Page:Sussex archaeological collections, volume 9.djvu/117

Rh by the oath of Andrew le Frye, John ate Nelne, Ralph Russell, and Walter Nynman, parishioners of the church of Mechyng, who say upon their oath, that the ninth of sheaves this year is worth four marks, three shillings, and fourpence ; the ninth of fleeces six shillings ; and the ninth of lambs four shillings. Item, they say that the Prior of Lewes receives for tithes of sheaves in this parish ten shillings—of fleeces two shillings—and of lambs sixteen pence. The sum of the said ninths with the portion of the Prior is six marks. And they say that the ninths aforesaid could not answer nor reach to the taxation of the church aforesaid, which is rated at eight marks [the £5. 6s. 8d. of Pope Nicholas]. And that the rector of the said church hath one messuage with nine acres of land and pasturage worth 13s. 4d. Item, he hath oblations worth 10s. per annum. Item, the tithe of hay is 4s. ; the tithe of mills, 3s. 4d. ; the tithe of cows, calves, and dayrie, 2s. 6d. ; the tithes of honey, pigs, geese, and eggs, 2s. ; the tithe of hemp, 12d. The tithe of pasture is worth per annum 3s. 4d. And thus the sum excepted is 40s. 6d. And they say that there are not in the said parish any chattels beyond the value of 10s. except of those who live by their lands and tenements. In witness whereof the said jurors have to this indenture affixed their seals."

In the Valor Ecclesiasticus of Henry VIII., the value of the rectory of Mechyng, then held by Richard Glover, was £13. 3s. 3½d. besides, 16s. 8d. payable to the Prior of Lewes, 6s. 8d. to the archdeacon, 18d. for synodals, and 10½d. for procuration.

In Bishop Bower's visitation, 1724, the following account is given of "Meeching alias Newhaven Rectory:" Patron : the King. Rector, Ezekiel Bristed, A.M., of Aberdeen in Scotland; instituted 1694. Church and chancel in good repair without, but the walls, floor, and some seats of both very nasty and indecent within ; the communion table indifferent, but the cloth bad ; a small silver chalice and cover, and pewter plate pretty good ; the pulpit and desk very dark ; the pulpit cloth and cushion scandalous ! No carpet for the communion table ; the surplice, bible and common-prayer books in good order ; the steeple and one bell the same ; two other bells lost many years ago ; no chest nor poor box. The chancel repaired