Page:Mediaevalleicest00billrich.djvu/107

 Nothing could be done for him until the living of All Saints became vacant. He was then, in May, 1584, instituted vicar of that parish church in addition to St. Peter's, his appointment being made by the Archbishop of Canterbury (the see of Lincoln being at that time vacant), and confirmed by the Crown. The two parishes thus became united during the lifetime of William Rudyard. It was thought desirable that this union should be made permanent, and so a petition was addressed to the Queen, in November, 1590, by the Council of Leicester and William Rudyard, supported by the Bishop of Lincoln, praying that this might be done. For some reason or other, the proposed union of parishes became a burning question in the town, and in the following year led to a heated discussion taking place in the Council Chamber. It was agreed finally "by the greater part then assembled" that the late parish of St. Peter should be united to "the new parish church of All Saints in Leicester," and the minutes of the meeting explain graphically how this result was brought about.

"There was assembled at this meeting of both Companies fifty and five, whereof all but thirteen or fifteen gave their consents to the said union for that they were bidden by Mr. Mayor that so many as would not consent thereunto should go forth of the hall or parlour. So as thereupon there went out but fifteen or thereabouts, the said Mr. Mayor sitting in the parlour still. Then said Mr. John Stanford "it is agreed, for here remaineth still," or "here is the greater part." And thereupon the hall break up. Yet after Mr. Mayor's departure out of the parlour there was some defuzion and altercation, for that the other side or part viz. Mr. James Clarke and they of St. Martin's parish said they were the greater part. Quaere?" The various documents giving legal effect to the union of the two parishes thus initiated are given in full by Nichols.

It is a remarkable fact, that, although the Rev. William Rudyard cannot have been a young man when he was appointed to this living, he lived more than 42 years longer, ministering at his new church. When he was buried at All Saints, on the 18th June, 1626, it was noted on the register that he had been "vicar of All Saints about fifty years." 75