fined for having non-Christian customs in burials, for not paying money into the collection plate, for wearing hats during communion and for setting up a school without permission. One man from nearby Ellington was excommunicated for not providing bread and water for a village walk. Others were punished for being Catholics or Recusants. Through not having to pay taxes to York, the court became quite rich and the power of its earning potential and endowments was renowned across the north of England. This gave rise to a saying the Peculier of Masham was the richest plum in Christendom. When the Theakston Brewery was formed in the town, their first beer, brewed in 1827, was called Old Peculier. In 1999, the brewery paid for a new stained glass window in the church that showed the seal of the Peculier of Masham (believed to be the figure of Roger de Mowbray) which Theakstons had borrowed for the design of their beer. A contract is signed between the incumbent of the church and Theakston Brewery to allow the use of the Peculier seal on their products. It was re-signed most recently in 1989 between the Reverend Brian Abell and Michael Theakston. Theakston also commissioned a new portrait of the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus as part of the deal that extends the licence of the seal until 2040. Notes References Sources External links Image of the Paulinus Cross from 1907, via Historic England Masham parishes webpage Anglican Diocese of Leeds Church of England church buildings in North Yorkshire Grade II* listed churches in North Yorkshire St Mary the Virgin