Page:Devon and Cornwall Queries Vol 9 1917.djvu/279

Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries. 219 being also known as "the close of Easter." From the North Wilts Herald of 20th April, 1917, I enclose a few particulars as to how Hocktide was this year kept at Hungerford in the hope that they may interest your readers. I leave out lists of names and jurymen, etc. O. J. R. "Just sufficient *of the ancient custom at Hungerford in cele- bration of Hocktide was observed to preserve the link with the past. Bushnell, the town crier and bellman, in his well-known habit, summoned in stentorian notes the commoners to the Council House. Here Mr. T. W. Alexander (the constable) took the chair, and Mr. H. D'O. W. Astley (clerk) sat below him. The jury having been empanelled, the Constable's accounts showed a deficit on town expenditure, but happily the satisfactory result of the fishing (net credit of £q() 13s.) left a handsome sum in hand. There was an unanimous request that the Constable should remain in office for a fourth year. The election of officers being proceeded to, the retiring Bailiff became Portreeve. As Bailiff, Mr. A. Salt was elected. Two new Tithing-men had to be appointed. The Water Bailiffs were elected. The Overseers of the Common Port Downs were re-elected. The Keepers of the Keys of the Common Coffer, the Constable, were re-appointed. Messrs. L. H. Beard and A. J. Killick were charged with the duty of upholding the quality of Hungerford ale. Edward Bushnell was re-appointed bellman and town crier, and George New was appointed hay ward. The Constable and officers, with members of the jury, headed by the bellman, walked in procession to St. Lawrence's Church." 185. North Molton Woollen Merchants' Marks (IX., p. 89, par. 78.) — Mr. Day will find an interesting article entitled " Some Devonshire Merchants' Marks " in vol. xxiii. of the Transactions of the Devonshire Association. The figure 4 appears to be generally associated with woollen merchants' marks, but why this should be does not seem to be known. Of the 27 marks figured in the article referred to, no fewer than 21 incorporate this figure in their design. The carvings in the Greenway Chapel at Tiverton and the Lane aisle at CuUompton provide many examples. H. Tapley-Soper. 186. Bradsel Family. — " James Samborne, dark " (who was Rector of Upper Clatford, Hants, from 1609 to 1627) married Christian Bradsel at Eling, Hants, on 25 Nov., 1605. I desire to learn something of the ancestry of this Christian Bradsel. Her family name is most uncommon, and does not appear on the calendars of the Prerogative