Page:Devon and Cornwall Queries Vol 9 1917.djvu/58

36 Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries. 1447-50, edited by Stuart A. Moore and published by the Camden Society in 1871, appears the following note by the Editor : " I am indebted to Mr. Nichols for a note of a MS. sold by Kerslake, at Bristol, in 1862, written possibly by the father or some other relative of our author. The title of it is as follows : — Kerslake's Catalogue, Bristol, 1862. 3511. Ancient Devon Manuscript: — A thick volume written by John Shillyngford, Rector of Shillingford to 1392, and Rector of Ugborough, and canon of Exeter, 4to., in the original wood covers, with most of the deer- skin covering remaining. Contains, i. Memoriale Presbyterorum Parochialum (Instructions for Confessing Persons of the different callings and ranks of life ; the various penances for every sin ; Forms of Absolution and Restitution ; with Resolutions of Cases, &c., as practised by the Parish Clergy in the Ancient Church of England). 2. A vellum leaf with List of Saints, »S:c. : — " v"* Jd' februarij ob. dn's Joh'es Fowler : " " Aue regina celor." A Hymn with Music. 3. Extracts from various authors, also Latin Rhymes. 4. Here bigynnyith ye lamentacoun of our ladye seynt marye. A tract in English. 5. Many other pieces. Rhymes. " a prest . . . cunsel of Schrifte . . . he ne oght it for to telle," & others in English and Latin. 6. Viridarium super octo Psalmos, & Exposition of the Creed. •' Anno dni mill'o ccc" Nonogesimo. t'tio. in festo sti michael magister Johes Shillyngford Doctor in iure." Can any reader inform me who now possesses this manuscript ? H. Tapley-Soper. 35. Church Sittings. — Can anyone enlighten me as to the period when sittings were first introduced into our Churches ? In early times it was considered, I believe, irreverent to worship otherwise than in a kneeling or standing posture, and in many Continental Cathedrals no seats or pews are seen at the present day. Fred. Day.