Views of the most interesting collegiate and parochial churches in Great Britain, by J.P. Neale and J. Le Keux. With historical and architectural descriptions [by T. Moule].

The Monks of Stoke supplied this Church with chaplains, until Roger Niger, Bishop of London, caused a Vicarage to be endowed here in the reign of Henry III. There was a Chantry here under the direction of the Guild of St. John the Baptist, from the time of Edward III. or sooner, the clear value of which at the suppression was 9l. 11s. 13d., of this 61. 6s. 8d. was paid yearly to the Chaplain.

Besides this Chantry, there was a multitude of Obits, of which the Vicar had the celebration.

There was formerly an Organ in this Church, which appears by an entry, 10th June, 3d Edward VI. John Aburforthe, the Churchwarden, charges in his accounts, 17. 6s. 8d. for a year's salary paid to the Organ player. It does not appear when this Organ was erected, but most probably it was in the reign of Edward IV., soon after the completion of the Church. In 1481, Robert Wedow, Bachelor in Music, was made Vicar here. From the paintings and sculptures in and about the great window of the North Transept, many of which have allusion to music, that part of the Church seems to have been intended for the Organ, and the situation of the pew belonging to the singers, which until within these few years adjoined the North Transept, makes it likely that this was the place of it.

William Humfrey, by his will dated 1498, and several other persons by theirs, direct the Dirge and Requiem to be performed according to the laudable use of the Town of Thaxted.

In 1757, and the following year, near 600 pounds were expended in the repair of the Tower and Spire of this Church; on which occasion, for the aid of their tenants and other parishioners,

The Right Honorable Lord Maynard gave
Charles Smyth, Esq. of Hill Hall
The Governors of Guy's Hospital

John Wale, Esq. of Colne Priory

£100

In gratitude for which donations the arms of these benefactors were erected over the west door, by a voluntary contribution amongst the principal inhabitants of the place. Lord Maynard was a farther benefactor to the Church in the year 1765, by rebuilding the windows, and otherwise repairing the east side of the North Porch.

We have been much indebted to Mr. A. Clarence, Surgeon, Thaxted, for the loan of a very curious Manuscript, from which many copious extracts have been made for this Account.

Charles Lord Viscount Maynard is the patron, and the Rev. William Biggs, A. M. is the present curate.