The Journal of William Dowsing

This is the combined Journal for Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Brief notes in italics explain where Dowsing is travelling.

The published version has full comments on each individual entry, based on recent visits to the churches, and documentary evidence.

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20 December 1643–2 January 1644. Dowsing began work in Cambridge. For about a fortnight he dealt with college chapels (which he records first) and town churches. Unlike the rest of the Journal, his entries here are not in chronological order.

 As discussed in chapter 00, Dowsing dealt first with four colleges whose chapels had been enthusiastically re-ordered in Laudian style, then with neighbouring clusters of colleges.

A note of the colledges names in Cambridge, 1643, and the superstitious images and pictures, (Numb. xxxiii. 4, 52, 55; Lev. xxvi. 1, 30; Deut. vii. 4, 25, 26. and ii. 2 [recte xii. 2]; Gen. xxxi. 34.)

The Scriptural references emphasise God’s abhorrence of idols and the need for them to be pulled down. Two of them are expanded at the head of chapter 00.

1. Peter-House. We went to Peter-house, 1643, December 21, with officers and soldiers, and in the presence of Mr. Hanscott, Mr. Wilson, the President Mr. Francis, Mr. Maxey, and other Fellows, Dec. 20, and 23.

We pulled down two mighty great angells, with wings, and divers other angells, and the 4 Evangelists, and Peter, with his keies on the chappell door (see Ezek. viii. 36, 37 [?recte vi. 3–7] and ix. 6; Isa. xxvii. 9 and xxx. 22) and about a hundred chirubims and angells, and divers superstitious letters in gold.

And at the upper-end of the chancell, these words were written as followeth: Hic locus est domus Dei, nil aliud, & porta coeli.

    WITNES, WILL. DOWSING, GEORGE LONGE.

These wordes were written at Keyes Colledge, and not at Peter-House, but about the walls was written in lating, We praise the ever; and on some of the images was written, Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus; on others, Gloria Dei, & Gloria Patri, and Non nobis Domine on others, and six angells on the windowe.

    WITNESS, WILL. DOWSING, GEORGE LONGE.

2. At Pembroke-Hall, 1643, December 26. In the presence of Fellowes Mr. Weeden, Mr. Mapthorpe, and Mr. Sterne, and Mr. Quarles, and Mr. Felton, we broak 10 cherubims.

We broake and pulled down 80 superstitious pictures; and Mr. Weeden told me, he could fetch a Statute Booke to shew, that pictures were not to be pulled down; I bad him fetch and shew it and they should stand; and he and Mr. Boldero told me, the clargie had only to doe in ecclesiastical matters, neither the Magistrate, nor the Parliament had any thing to doe; I told them I perceived they were of Cuzen’s [Cosin’s] judgement, and told them I would prove the people had to doe as well as the clergie, and alledged, Acts i.15, 16, 23. (Calv. on Acts i.) The 120 believers had the election of an apostle in the rome [room, ie place] of Judas. I cited Calvin, and in his Institutions, in the poynt of ministers elections, and I told them Josiah’s reforming religion (1 Kings xxii. 21) with the other godly reforming Kings of Judah proved it; and for the taking down of images, I told them the Book of Homilys did prove it, which they so much honored, and alledged, p. 12, 13, 14, 15, 23 against the Peril of Idolatry [and the Queens Injunctions]. Others alledged cherubims to be lawfull by scripture (Deut. iv. 12, 16 and vii. 5, 25, 26; xii. 2) and that Moses and Solomon made them without any command. I deny’d it, and turned to Exod. xxv. 18, 22. Then they said, Solomon did make them without any order from God. I answered, he received a pattern from David, and read to them, 1 Chron. xxviii. 10, 11 to 18, 19. Weeden said, Reading Paul’s sermons was better preaching then now is used, because it was not script[ural]. I told them, God saved by foolishness of preaching, not reading, and alleged, I Cor. i. 21; I told them, if reading was preaching, my child preaches as well as they, and they stared one on another without answere.

More, Pembroke-Hall, 1643.     Ashton: Laws made in time of warr were not of force. I alleged Magna Charta, made in time of warr, between Henry the Third and barrons, that was in force still, and Richard the 2d’s tyme the like. Ashton said, the Parliament could not make laws, the King being away, and so many Members. I told them, their practice proved it, that chose Fellowes by the greater number present; and that the King had taken an oath to seal what both Houses voted. Maplethorpe said, he did not think my Lords Covenant was according to the Ordinance, and so I durst not abide by it, but thought I would run away, and used threatning speches. This last spech was Weedens, and Bolderas..

3. At Keies Colledg [Gonville and Caius], Dec. 22, 23, 1643. Dr. Bodycroft, Master, and Mr. Wats and other Fellows. We tooke down 68 cherubims, with divers superstitious inscriptions in letters of gold.

WITNESS WILL. DOWSING.

4. At Queens’ Colledg, Dec. 26. We beat down about 110 superstitious pictures, besides cherubims and ingravins.

    And there none of the Fellowes would put on their hats all the time they were in the chappell; and we digged up ther steps for 3 howers, and broake downe 10 or 12 apostles, and saints pictures in ther hall.

5. At Katharine-Hall, 1643, Dec. 26. We pulled down St. George and the Dragon, and popish Katharine, St. to which the colledg was dedicated. Dr Brunbricke, the B[isho]p maintained more reverence due to a place called churche, then any other place, and the communion cup not to be used for no other use in church and any civil act, he said it was an error. We broake down John Baptist there, and these words, Orate pro anima, qui fecit hanc fenestram; Pray for the soul of him that made this window.

6. 1643. Benet Coledg [Corpus Christi], Dec. 28. Dr Love, M[aste]r. Nothing in the chapell to be amended. I Sa. i. 9. The word ‘temple’, he told me, was a common name given to publique places, set apart for worship, both among heathens and Christians. And they told him, in Rochell, and in the churches of Fraunce, being there when Rochell was besieged, and he told, they used not the word ‘ecclesia’ for a church, but the other word ‘templum’ for a place of worship.

WITNES, WILL. DOWSING.

7. At Benet Temple [St Bene’t’s church], Dec. 28. There was seven superstitious pictures, 14 cherubims, and 2 superstitious ingraving; one was to pray for the soul of John Canterbury, and his wife. Mr. Russell, church-warden, he lent 100l. to the Parliament, and set forth a horse, and maintaineth him at his charge, and lent Col. Cromwell 300[£] to pay his soldiers.

    And an inscription of a mayd Praying to the Son and Virgin Mary, ’twas in lating, Me tibi-Virgo pia genitor commendo Mariæ; A maid was born to me which I commend to you oh Mary (1432). Richard Billingford did comend this his daughters soule.

8. 1643, Jesus Colledg, Dec. 22. Mr. Boyleston, Fellow. We digged up the steps there, and brake downe of superstitious, of saints and angells, 120 at least.

9. 1643, At Clare-Hall, Decemb. Mr. Gunning, Fellow. Ther are steps to be made up, 3 cherebims, 12 apostles, and 6 of the Fathers in the windowes, and a crosse.

10. 1643, Trinity-Hall, Dec. 2. Mr. Culiard, Fellow. Orate pro anima, on a grave stone.

11. 1643, Trinity Colledg, Dec. 29. Mr. Potts, a Fellow, Mr. Roods, a Fellowe. We had 4 cherubims, and steps levelled.

12. 1643, St. John’s Colledg, Dec. 29. Mr. Thorten, President, and Mr. Turwhit and Mr. Peche, Fellowes. 44 with Cujus animæ propitietur deus, and one with Orata pro anima; 20 former, ten last.

13. 1643, King’s Colledg, Dec. 26. steps to be taken, and one thousand superstitious pictures, the ladder of Christ, and theves to go upon, many crosses, and Jesus writ on them.

14. 1643, Sidney Colledge, Dec. 30. We saw nothing there to be mended.

15. Madlin Colledg, Dec. 30. We brake downe about 40 superstitious pictures, Joseph and Mary stood to be espoused in the windowe.

16. 1643, Christ’s Colledg, Jan. 2. We pulled down divers pictures, and angels, and the steps. Dr Bambridg have promised to take them downe; Orat. pro anima on the brasen eagle.

17. Emanuell Colledg. There is nothing to be done.

Dowsing  was dealing with the parish churches in Cambridge at the same time as the college chapels. However he records them separately. As discussed briefly in chapter 00, he seems not to have visited them in any particular order.

18. 1643. At Peter’s parish [St Peter], December 30, we brake downe ten popish pictures; we took 3 popish inscriptions for prayers to be made for their soules, and burnt the rayles, diged up the steps, and they are to be levelled on Wednesday.

19. 1643. Giles’ parish [St Giles], December 30, we broke down 12 superstitious pictures, and tooke 2 popish inscriptions, 4 cherubims, and a dove for the high loft of the font, and a holy water fonte at the porch dore.

20. 1643. At Little Mary’s [St Mary the Less], December 29, 30, we brake downe 60 superstitious pictures, some popes, and crucifixes, and God the Father sitting in a chayer, and holding a globe in his hand.

21. 1643. At Butal parish [St Botolph]. We dig’d down the steps, and beat down twelve popish inscriptions and pictures. Church-wardens, Mr. Morley, Mr. Wilson.

22. 1643, January 1. Edward’s parish [St Edward, King and Martyr], we diged up the steps, and brake down 40 pictures, and took of 10 superstitious inscriptions.

23. 1643, January 1st, Alhallows [All Saints]. We brake downe diverse superstitious pictures, and eighteen cherubims. Mr. James church-warden.

24. Great Maries [St Mary the Great], 1643, December 27, and before 7th of January, Mr. Hawayward, church-warden.

25. 1643. Trinity parish [Holy Trinity], Mr. Frog, church-warden, December 25. We brake downe 80 popish pictures, and one of Christ and God the Father above.

26. Great Andrew’s parish [St Andrew the Great]. 1643

27. Little Andrews [St Andrew the Less].

28. 1643. Michell parish [St Michael]. December 26. Jan. 28. We digged up steps, brake downe divers pictures.

29. 1643. Clement. December 21, and Jan. 1. We brake down 30 superstitious pictures, divers of the apostles, and pope Peters kies [keys].

30. Jan. 2. Pullchers or Round parish [Holy Sepulchre], in Cambridge, Mr. Giffard, church-warden, George Harrison, Cunstable. We brake down 14 superstitious pictures, and diverse idolatrous inscriptions, and one of God the Father, and of Christ, and of the Apostles.

3–5 January. On Wednesday 3 January 1643/4 Dowsing set out into the countryside. That day he visited four churches to the north-east of Cambridge. The following day he probably returned to Cambridge. On Friday 5 January began the journey back to his home at Stratford St Mary in Suffolk.

31. 1643. Diten [Fen Ditton], January 3. Cambridgeshire. We beat down two crucifixes, and the 12 Apostles, and many other superstitious pictures.

32. At Little Swaffham [Swaffham Prior]. We brake down a great many pictures superstitious, 20 cherubims, and the rayles we brake in pieces, and diged down the steps.

33. January 3, Burwell, 1643. We brake downe a great many superstitious pictures.

34. 1643–4. Swaffham Bulbecke, in Cambridgeshire. 4 crucifixes and Christ nayled to them, and God the Father on one of them; and we brake downe a hundred superstitious pictures, and 2 crosses we took of the steeple, and 2 on the church and chancell. The two church-wardens Christopher Michell, and Martyn Appleyard, and James Lawrance have the tythes; we diged down their steps and 20 cherubims.

John Grange, that dwelt at the maner-house this summer, after he, and the other malignants, had bin drinking and laughing at round-heads, had his (house, I suppose) burnt downe at 10 a clocke in the morning. Witness Robart Cuttell, and many others.

35. Jan. 5, At Babarham [Babraham], in Cambridgeshire, 1643. We brake down three crucifixes, and 60 superstitious pictures, and brake in pieces the rayles.

36. Jan. 5, 1643. At Linton, we took up 8 inscriptions, we beate downe 3 crucifixes, and 80 superstitious pictures, and brake the rayles, and gave order to deface 2 grave-stones, with Pray for our souls. [March 20.]

 37. At Horse Heath, January 5. We brake down 2 crucifixes, 6 prophets pictures Malachi, Daniel, Ezekil, and Sophany [Zephaniah], and 2 more, and 40 superstitious pictures.

38. Jan. 5. At Withersfield, we brake down 3 crucifixes and 80 superstitious pictures.

6–9 January. Dowsing arrived in Clare, Suffolk on Saturday 6 January. Thomas Westhropp, one of his deputies, lived in Hundon, which he dealt with that day; perhaps he stayed the weekend with Westhropp. He rested on Sunday as normal. His next entry is for the Tuesday 9 January, dealing with three churches in Sudbury (these Sudbury entries are out of chronological order). After the work on Tuesday there is silence for several days.

39. Sudbury, Suffolk. Peter’s parish. Jan. 9 1643. We brake down a picture of God the Father, 2 crucifixes, & pictures of Christ, about an hundred in all; and gave order to take down a cross of[f] the steeple; and diverse angells, 20 at least, on the roof of the church.

40. Sudbury, Gregory parish. Jan. 9. We brake down 10 mighty great angels in glass, in all, 80.

41Allhallows [All Saints], Jan. 9. We brake about 20 superstitious pictures; and took up 30 brazen superstitious inscriptions, Ora pro nobis, and Pray for the soul etc.

42. Suffolk. At Haveril [Haverhill] Jan. 6 1643. We brake down about a hundred superstitious pictures; and 7 fryers hugging a nun; and the picture of God, and Christ; and divers others very superstitious. And 200 had been broke down afore I came. We took away 2 popish inscriptions with Ora pro nobis; and we beat down a great stoneing cross on the top of the church.

43. At Clare, Jan. 6. We brake down a 1000 pictures superstitious; and brake down 200, 3 of God the Father, and 3 of Christ, and the Holy Lamb, and 3 of the Holy Ghost like a dove with wings; and the 12 Apostles were carved in wood, on the top of the roof, which we gave order have taken down; and 20 cherubims to be taken down. And the sun and moon in the east window, by the King’s Arms, to be taken down.

44. Hunden [Hundon], Jan. 6. We brake down 30 superstitious pictures; and we took up three popish inscriptions in brass, Ora pro nobis, on them. And we gave order for levelling the steps.

45. Wixo [Wixoe], Jan 6. We brake a picture; and gave order to levell the stepps.

46. Withersfield [Withersfield St Mary], Jan 6. We brake down a crucifix, and sixty superstitious pictures; and gave order for the levelling the steps in the chancel.

19–20 January. After Sudbury, there is a gap for ten days. It is just possible that Dowsing was carrying out a reconnaissance of north Essex, but more likely that he had business at home, where he is next found. There was some very cold weather at about this time, and travel may have been unattractive. Whatever the case, he dealt with a mere two churches on Friday 19 January, and two more the day after, both close to his home.

47. Stoke Nayland [Stoke by Nayland], Jan. 19. We brake down an hundred superstitious pictures; and took up 7 superstitious inscriptions on th

48. Nayland, Suff. Jan. 19 1643. We brake down 30 superstitious pictures; and gave order for the takeing down a cross on the steeple. We took up 2 popish inscriptions, Ora pro nobis, etc.

49. Houghton [Holton St Mary], Jan 20. We brake down 6 superstitious inscriptions.

50. Rayden [Raydon St Mary], Jan. 20. We brake down a crucifix, and 12 superstitious pictures; and a popish inscription, Ora pro nobis.

22-28 January. On Monday 22 January Dowsing set off with renewed vigour, and over the next six days he visited twenty churches, the bulk at the end of the week. Passing through Coddenham, his old home parish, he made his way to the coast at Aldburgh then moved north as far as Kelsale, before making his way back home in a figure of eight to Stratford, in time for Sunday. The return journey took him via Ufford, a place which was to cause him problems.

51. Barham, Jan. 22d. We brake the 12 apostles, in the chancell, and 6 superstitious more there; and 8 in the church, one a Lamb with a cross on the back; and digged down the steps; and took up 4 superstitious inscriptions of brass, one of them Jesu, Fili Dei, miserere, and O Mater Dei, memento mei, – O Mother of God, have mercy on me!

52. Clayden [Claydon], Jan. 22. We brake down 3 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down 3 crosses of the steeple; and one of the chancell.

53. Codenham [Coddenham], Jan 22. We gave order for takeing down 3 crosses of the steeple; and one of the chancell.

54. Yke [Eyke], Jan. 23. We brake down 25 superstitious pictures; and took up a superstitious picture.

55. Dunstall [Tunstall], Jan. 23. We brake down 60 superstitious pictures; and broke in pieces the rayles; and gave order to pull down the steps.

56. Aldborough [Aldeburgh], Jan. 24. We gave order for the takeing down 20 cherubims, and 38 pictures; which their Lecturer Mr. Swayn, (a godly man) undertook, and their Captain Mr. Johnson.

57. Orford, Jan. 25. We brake down 28 superstitious pictures; and took up 11 popish inscriptions in brass; and gave order for digging up the steps, and takeing of 2 crosses of the steeple, one of the church, and one of the [chancel], in all four.

58. Snape, Jan. 25. We brake down 4 popish pictures; and took up 4 inscriptions of brass, of Ora pro nobis, etc.

59. Stanstead [Sternfield], Jan 25. We brake down 6 superstitious pictures; and took up a popish inscription in brass.

60. Saxmundham, Jan. 26. We took up two superstitious inscriptions in brass.

61. Kelshall [Kelsale], Jan. 26. We brake down 16 superstitious pictures; and took up 12 popish inscriptions in brass; and gave order to levell the chancell, and takeing down a cross.

62. Carleton [Carlton], Jan. 26. We brake down 10 superstitious pictures; and took up 6 popish inscriptions in brass; and gave order to levell the chancell.

63. Farnham [Farnham St Mary], Jan 26. We took up a popish inscription in brass.

64. Stratford [Stratford St Andrew]. We brake down 6 superstitious pictures.

65. Wickham [Wickham Market], Jan the 26. We brake down 15 popish pictures of angels and saints; and gave order for takeing 2 crosses; first on the steeple, 2nd on the church.

66. Sudburne [Sudbourne], Jan. 26. We brake down 6 pictures; and gave order for the taking down a cross on the steeple; and the steps to be levelled.

67. Ufford, Jan. 27. We brake down 30 superstitious pictures; and gave direction to take down 37 more; and 4 [40] cherubims to be takeing down of wood; and the chancel levelled. There was a picture of Christ on the cross, and God the Father above it; and left 37 superstitious pictures to be taken down; and took up 6 superstitious inscriptions in brass.

68. Woodbridge, Jan 27. We took up 2 superstitious inscriptions in brass; and gave order to take down 30 superstitious pictures.

69. Kesgrave, Jan. 27. We beate down 6 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down 18 cherubims, and to levell the chancel.

70. Rushmere [Rushmere St Andrew], Jan. 27. We brake down the pictures of the 7 deadly sins, and the Holy Lamb with a cross about it, and 15 other superstitious pictures.

29 January – 3 February. Having systematically covered a number of churches to the east of Ipswich, and rested on Sunday 28 January, on Monday Dowsing moved into the town itself, visiting four churches on the journey from his home. This Monday was perhaps the busiest he was to spend; he dealt with eleven churches on the south and west of the town. On Tuesday he finished off the town’s eastern churches, then moved out to Playford, a village to the east. Why he should have done that is puzzling, for the remainder of the week was spent dealing with a number of villages to the west of Ipswich, starting with Great Blakenham, then working his way round to the south, no doubt returning home on Sunday 4 February. Apart from the 10 days gap in mid January, he has been on the go for more than 6 weeks, typically covering five or six churches a day.

71. Chatsham [Chattisham], Jan. 29. Nothing to be done.

72. Washbrook, Jan. 29. I brake down 26 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down a stoneing cross; and the chancell to be levelled.

73. Cobdock [Copdock]. Jan. 29. I brake down 150 superstitious pictures, two of God the Father, and 2 crucifixes; did deface a cross on the font; and gave order to take down a stoneing cross on the chancell, and to levell the steps; and took up a brass inscription, with Ora pro nobis, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus.

74. Belstead. We brake down 7 superstitious pictures, five of the Apostles, and 2 others; and took up 4 superstitious inscriptions in brass, of Ora pro nobis, etc.

75. Ipswich Stoke Maryes [St Mary Stoke]. 2 crosses in wood, and 2 cherubims painted; and one inscription in brass, with Ora pro nobis.

76. At Peter’s, was on the porch, the crown of thornes, the spunge and nayles, and the Trinity in stone; and the rails were there, which I gave order to break in pieces.

77. Mary’s at the Key [St Mary at the Quay], Jan. 29. I brake down 6 superstitious pictures.

78. St Mary Elmes [St Mary at the Elms], Jan. 29. There was 4 iron crosses on the steeple which they promised to take down that day, or the next.

79. Nicholas, Jan. 29. We brake 6 superstitious pictures; and took up 2 brass inscriptions, of Ora pro nobis; and gave order for another, Cujus animæ propitietur deus; and there was the crown of thorns.

80. Matthew’s, Jan. 29. We brake down 35 superstitious pictures, 3 angells with stars on their breast, and crosses.

81. Mary’s at the tower [St Mary le Tower], Jan. 29. We took up 6 brass inscriptions, with Ora pro nobis, and Ora pro animabus, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus; and Pray for the soul, in English; and I gave order to take down 5 iron crosses, and one of wood on the steeple.

82. Margarett’s, Jan. 30. There was 12 Apostles in stone taken down; and between 20 and 30 superstitious pictures to be taken down, which a godly man, a churchwarden promised to do.

83. Steven’s [St Stephen], Jan 30. There was a popish inscription in brass, Pray for the soul.

84. Laurence [St Lawrence], Jan. 30. There was 2 popish inscriptions, one with beades, and written Ora pro nobis.

85. Clements, Jan. 30. They four days afore they had beaten up divers superstitious inscriptions.

86. At Helens, Jan. 30. Nothing.

87. Playford, Jan. 30. We brake down 17 popish pictures, one of God the Father; and took up 2 superstitious inscriptions in brass; and one Ora pro nobis and Cujus animæ propitietur deus, and a second Pray for the soul.

88. Blakenham, at the water [Great Blakenham], Feb. 1st. 1643. Only the steps were to be levelled, which I gave them eight days to do it.

89. Bramford, Feb. 1. A cross to be taken off the steeple; we brake down 841 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down the steps, and gave a fortnight’s time; and took up 3 inscriptions, with Ora pro nobis, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus.

90. Sproughton. We brake down 61 superstitious pictures; and gave order for the steps to be levelled, a fortnight’s time; and 3 inscriptions, Ora pro nobis and Cujus animæ propitietur deus.

91. Burstall, Feb. the 1st. We took off an iron cross off the steeple; and gave order to levell the steps.

92. Hintlesham, Feb. 1. We brake down 51 superstitious pictures; and took up 3 inscriptions, with Ora pro nobis, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus; and gave order for digging down the steps.

93. Hadley [Hadleigh], Feb. 2. We brake down 30 superstitious pictures, and gave order for taking down the rest, which were about 70; and took up an inscription, Quorum animabus propitietur deus; and gave order for the takeing down of a cross on the steeple; gave 14 days.

94. Layham, Feb. 2. We brake down 6 superstitious pictures, and takeing down a cross off the steeple.

95. Shelley, Feb. 2. We brake down 6 superstitious pictures; and took off 2 inscriptions, with Cujus animæ propitietur deus.

96. Higham [Higham St Mary], Feb. 2. We brake down 15 superstitious pictures in the chancell; and 16 in the church, (so called); and gave order to levell the steps in 14 days.

97. Feb. 3, Wenham Magna [Great Wenham]. There was nothing to reform.

98. Wenham Parva [Little Wenham], Feb. 3. We brake down 26 superstitious pictures, and gave order to break down 6 more; and to levell the steps. One picture was of the Virgin Mary.

99. Feb. 3, Capell [Capel St Mary]. We brake down 3 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down 31, which the churchwarden promised to doo; and to take down a stoneing cross on the outside of the church, as it is called.

100. Feb. 3. We were at the Lady Bruce’s House, and in her chappel [Little Wenham Hall chapel], there was a picture of God the Father, of the Trinity, of Christ, and the Holy Ghost, the cloven tongues; which we gave order to take down, and the Lady promised to do it.

5 & 6 February. Sunday 4 February was a day of rest. It may be significant that it was on this Sunday, when Dowsing was on the point of leaving Suffolk, and when his initial tour in that county may have convinced him of the enormity of the task, that we have the earliest evidence of his appointing a deputy, Thomas Denny. Perhaps he initially tasked Denny with inspecting those churches with deadlines falling due during his absence (see entries 88, 89, 90, 93, 96).

On the Monday he made his way back to Cambridgeshire, journeying to Bury St Edmunds the first night. Whilst there he may have stayed with Moody family, perhaps at the suggestion of Thomas Westhropp (the deputy with whom he probably lodged on 6 January) who married a Moody a few years later. Dowsing arrived just north of Cambridge on Tuesday 6 Februay, his earlier visits that day showing signs of rush as he broke his travels.

101. Nedham markett [Needham Market], Feb. 5. We gave order to take down 2 iron crosses on the chappell, and a stoneing cross.

102. Badley, Feb. 5. We brake down 34 superstitious pictures; Mr. Dove promised to take down the rest, 28; and to levell the chancell. We took down 4 superstitious pictures, with Ora pro nobis, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus.

103. Stowmarkett, Feb. 5. We gave order to break down about 70 superstitious pictures; and to levell the chancel, to Mr. Manning, that promised it; and to take down 2 crosses, one on the steeple, and the other on the church as it is called; and took off an inscription, of Ora pro nobis.

104. Wetherden, Feb. 5. We brake 100 superstitious pictures in S[i]r Edward Silliard’s eile; and gave order to break down 60 more; and to take down 68 cherubims; and to levell the steps in the chancell; there was takeing up 19 superstitious inscriptions, that weighed 65 pounds.

105. Emswell [Elmswell], Feb. 5. We brake down 20 superstitous pictures; and gave order to break down 40 and above, and to take down 40 cherubims. We took up 4 superstitious inscription[s], with ora pro nobis.

106. Tostick [Tostock], Feb. 5. We brake down about 16 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down about 40 more; and to levell the steps. We took a superstitious inscription, with Ora p[ro] nobis.

107. Bury St Edmunds, Feb. 5. Mary’s parish. Mr. Chaplin undertook to do down the steps and to take away the superstitious pictures.

108. James’s parish. Mr. Moody undertook for.

109. Kentford, Feb. 6. We gave order to take down a cross and other pictures.

110. Feb. 6. At Newmarket they promised to amend all.

111.     Feb. 6. At Chesterfield, we gave order to take down 14 crosses on the steple, and 2 on the porch; we brake down 40 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take down 50 more at least, and to levell the steps in the chancell.

20–23 February. On Tuesday 20 February, Dowsing reappears at Brinkley in Cambridgeshire, travelling back into Suffolk, covering a cluster of villages in the south-west of the county. He gives the impression of slowing down as he travels back home, finishing the week’s work on Friday. The entries are slightly out of order.

112. February 20 [?29]. Brinckly [Brinkley]. I took down two superstitious inscriptions in brass, Orate pro animabus, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus, and Pray for our souls the second inscription; and I brake 10 superstitious pictures, one of Christopher carrying Christ on his shoulders, and gave order for taking down 2 more in the chancell, and to levell the chancell.

113. Cornearth Magna [Great Cornard], Feb. 20. I took up 2 inscriptions, Pray for our souls; and gave order to take down a cross on the steeple; and to levell the steps. John Pain, churchwarden, for not paying, and doing his duty injoyned by the Ordinance, I charged Henry Taner, the Constable, to carry him before the Earl of Manchester.

114. Little Cornearth [Little Cornard], Feb. 20. There were two crosses, one in wood, and another in stone, which I gave order to take them down; and I brake down 6 superstitious pictures. Had no noble.

115. Newton [Newton All Saints], Feb. 21. William Plume, churchwarden, and John [Shrive] Constable. I brake down 4 superstitious pictures, one of Christ, and 6 in the chancell, one of Christ, and of the Virgin Mary; and to see the steps levelled.

116. Assington, Feb. 21. We brake down 40 pictures, one of God the Father, and the other very superstitious; and gave order to levell the chancel; and to take a cross off the steeple. Constable, James Springes.

117. Nayland, Feb. the 21st. Henry Hall, Henry Campin, churchwardens; Abraham Vangover, Constable. Churchwardens promised the 6s. 8d. within a week.

118. Mr. Thomas Humberfields’s or Somberfield’s [Tendryng Hall chapel, Stoke by Nayland]. I brake down nine superstitious pictures, and a crucifix, in the parish of Stoke. He refused to pay the 6s. 8d. This was in the Lord Windsor’s chappell.

119. Feb. 23. At Mr. [Capt.] Watgraves [Waldegrave’s] chappel, in Buers [Smallbridge Hall chapel, Bures St Mary], there was a picture of God the Father, and divers other superstitious pictures, 20 at least, which they promised to break, his daughter and servants. He himself was not at home, neither could they find the key of the chappell. I had not the 6s. 8d. yet promised it. And gave order to take down a cross.

120. Buers [Bures St Mary], Feb. 23. We brake down above 600 superstitious pictures, 8 Holy Ghosts, 3 of God the Father, and 3 of the Son. We took up 5 superstitious of Quorum animabus propitietur deus; one Pray for the soul. And superstitious in the windows, and some divers of the apostles.

121. Cornearth Magna [Great Cornard], Feb. 20. I brake down and took 2 superstitious inscriptions of brass 1st Orate pro animabus & 2d in English Pray for our souls, and gave order to levele the steps. John Prince churchwarden to answer, and Henry Turner Constable.

122. Feb. 20, Cornearth parva [Little Cornard]. I brake down 6 superstitious pictures and gave order to take down 2 crosses one wood the other stone 6s. 8d.

26 February – 1 March. The previous entries bring us up to 23 February, a Friday. On the following Tuesday, 26 February, Dowsing dealt with Glemsford, to the west of the parishes dealt with over the previous few days. During this week an unnamed deputy (probably Thomas Denny) is recorded at work in central Suffolk. We do not know whether the deputy was acting alone, or under supervision.

For some reason, the following entries have Dowsings payment of 6s. 8d. routinely recorded (for discussion, see page 00).

123. Glensford [Glemsford], Feb. 26. We brake down many pictures; one of God the Father. A picture of the Holy Ghost, in brass. A noble.

124. Otteley [Otley], Feb. the 27th. A Deputy brake down 50 superstitious pictures; a cross on the chancel; 2 brass inscriptions; and Moses with a rod, and Aaron with his mitre, taken down; and 20 cherubims to be taken down.—6s. 8d.

125. Mulleden [Monewden], Feb. 27. He brake down 6 superstitious pictures; and gave order to levell the steps in 20 days.— 6s. 8d.

126. Hoo, Feb. 27. A superstitious inscription of brass, and 8 superstitious pictures brake down; and gave order to levell the steps in twenty days.— 6s. 8d.

127. Letheringham, Feb. 27. He took off three popish inscriptions of brass; and brake down 10 superstitious pictures; and gave orders to levell the steps in 20 days.— 6s. 8d.

128. Easton, Feb. 28. He brake up one inscription of brass; and 16 superstitious pictures; 3 crosses he gave order to take down; and to levell the steps in 20 days. This was at Eason— 6s. 8d.

129. Kettleborough [Kettleburgh], Feb. 28. In the glass, 6 superstitious pictures; gave order to break them down, and to levell the steps in 20 days.— 6s. 8d.

130. Helmingham, Feb. 29. Brake down 3 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down 4 crosses; and 9 pictures. And Adam and Eve to be beaten down.— 6s. 8d.

131. Woolpitt, Feb. 29. My Deputy. 80 superstitious pictures; some he brake down, and the rest he gave order to take down; and 3 crosses to be taken down in 20 days.— 6s. 8d.

132. Bayton Bull [Beyton], March 1. He brake down 20 pictures. And the steps to be levelled in 20 days.— 6s. 8d.

5–9 March. The previous entry, in the name of Dowsing’s deputy, was for Friday 1 March. The following Tuesday Dowsing is found in Cambridgeshire. Over the next three weeks he systematically dealt with the southern part of the county, starting in the west, moving to the south and then east. During this three week period he averaged nearly five churches per day, working five days per week, Tuesday to Saturday. He was often within ten miles of Cambridge, rarely as far as fifteen, so it is just possible that he returned each night; but the tours are loops and give the impression of an outward bound journey followed by a return, so it is more likely that he spent each night on the road.

A few of these entries are out of chronological order. In particular, entry 148, for Trumpington is dated Tuesday 5 March, and should therefore be first in the sequence. This church is the only one visited that day. It is just to the south of Cambridge, and this may indicate that Dowsing fitted it in as he arrived from Suffolk. The following day, Wednesday 6 March, he began a major tour to the west of the town, starting at Madingley, and working his way to the county boundary at Papworth Everard where he dropped south, before returning to Cambridge.

133. March 6, 1643. Maddenley [Madingley]. John Ivett and Theodore Wictham, church-wardens, Edward Dantry, Cunstable. There was 31 pictures superstitious, and Christ on the cross, and the two theves by him, and Christ and the Virgin Mary in another window, a Christ in the steple-window, order’d and the steps to be leveled, and 14 cherubims in wood to be taken down, which promised to be taken down.

134. March 6. Hardwicke. Thomas Howell and Robart Adams, Cunstables, and William Ivatt, church-warden. There was 10 superstitious pictures, and a cross on the church, which we appointed to be taken downe, and the steps to be levelled. Received but 3s. 2d.

135. March 6. Toft. Will. Disborugh, church-warden, Richard Basly, and John Newman, Cunstable. 27 superstitious pictures in glass, and ten other in stone, three brass inscriptions, Pray for the soules, and a cross to be taken of the steple (6s. 8d.) and there was divers Orate pro animabus in the windowes, and on a bell, Ora pro nobis anima Sanctæ Catharinæ.

136. March 7. Kingston. Richard Glinister and Francis Gilman, church-wardens, (3s. 4d.), Francis Cockaram and John Anywood, Cunstables. We brake down a crucifix, seven Ora pro nobis, and gave order to levill the steps in the chancell, and to take downe 18 cherubims in stone and wood, and we tooke of a crosse of stone on the chancell.

137. March 7. Caldecot. Thomas Lily, church-warden, and Thomas Burnet. 20 superstitious pictures, and a crucifix, and a picture of Christ.

138. March, 7. Boorn [Bourn]. Will. Phipps, George Newman, Cunstables, John Disher and John Peast, church-wardens. We did downe 2 angells, and took a superstitious inscription in brass, and one of the Virgin Mary, and divers other popish pictures, and gave order to take down two crosses on the steple and on the chancel.

139. March, 7. Cackston [Caxton]. Christopher Linsy, Miles Robarts, church-wardens; Henry Toms, Cunstable. A cross to be taken of the steple, and 2 popish inscriptions, one Cujus animæ propitietur deus, and the steps to be levelled, and a cross on the steple, and one on the church, and 20 superstitious pictures.

140. March, 7. Eltesly [Eltisley]. Edward Smith, John Barfoot, church-wardens, Philip Woodward, Cunstable. A popish image, Christ carried by Christopher, and 4 other pictures.

141. March 8. Uper Papworth [Papworth Everard]. (6s. 8d. promised.) The four Evangelists in the chancel painted on the walls, Matthew, Marke, etc. In the church 2 angells painted on the walls, and Abraham offering up Isacke. Left a Warrant with Robert Hamon, Overseer.

142. March 8. Croxton. John Suton, Cunstable, John Lyne, church-warden. A crucifix we brake, and the rayles, and brake 20 superstitious pictures; one crucifix, and 2 crosses to be taken downe, one in the steeple, and another in the highway. Upon the bell Sit Munus Domini.

143. March 9. Grandesden Parva [Little Gransden]. Will. Rowning and Edward Higny, church-wardens; Branson Peter, Cunstable. The steps and 43 cherubims we gave order to take down, and 2 angells, and 11 superstitious pictures we brake downe.

144.     1643. March 9. Stow [Longstowe]. Will. Peck and Isaack Gad, church-wardens, and John Wodnell, Cunstable; we brake down 12 cherubims, and the steps be levelled, and a crosse to be taken downe by Aprill 9.

145. March 8. Nether, or Little Papworth [Papworth St Agnes], 2 angells.

146. 6s. 8d. March 9. Cumberton [Comberton]. We brake downe a crucifix and 69 superstitious pictures we brake down, and gave order to take down 36 cherubims, and the steps to be taken down by March 25.

147. One Pari[s]h (Triplow) utterly defaced.

148. March 5. Trumpington. 3 superstitious pictures, the steps to be levelled, which Mr. Thomson, to whom we gave order to do it, refused.

For his second Cambridgeshire tour, starting on Tuesday 12 March, Dowsing began by dropping south from Cambridge, then spent the week tracing a ragged clockwise loop round the south-west corner of the county, turning at Steeple Morden to return to the town from the west on Saturday.

149. Shelford [Great Shelford]. March 12. Edward Fuller and Olivir Carter, church-wardens; William Dalison and Avery Howling, Cunstables. The steps to be levelled by Jesus Colledge, a crucifix in chancel, and 34 superstitous pictures there; and 58 pictures, and two crucifixes, and 12 cherubims to be taken down, and 2 superstitious inscriptions.

150. Little Shelford (6s. 8d.). March 12. Three superstitious inscriptions, steps to be levelled by the minister, 2 crosses, one on the steeple, 2 crucifixes, and 30 pictures.

151. (5s.)Stapleford, March 12. Three popish inscriptions, 20 superstitious pictures, and 2 crosses, which the church-wardens promised to take downe.

152. March 13. Hauxton. Will. Reynolls and Robart Briant, church-wardens. Cunst. Thomas Stidman. Steps, and crucifix, and one inscription of brass, and steps to be levelled. Three popish pictures.

.

153. Harston. We brake down 12 superstitious pictures, and took up a brass inscription, and required Richard Bull to level the steps in the chancell, being parson of the parish, and the church-wardens to take down a cross of[f] the steple.

154. (6s. 8d.) Newton, March 13. John Lambert and Nicholas Freall, church-wardens, and Will. Starling, Cunstable. We brake down 7 superstitious pictures, and a crucifix, and gave order to Robert Swaine to level the steps, being parson there.

155. (4s.) Triplowe [Thriplow], March 13. Timothy Blackman and Thomas Pharoh, church-wardens, and John Gooding, Constable. We brake about 100 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take downe 18 cherubims, and a crosse of the steple, and to levell the steps.

156. Foulmyre [Fowlmere], March 13. John Man, Thomas Dove, churchwardens, and Ma. Hicks and John Spilman, Cunstables. 60 superstitious pictures, and 2 crosses to be taken downe. The 12 Patriarchs and 3 cherubims, and the steps to be levelled by John Moreden, parson and minister.

157. Foxton, March 13. Edward Rayner, Cunstable. We brake down 20 superstitious pictures, and gave order to break 20 more, to take downe 2 crosses, and Mr. John Wildbore, parson, to levell the chancell. There was 2 pictures of Christ.

158. Shepered [Shepreth], March 13. Mr. Edward Hailes. We brake downe 16 superstitious pictures, and a crucifix, and gave order to take downe a crosse.

159. Melborne [Melbourn], March 14. William Alling and Benjamin Medcafe, churchwardens, and Francis Ratford and Timothy Adkison, Cunstables. 60 superstitious pictures, one of Christ, and a crosse on the ste

160. Meldrith [Meldreth], March 14. 60 pictures, and a cross on the steple, and 2 pictures of Christ.

161. March 14. Whadden [Whaddon]. Will. Walls, Cunstable, Will. Rutterforth. 6 superstitious pictures in the chancell, and 14 in the church, and 2 superstitous inscriptions in brasse, Quorum animabus propitietur deus, and a crosse on the steeple, which the Cunstable and church-wardens promised to take downe.

162. March 14. Basingborne [Bassingbourn]. 8 superstitous pictures in the chancell, 40 in the church, one brass inscription, Quorum animabus propitietur deus, and a crosse, which was promised to be take downe, and to take downe the steps.

163. March 14. Litlington. We brake downe 6 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take a crosse on the steple.

164. Shengey cume Wende [Wendy], March 15. A cross on the chancell, and the steps to be levelled. Robart Stoughton on [?of] Basingborne, Sequestrater.

165. March 15. Abington [Abington Pigotts]. We brake downe 16 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take downe crosses of the steple, and to levell the steps.

166. March 15. Steple Morden [Steeple Morden]. John Sissimer, Cunstable, and John Gatward, churchwarden. 9 superstitious pictures. We brake downe 3 superstitous inscriptions on brasse.

167. At Shingey [Shingay], a chapell of Mr. John Russel’s, there was a crucifix, and 3 of the Mary’s, with her Childre, and 12 pictures more.

168. Todlow come Pincots [Tadlow], March 15. 4 superstitious pictures, and a crosse on the church, Richard Smith, church-warden and Cunstable.

169. Gillen Morden [Guilden Morden], March 15. The next Lent a crosse to be taken downe, and the steps leveled.

170. East Hatly [East Hatley], March 15. Francis Blacke, Cunstable, and Will. Heden, church-warden. Two popish inscriptions, Quorum animabus propitietur deus. And 2d, Orate pro animâ, and Cujus animæ, etc. A crosse on the church, and 2 angels to be taken downe.

171. Hungerly Hatley, or St George Hatley [Hatley St George], March 15. George Price, Constable, George Squire, church-warden. We brake down 10 superstitious pictures, and a picture of Christ, and the steps to be levelled by John Skelton, minister, and there was written over a coat of arms: Will. St George gave a hide of land in Haslingfield, with his daughter to be nun in Clarkingwell, in the time of King Henry II; which we burnt.

172. Gamlingay. March 16. 3 superstitious pictures and a cross to be taken downe, which the church-warden promised to doe.

173. Crawden or alias Croyden. Crawden com Clopton [Croydon], March 16. 2 crucifixes, and seven superstitious pictures. Church-wardens, Ar. Gad., Simon Hall, Cunstable.

174. Wimple [Wimpole], March 16. Thomas Banes, Cun. Robart Finch and Henry Chapman, church-wardens. There were 40 superstitious pictures, and a crucifix, and 2 superstitious inscriptions, one, Pray for the soul of, etc. and 2 pictures of the Holy Ghost in brass, one of the Virgin Mary.

175. Orwell come Malto [Orwell], March 16. Robart Fayrchilde, Tho. Coldecott, church-wardens; John Godfrey, Cunstable. We brake down 16 pictures in the church, and gave orders to take down 4 more; could not come at a crosse, to be taken of the steeple within 3 weeks, and 28 pictures in the chancel.

176. March 16. Barton Cum W [Barton]. All the superstitious were taken down with the glass, and hide up by the church-warden, and the stepps digge up, but not leveled.

For his final full week in Cambridgeshire (Tuesday to Saturday), Dowsing again began to the south of Cambridge, but this time worked his way round to the east, looping round to finish north of Newmarket.

177. Sawston (6s.) March 19. 5 superstitious inscriptions, Orata pro animabus, cujus animæ propitietur deus, and Pray for our souls, and a crucifix in the chancell, and some 16 superstitious pictures, [? in all 110].

178. Gillden Morden [Guilden Morden], March 15. Will. Chamberlaine John Warbis, church-wardens; Thomas Celis, Cunstable, a cross to be taken down, and steps leveled.

179. Wittford [Whittlesford], March 19. Will. Colt, churchw. and Mihill Knight, Thomas Ward, and Bennet Bacock, Cunstables. A crosse on the chancel, and 3 superstitious pictures, and a popish inscription, Pray for our soules, and the Lambe in glass with a cross over it.

180. Peter’s Duxford [Duxford, St Peter], March 20. 2 crosses to be taken down, one of the steple, another of the chancell, which was promised to be done.

181. Pamsford [Pampisford]. March 19. Will. Hodgine and John Osborne (3s. 4d.) church-wardens, and Henry Litten, Cunstable, and Rich. Loden. We gave order to level the steps to Theophilus Turrell, and the cross to be taken of the steple, and two crosses of the side of the steple, and the windowes to be done up; 16 superstitious pictures we brake down, and one on the church.

182. Hinxton. (5s.) We brake downe 23 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take downe a cross of[f] the steple, and the Lady Hinde to level the steps.

183. March 19. Ickleston [Ickleton]. We brake down 3 crucifixes, 60 superstitious pictures, and to take 2 crosses of the steple, and one of the church; to the Widow Rolfe to levell the steps in the chancell.

184. March 20. 1643. Duxford St Johns. 2 superstitious inscriptions, Pray for the soules, and Cujus animæ, and 2 crosses to be taken downe, one of the steple, and the chancell levelled by Mathew Rayner, tenant to Dr. Love of Benet Colledge; 50 pictures we brake downe, one of Christ.

185. March 20. (6s. 1d.) Abington Magna [Great Abington]. Richard Amy, church-warden, Thomas Smyth, James Hind, Cunstable. We brake 40 superstitious pictures, 2 crucifixes, and a cross on the steple to be taken down, and the steps to be levelled by Mr. Mihill Dalton of Wrat.

186. Abington Parva [Little Abington], March 20. Will. Amey and Samuell, Beuis, church-wardens, and Daniell Warde, Cunstable, for not taking diverse superstitious pictures, and an inscription on the windowes, and a cross of[f] the steple.

187. Hildersham. A cross on the steple to be leveled, and a cross on the church, which the church-wardens promised to take downe, and brake downe 16 superstitious pictures.

188. Bartlow, March 20. We brake down a crucifix, and a Holy Lamb, and 10 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take downe three crosses in stone, and to level the steps.

189. Castle Comps [Castle Camps], March 21. John Georg, Cunstable. We brake down 9 superstitious pictures in the church, and 7 in the chancell, and the steps to be leveled, and a crosse to be taken downe of th

190. March 21. Sudly, or City Comps [Shudy Camps]. (3s. 4d.) We brake downe 7 superstitious pictures.

191. West-Wickham. We brake down eight superstitious pictures in the church, one a crucifix, and one the Virgin Mary with Christ in her arms, and 6 in the chancell, and gave order to levell the steps in the chancell, and to take down a cross on the church.

192. West Wratting. (6s. 6d.) March 21. We brake down 6 superstitious pictures, and a crucifix, and gave order to level the steps, and take downe a cross of[f] that church.

193. Balsham, March 21. (3s. 4d.) We brake divers superstitious pictures, one crucifix, and gave order to take down a cross on the church, and to take down another on the steple, and to level the steps of the chancell within a month.

194. Weston Colvell [Weston Colville], March 22. (6s.) 3 superstitious pictures, Cujus animæ propitietur deus, and one Pray for the soule, and the 12 Apostles, and superstitious pictures, and a crosse on the porch, and the steps to be leveled in the chancell.

195. Carleton cum Wilingham [Carlton], March 22. (3s. 4d.) A crosse on the steple promised to be taken down, and we brake diverse superstitious pictures.

196. Barrow Grene [Burrough Green], March 22. (6s. 8d.) We brake down 64 superstitious pictures and crucifixes, and Joseph and Mary stood together in the glasse as they were espouzed, and a crosse on the top of the steple, which we gave order to the church-wardens to take downe.

197. Westly [Westley Waterless], March 22. We brake down 8 superstitious pictures, and gave orders to take down a crosse of the porch, and gave orders to the minister to levell the steps. Minister Gregory.

198. Dalingham [Dullingham], March 22. We brake downe 30 superstitious pictures, 2 of them crucifixes, and gave order to take downe a crosse of

199. Steehworth [Stetchworth], March 22. We brake divers superstitious pictures, and gave order to take

200. Wood Ditton, March 22. We brake down 50 superstitious pictures and crucifixes, and the Virgin Mary written, Oh Mother of God have mercy on us.

201. Cartling [Kirtling], March 23. (3s. 4d.) 3 superstitous pictures, and 14 angells in the chancell, on the roof, which the Lord North’s man promised to take of, and the windowes broken down, were new made.

202. Ashley, March 23. Onely a crosse on the top of the church.

203. March 23. Cheaneley [Cheveley]. (6s. 8d.) There were five superstitious pictures, one of Christ, many more were taken down afore, and there were two stoning crosses which we gave order to take downe.

204. Chepengam cum Badlingham [Chippenham]. (3s. 4d.) March 23. 2 superstitious pictures, Orate pro animabus, and divers other superstitious ones in the window.

205. Snaylewell [Snailwell], March 23. A cross on the steeple, and steps to be levelled, and six superstitious pictures, a cross, and diverse brass inscriptions, 4 in all, and many superstitious pict.

26 March. Once again, Dowsing took Sunday and Monday as a weekend, presumably in Cambridge. On Tuesday 26 March he set out again to the east, but this time recorded entries for just one day. He may have been dealing with churches which lack of time made him pass by a few days earlier . It is possible that this was the start of another full week’s tour, of which only the first day was recorded – his next recorded entry is a week later, for Wednesday 3 April. If this was a week’s tour, he might have been circling round to the south and west of the town, where a cluster of churches have no record in the Journal, or moving into north Cambridgeshire. See chapters 00 and 00 for discussion of the unrecorded churches in Cambridgeshire.

206. Teversham, March 26. I broke a crucifix in the chancell, and there was Jesus written in great capital letters on six arches in the church, and in 12 places in the chancell, and steps there, the pavements digged up. The 6 Jesus in the church I did out, and six in the chancell, and the other six I could not reach, but gave orders to do them out. There was one side of the altar written Phil. ii.10. and on the other side, Psalm xcv. Come, let us worship and kneele, etc. and four suns painted; within the first writt, God the Father; and in the second, the Son; and in third, the Holy Ghost; and in the 4th, Three Persons and one God.

207. March 26, Stowe come Quie [Stow cum Quy]. There was superstitious inscription of brasse, Orate pro animabus, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus, and 8 superstitious pictures of wood, and the steps to be leveled.

208. March 26. Wilbraham Parva [Little Wilbraham]. Were two crucifixes, and I brake downe 4 superstitious pictures, and gave order to take down 11 more.

209. March 26, Wilbraham Magna [Great Wilbraham]. 13 superstitious pictures, a crosse to be taken of the steple, and the steps to be levelled, which were promised to be done.

There are no further entries for Cambridgeshire. As discussed in chapter 00, Dowsing had worked his way through almost every church in the south of the county. After these exertions, there is silence for a few days. On Sunday 31 March he bought a Parliamentary sermon, of which he was an avid collector, and this might suggest that he was back on home territory by then, though it might have been an opportunistic purchase in Cambridge.

3–10 April. Dowsing’s Journal picks up again in Suffolk, but this time not at Ipswich but near his old home of Laxfield. This tour, starting on Wednesday 3 April and finishing the following Wednesday, is the last of his week-long systematic trawls.

He records the company of a deputy on the first day, and it seems likely that this was Francis Verdon, who probably accompanied him for the week as they made their way over to the coast, at Covehithe. During Saturday they dealt with Beccles church. This was the home of Francis Jessup, another deputy; there are signs that Dowsing stayed with him over the weekend, as the churches dealt with on Monday 8 April lead away from Beccles to pick up at South Cove, close to where work had finished on Saturday (Covehithe).

210. Kayfield [Kenton], April the 3d. A Deputy brake down divers, which I have done.

211. April 3, Bedingfield. I brake down 14 superstitious pictures, one of God the Father, and 2 doves, and another of St Catherine and her wheel; and gave order to take down 3 stoneing crosses on porch, church, and chancel.

212. Tanington [Tannington], April 3. My Deputy brake down 27 pictures, 2 were crucifixes, which I brake off part.

213. Brundish, April 3. There were 5 pictures of Christ, the 12 Apostles, a crucifix, and divers superstitious pictures. The vicar have 2 livings.

214. Wilby. 4 superstitious pictures. April 4. 30 we brake down; and gave order to take 10 more, and the steps to be levelled; and the whip, and pincers, and nayles, that was at Christ’s crucifying; and the Trinity, all in stone.

215. Stradbrook [Stradbroke], April 4. 8 angells of the roof, and 8 cherubims in wood, to be taken down; and 4 crosses on the steeple; and one on the church; and one on the porch; and 17 pictures in the upper window; and Pray for such out of your charity; and organs, which I brake.

216. Nether, or Linstead Parva [Linstead], April 4. A picture of God the Father, and of Christ, and 5 more superstitious in the chancell; and the steps to be levelled, which the churchwardens promised to do, in 20 [days]. And a picture of Christ on the outside of the steeple, nayled to a cross, and another superstitious one. Crosses on the font. [Will. (M.S. blotted) is curate.]

217. Linstead Magna, April 5. Here was 2 superstitious inscriptions Orate pro animabus, and Cujus animæ propitietur deus. There was 2 crucifixes and 8 superstitious pictures, and 3d of Jesus in a window. And gave order to levell the steps, to Mr. Evered, Will. Aldice curate, drunkard Francis Evered.

218. Cheston, or Chedeston [Chediston], April 5. 2 superstitious inscriptions, and 7 popish pictures, one of Christ, and another of St George. — 6s. 8d.

219. Hallisworth [Halesworth], April 5. 2 crucifixes, 3 of the Holy Ghost, and a 3 of the Trinity altogether; and 200 other superstitious pictures and more; 5 popish inscriptions of brass, Orate pro animabus, and Cujus animae propitietur deus; and the steps to be levelled by the parson of the town; and to take off a cross on the chancel. And then the churchwardens had order to take down 2 crosses off the steeple.

220. Redsham Magna [Great Redisham], April 5. A crucifix, and 3 other superstitious pictures; and gave order for Mr. Barenby, the parson, to levell the steps in the chancel. He preach but once a day.

221. Reginfield [Ringsfield], April 5. The sun and moon; and jesus, in capital letters; and 2 crosses on the steeple we gave order to take down; and to levell the steps in 14 days.

222. Beckles [Beccles], April 6. Jehovahs between church and chancell; and the sun over it; and by the altar, My meat is flesh indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. And 2 crosses we gave order to take down, one was on the porch; another on the steeple; and many superstitious pictures, about 40. Six several crosses, Christ’s, Virgin Mary’s, St George’s and 3 more; and 13 crosses in all; and Jesus and Mary, in letters; and the twelve A

223. Elough [Ellough], April 6. We brake down 12 superstitious pictures; and the steps to be levelled; and a cross to be taken down off the chancel, which they promised to do.

224. Saterly [Sotterley]. There was divers superstitious pictures painted, which they promised to take down; and I gave order to levell the steps; and to break in pieces the rayles, which I have seen done; and to take off a cross on the church.

225. Benacre, April 6. There was 6 superstitious pictures, one crucifix, and the Virgin Mary twice, with Christ in her arms, and Christ lying in the manger, and the 3 Kings coming to Christ with their presents, and a Katherine nice [twice] pictured; and the priest of the parish [—] materna Johannem Christi guberna, O Christ govern me by thy mother’s Prayers!—And three Bishops with their mitres; and the steps to be levelled within 6 weeks. And 18 jesus’s, written in capital letters, on the roof, which we gave order to do out; and the story of Nebuchadnezzar; and Orate pro animabus, in a glass window.

226. Cothie [Covehithe], April 6. We brake down 200 pictures; one pope, with divers cardinals, Christ and the Virgin Mary; a picture of God the Father, and many other, that I remember not. There was 4 steps, with a vault underneath, but the 2 first might be levelled, which we gave order to the churchwarden to do. There was many inscriptions of jesus, in capital letters, on the roof the church, and cherubims with crosses on their breasts; and a cross in the chancel. All which, with divers pictures that we could not reach in the windows neither would they help us to raise the ladders. All which, we left a Warrant with the Constable to do, in fourteen days.

227. Rushmere [Rushmere St Michael], April the 8. We brake 9 superstitious pictures; and gave order to levell the steps, in 20 days, to make their windows; and we brake down a pot, for holy water.

228. Muttford [Mutford], April 8. We brake down 9 superstitious inscriptions of Jesus; 2 crosses on the steeple; and the steps to be levelled.

229. Frostenden, April 8. 20 superstitious pictures, one crucifix, and a picture of God the Father, and St Andrew with his cross, and St Catherine; 4 cherubims on the pulpit; 2 crosses on the steeple; and one on the chancel. And Mr. Ellis, an high Constable, of the town, told me ‘he saw an Irish man, within 2 months, bow to the cross on the steeple, and put off his hat to it’. The steps were there to levell, which they promised to do.

230. Coe [South Cove], April the 8. We brake down 42 superstitious pictures in glass; and above 20 cherubims; and the steps we have digged down.

231. Rayden [Reydon St Margaret], April 8. We brake down 10 superstitious pictures; and gave order to take down 2 crosses, one on the chancel, and another on the porch. Steps we digged up.

232. Southould [Southwold], April 8. We brake down 130 superstitious pictures; St Andrew; and 4 crosses on the four corners of the vestry; and gave order to take down 13 cherubims; and to take down 20 angels; and to take down the cover of the font.

233. Walberwick [Walberswick]. Brake down 40 superstitious pictures; and to take off 5 crosses on the steeple, and porch; and we had 8 superstitious inscriptions on the grave stones.
 
 

234. Blyford, April 9. There was 30 superstitious pictures; a crucifix; and the 4 Evangelists; and the steps promised to be levelled, and begun to be digged down. A cross on the chancel they promised to take down; and a triangle on the porch, for the Trinity; and 2 whips, etc. Christ and a cross all over the porch.

235. Blyborough [Blythburgh], April 9. There was 20 superstitious pictures on the outside of the church; 2 crosses, one on the porch; and another on the steeple; and 20 cherubims to be taken down in the church, and chancel. And I brake down 3 Orate pro animabus; and gave order to take down above 200 more pictures, within 8 days.

236. Dunwich, April 9. At Peter’s parish. 63 cherubims; 60 at least of jesus, written in capitall letters, on the roof; and 40 superstitious pictures; and a cross on the top of the steeple. All was promised by the churchwardens to be done.

237. Allhallows [All Saints, Dunwich]. 30 superstitious pictures; and 28 cherubims; and a cross on the chancel.

.

238. Bramfield, April 9. 24 superstitious pictures; one crucifix, and a picture of Christ; and 12 angells on the roof; and divers jesus’s, in capital letters; and the steps to be levelled, by Sir Robert Brook.

239. Heveningham, April 9 and 10. 8 superstitious pictures, one of the Virgin Mary; and 2 inscriptions of brass, one Pray for the souls and another, Orate pro animabus.

15 April & 17 July. Now things more or less grind to a halt. Dowsing visited more than 200 churches in the four months following 19 December, when he received his commission. Over the following five months he visited hardly more than thirty. Possible reasons for this slow-down are discussed in chapter 00. April continued well enough, with three visits close to his Stratford home, on Monday 15 April. Then a gap of three months, until on Wednesday 17 July a single visit is recorded to Laxfield, the parish where he was born and brought up.

240. Polstead, April 15. 45 superstitious pictures; one of Peter with his keys, 2 Archbishops with mitres on his head.— 6s. 8d.

241. Boxtead [Boxted]. We had 6 superstitious pictures.

242. Stanstead, April 15. 5 superstitious pictures.

243. Laxfield, July 17 1644. Two angells in stone, at the steeple’s end. A cross in the church; and another on the porch, in stone; and 2 superstitious pictures on stone there. Many superstitious inscriptions in brass, Orate p[ro] animabus, and Cujus animae propitietur deus. A picture of Christ, in glass. An eagle, and a lion, with wings, for two of the Evangelists; and the steps in the chancel. All to be done, within 20 days; the steps, by William Dowsing, of the same town.

21–23 August. There is then a further silence until a return to the old levels of activity in late August. On Wednesday 21 August Dowsing visited churches to the east of Ipswich, including the troublesome Ufford; and on Thursday and Friday he dealt with a number of churches to the west.

244. Trembly [Trimley St Martin], Aug. 21, 1644. Martyn’s. There was a fryar, with a shaven crown, praying to God, in these words, Miserere mei deus; which we brake down; and 28 cherubims in the church; which we gave order to take down, by Aug. 24.

245. Aug 21 Brightwell. A picture of Christ, and the Virgin Mary, that we brake down; and the 12 Apostles painted, in wood; and a holy water font; and a step to be levelled; all which we gave order to be broke down, and steps to be levelled, by Aug. 31.

246. Levington, Aug. 21. The steps only to be levelled, by Aug. 31. And a double cross on the church.

247. Ufford, Aug. Where is set down what we did, Jan. 27 ‘30 superstitious pictures; and left 37 more to brake down’; and some of them we brake down now. In the chancel, we brake down an angel; 3 Orate pro anima, in the glass; and the Trinity in a triangle; and 12 cherubims on the roof of the chancel; and nigh a 100 jesus—maria, in capital letters; and the steps to be levelled. And we brake down the organ cases, and gave them to the poor and the rayles likewise we gave the poor. In the church, there was on the roof, above an 100 jesus & mary, in great capital letters; and a crosier staff to be broke down, in glass; and above 20 stars on the roof. There is a glorious cover over the font, like a pope’s triple crown, with a pelican on the top, picking its breast, all gilt over with gold. And we were kept out above 2 hours, and neither churchwardens, William Brown, nor Roger Small, that were injoyned these things above 3 months afore, had not done them in May, and I sent one then to see it done, and they would not let him have the key. And now, neither the churchwardens, nor William Brown, nor the Constable James Tokelove, and William Gardener the Sexton, would not let us have the key in 2 hours time. New churchwardens, Tho[mas] Stanerd, Thomas Stroud. And Samuel Canham, of the same town, said, ‘I sent men to rifle the church’; and William Brown, old churchwarden, said, ‘I went about to pull down the church, and had carried away part of the church’.
 
 

248. &&Aug 22, Baylham. There was a Trinity in a triangle, on the font, and a cross; and the steps to be levelled, by the minister, in 21 days.

249. Nettlestead, Aug. 22. An inscription in the church, in brass, Orate pro anima; and six of the Apostles, not defaced; and St Catherine with her wheele; and 9 superstitious pictures more, 2 with crosier staves, with mitres; and the picture of St George, St Martyn, and St Simon.

250. Sumersham [Somersham]. The same day. A cross in the glass, and St Catherine with her wheele, and another picture in the glass in the church; & 2 superstitious pictures in the window; and a holy water font in the church; and on the outside of the chancel door, Jesus. Sancta Maria. Jesus.

251. Floughton [Flowton], Aug. 22. A holy water font in the chancel.

252. Elmsett, Aug. 22. Crow, a Deputy, had done before we came. We rent apieces there, the hood and surplice.

253. Ofton [Offton], Aug. 22. There was a holy water font in the chancel; and the steps; and some crosses on the outside of the church, and chancel; and we gave order to deface them. We gave order to have them all defaced, and 2 more in a window in the church; and 2 stone crosses on the top of the steeple. All which, we gave order to mend all the defaults, by Saturday come sevennight. At Ipswich, at Mr. Coley’s.

254. Barking, Aug. 21 There was St Catherine with her wheele. Many superstitious pictures were done down afore I came. There was Marias on the church door.

256. Damsden [Darmsden], Aug 23. Three crosses in the chancel, on the wall, and a holy water font there; and the chancel to be levelled by Saturday sevennight after.

26–30 August. During the week Monday 26 August to Friday 30 August, Dowsing visited thirteen churches. He was probably based at his old home, Laxfield. There is no sense here of a coherent tour: each day an independent cluster of churches was dealt with. During this week, and for the remainder of the Journal, the visits give the impression of being to places which had failed to comply, perhaps parishes which had previously been visited by a deputy.

257. Wetheringsett, Aug. 26. 19 crosses. 16 about the arches of the church; and 3 on the porch; a picture on the porch, a triangle for the Trinity, to be done. Thomas Colby, and Thomas Eley, churchwardens. Constables, John Suten, and John [Genkthorne].

258. Mickfield, Aug. 26. 2 crosses. And the glass to be made up by Saturday come three weeks. And 10s. to be p[ai]d to the poor within that time; and the rest afterwards. — 4s. 6d.

259. Horham, Aug. 27. In the chancel a holy water font; and the steps to be levelled; and there was the 4 Evangelists; and a part of a crucifix; and divers angells, 8; and other superstitious pictures; and Orate pro animabus. And on a grave stone, cujus animae propitietur deus. All which I brake [took] up; and gave 20 days to levell the steps, and make the windows. And in the church, Orate pro animabus; and divers superstitious pictures; and a triangle on the font; and a superstitious picture. — 6s. 8d.

260. Allington [Athelington], Aug. 27. In the chancel was Peter pictured, and crucified with his heels upward. And there was John Baptist; and 10 more superstitious pictures, & Paul and another superstitious picture in the church.– 5s.

261. Wallingworth [Worlingworth], Aug. 27. A stone cross on the top of the church; 3 pictures of Adam on the porch; 2 crosses on the font; and a triangle for the Trinity, on stone; and 2 other superstitious pictures; and the chancel ground to be levelled; and the holy water font to be defaced; and steps levelled in 14 days. Edward Dunstone, and John [blank] Constables. [Will. Dod] and Robert Burmant, churchwardens.— 3s. 4d.

262. Holton by Halesworth [Holton St Peter], Aug. 29. 2 superstitious pictures in the church; and I H S the Jesuit’s badge, in the chancel window; promised by the minister, Mr. William Pell.

263. Wangfurd [Wangford St Peter and St Paul], Aug. 28. 16 superstitious pictures; and one I brake. 14 still remain; and one of God.

264. Wrentham, Aug. 28. 12 superstitious pictures; one of Saint Catherine with her wheele.

265. Hoxne, Aug. 30. 2 stone crosses on church, and chancel; Peter with his fish; and a cross in a glass window, and 4 superstitious ones. The Virgin Mary with Christ in her arms; and cherubims wings on the font. Many more were brake down afore.

266. Eaye [Eye], Aug. 30. 7 superstitious pictures in the chancel, and a cross; one was Mary Magdalen; all in the glass; and 6 in the church windows; many more had been broke down afore.

267. Ockold [Occold], Aug. Divers superstitious pictures were broke. I came, and there was Jesus, Mary, and St. Lawrence with his gridiron, and Peter’s keys. Churchwarden promised to send 5s. to Mr. Oales, before Michaelmas. 5s. p[ai]d m[emoran]d[um].

268. Russingles [Rishangles], Aug. 30. Nothing but a step. The pictures were broke afore.

269. Mettfield [Metfield], Aug. 30. In the church, was Peter’s keys, and the Jesuit’s badge, in the window; and Mary on the top of the roof. I. for Jesus, H. for Hominum, and S. for Salvator; and a dove for the Holy Ghost, in wood; and the like in the chancel; and there, in brass, Orate pro animabus; and the steps to be levelled, by Sept. 7. Mr. [blank] Jermin, the Gent. in the town, refused to take the inscription, as the churchwarden informed, whose name is [blank].

26, 28 September, & 1 October. After the late August activity there is a further gap for a month, when the Journal peters out with three entries on Thursday 26 September, Saturday 28 September and Tuesday 1 October. These visits are all based within striking distance of Dowsing’s old home in Laxfield. Dowsing seems to have expected to go on working, setting a deadline of mid-October for his two final churches. Possible reasons for his ceasing activity are discussed in chapter 00.

270. Dinnington [Dennington], Sept. 26, 1644. 10 angels in S[i]r John Rouse his ile, and 2 holy water fonts; and in Bacon’s isle, 9 pictures of angels and crosses, and a holy water font; and 10 superstitious pictures in the chancel, and a holy water font, and 2 superstitious inscriptions of Christ; the spear and nayles, on two stools, on the lower end of the church; and a cherubim in S[i]r John Rouse his stool.

271. Badingham, Sept. 28. The steps to be levelled in the chancel; and 16 superstitious cherubims with crosses on their breast, all to be done, by the churchwardens, by the 13 of October.

272. Parham Hatchston [Parham-Hatcheston], Oct. 1. There was 21 cherubims with wings, in wood; and 16 superstitious pictures, and popish saints; with a duple cross in the church; all and the representation of the Trinity on the font; and the spear & nailes, that [Christ] was pierced and nailed with; and 3 crosses, all in stone; 4 superstitious pictures in the chancel and a cross all in glass; and the steps to be levelled, by Mr. Francis Warner, by Oct. fifteenth. All to be done.

273. Thomas Umberfield of Stoke [Tendryng Hall chapel, Stoke by Nayland], refused to pay the 6s. 8d. A crucifix; and divers superstitious pictures. Feb. 2 [recte 21].

The following item appears at the beginning of the transcripts of the Suffolk Journal. It is discussed in chapter 00.

William Dowsing substitutes Edmund Blomefield of Aspall Stoneham Edmund Mayhew of Gosback & Thomas Denney Mr. Thomas Westhrop of Hunden, a godly man and Thomas Glamfield of Gosbrock Francis Verden for Wangford, Suthelmham, Blything, Bosmere, Sudbury, Clare, Fordham, Blacksmere, and would have had Hartsmere.

And Francis Jessop of Beccles for Lothingland and Muttford hundred, and Bungay, Bliborough, Yoxford and Ringshall.

The following entry appears at the end of the Suffolk Journal. It is discussed in chapters 00 and 00.

February 4. By Vertue of a Warrant directed to me from the right Honourable the Earl of Manchester I do hereby depute and appoint you T. D. in my absence to execute the sayd Warrant in every particular, within the County of _ _ _ _ according to an Ordinance of Parliament therein mentioned and power given unto me by the said Warrant as fully as I myself may or might execute the same. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale.