From Edward Hibgame [1850]

Dear Sir

In skimming over “Walker’s Sufferings of the Clergy”, I found in p209 an account of Lawrence Bretton. B.D. who was deprived of the Living of Hitcham by the Cromwellites: the Living was then computed to be 200£ per ann. ^m He furnished the Communion Table of his Church “with 2 large flaggons, a large cup & a very handsome basin for the offerings, all of silver”; & as he would not permit his name nor his arms, nor anything but the word Hitcham to be engraven upon them, they happily were saved at the Time of the Rebellion. I write, begging you to inform me if these still be in existence. Had Bretton survived the Usurpation, Walker adds “it was thought he would have stood the fairest of any man for the Bishopric of Norwich.”

You, I think, are acquainted with Green of Burgh-Castle: I see him not unfrequently, a very excellent, useful man he is: the Bishop lately made him an Honorary Canon of this Church. At your perfect leisure, I shall be obliged to you for a reply.

I am your’s truly | Edw Hibgame

[P.S] Your neighbor Edge is a very old acquaintance of mine