Burn gives a list of Fleet Parsons, first of whom comes John Gaynam, who married from about 1709 to 1740. He rejoiced in a peculiar soubriquet, as will be seen by the following. In the trial of Ruth Woodward for bigamy, in 1737, he is alluded to by a witness:--
"_John Hall._ I saw her married at the Fleet to Robert Holmes; 'twas at the Hand and Pen, a barber's shop.
"_Counsel._ And is it not a wedding shop too?
"_Hall._ Yes, I don't know the parson's name, but 'twas a man that once belonged to Creed Church, a very, lusty, jolly man.
"_Counsel._ Because there's a complaint lodged in a proper court, against a Fleet Parson, whom they call The Bishop of Hell."
Some verses, however, absolutely settle the title upon Gaynam.
Some errant Wags, as stories tell, Assert the gloomy prince of Hell In th' infernal Region has His Officers of all degrees, Whose business is to propagate On Earth, the interests of his State, Ecclesiastics too are thought To be subservient to him brought; And, as their zeal his service prize, He never fails to make them rise As Dignitaries in his Church, But often leaves them in the lurch; For, if their Fear surmount their Zeal, (They) quickly his resentment feel; (Are) sure to meet with dire disgrace, (And) warmer Zealots fill their place. (To) make these Vacancies repleat, He borrows P----ns from the Fleet, Long has old G----m with applause Obeyed his Master's cursed Laws, Readily practis'd every Vice, And equall'd e'en the Devil for device. His faithful Services such favour gain'd That he, first B----p was of H--l ordain'd. Dan. W----e (rose) next in Degree, And he obtained the Deanery. Ned Ash----ll then came into grace, And he supplied th' Archdeacon's place, But, as the Devil when his ends Are served, he leaves his truest friends; So fared it with this wretched three, Who lost their Lives and Dignity."
There is mention of Gaynam in two trials for bigamy--first in chronological order coming that of Robert Hussey.
"_Dr. Gainham._ The 9th of September, 1733, I married a couple at the Rainbow Coffee House, the corner of Fleet Ditch, and entered the marriage in my register, as fair a register as any Church in England can produce. I showed it last night to the foreman of the jury, and my Lord Mayor's Clerk, at the London Punch House.