268 MALVERN.

was then destroyed, as not being required. There is no other vestige of the monastery left, except the gateway. Visitors should examine the rare old painted glass of the chancel windows, for the history of Sir. Werstan and other matters; the curious carvings of the miserere seats of the choir, and the very interesting old encaustic tiles which abound here, not only on the floor but as a wallcovering. A volume might be written on these matters, but no one has yet been found able or willing to set about the task. As to the tiles, the remains of a fifteenth century kiln were discovered a few years ago, not far from the Priory Church, where tiles were manufactured for this and the neighbouring churches. After so large an expenditure on the noble Priory Church of Malvern, a fund is still required for reseating and other fittings.

Little Malvern Monastery was founded in a similar manner to that of its more important neighbour, namely, by Jocelin and Edred, two of the Benedictines from Worcester Priory, in 1171. Both houses became noted for the dissolute habits of their inmates. William of Ledbury, Prior of Great Malvern in the thirteenth century, was deprived of his office for horrible crimes, one of which was his criminal attachment to twenty-two women! and in 1482 Bishop Alcock called to account the monks of Little Malvern for their "myslyving like vagabunde laymen." Piers Plowman, a monk of Great Malvern, in his "Vision," thirteenth century, raised one of the earliest and most effective voices against the corruptions and abuses of the clergy. His influence was immense, especially on grave and earnest men. His "Vision" was first committed to the press in the time of Edward VI, and ran through three editions in one year.

Little Malvern Church is but a fragment, the chancel being the only part left of the monastic establishment. It was put in repair in 1864 by Mr. Berington and Rev. T. King, the incumbent. The living (a perpetual curacy) is worth barely £45. Patron, Earl Somers; church accommodation, 100, all free; population, 104; acreage, 600. Little Malvern Court,