1 68 Devon Notes and Queries. Reichel's note on the early history of the manors by a short account of the churches, which, as Mr. Lancefield says, *' have for centuries been consolidated as one benefice." Both churches were granted by William Boterell (or Botreaux) to Hartland Abbey, and the grant was confirmed by a charter of Richard I. in 1190. The patronage remained with the abbot and convent until the dissolution. For about a himdred years the benefices were kept separate, and we find by the Episcopal registers that Master Vincent de Ackelane, deacon, was instituted rector of Molland in 1279, and Sir Walter de Guldeforde, chaplain, was instituted rector of Knowstone in 1280 — on the very day of Bishop Bronescombe's death. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas IV., which was made between 1288 and 1291, the churches were still separate, Knowstone being taxed at £2 and Molland at £1 135. 4^^., and each paying the abbott of Hartland £^ 6s. Sd, annually. In 13 10 we find Sir Vincent described as vicar of both Molland and Knowstone. The benefices were thus coupled together sometime between 1291 and 13 10, and it is probable that they always have been held conjointly since that period. In 1337 Sir John de Lyncombe, priest, was apparently instituted rector of Knowstone only, but it seems likely that he held Molland as well, for Sir John Bushel, priest, who was instituted vicar of both in 1349, was addressed in 1360 by Bishop Grandisson as vicar of Knowstone, and was commanded by him to cite Sir Henry, priest, to appear at Chudleigh to give evidence in a case of an assault upon him by one Jordan Hugyn, apparently as he was officiating in the chapel of Molland. Hugyn feared that he had incurred the sentence of excommunication for laying violent hands upon a cleric, and he petitioned the Bishop to absolve him on the ground that the deed was done in self defence by an unavoidable mischance. From this it appears that Molland was then regarded merely as a chapel of Knowstone, and was served by a curate. In 1387-8 Sir John Broun, priest,, was instituted to the vicarage of both places. At the dissolution the rectory, or tithe of sheaf, was let to farm at an annual rent of ;^8, and certain lands and tenements in both parishes paid the abbey a fixed rent of £1 los. R. Pbarsb Chops.
