a messuage, 200 acres of land, 8 acres of meadow, 26s. rent, a free fold, and separate fishery in Bretenham, Bridgham, Rushworth, Thetford, &c. which were held of the King, as of his dutchy of Lancaster, to the Prior and convent of monks at Thetford, on condition the King should have 50s. at every resignation, vacation, or death of a prior. This was part of the Prior's manor in Bretenham that extended hither.
The Church hath its nave, north porch, and chancel, thatched; it hath no steeple, but there are two bells, which hang in a house in the churchyard. In the windows, and on the font, are the arms of the Bishoprick of Ely; in the chancel there is a stone for Francis Goldwell, clerk, who died 27 Aug. 1691. Another for Margaret Goldwell single woman, who died 15 July, 1690.
John Watson and Alys hys Wyf.
were at the charge of seating the church, as appears by their names carved in this manner on the seats.
Rectors of Bridgham St. Mary
- 1303, 5 kal. July, Robert de Wynewyk, chaplain.
- 1317, 5 non. March, Mr. Panucius Bonoditi de Controne, professor of physick and arts.
- 1320, 3 id. Nov. Mr. Peter de Brixia, on Controne's resignation, in exchange for Chevenyng, in Rochester diocese.
- 1322, 7 kal. June, Alexander of St. Alban's, on Brixia's resignation, in exchange for Wellbourne, in Lincoln diocese.
- John Norton, rector.
- 1429, 6 Dec. William Bayly, priest, on Norton's resignation.
- 1445, 21 Sept. Tho. Saureby, priest, on Bayly's resignation.
- 1448, 4 Octob. Tho. Alleyn, priest, A. M
- 1448, 6 March, John Ultyng, on Alleyn's resignation.
- William Fuller.
- 1454, 17 Jan. Tho. Dust, on Fuller's death.
- 1461, 24 Sept. John Weysy, or Vesy, prior of the monks at Thetford, was instituted rector.
- 1480, 12 Aug. John Larke, LL.B.
- 1523, 21 Dec. Richard Rysley, S.T.B. on the rector's death; he was the last presented by the Bishop.
- 1554, 16 July, Elisha Annyson. Queen Mary, the see being void.
- 1566, 4 Octob. Martin Harrisonne, clerk. Queen Elizabeth, in right of the Crown.
- 1484, 7 April, John Thackster, S.T.B. on Harrison's death. He was buried 8 Sept. 1601.
- 1601, 11 Jan. George Rogers, alias Thomas, A. B. He married Elizabeth, relict of Ralph Leaver, rector of Snetterton, April 28, 1606, and was buried here 25 Feb. 1636.
- 1637, 22 Aug. Tho. Pell, rector, buried 19 Dec. 1603; united to Bretenham.
- 1663, 23 Febr. Francis Goldwell, A. M. on Pell's death, buried in the chancel, 1691, he bare az. a chief or over all a lion rampant arg. gutte de poix. His son and heir, Henry Goldwell, married a
