Prior to the dissolution of monasteries, the town of Bury St. Edmund's being exempt from the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Norwich, within whose diocese it was locally situate, the wills of the burgesses were proved before the Sacrist of the monastery of St. Edmund; but, on the passing of the Act 31 Hen. VIII. c. 13, confirming the surrender of religious houses to the king, the town became subject directly to the Bishop.