To the Revd the Minister of Abbottsham

Chanter 232A, 103

  1. Residence, curate and lecturer: I do not reside at the Vicarage as I had leave from his late Lordship to live at my own House in Bideford, the vicarage House being too Small for me & my Family: The Distance from my House in Bideford to the Church at Abbotsham is near a Mile & half – not more – And as I am seldom from Home, I am to be found at a Moments warning in case of any Sudden Emergency.

  2. Other benefices: I have no other Benefice than Abbotsham which Living clears neare Fifty Pounds a year.

  3. Divine service at other churches: I officiate no where but at my own Church unless occasionally to help a Friend & then without any Reward.

  4. Frequency of divine service: From Lady Day to Michaelmas I preach twice every Sunday. During the winter there is full Service in the Forenoon only.

  5. Frequency of communion: Sacraments are administerd 4 or 5 times in ye year, Sometimes 6. Number of Communicants at an average about 16.

  6. Catechising of children: As often as I can get them to come before me. Which has been but Seldom, tho I have endeavour'd all I can to persuade ym to come.

  7. Church fabric: The Church & chancel are in good repair & the churchyard well kept and all things are decent for divine Service.

  8. Glebe terrier: We have a Terrier, but there was none till I made one.

  9. Number of families: About 45 or 46.

  10. Chapels: No Chapel at present - there was one about Forty years Since.

  11. Papists, dissenters and meeting houses: There are no Papists - No Meeting Houses - & only two nominal Dissenters.

  12. School, alms-houses, hospital and charitable endowments: There is no public School - There are Six Alms houses maintained by ye Parish - No Hospital - No Library.

  13. Charity: We have a 4th part of an undivided Estate called Fealta, which clears about fifty shillings per annum & we have a Legacy of about Four Pounds a year from an Estate called Colerige which Sums are regularly applied by the Trustees every year.

    Priest's orders and institution: I was instituted to ye vicarage of Abbotsham May 14. 1766.
    I was ordain'd Priest May 21. 1758. By Bp Lavington.

    My Lord, According to youre Order I have herewith Sent you an Answer to your Queries, & hope they will prove both Satisfactory & agreable, which if they should, will give great Pleasure to my Lord, your Lordships most obedt. humble servt. & son. L: Buck
    A Letter directed as follows will be Sufficient.
    to the Revd L: Buck L:L:D. Bideford Devon.