Bishops visitation

[ChasH]

Chatters,

In the morning of Monday the 12th June 1704 each of a number of rectors, vicars and even curates I dare say, put on his best bib and tucker and made his way to a Stroud parish church the incumbant of which no doubt had a very good living and an even better cellar

One of those travellers was named Simon Priest(?) the vicar of Bisley and another was Robert Ratcliff the vicar of Stonehouse.  I do not know if they travelled by trap, horseback or shanks' pony, but Simon's journey was getting on for four miles and Robert's about two and a half.  Each carried his transcript of the register of his parish.   Some of these BT's give details as shown on the attachment.  I hope it did not rain

According to the free parish locator programme Parloc (Google for it) there are sixteen parishes within four miles of Stroud, so it may have been quite a gathering.

They may have had a meal and a drinkypoo, but I expect only the Bishop and entourage stayed overnight

Regards

Chas