The rector of the parish, with no more than £18 odd as stipend, had now to perform the entire duty of the wide parish. Nothing is known of Croft's later dealings with the rectorate, nor of Lancelot Levens, who followed him. But on the latter's death in 1575, John Wilson was instituted, and for fifty-two years he served as rector. From his handwriting, seen in the market-deed, and from the register (most negligently kept during his time of office) an unfavourable impression is created. When he died in 1627, there followed--after a few months interlude, when Robert Hogge served--the Rev. Henry Wilson, B.A., who was to become notorious as a Royalist and High-Churchman. He was nominated by Dame Agnes Fleming, the clever widow of Squire William, who at this time ruled at Rydal Hall for her son John. The expenses of the tithe gathering were not great. An item of 2s. 0d. is paid to David Harrison, the Rydal inn-keeper, against "tythinge," and "for gathering tith Eggs" 1s. 0d. These last offerings were paid in kind, and we know from subsequent accounts that this persuasive office was somtimes filled by women, "two wiues," being paid in 1643 "for goeing 3 dayes gathering Eggs at Easter." The later account-sheets kept by Richard Harrison show less completely than Tyson's the income derived from the tithes. li s d Rec. in pt. of Lambe booke of gresmire at seaverall tymes due before this 23 June 1643 due at Easter last 11 6 0 Rec. more in pt. of lambe booke, for gresmire that was begun at Easter last. Rec. this 10 Aug. 3 1 10 The tithes on lambs amounted therefore in 1643 to £14. 7s. 10d. Next year:-- li s d Rec. more at before this 16 Julie 1644 in pt. of Easter Reckinings of Gresmire due at Easter last 7 1 9 Rec. more in pt. of Lambe booke then due 11 12 6 Rec. for Easter Reckininges Lambe silvr and some arreares due before this 26 Julie 1645 for gresmire 35 12 0 Rec. of Easter booke & Lambe booke due at Easter 1646 for gresmire before this 4 Ap. 1646 30 2 6 We have no entries discriminating between tithe and demesne wool, which was now selling at a high price; nor do we hear of the tithe corn, except that in 1643 the sum of 10s. 0d. was paid for the hire of a barn for it. In Tyson's accounts the even money received for it--as well as other entries which connect its payment with the holder of Padmire in Grasmere--give an appearance of it having been then farmed, as it was at a later time. THE CIVIL WARS It is clear that the tithes were dropping in value; and this is little to be wondered at when the condition of the country is considered.