Another old job description

[Bookbox]

item 8 (third line)  of the parish except it be to a [?] or to

I agree with and can't better HD's reading ...

My best reading of the remaining word of Item 8 is: Scapuon or Scapnon
At this point I have no idea what to make of it.

The sense might be funeral or burial -- being the key event for which you might expect the sexton to be allowed to ring the great bell, in addition to services and feast days. But as yet I haven't found a word that fits.

[Bookbox]

We seem to think this mystery word is Scapnon or Scapuon.

Philip, I believe the church is St Peter Mancroft in Norwich? Looking further, apparently the great bell of St Peter Mancroft was used to toll away the last minutes of a condemned prisoner in the gaol in Norwich Castle before his execution. Maybe that is the reference here?

I still can’t identify the exact word being used – but if we've read it correctly, perhaps it means ‘no escape’ or similar? Just a guess.

[horselydown86]

That is an impressive leap of deduction, Bookbox.  I have no idea whether you are right, but you deserve to be.

'Scape none perhaps?

[philipsearching]

That is an impressive leap of deduction, Bookbox.  I have no idea whether you are right, but you deserve to be.

'Scape none perhaps?

None shall escape the justice of Heaven.  - I have no idea if you are right or not, but it's such a brilliant explanation it ought to be true!

Philip

[Bookbox]

Just a guess. I still can't find any support for it, though 'Scape none from HD seems like good follow-through. Glad you like the suggestion anyway