that the manner in which they were communicated considerably increased the value of the obligation. To the same kindness the reader is

PREFACE. Vll indebted for the just and able estimate of the character and services of the late Mr. Treasurer Palmer, which is inserted in its proper place in the History.

The nature and extent of the undertaking are briefly set forth in the Title ; and, in the hope that every species of information, which a work of this nature may be fairly expected to afford, is fully and faithfully developed in its pages, the Author trusts that he has performed a service equally acceptable to the Governors of the Hospital, to those who have there received their education, and to the Public at large.

LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.

I. King Edward VI. presenting the Charter to Christ's Hospital, from the Picture

by Holbein, in the New Hall Frontispiece

II. The Old Hall, Whittington's Library, and the Cloisters, Christ's Hospital,

III. Ruins of the Old Hall, Christ's Hospital 106

IV. View of Christ's Hospital, Hertford 114

V. The New Grammar and Mathematical Schools, Christ's Hospital 140

VI. Portrait of Arthur William Trollope, D.D. late Head Master of Christ's Hospital, from a Painting by Tannock 141

VII. Portrait of James Palmer, Esq. late Treasurer of Christ's Hospital, from a

Painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence 165

VIII. Elevation of the New Hall, Christ's Hospital 170

IX. Exterior View of the New Hall, and New Wards, Christ's Hospital 347

X. Interior View of the New Hall, Christ's Hospital 352

Contents

PaS9

PREFACE v

List of Engravings viii

Chapter I

Preliminary Observations — Origin of Monastic Institutions in Britain — Almost total destruction of them in the Danish Invasion — Their restoration by King Edgar — Dunstan — Changes introduced at the Conquest — Declining reputation of Monachism under Henry III. — Obvious reasons of this declension — Appearance of the Mendicant Orders in England — Their growing popularity — Deviation from their original strictness — Orders of St. Francis and St. Dominic — Distinguishing Name and Habit of the Grey Friars — Their arrival in England — Settlement of a part of the fraternity in London — John Iwyn — Foundation of the Convent in London — Erection of the Conventual Church — Whittington's Library — Eminent Members of the Order — Observants — Nuns of St. Clare — Conventual Magnificence of the Metropolis — Dissolution of the Monasteries. — Unjustifiable proceedings of the Commissioners — Destruction of Libraries — Cranmer — Henry's real motives — Conduct of the Franciscans— The Maid of Kent — Friars Peto, Elstow, and Robinson — Suppression of the Observants — Surrender of the Convent of Grey Friars in London — Desecration of the Church — Sale of the Monuments — Persons of note there buried — Some effects of the Dissolution — Increase of Mendicity — Appropriation of the Monastic Revenues — Letter of Sir Richard Gresham to the King — Grant of the Convent, &c. to the City — Endowment of the Parish of Christ-Church 1

Chapter II

Death of Henry VIII. — The birth and early education of Edward VI. — His superior acquirements — Cardan's character of the young King — His journal — Lord Orford's estimate of his talents — His political and general character — His zeal for religion — Anecdotes — Ridley's Sermon at Westminster — Its effect upon the King — The Bishop's ejaculation — Lever's Sermon (note) — The King's Letter to Lord Mayor Dobbs — Consultation thereon — Proposal for the foundation of three Hospitals — Grant of the Convent of Grey Friars by Henry VIII. confirmed — Further grant of linen — Bridewell — Ridley's Letter to Sir William Cecyl — Charter granted — The young King's prayer — The Savoy — Death of Edward VI. — Opening of Christ's Hospital — First appearance of the Children in public — Presentation of the Charter — Holbein's Picture — Malcolm's criticism thereon — Joint and local government of

b

X CONTENTS.

Page the Hospitals — Curious black letter document — Ridley's eulogium of Sir Richard

Dobbs and Sir George Barnes — Portrait of Dobbs — State of Education in London before the dissolution of Religious Houses — Scholastic disputations on St. Bartholomew's Eve — Anxiety of the Corporation to bring the Hospital into notice — Origin of the Spital Sermons and Easter festivities — Dress of the Boys — Tradition respecting it — Remarks — The* Coc k of Westminster — Corporation grants — Progressive state of the Institution 30

Chapter III

Premonition — Provision for the poor before the Statute of 43 Eliz. — Parochial Collections— Specific objects of Christ's Hospital — Inquiries respecting women with Child — These gradually discontinued — Falling off in the Inquest boxes — Poverty of the Hospital — Stat. 14 Eliz. respecting Legacies — Money-boxes in the Cloisters — Symonds' and Randall's Gifts — Early regulations respecting the admission and education of Children — Apprentices — Evident distinction in the objects of the Hospital — Admission at the request of Benefactors — for pay — in accordance with the wills of Benefactors — Present inadequacy of such gifts — Dependence of the Hospital on benefactions and bequests — Cession of Chartered Estates — Amount of Donations and Legacies up to the year 1600 — Continued Embarrassments — Loan — Restricted admissions — Security required for the discharge of Children at the proper age — Right of the Court of Aldermen to send children questioned — Rising prospects of the House — Early Benefactors — Lady Mary Ramsey — Her five advowsons — Present amount and disposition of her bequests — Exhibitions at the University — Early instances — Gift of Serjeant Moses — First Establishment of a Writing School — The Grammar and Pettite Schools — Nature of the Education — Public reputation of the School — Interest taken in its welfare by Lady Mary Ramsey — Increase in the number of Children — Children put out at Nurse — Place house at Ware — Establishment at Broxburn — Excess of expenditure above revenue — Causes thereof — Consequence of the early modes of admission — Suspended admission — Assistance received from the citizens after the Great Fire — Qualifications of Children to be admitted — Original form of Presentation — Fixed Regulations for the future — Provisions for the different orders of Governors — Dissatisfaction caused thereby — Privileges of the Court of Aldermen — Rules confirmed — Recapitulation 55

Chapter IV

Foundation of the Royal Mathematical School — Grant of the Charter by King Charles II. — Its inefficient endowment — Further grant obtained by Mr. Pepys — Mr. Colwal's gift — Sir Jonas Moore — His system of Mathematics — Death of Mr. Perkins, Master of the School — Inefficiency of his successors — 'Interest taken by Mr. Pepys in the welfare of the School — His Letter to the Treasurer — Munificent bequest of Mr. Henry Stone — Letter of Mr. Pepys to the General Court — Sir John Moore's reply — Reluctant explanation of the Court — Impediments thrown in the

CONTENTS. XI

Page

way of an examination of the children — Proposed disposition of Mr. Stone's gift — Resignation of Mr. Pagett — Election of his successor — Sir Isaac Newton — Prospects of Improvement — Perverse opposition of the Treasurer — Mr. Pepys' sentiments thereon — A Royal Visitation threatened — Mr. Pepys appointed Treasurer — Illness of Sir John Moore — Mr. Pepys elected Vice-President — Correction of abuses — Settlement of Stone's gift — The Twelves — Royal Badge — Stone's Badge — Presentation of the King's Boys at Court — The King's Ward — Exclusive character of the boys — Their advanced age — Mr. William Wales elected Master — Disorganised state of the School — Strict discipline of the New Master — His character and success — Continued exclusiveness of the King's Boys — Ludicrous instance, and disastrous consequences thereof — Dissolution of the King's Ward — Stock's Gift — The Twos — Extract from the will of Mr. Stock — Badge — Travers' School — List of Mathematical Masters 77

Chapter V

Munificence of Sir Robert Clayton — His severe illness — Destructive effects of the Fire of London- — Projected re-erection of the south front of the Hospital — Death of Mr. Morrice — Sir Robert's wish to keep his charity secret — Reasons which led to its discovery — Estimate and cost of the building — Inscription over the gate-way — Character of Mr. Firmin — His monument — Dilapidated state of the Great Hall — Sir John Frederick — Description of the Hall, as rebuilt by him — The Organ — Associations connected with the Old Hall — Its demolition in 1827 — Spital Sermons — Dr. Parr — Easter processions — The Lord Mayor's annual donation — Easter Anthems — A curious old one — A beautifully illuminated Hymn in the Hospital Archives — Public Suppers — Their early institution — Changes in the time of their celebration, and mode of admission to them — Order of the Ceremony — St. Matthew's day — The Sermon at Christ's Church — The Speeches — Collection for the speakers — Customs still observed on this occasion — Relics of the Old Hall — Benefactions at the period of its erection — Mismanagement of Mr. Treasurer Hawes — Great increase in the number of Children — Insufficient accommodation at Ware and Broxbourne — The Place House — Subscription set on foot for building a larger establishment at Hertford — Completion and cost of the new Edifice — Gallery for the children in All-Saint's Church, Hertford — Sir John Moore — His Writing School — Estimate and cost — Ceremony of opening it — The inscription under his Statue — Singular marriage of a Blue-coat Boy and Girl — Amount of Benefactions between 1600 and 1700 — Gifts of Fowke, Garway, West, Guy, and others — Disputes between the Hospital and the Parish of Christ Church — Revised regulations respecting the admission of children of advanced age, and the limitation of non-free presentations — Further revision of the regulations of 1676— Comparative view of ancient and modern qualifications for admission — Singular bequest of James St. Amand, Esq. — Erroneous notion respecting the portrait of his grandfather — Extract from his will — Ancient custom of addressing the Sovereign on his first appearance in the City — Presentation of the children to James II.— Verrio's great Picture — Address presented to George

Xll CONTENTS.

Page III. and Queen Charlotte, in St. Paul's church-yard — Intended addresses to the

Prince Regent, in 1814, and to William IV. in 1830 — A reading school established

— Removal of the Girls to Hertford — Benefaction of John Stock, Esq. — Alarming

incident during the riots in 1780 101

Chapter VI

Differences of opinion respecting the chartered rights of the Corporation of London — Original joint government of the four Royal Hospitals — The Charge of every Governor in general — General Courts — Courts of each Hospital respectively — Committees— Discontinuance of the office of Comptroller General, and Surveyor General — Presidents first appointed — Early mode of Election — Articles of agreement of 1782 — Their confirmation by Act of Parliament^Present Government of Christ's Hospital — Chartered, Benefaction, and Nomination Governors — Mode of Election — Charge — Presentations — Exclusive privileges — Election of Mr. Boyer to the Upper Mastership — Academical Reputation of his Pupils — His character drawn by the poet Coleridge — First Establishment of a Grammar School at Hertford — Formation of an English Library — General Library — The old Grammar Schools — Bequest of John Smith, Esq. — The Grammar Schools of 1793 — The New Grammar and Mathematical Schools — Unprecedented admission in the year 1799 — Improvement in the System of Education — Rev. A. W. Trollope appointed Head Grammar Master — Success of his Pupils — Inscription on a piece of plate presented to him by the Governors — Dilapidated state of the Hospital — Public subscription for the Establishment of a building fund — Manifestation of a turbulent spirit among the boys — ■ Institution of a Sunday Evening Lecture — Anxiety of the Governors respecting the admission of children — Revision of the Regulations in 1809 — Officious interference of Alderman Waithman and others — Statement of alleged cases of abuse — Proceedings in Chancery — Evidence adduced before Mr. Brougham, and the Education Committee — Result of the inquiry — Sale of Presentations — Sir W. Curtis elected President — His feast to the boys on the occasion — Increasing reputation of the Hospital Scholars at the University — Presentation of the Head Master with the degree of Doctor in Divinity 129

Chapter VII

Defects in the system of Education — Appointment of an Education Committee — Their Report — Its adoption by the Court — Resignation of the Rev. L. P. Stephens — His character and services — Addition to the number of Masters — Further improvement in the plan of Education — Regulations for the management of the Grammar School — Rapid decay of the Building — Committee appointed for the superintendence of the Building Fund — Appearance of Ophthalmia among the children — Lavatory erected — Single beds — New Infirmary — Infrequency of Death among the children — Imposing solemnity of a funeral — Enduring friendship of Christ's Hospital boys — Amicable Society of Blues — Benevolent Society of Blues — Dinner on Founder's

CONTENTS. • Xlll

Page

Birth day — Resignation of Mr. Treasurer Palmer — Sketch of his character and services— Election of Thomas Poynder, Esq. to the Treasurership — Commencement of rebuilding — Ceremony of laying the first stone of the New Hall — Inscription plate — Prayer used upon the occasion — A Blue elected Greek Professor at Cambridge — Resignation and Death of the Rev. Dr. Trollope — Inscription on the Vase which had been presented to him by his pupils — Appointment of his successor — Addition to the number of Exhibitions to the University — Ceremony of opening the New Hall — Prayer used on the occasion — Buildings recently completed 153

Chapter VIII

System of Education pursued in Christ's Hospital in early times not to be ascertained — Plan at present pursued — Upper Grammar School; — Grecians — Deputy Grecians — Great and Little Erasmus — Selection of Scholars for the University — Scheme of Lessons in the two higher Classes — Anomalous constitution of the head Class — Eminence attained by Deputy Grecians— Adaptation of the present system to its proposed ends — Constitution of the Under Grammar Schools — Laborious duties of the Masters — Day's work with each class — Writing School — Its original constitution • and importance — Extent of instruction there given — Specimens of Penmanship — Spelling by dictation — Mathematical Schools — Proficiency acquired in the Under or Travers' Department — Course of Nautical Education on King Charles's Foundation — Drawing School — Mathematical Studies of the Grecians and Deputy Grecians — System pursued at Hertford — Girls' Establishment — Half yearly Examinations — Prizes— Rewards in the Grammar School — Donation to a Grecian on leaving the Hospital — Examination in Reading — Hertford Visitations — Private pupils — Restrictions upon the Masters — Inadequate compensation — Ecclesiastical Preferments — Religious instruction — Office of Catechiser — Sunday Exercises — Markers — Religious duties — Attendance on Divine .Service — Daily Devotions — Bishop Compton's Prayers — Psalmody — Music Master — Choir and Chorus Boys — Vacations and Holidays — August Holidays — Conditions of absence — Leaves — Tickets — Hours of Recreation — Libraries — State of the Books in the Classical and Mathematical Libraries — The old Observatory — Subsequent advantages to those educated in Christ's Hospital — Apprentice-fees— Gifts 181

Chapter IX

Systems of Education estimated by their results — Living proofs of the efficacy of the Christ's Hospital plan — Difficulties of cotemporary biography — Eminent blues of former times — Doubts respecting Camden and Stillingfleet — Biographical Sketches : — I. Edmund Campion. II. David Baker. III. John Vicars. IV. Joshua Barnes. V. James Jurin. VI. Jeremiah Markland. VII. Thomas Fanshaw Middletori — List of Grecians from the Foundation 202

XIV CONTENTS.

Chapter X

Internal Economy of the Hospital— Office of President — List of Presidents from the Foundation — Office of Treasurer— The Committee — Its Constitution and Duties — Visiting Governors— Almoners— Auditors — Renters— Ancient Office of Scrutener— The Treasurer's Privileges and requisite Securities— List of Treasurers from the Foundation — Office of Chief Clerk — Receiver and Wardrobe Keeper — Assistant Clerks — Duties of the Steward— Buttery-boys— Antiquity of the post of Bible Clerk, now • the Chaff-boy — Choir-boys — Money owned up — Brerewod's Gift — Monitors — Punishments— Standing at the Stone — Elopement — Expulsion — Management of the Boys in Play-hours — Skulking — Watchers — Absence Bell — Behaviour in Church — Duties of the Matron — Nurses — Their wages, allowance, and requisite qualification' — The Porter and Beadles — Charge of the Engines, Gates, Clocks, &c. — Messengers — Watchmen — Street Keepers — 'Cook — Cobbler — Nurse of the Infirmary — Precautions in contagious Diseases — Duties of the Physician — Election of Dr. Downes, at the command of Charles II. — His letter of recommendation, and other Papers — Duties of the Surgeon — Services of Mr. Abernethy- — Duties of the Apothecary — Dentist — Officers at Hertford — Visitations of the Committee — Officers' Residences — Duties of the Architect and Surveyor — hand Surveyor — Solicitor— -List of Upper and Under Masters, Chief Clerks, and Stewards, since the year 1700— List of the present Officers 309

CHAPTER XL

Scite of the Hospital— The old City Lease — Want of uniformity in the Buildings — Entrance from Little Britain — The Town Ditch — Improvements of Mr. Calthrop and Sir William Chester — Treasurer's and adjoining Houses — The Steward's Offiee and Treasurer's Stables — The Counting-House and Houses in the Counting-House- Yard — Treasurer's Garden — Clerks' Offices, Strong room, &c. Court-room — Hoi- . bein's Portrait of the Founder — Other Portraits and Prints— The Cloisters^ — The Garden — Monuments — The Pump — Buildings over the East Cloister — Girls' Ward, and buildings in the South Cloister — The Old Hall and West Cloister — The New Dormitories— The North Cloister — Whittington's Library — The Shops — The Old : Mathematical School— The Reading School — King's Ward and Observatory — Old Mathematical Master's House — Old Grammar School and other buildings — The Refectory of the Old Priory— The Creek— The Buttery— The Kitchen— The Old Sick- Ward — Dungeon in the Grey Friars — The New Hall — Architectural description — Pictures and Portraits — The New Infirmary — The Writing School — Lavatory — : Steward's House — Old Buildings on the North side of the Ditch — Recent Improvements— The New Grammar and Mathematical Schools — The Hertford Buildings — Writing School — Boys' Wards — The Hall — The Infirmary — The Grammar School — Girls' Buildings — Play-grounds — Conclusion , . . . 338

CONTENTS. XV

Appendix

No. I.

Page

Indenture between Henry VIII. and the Mayor and Commonalty of London ... i

No. II.

Letters patent of Henry VIII xiii

No. III.

Cardan's Character of Edward VI xxx

No. IV.

Letters and Exercises of Edward VL xxxii

No. V.

Foundation Charter of King Edward VI. of the Hospitals of Christ, Bridewell,

and St. Thomas the Apostle xliii

No. VI.

A Royall Elegie of the most mightie and renowned Prince, King Edward the Sixth. Written by Sir John Cheke, Knight, Anno 1553. With Observations on Baldwin's " Funeralles of Edward Sixt," and a " Prayer sayd in the Kinges Chappell in the tyme of hys Graces Sicknes " lxiii

No. VII.

Letters patent of King Charles II. in relation to the Foundation of the Royal

Mathematical School : . . . lxxxii

No. VIII.

An Act (22 Geo. III. c. 77) to render valid and effectual certain Articles of Agreement between the City of London and the Governors of the Four Royal Hospitals. 1782 lxxxviii

XVI CONTENTS.

No. IX.

Page

Names of the Benefactors to tbe Fund for Rebuilding Christ's Hospital, and the Amount of their Respective Subscriptions xcix

No. X.

Livings in the Patronage of the Governors of Christ's Hospital cv

No. XI.

Prayers for the Use of the Children in Christ's Hospital cvi

No. XII.

Scholarships and Exhibitions cxii

No. XIII.

Hetherington's Charity for the Blind cxiv

Addenda and Corrigenda cxvii

Index cxix

THE

HISTORY OF CHRIST'S HOSPITAL.

Chapter I

Preliminary Observations — Origin of Monastic Institutions in Britain — Almost total destruction of them in the Danish Invasion — Their restoration by King Edgar — Dunstan — Changes introduced at the Conquest — Declining reputation of Monachism under Henry III. — Obvious reasons of this declension — Appearance of the Mendicant Orders in England— Their growing popularity — Deviation from their original strictness — Orders of St. Francis and St. Dominic — Distinguishing Name and Habit of the Grey Friars — Their arrival in England — Settlement of a part of the fraternity of London — John Iwyn — Foundation of the Convent in London — Erection of the Conventual Church — Whittington's Library — Eminent Members of the Order — Observants — Nuns of St. Clare — Conventual Magnificence of the Metropolis — Dissolution of the Monasteries — Unjustifiable proceedings of the Commissioners — Destruction of Libraries — Cranmer — Henry's real motives — Conduct of the Franciscans — The maid of Kent — Friars Peto, Elstow, and Robinson — Suppression of the Observants — Surrender of the Convent of Grey Friars in London — Desecration of the Church — Sale of the Monuments — Persons of note there buried — Some effects of the Dissolution — Increase of Mendicity — Appropriation of the Monastic Revenues— Letter of Sir Richard Gresham to the King — Grant of the Convent, &c. to the City — Endowment of the Parish of Christ-Church.

In identifying the foundation of Christ's Hospital with the first and best interests of the British Metropolis, and of the Nation at large, there are so many living witnesses to the truth of the assumption, independent of the recorded testimony of past ages, that contradiction can only originate in ignorance or caprice. While numbers of her Sons, in the less conspicuous walks of life, are promoting the welfare of their Country in every branch of useful Industry, in extending her Manufactures, enlarging

her Commerce, and improving her Arts ; where, on the other hand, we <sj> » B may proudly ask, where is the path in which their brethren have not risen to honourable distinction? in which they have not stood among the foremost in the Race ? In the Commercial world, whose names are more respected? Often have they been numbered among the Magistracy of the City : many and honourable are the testimonies to their proficiency in Science and in Classic Literature; and they stand high among the ablest advocates of Sacred truth. In deeds of gallant enterprise and noble daring, they have maintained their country's honour and their own ; and in those glorious scenes, which are the proudest monuments of British Valour, their blood has freely flowed. Such are the happy fruits of this truly noble Institution ; such the character of its Sons : and still in regular succession is reared within its walls a supply of good and useful Citizens, trained in the Religion of their, forefathers, instructed in every branch of necessary Knowledge, inured to habits of virtue and active Industry, and qualified to sustain their part with credit and integrity in every department of Life. But this is not all. As the first fruits of that glorious Light, which at the Reformation dispelled the clouds of Ignorance and Error, Christ's Hospital may fairly be regarded as the Parent stock, from which numberless productive Scions have sprung. The same Wisdom, which rescued the pure doctrines of the Christian Faith from the shackles of Superstition, suggested the great and comprehensive outline of Christian Benevolence which succeeding ages have filled up ; and many of those Seminaries of Learning and Religion which have since risen in the Land, originated in the pious example of the youthful Edward. But a rapid Sketch of those Institutions, out of the ruins of which it rose, will form the most appropriate Introduction to the History of this Religious, Royal, and Antient Foundation ; and more especially of that particular Convent, with which its endowment was immediately connected.

The origin of Monastic Institutions in Britain is involved in considerable obscurity. It has been thought that their rise was coeval with the first Introduction of Christianity into the Island ; but the earliest vestige of any English monastery is that of Glastonbury, which was founded by

St. Patrick about the year 433.* Here it is said that he found twelve anchorites, over whom he made himself Abbot, teaching them to live by monastic rules ; and it is certain that the original inhabitants continued to maintain their Christian faith, in the midst of the barbarism and idolatry of their conquerors, upon whom the light of the Gospel had not yet shone. Towards the close of the sixth century, however, Augustine, a prior of the Benedictine monastery at Rheims, was commissioned by Pope Gregory the Great to undertake the conversion of our Saxon ancestors. On his arrival at Canterbury, with forty of his fraternity, King Ethelbert, mainly, perhaps, through the influence of his wife Bertha, was speedily won over to the faith ; most of the nobles following his example, the preaching of his companions among the people was attended with equal success ; Canterbury was raised into an archiepiscopal see ; and Augustine was consecrated the first Archbishop. Prosecuting his labours with unremitting zeal, he erected several churches in the Kingdom of Kent; opened seminaries of religious learning; and founded a Benedictine monastery at Canterbury, which was called after his own name, and invested by a papal Bull with peculiar privileges and immunities. From Kent, Christianity spread rapidly over the other Kingdoms of the Heptarchy ; and monasteries were erected in almost every direction. Thus the Benedictine rule was the groundwork of the monastic estate in this country ; and the establishments of this order were, in general, the most richly endowed of any in the Kingdom. Presents of the most costly description were heaped upon them by the Saxon Kings ;-j~ and they continued to flourish with increasing wealth and splendour until the Danish Invasion.

During the period of universal devastation, which marked the progress of these ferocious adventurers, it may well be supposed that the sanctuaries of Religion did not escape their fury. In many of their incursions, and more particularly in that fatal one under the Danish general Hubba

* Stillingfleet's Orig. Britt. pp. 184, 185. William of Malmsbury, de Regg. i. 22. •j- As, for instance, the gifts of King Ida, to the monastery of Glastonbury. See Stevens Supplement to Dugdale, vol. i. p. 422.

(a. d. 866), their sacrilegious ravages were unbounded and beyond control. They plundered and burned nearly all the monasteries ; they stripped, scourged, and often killed the defenceless monks ; and almost succeeded in effecting a total ruin of their sacred institutions. Indeed, the distinguishing feature of the monastic life was completely effaced ; for the few religious houses which still remained, with the exception of Glastonbury and Abingdon, had either fallen into the hands of the married Clergy, or were reduced to the necessity of admitting seculars to assist in the performance of the stated offices. In this condition they remained, till the promotion of the celebrated Dunstan to the see of Canterbury by King Edgar in the year 630, by whose influence and exertions the antient discipline was revived. Under his direction no less than forty-seven monasteries were rebuilt or re-endowed, the lands which had been confiscated were restored, the seculars displaced, the banished monks reinstated in their houses, where they remained in quiet possession of their rights and privileges till the conquest. Under the new line of Kings, not only were a variety of new regulations introduced into the monasteries, and state service charged upon them ; but the Saxon abbots were displaced by Norman successors; and, in many instances, their manorial rights were infringed and their treasures plundered. Still, however, the passion for erecting edifices of this description prevailed; and in the beginning of the reign of Henry III. there were not less than five hundred in different parts of the Kingdom.