Visitations Held in the Archdeaconry of Essex in 1683, by the Rev. W. J. Pressey,M.A., F.S.A. (Part 1): Introduction

The Essex Archdeaconry Visitations, 1683–1686

Extract from Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society, New Series, Volume 19 (1929), pp. 260–262.

Introduction

The Visitation of which the particulars are given below is the first of four such functions held in the Essex Archdeaconry during the period extending from 1683 to 1686 inclusive.

They are recorded in a volume in the Registry at Chelmsford, bound in a parchment cover, and inscribed:

LIBER VISITATIONIS PAROCHIALIS
DNI ARCHINI ARCHINATUS ESSEXIAE
ANNO DNI 1683

The book, regarded as a whole, is in good condition, but it has nevertheless suffered from the vicissitudes of time and wear, being in some places so indistinct as to be almost undecipherable, and in others – more especially at the edges and corners of the folios – occasionally defective.

It would seem therefore desirable to secure a record of the manuscript before it becomes imperilled by still further dilapidation.

The Visitations of Archdeacon Thomas Turner

The Archdeacon of Essex at this date was the Venerable Thomas Turner, and judging from the contents of this volume, his Visitations of the various parishes belonging to his Archdeaconry were systematic, and his enquiries both exhaustive and thorough.

That he did not spare himself in the performance of his task will be evident when it is noted that he made a personal visit to each of the churches specified in the record, and that the Visitations commenced each day at 8 a.m. and continued with very little interruption until 6 p.m.

The name of the scribe to whom we are indebted for the facts recorded is unfortunately omitted in the preamble, nor does it appear in any of the subsequent visitations; but his handwriting is neat and its character sufficiently clear to spare the transcriber the labour of puzzling over many words of doubtful import.

It would appear that the year 1683 marks a date when what might be reckoned as a fresh start was being made in the supervision of that portion of the Diocese of London which was covered by the Archdeaconries of Essex and Colchester; for there is a companion volume of Visitations for the Archdeaconry of Colchester commencing in the same year (1683) and extending – with intervals of omission – to 1708.

The Church Following the Commonwealth

These records reflect a period during which the Church was making a determined effort to recover the ground lost in the confusion into which it had been thrown during the Commonwealth upheaval and the earlier years of the restoration of the monarchy.

Twenty years had elapsed since Charles II had ascended the throne, but that much was still needed in the way of reform and reconstruction is evident from the state of things disclosed in these Visitation entries.

Henry Compton, Bishop of London

Essex – as part of the great Diocese of London – had for its bishop Henry Compton (1675–1714).

He was popularly, if somewhat irreverently, styled "Jack Boots", by reason of his having at one period of his career held a commission as Cornet in the Royal Horse Guards.

Even during his episcopate, he accompanied the Princess Anne in military attire and subsequently took command of a body of troops. He was actually the last of the prelates to bear arms in England.

His views were strictly Anglican, and he took a firm stand both against Rome on the one hand, and against Nonconformity on the other.

It was during the episcopate of Bishop Compton that the custom of preaching in the surplice began to be revived in the county.

The Condition of Essex Churches

That energetic measures were needed for the due observance of reverence in worship, and decency in matters pertaining to Church discipline and order, is clearly evident in nearly every parish in which these Visitations were held.

Partly owing to the scandal of the Commonwealth administration, partly to the custom of pluralities and non-residence, partly also to the unsettled and conflicting views of various clergy, and no doubt in no inconsiderable degree to the indifference of many of the laity, abuses of all kinds became rife.

Thus we read of cases in which the fabrics of the churches were in a sad state of decay both externally and within; of churchyards overrun with weeds remaining unfenced and in consequence desecrated by the incursions of cattle; of graves within the church and chancel lying exposed to view; of belfries defiled with pigeons and other birds, and even in one instance used as a lumber-room for dairy and other utensils.

Moreover, there are other entries showing that churches were devoid of either chalice or paten.

Bibles and prayer-books were imperfect or altogether wanting. Communion tables were standing in the body of the church, instead of at the east end altar-wise; and the sanctuary, being without anything in the nature of a rail, was used as a dumping-ground for benches, or maybe occasionally a church chest.

Fonts were stopped up, bells cracked and frequently ropeless, church chests without locks or keys, and terriers either lost or missing.

Reform and Restoration of Church Discipline

If, however, these records unveil much that is deplorable in the life and condition of the Church at this period, they show also another side.

They testify that the authorities were striving to meet and to cope with the difficulties and doing their utmost to carefully and thoroughly investigate matters, with a view to uplifting the ideal of worship, instilling a sense of reverence and devotion, and laying down a stricter code of discipline in all cases.

Repairs were to be undertaken and certified completed within a specified time. Abuses were to be done away.

The sanctuaries were to be reverently cared for, and the holy tables to be placed "altar wise" at the east end and enclosed within a decent rail.

Kneelers were to be provided ("pessocks", as they are sometimes termed) by the churchwardens and put into the seats in order that the worshippers might be encouraged to kneel.

Terriers of the property and belongings of the church were to be compiled and produced at the next Visitation.

Catechising was to be frequent and regular, and the people were to be admonished to send their children and servants.

The vessels for the service of the altar were to be provided where necessary, and the apostolic precept was to be observed that all things shall be done "decently and in order".

Improvements Recorded in Later Visitations

As the Visitations continue, and we come to those of later date, a marked improvement becomes observable as regards the character of the entries.

They treat for the most part of such matters as repairs to the fabrics and such other defects as would be occasioned by fair wear and tear, and we come across fewer entries which betoken lack of reverence or decency in the matter of public worship.

The Historical Value of the Visitation Records

Moreover, these records are invaluable as quarries from which to extract historical and archaeological data.

They serve to furnish us with so much that we should otherwise probably never have known, such as, for example, the date, character, and condition of many of our communion vessels, and in some cases the names of the donors, together with the circumstances under which these vessels were given or procured.

So, too, with the church chests: we find from these entries the approximate date at which some of them came into possession of the church; in other entries details are given as to their condition, with injunctions to use them as places for the safeguarding of the registers.

These old records likewise inform us as to the names of the incumbents, curates, churchwardens, patrons, and others connected with many of the churches, and also give particulars of bequests and church lands.

They therefore throw sidelights on the story of the Church in Essex both authoritative and reliable, and in consequence are treasures to be studied, valued, and safeguarded.

Source

Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society, New Series, Volume 19 (1929), pages 260–262. Extract concerning the Essex Archdeaconry Visitations of 1683–1686.