Most account books that survive from this period come from monastic foundations and major households, so these accounts from a minor charitable enterprise form an interesting comparison. They show what a complex task running a small charity could be. Many of the problems that the wardens faced after the founder's death were due to lack of clear planning for an independent future for the foundation. Browne was Master of the local guild, and the hospital that he founded for twelve bedesmen and two female attendants also included a room that served as the guildhall. After his death, a great deal of time and legal expense was incurred by the wardens as they disputed the right of the guild to continue meeting there. The wardens also had great difficulty in making ends meet, as the rental income from the endowment properties rarely lived up to expectations. At times, the wardens themselves travelled around trying to collect rent arrears. An introduction sets out the main findings, and this is followed by an edition of the accounts themselves. Though primarily of local interest and containing no surprises, these are a useful contribution to broadening our knowledge of medieval accounts and estate administration.
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