Cratfield. By the late Rev. W. Holland. Edited by John
James Raven. D.D. (Jarrold and Sons.)—Mr. Holland was for more than forty years vicar of Cratfield, a small benefice in Suffolk, not far from Halesworth. He found there parish records of unusual antiquity and interest, and spent much time in transcribing them. The result of his labours is given us in this volume. The earliest papers are the churchwardens' accounts for the years 1490.1502. One of the most frequently recurring items are receipts of "church ales," or potatio ecclesi isiica. In 1490 there were church ales on the fifth Sunday in Lent (Dies Passionis), Whit Sunday, and All Saints, the sums given being 75. 4d., 9s. 8d., and 7s. 8d. respectively. One William Bruce left 9s. for another. The cleansing and mending of vestments cost 8d. at one time, and 4d. at another. The sexton was paid 4s. 4d. The whole expenditure came to 12e. 4d. The years that followed 1502 are also represented. In 1528 we have an inventory of Church goods. A pair of silver gilt chalices, four pairs of the same parcel gilt, a silver pyx, two pares or osculatoria, a silver censer and boat for it (all parcel gilt) are the most valuable items. Of vestments there were four hoods of velvet, damask, &c., a white
-damask cope, six chasubles, albs and soles, surplices and rochets. Of books there were four mass books, four antiphonaries, six pro-
eessioners, and other volumes. In 1549 all the plate was sold for £36 15s. Id. (nearly .2400 of our money); the other furniture was destroyed. The Guild accounts for six years (1535-1540) are .given. Passing on, we find preparations for resisting invasion und r the year 1587. The churchwardens spent money on armour, bows and arrows, charges of trained men, and also something on themselves. " Our roper at Beckels (Becelea) " cost 12s., an enormous sum, comparing strangely with " payde " for gunpowder 2d. Here is a curious little item,—" In 1594, at Halesworth, on the feast of the nativity, the weather was so cold that the Rector could not thaw his ink to write down the names of Communi- ints."—Another volume of parish history is to be found in Chronicles of Finchhampstead, by William Lyon (Longmans and Co.)—The church is a very ancient building, dating from the Conquest, if not before. The oldest parts still existing are the walls of the nave and the apse. The font is still elder, undoubtedly Saxon. An old chalice of the date 1592 not now used, still exists. The Registers go back to 1653, though copies of earlier entries (up to 1609) are to be found in the Diocesan Registry. The history of the Manor is traced at considerable length. It was divided into two moieties. Of one of these a family of the name of St. John became the owner uniting with it the advowson. One of the family, the Rev H. E. St. John, was a Master of Foxhounds. Four generations of St. Johns held the living between them for one hundred and forty-eight years. This handsome volume is full of interesting facts.
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