sum of thirty pounds, in trust, to be applied in manner following; that is, ten pounds towards the charge of erecting a gallery at the west end of the church; and ten pounds to be laid out for cloathing, and such like necessaries, among the poor (and especially among the ancient and infirm) of the said parish: and the remaining ten pounds to be distributed in bread, at twenty shillings a week, at the discretion of John White, Esq., or any of his family, who shall be resident in the said parish."
On November 12th, 1758, Andrew Etty, B.D., became vicar. Among many useful repairs he new-roofed the body of the vicarage-house; and wainscoted, up to the bottom of the windows, the whole of the chancel; to the neatness and decency of which he always paid the most exact attention.
On September 25th, 1784, Christopher Taylor, B.D., was inducted into the vicarage of Selborne.
LETTER VII.
I shall now proceed to the priory, which is undoubtedly the most interesting part of our history.
The Priory of Selborne was founded by Peter de la Roche, or de Rupibus,* one of those accomplished foreigners that resorted to the court of King John, where they were usually caressed, and met with a more favourable reception than ought, in prudence, to have been shown by any monarch to strangers. This adventurer was a Poictevin by birth, had been bred to arms in his youth, and distinguished by knighthood. Historians all agree not to speak very favourably of this remarkable man; they allow that he was possessed of courage and fine abilities, but then they charge him with arbitrary principles, and violent conduct. By his insinuating manners he soon rose high in the favour of John; and in 1205, early in the reign of that prince, was appointed bishop of Win-
* See “Godwin de Præsulibus Angliæ”. Folio. London, 1743, p. 217.
