1585—John Bell. He was the first curate to inscribe his name in the Bible belonging to the chapel, which, after long alienation, has been restored to the church.[176] Bell's latest inscription tells that he had then served (in 1629) for 44 years. He was buried in Grasmere, December 23rd, 1634. His fine action in constructing with his scholars a causeway across the miry bottom between Ambleside and Rydal was long held in remembrance. In his latter days he must have had an assistant under him, for the burial of Leonard Wilson, "Scolmaister at Amblesyd," is entered for February 12th, 1621.
1635—Thomas Mason (spelt also Mayson and Masonn). It was he, doubtless, who witnessed (and wrote out) many Ambleside deeds, though not till 1840 does the word "clerk" follow.
1647—Henry Turner, undoubtedly a Presbyterian.
1669—John Pearson. This nominee of the Rydal squire met with some opposition in the town, headed by Mr. Braithwaite "upon a private Pique"—so the patron reported to the bishop. He was, however, ordained and inducted; though the subsequent refusal of some of the townsmen to pay their pledged contribution to the salary of the curate was no doubt due to discontent.[177]
1681 —— Thwaites. The Christian name of this pedagogue has not been recovered. The diocesan registry does not give him; but his name is entered in the Curates' Bible, and moreover four of the Rydal squire's sons were placed under his tuition in January, 1681. His stay was short, and a collection was made for him in the chapel on October 20th, 1685, to which the squire contributed 5s.
1682—Richard Wright was instituted curate before Mr. Thwaites' departure.
1688—Roger Fleming. His name suggests his being a native. He united husbandry with his other occupations. His burial is entered on September 2nd, 1694, and on the 11th, his successor, who had served Grasmere, was licensed.
1694—Thomas Knott. He wrote out John Kelsick's will, by which Ambleside has so largely benefited. As his name is the last in the Curates' Bible, we must suppose that he caused a new one to be bought.
1744—Jonathan Myles.
1753—Isaac Knipe.
1786—John Wilson.
1791—John Knipe.
1798 —— Crakelt.
1811—John Dawes.
Thomas Troughton.
Samuel Irton Fell.
