Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/607

Rh glazed with diamond panes, disposed by mullions of wood into three lights. Beneath this window are several shields in gothic niches. That in the centre is emblazoned in relief with the arms of Prance and England, surmounted by a crown; this is supported by two other shields, those of the priory bearing the ensign of the cross; right and left of these are two others, that on the right bearing the arms of the founder, impaling the arms of England, the same as appear on the central shield. The shield on the left emblazons the insignia of Sir Thomas Docwra in full. Underneath this series were formerly carved in relief, the initials, T. D., separated by Maltese cross and the word PRIOR. On the north side of the gate, facing the square, are three shields in gothic niches the device on the centre one is the cross, that on the left has the chevron, roundels, and cross in chief, that on the right the same blazon with a cross moline as an impalement; beneath, in low relief, are the words, ‘ano dni 1504.’ The last three figures of the year can be clearly discerned, particularly the five and four; both these numerals are of ancient form.”

Whilst referring to Docwra, allusion may be made to a lease granted by him to Cardinal Wolsey. In the year 1211, Joan Lady Grey left by her will the whole manor and manor house of Hampton to the Order. This manor, which contained about 1,000 acres of land, according to the return given by Philip de Thame, was on the banks of the Thames, and, owing to the proximity of the duke of Cornwall, was heavily charged under the item of hospitality. The lease to Wolsey is dated January 12th, 1514, for a term of ninety-nine years, at a rental of £50. It runs thus:—“This Indenture made between Sir Thomas Docwra priour of the hospitall of Seynt John Jerusalem in England and his bredern knights of the same hospitall upon that oone partie and the moost reverend fader in God Thomas Wulcy Archebisahop of Yorke and Primate of England upon that other partie Witneasith that the said priour and his bredern with theire hole assent and auctorite of their Chapitur have graunted and letten to fferme to the said Archebusahop their manor of Hampton courte in the countie of Midd with all landes and tenementes medowes lesnes and pastures rentes and services vewe of ffranciplegis perquesites of courts ffishing