man released all his right and interest in the lands, tenements, and appurtenances within the borough of Southwark, called Chaseburgh's, to John lord of Wenloke knight, being in his possession
13 Decr. 12 Edward IV. By deed of this date, Alexander Faireford esquire released to the Bishop of Lincoln and his heirs all his right, title, and interest in the messuage or inn, and garden, with the appurtenances, in Saint Olave's, Southwark, and another house called "the Gathous" there.
Some of the persons mentioned in the foregoing series of conveyances were, as I consider, the masters and wardens of, or feoffees for, a Guild or fraternity, called "The Brotherhood of Jesus," which had been founded and was then existing in the parish church of Saint Olave, for the maintenance of a chantry priest to pray and say masses for the souls of the members of the Guild. This fraternity of Jesus is mentioned in the will of Emma Cowper, formerly wife of Christopher Egglesfield of the parish of Saint Olave, Southwark, dated 4th Sept. 1534, and proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Surrey, in which she gave to the brotherhood of Jesus, founded in the same church (of St. Olave), iij s. iiij d.; and also in the will of Robert Hunte of the parish of St. Olave, Southwark, dated 13 Septr. 1540, who gave to the brotherhood of Jesus vij s. viij d.; and Otys Wychehalfe of the parish of Saint Olaff, citizen and letherseller, by his will, dated 6th April, 1541, bequeathed to the fraternity of Jesus, founded in the said church, xij d.
The house in Churchyard Alley, under which was the vaulted building described by Mr. Gage Rokewode, was the house of the Guild, and was called Jesus House; and in another letter I shall proceed to show how it came into the hands of the parish, and that it was not the house of the Prior of Lewes, but that it adjoined to that house on the east side.
I remain, my dear Sir,
Your faithful servant,
