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EDITED FOR THE WORCESTERSHIRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY BY J. W. WILLIS BUND.

PART I.

From the Death of Bishop Giffard, Feb. 1301, to the Enthronization of Bishop Ginsborough, June, 1303.

Printed for the Worcestershire Historical Society,
BY JAMES PARKER AND CO., OXFORD.
1893.

INTRODUCTION.

THE ecclesiastical records of the Diocese of Worcester contain vast stores of information on matters connected with the county that have so far never been published. In any attempt to collect the materials for a History of Worcestershire these records must hold, if not the first, one of the foremost places. The mass of matter is so large that the difficulty is to select what is best to publish, and the task of selecting has been one of some perplexity. The records are of two kinds: 1. Those relating to the Monastery of Worcester, which on its suppression and the establishment of the new Cathedral foundation by Henry VIII. passed into the custody of the Dean and Chapter. Of these the Register of the Priory, a document shewing what were the estates of that House, and giving various details as to its property and customs, was edited by the late Archdeacon Hale for the Camden Society, in 1865, and the Journal of Prior Moore, the last of the Worcester Priors, is, it is said, about to be published by another Society. With these exceptions, and save what has been extracted by Habington, Thomas, and others, the records of the Dean and Chapter have never yet been published or even fully calendared. 2. The other class of documents are those relating to the See of Worcester. The Bishops' Registers extend from 1267, the episcopate of Bishop Giffard, to the present day, and as the pre-Reformation registers relate to the old Diocese, that is the counties of Worcester, Gloucester, and part of Warwick, the vein of local history here is obviously a rich one. In selecting which of the records should first be published, it was decided to take one that would contain as much matter of general interest, as opposed to mere local or ecclesiastical details as possible, and therefore the Register of the events that occurred during the vacancy of the See was selected. This volume, the Sede Vacante Register, is the property of the Dean and Chapter; it contains an account of all that took place from the death of one Bishop to the enthronization of his successor, and his being let into full possession of the spiritualities

iv INTRODUCTION.

and temporalities of the See. During a vacancy of the See the Prior and Convent of Worcester were entitled to administer the Diocese and to take part of the profits thereby derived, under the terms of an agreement made in 1260 between the Prior of Worcester and Archbishop Boniface, that on a vacancy of the See the Prior should collect the revenues, and keep one third, and pay the Archbishop two thirds. We have no record of what took place on the death of Walter Cantelupe in 1266, or Nicholas of Ely in 1268; the vacancy in 1301, on the death of Godfrey Giffard, and the time until the enthronization of his successor, William de Gaynesborough, in June, 1302, is the first that appears on the Register. This is the one now published. On the principle of making hay when the sun shone, the episcopal rights were often most rigidly enforced during the time the See was vacant. It was the knowledge of this, and also the fact that the Register^ by giving the history of each vacancy, was easy to publish in a fairly complete form, that caused it to be the first of the Worcester ecclesiastical documents selected for publication.

The present part relates to the vacancy that occurred on the death of Godfrey Giffard in 1301, and covers the time from Feb., 1301, to June, 1302, the 30 and 31 Edward I. The entries are made in the Register without regard to order, and although mainly inserted chronologically, are yet not always so. They fall, roughly speaking, into three great divisions.

I. The matters relating to filling up the vacancy in the See and the election of a new Bishop.

II. The matters that relate to the general administration of the Diocese by the Prior and Convent during the time they were entrusted with it.

III. Miscellaneous matters that are often of considerable interest as throwing light upon the social life and customs of the time.

I. The first division is of general interest, not only to Worcestershire persons but to all who study the history of England in the 14th century; the second and third are more local, but there are some of them that have a wider interest.

The first division of the Register gives the history of the steps taken to fill up the vacancy in the See on Bishop Giffard's death. That Prelate died on the 7th of the Kalends of February, 1301 [l]. He was buried on the 2nd of the Nones of February. [1] p. 1.

INTRODUCTION. v

The Prior and Convent at once wrote to the King informing him of Godfrey Giffard's death, and asking for his Licence to elect [1]. The letter was sent to Edward I. by the Sacristan, Gilbert de Maddeleya, and another monk, John de Harleye. On the 2Oth February, 1301, the King granted his License to the Prior and Convent to elect [2], and on receiving the License the monks met on the 8th of the Ides of March to settle the day of election [3]. The election was fixed for Lady Day [3]. The same day, the 8th of the Ides of March, the Prior and Chapter ordered William, the Precentor, to summon all absent brethren to the election on 25th March. On the 11th of the Kalends of April the Precentor sent to the Prior and Convent stating he had executed their order [4]. On Lady Day, the Prior and Chapter met. One monk was absent from illness; his proxy was read [5]. Another, John de Dumbleton, who had been made Prior of Malvern, sent renouncing all right or voice in the election, and did not appear [6]. The rule prescribing the constitution of the full Chapter was then read. The Prior solemnly warned all excommunicated or suspended persons, all under any interdict, or all who had no right to be present, to leave. A long discussion then took place, but the opposing parties were unable to agree upon a Bishop. Via compromissionis they appointed a Committee of seven, consisting of the Sub-Prior, Stephen de Wyttone, the Precentor, William de Grimeleye, the Sacristan, Gilbert de Maddeleye, the Infirmarius, Henry de Antioch, and three monks, Nicholas de Norton, John de Sancto Germano, and Richard de Bromwich, to whom they gave for eight days the power to elect any member of the Worcester monastery that the majority of the Committee might think best fitted to be Bishop [7]. The Committee met on the same day and elected one of their own number, John de Sancto Germano, who is alleged to have been "wise in temporal and spiritual matters". The Chapter was then summoned and confirmed the Committee's report. The Precentor thereupon pronounced John de Sancto Germano to be elected as the new Bishop. A Te Deum was sung, the Bishop elect led to the altar, and his election proclaimed to the Church and the people.

On the 4th of the Kalends of April, four days after, the Prior writes on behalf of the Chapter to Edward I [8]., informing him of the

[1] p. 2.
[2] Ibid.
[3] p. 1.
[4] p. 2.
[5] p. 1.
[6] p. 3.
[7] p. 1.
[8] p. 2.

vi INTRODUCTION.

election of John de Sancto Germano, asking for the Royal confirmation, and sending the Sub-Prior and the Sacristan with the letter to the King. A letter was also sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury [1] informing him of the election, and the same Monks, the sacristan, and Sub-Prior took that letter as well to Archbishop Winchelsey. The Precentor William and another monk, Richard de Bromwich, were appointed proctors on behalf of the Prior and Convent to put the case before the King and the Archbishop [2]. On the same day the Prior and Convent caused a public proclamation to be made of the election of John de Sancto Germano as Bishop [3]. The King seems to have approved of the choice of the Convent, but the Archbishop did not. On the 6th of the Nones of May he wrote from Croydon to the Prior and Chapter [4], ordering them to ask in church if there were any who opposed the election of the new Bishop, and if so, such person was to appear before the Archbishop on the 9th of the Kalends of June at "Neuwenton," near London. On the 13th of the Kalends of June, the certificate of the proclamation of the election of the Bishop having been made in the Cathedral was sent to the Archbishop [5].

Why the Archbishop so objected to the Prior and Chapter's nominee is not very clear, except that he was poor, but the next step of the Archbishop was to submit a case to the Pope on the 16th of the Kalends of August [6], setting out certain alleged irregularities in the election of John de Sancto Germano as Bishop. The Prior asked, on behalf of the Chapter, for a copy of the case. The Archbishop refused to recognize John de Sancto Germano as Bishop, or to hear his message, or to revise the case. The Bishop elect then took an opinion of those skilled in the Law in London, and was advised that an appeal against the Archbishop's decision would lie to Rome. He therefore wrote to the Prior stating these facts, and urged the Chapter to appeal to the Pope, and to send two agents (instructores), or one sufficiently instructed Proctor, to the Pope to prosecute the appeal, and asked the leave of the Prior to go to Rome himself on the matter. The Chapter met and considered the new Bishop's letter. They determined to appeal, and gave the Elect of Worcester leave to go on with the matter, their reasons being thus given "that the building of the church of Worcester should be continued by John de Sancto Germano, and

[1] p. 1.
[2] p. 2.
[3] Ibid.
[4] p. 4.
[5] Ibid.
[6] p. 12.

INTRODUCTION. vii

that some improvement should be made in the condition of the monks, with regard to their food and refection". [1]

The Prior and Chapter, in pursuance of this resolution, wrote to the Pope, informing him of the election of John de Sancto Germano as Bishop, asking for the Pope's favour to him, and stating that he set out to Rome at once on the business of the election [2]. The Prior also wrote to the Archdeacon of Worcester, who was a Cardinal at Rome (Francis Neapolis), asking his aid for John de Sancto Germano in the business of the election, and also proposing some alteration as to the amount of money paid by way of pension to the Archdeacon [3]. Edward I. also wrote to the Pope recommending the Bishop for confirmation [4]. John de Sancto Germano then set out for Rome. He was accompanied by Robert Orford, the Prior of Ely, whom the monks had just elected Bishop. The new Bishop of Ely had some trouble when landing in France [5]; his household was dispersed, his horses seized, and his goods lost. The parties of the two Bishops reached Rome on the 3rd of the Nones of October. After saluting the Pope and the Cardinals, a day was fixed for the hearing of the cases. Ely was taken on the Translation of St. Ethelreda; whether the Elect of Ely was more liberal in money or for some other reason which does not appear, his election was confirmed. The Elect of Worcester did not please the Pope. The sentence in the letter to the Prior of Worcester stating why it was so has been very carefully erased in the Register [6]. The result was that the Elect of Worcester gave up his right to the See [7]. The Pope left the matter to three Cardinals, Mathew Rubens, Leonardus Alanes, and brother Gentili. At the next Consistory the Pope appointed William de Gaynesborough Bishop and Pastor of the Church of Worcester. The postscript of Richard de Bromwich, who wrote a letter to the Prior of Worcester, detailing these facts, is very instructive. After setting out the facts, he says: "This news was most unpleasant. But now is come to pass what is said in the Book of Proverbs, 'Donum hominis dilatat viam ejus et inter principes spatium ei faciet'. I commend you to Christ and the glorious Virgin". The new Bishop was a Franciscan, a Reader in Divinity at Rome. He accepted the nomination, and in December left Rome for England. He arrived in London at the end of January, or the beginning of February, and his first act

[1] p. 14.
[2] Ibid.
[3] p. 18.
[4] p. 15.
[5] p. 32.
[6] p. 43.
[7] p. 32.

viii INTRODUCTION.

was to go to Windsor to make his peace with the King. This, through the medium of the King's Almoner, Henry de Bluntesdon, he seems to have done. He reached London on the Tuesday before the Purification, and on that feast performed Mass before the King at Windsor [Wyndeshore]. The Bishop then wrote to the Prior on the 5th February, informing him of his arrival, and asking for money, or rather, he puts it more politely, "He hopes the Prior will assist him". [1] The Prior replied [2], stating he was delighted to hear of the Bishop's safe arrival in England; that they owed the King's Almoner £60, and had not the money to pay it. But they sent the Bishop £20, and assured him of their fidelity. At the same time they wrote to the King's Almoner, promising to pay the £60 when they could [3]. The Archbishop wrote on the 7th of the Ides of February, stating that the Bishop had taken the oath of obedience to him, and made his profession, and ordering the Prior to hand over to the Bishop the spiritualities and temporalities of the See. The Bishop replied [4] to the Prior's letter, thanking him for the £20, and admitting he was very unworthy of it, and saying he proposed to come to his Bishopric the first week in Lent. He complains of the cost of having to stay in London. Whatever the Bishop's knowledge of theology may have been, knowledge of English geography was not his strong point, for he writes from Eltham to the Prior on the 3rd of the Kalends of March [5], that he intends, if he can, to leave London to set out for his Bishopric on the Second Sunday in Lent, travelling by Reading and Oxford, which he will leave on his right. He does not know at present what places he must go through. Hopes the Prior will meet him, and bring Bishop Giffard's register with him. On the 6th of the Kalends of April he writes to the Prior he can come to no decision as to his enthroning without the advice of the Prior and the Convent [6], and he sends another letter with this asking for more help [7]. The monks got these letters on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, and seem to have been much disturbed, for they held a Chapter on the next day [8], the Sunday, to discuss them, and sent the Sub-Prior to the Bishop to give an answer verbally. This did not please the Bishop. He had now reached his Diocese, having got to Bristol, and writing from there on Good Friday, complains of the Prior's answer to his

[1] p. 37
[2] p. 38.
[3] Ibid.
[4] p. 40.
[5] p. 43.
[6] p. 45.
[7] Ibid.
[8] p. 45.

INTRODUCTION. ix

requests for help. As they do not mention a sum, he desires them to tell the messenger distinctly what they will give. They need not fear making a precedent, as what is done from kindness cannot be so construed [1]. The monks do not answer this by letter, but send John of Brawdwas to answer it verbally. The answer must have been fairly satisfactory, for the next letter from the Bishop is an invitation to the Prior and Convent to be present at his enthronement. The Bishop now seems to have hit upon a device to get money. The Convent owed Henry de Bluntesdon, the King's Almoner, £100. The Bishop got this sum assigned to himself, and the Almoner wrote to the Convent if they did not pay the money before a fixed date to the Bishop, he, the Almoner, would take other steps with them [2]. Having thus got money to pay his expenses, the Bishop set out for Worcester, and reached his Palace at Kempsey. He sent for the Prior to dine with him. After dinner he told the Prior that unless he came to fetch him the next day he would not come to be enthroned [3]. On all points but money the Prior seems to have been conciliatory. He was not bound by custom to go more than a mile from the Monastery to meet the Bishop, but he agreed to go to Kempsey, which was four miles, as it was the Bishop's wish. On the next day he came there with some of the Convent officials, and escorted the Bishop to Worcester. They were met by the Abbots of Evesham, Pershore, and Tewkesbury, the Bishops of Hereford and Llandaff, and a number of the officials and Archdeacons. Sir Thomas Berkeley, Sir Hugh de Veyr, and a large party of horse, came up Sidbury. At the Commandery, a procession of the Friars Minors met the Bishop. Here he got off his horse and took off his shoes. The Proctor for the Archdeacon of Canterbury, Reginald de Bondone, claimed his palfrey, saddle, cap, boots, &c., which seems to have been usual, and also, which was unusual, a cup with ten marks. The last was too much for the Bishop. He said he would enquire if it was customary or not to give it. He then walked barefoot to the Cemetery and into the Priory, where the Prior and Convent received him. Going into St. Michael's Church he put on his robes, came into the Cathedral, went up to the Altar, and having kissed it, placed on it his offering, some golden cloth, and gave his first benediction. Going down to his throne the Proctor of the Archdeacon of Canterbury read his Commission, and led the

[1] p. 46.
[2] p. 52.
[3] Ibid.

x INTRODUCTION.

Bishop to his throne. The Bishop of Hereford began to chant the Te Deum, and at the end of it the Bishop gave his second blessing, went to the vestry, washed his feet, put on his sandals, returned to the Church, and celebrated the Mass of St. Wlstan, and thereupon proclaimed a 40 days' indulgence to all who had heard it. He then went to the palace and gave a banquet. The next day he preached a sermon, had a consultation with the monks on the manner of his election and on various other pending matters of business. For two days he seems to have kept open house. The Prior stayed with him at the Palace. On the first day he fed the convent, and those who eat with the Prior. He then went to Kempsey. On his return he confirmed a number of boys at the Friars Minors, and held a Chapter. At its conclusion he kissed all the monks who attended it, and then returned to his palace. Thus the See of Worcester was again filled.

The whole story of the vacancy is an instructive one, and a curious instance of the state of matters ecclesiastical in the 14th century. The change from a wealthy Bishop like Giffard to a poor man, who had difficulty in paying the costs of his enthronization, must have been very striking. But more so is the absolute control the Pope kept over the English Episcopacy. The fact, unless the candidates elected and approved by the King satisfied the Pope they were set aside by him, is brought out into striking relief. Edward I. is usually considered the strongest of the Plantagenets, but he took this matter far more quietly than his grandfather had done in the case of Langton. It may be said Worcester is not Canterbury, but the course of proceedings was very similar, and the principle at stake identical. The election of a Bishop in those days might have appeared to be more free than now, but in fact this case shews that neither the views of the electors or the King were consulted. The Archbishop was able to get the nominee of both set aside, and although there is nothing to shew his own nominee was elected, yet it is clear the fact of his objection made the confirmation of the Elect of Worcester a matter of difficulty or money. Reading between the lines, and reading the other letters to and from Rome, it would appear it was to a great extent a question of money whether the Bishop's election was confirmed or not, and the Prior and Convent of Worcester do not seem to have considered the election of their nominee worth spending money upon. Hence they got another person as their Bishop.

INTRODUCTION. xi

II. The second head of the Register relates to the administration of the Diocese during the vacancy of the See.

These begin with four writs from the King, two dated at St. Albans on the 9th and 10th April, 1302, the first directed to Humphrey de Waledene, Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester, to hand over to the Prior and Convent the offerings at St. Wulstan's shrine [1] which the King had granted to the Prior and Convent whenever a vacancy should occur. This grant is set out in a later page of the register; it was dated the 8th April, 1302 [2]. The next writ of the 10th April was directed to Humphrey de Waledene, ordering him to abstain from committing any waste on the lands of the Bishopric during the vacancy of the See. Then came another ordering him not to enforce the attendance of the Prior and Convent at the Bishop's Courts during the vacancy, as they were in effect the court of the Prior during that time. And then came another ordering him to allow the Prior and Convent, as the spiritualities were in their hands, to receive certain monies for proxies for visitations. The King having thus recognised the title of the Prior to act, the Archbishop of Canterbury steps in. At that time the Primate was Robert de Winchelsey, who had been elected in 1292, and had been on strained terms with the King in consequence of his refusal to pay a subsidy of one fifth of the revenues of the clergy which Edward wanted to take to raise money for the Scotch war, and on an appeal to Rome by the King the Archbishop's refusal was upheld by the Pope. He wrote to the Prior, whom he does not fail to remind that he is his officer in the Diocese during the vacancy, that the Prior is to be careful not to do anything to prejudice the Archbishop's jurisdiction, or to interfere in a suit pending before the Archbishop as to the Church of Kempsey, which was claimed by Thomas de Stok as rector. This was written on the 4th of the Nones of May, 1302, and duly acknowledged by the Prior. But on hearing from W. de Gloucester that, notwithstanding the litigation that was going on as to the presentation to Kempsey and Bredon, the King had presented to both, the Prior ordered the Dean to summon Thomas de Stoke [3] to attend and shew cause why Peter de Colingburn should not be ordained to Kempsey, and to summon Walter de Berton, who held the Church at Bredon, to appear before the Prior [4], and shew cause why William de Loriaco should not be admitted and instituted

[1] p. 3.
[2] p. 11.
[3] p. 4.
[4] p. 9.

xii INTRODUCTION.

as rector. A writ from the King, dated the i6th July [l], directing the Prior to levy out of the ecclesiastical goods of Walter de Berton, Rector of Bredon, £71, which Alina, daughter of William le Poer, had recovered as damages for a disseizin in Ekington. The Archbishop on the 1st August ordered Thomas de Stok, calling himself Rector of Kempsey, to appear to receive final judgment.

The Prior was not idle. William Staneweye, a sub-dean, claimed by virtue of a Provision from the Pope to be entitled to a benefice in the Diocese. The case was heard. John de Sistneslade, the Rector of Stratton-on-Fosse [2], who was in prison for making false and scandalous use of certain of Bishop Gififard's letters, was let out on bail and ordered to come up for judgment before Ascension Day. The Abbot of St. Peter's, Gloucester, demanded Tithes of the temporalities of the Worcester House in aid of the Roman Church [3], the Bishop of London having ordered its collection at once. Gilbert de Maddeleya [4], monk of Worcester, was appointed Proctor to appear before the Dean of St. Paul's as to certain obventions granted to Edward I. towards an expedition to the Holy Land. The Prior was ordered on the ist May to levy for £40 on the ecclesiastical goods of John de Ebroyt, parson of Tredynton [5], and a similar order was made on 8th July. Another writ of the 4th June ordered the Prior to admit to the Church of Fulebrook any fit person whom Nicholas de Warewyk and Joan his wife should nominate. The Archbishop ordered that the Prior's Commissary, Geoffrey de Norwico, be cited to appear before him for having abused the Prior's jurisdiction and presumed to deprive the Archbishop of his rights.

The Abbot and Convent of St. Peter's, Gloucester [6], seem to have disputed the jurisdiction of the Prior of Worcester during the vacancy of the See. So to shew he had jurisdiction the Worcester Prior pronounced the greater excommunication against the Gloucester House. The Archbishop took the matter up, and the Prior released the Gloucester House from the excommunication. But later the Canterbury officials allowed the Prior [7] to proceed both against Gloucester and Tewkesbury, because they refused to admit the Prior on his visitation. The King, on the 12th July, directed an inquiry to be made, if the Church of Newenton next Guyting in Gloucestershire [8] was vacant, as an action as to the right of presentation had

[1] p. 3.
[2] p. 4.
[3] Ibid.
[4] p. 7.
[5] pp. 8, 15.
[6] p. 11.
[7] p. 50.
[8] pp. 12, 27.

INTRODUCTION. xiii

been begun between the Prior of Little Malvern and John de Feckenham, the Keeper of the Butchery of Worcester, and a similar writ was directed on the 4th October [l]. The Prior granted a License to the Proctors and messengers of the Hospital of St. Anthony, in the diocese of Vienne, to collect the alms of the faithful [2]. Such is a specimen of the work of the Prior while acting as Bishop. There are several special points to which attention should be called. A good deal of space is taken up with the steps the Prior took during the vacancy of the See to get some one to ordain in the Diocese [3]. A letter was written to the Bishop of Llandaff (why this prelate was selected it is not easy to say) asking him to come to celebrate orders; he replied he would do so if the Archbishop did not object. The Prior wrote back and said that the Archbishop's consent was not required, as the Prior by an agreement with a former Archbishop was entitled to the spiritualities of the See during a vacancy, and begging the Bishop to come at the expense of the Priory to ordain. The Bishop replied he proposed to come, but not wanting to offend the Archbishop had written to consult him without prejudice to the Prior's rights [4]. The Bishop writes a fourth letter [5] that, understanding it is the will of the Archbishop, he will come. Notices are then sent out to the Archdeacons of Gloucester and Worcester to summon all rectors and vicars who had not received their proper orders to appear at Worcester on the first Sunday in September, when the Bishop of Llandaff would celebrate ordination. On the Sunday named the Bishop attended [6] and ordained no less than 263 persons, 102 subdeacons, 68 deacons, and 79 priests. They are described as "deacons and sub-deacons, priests, and secular and religious persons". The subdeacons required some qualifications for orders, and these are given in many instances. "The title of the patrimony he possesses" being the most usual, one is ordained to the title of the House of Llandaff, another to the title of a pensionary, another to the title of a yearly rent of 5 marks, another to the title of 2 virgates of land, another to the title of Roger de Walscot, another to sufficient title, or to a competent title, to the presentation of the Prior of Llantony, Gloucester, to the presentation of the Prior of Malmesbury; one is said to have so much yearly rent, another to the title of the Chapel of the parish of Cyrene, another to the title of the parish of Lechlade.

[1] p. 27.
[2] p. 12.
[3] p. 15.
[4] p. 16.
[5] p. 18.
[6] p. 21.

xiv INTRODUCTION.

In one case it is said the candidate made oath. One is by letter dimissory of the Bishop of Lincoln; Brother Henry de Fekerham is described as a monk of Worcester. It is the exception for any qualification to be given in the case of deacons or priests. One deacon is described as a monk of Worcester, and one priest of the House of St. Wulstan. One priest is said to have letters, and one or two are described as rectors. To several of the newly ordained the Prior gave certificates of their ordination. From this it seems clear that there was a lay qualification required for sub-deacons' orders; and also that rectors were not of necessity in Priests' orders, at least not when admitted Rectors. The whole entry is of considerable importance as a matter of local history. It shews from the names that a very large number of the clergy were local men, as their names are those of places in the neighbourhood of, or at least in the county of, Worcester. It is also a matter of interest to consider for what all these persons were ordained. The number is too great for mere parochial clergy; it is quite probable that many of them never went beyond subdeacons' orders, but still over 70 priests is a large number for one ordination. It is, however, not easy to say how often ordinations were then held. It is also curious that considering there were the Monasteries of Pershore, Evesham, Winchcombe, and Tewkesbury in the Diocese, none of them are mentioned; the only religious houses being Great Malvern, Llanthony, Worcester, where brother Simon le Botyler, a monk, was ordained deacon, and John of the House of St. Wulstan (the Commandery), a priest.

Another very interesting subject is the collection of Peter's Pence, denarii Beati Petri, in the Diocese [1]. The account shews the sum received in each Archdeaconry, and the exemptions. It appears that the Diocese was divided into two Archdeaconries, Worcester and Gloucester; that Worcester had 14 and Gloucester 15 Ruraldeaneries. The total sum received from the two Archdeaconries was

Worcester £14 15s. 8d.
Gloucester £17 15s. 3d.
or a total of £32 10s. 11d.

But the most interesting part of the entry is the statement that the sum total of Peter's Pence amounted to £34 2s. 7d.; of

[1] p. 33.

INTRODUCTION. xv

this the Bishop only paid the Pope £10 5s., and kept for himself £24 7s. 7d. The Bishop therefore found farming the Peter's Pence not wholly unprofitable. Great as were the complaints made against the payment of Peter's Pence, it is certainly not generally known that the cost of collecting the tax was more than double the amount the Pope received from the tax. Whether this was the same in other English Dioceses is not clear, but it places the matter in a new light to find that the Bishop, by collecting a so-called Papal exaction, was really adding to his income.

We get another account [1] of the revenues of the See that is also interesting, a list of the spiritualities received by the Prior during the vacancy of the See from February, 1301, to February, 1302. Warwick and Kynton, for the summer account gave £8 3s. 4d; winter, £4. 17s. 4d.

Worcestershire, on the whole .... £37 10 0 Gloucestershire ..................£46 8 10

From the Church of Douameneye (?) in part of 4 Marks, 40. The remainder, 5s. 4d., is paid as the tenth of these four marks granted as a subsidy to the Church of Rome.

The Church of Bebur' (?) also paid tenths to Rome.

The subject of the extortion of the Roman officials is often mentioned by historians. In the letters here recorded it is brought very clearly home to us: the Archdeacon of Worcester, a Roman Cardinal, who will not move unless "he is urged not by words but by presents, as is usual" [2]; the Proctor, whose salary was unpaid, and therefore hindered certain letters being sealed [3]; the necessity for making regular payments [4], all this shewed that nothing was then done at Rome without money.

One or two of the entries give a curious picture of the state of the times. Richard Kaye, a clerk, sought the privilege of sanctuary [5]. He was pursued into the crypt of the Cathedral. The Prior ordered the Dean to excommunicate all who pursued Richard Kaye. Afterwards Kaye went to dinner at the Goldsmith's House in the cemetery. The citizens seized him, arrested him, and put him in irons, with the result that he abjured the realm. On Sunday after Ascension Day the Reeve of Kempsey beheaded John de Dreycote [6], a clerk, on the highway between Dreycote and Kempsey, by order of

[1] p. 39.
[2] p. 41.
[3] p. 42.
[4] p. 43.
[5] p. 36.
[6] p. 5.

xv. INTRODUCTION.

the Bishop's Bayliff. The head was placed before the gates of the Palace at Kempsey, not taken to the Castle. It was then taken back, placed with the body, and the hue and cry raised. The coroner held an inquest, and all the men of the manor except six were indicted.

The Prior committed to the care of the Deans of Worcester [1] and Gloucester certain heretical clerks who had been convicted at the Assizes of crime.

The list of these small incidents of the life of the county during this year might be largely multiplied, but it will not be necessary here to refer to more than two other entries.

A letter from the Prior [2] on behalf of Isabella, the relict of Roger the clerk of Woutton, deceased, seems to point to the fact that marriage was not unknown among the clergy. At first it seems as if this referred to the minor orders only, but the clerk of Woutton appears to point to a parish priest. Another passage, however, seems to throw a doubt as to whether the parochial clergy were always in full orders. The Prior's direction [3] that all the rectors and vicars who had not yet received the orders, which the cure of their benefices required, to appear at Worcester when the Bishop of Llandaff celebrated ordination points this way, so the clerk of Woutton might have not been in the orders which prohibited marriage. The other entry [4] is a writ to the Prior, ordering him to distrain on the ecclesiastical benefice of Ralph de Wychele, a clerk, who had no lay fee, for unjustly detaining a greyhound.

It would only be repeating the register if all the entries of interest were pointed out here. They must be read in the book itself. It brings the then existing state of things before us in a way that nothing else does. The jealousy of the abbeys of Gloucester and Tewkesbury, of the Worcester house; the corruption that was already beginning to prevail; the Church being even then regarded as a mode of providing for a relation; Dodderhull was given to a brother of Gilbert de Middleton [5]; the King used the monastery as a means to provide for his servants [6], writing to the monastery to give a corrody to his servant John le Traior; all these bring before us a side of the life of the times it is difficult to get elsewhere. At all times the lot of a Prior could not have been an easy one, but when he was during the vacancy of the See carrying on the management of the

[1] p. 6.
[2] p. 14.
[3] p. 19.
[4] p. 8.
[5] p. 49.
[6] p. 39.

INTRODUCTION. xvii

Diocese, his life must have been a burden to him. One curious form of donatio mortis causa [1] is given. Wulstan, Clerk of Worcester, lay dying at Gloucester. He wrote to the Prior of Worcester, asking the monks to give him their prayers, but adding he would in return forgive them the debt they owed him.

Another matter that should not be left unnoticed is the beginning of one of the great lawsuits of those days. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the feudal nobles of the time, had left a daughter Isabella, who married Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. The marriage was called in question, as the parties were cousins, and alleged to be within the third degree of consanguinity, so that the marriage was unlawful without a Papal dispensation. Accordingly the Archbishop ordered the Prior to cite the Earl of Warwick to appear before the Archbishop to answer as to the marriage. The Pope considered the matter to be one calling for his interference, and appointed the Bishop of Winchester to hear the case, and the Bishop of Winchester accordingly issued a writ to the Prior, ordering Isabella de Clare to be cited before him or his commissary, at the Church of Hyde, in the Diocese of Winchester. The Prior seems rather to have evaded citing the Earl of Warwick, for the Archbishop had certain articles and interrogatories sent to the Prior for his contempt and disobedience in the matter of certain citations to the Earl of Warwick, The Prior appointed Simon de Worcester as his Proctor to appear before the Archbishop, and answer the articles. The rest of the suit does not fall within the time of this vacancy of the See.

III. The miscellaneous matters are of less interest, but some of them give some light on the customs of the time.

The first question that arose was whether John Dumbleton [2], a Worcester Monk, who had been translated to Malvern, and there made Prior, ought to dwell at Malvern, or where; this was referred to the presidents of the General Chapter of the Benedictines for the Province of Canterbury. Meanwhile John de Dumbleton stayed at Oxford, at the cost of the Worcester House. He was subsequently restored to his position at Worcester. It seems to have been a favourite custom of the parish Clergy to get leave to go away and study, or, in other words, to escape the obligation of residence. Among others, Licences were given to the Rector of Broughton

[1] p. 20.
[2] p. 3.

xviii INTRODUCTION.

Hackett [1] to let his Church to farm for two years to Henry de la Lee, Rector of St. Swithin, Worcester; to John, the Rector of Elmeleye [2] under the Castle, to let his Church to farm for a year; to William de Brun [3], Rector of the Church of Longdon, to absent himself for the purposes of study, so that he see the Church is served in his absence; to Robert de Worthon [4], to absent himself for three years from his Church of Alinton, and to let it to farm to any honest and literate man while he studied Canon Law and Theology; to Geoffrey de Northwyco, Rector of Overbery, to visit Rome; to Drogo, Rector of Pyrton, extending his leave of absence for the purpose of study for three years; to Andrew de Lega, Rector of St. Peter's, Worcester, to absent himself for study; to Gilbert de Fomleya, Rector of Little Compton, to absent himself for two years for study; to Wulstan de Wigornia, Rector of Daylesford, he had only been instituted for some five months, to absent himself for study for seven years; others might also be cited.

Numerous instances of the manumissions of serfs are given, such as Henry, son of William le Wild of Overbury, Adam Dunt, of Wolfardleya,by Edmund Dunclent, William, son of Guy de Crohthorn, by Simon de Bello Campo, of Nicholas, son of Richard le Wyte of Tedyngton, by John de Hely, and Robert, son of Henry le Feynces of Schepiston, by W. de Stok.

Another branch of miscellaneous work was giving certificates as to character. Thus the Prior gave John Sebeist a letter to the Prior of the Benedictine House of Dodford, asking that he might be granted the habit of the Benedictine Order B; that William, called Costard de Whorxston [6], was of honest conversation and good fame; that Laurence de Eldresfield [7], priest, was of laudable life and honest conversation; that Henry de Belne [8] and others were duly ordained; that Robert de Forthampton, Clerk in Holy Orders, was of good fame and honest conversation.

The Prior's letters are on very varied subjects, among others they include letters to the Prior of Kenilworth to stay the ecclesiastical censure upon letters [9] from the Dean of St. Paul's against William le Archer; to the Judges of Goal Delivery, informing them that certain heretical clerks convicted before them had been committed

[1] p. 12.
[2] p. 15.
[3] p. 20.
[4] p. 26.
[5] p. 7.
[6] p. 14.
[7] p. 21.
[8] p. 26.
[9] p. 6.

INTRODUCTION. xix

to the custody of the Deans of Worcester and Gloucester [l]; to all chaplains of Parish Churches to enquire who had laid violent hands on Thomas de Bendevile, and to excommunicate them [2]; to the officer of the Archdeacon of Gloucester to appoint Stephen de Brocton apparitor for Haukesbury and Stonehouse [3]; to the Rector of Pylladdyngton, requesting him to pay a debt to Hugh de Hauekeleye [3]; letter to the Bishop of Hereford, asking him to ordain as deacon their Clerk Walter de Sancto Germano [4]; to Sir Roger de Hauckesbury, asking him to come to Worcester to treat of important matters as to the monastery [5]; to the Archbishop, reminding him of his promise to help the Monastery, which at his visitation he found so oppressed by debt that they had scarcely enough food [6], and a letter to the King, wishing him success in his campaign against the enemies of the country, and stating that, having the help of their patron Saint, Wlstan, he could not fail, adding when the King kept his promise they intended to admit three monks [6].

Some of the letters the Prior received are interesting, but they are almost invariably asking for favours. The Abbot of Malmesbury wrote requesting absolution for his groom [7]. The Archdeacon of Gloucester appointing a meeting to settle a dispute between the Prior and the Abbot of Gloucester [8]. The Abbot of Westminster on behalf of the Abbot's free man, Robert le Frankeleyn, clerk [8]. The Archbishop on behalf of Robert de Denebrigg, who had laboured in the Prior's business at the Court of Rome, and whose uncle had served the Archbishop many years [8]. The Abbot of Peterborough on behalf of Benedict de Besby, his chaplain [9]. The Abbot of Reading requesting the action against Alan de la Cnolle may be stopped [10]. The Bishop of Bath and Wells wrote complaining of the Prior's absence from his benefice at Devizes u. The Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield requesting the Prior to shew favour and cease distraining the Lady Margaret de Parcheford [12]. The Abbot of Malmesbury to hasten the business of Walter de Malmesbury [13]. The Abbot of Westminster asking the Prior to give the living of Daylesford to William de Evenlode u. John de Drokeneford asking for a corrody for John le Traior [16]. From the Chancellor of Hereford hearing that they had promised his clerk, the brother of Adam de Orleton, a pension, thanks them,

[1] p. 6.
[2] p. 10.
[3] p. 19.
[4] p. 41.
[5] p. 44.
[6] p. 47.
[7] p. 6.
[8] p. 16.
[9] p. 20.
[10] p. 21.
[11] p. 30.
[12] p. 31.
[13] p. 35.
[14] p. 36.
[15] p. 39.

xx INTRODUCTION.

and hopes the pension will be one suitable to the recipient's position [l].

There are some curious traces of the Episcopal jurisdiction as to Wills, such as letter absolving the executors from the administration of the will of Adam de Cruce [2]. As to the administration of a person belonging to the Diocese of Lincoln [3] who died in the Diocese of Worcester. Grant of letter of administration on an intestacy to the widow [4]. Letter from the Prior [5] to one of the Barons of the Exchequer asking him to allow the ministers of the Church to administer the goods of the Rector of Toneworth, as the estate was small, and the Rector died intestate during the vacancy of the See. There is one statement of a person doing homage to the land at Shipston. Hugh de Teverey did homage to the Prior, John de Wykes, at Wodehall on Wednesday next after the feast of St. Hilary, 31 Edward I., for his land in Shipston. The Prior acting as Bishop was entitled to homage from all the freehold tenants of the See, especially those who came into their land during the vacancy.

As to entries for the Worcester Monastery there are but few notices. Brother John de Dumbleton was admitted monk in the Chapter of Worcester [6], and was admitted to all grades in the monastery, choir, chapter, and churches. An entry occurs of an assignment to Emma, widow of Robert de Bella Aqua, for her dowry in her Manor of Prior Clyva of 50 shillings a year [7].

It is difficult without making this Introduction of undue length to notice all the points of interest disclosed in the history of the vacancy of the See. Everything seems to have been entered, although strictly some of it did not properly relate to the jurisdiction of the Prior while administering the See. But it brings before us what the life of the Monastery was, and what were the matters they had to consider. The Worcester monks must have spent a large part of their time in coming and going with letters and messages to different dignitaries on matters of business, if this Register is any guide. Instead of being lazy they must have been some of the most active men of the time. The dates of sending letters and of receiving replies strike one as very short. When the Bishop was at Bristol his letter reached Worcester on the day after it was dated, was replied to at once, and the Bishop sent the answer in the

[1] p. 44.
[2] p. 5.
[3] p. 17.
[4] p. 19.
[5] p. 47.
[6] pp. 35, 36.
[7] p. 44.

INTRODUCTION. xxi

next week. The contests that arose when a church fell vacant, as for instance those of Kempsey, Bredon, and Dodderhill, shew that the competition for a vacant place, if it was worth having, was almost as keen then as now. There are several subjects that are only just touched upon that are of general interest, such as who were the persons who had the custody of prisons. One entry seems to point to the Dean, another to the Prior. The disputes between the different abbeys, only glanced at here, are matters of some importance. But most important of all is the picture the Register gives us how the administrative government of the county was carried on in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was not by representative institutions, not by local courts, but by those bodies we have been always taught to regard as doing nothing but indulging themselves in eating and drinking. If the publication of the Sede Vacante Register does nothing else, it will shew that the most active man in the county at this time was John de Wyke, Prior of the Monastery of Worcester.

J. W. B. WICH EPISCOPI, WORCESTER, November, 1893.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 1

[Fol. 1] LETTER from John x, Prior, and Chapter of Worcester to Robert [2], Archbishop of Canterbury. On the death of Godfrey [3] late bishop on 7th of the Kalends of February, 1301, and his burial on 2nd of the Nones of the same month, licence to elect having been obtained from King Edward, the Prior and monks met in Chapter on 8th of the Ides of March and fixed the day of the Annunciation, 8th of the Kalends of April 1302, for the election. On this day after reading the proxy of a monk absent on account of illness and the constitution of the general council Quia Propter, the Prior desired all excommunicated, suspended or interdicted persons or others having no right to be present to leave. After discussion it was determined to elect by way of compromise, and the Chapter gave power for eight days to seven monks, viz. to brothers Stephen de Wyttone, sub-prior, William de Grimeleye, precentor, Gilbert de Maddeleye, sacristan, Henry de Antioch, infirmarer, Nicholas de Norton, John de Sancto Germano and Richard de Bromwich to elect as bishop any member of the church of Worcester to whom the greater and wiser part should consent, promising to receive the person so elected, as contained in the instrument sealed with the Chapter seal. After deliberation and inquiring of other members of the Chapter, they elected John de Sancto Germano, a priest, of lawful age, born of lawful marriage and wise in temporal and spiritual matters. On the same day, the Chapter was summoned and William the precentor pronounced John de Sancto Germano to be elected according to a form of words quoted, of which election the Chapter approved. The Te Deum was then sung, the bishop elect led up to the high altar and the election proclaimed to the clergy and people. Asks the Archbishop to confirm the election and to consecrate the bishop elect. No date.

[1] "John de la Wyke". [2] Winchelsey, Archbishop, 1294-1313. [3] Giffard, Bishop from 1268-1301.

2 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

[Fol. 1d] Licence from Edward I. to the Prior and Convent of Worcester to elect a bishop, having heard by brothers Gilbert de Maddeleya and John de Harleye, monks of Worcester, of the death of Godfrey, the late bishop. Dated at Welboure 20 Feb., 30 Edward I., 1301 [l].

Letter from William, precentor of Worcester, to the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, acquainting them that he has executed their order dated the 8th of the Ides of March, 1301, to summon all absent brethren to the election of a bishop to be held on the day of the Annunciation, Godfrey the late bishop having died on 7th of the Kalends of February. Dated at Worcester 11th of the Kalends of April, 1302.

Letter from John, Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester to Edward I. asking for confirmation of the election of John de Sancto Germano as bishop in room of Godfrey deceased. They present him by Stephen de Wytton, sub-prior, and Gilbert de Maddeleye, sacristan. Dated at Worcester 4th of the Kalends of April, 1302.

[Fol. 2] Appointment of brothers Stephen de Wytton, sub-prior, and Gilbert de Maddeleye, sacristan, as proctors of John, Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester, to appear before Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, concerning the election of John de Sancto Germano as bishop. Dated 4th of the Kalends of April, 1302.

Appointment of brothers William de Grimeleye, precentor, and Richard de Bromwich, monks of Worcester, as like proctors. Dated 4th of the Kalends of April, 1302.

Proclamation by John, Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester of the election as above mentioned. Dated 4th of the Kalends of April, 1302. Witnesses: Peter de Pyritone, Simon de Wonecote, Henry de la See, W[u]lstan de Wygornia, John de Bradwas. Made in the presence of Nicholas, clerk of Richard de Bradewas, notary public.

[Fol. 2d] Renunciation by brother John de Dombeltones of any right or voice in the election of a bishop, then about to be held or

[1] Printed by Thomas, p. 82.
[2] Ib. p. 82.
[3] post, p. 33.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 3

thereafter to be held, because he had been translated to Malvern [l] and there made prior. Wherefore, because of his present condition, the same John tarries at the Schools of Oxford at the expense of the Prior and Chapter of Worcester until the presidents of the general Chapter of the Benedictine order of the Province of Canterbury shall have ordained whether a monk of Worcester ought to dwell at the same priory or elsewhere, or what otherwise ought to be done. Witnesses: Master Gilbert de Middelton, Peter de Piriton, Geoffrey de Norwic, Simon de Wincote, and others. Made in the presence of John, clerk of Richard de Suthcerneye (?) notary public. Dated on Sunday the feast of the Annunciation, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to Humphrey de Waledene, Keeper of the bishopric of Worcester, the see being vacant, to deliver to the Prior and Convent of Worcester the oblations made at the shrine (feretrum) of St. Wulstan and at his tomb in the church of the Blessed Mary of .Worcester, which the king had granted to the same Prior and Convent whensoever a vacancy should happen [2]. Dated at St. Alban's 9 April, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper of the bishopric of Worcester that hearing he has made waste and destruction in the lands of the bishopric that he wholly desist from making such waste. Dated at St. Alban's 10 April, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester ordering him to desist from distraining the Prior and Convent of Worcester to do suit for their lands at the hundred Courts and Courts of the bishopric. No date.

[Fol. 3] Writ from the King to the Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester ordering him not to impede the Prior and Convent of Worcester, by reason of the spiritualities of the bishopric being in their hands on account of the vacancy, from receiving a sum of money by name of proxies for the visitations in the churches of Bebury, Berkeleye and Donnameneye. No date.

[1] Malvern was a daughter house of St. Peter's of Westminster.
[2] See post, p. II.

4 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior and Chapter of Worcester requiring them to demand in the church of Worcester if there be any one who opposed the election of brother John Germeyn, as bishop, and if so, the person so opposing, to appear before the archbishop or his commissary on Thursday after the feast of St. Dunstan the archbishop, to wit, the 9th of the Kalends of June, in the parish church of Neuwenton next London. Dated at Croydon 6 of the Nones of May, 1302.

Letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Prior of Worcester, his officer in the diocese during the vacancy of the see, that he be careful not to do anything to the prejudice of the Archbishop's Jurisdiction, or of the suit pending before him touching the church of Kemyseye, the possession whereof Master Thomas de Stok claims as rector. Dated at Croydon the 4th of the Nones of May, 1302.

Note of acknowledgment and approval of a form {forma} sent by the Abbot of Wynch[comb].

Letter from W. de Gloucestria, clerk, to the Prior of Worcester, acquainting him that the King, at the false suggestion of certain persons, had presented to the churches of Kemeseye [l] and Bredone [2], notwithstanding the litigation pending concerning the same. Dated at Croydon the Kalends of May [1302].

Certificate by the officials of Worcester, the see being vacant, to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, of the proclamation of the election in the cathedral church of Worcester. Dated the 13th of the Kalends of June, 1302.

[Fol. 3d] Proceedings in an appeal by William Staneweye, subdeacon, concerning his provision by Pope Boniface to a benefice in the Diocese of Worcester. [The 5th of the Kalends of May, 1302.]

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Worcester, to cite Master Thomas de Stoke to appear before the same Prior to

[1] See post, p. 27.
[2] See post, pp. 7, 13.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 5

show cause why Peter de Colingburn should not be ordained to the church of Kemeseye [1]. Dated the 5th of the Ides of May, 1302.

Bond by John de Sisteneslade, rector of the church of Strattone upon Fosse, imprisoned for the false and scandalous use of letters of the Lord G. [2], formerly Bishop of Worcester, to appear and receive sentence in the church of Worcester on Saturday before the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord. Witnesses: Walter, rector of the church of St. Michael of Worcester, William de Marchleye (?), Thomas de Wythintone, John de Clenefeld, clerks, Alexander de Hodurton, Henry de Warinlidone (?) and Adam de Stevynton, laymen. No date.

Demand by J. [3], Abbot of St. Peter's of Gloucester, collector of the tithe in aid of the Roman Church from the Prior of Worcester for the tithe of the temporalities of the Priory. Dated at Gloucester the I7th of the Kalends of June, 1302.

Order by Bartholomew de Ferentino, Canon of London, collector on behalf of R. [4], Bishop of London, of the tithe levied on Religious persons for three years in England in aid of the Roman Church to the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester, subcollectors in the city and diocese of Worcester, that whereas formerly he had ordered the delay of the collection of the said tithe that now the same be collected. Dated at London 7 May, 1302.

Bond for 40/2'. by John de Wyke, Prior, and the Convent of Worcester, to John de Staneweya, Rector of the Church of Rippel. Dated in the Chapter House at Worcester on Saturday the feast of St. Dunstan, the Archbishop, 1302.

[Fol. 4] Letter from the Prior of Worcester (considering the faithful administration of the Will of Adam de Cruce of Bremesgrave, by John de Treour and Robert Dalebi, the Executors), absolving the same Executors from the charge of such administration. Dated at Worcester Feast of St. Dunstan, 1302.

[1] See post, p. 27. [2] Godfrey Giffard. [3] John de Gamages, formerly Prior of Hereford, Abbot of Gloucester 1284 to 1307. [4] Richard de Gravesend, 1280-1303.

6 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to the Prior of Kylneworth [l], requesting that the ecclesiastical censure against William le Archer upon letters from the Dean of St. Paul's, London, may be stayed.

Letter from W., Abbot of Malmesbury, to the Prior of Worcester, requesting that Hugh de Cotes, a groom (valettus) of Malmesbury, may be absolved from the excommunication and suspension issued against him by the Prior. No date.

Letter from the Pope Boniface [2] to Philip [3], King of France, stating that the collation of no benefices or prebends belong to the same King, and that he reserve the fruits during a vacancy for the successor, and if any one think otherwise the Pope will consider him a heretic. Dated at the Lateran, 2nd of the Nones of November, in the seventh year of the pontificate of Pope Boniface, 1301.

Appointment by the Convent of Worcester of A. de B. to be their Proctor at the convocation of prelates and clerks, to be held before R., Archbishop of Canterbury, in the church of St. Paul, London, on the Sunday on which is sung Laetare Jerosulyma. Alterations in above if there be two Proctors, but the name of second Proctor is not given.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester, keeper of the spiritualities of the Bishopric of Worcester, the see being vacant, to the Deans of Worcester and Gloucester, committing to their keeping certain heretical clerks convicted of crimes before the Justices of the King for Gaol Delivery in the Counties of Worcester and Gloucester. Dated at Worcester the Qth of the Kalends of June, 1302.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to William Inge [4] and Roger Suthcote [5], and their fellow Justices for Gaol Delivery in the

[1] Qy. for Kenilworth.
[2] Pope Boniface VIII., 1294-1303.
[3] Philip IV., 1285-1314.
[4] Inge was one of the eight persons assigned as Justices to take Assizes in aid of the regular Judges, in which office he was continued until the end of Edward I.'s reign (Rot. Pat. 1. 150206), subsequently in 1314 appointed a Judge of the Common Pleas.
[5] Suthcote was only one of the persons appointed in aid of the Regular Judges to hold Assizes, and was never a Judge.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 7

Counties of Gloucester and Worcester, acquainting them with the above letter. Dated Worcester 9th Kalend of Jun. 1302.

Appointment of brother Gilbert de Maddeleya, Monk of Worcester, as Proctor of the Prior of Worcester formerly collector of the obventions granted to Edward I. as a subsidy for the Holy Land [1], appointed by O. [2], Bishop of Lincoln, and J. [3], Bishop of Winchester, principal Executors for the same obventions in the dioceses of Worcester and Coventry, and Lichfield, together with Masters R. Tankard and William le Archer to appear before the Dean of St. Paul's, London, now Executor of the same obventions. Dated at Worcester the 6th of the Kalends of June, 1302.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to the Prior and Convent of Doddeford, that the bearer, John Sebiest, son of John Sebreitst of Wlvarleya, whom we send to you, desires that you will grant him the habit of your order [4]. No date.

Writ by Edward I. to the Keeper [of the Bishopric of Worcester] commanding him to raise as well from the ecclesiastical goods of Walter de Bertone, Rector of the Church of Bredon, lately at the King's command sequestred to the value of 100s., and which hitherto have been under your sequestration, as of other ecclesiastical goods of the same Walter in the diocese aforesaid 36li. of 100li, which Alina, daughter of William le Poer, lately recovered before Adam de Cruykdayk and Henry Spigonnel, Justices of Assize, against the same Walter and John de Bridone for damages by occasion of a certain disseizen of the manor of Ekinton Poer, and to have the same money at the Exchequer in the Octaves of St. John, as part payment of 387li. 4s. 4d., which the same Alina owes to us by Sampon de Gretham [5]. Dated at York 16 May, 30 Edward I. (1302).

[1] This refers to the grant by Pope Nicholas IV., in 1288, of the tenth of all ecclesiastical benefices for six years towards the cost of an expedition to the Holy Land, a grant which caused the making of the Record known as Pope Nicholas' Valor.
[2] Oliver Sutton, d. 1299.
[3] John de Pontissera, alias Sawbridge, 1282-1304.
[4] Dodford in Warwickshire was a Beneadictine house.
[5] See ante, p. 4, and fast, p. 13.

8 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Writ by Edward I. to the Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester commanding him to raise from the ecclesiastical goods of Master John de Ebroyt [Eboryces [1]], parson of the Church of Tredynton, 40li., and to have that sum before the Justices at York, in the quindenes of St. John the Baptist, to render to Thomas de Sutham and Ralph de Leycester, which the same Thomas and Ralph recovered against the same John. Dated at York 18 May, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Writ by Edward I. to the Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester, whereas Nicholas de Warewyk and Joan his wife lately recovered the presentation to the church of Fulebrook against John de Huband that he admit a fit person at the presentation of the said Nicholas and Joan, notwithstanding the appeal (reclamatio) of the said John. Dated at York 4 June, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Order by Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester to cite Master Geoffrey de Norwico commissary of the Prior, the see being vacant, the jurisdiction whereof, as it is said, he has many times abused and presumed to defraud the same archbishop of his right and authority to appear before the same archbishop and receive the punishment his faults deserve. Dated at Lamhethe the 7th of the Ides of June, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester to distrain Master Ralph de Wychele (a clerk having no lay fee by which he can be distrained) upon his ecclesiastical benefice for unjustly detaining a greyhound. Dated at York 24 May, 30 Edward I.

Resignation of John de Cesterelade, formerly rector of the chapel of Stretton upon Fosse, with a request that John, son of Jordan de Heng', clerk of Aston, presented by the patron, may be admitted. Dated at Blockley the 2nd of the Kalends of May, 1302.

Writ from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester, commanding him under pain of Excommunication to

[1] See post, p. 15.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 9

cite Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, to appear before the same archbishop concerning the marriage said to have been contracted between the said Earl and Isabella de Clare. Dated at Croynd[on] the 3rd of the Kalends of June, 1302.

[Fol. 5] Appointment of Master Simon de Wenecote as proctor to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury, to answer certain articles and interrogatories made to the Prior in a cause of contempt and disobedience by the same Prior by occasion of certain citations against the Earl of Warwick. Dated at Worcester the 17th of the Kalends of July, 1302.

Writ from the Bishop of Winchester, Judge of the Holy Roman Church, delegated by the Pope, to the Prior of Worcester commanding him, under canonical pain, to cite Isabella de Clare, daughter of the late Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester (natam quondam Gilberti de Clare Comites Glovernye), to appear before the same Bishop or his commissary in the conventual church of le Hida, in the diocese of Winchester, on the next law-day after the feast of St. Margaret the Virgin, on a cause of appeal between Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, appellant, and Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Isabella de Clare, appealed. Dated at Wlveseye the 6th of the Ides of June, 1302.

Appointment by Pope Boniface of the Bishop of Winchester to decide the appeal between Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, of the one party, and Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Isabella de Clare, of the other, concerning the cause touching the marriage between the said Guy and Isabella, they being within the third degree of consanguinity. Dated at the Lateran the Nones of May in the 8th year of the Pontificate of Pope Boniface (1302).

Citation of Walter de Berton who holds the church of Breodon [1] to appear before the Prior of Worcester, or his commissary, in the cathedral church of Worcester, on the next law-day after the feast of the Translation of St. Thomas the Archbishop and Martyr, to show wherefore William de Loriaco, priest, presented to the said

[1] See ante, pp. 4, 7; post, p. 13.

10 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

church by the true patron, should not be admitted and instituted as rector. Dated at Worcester 10 of the Kalends of June, 1302. Letter of credence from John de Sancto Germane, elect of Worcester, for Master Adam de Olverton. No date.

[Fol. 5d] Declaration by John, Prior of Worcester, that in accordance with the composition made between Boniface [1], formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the predecessor of the Prior, that the said Prior has the administration of the spiritualities of the Bishopric of Worcester during the vacancy of the see by the death of G. [2] late Bishop of the same. Dated at Worcester the 8th of the Ides of June, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to all and singular chaplains of parish churches to inquire after and excommunicate all those who had laid violent hands on Thomas de Bendevile, clerk. Dated at Worcester the 5th of the Kalends of July, 1302.

Grant of an annuity of 40s. to Master Ralph del la Lee to be delivered by the hands of the Bursar. Dated on Tuesday after the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, 1302.

Appointment of Master Ralph de la Lee as proctor of the Prior of Worcester at the Court of Rome. Dated the 5th of the Nones of July, 1302.

Appointment of Ralph de la Lee as special proctor at the Court of Rome with special power to defend the church of Worcester there. Dated 5th of the Nones of July, 1302.

[Fol. 6] Appointment by the Prior of Worcester of the Subprior and Master Simon de Wynecote, rector of the church of Bediford as ... [3] in the diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester the 4th of the Nones of July, 1302.

Citation in accordance with letters from the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Dean of Campeden and four rectors and two vicars

[1] Archbishop from 1240 to 1270.
[2] Godfrey Giffard, see post, p. 16.
[3] Illegible.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 11

in his jurisdiction to appear on Thursday before the feast of St. Thomas the Martyr in the church of Worcester. No date. Precedent of alteration in the form of revocatory letters to be used by the Prior of Worcester.

Grant by Edward I. to the Prior and Convent of Worcester of the oblations made at the shrine (feretrum [1]) and tomb of St. Wulfstan in the church of the Blessed Mary of Worcester. Dated at Dynesle, 8 April, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Letter from the Prior of Worcester, officer of R., Archbishop of Canterbury, in the city and diocese of Worcester during the vacancy of the see to the officer of the Court of Canterbury or his commissary undertaking to absolve the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter of Gloucester from the sentence of excommunication which the said Prior had pronounced against them, concerning the matter of the dispute between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the said Prior as to the jurisdiction within the diocese, the see being vacant, in accordance with letters from the officer of the Court of Canterbury to the Prior dated the 4th of the Kalends of June, 1302, demanding the same Absolution upon complaint of the said Abbot; and citing the said Prior to appear in the Church of the Blessed Mary le Bow, London, on the fourth law-day after the feast of St. James the Apostle. Dated the roth of the Kalends of August, 1302.

The same petition (suggestio) for Teukesbur'.

[Fol. 6d] Notification by the Prior of Worcester that by a composition made between Boniface, late Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prior of Worcester, whereby the Jurisdiction of the diocese of Worcester during a vacancy was declared to belong to the Prior [2], and whereas the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter of Gloucester having disputed the jurisdiction of the said Prior and brought upon themselves the sentence of greater excommunication, the Prior, upon representation of the Officer of the Court of Canterbury, has released the said Abbot from the sentence of excommunication. No date.

[1] See ante, p. 3.
[2] See ante, p. 10.

12 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Release by the Prior of Worcester of the sentence of excommunication against the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter of Gloucester. No date.

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper of the Spiritualities [of the Diocese of Worcester] - that whereas the Prior of Little Malvern arraigned an assize ultimae praesentationis against John de Feckenham, keeper of the butchery of Worcester, concerning the church of Neuwenton next Gutyng, which is vacant as he alleged and the same John says is not vacant to inquire if the said church be vacant or not [1]. Dated at York, 12 July, 30 Edward I.

Letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury to Boniface, the Pope, submitting a consultatio [case for opinion ?] as to alleged irregularities at the election of John de Sancto Germano as bishop of Worcester. Dated at Lameheth near London, the 16th of the Kalends of August, 1302.

[Fol. 7] Notes by the Precentor [of Worcester] on the above Licence from the Prior of Worcester, officer of Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the diocese of Worcester &c., to all abbots, priors, as well exempt as not exempt, archdeacons and their officers, deans, rectors, vicars, and chaplains of parish churches, and others, to permit the proctors and messengers of the Hospital of St. Anthony in the diocese of Vienne to collect the alms of the faithful. Dated at Worcester, Thursday the morrow of St. James the Apostle, 1302.

Licence from J., Prior of Worcester, &c., to Robert, rector of the church of Brotton-haket, in the diocese of Worcester, to let to farm for two years his church aforesaid to Master Henry de la Lee, rector of the church of St. Swithin in the City of Worcester, and that the said Robert in the meantime shall not be bound to be personally resident; nevertheless the said church shall not in the mean time be encumbered with debt. Dated at Worcester, the 7th of the Kalends of August, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper [of the Spiritualities of the Diocese of Worcester] to distrain the ecclesiastical goods of

[1] See post, pp. 27, 29.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 13

Walter de Berton [1], parson of the church of Bredon, for a fine of owing to the King for a disseizen. Dated at York, 16 July, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper of the spiritualities of the Diocese of Worcester to raise from the ecclesiastical goods of Walter de Berton [2], rector of the church of Bredon, 71li, of the 110li, which Alina, daughter of William le Poer, recovered as damages for a disseizen in the manor of Ekynton Poer, from the said Walter and John de Bredon, and to send the same into the Exchequer by Sampson de Gretham, in part payment of 387li. 4s. 4d., which the same Alina owes to the King, by the said Sampson. Dated at York 16 July, 30 Edward I.

Commission from the Prior of Worcester to his sub-prior and precentor to hear the cause touching the presentation to the church of Preston next Henl', between Thomas Tankard presented to the same church and his adversaries. Dated at Trymele the 2nd of the Kalends of August, 1302.

Writ of Prohibition from Edward I. to the officer of the Bishopric of Worcester from holding a plea in the court Christian concerning the goods or debts whereof John de Surrey complains that William de Tamerton [?], vicar of the church of Feckenham, conveyed to him unless those chattels or debts are concerning a will or matrimony. Dated at Westminster, 9 July, 33 Edward I. (1302).

Appointment by J., Prior of Worcester, of Master S. de Wynecot, his commissary general, to hear the matter between the Friars Minors of Malvern and J. de Feckenham, master of the Butchery of Worcester [3]. Dated at Wodehall the 4th of the Nones of August, 1302.

Manumission of Henry, Son of William le Wild of Overbur'. Dated the vigil of St. Lawrence, 1302.

Certificate by John, Prior of Worcester, of the receipt of a citation from the Abbots of Westminster and Malmesbury to appear at a

[1] See ante, pp. 4, 7, 9; post, p. 12.
[2] See ante, pp. 4, 7, 9.
[3] See ante, p. 12, and post, p. 27.

14 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

general chapter of the Benedictine order for the Province of Canterbury to be held at the Chapter House of Bermundesheye on the feast of St. Michael. Dated at Worcester the feast of St. Lawrence the Martyr, 1302.

Writ of Prohibition from Edward I. to the keeper of the Bishopric of Worcester from admitting any person to the church of Daylesford, pending the suit concerning the advowson of the same between Miles de Hastingges and Thomas de Hastingges. Dated at Westminster 26 July, 30 Edward I. (1302) [l].

Certificate by J., Prior of Worcester, of the honest conversation and good fame of William, called Costard de Whorxston. Dated at Worcester the 4th of the Ides of August, 1302.

[Fol. 8] Letter from J. de Sancto Germane to J., Prior of Worcester, that whereas he is advised by those skilled in the law in London that having asked the Archbishop for a copy of the (case) consultatio [2], and the Archbishop having refused to hear his messengers or to correct the case, an appeal would lie; but whereas the constitution of Pope Nicholas the third which begins "Cupientes" compels the appealing Chapter to send two instructors (instructores) or one proctor sufficiently instructed to the Roman Court, if the said Prior is not able to do this, that he should excuse himself to the Pope; but the writer not wishing to put the said Prior, or his church, to such expense, desires licence to visit Rome himself. No date.

Acceptance of the licence from the Chapter of Worcester by the Elect of Worcester (J. de Sancto Germane), stating the two reasons why the right of election of the said Elect should be prosecuted; namely, that the building of the Church of Worcester should be continued by him and the state of the monks of Worcester as regards their food and refection in the refectory should be improved. No date.

Petition of the Elect of Worcester to the Chapter, that two instructors or one proctor may be sent to the Pope upon the business of the election, and that they may have the power of re-electing if

[1] See post, p. 35.
[2] See ante, p. 12.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 15

the election is quashed, and their expenses of bed and board; if this cannot be done that the Chapter will excuse themselves to the Pope. No date.

Letter from Edward I. to Pope Boniface in favour of the Elect of Worcester. Dated at Westminster 8 August, 30 Edward I. (1302) [1].

Letter from the Prior and Chapter of Worcester to Pope Boniface, acquainting him with the election of J. de Sancto Germane, as Bishop of Worcester, who sets out for Rome on the business of the Election, and praying for the Pope's favour on behalf of the said elect. No date [2].

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper [of the Bishopric of Worcester] to distrain the ecclesiastical goods of Master John de Ebroycis, parson of the church of Tredyngton, clerk, for 40li. which Thomas de Sutham and Ralph de Leycester recovered against him [3]. Dated at York 8 July, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Licence at the request of Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, by the Prior of Worcester, to John, rector of the church of Elmeleye under the Castle, to let to farm his said church for a year. Dated at Worcester, i8th of the Kalends of August, 1302.

[Fol. 8d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Christianities of Warwick and the vicar of the church of Woutton that whereas it has been shown to the same prior on behalf of Isabella, relict of Roger the clerk of Woutton, deceased, that William called the clerk of Woutton disturbs the said Isabella from receiving a moiety of the fruits from certain land in the parish of Woutton adjudged to her, that the said dean and vicar do warn the said William to desist from his presumption under pain of excommunication. Dated at Worcester, 17th of the Kalends of August, 1302.

Note that a letter was sent to the Bishop of Llandaff ut celebraret ordines, "whereof there is a copy on folio 19 preceding [4]".

Letter from the Bishop of Llandaff [5] to John, Prior of Worcester, consenting to the above if it is pleasing to R., Archbishop of Canterbury.

[1] Printed by Thomas, p. 83.
[2] Ib. p. 83.
[3] See ante, p. 8.
[4] This is on fol. 8b, the copy is not on the preceding page nor on fol. 19.
[5] John of Monmouth, Bishop 1293-1323.

16 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Dated at Bissoppeston in Wenth the 19th of the Kalends of September (1302).

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Bishop of Llandaff praying that he will come at the expense of the Priory to Worcester to celebrate the ordination of clerks, and that it is unnecessary to obtain the consent of R., Archbishop of Canterbury, in consequence of the composition made between Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Priory [1], whereby the prior holds the spiritualities of the see during a vacancy. Dated at Worcester the isth of the Kalends of August, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Gloucester, praying that if the Abbots of St. Peter of Gloucester and of Tewkesbury and the rest on that instant day of St. Bartholomew wished to treat with the Prior and his council at Beckford upon a dispute then pending between them in the court of Canterbury, that the said Archdeacon would reply with all speed what day and place he could be present. No date.

Letter from W. Bundon, Archdeacon of Gloucester, to the Prior of Worcester, appointing the feast of St. Bartholomew as before arranged for a meeting between the Prior and the Abbot of Gloucester to settle the dispute between them. No date.

Letter from the Abbot of Westminster to the Prior of Worcester on behalf of the abbot's free man Robert le Frankeleyn, clerk, bearer of the presents. No date.

[Fol. 9] Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester in favour of Master Robert de Denebrigg, who had laboured in the business of the Prior at the Court of Rome, and whose uncle Walter, while he lived, served the Archbishop for many years. Dated at Slindon the Ides of August in the 8th year of the Archbishop's consecration (1302).

Letter from the Bishop of Llandaff to J., Prior of Worcester, that he proposed to be at Worcester at the time stated to perform the

[1] See also p. 10.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 17

ordinations, but being unwilling to offend the Archbishop, without prejudice to the Prior, he has consulted the Archbishop. Dated at Lank' the 12th of the Kalends of September (1302).

Letter from W., Abbot of Westminster, to the Prior of Worcester thanking the Prior for the answer sent by the Prior of Great Malverne, "your kinsman", and asking that the Prior will deliberate with his clerks upon the business for which he has sent Sir H. de Longeboruwe and reply what grace the Prior can do him in the matter. No date.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to J. [1], Bishop of Lincoln, and his commissaries, as to the administration of the Will of Dyonis' de Hoddesak, who died in the diocese of Worcester. Dated at Seggesboruw the 8th of the Kalends of September, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the Bishopric of Worcester to distrain the ecclesiastical goods of Master Henry de Bray, clerk, for 50 marks, part of 1000 marks owing to the executors of the will of Alienora, late Queen of England, for a fine for trespass. Dated at York 6 July, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the official of Worcester, the see being vacant, to cite Master Thomas de Stokes, calling himself rector of the church of Kemeseye in the diocese of Worcester, to appear and receive final judgment [2]. Dated at Slindon the Ides of August, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Worcester to pronounce or cause to be pronounced the sentence of the greater excommunication in the church of St. John of Worcester and the neighbouring churches on Sundays and feast days intra missarum solempnia, pulsatis campanis et accensis candelis against some persons who detain the goods of Adam the Smith of St. John's [parish] in Worcester, deceased, and will not restore them to the executors of the said Adam. And also to inquire diligently

[1] John d'Aldreby, 1300-1319. [2] See ante, p. 4.

18 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

who are the persons so offending and, if found, to cite them to appear in the cathedral church of Worcester at the next consistory. Dated at Worcester the 4th of the Kalends of September, 1302.

Order from the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Gloucester to cite all rectors and vicars within his archdeanery who have not yet received the orders which the care of their benefices requires whether they were admitted before or after the Council of Lyons to appear in the cathedral church of Worcester, where the Bishop of Llandaff will on instanto die Sabbati quatuor temporum post festum exaltationis sanctcs crucis celebrate ordination [1]. Dated at Worcester the 3rd of the Nones of July, 1302.

Absolution granted by the Prior of Worcester to William Frebody of Doddeleye [Dudley ?] executor of the will of W., his father. Dated at Worcester the 3rd of the Nones of September, 1302.

The execution of the writ from Edward I. concerning Henry de Bray. Dated at Worcester the 4th of the Nones of September, 1302.

[Fol. 9d] Letter from John, Bishop (minister) of Llandaff, to J., Prior of Worcester, that, understanding it is the wish of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he will come to perform ordinations at Worcester ad proximum diem quatuor temporum [2]. Dated at Llandaff the 3rd of the Nones of September (1302).

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Bishop of Llandaff acknowledging the receipt of the above. No date.

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to Francis Neapol' cardinal of the Apostolic see and archdeacon of Worcester, on behalf of John de Sancto Germane, elect of Worcester, setting out for the Roman court on the business of the Election, and also as to a pension (firma) paid to the said Francis. Dated at Worcester the Kalends of September, 1302. Entry faded.

[1] See p. 19 for a similar order for the archdeaconry of Worcester. [2] i.e. the next festival day of the four seasons, in this case the first Saturday in September. See Du Cange, Quatuor temporum.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 19

Order from the Prior of Worcester to the archdeacon of Worcester to cite all rectors and vicars within his archdeanery who have not yet received the orders which the cure of their benefices requires whether they were admitted before or after the Council of Lyons, to appear in the cathedral church of Worcester, where the Bishop of Llandaff will on instanto die Sabbati quatuor temporum post festum exaltationis Sanctce crucis, celebrate ordinations. Dated at Worcester the Nones of September, 1302.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Persor' [1] to cite Adam, chaplain of the chapel of St. Michael of Persor1 for clandestinely performing the service of matrimony. Dated 1302. Entry Faded.

Note that Adam Dunt of Wolfardeleya [Wolverley ?] was manumitted by Clement Dunclent (?) on 6 September (1302).

[Fol. 10] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to John de Waked', officer of the archdeacon of Gloucester, to appoint Stephen de Brocton, clerk, in the deanery of Haukesbury and Philip de Asscherougge, clerk in the deanery of Stonhousa, apparitors of Haukesbury and Stonhousa. No date.

Grant by John, Prior of Worcester, to William de Doveria of a pension of 10li. on account of his old age and his services to the Priory. Dated in the Chapter House at Worcester the 7th of the Ides of September, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Master Henry de Hampton, rector of the church of Pyllardyngton, requesting the said Henry to satisfy a debt due to Hugh de Hauekeleye. No date.

Grant of administration, by the Prior of Worcester, of the goods of Geoffrey de la Hoo of Kyderm [2], deceased, intestate, to Agnes, his wife, and Adam Cissor. Dated at Worcester the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary the Virgin, 1302.

Resignation by John called Loote and Stephen de Sancto Johanne on behalf of William de Planta, rector of the church of Wytechurch,

[1] Pershore.
[2] Kidderminster (?).

20 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

in the dicocese of Worcester, of the said church of Wytechurch with appurtenances. No date.

Letter from G., Abbot of Peterborough, to the Prior of Worcester on behalf of Benedict de Besby, chaplain, presented to the church of Whitchurch. No date.

Letter from Wulstan, clerk of Worcester, to J., Prior, and the Convent of Worcester. That being at the gate of death at Gloucester he begs for their prayers for which he forgives them the debts they owe him. Dated at Gloucester on Monday after the feast of St. James, 1302.

Writ of venire facias by Edward I. to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the bishopric of Worcester for Ralph de Bolmere, rector of the church of Taneweth, executor of the will of Ela Lungspeye, formerly Countess of Warwick, deceased, to appear and answer William Wodeston of a debt of 100li. Dated 20 July, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Citation by the Prior of Worcester of the Prior of Sondwelle to appear at Worcester concerning the affairs of the said Prior and the College of Sondwelle. No date.

[Fol. 10d] Letter of dispensation by the Prior of Worcester to William de Brun, sub-deacon, rector of the Church of Longedon in the diocese of Worcester, to absent himself from his duties for the purpose of study, so that he see that his church is served during his absence. Dated the i8th of the Kalends of October, 1302.

Certificate, by the Prior of Worcester to R. [1], Bishop, and Master B. de Ferrent', Canon of London, collectors in England for the subsidy imposed by Pope Boniface, as to the poverty of the religious women of Cuchulle [Churchill] in the diocese of Worcester.

Bond by John de Affordeby, rector of the church of Castre in the diocese of Lincoln, to the Prior of Worcester, in 100li, indempnifying

[1] Richard de Gravesend, 1280-1303.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 21

the Prior against any damages or expenses by occasion of the admission and institution of Benedict de Boesby, his brother, into the church of Wytechurch. Dated at Worcester in the octaves of the Nativity of St. Mary, 1302.

Letter from the abbot of Reading to the Prior of Worcester requesting the said Prior to supersede the action against Alan de la Cnolle, bailiff of their manor of Kokynton due for fealty. Dated at Reading, Friday the vigil of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary (1302).

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Abbot of Reading wondering at the above letter concerning the abbot's fealty due for his portion in the vill of Tydyngton, nevertheless to please the Abbot they will delay their suit till Martinmas.

Letter from Peter de Leyc' to J., Prior of Worcester, asking that the annexation of the church of Budebroke to his prebend in the church of the Blessed Mary of Warwick might be confirmed.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Peter de Leycestr' praying to be excused replying to the above, the See of Worcester being vacant.

Certificate by the Prior of Worcester that Laurence de Eldresfeld, priest, canonically promoted to all holy orders, is of laudable life and honest conversation. Dated at Worcester the 2nd of the Ides of September, 1302.

Memorandum that Richard Willeby, rector of the church of Thormertone next Northlegh, had dispensation. Entry torn.

Certificate that A. de C. of the diocese of Worcester had been admitted to holy orders by J., Bishop of Llandaff. Torn and faded.

[Fol. 11] The names of those ordained of Worcester on Saturday iiijor temporum next after the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1302, by J., Bishop of Llandaff, invited by John de Wykes, Prior of Worcester, as well sub-deacons and deacons, as priests secular, and religious persons.

22 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Sub-deacons to wit.

Peter de Amenya to the title of patrimony.
William de Wiston to the title of patrimony which he possesses.
Richard de Mundevile to the title of the house of Llandaff.
William de Colne St. Aldwyn to the title of a pensionary.
Peter de Gunnerton (?) to the title of patrimony.
William de Videbroc to the title of patrimony.
Henry de Coldastone to the title of patrimony.
Henry de Cerneya to the title of patrimony. He made oath.
William Havedacre of Lechelade.
Oliver de Etindon to the title of patrimony.
Adam de Vaal to the title of patrimony.
Ralph de Clyve.
John de Parva Compton to the title of patrimony.
Nicholas de Phepsynton to the title of patrimony.
John Pippard to the title of patrimony.
William Lowe of Bromesgrave to the title of patrimony.
Robert Scot to the title of the yearly rent of 5 marks.
Symon de Walton.
Thomas Basset Warr'.
John de Wynchecumb.
John Chaneryngworth to the title of two virgates of land.
Nicholas de Throkemerton.
William de Wykewane to the title of Roger de Walecot.
William de Merston Meysy to the title of patrimony.
Richard de Chaddeleya to sufficient title.
William son of William de Dorsinton to - title.
Thomas Perseval of Swayles to the title of patrimony.
Peter de Lench.
John de Blockeleya.
Richard de Wolneford to the title of patrimony.
Richard de Longeneye to presentation of the Prior of Lauton next Gloucester [qy.Llanthony].
Robert de Kyngton to the title of patrimony.
Henry de Lockesleya to the title of patrimony.
Richard de Feckenham.
John Bernard of Stretford to the title of patrimony.
Richard de Stocton to competent title.
Ralph de Evesham.
Geoffrey de Wykewane.
Robert le Toyt of Perkeleya.
Robert Gylemyn of Warwick.
Walter de Wyke to the presentation of the Prior of Malmesbury. (?)
Thomas de Longeberuwe.
Henry de Longeberge.
John de Longeberge.
John de Comptone.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 23

Robert de Persor of Worcester to the title of patrimony.
Thomas de Clyva Prioris.
Henry le Spixor to the title of patrimony.
Robert de Comberton Major to the title of patrimony.
Nicholas Lovecok of Warwick to a title.
Vincent (?) de Lockesleye and he has 4 mark yearly rent.
John de Stanton.
John de Compton Wyndate.
Walter de Dumbelton.
Henry de Stonwa.
John de Grymehull.
Robert de Preston next Cyr' to the title of the chapel of the parish of Cyrene' [Cirencester ?].
Henry Sely of Suthcermye to the title of patrimony. He made oath.
Walter de Parva Rysyndon to the title of patrimony.
Robert le Tanner of Lecchelade to the title of the parish of Lecchelad.
William de Boreford to the title of patrimony.
John de Wynton' Brystoll to the title of patrimony.
William de Mukeltone to the title of patrimony.
Adam Sporum of Persora to the title of patrimony.
Philip de Twemmyge to the title of patrimony.
Gilbert de Lockesleya to the title of patrimony.
John de Stretton next Feckenham.
Nicholas Faber of Cyrencestir to the title of patrimony.
John de Cherlynton.
Richard Pencrich of Bremesgrave.
John de Wynecote.
John of the same place.
Thomas de Poywyck to the title of patrimony.
Thomas le Messeger of Ilmyndon.
Nicholas de Todeham.
William Wymunde of Cyrencester to the title of patrimony. He made oath.
John de Bladynton to the title of the Bishop of Llandaff.
Richard de Wyrmynton.
John de Trosbur to the title of patrimony. He made oath.
Robert de Bartone in Hennemers.
Thomas de Ilmyndone.
Henry Lessi of Quentone.
Walter de Coldastone.
Henry de Malgaresbur'.
John de Doddeleya. Nicholas Torald of Hamtone Meysy.
Robert de Stonwa to the title of patrimony.
Robert de Sancto Johanne.
John de Bretfortone.
John de Kynggeswode.
John de Stuwa.
William de Dagelyngworthe to the title of patrimony.
Roger de Doddeleya.
Richard de Grymeleya.
John de Thisho.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Walter de Beffbrd or Defford (sic).
William de Merton to the title of patrimony.
William de Rowell.
John de Rysyndone Magna.
Richard le Palmare.
Walter de Wynneferchynd rector of the church of Magna Melton in the diocese of Norwich by letters dimissory of the Bishop of Lincoln.
Brother Henry de Fekerham a monk of Worcester.

DEACONS.

Brother Simon le Botyler monk of Worcester.
Walter de Sancto Germano.
Walter Crote of Stonwa.
John Wendont of Ambresl'.
Segrid (Sths) de Quentone.
John de Bertheston.
Walter de Campedene.
John Withs of Cyrencestr'.
Robert de Blockeleya.
John Mey.
John Spenser of Ambresl'.
Walter de Berewode.
Geoffrey de Wellesbury.
Richard de la Hurne of Comptone Magna.
John Crompe of Ambresl'.
Geoffrey de Welneforde.
William de Bertone.
Henry de Henleya of Stretford.
John de Quentone.
Robert de la True of Auste.
Richard de Broine.
Ralph de Budyford.
Philip de Alvestane.
John Passe of Brystoll.
Segrid (Sths) de Tywe to letters dimissory of the Bishop of Lincoln with ....
John de Colchurste.
Robert But of Rodeboruwe.
Gilbert de Morte Brut.
Alan de Sloustre.
Walter de Thormertone.
John de Leya.
Richard (?) Wenrich.
Nicholas de Ameneya.
William Rogge.
John de Lenche.
William de Cherlyntone.
Robert Page of Sloustre.
William de Baclona.
John de Aston Somervyle.
Walter Hatherop.
John de Dome.
Geoffrey de Weston sub Egge.
William le Freman of Hampton.
Peter de Beckeford.
John de Southewode of Bremesgrave.
Robert de Lyndewourthe.
Simon Palet.
Richard Spelly of Cleynes.
Henry de Teukesbur'.
John de Burtone.
John de Sancto Petro in Wontlouchland (sic) diocese.
John de Dagelyngwourthe.
Robert de Parva Camptone.
Thomas de Rysyndone Magna.
William de Mortone Folet.
John de Malvernia.
Richard Rolf of Bremesgrave.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Robert Michel.
John de Schepistone.
John de Alvyntone of Lantonya.
Richard Abraham of Bremesgrave.
Walter Nollel of Stouwa.
Ralph Giffard of Sloutre.
Robert Large of the same place.
William de Waresleye.
Adam de Awe.
John de Wythyndone.
John de Merstone Meysy.

PRIESTS.

John of the House of St. Wulfstan.
William called Man de Merstone.
Richard son of Walter de Wynchecumbe.
William de Lockesleya.
Henry le Mason of Hamton Meysey.
Walter de Bermyntone.
Thomas Blancweyn of Wychford.
John de Ocyngdon.
Richard Peleyn of Great Malvern.
John de Coneleya.
John de Bradewell.
Robert de Longedone.
Nicholas de Solbury.
Adam de Haselore.
Henry de Mune of the parish of Quenton.
Nicholas Burnel of Hinton Meysy.
Odo de Dumbeltone.
Richard de Colesbourne.
John de Wyneby.
John de Warnberge.
John Pelye.
William de Bradewelle.
Ralph de Syde.
Nicholas de Sevenhaintone.
Robert de Athelmyntone.
William de Schireburne.
Ralph de Nortone.
Robert de Maysmore.
William de Wylaseye.
Edmund de Dayllesford.
Malcolm de Thormertone.
Thomas le Fremon.
Geoffrey le Marescal of Kynemers.
Richard de Fywyk.
John Elyoun.
Nicholas le Rom (sic) of Crancombe.
Richard de Mukelton.
Henry de Colne Saint Alwyny.
James de Westone.
William de Pydele.
Robert de Dorsmeston.
Robert Benegworth.
Roger de Durhust.
Nicholas Colle of Cyrencester (Cyrec [1]).
John de Horsleye.
John de Boggeworth.
Nicholas Alewy of Knyemasford.
John de Bredon.
Adam de Bradeweye.
Henry de Belne has letters.
John le Hopere of Spehechesleye.
Walter de Longeberwe.
John Maudut of Feckham.
Henry Maudut.
John de Froncestr.
John de Becheford.
William le Saltere.
Robert de Fladebur'.
John Anketel of Doddel'.

26 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Simon de Langeton rector of the church "de la Mor per diminum Herfordiensem suffic' et constat de ordinibus prcecedentibus".
Simon de Shiltenham.
Thomas de Etindon.
William le Yonge of Morton.
John de Cold Aston.
John de Risindon.
William de Combrinton.
Simon de Salle.
Simon de Athereston.
Master Roger le Poher by the Lord Hereford.
Roger de Stanedichs.
Thomas de Ekinton.
Simon de Tresagn rector of Mihzelstowe.
Walter called Short of Malgeresbur'.
Walter de Stratton.
Walter le Brun de Asseford.
John de Wykes Rasindon.
Nicholas de Evesham.
Peter Rector of Maddesfeld.
Ralph de Deyvill.

Certificate by the Prior of Worcester of the ordination of N-de T. [Nicholas de Todenham] to the order of sub-deacon. Dated 10th of the Kalends of October, 1302.

Like certificate of the ordination of Henry de Belne to the order of priest. No date.

[Fol. 11d] Licence by J. de Wykes, Prior of Worcester, to Robert de Worthon, rector of the parish Church of Alinton [1], to absent himself for three years to study canon law and theology and in the meantime to let to farm his said church to any honest and literate man. No date.

Writ of venire facias for Simon de Prens, parson of the church of Tettebur', clerk, to appear to answer John de Syon of a plea of debt. Dated 19 July, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Writ of venire facias for Ralph de Hulmere, clerk, executor of the will of Ela de Lungespeye, to answer John de Wanetingg', warden of the house of Scholars of Merton, Oxford, of a plea that he, together with William de Wodeston, Master Richard de la Batayle, Master Henry de Fodringheye, William de la Bache, and Master John de Wanetingge, other executors of the same will,

[1] Aline".

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 27

should render to the same John 20 marks unjustly detained. Dated 12 July 30 Edward I. (1302).

Institution by the Prior of Worcester of Master Wulfstan de Wigornia, clerk, into the parish church of Daylesford [1]. Dated at Clyna, the 18th of the Kalends of November, 1302.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Blockley to induct the said Wulfstan to the church of Daylesford. Dated 15 of the Kalends November, 1302.

Licence to Geoffrey de Northwyco, rector of the Church of Overbury, to absent himself from his church and the lights of the Blessed Peter and Paul, to visit the Roman Court. Dated at Worcester the 7th of the Ides of October, 1302.

Letter from the Dean of the Blessed Mary le Bow (de Arcubus) commissary general of the Court of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester remitting the purgation (exameri) in the suit in the Court of Canterbury between John de Hargmede and Walter de Blida concerning the chapel of Stratton super Fosse. Dated at London the I4th of the Kalends of November, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to the keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester to inquire whether the church of Newenton Juxta Guting' in the County of Gloucester is vacant or not, the Prior of Little Malvern having arraigned an assize of ultima prczsentationis against John de Feckenham keeper of the butchery of Worcester, and the said John says the same church is not vacant [2]. Dated at York 18 October, 30 Edward i. (1302).

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Henry de Hacton. Whereas at the Prior's visitation and elsewhere there appeared the vicar of Alveston and exhibited the title of his vicarage and his letters of orders which the rector of Hampton, he said, had called in question and as institutions and destitutions belong to the same Prior and in no wise to the same rector, the said Prior requests the said Henry

[1] See ante, p. 14.
[2] See ante, p. 13; post, pp. 28 and 30.

28 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

to go to the same rector and ask him to leave the same vicar in peace.

[Fol. 12] Reply of the Prior of Worcester to the writ of Edward I. concerning the church of Newenton juxta Guting', stating that the said church is occupied by the aforesaid John, keeper of the butchery of Worcester, by no presentation, and it has been so occupied from a time as is contained in a letter of the Bishop of Worcester, to wit from the 5th of the Ides of December, 1287. Dated at Worcester the 7th of the Kalends of October, 1302.

Licence to Drogo, rector of the church of Pyrton, to extend his time for three years to absent himself for purposes of Study. Dated at Worcester Sunday next following the feast of St. Matthew, 1302.

Letter from the Abbot of Persore to the Prior of Worcester asking that licence may be given to Andrew de Lega, rector of the church of the Blessed Peter the Great in Worcester, to absent himself for purposes of Study. No date.

Forms of letters of excuse, supplication, &c.

Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Official of Worcester, stating that at his late visitation in his metropolitan right he objected to Thomas de Stok incumbent of the church of Kemeseye because having the care of the church of Duntisburn and afterwards the vicarage of the parish church of Stanesdich at length obtained the church of Canmue (?), and was subsequently admitted to the church of Kemeseye contrary to many canons, upon which the archbishop commenced proceedings, whereuppon the same Thomas renounced the said church of Kemesey. Afterwards the king, hearing of the vacancy, presented Peter de Colingburn to the same church notwithstanding that proceedings were pending. The archbishop requires the Prior to look into the matter and do what he considers best. Dated at Limminge the loth of the Kalends of October, 1302.

Exemplification by Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, of the resignation by Master Thomas de Stok of the church of Kemeseye.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 29

Date of resignation Wednesday after the feast of St. Bartholomew, 1302. Date of exemplification the loth of the Kalends of October, 1302.

[Fol. 12d] Grant by John de Wykes, Prior of Worcester, and the Convent of the same place to Richard de Tonedebur', clerk, and John, son of Richard de Boreford, his nephew, of a messuage and land which William le Freman formerly held in Boraston, saving the rents, &c., of the lands which Robert de Boraston and Edith de la Barre hold. Witnesses: Robert Estormy, Walter de Clifford, William de la Hull, Adam de la Hull, Robert de Lodewirth, and others. Dated at Worcester Saturday the morrow of All Souls, 30 Edward I. (1302).

Bond by Richard de Tomedebur', clerk, to pay to the Prior of Worcester 8 marks. Witnesses: John de Sancto Brevell', Gilbert de Maddel', Adam de Cyrencestre, John de Bromesgrave, monks of Worcester, John Aubyn, clerk, John de Cerneye, and Nicholas de Bradewas, notaries public. Dated at Worcester the 3rd of the Nones of November, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to the Prior of Worcester to sequester the goods of Master John de Ebroyeis, parson of the Church of Tredynton, clerk, for a debt owing to Thomas de Sutham and Ralph de Leycestr'. Dated 13 October, 30 Edward I.

Appointment of Master Thomas de Teffont, proctor of the Prior of Worcester, in the suit in the Court of Canterbury between the Abbots of the Monasteries of St. Peter of Gloucester and St. Mary of Tewkesbury, on the one part, and the Prior of Worcester on the other, on account of visitation. Dated at Worcester the 6th of the Kalends of November, 1302.

Appointment of brother G. de M., monk of Worcester, and Master F. de Brad, clerk, proctors of the Prior of Worcester to borrow 100li, from certain merchants. Dated at Worcester the Kalends of July, 1302.

Memorandum that William, son of Guy de Cropthorn, was manumitted by Simon de Bello Campo on the 3rd of the Ides of November, 1302.

30 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Deans of the Christianities of Warwick and of Tredington that Henry called de Hambur' of Warwick, Thomas called de Leion (?) of Warwick, Gilbert le Senter of Tredington, and Robert Bouche of Tredington, having assaulted Hugh de Esebury, clerk, thereby incurring the penalty of the greater excommunication, being unwilling to punish them excessively, the said Prior commands the said Deans to cite the said persons to appear at the next consistory to show cause why the said sentence should not be pronounced against them. Dated at Worcester, the 4th of the Ides of November, 1302.

[Fol. 13] Return to a writ of the King that the church of Newenton super Waldani is not vacant but is filled by John de Feckenham, master of the Butchery of Worcester, by collation of Godfrey, late Bishop of Worcester, then patron. Dated at Worcester I3th of the Kalends of December, 1302.

Citation addressed to the Office of the Archdeacon of Worcester for the Prior and Chapter of Worcester to appear and show cause wherefore the presentation to the Church of Doderhull does not belong to the Archbishop, the said Prior and Chapter having presented thereto upon the neglect of the patron to do so. Dated at Lamebeth the I5th of the Kalends of December, 1302.

Protest by the Prior and Convent of Worcester setting out that they are possessed of the Church of Duderhill and protesting against the archbishop's claims to the same.

Letter from Walter [1], Bishop of Bath and Wells, to J., Prior of Worcester, as to the absence from his benefice of Bartholomew de Devyses. Dated at Dogemersfeld the I3th of the Kalends of December, 1302.

Writ of fieri facias de bonis ecclesiasticis addressed to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the Bishopric of Worcester to raise 6 marks, 6s. 8d., from the goods of Master Simon de Wymenham, parson of the church of Drymerston, which the said Simon owed to Richard ate Grene of Rugham (?). No date.

[1] Walter Haselshaw, elected 7 Aug. 1302-11 Dec. 1308.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 31

A like Writ sifieri facias addressed as above to raise 8 marks from the goods of Walter, parson of the Church of Wilwardinton, clerk, which the same Walter] owes to William de Stodleye. Dated 28 November, 31 Edward I.

Letter from W. [1], Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to the Prior of Worcester, asking him to show favour and cease distraining the lady Margaret de Parcheford. Dated at York 30 October.

Note that Nicholas, son of Richard le Wyte of Tedyngton, was manumitted by the hands of John de Hely; and Robert, son of Henry le Freynces of Schepiston by the hand of W. de Stok in the month of February.

[Fol. 13d] Letter from J. de Chaundes, Prior of Llanthony next Gloucester, to the Prior of Worcester to ask for his well beloved kinsman John Foun of Tuttelbur (?), before the justices for gaol delivery at Gloucester that he may be delivered to the Prior's prison. No date.

Licence to Gilbert de Foxleya, rector of the church of Little Compton in the diocese of Worcester, to absent himself from his church for two years for purposes of Study. No date.

Writ of venire facias for Elias de Brisragges, clerk, to appear and answer Ralph de Hengham of a plea of debt. Dated 28 November, 31 Edward I. (1302).

Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester to inquire as to the fitness of Robert de Elmham, presented to the church of North Pydele by Sir Henry de Segrave, Knight. Dated the 4th of the Nones of December, 1302. Note that the Prior did not make certificate, because Edmund de Grafton said that Henry de Segrave would bring the presentation before the Prior in a short time.

Letter from brother Richard de Bromwykes to John de Wykes, Prior of Worcester, sending a copy of a letter received by Laurence

[1] Walter de Langton, 1295-1321.

32 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

de Gloucestria, doctor of sacred theology, and William de Camme, Prior of Oxford, students at Oxford, from brother Adam de Hemingston, monk of Ely, who accompanied the Elect of Ely in his journey to Rome, stating that on the arrival of the Elect of Ely with his household in France, his household was dispersed, his horses seized, and his goods lost, but at length it pleased the Most High after many dangers to bring them together, with the exception of one of the household, without money, but well in body. On the 3rd of the Ides of October they, together with the Elect of Worcester and his household, entered Rome. After saluting the Pope and the Cardinals, the business of the Ely Election, on the Wednesday next following, to wit, the translation of the Blessed Etheldreda the Virgin, was propounded before the said Pope and the Cardinals. On which day the Elect of Worcester relinquished his right. On Saturday next following the matter was again discussed, and on the Monday it was committed to three Cardinals, Matthew Rubens, Leonardus Alanes', and brother Gentili. The Pope publicly sitting in the consistory after his sermon (pradicatio) made brothers William de Gaynesbur' bishop and pastor of the church of Worcester, and the Elect of Ely bishop and pastor of the church of Ely. The said Adam after the Consecration of the Elect of Ely hopes to return shortly. Dated at Rome the gth of the Kalends of November, 1302.

Appointment by John Brevel, proctor of the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, of T. de W. as his substitute. Dated at London, 9 Kal. Nov. 1302.

Order from the Prior of Worcester to the Deans of Worcester and Poywick to pronounce sentence of the greater excommunication on Sundays and feast days against all those who defamed A. de B., and to enquire who those persons were, and, if found, to cite them to appear before the Prior or his Commissary. Dated at Worcester the loth of the Kalends of November, 1302.

Writ of prohibition from Edward I. prohibiting the Prior of Worcester from admitting any person to the church of Budebrok, as to the right to the advowson of which there is a dispute between Ralph de Hengham, Canon of the church of the Blessed Mary

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 33

of Warwick, and Master William de Apperle, Dean of the same church of the Blessed Mary of Warwick. Dated at Westminster 5 November, 30 Edward I. (1302).

[Fol. 14] Portions of Peter's pence (denari Beati Petri) of the Bishopric of Worcester which the Bishop of the same place received yearly

In the Deanery of Worcester . . 40s.
In the Deanery of Poywyk . . . . 29s. 6d.
In the Deanery of Wych' . . . . 24s. 10d.
In the Deanery of Kydermestr' . . 26s.
In the Deanery of Persor . . . . 24s. 4d.
In the Deanery of Warwyk . . . . 7li. 10s 5d.
Sum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14li. 15s. 8d.

Exemptions of the same Archdeanery.
In the Deanery of Blockel' . . . . 6s.
In the Deanery of Tredinton . . . 6s.
In the Deanery of Hamton . . . . . 3s.
In the Deanery of Stratford . . . 6s.
In the Deanery of Alnechyrch . . . 3s.
In the Deanery of Hertlebur' . . . 2s.
In the Deanery of Flodebur' . . . 3s.
In the Deanery of Aston Episcopi . . 7d.

Sum of Exemptions of the Archdeanery of Worcester.
Sum 39s. 7d.

Deanery of the Blessed Peter of the Archdeanery of Gloucester.
In the Deanery of Gloucester . . 35s.
In the Deanery of Stonhyng . . 39s.
In the Deanery of Wynchecombe . . 54s.
In the Deanery of Campedem . . 37s.
In the Deanery of Stonwa . . . 36s. 11d.
In the Deanery of Fayreford . . . 33s. 6d.
In the Deanery of Cyrencestr' . . 31s.
In the Deanery of Darsl' . . . 47s. 2d.
whereof 40s. is paid by the hands of Lord T. de Werkes'
In the Deanery of Hanekes' . . . 33s.

34 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

In the Deanery of Bucton' . . 17s. 11d.
In the Deanery of Bristoll . . 10s. 2d.
and 1d. is uncertain on account of the borough
Sum 17li. 15s. 3d.

Exemptions of the same Archdeanery.
In the Deanery of Westbur' . . . 3s.
In the Deanery of Wythyndon . . 3s.
In the Deanery of Bebur' . . . . 6s.
In the Deanery of Clyve . . . . 2s.
Sum of exemptions of the Archdeanery of Gloucester 14s.

Sum of the sums total of Peter's Pence in the Bishopric of Worcester 34li. 2s. 7d. Whereof the Bishop of Worcester pays to the court of Rome by the year 10li. 3s., and so there accrues to the same Bishop of Worcester every year from the same Peter's pence of his diocese 24li. 7s. 7d.

Writ of fieri facias to distrain Walter de Berton, John de Staneweye, Master John de Redboruwe, executors of the Will of Godfrey, late Bishop of Worcester, to answer William de Persora, chamberlain of the Exchequer, of 10 marks which they owe of the debts of the deceased. Dated at York 14 December 31 Edward I. (1302).

Licence to Master Wulstan [de Wigornia], rector of the church of Dalesford, to be absent from his church for seven years for study. Dated at Worcester the 11th of the Kalends of January, 1302.

Grant to Adam de Pyrye, citizen of Worcester, and Gunhilda Peet, his wife, and the survivor of them of a corrody, from the cellarer of the Priory of Worcester, one loaf of the monks and two flagons of the better ale, and from the kitchen, as well on meat days as fish days, one dish of the monks. Dated the Kalends of January, 1302.

Grant of a corrody to Robert de Humelton, citizen of Worcester, and Agnes, his wife or the survivor of them, as the buyer (eptor) of the monastery of Worcester was accustomed to receive. Dated at Worcester the Kalends of January, 1302[-3].

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 35

Memorandum that Hugh Teverey did homage to John de Wykes, Prior of Worcester, at Wodehall, on Wednesday next after the feast of St. Hilary, 31 Edward I. for his lands in Shepiston. Dated at Wodehall.

Declaration that the executors of the late Bishop intend to hold a solemn anniversary.

Letter from the Abbot of Malmesbury to the Prior of Worcester asking him to hasten the business of Walter de Malmesbury, clerk [1].

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Master Peter de Pyriton asking for his advice concerning the appropriation of the church of Doderhull [2]. No date.

[Fol. 14d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, asking him to confirm to the monastery of Worcester the appropriation of the church of Doderhull, which Godfrey Giffard, late Bishop of Worcester, gave to them. No date.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Master Robert de Gloucester, chancellor of the church of Hereford, requesting him to urge the archbishop to grant the above. Dated at Worcester the 13th of the Kalends of February, 1302 [-3].

Letter from the Abbots of Westminster and Malmesbury, presiding in the General Chapter of the Benedictine order of the Province of Canterbury, to the Abbots of Wynchecomb and Persor [3], commanding them to warn the Prior and Convent of Worcester to re-admit brother John de Dumbelton [4], as a monk of their church, and to a stall in the choir and a place in the chapter and in the dormitory, refrectory, and forbidding the Prior, sub-prior, cellarer, sacristan, chamberlain, precentor and kitchiner, under pain of the greater excommunication, to neglect this order. Dated at Deneham the morrow of St. Thomas the Apostle, 1302.

[1] See ante, p. 6.
[2] See ante, p. 29, and post, p. 49.
[3] Pershore.
[4] See ante, p. 2.

36 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Memorandum that in the octaves of Holy Innocents, 1302, brother John de Dumbelton was admitted monk in the Chapter of Worcester.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Worcester enjoining him to excommunicate all those persons who persued a certain Richard called Kaye, a clerk, seeking the immunity of an ecclesiastical liberty, into the crypt of the Cathedral church, and to enquire who the delinquents were and cite them to appear before the Prior or his commissary to receive canonical punishment for their ill-doings. Dated at Worcester the Kalends of February, 1302[-3].

[Fol. 15] Memorandum that Richard Cay, Clerk, of Worcester, on the day {post prandium de Magna Ecclesia) went to drink at the house of the Goldsmith in the cemetery. Immediately it was perceived by his keepers there, they fortified the gate towards the cemetery, so that egress was denied him. In the mean time, by advice of the bailiffs and others of the vill, they ill-treated him, and put him in irons. At length, as agreed between them, he abjured the realm. Note the bailiffs of Worcester were then Richard de Colys and Adam de Pyrye.

Licence to Master Richard de Stanewya, rector of the church of Waston upon Avon, to absent himself from his church for study for 5 years. Dated at Worcester the 6th of the Kalends of February.

Writ from Edward I. to the keeper of the Spiritualities of the Bishopric of Worcester that whereas the Abbot of St. Augustine of Bristol holds the church of Berkele from which there is a pension of five marks payable to the Bishop, and although the said Abbot had paid the same pension to Humphrey de Walden, Keeper of the Bishopric, yet the same keeper of the Spiritualities impleads the said Abbot in the Court Christian for the same pension. It is therefore commanded that the said keeper of the Spiritualities supersede his said plea. Dated at Odiham, 31 Edward I.

Letter from the Abbot of Westminster to the Prior of Worcester asking that whereas the collation of the chapel of Daylesford by

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 37

lapse of time belongs to the same Prior that he will confer it upon William de Evenolode, chaplain [1].

Bond by Nicholas de Warwick, lord of Folebrok, in all his lands and possessions to indempnify the Prior of Worcester from all damage and expense if the same Prior will proceed with his cause in the Consistory Court of Worcester against John de Hercy of Pillardington for defamation, notwithstanding that the King has forbidden the same cause to proceed. Dated at Warwick the i8th of the Kalends of February, 1302 [-3].

Memorandum that on Monday the vigil of St. Agatha the Virgin and Martyr, 1302 [-3], Henry Fuke, Roger de Stynyntone, Simon de Solers, David de Presthemede, made profession before John de Wyke, then Prior of Worcester, in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin. Form of profession follows.

Certificate that Robert de Forhampton, clerk in holy orders, is of good fame and honest conversation. Dated at Worcester the 6th of the Ides of February, 1302 [-3] .

Letter on behalf of Robert de Bluntesdon presented to the church of Neuwenton upon Codeswolde by the King.

Memorandum that Roger, son of Alice Molendinarius of Bradwas was manumitted by Master J. de Bradwas.

[Fol. 15d] Letter from W. de Geynesboruwe Bishop of Worcester, to the Prior of Worcester that he has been delayed by many causes from coming to them. Praying that when his commissary shall come to them for the disposition of the spiritualities and temporalities the prior will assist him. Dated at Wyndeshore 5 February in the first year of the said Bishop's consecration. This letter was received on Wednesday after the feast of the Purification by the hands of Gilbert de Maddeleya, then sacristan of Worcester. The Bishop came to London on Tuesday before the Purification for the first time and performed mass for the King at Wyndelishore on the day of the Purification.

[1] See ante, p. 14.

38 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to William, Bishop of Worcester. He rejoices in the arrival of the Bishop in England and to London, and desires him come to his manor of Wythyndon upon Wald. States that they are indebted to Henry, the almoner of the King of England, in a sum of money whereof 60li. is due within fifteen days and they are unable to pay it. The Prior sends 20li. to the Bishop for his expenses by Walter de Wikes, brother of the Prior, who will tell the Bishop verbally of their undoubted fidelity.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Henry de Bluntesdon almoner of the King of England, that he and his convent will transmit the 60li. owing, as soon as they are able.

Memorandum of the manumission of Henry, son of Walter Ch's (sic), of Clyua Prioris by the hand of J. de Dumbelton on the 12th of the Kalends of April, 1300.

Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the official of Worcester, stating that whereas W., Bishop of Worcester, has made canonical profession to the Archbishop, it is commanded that the same Prior do deliver up the spiritualities and temporalities of the said see to the Bishop, saving to the Archbishop the decision of all matters in the diocese commenced before the date hereof. Dated at Lambeth the 7th of the Ides of February 1302 [-3] [1]. Commission from W., Bishop of Worcester, to Master John de Rodboruwe and Master Robert de Sutton, clerks of the rectors of Hertelbur' and Durseleya to exercise full power in all matters in the diocese touching canonical obedience. Dated at London 6th of the Ides of February in the first year of the Bishop's consecration. These two letters were received on and of the Ides of February in the Prior's chamber. Present, Master J. de Rodboruwe, Master J. de Buterleya, Master H. de la Lee, Master R. de Suttone and Master J. de Bremesgraue, A. de Cyrencestr', then chaplain, and Nicholas de Bradwas, notary public.

[1] Printed in Thomas, p. 84.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 39

Here ends the jurisdiction of brother John de Wyke, Prior of Worcester, during the vacancy of the see.

[Fol. 16] Letter from Edward I. to the Prior and Convent of Worcester asking them to give a corrody to his servant John [of Bromsgrove [1]] le Traior, the bearer, who has well and faithfully served him. Dated at Windsor 4th February, 31 Edward I.

Letter to the same effect from J. de Drokenefford. Dated at Windsor 6th February.

Notification from the Prior of Worcester to the Archbishop of the appointment of John de Bradwas, the Prior's clerk, as his proctor, to account to the Archbishop, or his commissaries, for the account of the Archdeacons and their officials and the other expenses of the diocese during the vacancy of the see according to the composition between Boniface late Archbishop and the Prior and Chapter of Worcester. Dated at Worcester 7th of the Kalends of March, 1302.

Account of brother J. de Wike, Prior of Worcester, of the receipts of spiritualities in the bishopric during the vacancy of the see from the day of the Purification, 1301, to Tuesday after the octaves of the Purification, 1302.

Received from the deaneries of Warwick and Kynton - of the summer account 8li. 3s. 4d. - of the winter account 4li. 17s. 4d.

From the deanery of Powyk - of the summer account 51s. 4d. - of the winter account 49s.

From the deanery of Kyderminstr' - of the summer account 67s. 4d. - of the winter account 39s.

From the deanery of Wych - of the summer account 74s. 8d. - of the winter account 37s. 4d.

From the deanery of Persore - of the summer account 72s. 10d. - of the winter account 43s. 4d. From the deanery of Worcester - of the summer account 38s. 8d. - of the winter account 15s. 10d.

Sum 37li. 10s.

[1] p. 43.

40 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

From the deanery of Dersleye - of the summer account 50s. 10d. - of the winter account 33s. 8d.

From the deanery of Camped' - of the summer account 77s. 2d. - of the winter account 51s.

From the deanery of Wynchecumb' - of the summer account 78s. 8d. - of the winter account 34s.

From the deanery of Cyrecestr' - of the summer account 58s. - of the winter account 34s.

From the deanery of Stonhouse - of the summer account 56s. 4d. - of the winter account 42s.

From the deanery of Stouwe - of the summer account 51s. - of the winter account 47s. 8d.

From the deanery of Hauckesbur' and Bictton - of the summer account 56s. 8d. - of the winter account 48s. 4d.

From the deanery of Bristoll - of the summer account 39s. 4d. - of the winter account 39s. 8d.

From the deanery of Feyreford - of the summer account 39s. 6d. - of the winter account 26s. 6d.

From the deanery of Gloucester - of the summer account 44s. 4d. - of the winter account 19s. 6d.

Sum 46li. 8s. 10d

And from the church of Douameneye in part of four marks - 40s. The remainder (5s. 4d.) is paid as the tenth of these four marks granted as a subsidy to the Church of Rome.

From the church of Bebur' 48s. in part of four marks - The remainder as tenth aforesaid.

From corrections and profits in the Sum 4li. 16s. visitation - 12li. 5s. 8d.

From various emoluments and profits - 13li. 7s. 5d.

Sum 25li. 13s. 1d.

Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to ]., Prior of the same place. He thanks him again for the help which he sent because he was very unworthy of it, as do all those going back from the Court in which flourishes the best medicine for their closed purses. Accepts his excuse touching the money of Sir Henry Raiam (?). He is hastening to free himself from the merchants of London, and proposes to direct his steps towards the bishopric some day in the first week

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 41

of Lent. It is certainly a great hardship for him to be in London on account of expenses and other reasons which he will mention in their next conversation. Will let him know where and when they can meet. Dated at London on Quinquagesima Saturday. "De officio die Cynerum pro penitentibus v [1] eas committo".

[Fol. 16d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Richard [2], bishop of Hereford, asking him to ordain the bearer, Walter de Sancto Germano, deacon, their clerk, on this present Saturday "quatuor temporum". He is of good and honest conversation. No date.

Letter from Geoffrey called de Northwyc at Rome to J., Prior, and Convent of Worcester. I do not write to you again of the confirmation of the appropriation of the church of Duderhull, because your petition had been handed over to the Archdeacon of Worcester [3], who promised to promote it. He has done nothing yet, although he has been many times urged to it, and he must now be urged not by words, but by presents, as is usual. I hope that, except in this, money will not have to be spent. I do not press this, and your other affairs, less than my own and Master Ralf your proctor presses it on with all diligence. Robert de Douebrigg, lately your proctor in this Court, did nothing himself in the audience but put in his place Master Adam de Kyrkeby, now proctor of the bishop of Worcester, who now demands from them good pay according to the custom of the Court. Because he has been proctor for two years, and his salary remained unpaid, he hindered from being signed certain letters to be sent to you. I promised Kyrkeby that on his return he should be satisfied. I have had difficulty in getting passed to the seal the letter which I will send concerning the power of absolving monks and converts excommunicated for violent laying on of hands. I will procure the other letter when I have an opportunity and will send or bring them to you. A constitution has been lately published on the affair of the Bishop of Durham and his prior and chapter quite opposed to the Prior of Worcester and his composition, where it provides that the bishop shall only enter for spiritualities, as if condemning such compositions and customs. I am well and doing my business earnestly. I hope with the help of the Cardinal and Penitentiary to obtain what is wanted. The Cardinal wrote to the Archbishop to say that he

[1] Torn.
[2] Richard Swinfield, 1283=1316.
[3] Cardinal F. Neopolitano.

42 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

would not interfere with me whilst doing my business. I ask you (the Prior) to look after my affairs in my absence, and to receive the oath of my brother John who has been created notary. He may be of service to the Pope. The Archdeacon will not lessen the amount of the farm, saying that he could get more for it from others, which I do not believe. I have had no answer yet touching the instruments which Thomas de Seggesboruwe left there (sic) what the Prior mentioned touching the appropriation of the Archdeaconry, is not to be thought of without great expense, for such a man as the Archdeacon would not dare to promote an affair of this kind. I will press the matter more when I have an opportunity. Written at Rome on the Feast S. Hilary, 1302.

After this letter was written, the bull as to the power of absolving was released from the contradiction of Master Adam de Kyrkebi. A certain Latin, Thomas de Trinio, rose in place of Master John de Butterleg' and shewed a transcript of his proxy. He asked for his salary and contradicted the said letters so that they could not be sealed ("ac dicte littere contradixit ita quod bullari non potuzt") and therefore I do not now send it ("earn") to you, and now we are at litigation concerning the salary, before the auditor contradictorum, to whom I have sent a large present, and hope that the bull will be freed from the exaction of that salary. The said Thomas wishes it taxed at sixty golden florins, but I am certain that, if it be taxed, the auditor will tax it at twenty-four florins at the least, and then no letters from you will during his life reach the audience until he is fully satisfied according to the taxation. The confirmation of the ordination of the vicarage and of the church is favourable and is to be read before the Pope. This letter was received on the feast of S. Oswald in February, 1302.

Letter from G. called de Nortwyc to J., Prior of Worcester. I arrived in Rome on Saturday before the feast of S. Thomas the Apostle. The Bishop of Worcester, and a Bishop elect [1], had left the city, but I did not see them as they travelled by different roads. I have learnt that the Pope is indignant with the Bishop of

[1] Ely, see ante, p. 30.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 43

Worcester. [A sentence has been erased, ending "inirabiliter oblocuntur"]. Your petition touching the confirmation of the church of Doderhull has been put into the hands of your Archdeacon who has promised to promote it. The Archdeacon is hard to deal with touching the farm and I believe that Master Ralf will tell you the same. The Court is very holy nowadays. On the Saturday aforesaid, the Pope created two cardinals, viz. Sir Peter, a Spaniard, who has been his referendary, and the minister general is of the Friars Minors, and on the Tuesday following, another cardinal suddenly dropped down dead before the Pope, in his chamber. There is no more news, but if you do not pay the money which you owe me without delay, I shall be unable to proceed in my other affairs. Thanks concerning my boy and my horse. Sir John Lemoygne, cardinal, has been sent to France to restore peace between the King, the Flemish, and the Roman church. Written at Rome on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (1302).

Grant by the Prior and Convent of Worcester, at the request of Edward I., of a corrody of one loaf of a monk's, and one draught of good ale, daily, to John de Bremesgraue, called le Treour. Dated in the Chapter of Worcester the Kalends of March 1302.

Acknowledgement by John de Bremesgraue, called le Trayour, that the aforesaid corrody had been granted him. Same date.

Writ from Edward I. to the Sheriff of Worcester to admit John Louet to one messuage and one virgate and a half of land in Stocton and La Louwe; he having recovered seizin thereof from Philip de la Louwe before the King's justices at York. Witness, R. de Hengham. Dated at York, 7 February, 31 Edward I.

[Fol. 17] Register a, 1303. A. de Cyrencestr, chaplain.

Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to J., Prior of Worcester. Proposes, if he can leave London, to set out for the bishopric on the second Sunday in Lent, travelling by Reading and Oxford, which he will leave on his right, and so proceed towards Horton [qy. Chipping Norton]. Does not know at present exactly what places he must go through. Hopes to meet him if possible, in which

44 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

case, he asks him to bring the register of his predecessor in the bishopric. Dated at Elteham, 3rd of the Kalends of March.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Sir Rogger de Hauckesbur', Rector of Morton Bagot, asks him to come to Worcester, about Primes, on Thursday next, without fail, to treat of important matters touching the monastery. No date.

Memorandum that brother J. de Dumbelton had been admitted to all grades in the monastery, viz. in the choir, chapter and elsewhere, on the 6th of the Ides of March, 1302; and that his admission was certified to the executors, viz. the Abbots of Wynchicumbe and Persore on the Nones of March. Sealed with the Prior's seal. Dated at Worcester on the Nones of March, in the year abovesaid.

Memorandum that on the vigil of S. Gregory, in March, 1302, Emma, wife of the late Robert de Bella Aqua, received as her dower in her manor of Prior's Clyve, SDJ. yearly. No date.

Letter from Robert de Gloucester, chancellor of Herford, to the Prior and Convent of Worcester. Having heard from his clerk, Master Adam de Orleton [1] that they have promised a yearly pension to Adam's brother, Master Thomas, thanks them and asks them to give him letters for a pension suitable to his position. Dated at Stebbhuth, on Saturday, the Feast of S. Thomas.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury. Reminding him of his promise to help the monastery which at his visitation he found so oppressed by debt that they had scarcely enough food; and asking for a confirmation of the appropriation made by Godfrey, their late bishop, of their church of Doderhull. Dated the Vigil of the Annunciation in March, 1302.

Writ from Edward I. to the Sheriff of Worcester to summon the Prior of Worcester before the barons of the Exchequer at York in the quinzaine of Easter to answer to William de Wodeston for 100li. for which William had put himself in pledge to the King for Ralf de Bui mere late parson of Tuneworth, executor of Ela de

[1] Afterwards the celebrated Bishop of Hereford.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 45

Lungesper deceased, of the debt of Ela: Ralf's goods having come into the Prior's hands as diocesan upon Ralf's death intestate. Witness, J. de Insula at York, 25 February, 31 Edward I.

Bond of the Prior of Worcester to John de Wytechurch in 10li. sterling payable in the quinzaine of Michaelmas next, Dated at Worcester, on the day of the Annunciation, 1303.

Bond of Maurice Babe of Wych to John de Wyke, Prior of Worcester, in 10/2. sterling payable as above. Same date.

(At foot of page). Et fuerunt iste obligaciones fc [1] Bachecot-f.

[Fol. 17d] Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to the Prior. Cannot come to a decision as to his inthronization without the counsel of the Prior and Convent and asks them to give credence to the bearers his clerks. Dated at Kyngwod 6th of the Kalends of April anno consecr. I.

Letter from William, Bishop of Worcester, to John, Prior, and the Convent, asking them for help in a case which the bearer will explain. Dated as above.

These letters were received on the eve of Palm Sunday, 3rd of the Kalends of April, 1303. They were brought by Master Richard de Leycestria, Master John de Rodboruwe, Master John de Staneweye, brother John de Begymham and brother Nicholas de Welleford, then warden of the Friars Minors of Worcester, and others. Letter from the Prior and Convent of Worcester to William, Bishop of Worcester. His letters brought the day before by the above named bearers (Nicholas de Welleford is not mentioned here) and by Symon called Ranel, and G. de Hambur', have been read and discussed in chapter. The bearer, Stephen de Wytton, subprior, for whom they desire credence, will answer them by word of mouth. Dated in the chapter of Worcester 4th of the Nones of April, 1303.

[1] torn.

46 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to J., the Prior, complaining of their answers to his requests for help for his inthronization, as they do not mention a distinct sum, and asking them to tell him by the bearers exactly what help they will give as the time draws near, and much time has already been spent in fruitless deliberation. They have not always given this help, but he is more closely connected with them than were former bishops, and they need have no fear of creating a precedent because what is done from kindness cannot be so construed. Dated at Bristol, Good Friday, 1303, anno consecr. I. Answered on the part of the Prior by Master J. de Bradwas without letters.

Certificate from J., Prior of Worcester, to Simon, Bishop of Salisbury [1], that John de Donchett, clerk, presented by him to the bishop is suitable for the benefice of Compton juxta Wytehors in the diocese of Salisbury, he having known the said John from his boyhood; he is a free man and of lawful birth, and has lived in the diocese of Worcester from a tender age. He is without defect in person or in learning, and being approved by the ordinary, was canonically admitted to the church of Lench, in that diocese, more than a year ago. Dated at Worcester the Ides of April, 1303.

Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester. The Prior and Convent of Kenelworth having shewn him that Master Robert de Sutton, appointed by Godfrey, late Bishop of Worcester, collector of the tithe for the repulsion of the Scots, has received Sit. of this tithe due from them, as appears by his acquittances, which Bit. has been repeatedly demanded from him, the Prior of Worcester is to compel him to pay it, if necessary, by ecclesiastical censure. Dated at Orsecte, the Nones of April, anno conscr. 9.

Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to the Prior and Convent asking them to be present at his inthronization in the cathedral on Sunday the octaves of Holy Trinity. Dated at Wotton loth of the Kalends of May, anno consecr. I p[2].

Writ from Walter, Bishop of Worcester, to the official of the Archdeacon to summon rectors, vicars, and others in the Arch-

[1] Simon de Gaunt, 1297-1314. [2] This entry is "bound up".

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 47

deaconry of Worcester not admitted to orders, to Worcester Cathedral on Saturday "quatuor temporum" after Ash Wednesday, when he intends to confer orders. Dated at London i6th of the Kalends of March, 1312, anno consecr. 5.

[Fol. 18] Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to Sir Peter de Leycestria, baron of the Exchequer, asking him to allow the ministers of the church to administer the goods being small, of Ralph Bolmer, rector of Toneworth, which had fallen into his hands, as ordinary, on the sudden death of the rector intestate during the vacancy of the see, Sir Peter having hitherto hindered the administration. No date.

Letter from the Prior and Convent of Worcester to the King. Wishing him success in his campaign against the enemies of the country. He cannot fail, having the help of St. Wulfstan, their patron saint. They intend to admit three monks as soon as the king keeps his promise to them. No date.

Memorandum that on Friday after the feast of S. Mark in April, 1302, Sunday letter F, the Prior appeared before the Archbishop of Canterbury, who on the Saturday following declared the church of Duderhull to be vacant, notwithstanding the appeal, as appears by the letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the same Prior and Convent. Although by the process heard before the said Archbishop, touching the church of Duderhull, it is by right in his gift, he allows the said Prior and Convent in this instance to present it to the brother of Gilbert de Middeltone, their clerk, whose name Gilbert will tell them. Dated at Sathwelde 2nd of the Kalends of May, 1303, anno consecr. 9. Received on the day of the Invention of the Holy Cross the same year.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Master G. de Myddelton. They have considered his letters and wish to provide for his brother, but by a certain provision their power in making presentations is limited so that his brother's position will not be secure. Asks him to give credence to the bearer and to discuss with him what is best to be done. No date.

48 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Advice for G. de Myddelton, by G. de Northwyc and J. de Buterleg, clerks. Because, by a provision touching the presentation of benefices belonging to the Prior and Convent, the executor has lately made prohibitions and reserved collations to benefices of this kind for himself, and afterwards issued monitions, protestations, interpositions of decree and sentences of excommunication, therefore if your brother had the church by presentation you would be involved in such sentences, and neither your state nor that of your brother would be safe, because then it could not be denied that it belongs to their presentation, and so the provision with reservations and decrees will hold its place. And therefore it seems safer that the Archbishop should confer the benefice on him, and we will allow your brother peaceful possession of the said church, saving a pension of 100s. which the Prior and Convent have been accustomed to receive from of old. You should act so that the Archbishop remits the fruits of the church during the vacancy. No date.

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to R., Archbishop of Canterbury. Has received his letters touching the presentation of the church of Duderhull, and considers that the affair effectually and finally concerns Master G. de Middelton, to whom they are sending one of their brothers for information, which he will report to the Archbishop.

Nicholaus de Coderugge, cook, carried this letter to the Archbishop, the day of S. John before the Latin Gate, the year abovesaid. Letter from the Abbot of Eueshammye [1] sent by Master R. de Gloucestr' to [the Archbishop of Canterbury] writes on behalf of the Prior of Worcester, touching the case of the church of Dodurhull which will come into his court. No date.

[Fol. 18d] Letter from G. de Middelton, clerk, to the Prior of Worcester, asking credence for the bearer, Master Roger de Sancto Johanne, who will give information touching certain things about which brother N. de Coderugge has spoken to the writer on behalf of the Prior. No date.

[1] Eveshara.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 49

Letter from G. de Middelton, to the Prior of Worcester. His Lord is troubled and suspects that the Prior means one thing and says another in his letters of credence. He has feared this himself knowing that fallacies often underlie such letters. To the three articles proposed to the writer by brother Nicholas, his lord answers that he will never consent to the appropriation, as it did not please the Prior to present, although he had treated him considerately in this matter, he wished to confer it on him himself and has done so by his right. As to the fruits received, he will put this off until he sees how the Prior behaves to him in these and in other things. The writer has appointed the Prior executor, to admit his brother to the church, and in doing this, and in other things touching the position of his said brother, the Prior should take advice and help. The letter of a yearly pension which he had received from the Prior he returns by the bearer, Master Roger de Sancto Johanne, who carries also letters of credence. No date.

Writ from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester, to induct John de Middelton, acolite, into the church of Doderhulle, the collation of which belongs to the Archbishop, in the presence of four neighbouring rectors. Dated at Pycerwell, 5th of the Ides of May, 1303, anno consecr. 9.

Memorandum that on the eve of S. Dunstan's, 1303, Sunday letter, F, 31 Edward I., Master Henry de la Lee inducted, on behalf of the Archbishop, John Middilton, by his proctor, Master Roger de Sancto Johanne, into the church of Dodurhull, and so it (the church) departed from the use of the convent, viz. on the 15th of the Kalends of June.

Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to the Prior and Convent. He has heard with surprise that the Archbishop of Canterbury has revoked the appropriation of the church of Duderhull given to them, as it is said, by the writer's predecessor, and wonders that they have so long concealed the matter from him and have not asked for his advice or help. The collation falls into the writer's hands by lapse of time, if the sentence hold good, and in order to prevent worse evils, which might follow if the church were provided for by another, he has conferred it on a certain man belonging to the Convent who

50 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

will restore it at their will and his order. He asks them to accept the collation and to allow their clerk to take peaceable possession. Dated at Lyncoll', the feast of the Ascension, anno consecr. I.

Letter from the Prior and Convent of Worcester to the Bishop. Reminding him that they have not concealed from him the Archbishop's conduct touching their church of Duderhulle, appropriated to them by Godfrey, the last bishop, but asked his advice and help in the matter when he was with them at Horton. The Archbishop has declared the collation of the church to have fallen into his hands by lapse of time, from which sentence, as unjust, they have appealed to Rome, and have fixed a time for the trial. Notwithstanding this the Archbishop has conferred it on a certain John de Myddelton, clerk, who was inducted and has been in possession for some days. They intend to prosecute their appeal, and would prefer one of the bishop's clerks to hold the church. Dated at Worcester, octaves of the Ascension, 1303.

[Fol. 19] The Dean of Arches, official of the Court of Canterbury and Commissary General to the Prior of Worcester, appointed official in the city and diocese of Worcester during the vacancy. Remitting to the Prior liberty to do his duty in a cause concerning an excommunication between the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter's, Gloucester, complainants, and the Prior of Worcester, defendant, notwithstanding the inhibition made in the Court of Canterbury in the said case. Dated at London 6th of the Kalends of April, 1303.

The Dean of Arches, &c., to the Prior of Worcester. Similar letter relating to a like cause between the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury, complainants, and the Prior of Worcester, defendant. Same date.

The marginal heading against these two letters is as follows. "Letters of the Dean of London by which it appears that the "Abbots of Gloucestr' and Tewkesbury are excommunicated be- "cause they did not admit the Prior in his visitation".

Memorandum that on Sunday, the octaves of the Ascension, viz. on S. Dunstan's day, John de Dreycote, clerk, was beheaded between Dreycote and Kemeseya in the highway by the reeve (prepositus)

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 51

of Kemeseya and his villeins of Kemeseya and Dreycote by order of Geoffrey de Hembur, then the Bishop's bailiff. They placed the head before the Bishop's gate there by day and night, not taking it to the castle according to custom. At length they saw that they had done wrong, took the head to the body and raised hue and cry. Inquisition having been made by the coroner, the head was buried with the body in the cemetery of Kemeseya. And so the sheriff and coroner indicted all of the manor except six, and the steward, A.D. 1303.

Memorandum that in the octaves of the Ascension, roth of the Kalends of June, in Worcester cathedral, between vespers, an appeal was made by brother J. de Bremesgraue as to the collation and induction into the church of Duderhulle, and the next day he appealed concerning the collation of W., Bishop of Worcester. An appeal was made against the Archbishop. In the same way the sentence against the Abbots of Gloucester and Tewkesbury was published in the octaves of the Ascension aforesaid.

Writ from J. de Rodboruwe, clerk, commissary general of W., Bishop of Worcester, to the Dean of Worcester. He has received the following letter from R., Archbishop of Canterbury to the official of Worcester. Ordering him to summon the Prior of Worcester, who was the Archbishop's official in the city and diocese of Worcester during the vacancy of the See for a year and more, to appear before the Archbishop four days after the feast of Holy Trinity to account for the revenues during the vacancy. Dated at Pritewelle 3rd of the Ides of May, 1303, anno consecr. 9. He asks that letters patent may be given to the bearer certifying the execution of this order. Dated at Hembur' nth of the Kalends of June the year abovesaid.

Confirmation by John, Prior, and the Convent of Worcester of a quitclaim by Godfrey, Bishop of Worcester, to Master Henry de Hampton upon Avon, physician, for his life of all the suits which he has been accustomed to do at the Bishop's Court of Hampton, and Hundred of Pathclouwe for one virgate of land which he held of the bishop in the said town of Hampton by service of 4s. yearly. Dated at Alnynech on the feast of St. Nicholas, 1301, and confirmed in the chapter on St. Hilary's day in the same year.

52 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Present confirmation dated in the chapter 5th of the Kalends of June, 1303.

Notification from J., Prior of Worcester, to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, that he has appointed brother John de Bremesgraue, monk, and John de Bradewas, clerk, as his proctors to account to the Archbishop or his deputies for the revenues of the diocese during the vacancy of the See, according to the agreement between Boniface, late Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prior and Convent of Worcester. Dated at Worcester 3rd of the Kalends of June, 1303.

Letter from Henry de Bluntesdon, Archdeacon of Dorset and Almoner to the King, to J., Prior, and Convent of Worcester. He has lent to the Bishop of Worcester 100li. towards the expenses of his enthronization, begs the Prior to pay the Bishop the money as soon as possible, so that the Bishop may repay it before the feast of St. Peter ad vincula, if they do not he shall have to take other means.

Account of the Enthronization of W. de Geynesboruwe [1]

On the Vigil of the translation of St. Edmund VI Ides June, Bishop W. de Geynesboruwe slept at Kempsey, and Brother John de Wyke, Prior of Worcester, dined with him there on that day. The Bishop told the Prior he would not continue his journey to Worcester on the morrow for his enthroning unless the Prior came to Kempsey. The Prior of his special favour came, although it was contrary to custom for him to go further than one mile from Worcester. The Bishop was enthroned in the year 1303, 31 year of Edward, son of King Henry. Littera Dominicalis F. Luna XI. on the day of the translation of St. Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the holy martyrs, Firmin and Filicianus, on the second June, in the following order. The Prior came in the morning to Kempsey with the Sacristan, Chaplain and other Monks and his servants, and told the Bishop it was time to go. The Bishop assented and stated that he desired to be enthroned if it could be done before the third hour, on account of the heat of the day and the crowd of people. Forthwith he was met by the Abbots of Evesham, Pershore, and

[1] Printed in Thomas, p. 87, in part.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 53

Tewkesbury, and other officials, and by the Bishops of Hereford and Llandaff and various Archdeacons, and by Sir Thomas de Berkeley and Sir Hugo de Veyr. Sir Thomas acted as seneschal for the occasion, and it was estimated that more than 70 horsemen met the Bishop. The first procession met the Bishop at Red Hill. The second procession of the Friars Minors met the Bishop at the hospital of St. Wlstan (the Commandery). Then the Bishop got down and took off his shoes. Master Regg. de Bondone was there ready on behalf of the Archdeacon of Canterbury, and took from the Bishop his palfrey and saddle; he also took his capant et capellum pyleum betas caligas pedules. He also claimed besides the cup x marcs for his expenses, and he was not satisfied. But the Bishop enquired if his predecessor had done more than this, or if such was the custom. Standing with bare feet the Bishop entered the cemetery at the steps outside the Prior's gate, and went into the Convent and put on his robes according to the usual custom. The Bishops and other officials also robed and followed as soon as they could from the press of people, and begun the chant sint lumbi. The Bishops with the Monks went into the Cathedral believing the Bishop would come with them, but he did not. For, in accordance with the old custom, the Bishop went to the Church of St. Michael, put on his vestments, and so entered robed through the choir and went to the altar and knelt (super sedile). Having prayed he got up, went to the altar, kissed it, and offered there three pieces of gold cloth, and from thence gave his first benediction; he then turned to his stall, without the choir, where he should be enthroned, the Prior following him with the Bishops and other officials. Then Master Regg. de Bondone read his commission from the Archdeacon of Canterbury in these words, the Bishop and the others meanwhile standing: "J., Archdeacon of Canterbury, to our well-beloved in Christ, Master Regg. de Bondone, greeting. By the tenor of these presents we empower you on our behalf to enthrone or install the venerable father in God, W., by the grace of God Bishop of Worcester, by the authority of the Court of Canterbury for us in our name in the aforesaid church of Worcester, and to do on our behalf all and singular what should be done by us upon the enthronization or installation as if we were present, and also to demand and receive in our name in respect of such enthronization and installation whatever belongs to us by law and custom. In testimony whereof

54 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

we have caused our seal to be affixed. Given at Hathefeld 4 Kal. Junii anno Domini 1303". As soon as the commission was read, the said Regg. using these words said, "By virtue of the commission given to me I enthrone thee", and then made the Bishop sit down for the first time in the Cathedral. Thereupon the Bishop of Hereford began to chant with the Monks "Te Deum Laudamus," and then followed the usual prayers. Then for the second time the Bishop gave the Blessing, this time from his throne; afterwards he went into the vestry, washed his feet, put on his sandals and celebrated the Mass of St. Wlstan. Having finished the Mass he granted to all who heard it a six days' indulgence, and then entered the Bishop's Palace for a meal. All this took place in the octave of the Holy Trinity the v of the Ides of June.

On the next day matters of the order having been discussed in chapter, he [the bishop] entered with a clerk and the people, the Prior forewarning him when he ought to enter. First he preached on the text, "We are one body in Christ", and after the sermon told the people and the Friars Minors to leave. All having gone out except his clerks and the clerks of the Convent, he spoke of temporalities and principally of the church of Duderhull, which was appropriated to the Convent shortly before, as appears by a process on a previous folio, how the Archbishop injured the convent. The Prior asked him in the presence of his clerks and of the convent, to confirm the appropriation anew, and he answered that he would consider it. These and other things having been treated of, he ordered the clerks to go out as is always done when matters of the spiritualities or of the order are to be considered. He then discussed the election by the convent, how the Elect resigned his right into the hands of the Pope, and how the Pope conferred the bishopric on him. After this he went to the Bishop's palace where the Prior lodged with him for two days. He fed the convent in the refectory and misericorde on the first day, and nonetheless those who eat with the Prior these two days. The Bishop went to Kemesey after breakfast (prandium} on Monday and afterwards confirmed boys at the Friars Minors. In the chapter he talked in like manner of the Archdeacon of Worcester, how the collation (of Dodderhill) could be referred to the Court of Rome, and how the convent ought to be bound by their seal in court. Having finished the discussion of all matters in the Chapter he kissed all the convent in the chapter in

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 55

turn, as is the custom, and so the bishop with his clerks left the chapter with his esquires who attended him, and led him to his own palace, and so the process of his enthronization was finally ended. Day and hour abovesaid, and in the octaves of Holy Trinity.

Letter from the Prior and Chapter of Worcester to W., bishop. Asking that William de Grymel, their precentor, may make proclamation of those to be ordained at the ordination to be held at Kyderminisster on the eve of Holy Trinity, it having been the custom in the diocese of Worcester, time out of mind, that the precentor should have this office. Dated at Worcester, 3rd of the Kalends of June, 1303.

Letter from the Prior and Chapter of Worcester to Sir Henry Bluntesdon, Archdeacon of Dorset and Almoner to the King. He is not to be troubled because they have not paid him in full. They have a treaty with the bishop as to the money given towards his enthronization, to pay 50li. before the feast of S. Peter ad Vincula, and the remaining 40li, before Christmas, No date.

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