Blanche Parry

Clergy who served Bacton Church

Possibly the earliest mention of Bacton Church was in 1254 when Dore Abbey was recorded as paying 10 shillings tax for Bacton. The abbey was famous for the quality of the wool clip from the sheep run in their valley, and mid-Wales, granges. On the 2nd August 1284 Bishop Richard Swinfield of Hereford recorded that the abbot and monks of Dore held the Church of Bacton to their own uses by collation of the Bishop's predecessors. He stated that the foundation deed, royal licences and agreements in the royal court all proved this. This meant Dore, as rector, held the greater tithes and could present vicars to the Bacton living. Dore also held Avenbury and Duntisbourne. (see: A Definitive History of Dore Abbey edited R.Shoesmith & R.E.Richardson, 1997)

The pre–Reformation clergy were accorded the title of 'Sir' and here, at Bacton Church, were usually monks of Dore. The vicar had to know enough Latin for the Church services, had to keep proper accounts and he often held a school for local children. He was helped in his parochial duties by a paid parish clerk, a sexton and a number of wardens.

When there was a dispute over who should be Abbot of Dore, the Bishop of Hereford presented vicars to Bacton Church by lapse, as in 1388, 1434 and 1453 (see Bishops' Transcripts).

Sir Richard, vicar from before 1334–died 1348.

In 1334 he applied to King Edward III for a licence to grant a messuage in Wyebridge Street, Hereford to Dore Abbey. He probably inherited it from his father, William de Wellington. It seems his mother, Isabel, lived in the adjoining house until her death. Both houses remained with the abbey until the 1537 Dissolution. Sir Richard also gave land in Bredwardine to the abbey.

Sir John de Porta, vicar 5th February 1349 – died shortly after

Died probably from the Black Death which reached Britain in 1348. In Herefordshire the disease seems to have halved the population. So many clergy died in Hereford itself that special arrangements were made to minister to the parishioners. This vividly demonstrates how involved the parish clergy were in the daily lives of those in their charge and that most were living and working within the local communities. Among their duties was the giving of last rites to the dying, and therefore highly infectious, people.

Sir Lewis ap Hykk, vicar 22nd August 1349–died on 19th December 1386.

In 1353 Brother Thomas of Baketone (Bacton) a pupil of Sir Lewis, was presented as sub–deacon. When the tenth (a tax payable to the king) was collected in 1357 Bacton's estimate was one of the lowest showing it was not wealthy. On 26th November 1367 Sir Lewis inducted Walter son of John de Ewyas to Turnastone Church. Sir Lewis was vicar for 37 years, dying when he was at least 61 years old. He would have known at least three generations in some of the parish families.

Sir Walter Bounde (Bunde), chaplain, became vicar on 27th October 1388.

The 1397 Diocesan Visitation noted he was a good administrator, that the Church had suitable vestments and equipment, and he celebrated Mass twice a day on Sundays and festivals. It was noted that the roof and walls of the chancel were defective, with a ruined front window which was the abbey's responsibility. Sir Walter denied relations with Alice Torre and agreed to prove his innocence, with witnesses in his support at the next court. Meanwhile he was excommunicated. Two other couples were similarly admonished but it may be that this was a form of Welsh common–law marriage not recognised by the Church but usual in the area at that time.

In May 1406 Bacton Church was one of 14 churches in Weobley deanery destroyed by Owain Glyndŵr's forces. In 1419 the un–named vicar was taxed at 60 shillings (£1,400 today) so the Church must have been repaired and there was further taxation in 1432, 1435, and 1453.