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

PART II.

From the Death of Bishop Ginsborough, September, 1307, to the Confirmation of Bishop Walter Reynolds, December, 1308.

Printed for the Worcestershire Historical Society,
BY JAMES PARKER AND CO., OXFORD.
1894.

INTRODUCTION.

THE present part of the Sede Vacante Register extends from the Enthronization of Bishop Ginsborough in 1303 to the election of Bishop Walter Reynolds in 1308. It contains matter of even greater general interest than that which appeared in Part I., and also entries the importance of which, so far as relates to the Diocese, cannot be overrated. As was stated in the first part, the entries arc not arranged in order of date, so that there is a good deal in this part that relates to, and should, in chronological order, have been comprised in the former, and the entries up to page 35 [1] of the original register, although included in this, really belong to the first part, for instance, the letter from John de la Wyke, informing Edward I. of Bishop Giffard's death, and asking for leave to elect a new Bishop, the copy of the King's Licence to elect, the notice that the 25 March was fixed for the election, the order for the recall of absent Brothers, should all have come in on pages 1 and and 2, instead of where they now are on page 71.

Following the same arrangement as in the introduction to the last part, the subjects will be divided into (i) matters of general interest; (2) local; and (3) miscellaneous matters. The chief matters of general interest in the present part are

I. The entries as to the dispute between the Archbishop of Canterbury and Theobald de Baroducis, Treasurer of York, touching the church at Pageham, in the Diocese of Chichester [2]. Rodolph de Mallinges appears to have been instituted to the Rectory of Pageham. Theobald de Baroducis, Treasurer of York, claimed the right to the church as having been presented to it by way of provision by the Abbot of S. Michael's, in the Diocese of Verdun. As the Archbishop instituted his own man, de Mallinges, the Abbot excommunicated and suspended both of them [3]. It does not appear under what power or authority a French Abbot excommunicated and suspended an English Archbishop; an Appeal followed to the

[1] p. 80.
[2] p. 60.
[3] p. 61.

iv INTRODUCTION.

Pope. The Pope directed the Bishops of Salisbury, Lincoln, and London to grant an inhibition when and as they deemed expedient, and appointed Oneriorius de Thebiis, dean of Melden, his chaplain, auditor, with power to absolve the Archbishop and de Mallinges from the excommunication. De Thebiis, having heard the evidence, granted absolution, and ordered the Bishops publicly to proclaim it. [1] This they did. The Archbishop wrote to the official of Worcester, sending him copies of the documents, and informing him the sentence of excommunication had been revoked. The proceeding is curious; by what right the Abbot of a foreign monastery could excommunicate and suspend an English Archbishop it is difficult to see.

A summons by the Bishop of London, by direction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, ordering all deans, precentors, chancellors, treasurers, archdeacons, priors of cathedral churches, in all dioceses in the Province of Canterbury, to appear to consult on divers matters, at the New Temple, London, on the morrow of the Ascension, by two Proctors for each chapter, except Welsh chapters, which were only to send one [2], is interesting, as shewing that the Welsh dioceses seem to have been regarded as to some extent inferior to the others in the Province of Canterbury. This form of summons, originally devised by Archbishop Peckham in 1283, was to an assembly which became the Convocation of the Province of Canterbury [3].

The question of Taxation comes prominently forward in the entries in this part. They begin with a letter from the Abbot of Evesham to the Prior of Worcester, calling attention to the fact that Edward I. had issued an edict to tax the goods of temporal and ecclesiastical persons, which tax it was not lawful to pay, on account of apostolic prohibition [4]; the Bishops forbidding payment, and excommunicating those paying, the Abbot thereupon asks for the Prior's advice. The Prior's reply is ingenious; as the higher prelates and other religious persons of the Province of Canterbury had refused to pay the fifteenth, he had hitherto abstained from paying it and intended to do so until he found it expedient to do otherwise [5], that is, until compelled by the King.

On the accession of Edward II. a parliament was held at

[1] p. 61.
[2] p. 74.
[3] Stubbs, Const. Hist. II. 198.
[4] p. 75.
[5] p. 7.

INTRODUCTION. v

Northampton in October, 1307. The Clergy granted the King a fifteenth, and in order to raise it, in December the King issued a writ to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester [1]reciting the grant, directed the Keeper to elect certain persons to collect the fifteenth in the Diocese of Worcester, and to order the collectors to pay one moiety of it into the Exchequer before Lady-day, and the other before Midsummer day [2]. In the beginning of January, 1307, the Prior appointed John de St. Brivaels and John Stratford, monks of Worcester, to be collectors of the fifteenth [3], and issued an order to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester, directing him to warn all Abbots, Priors, Masters, and Preceptors, of whatever order they were, and whether exempt or not, and all Rectors, Vicars, portioners, and others of the Clergy, to pay one moiety of the fifteenth before the 24 February, the feast of the Blessed Matthias [4]. The fifteenth was to be calculated on the taxation of the tithe then current in the Cathedral Church of Worcester. This taxation was in all probability the taxation begun for the Province of Canterbury in 1288 and finished in 1291, in accordance with the King's writ on the occasion of Pope Nicholas IV. granting to Edward I. the tenth of all ecclesiastical benefices for six years to assist in paying for an expedition to the Holy Land. This taxation, usually called Pope Nicholas' Valor, formed the basis upon which all taxes on the Clergy were calculated, from its date until the 26 Henry VIII., 1535. The taxation for the Diocese of Worcester by it was £736 6s. 6d. [5], which was supposed to represent one-tenth of both spiritualities and temporalities. It does not appear to have been so easy a thing to get paid 500 or 600 in those days. The Prior prepared forms of receipt [6], but they do not seem to have been much needed, for when St. Matthias' day came very little had been paid up. The Prior issued an order requiring those who had not paid, to pay before the 12 March, the feast of St. Gregory, on pain of the greater excommunication [7]. On the 16 March the King issued a writ to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the See of Worcester, on account of the Scotch war and other matters the collection of the fifteenth was to be carried out effectually; if necessary, to be collected by ecclesiastical censure, so that the moiety might be paid by the 26 March without delay or difficulty [8]. The Prior made

[1] p. 129.
[2] Ib.
[3] p. 130.
[4] p. 129.
[5] Record edition, p. 239.
[6] p. 130.
[7] Ib.
[8] Ib.

vi INTRODUCTION.

a return to the writ that the collectors had been already warned to do this under pain of excommunication [1]. Notwithstanding, some did not pay, for in April the Prior ordered the Archdeacon to excommunicate and place under an interdict the Churches of those Abbots, Priors, and others who had not paid [2]. This is all we find relating to the first moiety. In June the new Bishop, the elect of Worcester, wrote to the Prior, granting him power to compel the payment of the fifteenth under ecclesiastical censure [3]. The Prior thereupon, as collector, wrote to the sub-collectors, giving them power to collect, levy, and take charge of the money of the fifteenth, and appointing them his Proctors and Attorneys [4]. On the 25 August the Prior wrote to the Official of the Archdeacon, directing him to give notice that the second moiety of the fifteenth must be paid under pain of ecclesiastical censure [5]. On the 9 November the Prior ordered the Official to publish the excommunication of, and to lay under an interdict, the Churches of those who had not paid [6]. This does not seem to have produced the money, so on the 9 December the Bishop wrote to the Official, John de Rodeberwe, giving him, in order that it might be executed, a writ dated 30 November, whereby the King ordered that, having commanded the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester, the See being vacant, to appoint certain persons to collect in the Diocese the fifteenth granted to the King at Northampton, and pay over the same at times then past, and a large part of the fifteenth being still in arrear, the collectors should be distrained by their benefices, and compelled to pay the same arrears [7]. On the 13 February the Prior, as collector of the fifteenth, by the Bishop's authority, ordered the Archdeacon's Official to publish the excommunication, with due solemnity, of those who had not paid the fifteenth [8]. The Prior also gave a commission to one of the sub-collectors, John de Stratford, to absolve those who had been excommunicated for not paying the fifteenth. There still seems to have been great difficulty in getting in the arrears, for in June, 1311, it was not all paid, and in that month a writ was sent to the Sheriff, ordering him to distrain the Prior and Convent of Worcester, the collectors within the Bishopric of Worcester of the fifteenth lately granted by the Clergy in the Parliament at Northampton, to appear before the Barons of the Exchequer and render an account of the

[1] p. 130.
[2] Ib.
[3] Ib.
[4] Ib.
[5] p. 131.
[6] Ib.
[7] Ib.
[8] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. vii

fifteenth [1]. At last on the 21 July, 1312, the morrow of St. Margaret the Virgin, John de Stratford rendered an account of the fifteenth for the Bishopric of Worcester to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer, and the same is inserted in the Great Roll of the Exchequer. The total sum for which he accounted was £490 12s. 2d., and he was allowed £10 for costs of collection [2]. It would therefore appear that it took nearly five years to collect just under 500 from the clergy of the Diocese.

On the 30th October, 1307, Edward II. wrote to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the See of Worcester, requiring him to cause funeral services, with the chaunting of Masses and other "ecclesiastical suffrages", to be celebrated for the soul of his father, by all religious persons and other clergy of the Diocese, that by their prayers Edward I. might be able the quicker to enter the celestial kingdom and eternal blessedness [3]. On the death of Edward I. the Prior ordered the Archdeacon to enjoin all abbots, priors, and other religious persons, deans, rectors, vicars, chaplains, and others within the ambit of the Archdeaconry of Worcester to solemnly celebrate in their churches the service of the dead with the singing of Masses for the soul of Edward I [4]. Notwithstanding the royal letter, no similar order appears for the Archdeaconry of Gloucester. Whether the entry of the order has been omitted, or whether it was not made, is not clear; but as Edward had been a particular benefactor to Worcester, it might well be that the Masses for his soul were confined to that archdeaconry, although ordered to be read throughout the Diocese. But it is curious why, if it is so, there should be a special, not a general order for prayers for the soul of the King throughout the Diocese.

A writ dated the 28 Oct., 1307, to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the See of Worcester, requires prayers to be offered up by the religious and others of the clergy of the Diocese for the preservation of the kingdom and other lands subject to the King in prosperity and peace, that the King may, under God, rule and defend them by the command of God to the honour, profit, and quiet of himself and of the same kingdom and lands [5]. Following on this the Prior on the 17 November, 1307, ordered the Archdeacon of Worcester to enjoin the execution of this writ on all religious persons, rectors, vicars, and chaplains of parishes and all others

[1] p. 132.
[2] Ib.
[3] p. 12.
[4] Ib.
[5] Ib.

viii INTRODUCTION.

within the Archdeaconry of Worcester in the churches every day, especially on Sundays and festivals [l].

The most important matter of general interest during the vacancy of the See of Worcester is the statement of the reasons by Edward II. why the Convent should at once proceed to the election of a Bishop. It is not, as a rule, to Edward II. that we look for the statement of constitutional principles, but here he lays down clearly the ground on which the existence of the independence of the Anglican Church is based. In its present form these reasons do not appear to have been previously published. The circumstances that led to the statement are as follows. William de Gynesborough had been sent on a mission to France by Edward I, and died at Beauvais on his return to England [2]. As soon as his death was known, the Prior sent two monks to the King to ask for leave to elect a new Bishop [3]. On the 17 October, 1307, Edward II. granted the licence to elect [4], and on the same day sent by Sir Hugh le Despenser a letter to the Prior, recommending Walter Reynolds, the King's former tutor, who was the Lord High Treasurer of England, for election [5]. Soon after the King's licence was received, the Convent heard a rumour that the Pope intended to reserve to himself the See of Worcester, and shortly after the Convent received from the Pope, Clement V., a letter reserving to himself the ordination and provision of a fit person for the See of Worcester [6]. On Edward hearing of this, fearing the reservation might in the future prejudice his rights in the English Church, he directed a writ to the Prior to hasten the election before they received any official notification of the reservation [7]. On the 30 October the King wrote to the Prior, stating that having granted the leave to elect, and hearing that they delayed the election whereby great loss might occur to them and their church, he ordered them without further delay to proceed to the election of their future Bishop [8]. On the 6 November the King wrote again to the Prior on Reynolds' behalf, and also sent a statement of reasons why the election should be hastened [9]. These reasons state that ever since there were Bishoprics in England the Kings of England have conferred them as freely as they now give prebends in their free chapels. Although John granted and Pope Innocent confirmed free election to cathedrals,

[1] p 27.
[2] p. 103.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 104.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.
[7] Ib.
[8] Ib.
[9] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. ix

John reserved to himself and his successors the succession, and retained the patronage of the Bishoprics and the gift of all things during the vacancies. The King has to be asked for a conga d'elire before any election can be made, and has the absolute right of rejecting the person elected, for such person may be a traitor and enemy of the King, or of the realm, or a foreigner. The King has never given up anything that concerns his temporality and the right of his crown. So the Pope cannot confer Bishoprics in England, nor make reservation of them, as the matter concerns lay patronage, nor can he give a single church of lay patronage, and this has been the custom for time whereof the memory of man runs not to the contrary. [1] This statement defines exactly the position the English kings took up. A bishop was a Baron, and as such one of the King's councillors. Neither the Pope nor anyone else had a right to force on the King or the kingdom a Lord of Parliament, a Councillor of the King without his assent. The King, and the King alone, had the right of saying who should or who should not sit in the House of Lords. He could not admit the right of any one to put upon him an alien or a traitor against his will.

Whether this document has ever been published before is not certain. It is not mentioned in Rymer, nor can it be traced in any of the contemporary writers. It is of considerable importance, as stating the view of the Plantagenet Kings with regard to their position as to the election of Bishops. It fully admits the right of the Pope in spiritual matters, but it denies his right to interfere in matters of property or government in the realm of England. The result of the King's letter was to hasten on the election. On the 15 November the election was held in the Chapter House "by way of compromise [2]". The Chapter obviously not liking to incur the reproach of electing a stranger, delegated all the power to the Prior, thereby throwing on him the odium of electing an outsider, or of refusing to obey the King's orders. The Prior, "after due devotion and deliberation with thoughtful spirit", at last selected Walter Reynolds, the King's nominee [3]. This election was unanimously approved by the Chapter, and duly published. The Sub-Prior was at once sent off to London to acquaint Reynolds with his election, and to pray his consent to the same [4]. The Sub-Prior left Worcester

[1] p. 106.
[2] p. 107.
[3] p. 108.
[4] Ib.

x INTRODUCTION.

on the Tuesday, and making all haste reached London on the Sunday [1]. Something under 40 miles a day was then considered good travelling. On going to Reynolds' house he found he was out of London, and would not return till the Wednesday [2]. On that day the Sub-Prior went again, finding Reynolds had returned, at an interview with him asked his consent to the election. Reynolds replied, "he dare not answer so arduous a matter over hastily, but would do so as soon as he was able [3]". The Sub-Prior left him until the next day, when Reynolds received him with "an astonished countenance", and said he had not yet deliberated on it. The Sub-Prior came again on the next day Friday, urging the necessities that a church void of a Bishop suffered, and tried to get Reynolds' assent [4]. But the elect told him that he had by right time allowed to deliberate and answer, and ordered the Sub-Prior to go home, and after deliberation he would send for him when he was ready to return an answer. The Sub-Prior went home, and took counsel with Reynolds' servants, waited a fortnight, and then came again, and was told that Reynolds would accept the See [5]. The elect had obviously been trying to serve God and Mammon; he wanted the Bishopric, and did not want to offend the Pope, and in the form of his acceptance of the See he expressed this with an astuteness that did him credit. He begins by saying he will obey and observe the Apostolic commands, and if he should do or consent to anything to the contrary it was to be taken for no deed and no consent. Although men of light opinion had said the Pope intendtd to provide a Pastor to the Cathedral Church of Worcester without the election of the Prior and Chapter, he did not believe it, and it had never come formally to his or the Prior's notice [6]. So he consented to take the See. The Prior at once wrote to the King, informing him of Reynolds' election, asking his consent to it, and also to direct the administrators of the Archbishopric of Canterbury to consecrate Reynolds [7]. (Archbishop Winchelsey had not returned from exile, and the See was sequestrated.) The King at once wrote to the administrators of the Archbishop, and the Prior appointed the Sub-Prior, Proctor, to present Reynolds to them and to proceed with the matter, and wrote to them, sending all the formal documents to prove the validity of Reynolds' election [8]. Reynolds now

[1] p. 108.
[2] Ib.
[3] p. 109.
[4] Ib.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.
[7] p. 110.
[8] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. xi

seems to have been afraid to go on with the matter, or rather desirous to arrange a compromise. For fear of the reservation and inhibition, a note on the register says that the election was not further proceeded with [l]. The King wrote to the Pope on behalf of Reynolds [2], and also to the Cardinals, recommending Reynolds as a fitting Bishop for the vacant See of Worcester [3]. On this the Pope acted, and, by a Bull dated February, 1307, stated that although he had been led to reserve the Bishopric, intending to provide a fit person, yet as Reynolds had refused his consent, expecting to be certified of the reservation, and as the King had written on Reynolds' behalf, and as he appeared to be a fit person, the Pope made him Bishop of Worcester [4]. Another Bull in February to the Prior and Convent informed them of this, and ordered them to be attendant and obedient to Reynolds [5]. In April the two Bulls were published in the Cathedral at Worcester [6]. The publication of the Bulls could not have raised the opinion of the Prior and Chapter as to the truthfulness of their new Bishop, whatever it may have done as to his astuteness. The documents shew that he first formally consented to the election, and then declares to the Pope that he refused to be elected. Unless this is an instance of the care of the Papal authorities to make all the documents prove their case, whatever the facts might be, Reynolds was playing one game to the Pope and one to the King. His subsequent conduct shewed that this was a part he was by no means incapable of playing.

The election is, however, instructive, as it brings out another instance of the way the Papal Court kept up its authority. In Ginsborough's case the Pope set aside the duly elected candidate and put a creature of his own into the See. Here he had to accept the elected candidate, but while he does so he is careful to make it appear that he is master of the situation, that he does it at the King's request, and that it was in his power either to do it or not, as he thought best. Read in the light of the Papal documents, both the elections of Ginsborough and Reynolds go to prove the Pope's rights it may be almost said his admitted rights to confirm or reject any candidate for an English See, or to nominate whoever he liked to the place. It is only when

[1] p. 111.
[2] Rymer's Feed., Rolls Ed. ii. 15.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 111.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.

xii INTRODUCTION.

all the entries as to the election are examined that it is seen that at least this election of Reynolds was a compromise, and that neither party could really rely upon it as an instance of the assertion of their rights, as neither the Pope wished to quarrel with the King the great question of the Knights' Templars being then a burning one nor the King with the Pope, as he wanted the Papal support in his dealings with the Barons. Each was glad of a compromise.

The register contains some mention of the quarrel between Edward I. and Archbishop Winchelsey, and of the Archbishop's exile. Edward I. died in 1307; the Archbishop was then in exile. The Pope proposed that some Cardinal should crown Edward II. The King, however, requested him to appoint the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of London and Durham to do it. Edward had already applied on the 16 Dec., 1307, for the Archbishop's restoration. In the Register is the entry of a letter from the Pope to the Archbishop stating that he inclined to his petition, and being unwilling to impede him in his office, at the King's coronation revoked all letters which he (the Pope) had directed to any one touching the matter [1]. On the same day the Pope wrote to the Archdeacon of Arenns and Peter Almamui, who were then representing him in England, that having suspended the Archbishop of Canterbury from administering the spiritualities and temporalities of the Church of Canterbury he had now restored the Archbishop to the administration of the same [2], and the Pope issued a formal Bull to that effect [3]. The Archbishop being restored to power and not able to attend the Coronation, appointed the Bishops of Winchester, Salisbury, and Chichester to represent him at it. While still at Poitiers in 1307, the Archbishop appointed the Prior of Canterbury Vicar-General of the Province of Canterbury [4], and the Prior of Canterbury, as such Vicar-General, appointed the Prior of Worcester to be his official in the City and Diocese of Worcester during the vacancy of the See [6], thus giving official sanction to the acts of the Prior. The appointment is dated on the 16 February, but the Prior had been acting from the month of October. The election of Bishop having taken place, and the Prior having applied to the administrators of the See of Canterbury to proceed with the election, it does not seem that this question of authority was raised as an objection to the Prior's acting during the vacancy.

[1] p. 96.
[2] p. 97.
[3] Ib. 4.
[4] Ib.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. xiii

II. The chief matters relating to the Diocese are the efforts made by the Worcester House to enforce its right to visit the other Houses in the Diocese during the vacancy of the See; the election to the Headship of the House of Cirencester and the Nunnery of Whiston; the institutions to the various benefices in the Diocese.

As to Visitation, Tewkesbury was the first place on which the Prior made the experiment. On the morrow of St. Gregory, 1302, the Worcester Prior visited Tewkesbury and had resistance there [l]. Against this visitation the Abbot and Convent appealed [2]. On this the Prior of Worcester excommunicated the Abbot, Prior, sub-prior, sacristan, precentor, cellarer, kitchener, chamberlain, hostilar and infirmarer [3]. Against this excommunication the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury appealed [4]. The Prior wrote to the Archbishop praying him to preserve the lawful jurisdiction, and to the Dean of Winchcombe stating that as the Abbot and others of Tewkesbury had by their disobedience incurred the sentence of greater excommunication, the Dean was ordered to cite them to appear in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Bristol, the Wednesday before 25th March [6]. Against this sentence of excommunication the Tewkesbury House appealed [6]. The official of the Archbishop of Canterbury then inhibited the Prior of Worcester proceeding with the excommunication of the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury, and cited the Prior to appear in the Church of St. Mary of Bow [7]. Similar proceedings took place in the case of the Abbey of St. Peter's, Gloucester. On the 3rd day after the feast of St. Gregory the Prior visited Gloucester and had a second repulse [8]. A protest was read at the abbey gates [9]. The Prior issued a monition to them to permit him to visit them in the chapter [10]. On their failing to do so he excommunicated them. The Abbot and Convent thereupon appealed to the Archbishop [11]. The Dean of Cirencester promulgated the sentence, and the Prior cited the Abbot to appear before him in the parish church at Winchcombe, and to answer certain interrogatories [12]. The Abbot did not appear, so the Prior declared him to be contumacious [13], but was prevented going further by the inhibition of the official of the Archbishop, who cited the Prior to appear in the Church of St. Mary le Bow, London [14]. The two great

[1] p. 62.
[2] Ib.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 63.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.
[7] p. 69.
[8] p. 62.
[9] p. 63.
[10] Ib.
[11] Ib.
[12] p. 64.
[13] Ib.
[14] p. 69.

xiv INTRODUCTION.

Benedictine Houses of Tewkesbury and Gloucester seem always to have resented the claim of the Worcester House to visit them, but with others the Prior was more fortunate. Winchcombe agreed to admit the Worcester Prior to visit them. The Canons at Llanthony admitted the Worcester Prior, who entered the Chapter and fed there. Cirencester objected, admitting the Prior's right to visit but alleging the inexpediency of any visitation at the time, as within two years they had been visited by the Bishop of Worcester, and within one by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and twice a year was too often for a visitation.

While the Worcester Prior was so fond of visiting others he had also to submit to a visitation. The Abbots of Westminster and Malmesbury, the presidents of the General Chapter of the Order of St. Benedict for the province of Canterbury, appointed the Prior of Shrewsbury and the Sub-Prior of Bath visitors for the Diocese of Worcester [1], and the visitors notified the Prior of Worcester of their intention to visit his home on the 30 April. But a short notice was given, for the letter was dated 19 April. The Prior himself began a visitation in June, 1307. He first visited the Worcester House. He then sent his deputy to visit the Abbey of St. Augustine, Bristol, but they were refused admission, as the Prior ought to have come personally. The proceedings are detailed at great length. The Abbot appealed to the Courts of Canterbury and Rome and was successful, but the Prior of Worcester, the Register says, made an error in the presentment, so the Abbot, by the multitude of his witnesses, succeeded in his defence, but litigation went on in the Court of Canterbury on the principal issue [2]. Not daunted by the want of success at the great Bristol House the Prior's deputies went on with the visitation in Bristol. The Brothers of St. Mark admitted the Prior's deputies and paid the fees [3]. The Brothers of St. Bartholomew admitted the deputies, but on account of their poverty were not called on to pay [4]. The Priory of St. James admitted them, paid the fees, and gave them food and drink [5]. The House of St. Mary Magdalene admitted them but paid nothing on account of poverty. The Prior of Horseley refused admittance. The Worcester Prior excommunicated him. An appeal was brought from the excommunication to the Court of Canterbury, but the Horseley House abandoned the appeal, admitted the Prior's right to visit them,

[1] p. 78.
[2] p. 120.
[3] Ib.
[4] Ib.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. xv

received his deputies, and gave them meat and drink [l]. The Abbey of Cirencester refused admission [2]. The Worcester Prior went personally to the priory of Stodleye and was admitted, receiving meat and drink [3]. The Worcester Prior's proctors then went to Tewkesbury and were admitted, the fees paid, part of them were remitted to be given in charity [4]. The priory at Beckford was personally visited by the Worcester Prior, who was admitted, and the fees were paid [5]. The Priory of Deerhurst, which was a cell to the Abbey of St. Denis, was passed over on account of an immunity, the Prior alleged [6]. Little Malvern was visited by the deputies of the Prior, and they were admitted [7]. The Prior personally went to Winchcombe and was admitted, and received meat and drink [8]. On going to Gloucester the Prior was refused admittance on the ground of shortness of notice, inability to get the attendance of all the brothers at the visitation, and the unsuitableness of the time, the vigil of Palm Sunday, when the monks were occupied with Divine service [9]. In spite of these reasons the Prior warned the Gloucester monks to admit him, and as they would not, excommunicated them [10]. This sentence of excommunication was given to the Dean of Gloucester with orders to publish it in every church, collegiate and parish, throughout the town of Gloucester and neighbourhood on Palm Sunday and the two following Sundays [11]. The Gloucester House at once appealed to the Court of Canterbury, and got an order inhibiting the Prior from proceeding with his excommunication, (1) because they had a special privilege only to be visited by a Papal Legate, the Archbishop or Bishop of the Diocese; (2) because two years had not elapsed since the late Bishop of Worcester visited the House; and (3) because the Prior's right had ceased on Reynolds having been made by apostolic authority Bishop, the See was full and the Prior had no authority [12]. On receipt of the inhibition the Prior sent to the Dean of Gloucester revoking the order he had given as to the sentence of excommunication and its publication [l3]. The Prior denied the allegation of the Gloucester House, and relied on the agreement with the Archbishop Boniface M. The Archbishop wrote to the Prior proposing the whole matter should be left to him. The Prior consented and submitted to the decision of the Archbishop, who having formally cited the Prior gave sentence that the

[1] p 120.
[2] p. 121.
[3] Ib.
[4] Ib.
[5] Ib.
[6] Ib.
[7] Ib.
[8] Ib.
[9] p. 122.
[10] p. 123.
[11] Ib.
[12] Ib.
[13] p. 124.
[14] Ib.

xvii INTRODUCTION.

Worcester Prior during the vacancy of the See has had and ought to have the right to visit the monastery of St. Peter, Gloucester [1]. So the Worcester Prior triumphed and established his right, but beyond doing this he does not seem to have done much more, for in 1313 the Abbot of Gloucester again, in spite of the sentence refused the Prior admission, and excommunication against him and his house was again pronounced [2]. At the visitation at Stodleye the Prior found out matters requiring amendment. The Prior of Stodleye in the correction of the brothers and rebuking their excesses, was told to have more care than he was wont to do, for some of the Brothers sent out the remains of the food to the detriment of alms; that the time of religious service should also be more properly observed by more strictly keeping silence according to the rule of St. Augustine [3]. Cirencester still claimed to be free of the Prior's visitation, and on being cited to appear in the Cathedral at Worcester and shew their privileges, failed to appear. The Prior determined to proceed against the Cirencester House, and do what canonical sanction dictated [4].

Such was the visitation contest the Prior of Worcester kept up, both to maintain the dignity of his house and to increase his revenue. It must be said that on the whole he carried on this contest successfully. It is somewhat curious why all the energies of the Prior were directed to the religious houses in the Archdeaconry of Gloucester. Little Malvern seems the only exception among those mentioned. It may well be that the great Worcestershire Houses, like Pershore and Evesham, had special exemptions from visitation, and that Great Malvern also escaped as a cell to St. Peter of Westminster. Bordesley and Hayles were Cistercian Houses, and were therefore not liable to visitation, and it is probable that the other Houses in the Worcester Archdeaconry had for some reasons freedom from visitation, otherwise the Worcester Prior was so exacting in asserting his rights they would hardly have escaped. The religious Houses must have hated visitations from any one; besides the cost, which was large, it could not have been pleasant to have to entertain persons who were determined to find fault, and it is not to be wondered at that Houses of equal rank and size to Worcester, like Gloucester and Tewkesbury, should resist it. The account of Stodeleye given

[1] p 125.
[2] p. 126.
[3] Ib.
[4] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. xvii

here shew how determined the Prior was to find a reason for his visit. The whole narrative of the contest gives a very striking picture of the times and the struggles of the different Houses for power and independence.

If the Worcester House could not maintain her claim to visit the Monastery of the Canons at Cirencester, she obtained her opportunity on the death of the Abbot of that House to assert her supremacy, the supremacy of the Benedictines over the Canons. The Abbot of Cirencester having died in the autumn of 1307, on the second Sunday in November, the monks assembled in the Chapter House to elect his successor. The feast of St. Brice was fixed for the election. On that day the monks being assembled in the Chapter House, and all "who ought, would, and could being present", notice was given for all excommunicated, interdicted, or suspended, to retire [1]. The Prior then asked the monks which of the three forms of election they would adopt - compromise, when the right to election was delegated to a committee or an individual; scrutiny, when voting took place for each candidate in the regular way; and inspiration, when the electors, as if inspired, at once unanimously agreed upon some individual. The monks chose scrutiny, and scrutineers were duly appointed. William de Cornwell the Almoner was appointed to make comparison of the votes, or in modern language, to be the returning officer. The scrutineers withdrew to one corner of the Chapter House, and secretly asked the monks one by one for whom they voted [2]. The result was that Adam de Brokenberg, the Chamberlain, was found to have a majority of votes. The Almoner then published his election. The elect gave his consent, "being unwilling to resist the divine will [3]". There were 40 Canons in the Convent; 20 voted at first for the Chamberlain; then 3 who had voted against him changed their minds, came over and voted for him: Adam being elected the King's assent was signified. The Abbot elect appeared in Worcester Cathedral for confirmation. The Abbot produced the decree of his election, and other documents relating to it. The confirmation was proposed; then witnesses were called to prove what had taken place, and all the documents relating to the business were produced. The correctness of the proceedings was sworn to, and all was found to be in order [4]. The notice that any one who

[1] p. 98.
[2] p. 100.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 101.

xviii INTRODUCTION.

desired to oppose could attend at Worcester and do so was read, and it was proved no one came forward to oppose. The formal renunciation of the rival candidate was read. The Worcester Prior then proceeded to give sentence. He stated "that the power of making an Abbot for Cirencester belonged to him, and that the election was invalid and void, but as Adam de Brokenberg was a discreet man, esteemed for learning, of virtuous habits and actions, of lawful age, a priest born of lawful wedlock, professed in the order of the rule of St. Augustine, in the Cirencester Monastery, circumspect in spiritual and temporal matters, the Prior made and provided him as Abbot of the said Monastery [1]". This was obviously an attempt by the Worcester House to shew its power over Cirencester. Although the election seems to have been perfectly valid and lawful, yet the Worcester House wanted to shew its power; as the Cirencester House would not be visited, it should at least in this case admit its inferiority to Worcester. Worcester, a Benedictine House, had the right, the sole right, as it here asserted, of electing, making, and providing an Abbot for the Augustine House. As the Pope claimed the right of appointing a Bishop for the See of Worcester, and to set aside any legal election for that purpose, so the Worcester Prior claimed precisely the same right in regard to the election to the headship of the religious Houses in the Diocese, if the election happened during a vacancy of the See. But it was one thing for a Bishop to have the right of control over any religious House; it was a totally different thing for a rival Monastery to assert it, and, as here, to maintain it. The Prior at once wrote to the King praying him to shew to the new Abbot the same favour as he had done to his predecessor [2]. He also wrote to the Abbot [3], committing to him the administration of the spiritualities of the Abbey, and issued to him a license to receive benediction from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury [4]. The Abbot then made his profession of obedience to the Worcester House, and the form of it shews how although the Worcester Prior was master of the situation, yet the Abbot reserved to himself, if he thought it necessary, the means to evade his obligations. It states that "he will be faithful to the Church of Worcester, to the Bishop of Worcester for the time being, and if no Bishop, to the Prior and his successors and their officials [1]

[1] p. 102.
[2] Ib.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 103.

INTRODUCTION. xix

in all canonical commands. That he will not in deed or design be privy to anything to the prejudice of the Worcester House, but will disclose it, and will be a supporter of it saving the rights of his order [1]". These last words, salvo ordine meo, words which led to the contest between Henry II. and Beckett, practically reduced the profession to a nullity; for instance, the right of visitation the Abbot would be bound, in spite of this profession, to resist, as it was in prejudice of the rights of the Augustine Canons. Having obtained the profession of the new Abbot, the Prior issued an order to the Archdeacon of Gloucester to install Adam de Brokenberg, whom the Prior had made Abbot of Cirencester on the death of the last Abbot, and to enjoin the Prior and Convent of Cirencester to admit the said Adam with due reverence and be obedient unto him [2]. It is impossible on reading over this account of the election to avoid feeling how much the monks of the different religious Houses must have dreaded an election of any of their Abbots during the vacancy of the See. If thus it befell Cirencester it is not hard to imagine the fate of Gloucester or Tewkesbury if fortune only gave the Worcester Prior the opportunity.

One other election took place during the vacancy, that of a Prioress to the Nunnery of Whiston near Worcester. Agnes de Bromwych, the Prioress, died in June, 1308. The Sub-Prioress, Lucy de Solers, wrote to the Bishop, Walter Reynolds, that considering the smallness of their possessions, which compelled the nuns to beg to the scandal of womanhood and the discredit of religion, the Bishop would for the honour of religion and the frailness of the female sex, grant them license by their proctor to elect a new Prioress and would confirm the election [3]. The Prior of Worcester also wrote to W. de Burston begging him to promote the business of the Whiston nuns [4], and also to the Rector of Hartlebury begging him to testify to Reynolds of the extreme poverty of the Whiston nuns, and that they might have leave to elect a new Prioress, and that the examination and confirmation of the same might be given to any of the neighbouring Bishops, so that the necessity of the order might be relieved and their honor served [5]. The Bishop on this wrote giving to the Prior and the rector of Hartlebury, his commissary-general, power to

[1] p. 103.
[2] Ib.
[3] p. 113.
[4] Ib.
[5] Ib.

xx INTRODUCTION.

receive and examine the election of a Prioress of Whiston, to confirm the same according to canonical institutions, give her the gift of benediction, and cause her to be installed by whoever ought to instal her [1]. Reynolds also wrote to the Sub-Prioress, Lucy de Solers, giving the House leave to elect a Prioress. As the Patronage belonged to him he granted the license without prejudice to the rights of the Church of Worcester, and without making it a custom [2]. Having got leave, the nuns proceeded to the election. They first fixed the date the Monday after the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, 1308, when the nuns assembled in the Chapter House, and the Sub-Prioress ordered all who ought not to be present to retire. The Word of God was then expounded, and the grace of the Holy Spirit invoked, and the nuns proceeded to the election via inspirationis, and with one consent and will, as if by inspiration, they chose Alice de la Flagge, a sister of the House whom the Sub-Prioress had named as their head [3]; the said Alice being a woman of discreet life and morals, of lawful age, professed in the House, born in lawful wedlock, prudent in spiritual and temporal matters. At first Alice declined the honour, but after being very often asked, ultimately after deliberation determined not to resist the divine will, and consented to be elected. The election being approved by all, the nuns went from the Chapter House to the Church singing the Te Deum Laudamus, carrying the new Prioress, in spite of her weeping, resisting as much as she could, and expostulating in a loud voice (as is customary on those occasions) [4]. Arrived in the church, Brother William de Grimley, a monk of Worcester, proclaimed the election. On the Wednesday Alice gave her considered consent, and the Sub-Prioress then made a formal declaration of the election of Alice de la Flagge as Prioress, and sent it to the Bishop begging him to confirm the election [5]. In order to proceed with the confirmation of the election the convent appointed Richard de Bereburne, their chaplain, as Proctor to present the new Prioress to the Bishop or his commissary, and two of the nuns Alice le Seculer and Isabella de Aston, proctors, to instruct and do all that was necessary as to the instruction of the election [6]. The Prior and the Rector of Hartlebury then summoned the parties before them. The Chaplain read the documents, Richard de Stanford asked for the election to be confirmed, the

[1] p. 113.
[2] p. 112.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 114.
[5] Ib.
[6] p. 113.

INTRODUCTION. xxi

nuns and the Sub-Prioress joined in the request, and they were sworn and examined as to the proceedings of the election. The Commissaries ordered notice to be given for any one to come in and oppose the election, on the following Monday; as no one appeared the election was proceeded with, and the Commissaries confirmed Alice de la Flagge as Prioress of Whiston [1]. The Prior, in the absence of the Rector of Hartlebury, completed the business as to the benediction and installation of the Prioress, and enjoined the nuns to obedience [2]. On this the Commissaries sent the certificate to Reynolds that the election was completed [3].

These proceedings are instructive. Whatever may be said about fees being one of the great motives for the monks' actions, it was not so here; all the steps of the election seem to have been followed out in just the same way as if, instead of being a poor nunnery, it had been a wealthy monastery. It shews us that it was more from jealousy for the rights of their Order, esprit de corps as we should call it, that made the Worcester monks stand so strongly on their rights than any mere desire for fees. It is also curious that the Prior seems to have been able to have performed the benediction ceremony in the case of a Prioress, while only a Bishop could do so in the case of a Prior or Abbot. What was the reason for this distinction does not seem obvious.

From the register it would seem that it was not unusual for nunneries to allege great poverty. Here we have the White Ladies in Worcester asserting this. In another place the nuns of Westwode are relieved from paying a contribution, as they are said to be so poor [4].

With reference to the nunneries, a somewhat singular form of profession for a nun is given in the Register. It is clearly intended to serve as a common form in like cases. By it the intending nun, Helen de Ryons, declares that she promised adhesion to the rule of St. Benedict, but that she should not be bound to abstain from eating meat [5]. This Lady Helen de Ryons was the daughter of William de Ryons of Gloucester, who was one of the Bailiffs of that city in 1309 [6]. Margaret, daughter of Sir Hugh le Fizeir, also made profession in the same form [7].

There is in the Register a rather interesting letter to the Prior of

[1] p. 115.
[2] Ib.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 62.
[5] p. 96.
[6] See Gloucester Charters, p. 300.
[7] p. 96.

xxii INTRODUCTION.

Worcester from a monk of Hayles [1]. As Hayles was a Cistercian House, it was wholly exempt from the Prior and all his works, so that it could assume a tone to the Worcester House that none of the others would dare to take. John of Gloucester, the Hayles monk who wrote to the Prior, states he has heard that the Prior's character was likely to be defamed hereafter, if what certain men said is true, which God forbid. "He is told that a clerk, John de Honginaston, had been duly presented to the church of Stratton upon Foss by the real patron, but that he was impeded and the church interdicted, so that the parishioners died without confession, the eucharist, and baptism, whereby they were much grieved [2]". This complaint must have delighted the Cistercians. While professedly doing a kindness, in fact they were really pointing out how the Order of St. Benedict had fallen from its high estate, and was neglecting its duties. The reply of the Worcester Prior shews that he quite appreciated Cistercian kindness: he says each patron wanted to present, and that the matter requiring deliberation, and the Prior wishing to act with the same deliberation as the Cistercians would do, left the matter to be decided by the Court of Arches [3]. As the Prior could not do anything to the Cistercians, it seemed, and doubtless was, an occasion on which the Cistercians might point out how terrible the sufferings of the poor parishioners must be from the mismanagement of the Benedictines. The Prior's reply must have, or rather ought to have, silenced the Cistercians.

The number of manumissions of serfs is striking. It is usually said that it was not until after the Black Death, A.D. 1349, that manumissions were anything but the exception. Yet here some 14 are recorded, not from any one place, but from over the whole diocese. If the other owners of serfs manumitted them in anything like the same proportion as the Priory did, the number of free labourers must have been very considerable. A form of manumission is given [4], and it differs from the usual precedent. The Prior frees from the yoke of slavery absolutely and freely Peter de Humultone, with all his family and goods, on his swearing to disclose whatever of loss or injury he may learn of to the church of Worcester, to the monastery or their property, and that he will not permit anything of the kind to be done by himself or by any others. And if he do any such thing, and thereof is convicted, the present

[1] p 69.
[2] p. 7.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 75.

INTRODUCTION. xxiii

grant of manumission shall lose all force and virtue, and he shall forfeit his liberty and return into slavery. Whether such a grant would be good in law may be doubtful. It was not an absolute grant, as was usually the case, but conditional on the grantee's good conduct. It places in the power of the Church at any time to reduce the grantee to slavery again; for it is to be observed the grantee was not to be convicted of any offence known to the law, but only of not revealing anything he might hear tending to the prejudice of the Worcester House. That monk would have been a disgrace to his order who could not have found, if it became necessary, something to bring back into slavery almost any of the Worcester serfs manumitted under these terms. If this was ever done, some very nice questions as to the status of the children of the person lapsing into serfdom would arise.

The Register contains various entries as to the Church patronage of those days, and gives some idea as to the proportion that was in lay hands and that in the hands of the monasteries. The following list shews to some extent the state of things in the beginning of the fourteenth century:

xxiv INTRODUCTION.

This list also furnishes some evidence of what patronage the different monasteries held. It would seem most of them had some. When it is remembered that it is only a list of the institutions during the vacancy of the See, it seems so large that it is difficult to account for it. Out of the 42 livings mentioned 17 were in

INTRODUCTION. xxv

monastic or ecclesiastical hands and 25 in lay hands. The extent of the monastic influence over the parochial clergy was not, however, limited by the amount of patronage they held. They also received from out of some of the parishes portions, or fixed annual payments.

In the register are mention of writs to raise portions for

III. As in the previous part, the miscellaneous entries shew the extraordinary number aud variety of the Prior's duties. Testimonials to Foreign Houses of the behaviour of the head of their cells in the Diocese, for instance to St. Taurinus of Evereux, as to the conduct of the Prior of Astley [1]. Bond to deliver to a Worcester clothier 21 sacks of good white wool [2]. Request for an allowance for a sick lady out of the Almonry of the Worcester House [3], for a benefice for a relation [4], for repayment of a debt [5], to explain to the Abbot of Evesham why a MS. commentary on St. Luke had not been sent back as promised [6]. To find out who had laid hands on certain clerks [7]. From the Prior of Bath, asking for the confirmation of three pensions [8]. For non-residence [9]. Examining the Abbot of Reading to the deeds as to the Church of Rokynton [10], such were some of his duties. It appears, from the institutions to the different churches, if a person who was only in minor orders was admitted he got, as a rule, letters giving him leave to absent himself to study so as to obtain full orders. If such letters were not given a note is made of the fact. Persons in minor orders do not appear, as a rule, to have been instituted, and sworn either to canonical obedience or to residence. An exception occurs in the case of William Dalebi, an acolyte, who was admitted and sworn to canonical obedience [11]. But another acolyte, Nicholas de Suthynton,

[1] p. 57.
[2] p. 55.
[3] p. 59.
[4] Ib.
[5] p.
[6] Ib.
[7] p. 62.
[8] Ib.
[9] Ib.
[10] p. 65.
[11] Ib.

xxvi INTRODUCTION.

was not so sworn [l]. It also seems that entering the order of Friars, although it did not of itself vacate a benefice, yet caused the person so entering to resign. The vicar of Northpidele, Walter de Milton, entered the order of Friars Preachers and wore the habit; and although he had not resigned, the Patron presented a fresh priest to the living [2]. It also seems that a person in minor orders who was presented to a living had to be ordained Priest within a certain time. There is a certificate that the rector of Northfield was, within a year from the time the rule of the Church was given him, ordained a priest [3]. When a rector got leave of absence for purposes of study, it appears he had to provide for the duty, but he could do this by letting the Church to farm [4]. At this time it seems various ecclesiastical offices were so let out for instance, the Archdeaconry of Worcester [5] a fixed sum was agreed to be paid, and the Archdeacon made the best he could of the office by the fees. There is a letter to Cardinal Neapolis, the Archdeacon, asking for this rent [6]. Various entries occur of letters dimissory, authorising the persons named in them to receive ordination from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury [7]. These letters seem to be granted in two cases (1) When the persons were professed Monks in the Diocese of Worcester [8], and (2) when they were born in the Diocese of Worcester [9]; in other cases a Licence is given when the person is the holder of some benefice in the Diocese, but it seems rather uncertain if there is any real distinction between the two forms.

The religious Houses seem to have not been over punctual in their payments. The Prior of Worcester had to write to the Abbot of Pershore, asking him to send by bearer 2 marks for procuration dues [10], and also to the Dean of Warwick to obtain the procuration for the Abbot of Alcester and the Prior of Stodley [11].

One of the common tricks for making money in Edward I.'s reign was clipping the coin. It seems that the creditors of the Monastery did not consider the Worcester monks incapable of paying their debts in clipped money, for we find one of them, Richard de la Lynde, stipulating that his debt was to be paid in "good round lawful money [12]".

While acting during the vacancy of the See, the Prior had a

[1] p. 66.
[2] p. 68.
[3] p. 69.
[4] p. 70.
[5] p. 76.
[6] Ib.
[7] p. 77.
[8] p. 88.
[9] p. 77.
[10] p. 8.
[11] Ib.
[12] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. xxvii

proper official title, which is given as "Prior of the Cathedral Church of Worcester, by authority of the Court of Canterbury, Official and Administrator of the Spiritualities in the City and Diocese of Worcester, the See being vacant [1]", and on each vacancy he had to appoint his own officers. In this part of the register there are the appointments of Penitentiary, Sequestrators, Apparitors, and Commissioners, to hear causes in the County Courts, to control proceedings, and to correct errors and defaults. There is also the appointment of a Notary [2]. He was to be invested with the office by the delivery of pen, inkhorn and charters, which the person investing held in his hand and gave to the new Notary. The Prior seems to have been very jealous as to any interference with his officers. The Archdeacon of Gloucester removed an apparitor at Bristol without the Prior's knowledge [3], and appointed some one else, to the scandal and contempt of the Prior's jurisdiction. The Prior at once suspended the new man and restored the old.

The Prior does not seem to have been slack in using his power. Certain persons defamed one William Plumtree who they were was not known but this did not prevent the Prior ordering the Dean of Gloucester to pronounce in every church in his Deanery the sentence of the greater excommunication according to the Canon of the Holy Fathers against them and then to find out who they were [4]. On the other hand he was equally free with his pardon. Two Welsh priests of the Diocese of St. David's, sons of David de Brecon, fought "when in a temper" at Gloucester. Letters of absolution were granted to them from any canonical sentence if they have incurred anything of the kind [5].

There are several cases of absolution by the Prior of the clergymen who either clandestinely solemnized marriage, or who solemnized marriage without having had the banns read [6].

There are also various dispensations allowing illegitimate persons to take order and have the cure of souls. In these cases the facts seem to have been fully inquired into. The Papal Nuncio, the Bishop of Sabina, wrote to the Prior asking that Henry de Warwyk, who was illegitimate, might have a dispensation to be promoted to all orders, and hold an ecclesiastical benefice if the Prior thought it expedient [7]. The Prior wrote to the official of the Archdeacon to inquire into the

[1] p. 134.
[2] Ib.
[3] p. 8l.
[4] p. 89.
[5] p. 90.
[6] pp. 90, 91.
[7] p. 91.

xxviii INTRODUCTION.

matter, and he propounded ten interrogatories for the parties, two of which are peculiar. "Was this Henry an imitator of his paternal incontinency, modest and quiet ? Whether they gave the answer being instructed, led by entreaty or corrupted by a price"? The official found that the said Henry during his youth had borne himself well and chastely, was docile and of honest conversation, and by no means an imitator of his paternal incontinence [1]. A modern lawyer would have required a fuller and better answer to this interrogatory, for it carefully confines itself to the youth of Henry, not to his present habits. But the authority of the Nuncio was sufficient. The dispensation was granted [2].

The Prior ordered the Dean of Worcester and Gloucester to enquire after, receive, and take into safe custody all clerks charged before the Justices of gaol delivery for the Counties of Worcester and Gloucester, and wrote to the Justices informing them what he had done [3].

Richard Blac, of Wych, was charged with theft and sentenced to death by the King's judges. He was handed over to the prison of the Bishop. The Prior did not believe him to be guilty and ordered him to be purged. The Archdeacon thereupon proclaimed the purgation, and give notice to any to come and oppose it. No one did so. So the compurgators declared him innocent. The compurgators were the Rectors of six Worcester churches, All Saints', St. Peter the Great, St. Peter the Little, St. Andrew, St. Alban and St. Michael, and also the incumbents of Pupplinton (Peopleton), and Tyberton, the Vicar of Dodderhull and Croule, eight laymen, one of whom was Thomas Blac, and William de Exonia, chaplain [4].

Similar proceedings took place in the case of John de Cromhale of Hwitenhurst, who was charged with theft, and purged himself in the church of St. Nicholas of Gloucester [5], and in the case of John le Botiler, of Fekenhampton, clerk, charged with theft, homicide, burning of houses, and other things [6]. At first the Commissioners appointed by the Prior to go into the matter were not satisfied that the proclamation had been properly made, and adjourned the matter; but on the second occasion, it being proved that the proclamation was made in the church, at the door of the church, and at the steps of the cemetery, they held it sufficient, and as no one appeared to oppose, the accused was admitted to purgation. The case of Henry

[1] p. 9.
[2] p. 9l.
[3] p. 93.
[4] Ib.
[5] p. 94.
[6] Ib.

INTRODUCTION. xxix

Waldyeue did not go so smoothly [1]. He was indicted for homicide, robbery, &c., and ordered to appear in the Cathedral at Worcester before the Prior. On it being found that the proclamation had been made, a man appeared and objected to the purgation, because it was notorious that the accused had committed the crime of homicide. The objection, it is said, was examined into and rejected, not because it was untrue, but because the objector could not bring sufficient proof of the notoriety of the crime. And as no one else appeared the accused was admitted to purgation [2]. These instances are good illustrations of the abuse that grew up in the case of guilty clerks. In the one case the verdict of a jury and the sentence of the Court were set aside because the Prior chose to think the accused innocent, and a jury largely composed of clerks took the Prior's view. In the other case the question of guilt or innocence was not raised. All that was gone into was the notoriety of the crime, and it was on this, not on proof of the guilt, the evidence failed and the accused got off. There are several instances of the growing importance of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction over wills; among others, Letters the Prior wrote to the Dean of Warwick, in a case where a man leaving much movable property died, to enquire if the deceased had left a will, if there were executors, and if so to cite them to appear before the Prior [3]. The Prior seems not to have pressed the jurisdiction in all cases, as there is a discharge given to the widow of Nicholas le Hopare, citizen of Worcester, who died intestate, from rendering an account of her husband's estate on account of his poverty [4]. The receipts from the Probate of Wills during the vacancy only mention four cases, and the fees are respectively 18d., 23d., 17d., and 18d. [5] But this does not seem to include all, as there is a general item including Probate of Wills, corrections in visitations, and other emoluments, and perquisites of all the jurisdiction £27 4s. 3d. [6]; a large sum, as the receipts of the Archdeaconry of Worcester were only £16s. 10d., and of Gloucester £15 13s. 5d. [7]

A letter from the Prior on the subject of Tithes shews that even then difficulties were not unknown. In the Parish of O [8] it was alleged that a custom existed for the Parishioners not merely to let the Parson take the Tithes and sheaves, but to carry them for him and leave them at the door of the tithe-barn, and not

[1] p. 95.
[2] Ib.
[3] Ib.
[4] p. 96.
[5] p. 134.
[6] Ib.
[7] p. 133.
[8] p. 131.

xxx INTRODUCTION.

in the fields. John de W. seems to have acted the part of the village Hampden, and withstood the little tyrant of the fields, for in the autumn of 1308 he left the tithe-sheaves in the fields and declined to remove them. This conduct was in the opinion of the Prior "to the prejudice of ecclesiastical liberty, the grave peril of the parishioner's soul, and of pernicious example to others". John and his servants were therefore canonically warned to comply with the custom within 8 days. It does not appear how the matter ended, but it goes to shew that there were even in the fourteenth century such persons as anti-tithers.

Many other matters might be mentioned that are included in this part, enough has, however, been said to shew the place the ecclesiastical system held in those days in the social life and habits of the country. Very trivial and very unimportant as these details may seem, they yet set before us the life of the fourteenth century; they bring us in contact with the usages of the time; they disclose to us what was done and what was thought right to be done in a way we can only get by some such chronicle as that of the daily details of the life of the Worcestershire Monks.

J.W.B.
WICK EPISCOPI,
October 34, 1894.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

[Fol. 20] LETTER of credence from W. [1] Bishop of Worcester, to the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, for Master J. de Eodboruwa. Dated at Fladebury, 6th of the Nones of July, anno consecrationis I.

Writ from the council of the clerks of the Bishop of Worcester to the Prior of Worcester, to send all their instruments touching the appropriation of the church of Duderhull [2], which the Archbishop gave to John de Middelton of right when he had no right.

Certificate by J. [3], Prior of Worcester, of the good fame and honest conversation of Robert de Brucra, clerk in the monastery of Worcester, who was enfeoffed by his father of a carucate of land in the manor of Severnstoke next Worcester. Dated at Worcester the Nones of July, 1303.

Letter testimonial [4] from the Prior of Worcester to the Abbot of St. Taurinus [5] for Ralph de Fortes.

Like letter testimonial (to make the matter more clear) from the same Prior to the same Abbot, for Ralph de Portes, Prior of Astley, in the diocese of Worcester, a cell of the abbey of St. Taurinus. Letter from W., Bishop of Worcester, to the Prior and Chapter of Worcester. Whereas the Bishop's predecessor Godfrey [6], in his lifetime, conveyed divers lands of the church of Worcester to certain persons for term of life or in perpetuity, the Bishop warns and

[1] William de Ginsborough.
[2] As to Dodderhill, see ante, pp. 30, 35, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, and post, 58.
[3] John de la Wyke.
[4] See post, p. 59, for the letter to which this was a reply.
[5] St. Taurinus was a Benedictine Abbey of Evreux.
[6] Godfrey Giffard.

58 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

exhorts the Prior not to confirm such conveyances to his prejudice. Dated at Aluynch, 7th of the Kalends of August, anno consecrationis I.

Order from Robert [1], Archbishop of Canterbury, to his officer, the Archdeacon of Worcester, to cite the Prior and Convent of Worcester to appear at Canterbury on the next law day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross [14 September] to answer concerning their wrongful pretensions to the appropriation of the church of Duderhull [2]. Dated at Straford (?), 2nd of the Kalends of August.

[Fol. 20d] Bond by John, Prior, and the Convent of Worcester to Richard le Mercer, citizen of Worcester, for the delivery of twenty-one sacks of good white wool. Dated Tuesday before the Feast of St. Lawrence [10 August], 1303.

A like bond. Dated Wednesday before the Feast of St. Lawrence, 1303.

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to W., Bishop of Worcester on behalf of John de Ely, to whom had been granted by the Bishop's predecessor a piece of land in the manor of Wyke, the grant for which had not been confirmed by the chapter nor by the Bishop.

J., Prior of Worcester, to R., Archbishop of Canterbury, assuring him that neither he nor Geoffrey de Norwyk were present at the collation and induction of the Rector of Duderhull.

Appointment by J., Prior, and the Convent of Worcester of their monk, Nicholas de Coderugg [3], as their proctor in their appeal to the Roman Court touching the Archbishop of Canterbury's claim to the church of St. Augustine of Duderhull next Wycham.

Renunciation by Nicholas de Coderugg', monk and proctor of the Prior and Convent of Worcester, of the appeal (appellatio) by the Archbishop of Canterbury touching the church of Duderhull, read at a full chapter on the day of the Assumption [15 August], 1303, before Nicholas de Bradewas, notary public.

[1] Robert Wynchesley, 1294-1308. [2] See ante, p. 57. [3] Nicholas de Cotheridge was the cook, see ante, p. 48.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 59

Letter from Richard, monk of St. Taurinus, to the Prior of Worcester, inquiring as to the behaviour of Ralph de Fortes, a monk of St. Taurinus. Dated Monday after the Feast of St. Lawrence, 1303 [1].

[Fol. 21] Letter from J. de Stoneweye [to the Prior of Worcester], at the instance of his parents, that Petronilla his sister, a sick person (valetudinaria), may have a livery from their almonry, as Randulph le Gernier, deceased, had.

Letter from Hugh de Muscle to the Prior of Worcester, asking for a benefice for his nephew. Dated at Aldyngton, the Vigil of St. Nicholas [5th December].

Letter from Robert le Blund, clerk, to the Prior of Worcester, asking for the repayment of a debt. No date.

Manumission of Symon, son of John Molindinarius of Grimeleg, 17th of the Kalends of December, 1306.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to the Abbot of Evesham, explaining that the book upon Luke the Evangelist lent by the abbot had been retained beyond the time stipulated on account of the illness of the scribe.

Writ from L. de Trykyngham to the Prior of Worcester, giving him power to receive the attorney or attorneys of Agnes, the wife of Robert le Messager, in a suit between the said Robert and Agnes, and Alexander de Fryvyle, of a plea of trespass in the county of Worcester.

Manner of accepting attorneys: Adam de Stynyngton puts in his place John Tyreyl [or] Walter Herbert of a pleas of detention of chattels.

Manumission of John Grymel by the hands of W. Colemor, Ash Wednesday, 1303.

Manumission of Roger Hayle, of Alsyston, by the hands of W,, vicar of Beckeford, 2nd of the Nones of August, 1304.

[1] See ante, p. 57, for reply.

60 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Manumission of Nicholas Beneyt, of Fepsynton, by the hands of A. de Stynynton, 5th of the Ides of July, 1305.

Manumission of William Wynrat, of Blacwell. by the hands of J. de Dumbelton. [1], 9th of the Kalends of November, 1305.

Manumission of Robert, son of J. Daniel, of Stokes, by N. de Styninton. 2nd of the Kalends of December, 1305.

Manumission of John Sweteman of Herferton by W. de Wyke, 4th of the Ides of December, 1305.

Manumission of Nicholas (?) Aimer, son of Elias Alymer of Herferton, 9th of the Kalends of July, 1306.

Manumission of Richard, son of John ate Sale, by Richard de Shelve, 8th of the Ides of July, 1306.

[Fol. 21d] Copy of a Bull from Pope Boniface to the Bishops of Salisbury, Lincoln, and London, as to the appeal between the Archbishops of Canterbury and Master Ralph de Mallyngg', clerk, of the diocese of Canterbury, on the one part, and Teobald de Baroducis, clerk, on the other part, concerning the church of Pageham in the diocese of Chichester; and commanding the same bishops to publish an inhibition touching the same matter when and where they may deem expedient. Dated at the Lateran, 5th of the Ides of February, 8 Pont.

Notarial certificate of Hugh de Muscle, clerk, of the diocese of Lincoln, notary public, is attached.

Copy of the Bull of Pope Boniface referred to in the foregoing reciting that in the cause between the Archbishop of Canterbury and Master Rodulph de Mallinges, who calls himself Rector of the Church of Pageham in the diocese of Chichester, on the one part, and Theobald de Barroducis, treasurer of York, on the other, in which the said Theobald claims to have been provided to the same church by apostolic authority, and of certain processes by the Abbot of St. Michael in the diocese of Verdun, who asserted that

[1] John de Dumbleton had been made Prior of Great Malvern; see ante, p. 2, and p. 35.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 6l

he was executor of the same Theobald against the Archbishop and Rodulph, the Pope appointed Master Oneriorius de Thebiis, dean of Melden, his chaplain and auditor of the causes of his palace, auditor to the said parties with power to absolve the Archbishop and Rodulph from the sentences of excommunication and suspension which had been issued against them by the same Abbot; and that the said auditor having heard the evidence laid before him, absolved the said Archbishop and Rodulph from the said sentences, commanding the said bishops publicly to proclaim the said absolutions. Dated at the Lateran the 5th of the Ides of February, 8 Pont.

[Fol. 22] Letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the official of Worcester acquainting him with the absolution mentioned above, and sending him copies of the same documents. Dated at Harewe, 8th of April, 1302.

Letter from the official of Worcester to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, touching the presentation by the King of Sir Peter de Collingburne, clerk, to the church of Kemesey in the diocese of Worcester [1], and the proposed exchange between Master Thomas de Stokes and the said Peter for a certain church which the same Peter possessed, the name whereof the said official does not know. Gilbert de Middelton has exhibited to him the Archbishop's letters of credence and counsel touching the visitation of the Monasteries of Gloucester and Teukesbury.

Declaration by W., Abbot of Wynchecumb, and the Convent that they will admit the Prior of Worcester or the Sub-Prior if the Prior be dead or absent, to visit their monastery when and so often as the See of Worcester is vacant.

[Fol. 22d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Christianity of Worcester, that whereas the same Prior proposes to visit the church of St. Nicholas and St. Ellen of Worcester on Monday after the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mary, and the parish church of Kemesey on Wednesday following, that the said Dean do cite all rectors, vicars, and priests serving in the

[1] See ante, pp. 4, 28; post, p. 66.

62 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

same or their chapels, and from each church and chapel four laymen. Dated at Worcester, 2nd of the Kalends of February, 1301.

Form of letter to the Dean of Tredynton to inquire as to persons who had laid violent hands on certain clerks.

Letter from the Prior and Convent of Bath to the Prior and Convent of Worcester, asking for a confirmation of three pensions received from the churches of Olveston, Ayston, and Hauekesbur' in the diocese of Worcester.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to G. de Northwic' his commissary, desiring to spare the poverty of the Prioress and Convent of Westwode; he was not to take any tithes or other things which may be due to the Prior from them or their churches.

Licence to John le Archer, deacon, rector of the church of Preston upon Stur, to be absent from his church for purposes of study, so long as the See of Worcester should be vacant. Dated, at Worcester, 2nd of the Kalends of April, 1302.

[Fol. 23] Note that on the morrow of St. Gregory, the Pope, we visited Teukesbury and had resistance there. Appeal of the Abbot and Convent of the Blessed Mary of Tuekesbury against the visitation of the Prior of Worcester, read at the gate of the Abbey of Tuekesbury by Master W. de Benham. A good form of beseeching (an unfinished entry so headed).

[Fol. 23d] Note that on the third day after the Feast of St. Gregory we visited Gloucester and had there a second repulse.

Excommunication by the Prior of Worcester of the Abbot, prior, sub-prior, sacristan, precentor, cellarer, kitchiner, chamberlain, hostilar and infirmarer of Teukesbury [1] for not admitting the same Prior of Worcester to visit their abbey during the vacancy of the See of Worcester.

[1] See ante, p. 11.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 63

Appeal made by the proctor of the Abbot and Convent of Teukesbury from the sentence of the greater excommunication.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Archbishop of Canterbury, that according to the form of the composition made between Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prior of Worcester, the Prior visited the Monasteries of the diocese where he was refused admittance. Prays the Archbishop to preserve his lawful jurisdiction. Dated at Overbur', the morrow of the Blessed Gregory, 1301.

The Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Wynchcomb, that the Abbot, Prior, and others of Teukesbury by their disobedience have incurred the sentence of greater excommunication, wherefore it is commanded the same Dean to cite them to appear in the church of the Holy Trinity of Bristol, on Wednesday next before the Feast of the Annunciation.

[Fol. 24d] Memorandum that pridie Idus of March we visited the parish church of Durhurste [Deerhurst] and had procuration. Provocation read at the gate of the Abbey of St. Peter of Gloucester by Master Walter de Stratone on the Ides of March.

[Fol. 25] Memorandum that on l7th of the Kalends of April the Prior visited at Lant' [Llanthony] next Gloucester, and entered the chapter and fed there.

Monition to the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter's of Gloucester to permit the Prior of Worcester to visit them in their chapter.

Appeal by the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter's of Gloucester against the Prior of Worcester because he pronounced the sentence of the greater excommunication against them for not admitting him to visit them.

A like appeal by the Abbot and Convent of Teukesbury.

[Fol. 26] Certificate by the Dean of [blank] of having promulgated the sentence against the Abbot of [blank].

64 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

A like certificate by the Dean of Cirencester, 14th of the Kalends of April.

A like certificate by the Dean of Gloucester, 12th of the Kalends of April.

Memorandum that on the 2ist of the Kalends of April at Wychindone, the Prior received a presentation to the church of Neuwenton by the Prior of Malvern Minor [l].

Interrogatories to be made to the Abbot of St. Peter of Gloucester, called before the Prior for contempt and disobedience, on the Feast of St. Benedict the Abbot in March, in the parish church at Wynchecumbe, 1301.

First, he shall be asked if his monastery is subject to the Bishop of Worcester and others exercising jurisdiction there ?

Item, if it be held to obedience (to the Bishop) or any acting in his place.

Item, if it be under the jurisdiction of the Prior of Worcester, the see being vacant.

Item, if he swore canonical obedience to the same Prior and if he swore it by himself or by another.

Item, if a visitation is included under canonical obedience.

Item, if he had been lawfully forewarned by the Prior that at a certain time he would make his visitation.

Item, if he admitted the Bishop to visit.

Item, if he renounced or commanded that he be admitted, or confirmed the same renunciation.

Item, if he so renounced in contempt of the aforesaid Prior.

Item, if he had acted against the obedience which he swore.

Declaration by the Prior of Worcester of the contumaciousness of the Abbot of St. Peter of Gloucester for not answering the interrogatories put to him.

Memorandum, that William de Daleby was instituted into the Church of Preston Bagot on the 17th of the Kalends of April at Gloucester, and had dispensation for study from the Annunciation, 1302, to Christmas, 1304.

[1] See ante, p. 12, post, p. 73.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 65

Memorandum, that on the 8th of the Kalends of April the Abbot of Reading appeared by his proctor and exhibited his muniments concerning the appropriation of the church of Rokynton, signed by the Archdeacon of Berks [1].

Memorandum, that Roger le Rous in minor orders was admitted to the Church of Dontesburn Militis at the presentation of John le Rous on the 4th of the Kalends of April, and did not have letters of studying.

Memorandum, that master Adam de Breconia, sub-deacon, on the 4th of the Nones of April, 1302, was admitted and instituted into the church of St. Martin of Estlegh, and did not have letters of studying.

[Fol. 26d] Memorandum, that William, called le Chaumberleyn, was admitted to the church of St. Mary before the gate of the Abbey of St. Peter of Gloucester on the 6th of the Ides of May, 1302, and swore [to keep] residence.

Memorandum, that on the 18th of the Kalends of April, 1302, at the presentation of Nicholas de Warwyk, by writ of the King that a fit person be admitted, William de Ayssein, priest, was admitted to the parish church of Folebrok, was instituted into the same, and swore canonical obedience.

Memorandum, that William Dalebi, acolyte, on the 12th of the Kalends of July, 1302, was admitted to the church of Adreston at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Teukesbury, was instituted into the same, and swore canonical obedience.

On the same day Henry de Burmyngham, chaplain, was admitted and instituted to the church of Henleya, by Roger, chaplain of the same, his proctor, at the presentation of Roger Barbastre, Paul de Hayles, William de Clyva, executors of the will of William de Beauchamp, late Earl of Warwick [2], and swore canonical obedience.

[1] See post, p. 72, the Abbot admits the right but asks for production to be waived. [2] William de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, d. 1298; see post, p. 72.

66 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

On the 3rd of the Kalends of July, 1302, at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of St. Augustine, of Bristol, Walter, called Bataylle, was admitted and instituted to the vicarage of the little church of St. Augustine, of Bristol, and swore canonical obedience and residence.

On the 10th of the Kalends of August, 1302, William de Grennvyle was inducted into the possession of the church of Pelbemore, being ordained under age and to minor orders, and he has for a curate Master Robert le Blake, and he has not institution, and was inducted by proxy, and swore obedience.

On the 4th of the Nones of August, 1302, Thomas, called Tankard, deacon, was inducted at the presentation of Roger Barbastre, Paul de Hayles, executors of the will of William, Earl of Warwick [1], to the church of Preston next Henl', and was instituted into the same, and swore canonical obedience.

On the 4th of the Kalends of September, 1302, Nicholas de Suthynton, acolyte, was inducted to the church of Musardere, at the presentation of Hugh le Despenser, by his proxy, Ralph de Syde, and was personally instituted to the same, and did not swear canonical obedience.

On the Nones of September, 1302, William Calf, of Campedon was inducted and instituted to the vicarage of the church of Bysseley, and swore canonical obedience and residence.

On the 17th of the Kalends of October, 1302, Benedict de Beeseby [2] was admitted to the church of Wytechurche at the presentation of Alice de Montfort, and was instituted and inducted by his proxy, Master Walter de Wermygton.

On the Feast of St. Michael, 1302, Peter de Colyngbourne was admitted to the church of Kemeseye [3] at the presentation of King

[1] See ante, p. 65.
[2] Ibid., p. 20, the Abbot of Peterborough writes to recommend him.
[3] Ibid., pp. 28, 61.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 67

Edward, and was instituted to the same and inducted by his proxy, Adam de Conenholte, and swore obedience; the Prior inducted him personally.

On the 6th of the Ides of October, 1302, Walter de Bletha was admitted to the church of Stretton upon Foss [l], at the presentation of Walter Pikerel, and was inducted to the same, and swore canonical obedience.

Master Wulstan de Wigornia was instituted and inducted into the church of Dallifford [2] [Dalesford]. The Prior conferred it by right devolved on him, as appears on folio xiij following.

On the 11th of the Kalends of December, 1302, Alexander de Besford, ordained in minor orders, was admitted and instituted to the church of Flavel, at the presentation of Alexander Besford', and swore canonical obedience.

On the 2nd of the Ides of December, 1302, Alexander de Bluntesden, chaplain, was admitted to the church of Harenhull, at the presentation of Robert de Harenhull, and was instituted and swore canonical obedience.

On the 17th of the Kalends of January, 1302[-3] John de Brokes, clerk, ordained in minor orders, was admitted to the church of Oselwurthe at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter of Gloucester, and was instituted to the same, and swore canonical obedience.

On the same day Peter de Stanes, clerk, ordained in minor orders, was admitted to the church of Sutton at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, and was instituted to the same, and swore canonical obedience.

On the 17th of the Kalends of February, 1302[-3], William Sparkes of Heule, priest, was admitted to the vicarage of the Blessed Peter of Wytton next Wych, at the presentation of the Prior and Convent of Stodley, and was instituted to the same, and swore residence and canonical obedience.

[1] See ante, pp. 8, 17, 61.
[2] See ante, pp. 14, 27, 34. Wulstan was a Worcester Monk. See ante, p. 2.

68 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

On the Kalends of February, 1302 [3], Geoffrey de Seynesbur', chaplain, was admitted to the church of Morton Abbas, at the presentation of Malcolm Musard, lord of Morton, and was instituted to the same, and swore canonical obedience.

On the 4th of the Nones of February, 1302[-3], Robert de Elmham was inducted to the church of North pidele at the presentation of Sir Henry de Segrave [l]; he did not have institution nor swore canonical obedience, because Walter de Melton, last ministering in the same, has entered the orders of the Friars Preachers and wears their habit, but has not yet resigned.

[Fol. 27] Appointment by the Abbot and Convent of Cirencester of William de Rouwelle, clerk, their proctor, touching all matters concerning them or their monastery. Dated at Cirencester, of the Kalends of April, 1301.

Exception by the Abbot and Convent of Cirencester to the visitation of the Prior of Worcester during the vacancy of the See of Worcester, and giving reasons for the inexpediency of such visitation. Stating that they ought not now to be visited because within two years they were visited by the commissioners deputed by Geoffrey [2], Bishop of Worcester, and within a year by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and they ought not of right to be visited twice in the same year; and he who has a general administration in spiritual matters committed to him by any superior, cannot visit monasteries or any religious place unless it is specially committed to him, and although the Prior may do this of right, which at present is wholly denied, yet he cannot do so for some time as many things have to be provided which, on account of the shortness of the time, cannot be done, and because in a visitation the office of consecration may be required which, without the presence of a bishop, cannot be performed.

Provocation of the same Abbot and Convent as to the same matter.

[1] See ante, p. 31.
[2] Godfrey ?

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 69

[Fol. 27d] Inhibition by the Official of Canterbury to the Prior of Worcester as to the Prior's excommunication of the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester, and citing the same prior to appear in the church of the Blessed Mary le Bow, London, on the fourth law day after the Feast of the Apostles Philip and James [1st May]. Dated at London, the 3rd of the Nones of April, 1302.

The same inhibition touching the Abbot and Convent of Teukesbury.

Acknowledgment of the receipt of the same inhibitions by the Prior of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Kalends of May, 1302.

[Fol. 28] Certificate by the Prior of Worcester that John Chastylun, rector of the church of Northfeld, was within a year from the time the rule of the church was committed to him, ordained into the priesthood.

Appointment, by the Prior of Worcester, of Master Thomas de Ceshonte, his proctor. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Nones of May, 1302.

[Fol. 28d] Writ of Venire facias to the Keeper of the spiritualities of Worcester for Thomas de Neuwent, parson of the church of St. Andrew of Wych, to appear and answer William de Beauchamp of a plea of debt. Dated at York, 16th of May, 30 Edward I.

A like writ for Henry le Eyr of Hampton, clerk, to appear and answer Robert le Blund of Snytenesfeld of a plea of debt. Dated at York, 20th of May, 30 Edward I.

Letter from J. de Gloucestria, monk of Hayles, to the Prior of Worcester. Has heard from certain men that the Prior's character was likely to be defamed hereafter, if what they said was true (which God forbid). They related that a certain John de Honginaston was presented to the chapel or church of Stratton upon

70 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Foss [l] by the true patron, but he was impeded and the church interdicted, so that the parishioners die without confession and the Eucharist, and without baptism, whereby they are much grieved.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Prior of Hayles, thanking him for the above letter, and stating that there being two persons, to wit, Walter de Blytha and John de Hongyndeaston, presented by divers patrons, the same Prior wishing to treat the matter with deliberation as the same John, having sought an inhibition, pleaded the same at the [Court of] Arches.

Writ of venire facias to the Keeper of the spiritualities of Worcester for Geoffrey de Pullam, clerk, to appear before the Justices at York, and answer William Astymer and Lucy, his wife, together with Henry Abbot of Cirencester, brothers William de Cornwell, Adam de Brokenebrowe, canons of the same abbot, and Walter the clerk for having with force and arms taken, imprisoned, and illtreated the same Lucy, and other enormities done to her to the damage of the same William and Lucy and against the peace. Dated at York, 3rd of June, 30 Edward I.

Letters from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Block' [Blockley], to release the suspension upon the church of Stratton upon Fosse [2].

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the sub-prior of Cirencester and the Dean of Christianities revoking the commission to Thomas de Southampt', clerk, and certain of his fellows. Dated at Worcester, the 13th of the Kalends of October, 1302.

Licence to Master Adam de Wenlok, rector of the church of Codeham, to absent himself from his church for purposes of study, and to let to farm his said church.

Writ of pone to the Keeper of the spiritualities of Worcester to have the body of William, vicar of the church of Almundesbur',

[1] See ante, pp. 27 and 67.
[2] Ibid., pp. 27, 67.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 71

executor of the will of Thomas Godman, before the Justices at York, that he, together with John de Wytenon and Henry de Bampton (?) his co-executors, may answer Joan, widow of the same Thomas, of a plea of debt. Dated at York, 10th of July, 30 Edward I.

[Fol. 29] Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to King Edward I., acquainting him with the death of Godfrey, formerly Bishop of Worcester, and asking for licence to elect a new Bishop. Dated at Worcester, the Nones of February, 1301[-2] [1].

Licence from Edward I. in accordance with above. Dated at Walloure, 2oth of February, 30 Edward 1. [2]

Proclamation by J., Prior, and the chapter of Worcester to all abbots, priors, and their colleges in the Archdeaconry of Worcester, stating that they have chosen the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin for the election of a new bishop. Dated at Worcester the 4th of the Ides of March [3].

[Fol. 29d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to brother Nicholas de Norton, chaplain, to recall all absent brothers for the election of the bishop [4]. Dated at Gloucester, the Ides of March, 1301[-2].

Writ of fieri facias to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester to raise from the goods of Walter de Berton, rector of the church of Bredon, 36/2., which Alina, daughter of William le Poer, recovered as damages for a disseizin of the manor of Ekynton Porr. Dated at York, 5 March, 30 Edward I [5].

Like writ to distrain the goods of the Prior of Worton for many debts. Dated at York, 20th of February, 30 Edward I.

Writ of Pone to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester to have the body of Henry le Her, of Hampt', clerk, before the Justices at York to answer Robert le Blunt, of Snyrefield, of a plea of debt. Dated at Warwick, 13th of October, 30 Edward I.

[1] See ante, p. 2.
[2] Ibid., p. 2.
[3] Ibid., p. 1.
[4] Ibid., p. 2.
[5] Ibid., p. 7.

72 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

[Fol. 30] Writ to -, to cite all those detaining goods and debts due to the executors of Godfrey, late Bishop of Worcester, to appear at a certain day and place, under pain of the greater excommunication, and to make satisfaction. Dated at Otteford, on the 6th of the Ides of March, 1301 [l].

Letter from the Abbot of Reading to the Prior of Worcester. Their servant Alan de la Knolle, keeper of the manor of Rokynton, has signified to them that you have summoned us to show the deeds and muniments by which we hold the appropriation of the Church of Rokynton [2], with certain pensions, which deeds and muniments we lately caused to be read before the Archbishop in his Visitation, and which he accepted as sufficient. They acknowledge the Prior's right to see the same deeds and muniments, but beg to be excused from showing them.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Abbot of Reading. Notwithstanding the request in the above letter, the Prior asks that a copy of the same deeds may be sent.

[Fol. 30d] Resignation by Peter de Leyc' of the church of Preston Bagot in favour of William de Dalby, his clerk. Dated at la Dale 4th of March, 1301.

Institution of William de Dalby, clerk, to the church of Preston Bagot at the presentation of Roger Barebastre, rector of the church of Kylbeworth, William de Clyve, rector of the church of Berewedon, and Paul de Brayles, rector of the church of Spelesbur', executors of the will of Sir William de Beauchamp, late Earl of Warwick [3], to which executors the collation belongs by reason of the custody of John, son and heir of John de Monteforte, deceased. Dated at Gloucester, isth of the Kalends of April, 1301.

Letter from J., Prior, to the Chapter of Worcester to all abbots, priors, precentors, wardens, and prelates, and all colleges in the archdeaconry of Worcester, requiring them to pray that the same Prior and Chapter may be inspired with grace to elect a fitting pastor in the place of the late Bishop Godfrey on the Feast of the

[1] See ante, p. 34.
[2] Ibid., p. 65.
[3] Ibid., p. 65.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 73

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, in whose honour the cathedral church of Worcester is constructed. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Ides of March, 1301 [1].

Presentation by brother William, Prior of Little Malvern, of Master Henry de Neuwynton, clerk, to the church of Neuvvynton Coldeswold [2]. Dated at Malvern, the 5th of the Ides of March, 1301.

Writ of venire facias to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester for the appearance of William, vicar of the church of Preston, executor of the will of Nicholas, formerly vicar of Sudyngton, before the Justices at York, to answer J. Brut, of Grikelade, of a plea of debt Dated at York, 12th of February, 30 Edward I.

[Fol. 31] Resignation of his church by John, called Nonel of Wauberge, rector of the church of Wykerisindon. Dated the 4th of the Nones of March, 1301.

Presentation by the Prior and Convent of Little Malvern of Master Adam Aubre, clerk, to the church of St. Martin, of Estlech. Dated at Malvern on the Feast of the holy martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas, 1301.

Dispensation to Master Reginald, rector of the church of Hambur' juxta Wichium, to be absent from his church for purposes of study. Dated at Worcester, the 7th of the Ides of March, 1301.

Faculty to the same Reginald de Heytona, rector of the church of Hambur' juxta Wichium, for promotion to deacon's and priest's orders by any Bishop of the province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was beneficed in the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, 1301.

A request for a loan of 40li.

[1] On p. 2, ante, is a letter from the Precentor to the Prior, stating he has executed the order and summoned all absent brethren to the election of Bishop.
[2] See ante, pp. 12, 27, 28; post, p. 85.

74 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

[Fol. 31d] Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to the Bishop of Salisbury, sent by Masters W. de Fodringheye and Peter de Pyrtton, the Bishop's clerks, asking for the Bishop's prayers on the occasion of the election of the Bishop of Worcester [1].

Faculty to John de Spechesleye, sub-deacon, to be promoted to deacon's orders by any Bishop of the province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was born in the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Ides of March, 1301.

Presentation by William, Abbot of Persore, of John de Persore, chaplain, to the church of Ekinton, vacant by the death of John the late rector. Dated in the Chapter of Persore, the 6th of the Ides of March, 1301.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to Guy, Earl of Warwick [2]. The cellarer of Bordeseya having lately come to the Prior of Worcester with letters of credence desiring that the appropriation of the church of Wykewane may be confirmed to him and his monastery of Bordeseya, the Prior refers the matter to the Earl.

[Fol. 32] Letter from Richard, Bishop of London, to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester, reciting a letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the said Bishop, dated at Mortelake the 3rd of the Ides of April, 1302, commanding him to summon all deans, precentors, chancellors, treasurers, archdeacons, priors of cathedral churches in all dioceses in the province of Canterbury, and other clerics to appear by two proctors for every chapter (Welsh chapters by one), at the New Temple, London, on the morrow of the Ascension, to consult upon divers matters. Dated at Wytham, the 17th of the Kalends of May, 1302.

In like manner the Prior of Worcester commanded the Archdeacons of Gloucester and Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Kalends of May, 1302.

Institution of William called le Chamberleyn, priest, to the vicarage of the Blessed Mary before the gate of the Abbey of

[1] See post, p. 79 for answer.
[2] Guy Beauchamp, second Earl of Warwick from 1298-1315.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 75

St. Peter of Gloucester, presented by the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Ides of May, 1302. Order for the induction of the same William to the same church by the archdeacon of Gloucester. Dated as above.

Letter from W. de Persora, clerk to J., Prior of Worcester, on behalf of Ralph de Manton, his friend, lately presented by the King to the church of Clyve Episcopi. Dated at York, 10th of March.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to John de Daneshurst, asking him to come to Worcester that the Prior may consult with him on certain matters.

[Fol. 32d] Manumission of Peter de Humultone in the following form, viz:
Universis Christ! fidelibus ad quos praesens scriptum pervenerit Frater J. humilis Prior Wygorniensis Salutem in Domino sempiternam Noverit universitas vestra nos pro nobis et successoribus nostris per magistrum J. de Bradwas manumisisse et ab omni jugo servitutis ad nos vel successores nostros pertinentis absolutum et liberum dimisisse Petrum de Humultone cum tota sequela sua et catallis suis imperpetuum et idem praestito corporali sacramento juravit quod tamquam dampnum vel gravamen ecclesiae Wygorniensi nobis vel nostris inferet nee inferri permittet pro viribus per se vel per alios quoscumque. Quod si fecerit et super hoc convictus fuerit praesens scriptum omnem virtutem manumissionis amittat Et idem Petrus omni modo careat libertate et in prasstinam eo (?) ipso redeat servitutem. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum nostrum apponi fecimus huic scripto Datum Wigorniam vj Idus Aprilis Anno Domini MCCC. secundo.

Letter from Thomas, Abbot of Evesham [l], to the Prior of Worcester. Whereas the King had issued an edict for taxing the goods of temporal and ecclesiastical persons which it is not lawful to pay

[1] John de Brokenhampton, 1282-1316. There was no person named Thomas, Abbot of Evesham, from 1255, when Thomas of Gloucester died, to Thomas Newbold, the last Abbot but one, elected in 1491.

76 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

on account of the apostolic prohibition, the ordinaries forbidding it and excommunicating those paying, the Abbot asks the Prior for advice on the matter.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Abbot of Eyvesham. The higher prelates and other religious persons of the province of Canterbury having refused to pay the fifteenth to the King, we have hitherto abstained from paying, and intend to abstain until it seems expedient to do otherwise.

Bond by the Prior and Convent of Worcester to N. de Wigornia, clerk, for 20li.

The Prior and Convent of Worcester to Francis Neapolion, cardinal of the most holy Roman church and Archdeacon of Worcester, asking for the farm for the Archdeaconry of Worcester, according to the agreement made between the Cardinal and the late brother Thomas. Dated at Worcester, the 4th of the Kalends of May, 1302 [1].

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to master John de Ros, dwelling at the Roman Court. Requesting him to take charge of the affairs of the priory at the Roman Court, Robert de Dounebrugge the proctor of the priory having returned to England. Dated at Worcester, 4th of the Ides of May, 1302 [2].

Manumission of John, son of John le Haute of Doramstone, by W. de Wyk. Dated the 6th of the Nones of March, 1302.

Manumission of William, son of Hereward de Overbur', by Master G. de Northwyke. Dated the Kalends of February, 1303.

Manumission of John, son of William ate Hokes of Grymeley by Alexander de Hodynton. Dated the Nones of January, 1304.

Manumission of Simon de Grymeleya by Master Richard de Alicestr'. Dated the isth of the Kalends of January, 1304.

[1] See ante, pp. 18, 42.
[2] See ante, p. 41.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 77

Manumission of Richard de Monecwode by J. de Dernewell. Dated the 2nd of the Kalends of November, 1305.

Manumission of Simon, son of John Partrich, by W. de Abyndon. Dated the 12th of the Kalends of November, 1306.

[Fol. 33] Portion of a writ of venire facias.

Writ of venire facias to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester for the appearance, before the justices at York, of William, vicar of the church of Almundesbur', executor of the will of Thomas Godman, clerk, to answer Joan, widow of Thomas Godman together with John Wythinon and Henry de Compton, co-executors with the same William, to surrender goods unjustly detained. Dated at York, 12th of February, 30 Edward I.

Writ of venire facias to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester for the appearance before the Justices at York, of Simon de Prens, parson of the Church of Tettebiry, clerk, to answer John de Exonia of a plea of debt. Dated at York, 25 January, 30 Edward I.

Licence to Master Adam de Orleton [1] sub-deacon, rector of the church of Wooton next Wyngeswode, to be promoted to deacon's orders by any Bishop of the province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was beneficed in the diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Kalends of April, 1302.

Grant by the Prior and Chapter of Worcester to Master Gilbert de Middelton, clerk, of a pension of 5 marks to be received until he shall be provided with a benefice. Dated in the chapter of Worcester, the 5th of the Ides of April, 1302.

Licence to Nicholas Colle, acolyte, to be promoted to subdeacon's orders by any Bishop of the province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was born in the diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Kalends of April, 1302.

[1] Probably that "pestilent Ahitophel" who was afterwards Bishop of Hereford and subsequently of Worcester.

78 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Bond by John, Prior, and the Convent of Worcester to Richard de la Lynde, clerk, in 40li. "of good round and lawful money".

Dated in the Chapter House at Worcester, the 2nd of the Kalends of April, 30 Edward I.

[Fol. 33d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Prior of St. Mary of Cirencester, requesting him to exercise the office of penitentiary during the vacancy of the See. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Kalends of April, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Abbot of Persore, asking the same abbot to send 2 marks by the bearer in the name of a procuration due (nomine procurationis debites). Dated at Grymeleya, the 2nd of the Nones of April, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Warwick, commanding the same dean to warn the Abbot and Convent of Alcestr' and the Prior and Convent of Stodleya to send their procurations by reason of the visitation either before Sunday on which is sung the office Quasi modo geniti or by the bearer, to wit 20s. from each of them. Dated at Worcester, the 15th of the Kalends of May, 1302.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Bishop of Hereford [1] The see being vacant and having no bishop, the said Prior prays that the Bishop of Hereford will make and consecrate chrism and oil, and send the same to the said Prior. Dated at Worcester, the 15th of the Kalends of May, 1302.

Letters from Brothers J. de Wyre, Prior of Shrewsbury, Hugh Godmer, sub-prior of Bath, appointed by the Abbots of Westminster and Malmesbury, presidents in the general chapter of the order of St. Benedict in the province of Canterbury [2], visitors in the diocese of Worcester, to the Prior of Worcester to acquaint him of their intention to visit the Monastery of Worcester on Pridie Kalendas Mali. Dated at Shrewsbury, the 13th of the Kalends of May, 1302.

Certificate of the receipt of the above letter.

[1] Richard Swinfield, 1283-1316.
[2] See ante, p. 35.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 79

[Fol. 34] Writ of venire facias for the appearance of the Prior of Brimifeld in respect of debts due to the Exchequer. Dated at York, the 20th of February, 30 Edward I.

Letter from S., Bishop of Salisbury [1], to J., Prior of Worcester, granting the Prior's request to have Master Peter de Pyreton, the Bishop's clerk, as counsel at the election of the Bishop of Worcester, but as to Master William de Foderynggeye, another of the Bishop's clerks, he had left before the Prior's letters arrived and was not returned. Dated at Remnesbur', the 4th of the Ides of March [2].

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to J., Bishop of Llandaff. Asking the Bishop to celebrate ordinations at Worcester on Saturday, on which is sung Scientes [3].

Letter from John, Bishop of Llandaff, to the Prior of Worcester, replying that he will do what they ask, as he promised by word of mouth, if it can be done without prejudice to any one; but the schedule showing the Prior's authority to invite Bishops, which the writer has seen, is not signed, and the Bishop thinks it may be interfering with the rights of the bishop to be elected. Dated the 13th of the Kalends of April (faded).

Letters of credence from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester for Master Gilbert de Midelton. Appointment of Master Wlstane de Wigornia [4] sequestrator of the diocese of Worcester during the vacancy. Dated at Widindon, the 13th of the Kalends of April, 1301.

[Fol. 34d] [At the head of this page is - Incipit Registrum anno Domini MCCC. secundo incipiente tempore Adae de Cyrencestria.]

Inspeximus by John, Prior, and the Convent of Worcester of a confirmation dated at Alnechirche, on the 18th of the Kalends of February, 1301, by Godfrey, Bishop of Worcester, of the appropriation by Guy de Bello Campo, Earl of Warwick, of the church

[1] Simon of Ghent, 1297-1315.
[2] See ante, p. 74.
[3] For previous correspondence, see ante, pp. 15, 16, 18.
[4] A Monk of Worcester House, now vicar of Daylesford, p. 27.

80 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

of Wykewane with the chapel of Morcote adjoining to the Abbot and monks of Bordesley. Dated at Worcester, the 7th of the Kalends of April, 1302.

Writ of fieri facias de bonis ecclesiastics to raise 6 marks from the goods of John de Ebroicis [1], parson of the church of Tredinton, clerk, and render the same to Masters Ralph de Leycestr' and Thomas de Southam for their damages by reason of the unjust detention of their beasts. Dated at York, 8th of February, 30 Edward I.

Similar writ to raise 40li. on the same goods and render the same as above.

VACANCY ON DEATH OF WILLIAM GINSBOROUGH, 1307, TO DEATH OF WALTER REYNOLDS, 1308.

[Fol. 35] A portion of a deed of appointment [by the Archbishop of Canterbury] of the Prior of Worcester as his official in the city and diocese of Worcester during the vacancy of the see by the death of William de Geynesburgh [2], according to the composition made between Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prior and Chapter of Worcester. Dated at London, the 7th of the Ides of October, 1307.

Mandate from the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Gloucester, his official, that by virtue of the composition made between Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Chapter of the same Church, on the one part, and the Prior and Chapter of Worcester on the other (the see of Worcester being vacant by the death of William de Geynesburgh), to cite all abbots, priors, deans, provosts, preceptors, portioners, masters of monasteries, collegiate churches, and hospitals of the said archdeaconry, and also all rectors of churches, vicars, chaplains of parishes and other rural chaplains whomsoever, celebrating in the archdeaconry of Gloucester, as well exempt from archidiaconal jurisdiction as not exempt, that is to say, every abbot, prior, and the others of the

[1] See ante, pp. 15, 80.
[2] William Gainesborough died at Beauvais, 13 Cal. Oct., 1307.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 81

deaneries of Bristol, Button, and Haukesbur', to appear before the Prior or his deputy in the conventual church of St. Augustine of Bristol on Tuesday next before the Feast of the Apostles St. Simon and St. Jude; those of the deaneries of Cyrencestr', Stenhus, and Fayreford in the conventual church of Cyrencestr', on Thursday before the same feast; those of the deaneries of Compeden, Stowe, and Wynehecumbe in the conventual church of Winchcumb, on Friday before the said feast; and also those of the deaneries of Gloucester and Duresleye in the church of St. Nicholas of Gloucester on Monday after the said feast, to give to the Prior of Worcester canonical obedience, and hear, answer, and fulfil the Prior's canonical commands; and to cite the executors of wills, not yet proved, to appear at the next consistory court of Gloucester and Bristol to prove the wills of the deceased. Also to enjoin all rectors, vicars, and other priests of the aforesaid archdeaconry to say masses of the dead for the late Bishop. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Ides of October, 1307.

Commission by the Prior of Worcester to brother J. de Sancto Briavell, monk of Worcester, Master Robert de Sutton, clerk, to hear causes in the consistory courts and without, and to correct crimes and defaults. Dated at Worcester, the 17th of the Kalends of November, 1307.

[Fol. 35d] Commission by the Prior of Worcester to Master Robert de Sutton to perform the office of sequestrator in the diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 4th of the Nones of October. Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Warwick and Kynton, and all rectors and vicars in the same deaneries. Having appointed William de Northpidele, the bearer, apparitor in the said deaneries, he enjoins them to give the said William assistance when he comes to them. Dated at Worcester.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Bristol. Whereas the same Prior has learnt that the archdeacon of Gloucester has removed John, late apparitor of Bristol, without his knowledge

82 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

or order, and made Roger de Somerford, apparitor of the said deanery, in contempt and scandal of the Prior's jurisdiction, wherefore the said Prior has suspended the said Roger from the office of apparitor in the same deanery, and restored the same John to that office. Dated at Worcester, the 5th of the Ides of January, 1307. Appointment by Thomas [1], abbot of Theukesbur', of Master William de Bonham and Henry de la Cone, his proctors. Dated at Teukesbury, the 4th of the Ides of December, 1307.

[Fol. 36] Order from the administrators of the archbishopric of Canterbury to the official of the late Bishop of Worcester to seize the goods of the said Bishop until it appears if the said Bishop has left a will. Dated at London, the Feast of St. Michael in September, 1307.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Blockeleye to sequester the goods of the late Bishop of Worcester for dilapidations and other debts due to the Church, as the Executor of the will of the same Bishop lives in parts remote from the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Grimeleye, the 4th of the Kalends of November, 1307.

Writ from Edward I. to the Prior of Worcester. Whereas the executors of the will of W., late Bishop of Worcester, have given security for the debts of the said Bishop owing to the Crown, free administration of the goods of the said Bishop has been given to the executors. And whereas the King, understanding that the Prior has unjustly sequestered the goods of the same Bishop, commands the said Prior to release the same sequestration. Dated 15 November, 1 Edward II.

Order by William Testa, archdeacon of Arenns, and Peter Almanini, canon of Bordeaux, chaplains and nuncii of the Pope, and administrators of the Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester, to release the sequestration of the goods of the late Bishop of Worcester under pain of excommunication. Dated at London, Wednesday after the Feast of St. Martin in winter, 1307.

[1] Thomas de Kempsey, 1282-1328.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 83

[Fol. 36d. Order by the Prior of Worcester to [blank] to permit the executors of the will of W., late Bishop of Worcester, to administer the goods of the said Bishop released from sequestration.

Letter from [the Prior of Worcester ?] to [blank], asking advice whether notwithstanding that the sequestration of the goods of W., late Bishop of Worcester, was to be released by order of the King and the keeper of the spiritualities of the archbishopric of Canterbury; there was not sufficient cause to impose sequestration.

Order by William Testa, archdeacon of Arenns, chaplain of the Pope in the church of Comminges, to the Prior of Worcester, to warn all ecclesiastical, religious, and secular persons and chapters, colleges and convents exempt and not exempt in the city and diocese of Worcester, under pain of interdict and excommunication, to pay the proxies due to the same William, as papal nuncio, before the Feast of St. Andrew. Dated at London, the 6th of the Ides of October, 1307.

[Fol. 37] Certificate by the Prior of Worcester of the receipt of the above order. Dated at Worcester, the i6th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

The institutions of clerks commenced [here] for the said time. Presentation by the King, by reason of the wardship of the heir of Giles de Berkeleye, of Henry de Ingelby to the church of Cudburleye, vacant by the idiotcy of John Walraund. Dated at Notingham, 3 October, 1 Edward II.

Letter of inquisition from the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Gloucester, to inquire of the condition, conversation, order, birth, and age of the person presented, as above. Dated at Worcester, the 4th of the Ides of October, 1307.

[Fol. 37d] Letters of inquisition to the same, as to Adam de Cortlyngham, clerk, presented to the church of Bradewell by the Abbot and Convent of Evesham.

84 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letters of inquisition to the same, as to Sir Simon de Cadinton, priest, presented to the church of Salewarp by G. de Bello Campo, Earl of Warwick.

Prohibition by the King to the Prior of Worcester against admitting any one to the church of Cudburleye, the right to the advowson whereof is in dispute between the Crown and Alice widow of Walter de Helion. Dated at Notingham, 6 October, 1 Edward II.

Letter from the Bishop of Chichester [l] to the Prior of Worcester, asking as a favour that he will admit by proxy Henry de Ingelby, clerk, presented by the king to the church of Cudburleye, the presentation to the same church having been adjudged to belong to the Crown for this time. Dated at London, 5 December, 1307.

Institution of Henry de Ingelby, rector of the church of Cudburleye, by William de Mukelfeld, his proctor. Dated at Worcester the 3rd of the Ides of December, 1307.

Form of letter of institution.

Writ by the Prior of Worcester to the archdeacon of Gloucester to induct Henry de Ingelby into the church of Cudburleye. Dated at Worcester, the 3rd of the Ides of December, 1307.

[Fol. 38] Memorandum, that on the 5th of the Kalends of November, 1307, William de Coldecote, clerk, was admitted to the church of Coldaston, vacant by the death of Master Nicholas de Berwyk, the last minister, at the presentation of the Prior and convent of Bath, and was canonically instituted.

Memorandum, that on the Ides of November, 1307, William Foukes, priest, was admitted to the church of Witleye, vacant by the death of Hugh de Caldewall, at the presentation of Walter de Kokeseye, the true patron, and was instituted and had letters of institution and induction.

[1] John of Langton, 1305-1337.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 85

Memorandum, that on the Ides of November, 1307, Nicholas Fraunceys was admitted to the church of Doynton, vacant by the resignation of master John Somery, the last rector, at the presentation of the Prior and convent of Lanthony next Gloucester, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 9th of the Kalends of December, 1307. John de Bourton, clerk and sub-deacon, was admitted to the church of Newinton upon Coteswold, by proxy, at the presentation of King Edward, by reason of the vacancy of the Bishopric of Worcester, and had institution, &c.

Letters of institution by John, Prior of Worcester, to John de Bourton, sub-deacon, as rector of the church of Newynton upon Coteswold [l], in the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 9th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

Memorandum, that on the 4th of the Kalends of December, 1307, Robert de Fauwelor, priest, was admitted to the church of Frethorn, vacant by the death of William de Pesye, the last rector, at the presentation of Geoffrey de Frethorn, the patron, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 2nd of the Kalends of December, 1307, William de Witteleye, clerk, was admitted to the chapel of Stowelle, vacant by the death of Walter de Leth, the last rector, at the presentation of Adam Martel (?), and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 2nd of the Ides of December, 1307, John de Wycumbe, clerk, was admitted to the chapel of the Blessed Katherine in Campeden, vacant by the death of Robert le Walcar' [1] the last minister, at the presentation of Sir William de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 10th of the Kalends of January, 1037[-8], Simon de Cadinton, priest, was admitted to the church of Salewarp, vacant by the resignation of John de Dunclent, the last rector, at the presentation of the Earl of Warwick, and was instituted, &c.

[1] See ante, pp. 12, 27, 28, 73.

86 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Memorandum, that on the 15th of the Kalends of February, 1307, Thomas Talebot, clerk, was admitted to the church of Toneworth, vacant by the death of Nicholas le Botiler, the last rector, at the presentation of the Prior and Convent of Kenilleworth, the true patrons, according to the form of a composition between the ancestors of Sir Guy de Bello Campo and the same religious men, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 2nd of the Ides of February, 1307, Master William de Bonham, clerk, was admitted to the church of Estlecch, vacant by the death of Master Henry de Craneburn, the last rector, at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Theukesbur', and was instituted, &c.

[Fol. 38d]. Resignation of the church of Pillardinton by Henry de Hampton, the rector. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Nones of October, 1307.

Memorandum, that on the 10th of the Kalends of March, 1307[-8], Adam de Cortlingstok, clerk, was admitted to the church of Bradewell, vacant by the death of Adam de Blockel', the last rector, at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Evesham, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 3rd of the Ides of March, 1307[-8], Thomas Deivyle [1], clerk, was admitted to the church of Gunelode, judicially decreed vacant, at the presentation of Richard Deivyle, his father, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 8th of the Ides of March, 1307[-8], James de Warr', clerk, was admitted to the church of Pillardinton, vacant by the resignation of Master Henry de Hampton, the last rector, at the presentation of John de Hercy, the patron, by his proctor, Master Richard le Bachiler, and was instituted, &c.

Memorandum, that on the 16th of the Kalends of April, in the same year, Master Walter le Stokes, clerk, was admitted to the church of Welneford, vacant by the death of Master J. de Norton, the last rector, at the presentation of the Prior of Durhurst, and was instituted, &c.

[1] See post, p. 96.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 87

Memorandum, that on the 11th of the Kalends of April, in the same year, the Prior of Worcester gave to Robert de Binynton, chaplain, the vicarage of the church of Claverdon, vacant by the death of Sir Richard de Stokes, the last vicar, by reason of the farm of the archdeaconry being in the hands of the Prior, and he had letters of institution.

Form of licence of absence for study.

Licence to Raymond de Mora, sub-deacon, rector of the church of Seynesbur', to be absent from his church for 5 years for study, and to let to farm his church during that time, the term of absence granted him by the late Bishop of Worcester having expired.

Another form of licence of absence for study.

Licence to Reginald le Porter, deacon, rector of the church of Bourton, to receive ordination as a priest from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was born and beneficed in the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 12th of the Kalends of January, 1307[-8].

[Fol. 39] Licence to Eadmund, called Somori, of Bishampton, deacon, to receive ordination as a priest from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was born in the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 13th of the Kalends of January, 1307[-8].

Form of licence for ordination by any Bishop, notwithstanding the holding of a benefice in the Diocese of Worcester.

Licence to Master J. de Walcote, clerk, of the Diocese of Worcester, to receive ordination as a priest from any Bishop of the Apostolic See, notwithstanding he was born in the Diocese of Worcester.

Letters testimonial for Robert de Saundeby, who had obtained deacon's orders under letters dimissory of W., Archbishop of York.

88 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Letters testimonial that Master J. de Walcote, clerk, of the Diocese of Worcester, is a free, lawful, and obedient man, of good, honest, and laudable conversation.

Letters testimonial for Wlstan de Brauncefford, clerk [1], son of John de Brauncefford, formerly citizen of Worcester.

Letters testimonial for W. de B., chaplain.

Form of letters dimissory for G. de Maddel', sub-prior of Worcester, and A., B., C., D., monks of Worcester.

Letters dimissory, addressed to the Abbot of Pershore, for brothers William le Porter, Henry de Besford, Henry de Staunton, and Andrew de Leg, sub-deacons and monks of Worcester, to receive ordination as deacons from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury, notwithstanding they are professed in the monastery of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the end of the Ides of December, 1307.

Letters dimissory, addressed to the abbot of Kyngeswode, for brothers Ralph de Tettebur', Richard de Lamicton, to receive priest's orders, Walter de Dounton, to receive deacon's orders, and Stephen de Abindon, to receive sub-deacon's orders (all monks of Worcester) from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Kalends of March, 1307[-8].

Commission for the Abbot of Kyng' to receive benediction from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury, notwithstanding his monastery is in the Diocese of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Kalends of March, 1307[-8].

Letters dimissory for John de Arleya, deacon, to receive priest's orders from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury, notwithstanding he was born in the Diocese of Worcester.

Letters dimissory for Adam de Radenore, acolyte, to receive sub-deacon's orders from any Bishop of the Province of Canterbury,

[1] Afterwards Prior of Worcester.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 89

notwithstanding he was domiciled in the Diocese of Worcester, as asserted.

Form of licence of absence for one setting out for Rome.

Another form of letters testimonial.

Letters testimonial for Nicholas, son of Robert de Frankeleye, citizen of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 3rd of the Kalends of December, 1308.

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to Master Benedict de Paston, agent of Walter [1], Bishop of Worcester, presenting to him Nicholas atte Zales of Humelton, acolyte, to the title of a corrody of King John, the collation whereof belongs to the Prior's office, and praying that the same Nicholas may be promoted to sub-deacon's orders. Dated at Worcester, the 14th of the Kalends of June, 1309.

[Fol. 40] Letters testimonial for Richard de Bruton, clerk, son and heir of Reginald de Bruton, citizen of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 8th of the Kalends of March, 1308.

Certificate that William de Stour of Kyderminstr', a priest of the diocese of Worcester, was in 1292 ordained to the order of subdeacon in the cathedral of Worcester by Godfrey, late Bishop of Worcester, and in 1301 ordained deacon at Cheddeworth, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, as appears in the Register of the lord Godfrey. Dated at Worcester, the 8th of the Ides of April, 1308.

Order to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester to pronounce in every parish church of the Diocese of Worcester the sentence of the greater excommunication against certain sons of iniquity who laid violent hands on certain clerks in the High Street of Worcester, and afterwards discredited the sentence of the greater excommunication, and also against all those consenting to the same, and to inquire as to their names.

Order to the Dean of Christianity of Gloucester to pronounce in every church of his deanery sentence of the greater excommunication, according to the canon of the Holy Fathers, against those

[1] Walter Reynolds.

90 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

who defamed William de Plumtre, the names of whom he is ignorant, and to inquire of the names of the delinquents. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Ides of December, 1307.

Letters of absolution granted by brother John de Aston, monk and penitentiary in the Church of Worcester, to Thomas and David, sons of David de Brechenok, clerks of the Diocese of St. David's, from the canonical sentence, if they have incurred it, by fighting when in a temper at Gloucester. The said brother John enjoins salutary punishment.

[Fol. 40d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to W., Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, his vicar, official or commissary general. In a matrimonial cause, moved in the consistory at Worcester, between Margaret de Twychene, complainant, and Richard, son of John Allot of Wych, a day was given to the parties to hear definitive sentence, at which time the said Richard proposed an exception in the form of right, in which it appeared that the said Margaret, long before all contract of marriage, if any there was, between her and the said Richard, was contracted per verba de presenti with a certain Simon, called le Cok of Hornsworth, dwelling in parts of Lichfield; by pretext of which exception the commissary would not proceed to sentence. Wherefore the Prior prays that the same Simon may be cited to appear before him or his commissary in the church of the Blessed Mary of Warwick on the first law-day after the first Sunday in Lent. Dated at Worcester, the 13th of the Kalends of March, 1307.

Letters of absolution by the Prior of Worcester to John, rector of the church of St. James of Warwick, for having clandestinely solemnized marriage, without calling banns, between Roger Thorald, of the parish of St. Peter of Warwick, and Margaret Bisset, of the parish of St. Laurence, of the same vill.

Letters of absolution by the Prior of Worcester to John, chaplain of the parish church of Maderesfeld, for clandestinely solemnizing matrimony between Richard de Clifheye and Joan de Eldresfeld.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 91

[Fol. 41] Letter from Peter, Bishop of Sabina, to the Prior of Worcester. Whereas Henry de Warwyk, clerk, of the Diocese of Worcester, besought the said Bishop that notwithstanding his defect of birth, not being born in wedlock, he may be promoted to all orders, and btain an ecclesiastical benefice, and have cure of souls. The Bishop commits the matter to the Prior to grant dispensation, if he sees it expedient. Dated at London, the Nones of July, in the 2nd year of the Pontificate of Pope Clement.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester to inquire as to the fitness of the said Henry de Warwyk to receive dispensation. Dated at Worcester, the 16th of the Kalends of August, 1307.

Interrogatories upon which persons are to be examined:

If they have known Henry de Warr', clerk ?
If they have known the father and mother of the same?
From what time they have known them ?
What are the names of the father and mother ?
Whether they are within any degree of consanguinity or affinity ?
Whether the same father and mother were unmarried at the time of the begetting of the same ?
From what time they had known the same Henry?
Whether he is of good life and honest conversation, an imitator of his paternal incontinence, modest and quiet, and also if otherwise, he well merits the grace of dispensation ?
How they knew the premises ?
Whether they deposed to the premises being instructed or led by entreaty or corrupted by a price ?

Certificate from the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester that he has made inquisition in accordance with the Prior's letter. Dated at Worcester, the 8th of the Kalends of August.

Letters of dispensation on account of defect of birth by the Prior of Worcester for Henry de Warwyk, clerk. The Prior upon diligent inquiry found that the aforesaid Henry de Warr', clerk, was the child of Robert de Warr', an unmarried man, and Margaret de Wappingbur', an unmarried woman, and that during his youth he

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bore himself well and chastly, and was docile, of honest conversation, and by no means an imitator of his paternal incontinence. Dated the 5th of the Kalends of July, 1307.

[Fol. 41d] Memorandum, that on the 10th of the Kalends of April, 1307, the Prior of Worcester, by authority of letters from P., Bishop of Sabina, granted dispensation on account of defect of birth to John de Honyton, clerk.

Memorandum, that on the Kalends of February, in the same year, the Prior of Worcester, by like authority, granted dispensation, on account of defect of birth, to Adam de Newynton, acolyte.

Memorandum, that later in the same year the Prior of Worcester, by authority of letters from Peter, Bishop of Sabina, papal nuncio, dated at London the Nones of July, in the 5th year of the Pontificate of Pope Clement the Fifth, granted dispensation on account of defect of birth to brother Adam de Honnburne, canon, Prior of Stodley, the child of a deacon and an unmarried woman, who before his entry into religious life caused himself to be promoted to all orders and ministered in the same.

Examination of Witnesses as to the lawful age of Thomas Deyvile [1], presented to the church of Gunelod, made in the cathedral church of Worcester the 3rd of the Ides of March, 1307. Richard Gunelode, 40 years and more, deposed that the said Thomas was 25 years of age on the feast of St. Martin last past, and he so deposed because he was present at the baptism of the said Thomas. Robert, called de Cerl, of Gunelod, 40 years of age, deposed that he heard from many that the said Thomas was 25 years of age and more, and particularly from Richard le Cerl, of Gunelod, who had a son John, by name, of the same age.

[Fol. 42] Commission to the Deans of Worcester and Gloucester to inquire after, receive, and detain in safe custody all clerks charged before the justices of gaol delivery in the counties of Worcester and Gloucester [2].

[1] See antt, p. 86. [2] Ibid., p. 6.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 93

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to the Justices for gaol delivery in the counties of Worcester and Gloucester, acquainting them with the above appointment [1].

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester. Whereas Richard Blac of Wych, chaplain, being charged with the crime of theft and other crimes, before the Justices of the King, and by a lay judgment was condemned to death, and at length delivered to the prison of the Bishop of Worcester, the Prior, believing, by the testimony of many, the innocence of the said Richard, ordered that the said Richard be purged, and required the same Archdeacon publicly to proclaim that if any opposed the purgation of the same Richard that he be cited to appear before the Prior or his deputy in the church of Worcester on Tuesday after the feast of St. Nicholas the Archbishop. Dated at Worcester, the 4th of the Nones of November, 1307.

Act of purgation for Richard Blac of Wych, chaplain, proclamation having been made and no one opposing the same purgation. Dated the 3rd of the Ides of December, 1307.

Names of the compurgators. The rectors of the churches of All Saints, St. Peter the Great, St. Andrew, St. Alban, St. Michael, St. Peter the Little, of Pupplinton, and Tyberton, the vicars of Duderhull, Croule; and John Wale, Simon de Timberdene, John Mose, Thomas Blac, Hugh de Coderugg, Richard Tyrol, John Harre, Richard de Sancto Johanne, William de Exonia, chaplain.

[Fol. 42d] The sentence of purgation for Richard, called Blac, of Wych.

Another form of the same.

Memorandum, that on the 4th of the Nones of November, letters of proclamation were issued throughout the Archdeaconries of Worcester and Gloucester for those who opposed the purgation of John de Cromhale of Hwitenhurst, imprisoned for the crime of theft, to appear at a certain day and place.

[1] See a like letter on p. 6.

94 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

Commission from the Prior of Worcester to the Prior of St. Peter of Gloucester, the precentor of the church of Worcester, and Master Robert de Sutton, clerk, to receive the purgation of John de Cromhale, of Hwitenhurst, clerk. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Ides of December, 1307.

Memorandum, that on Thursday after the feast of the Conception of the Blessed Mary the Virgin the said John purged himself in the church of the Blessed Nicholas of Gloucester.

Memorandum, that on the 4th of the Kalends of February, letters of proclamation were issued throughout the archdeaconries of Worcester and Gloucester for those who opposed the purgation of John le Botiler of Fikenhampton, clerk, imprisoned for the crime of theft, homicide, burning of houses, and other things, to appear on Tuesday after the feast of the Deposition of St. Oswald before the Prior or his commissary in the cathedral church of Worcester.

Commission by the Prior of Worcester to brother Gilbert de Madd', sub-prior of Worcester, and John de Stratford, monk of Worcester, and Masters Simon de Wonecote and Reginald de Heyton, clerks, to receive the purgation of John le Botiler. Dated at Worcester, the 5th of the Nones of March, 1307.

Acts before brothers G. de Madd' and the other commissaries, about the matter of the purgation of John le Botiler. On Tuesday after the feast of SS. Perpetua and Felicitas, 1307, the said commissaries were not certified to the full of the proclamation, therefore Wednesday after the feast of St. Gregory was appointed to the said John to obtain full certificate of the proclamation and to make purgation. On which day the commissaries being certified to the full as to proclamation having been solemnly made in the church, and at the doors of the church, and at the steps of the cemetery, that if any wished to oppose the purgation they were to appear before the said commissaries, and no one appearing, admitted the same John to purgation.

Sentence of purgation for John le Botiler of Fikenhampton.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 95

[Fol. 43d] Memorandum, that on the 4th of the Nones of November proclamations were issued through the archdeaconries of Worcester and Gloucester that if any one wished to propose anything against the purgation of Henry Waldyeue, clerk, indicted by secular afay persons of homicide, robbery, &c., to appear on Tuesday after the feast of St. Nicholas the archbishop in the cathedral church of Worcester before the prior. On which day, certificate of the proclamation having been made, there appeared a certain man who took exception to the purgation of the said Henry because it was notorious that the said Henry had committed the crime of homicide, which exception being examined and the proposer thereof being deficient in proof of the notoriety of the said crime, and also proclamation being made if there were any others who had any objection, the said clerk was purged in form of right.

Form of citation of the executors of a will to appear and render an account of their administration.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Christianity of Warwick. Whereas the Prior has heard that Henry, called le Warner, of the parish of Thoneworth, lately died leaving much movable property, which came to the hands of divers persons who have not disposed of the same according to the will of the deceased, the same Prior commands the said Dean to inquire if there are any Executors, and as to those who have administered the same goods, and cite them to appear before the Prior or his commissary in the cathedral church of Worcester to make answer upon certain articles at the promotion of Emma le Warner, Sister German of the said deceased. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Kalends of December, 1307.

[Fol. 44] Appointment by Amice de Hacche, widow of Sir Eustace de Hacche, knight, deceased, executor of the will of the said Eustace, of Thomas de la Forde, her co-executor, as her proctor, to make an inventory of the goods of her late husband in the Dioceses of Lincoln and Worcester. The will of the said Eustace was proved before the Archdeacon of London, the testator having died in London. Dated at London, Sunday the feast of St. Silvester, 1307.

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Articles issued by Henry de la Lee and Richard de Alyncestr', commissaries of the Prior of Worcester, against John de Feckenham, John Lony, Richard Shep, and Alina, widow of John le Carecter, Executors of the will of the same John le Carecter, that they refuse to execute the said Will, and detain the goods of the deceased.

Form of letters of acquittance from the administration of a will.

[Fol. 44d] Letters of acquittance granted on account of poverty by the Prior of Worcester to Emma, widow of Nicholas le Hopare, citizen of Worcester, from rendering an account of the goods of her late husband who died intestate.

Memorandum, that on Sunday before the feast of the Annunciation of our Lady, 1307, Helen, daughter of William de Ryons of Gloucester, made profession in this manner. Ego, soror Helena, promitto stabilitatem et conversionem morum meorum et obedientiam, secundum regulam Sancti Benedicti, coram Deo et Sanctis ej'us et domina Agnete, priorissa in hoc monasterio, quod constructum est in honore Beatce Marice Magdalence; in przsentia dominiJo]iannis,Prioris ecclesi/z cathedralis Wigorniensis, auctoritate curia Cantuariensis officialis et administratoris spiritualium in civitate et diocese Wygorniense, Sede vacante, ita quodper hoc non sim arcata ab esu carnium abstinere. Having said which, she subscribed the schedule containing the aforesaid profession so * *

Memorandum, that on the 5th of the Kalends of November in the same year, Margaret, daughter of Sir Hugh le Fizeir, made profession in the same monastery and professed and subscribed as above.

Letter from Pope Clement to R., Archbishop of Canterbury. That inclining to the petition of the Archbishop and being unwilling to impede him in his office at the King's coronation, the Pope revoked all letters which he (the Pope) may have directed to any one touching the same matter. Dated at Poitiers (Pictavis), the nth of the Kalends of February, 3 Pont.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 97

Letter from Pope Clement to W. Testa, archdeacon "of Arenns, chaplain in the church of Comminges, and Peter Almamui, canon, chaplain of the church of Bordeaux. Whereas the pope for certain causes suspended Robert [1], Archbishop of Canterbury, from administering the spiritualities and temporalities of the church of Canterbury, he has now restored the same archbishop to the administration of the same. Dated at Poitiers, the 11th of the Kalends of February, 3 Pont.

Bull of Pope Clement to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, restoring to him the administration of the spiritualities and temporalities of the Church of Canterbury.

Appointment by Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, of H., Prior of Canterbury, as vicar general in the Diocese and Province of Canterbury. Dated at Poitiers, the 5th of the Kalends of February, 1307.

Certificate of the Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury, attached thereto. Dated at London, the 14th of the Kalends of March, 1307.

Appointment by Henry [2], Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury, vicar general of the Archbishop of Canterbury, of the Prior of Worcester as his official in the city and Diocese of Worcester, during the vacancy of the see, according to the composition made between Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the prior and chapter of Worcester. Dated at London, the 15th of the Kalends of March, 1307.

Form of letter deputing a priest to undertake the cure of a parish, the rector whereof (who gives his consent) being so weak in body and suffering from an incurable complaint, that he cannot undertake the cure of the said church; with an injunction to take an inventory of all the goods of the said rector.

Form of letter by the Prior of Worcester to the Sequestrator to inquire as to the condition of a rector who is reputed to have neglected his cure, and converted the goods of his church to voluptuous uses.

[1] Robert Winchelsey, 1294-1308.
[2] Henry de Estria, 1285-1331.

98 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

[Fol. 45d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the King asking that he will cause to be removed from the parish church of W. certain laymen who have entered it with force and arms, whereby the spiritual offices of the church cannot be exercised.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the King, praying that he will stretch forth his right hand of majesty to restrain the malice of W. de B., who, on account of contumacy, has incurred sentence of the greater excommunication.

Form of appointment of a steward of the manors in the hundred of Oswaldeslowe.

Form of appointment of a bailiff of lands of the Bishopric.

Form of appointment of a messenger to carry letters.

[Fol. 46] Proceedings upon the Election of Brother Adam de Brockenebarewe, elected abbot of Cirencestr' by the Prior and Convent of the same place, Anno Domini 1307, and confirmed by the Prior of Worcester, the see being vacant.

Proclamation by the Prior and Convent of the monastery of St. Mary of Cyrencestr', in the Diocese of Worcester, that Henry, then late abbot, being dead and his body buried, that being assembled in their chapter-house on Sunday after the feast of All Souls, 1307, to treat of a day of election of a future abbot, it was agreed by all to meet on the day of St. Brice the bishop and confessor to treat of the election aforesaid.

Declaration by the Prior and Convent of St. Mary of Cyrencester, that upon the day of St. Brice the bishop and confessor, 1307, all being assembled in their chapter who ought, would, and could be present to treat of the election of an abbot, and warning having been given for any who were excommunicated, suspended, or interdicted to retire, the Prior asked by what form they would proceed to elect an abbot, whereupon they all chose the form of scrutiny, and elected as scrutators, William de Cokham, sub-prior, Nicholas de Duncastre, precentor, and Thomas de Clere, infirmarer.

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 99

Power given by the Prior and Convent of Cyrencester to Sir William de Cornwell, almoner, to make comparison of the votes. Declaration by the Prior and Convent of Cyrencestr', that on the day of St. Brice, 1307, it appeared after the comparison of the votes made by Sir William de Cornwell, almoner, that the greater and wiser part of the chapter had given their votes for Sir Adam de Brokenebarwe, chamberlain of the monastery; and the Prior gave special power to the said William de Cornwell to publish the election aforesaid.

[Fol. 46d] Declaration by the Prior and Convent of Cyrencester of the election and publication of the same, as above.

Consent of the said Adam de Brokenbarewe to his election as abbot of Cyrencester, as above.

Royal assent to the same election. Dated at Langele, 24 Nov., 1 Edw. II.

Letter from the Prior and Convent of Cyrencester to the Prior of Worcester, acquainting him that they have appointed William de Cornwell and Richard de Cherlthon their proctors, to present Adam de Brokenebarwe, chamberlain of their house, whom they have chosen as their abbot and pastor, and to pray for and obtain confirmation of their election and licence to obtain a blessing from any Catholic bishop. Dated at Cyrencester, the 4th of the Kalends of December.

[Fol. 47] Decree by Robert, Prior, and the Convent of St. Mary of Cyrencester, addressed to the Prior of Worcester, reciting that whereas Henry, late abbot of Cyrencestr', died on the Feast of All Souls, 1307, and his body having been buried with due reverence, the Prior and Convent assembled in their chapter and appointed a day on which to treat about the election of a new abbot; and upon the day appointed, Mass being completed, they came together in their chapter, and the Prior warned all suspended and interdicted persons and others who ought not to be present to retire, whereupon the business of the election was proceeded with.

100 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

And William de Cokham, sub-prior, Nicholas de Denecastr', precentor, and Thomas de Clere, were unanimously selected to inquire the votes of all and reduce them to writing. And they withdrawing themselves to a corner of the chapter-house secretly and one by one inquired the votes of each, whereupon it appeared that Adam de Brokenberg', chamberlain of the monastery, had been chosen, and the election was published by William de Cornwelle, almoner. And afterwards the said elect gave his consent, being unwilling to resist the divine will. The Prior of Cyrencestr' therefore now prays the Prior of Worcester to confirm to the election, and grant a faculty for the same elect to receive the gift of benediction from any Catholic bishop. The document is subscribed by Robert Mendecourt, Prior and Priest of the monastery of St. Mary of Cyrencestr', William de Cokham, sub-prior and priest and one of the scrutators, Nicholas de Doncastr', priest and precentor, one of the scrutators, Thomas de Clere, priest and infirmarer, one of the scrutators, William de Cornwelle, priest and almoner, Robert, priest and sacristan, William de Teynton, priest, Richard de Upton, priest, Roger de Wigornia, priest and hospitaller, John de Brokenberg priest, Richard de Cherleton, priest and refectorer, Adam de Whiteleye, priest, John de Preston, Andoenus de Abindon, priest, Henry de Lokenham, priest, William Savage, priest, William Alwold, priest, John de Evesham, priest, Henry de Cherleton, canon, Richard de Cheleworth, canon. The scrutiny having been published, Hugh de Chaleford immediately said publicly, I, Hugh de Chaleford, seeing the greater and wiser part of this chapter have agreed to Sir Adam de Brokenberg', do withdraw from the nomination of him to whom I before agreed, and do consent and elect the said Sir Adam. In like manner said Adam de Avenynge, priest and canon, and William Trosbur', priest and canon. Dated in the chapter-house of Cyrencester, on the day of St. Brice, the bishop and confessor.

[Fol. 48] On 3rd of the Kalends of December, 1307, there appeared before the Prior of Worcester in the cathedral church of Worcester the abbot-elect of Cyrencestr' and the chapter of Cyrencestr', by brother William de Cornwell, and the said abbot-elect was presented and prayed to be confirmed in that office in form of right, and showed forth the decree of the same election, and other

SEDE VACANTE REGISTER. 101

instruments touching the same business. The election aforesaid having been proposed by Master Walter de Stratton, as is the custom, and the three witnesses or instructors, to wit, Adam de Whiteleye, William Alwold, and William Savage, brothers of Cyrencester, being admitted, and a commission having been given to Masters Symon de Vynecote and William de Chedesye, clerks of Worcester, to examine the same, Friday after the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle was fixed to view the attestations of the said witnesses or instructors. On which day the attestation of the witnesses or instructors being viewed, and publication of the premises being made, Saturday, the morrow, was fixed for a further attendance. On which day, after reciting the business of the preceding day and reading the certificate of the dean of Cyrencestr' of the proclamation of the said elect, as is the custom, in the monastery of the Blessed Mary of Cyrencestr' and in the church of St. John, of the same place, proclamation was made at the doors of the church of Worcester, that if any one wished to oppose or to say anything against the said elect or the form of election, that he do, without delay, appear. And no one appearing, the Prior of Worcester proceeded to make a decree in the said business.

The examination of the witnesses or instructors in the matter of the election of Sir Adam de Brokeneberg' as abbot-elect of Cyrencestr', made in the greater church (in majori ecclesia) of Worcester on the Vigil of the Blessed Andrew the Apostle, 1307. Brother Adam de Whiteleye, sworn and examined, deposed for the most part as is set out in the previous documents, but said further that Sir Henry, late Abbot of Cyrencestr', died on All Souls' day, in the evening, and was buried on the Monday following. He describes the election as before recited, and says that after the said election they carried away the elect to the high altar, singing an English hymn, and that there were 40 canons in the convent, of whom 20 of the wiser consented to the election of the said Adam, and afterwards three of the convent who had voted for others directed that their votes be changed for the said elect. Brother William Savage and brother William Alwold, sworn and examined, deposed as the said Adam.

[Fol. 49] Certificate by the dean of Christianity of Cyrencestr' that he had received an order from the Prior of Worcester to

102 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

make proclamation in the conventual church of Cyrencester, and afterwards in the church of St. John of Cyrencestr', before the clergy and people, that all who wished to oppose the said election were to appear before the Prior or his commissary in the church of Worcester on Saturday next, after the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, before the hour of nine of the day. Which order he diligently executed, and he found none to oppose the said election. Dated at Cyrencestr', the Kalends of December.

Renunciation by Richard de Byseleye, canon and cellarer of Cyrencester, one of those named for election as abbot of Cyrencester, of all right he may have to the abbacy, in favour of Adam de Brokenberg'. Read by Master W. de Stratton before the Prior of Worcester on St. Andrew's day, 1307. Masters G. de Rodeberwe, S. de Wynecote, and W. de Chadesleye, clerks, being present.

Acceptation by the Prior of Worcester of the said renunciation.

Sentence of the Prior of Worcester upon the foregoing business. That whereas the power of electing, making, or providing an abbot to the monastery of Cyrencester belongs to him, he declares the aforesaid election to be invalid and void, but after considering the matter with certain prudent men, and understanding that the said Adam de Brokenberg' is a discreet man, esteemed for his learning and virtuous habits and actions, of lawful age, a priest, and born of lawful marriage, professed on the order of the rule of St. Augustine in the said monastery of Cyrencester, and circumspect in spiritual and temporal matters, the said Prior makes and provides him abbot of the said Monastery.

[Fol. 50] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the King, praying that the King will show such favour to Adam de Brokenberwe, lately made abbot of Cyrencester, as has been accustomed to be shown to his predecessors. Dated at Worcester, 3 Dec., 1307.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Adam de Brockenberg, abbot of Cirencester, committing to him the administration of the spiritualities of the abbey. Dated at Worcester, the 3rd of the Nones of December, 1307.

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Licence from John, Prior of Worcester, to Adam de Brok', abbot of Cyrencester, to receive benediction from any bishop of the province of Canterbury.

Form of the profession of the same abbot. Ego, frater Adam de Brok', abbas monagterii Beata Maria Cyrencestr [1], ab /iac hora in antea fidelis era ecclesia~cathedrali Wigorniensi, domino episcopo Wigorniensi, quipro tempore fuerit, necnon domino priori loci ejusdem, sede vacante, eorumque successoribus canonice in predictam ecclesiam cathedralem intrantibus, eorumque officialibus, in mandatis canonicis obediam et intendam. Nee ero in consilio vel in facto ut capiantur mala captione, et quod mihi per nuncium vel per litteras manifestabunt ad eorum dampnum nulli pandam jura et consuetudines dicta ecclesice cathedralis, adjutor ero ad defendendum et retinendum, ordine meo, salvo, sic Deus me adjuvet et Sancti sui et Evaungelia sancta Dei. Attested by the Prior of Worcester. Dated at Worcester, the 3rd of the Nones of December, 1307.

Injunction by the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Gloucester to install Adam de Brokenberg', whom the said Prior had made Abbot of Cyrencester on the death of Henry Clerbaud, the last abbot, and to enjoin the Prior and Convent of Cyrencester to admit the same Adam with due reverence, and be obedient to him. Dated at Worcester, the 5th of the Ides of December, 1307.

[Fol. 50d] Proceedings upon the election of Walter Reginald [Reynolds], the elect, as bishop of the Church of Worcester, on the day of St. Brice, 1307, by the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, and confirmed by Pope Clement the Fifth, the see of the same church being then vacant by the death of Brother William de Geynesburch, on the day of St. Lambert the Martyr, in the month of September, at Beauvais (Belvac [1]) in Picardy.

Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to the King, that he has sent brothers Gilbert de Madd' and William de London to pray for license to elect a new bishop. Dated at Worcester, Pridie Idus of October, 1307.

104 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

License from Edward II. to the Prior and Convent of Worcester to elect a bishop. Dated 17 Oct., 1 Edward II.

Letters of credence from the King to the Prior of Worcester by Sir Hugh le Despenser on behalf of Walter Reynaud, the King's treasurer. Dated at Northampton, 17 Oct., 1 Edward II.

[Fol. 51] Memorandum, that a little after the license from the King to elect there came persons to say the Pope had reserved to himself the provision to the See.

Letter from Pope Clement reserving to himself the ordination and provision of a fit person to the See of Worcester. Dated at Cressy (Crassayum) in the Diocese of Poreton, the 3rd of the Nones of October, 2 Pont.

Upon hearing which the King, fearing this reservation and inhibition might be made in the future to the prejudice of his right in the English Church, directed his writ to the aforesaid Prior and Convent to hasten the election before the notification of the original reservation, if any there was.

Letter from the King to the Prior and Convent of Worcester. Having granted them license to elect a bishop and hearing that they delay proceeding to an election, whereby grave loss may occur to them and their church, he commands them that without further delay they proceed to the election of their future bishop. Dated at Westminster, 30 Oct., 1 Edward II.

Further letters of credence from the King to the Prior and Convent of Worcester on behalf of Wauter Renaud. Dated at Westminster, 6 Nov., 1 Edward II.

Reasons why the King ordered that the election be hastened. Fet a remembrer ge avaunt le temps le Roys Johan touz ser auncestres, Roys Dengleterre, puys ge la Crestienete fut establie en Engleterre et les Eveschees ordinees donerent, fraunchement les Eveschees saunz nul countredit auxi fraunchement comme les Roys donnent les provendes en lour fraunches chapeles en le temps ge ore

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est. Le Roy Johan en son temps dona as les Eglises cathedrales, qe ore sount, fraunche electioun le quel graunt fu conferme par la pape Innocent, mes celuy Roys sauva touz jours a ly et a ses sucessours, Roys Dengleterre, les vacatiouns et retint auxi dever luy et dever eux les patronages des Eveschees et les douns des totes choses en celes vacatiouns, qe pert^bien de ceo qil donne les provendes et les Eglises en temps de vacatioun si come fount les eveskes quant le see est plein. Dautre part quant un evesk se lest morir si demaunde le chapitre du Roy cunge de eslyre et quant le electioun si est fete si devient il presente la persone elue au Roy et en ly est syl la voylle accepter ou reteinere ou noun, qar atant de dreit ad le Roy en eel acceptatioun quant a sa persone come ad soun prelat en le processe del electioun confermer ou quasser car puet estre qil seit treitre ou enemy du Roy on du reaume, on qil seit dautre natioun qil ne sachemic entendre la launge et par autres resouns assez le Roy dernurt totes voys patroun et tut eitil assigne de sa bone volunte as autres gentz poer de eslire sicome desus est dit, il nadmie hoste de luy chose qe touche sa temporaute et le dreit de sa coronne, dount il semble qe lapostoile ne puet doner les eveschees en Engleterre ne fere reservatioun de si come la chose est de lay patronage si come desus est dit, ne nepuet il doner une simple eglise qe seit de lay patronage mesqe ele voydast en la court et ceo adeste use du temps qe memorie ne court, qar ataunt de dreit il ad en le meindre come en le greindre. Esi lapostoile feist reservatioun des Eveschees ceo serreit endesheritaunce les Roys et en prejudice de sa coronne et en countre le fet le Roy graunt et conferme de fraunche electioun fere. La bulle de la reservatioun qe home dit qe deit estre donee sur leveschee de Wyrecestr ne fust unqes notefie ne le originate mustre as moignes de Wyrecestr par nule desturbaunce ne deit estre al election fere. A ceo qil pert estre ceo la bulle qe contient cele reservatioun si contient faus qar la on ele dist qe Guill' nadgueres eveske de Wyrecestre morust a Amyens il morust a Beavoys par qui mort lapostoyle fet cele reservatioun si nule isoit. Esi lapostoile puysse aver son purpos en ce cas jammes electioun ne se fra en nule eglise cathedral en Engleterre et dautre part puys qela fraunche electioun si est conferme par apostoille autre ne le purramie deffere sil ne face especiale mentioun qe nouncountresteaunt le graunt son predecessour et la chose qil vent ordiner se face.

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Translation of the above. Be it remembered that before the time of King John, all his ancestors, kings of England since the time that Christianity was established in England and the bishoprics ordained freely conferred bishoprics without any contradiction, as freely as kings give prebends in their free chapels at the present time. King John in his time gave to the cathedral churches which now are, free election, which grant was confirmed by Pope Innocent, but that king always saved to himself and his successors, kings of England, the vacancies, and retained also to him and them the patronages of the bishoprics and the gift of all things during those vacancies, which appears clear, because he gives the prebends and the churches in the time of the vacancy, like the bishops, when the see is filled. On the other hand, when a bishop dies, the chapter asks the king for a congd d'elire, and when the election is made then they ought to present the person chosen to the king, and with him it lies to accept or retain him or not, for the king in his own person, dealing with his own prelate, has such right in this acceptance to confirm or quash in the process of election, for he (the elect) may be a traitor or an enemy of the king or of the realm, or he may be of another nation, so that he does not understand the language, and for other sufficient reasons the king always remains patron, and may grant all at his pleasure to other men to elect, as is above said. [But] he has never relinquished anything which concerns his temporality and the right of his crown, wherefore it seems that the pope cannot confer bishoprics in England nor make reservation of them, as the matter concerns lay patronage, as is above said, nor can he give a single church which is of lay patronage, unless it is void, in the court (en la courf), and this has been the custom from a time to which memory runneth not, for so much right has he in the lesser as in the greater. And if the pope makes reservation of the bishoprics, he will do it to the disinherison of the king and prejudice of his crown, and contrarywise the king grants and confirms [the right] to make free election. The bull of reservation, which is said to be duly given upon the bishopric of Worcester, was never notified, nor the original shown to the monks of Worcester, so it ought to be no hindrance to making the election. Whereas it appears that the bull which contains this reservation must be false, for it says that William, formerly Bishop of Worcester, died at Amiens, [whereas] he died at Beauvais, by

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whose death the pope makes this reservation, if there be any. And if the pope have his design in this matter, an election will never be made in any cathedral church in England, and on the other hand, since free election is confirmed by the pope, another [election] can never be made if special mention be not made that, notwithstanding the grant of his predecessors, and [1] the matter which he wishes to ordain may be done.

[Fol. 51d] Proclamation that the Cathedral Church of Worcester being vacant by the death of brother William de Geynesburch, who died on the 15th of the Kalends of October, 1307, and on the morrow was buried, and the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, on Sunday after the feast of St. Martin in winter, having obtained the royal licence to elect, assembled in the chapter-house of the said Cathedral Church to treat of a day for the election of the future bishop. And by the consent of all present, Monday then next following was thereupon fixed, and letters, dated the 11th of the Ides of November, 1307, were directed to J. de Sancto Briavello, precentor of the said church (as was customary), to cite all those who ought to be called to the election. And on the Ides of November, the said precentor certified that he had executed the above order. On the said Monday, to wit, the Ides of November, the said Prior and Chapter, having celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit, as was accustomed, came together into their chapter in the presence of a notary public and of certain witnesses, and having expounded the Word of God and read the Constitution Quia propter and the letters certificatory of the citation, the Prior, for himself and all and singular the Chapter, publicly warned in writing any who was excommunicated, suspended, or interdicted, or who ought not to be present, to retire from the Chapter, permitting the others freely to elect. After which brother Symon de Besford, monk of the same monastery, asserted publicly in the Chapter that he was unwilling to be present at such election, but renounced all right he might have in the same, and immediately retired from the Chapter. Whereupon all agreed to proceed by way of compromise, and to consent to the award of John de Wykes, Prior of the same church, and conferred upon him full power to provide by election from the body of the church or out of that body, a fit religious or secular

[1] sic ? for that.

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person to the said church, whom they would receive as bishop and pastor. And the Prior, having accepted such power, went to the upper part of the chapter-house, the rest of the Chapter withdrawing towards the door, and with due devotion and thoughtful spirit he deliberated, as by his acts appeared, and as he afterwards intimated to the said notary and others. And at length he chose the Rev. Walter Reginald, canon of St. Paul's, London, and in his own name and the name of the whole Chapter, solemnly elected him bishop and pastor of the Church of Worcester, and published the same election in writing. Of which election all approved, and they departed from the chapter-house to the choir singing "the English hymn" Te Deum laudamus, the precentor commencing. And forthwith they caused the same election to be published. Notarial certificate to above, by John de Bradewas, who was present at the same proceedings.

[Fol. 53d] Appointment of Gilbert de Madd', sub-prior, as proctor of the Prior and Convent of Worcester to acquaint Walter Reginald, canon of St. Paul's, London, with his election to the See of Worcester, and to pray his consent to the same. Dated at Worcester, the i6th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

Form of appointment of a substitute for the above proctor.

Letter from J., Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester to Walter Reginald, canon of St. Paul's, London, intimating that they have elected him bishop, and praying he will consent to the same election.

On Monday, 13 November, 1307, Sir Walter Reginald, canon of St. Paul's, London, was elected bishop of Worcester, at which time the said elect was said to be in London or in parts of the country distant from Worcester a hundred miles or thereabouts. Immediately after, to wit, on the Tuesday and Wednesday following, the Prior and Chapter appointed Gilbert de Madd', sub-prior of their house, their proctor to ask the consent of the said elect, and likewise appointed brothers Richard de Bromwych and John de Sancto Bevell, monks, their instructors, who prepared for the journey. And the same proctor started on his journey on the Thursday following, and making all haste he arrived in London on the Sunday. On

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inquiring at the house of the elect he learnt that the said elect was in remote parts with the King, whose treasurer he was, and that he would return on the morrow or within two days, as was believed. On the Wednesday morning following, the said elect having arrived in London the previous night, the same proctor presented the same election and other things touching the same business, humbly praying that the elect would give msconsent thereto. The elect replied that he dared not make answer to so arduous a matter over hastily, but immediately he was able he would do so. The next day the proctor returned and asked the aforesaid elect if he would consent, who, with astonished countenance, answered that he had not yet deliberated, but immediately he was able he would answer. On Friday, the morrow, in the morning, the said proctor returned and pointing out the necessities which a church void of a prelate suffered, endeavoured to induce the same elect to consent, who immediately answered that he as yet had not fully deliberated upon a matter so urgent, but that he had time allowed him by right to deliberate and answer, and that the same proctor should return home and in the mean time the elect would deliberate and signify to the same proctor when and where he should return to receive a fit answer. Notarial certificate to the above by John de Bradewas.

Having heard which answer the said proctor returned home, and within fifteen days after, having taken counsel with certain of the household of the elect, came again to ask the assent of the elect, who at length at the instance of the aforesaid proctor consented with devotion.

[Fol. 54] Form of consent of the aforenamed elect that he will obey and observe the apostolic commands, and if he should do or consent to the doing of anything to the contrary, he wills that as well the deed as the consent may be had for no deed and no consent; and although it should be said by men of light opinions that Pope Clement the Fifth intended to provide and ordain a pastor to the cathedral church of Worcester, without the election of the Prior and Chapter, yet if there was any reservation by the Pope which the said elect does not believe, it never came to his notice nor that of the said Prior and Chapter either by letters or the report of any trustworthy person. Therefore after mature deliberation and prayer he consents to his election as Bishop to the honour of the

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most High and Undivided Trinity and the Blessed and Glorious Virgin Mary, in whose name the church of Worcester is consecrated. Witnesses, Sir Walter de Bedewynde, treasurer of York, Master W. de Cnapton, archdeacon of Norwich, Walter de London, Thomas de Teffont', Sir Walter de Cancia, priest, J. de Bradewas, and J. de Slymdon, notary public.

[Fol. 54d] Letter from J., Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester to King Edward II., acquainting the King with the election of the said Walter Reginald, whom they present to the King by G. de Madd', their sub-prior, and praying the King to consent to such election, and to direct his letters to the administrators of the Archbishopric of Canterbury thereupon. Dated at Worcester, the 16th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

Letter from the King to the administrators of the Archbishopric of Canterbury, signifying his consent to the election aforesaid.

Letter from the Prior and Convent of Worcester to the Administrators of the Province of Canterbury, acquainting them with the appointment of Gilbert de Madd', sub-prior of Worcester, as their proctor and special messenger to present the elect to them and do whatever else is necessary in the matter of the election. Dated at Worcester, the 16th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

[Fol. 55] A like letter acquainting the same administrators with the appointment of J. de Sancto Briavello, precentor of Worcester, and Richard de Bromwych, monk of Worcester, as proctors and special messengers touching the "instruction" of the election. Dated at Worcester, the 16th of the Kalends of December.

Decree of John, Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester, addressed to the Administrators of Christ Church, Canterbury, or either of them, upon the election, setting out all the proceedings in the election as are recited in the previous documents. Certified by J. Wykes, the Prior and priest of Worcester, G. de Madd', priest and sub-prior, Henry de Antioch, priest and monk. Dated at Worcester, the 15th of the Kalends of December.

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Note: That having sought the consent of the said elect, for fear of the reservation and inhibition aforesaid the business of the election was not further proceeded with. The King, however, wrote to the Apostolic See on behalf of the said elect, at whose instance the said elect was made Bishop of Worcester by the Pope.

Papal bull from Pope Clement, addressed to Walter, elect of Worcester, reciting that although the Pope was led to reserve the bishopric of Worcester, intending to provide thereto a fit person, yet as the said elect had refused his consent, expecting to be certified concerning the said reservation, and as the King had written on his behalf and the said elect appearing to be a fit person, the Pope makes him bishop and pastor of the church of Worcester. Dated at Poictiers, Pridie Idus of February, 3 Pont.

[Fol. 56d] Bull from Pope Clement to the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, setting out that, notwithstanding the reservation, he has made Walter Raynold Bishop of Worcester, and commanding the same Prior and Chapter to be attendant and obedient, and to exhibit due reverence to the same Walter. Dated at Poitiers, the 2nd of the Ides of February, Pont. 3.

Memorandum, that these two bulls were published in the cathedral church of Worcester about the third hour of the day on the 17th of the Kalends of May, 1308.

[Fol. 57] Form of letter from J., Prior, and the Chapter of Worcester, to all abbots, priors, preceptors, wardens, and prelates, and to all colleges throughout the archdeaconry of Worcester, reciting that whereas B. (sic), late Bishop of Worcester, paying the debt of nature, has left the see vacant, and therefore the said Prior and Chapter have appointed the feast of the Blessed Mary, in whose honour their church is dedicated, to elect a future bishop, and request the said abbots and the others to pray that they may elect a fit person.

Proceedings upon the election of the lady Alice de la Flagge, as Prioress of Whiston next Worcester, by the sub-prioress and convent of the same place, 1308.

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Licence by Walter, elect of Worcester, to the lady Lucy de Solers, sub-prioress of the church of the Blessed Mary Magdalene of Whiston next Worcester, and the convent of the same, to elect a Prioress in the place of the lady Agnes de Bromwych, deceased, which licence had been asked by Richard de Bickerton, their messenger. As the patronage of the said Priory belongs to the Bishop, the licence is granted without prejudice to the church of Worcester, and without making it a custom. Dated at London, the 9th of the Kalends of July, 1308.

Appointment by the sub-prioress and nuns of Whiston of Monday after the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, 1308, for the election of a Prioress.

[Fol. 58] Warning by Lucy de Solers, sub-prioress of Whiston, for all who ought not to be present at the election to retire from the Chapter-house. Dated in the Chapter-house of Whiston, on Monday after the feast of the Apostles SS. Peter and Paul, 1308.

Notification by the sub-prioress and convent of Whiston that on Monday after the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, 1308, the nuns assembling in their chapter-house for the election of a future prioress, having expounded the Word of God and devoutly invoked the Grace of the Holy Spirit, with one consent and will, as if by inspiration, they chose the lady Alice de la Flagge, a sister of the house, whom the sub-prioress had first named, which election all approving, they, singing the Te Deum laudamus, carried the same Elect weeping to the church, as was the custom, and immediately afterwards brother William de Grimeleye, a monk of Worcester, proclaimed the same election.

Declaration by the sub-prioress and convent of Whiston next Worcester of the election of Alice de la Flagge, as prioress, and of the assent of the same Alice to such election. Dated at Whiston, the 5th of the Nones of July.

Letter from the sub-prioress and convent of Whiston to W., elect of Worcester. Considering the smallness of the possessions of the nuns of Whiston, in his patronage, which compelled the same nuns

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formerly to beg, to the scandal of womanhood and discredit of religion, and for the honour of religion and the frailness of the female sex, they pray that he will grant them, by their proctor, licence to elect a new prioress, and will confirm the same election.

[Fol. 58d] Letter from John, Prior of Worcester, to master W. de Burston, praying him to promote the business of the nuns of Whiston, about which the same prior has written fully to the elect. Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to J. de Rodberwe, rector of Hertlebur', praying that he will testify to the extreme poverty of the nuns of Whiston to the elect of Worcester, that he may incline to the prayer of their proctor for licence to elect a new prioress, and to commit the examination and confirmation of the same to any of the neighbouring prelates, that so he may relieve the necessity and serve the honour of their order.

Letter from Walter, elect of Worcester, to John, Prior of Worcester, and master John de Rodberwe, commissary -general, committing to them power to receive and examine the election of the prioress of Whiston, to confirm the same according to the canonical institutes, to grant the gift of benediction to the same, and cause her to be installed by who ever ought to install her. Dated at London, the 16th of the Kalends of August, 1308.

Appointment by sister Lucy de Solers, sub-prioress, and the convent of Whiston, of Richard de Bereburn, chaplain, their proctor, to present the elect of Whiston to the elect of Worcester or his commissary. Dated at the chapter-house at Whiston, the 3rd of the Kalends of August, 1308.

[Fol. 59] Appointment by the sub-prioress and convent of Whiston of the the lady Alice le Seculer and the lady Isabella de Aston, sisters of the priory, as proctors, to instruct and do all things about the business of the instruction of the election. Dated as above.

Decree touching the election by sister Lucy de Solers, subprioress, and the convent of Whiston, addressed to the elect of

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Worcester. Reciting that on Monday before the feast of St. Barnabas, 1308, the lady Agnes de Bromwych died, and on the morrow of the same feast her body was buried, and having sought and obtained licence from the lord W., elect of Worcester, their patron, to provide a prioress by election, on the vigil of the Apostles SS. Peter and Paul they assembled in their chapter-house, and appointed Monday then following to treat of the election. On which day, Mass being over, all those who would or could be at the election being present, they unanimously, as if inspired by the Holy Spirit, chose the lady Alice de la Flegge, a woman of discreet life and morals, of lawful age, professed in the nunnery, born in lawful matrimony, prudent in spiritual and temporal matters. Of whose election they all approved, and afterwards, solemnly singing Te Deum lavdamus, they carried the said elect weeping, resisting as much as she could, and expostulating (reclamanteni) in a high voice, to the church, as is the custom; and immediately afterwards brother William de Grimeley, monk of Worcester, proclaimed the election. The said elect, after being very often asked (at length, after due deliberation, being unwilling to resist the divine will), on Wednesday after the said feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, consented. The same prioress and nuns therefore pray that the elect of Worcester will confirm their election.

[Fol. 59d] Acts before the Prior of Worcester and J. de Rodberwe, clerk, commissaries of Walter, bishop elect of Worcester, touching the matter of the election of the lady Alice de la Flegge as prioress of Whiston. That on Wednesday before the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula, 1308, the nuns of Whiston appeared by Sir Richard de Bereburne, chaplain, their proctor, after reading the appointments of the same commissaries and proctor and also the licence to elect, the same proctor presented the same elect and the election of the same, and exhibited the election propounded by Master Richard de Stanford, clerk, the decree of election and other instruments touching the same business, and humbly prayed that the same elect be confirmed in form of right; and being joined by the two instructrices, to wit, the ladies Alice le Seculer and Isabella de Aston, and also the lady Lucy de Solers, sub-prioress, and having sworn and examined them, the same commissaries decreed that, on the Sunday following, proclamation be made that

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if any one wished to oppose the same election they were to appear before the same commissaries on the Monday following about the ninth hour. On which Monday, having read the certificate of the proclamation by the Dean of Worcester, and no one having appeared to oppose the same election, the same commissaries proceeded with the business. [The entry breaks off abruptly.]

[Fol. 60] Certificate by the Dean of the Christianity of Worcester of having made proclamation touching the election of the prioress of Whiston, as above, Dated at Hyndelep, the 2nd of the Nones of August.

[Fol. 60d] Confirmation by John, Prior of Worcester, and J. de Rodberewe, clerk, commissaries of the elect of Worcester, of the election of the Lady Alice de la Flegge, as prioress of Whiston. Declaration by the same commissaries of the aforesaid confirmation and, in the absence of the said Master J., the Prior completes the business about the benediction and installation and enjoins obedience upon the nuns. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Ides of August, 1308.

Certificate to Walter, bishop elect of Worcester, by the said commissaries, that they have completed the business touching the election of the prioress of Whiston.

[Fol. 61] Proceedings upon the Visitation, the see of Worcester being vacant, from the 15th of the Kalends of September, 1307, to the 17th of the Kalends of May following.

On the 19th of the Kalends of January, 1307, the Prior of Worcester sent a letter of warning of his intention to visit the monastery of Worcester, to the sub-prior or president in the chapter, by one of the brothers, in the presence of a notary public and of masters Reginald de Heyton, Simon de Wonecot, and Richard de Alincestr', clerks, and cited the brothers and those who ought to be present at the visitation.

Notice by the Prior of Worcester to the sub-prior and chapter of Worcester, or whomsoever may be president of the same chapter,

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of his intention to visit the monastery on Monday after the Feast of Epiphany at the church and chapter-house, and order that they shall admit him with due reverence and honour, and that they recall the absent brothers, if there be any. Dated at Hallowe, on the Feast of St. Lucy the Virgin, 1307.

On which Monday the brothers came together in the chapterhouse about the first hour as the Prior required, and one of the brothers preached the Word of God, and the sermon being finished, a certain monk, who presided, showed forth a certificate of the aforesaid order, which being publicly read, the seculars who were present retired, as was the custom (except those whom the Prior associated with himself). Then the Prior, in the presence of the notary public and the others, in due manner made visitation upon the brothers. Which being done, on the same day he caused the clergy and people of the city and deanery of Worcester to be visited by their clergy and commissaries in the cathedral church of Worcester. Notarial certificate by Thomas de Stokes, clerk, of Exeter, who was present at such visitations.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of Christianity of Worcester to cite all abbots, priors, preceptors, portioners, pensioners, holding churches to their own use and portions, pensions, and many benefices against the common right, deans, vicars, as well exempt as not exempt from archidiaconal jurisdiction, chaplains of parishes and others within his deanery, and also from every parish church four parishioners, and from every chapel three parishioners, not those whom the rectors and vicars would name, but those whom he shall elect by virtue of an oath to be taken, who should better know the truth of those things to be corrected and reformed in their neighbourhood. And that they appear before the prior or his deputy on Monday after the feast of Epiphany in the church of Worcester in the morning when the Prior intends to hold a visitation and to inquire as to excesses and crimes committed, and to correct and reform errors. Dated at Worcester, the 19th of the Kalends of January, 1307.

[Fol. 61d] And the Chapter of Worcester and the clergy and people of the City and Deanery of Worcester, as is aforesaid, having

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been visited, and citation being directed to divers persons for divers days and places throughout every Deanery of the Archdeaconry of Gloucester, the Prior, on the 17th of the Kalends of February, visited, by his commissaries, the deanery of Bristol. And on the same day the said commissaries wishing to visit the Abbey of St. Augustine there met with resistance, because the said Prior did not come personally, nor did the monks know of his jurisdiction, and on account of certain other things as they alleged.

Account of the proceedings touching the visitation of the Abbey of St. Augustine, Bristol. On the 13th of the Kalends [of January ?], 1307, the Prior of Worcester caused letters of citation for his visitation to be made and sealed, and sent his messenger to warn the same Abbot and Convent, among others, of the same diocese. Which notice, dated the Vigil of St. Thomas the Apostle, 1307, stated that the Prior or his deputies intended on Tuesday after the feast of St. Hilary to visit the Monastery of St. Augustine of Bristol, and enjoined the Abbot and Convent to admit them to such visitation with due reverence and honour, and to recall the absent brothers. Of which notice the Abbot acknowledged the receipt by a document sealed with green wax, and dated Wednesday before the feast of St. Hilary. On which Tuesday the Prior, on account of the various and arduous matters touching his church, was unable personally to attend to the office of visitation, but appointed and sent brothers Ranulph de Catthorp and John de Stratford, his commissaries, together with certain clerks. Which commissaries, coming to Bristol, and in a full consistory in the lesser church of St. Augustine of Bristol, on Monday before the feast of St. Hilary, caused to be read and published the composition made between Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prior and Chapter of Worcester, and confirmed by the Chapter of Christi Church, Canterbury, by which composition it is lawful for the said Prior to visit. After which, on the same day, before the third hour, the same commissaries sent Adam de Stivinton, marshal assigned by them, to provide necessaries and take lodgings during their said visitation, to the Abbot and Prior of St. Augustine, or to the president of the Chapter, if they could not be found, together with a notary public, John de Deresl', then apparitor of Bristol, and William de Malmesbur', one of the household of Master Robert de Sutton,

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clerks, to warn the same abbot and chapter that such visitors, on the said Tuesday, would come to the same abbey, and there make visitation. When the same Adam came to the said abbey, he asked the porter at the gate where the Abbot or Prior of the said house was, or where they could be found. And the porter asserted that they were not at home. And after a little there appeared the Rev. Walter, called Probus, almoner, one of the elder and more discreet of the canons, to whom the same Adam spoke regarding the visitation, but as to admission or refusal he could get no reply, and so the same Adam left without a final and certain answer. Afterwards, on the same day, after the ninth hour of the day, he went again with a notary public and witnesses, by order of the said visitors and commissaries, to warn the said abbot as before, and could have no certain answer; yet it was asserted by the porter and others of the household of the said house being at the gate, that the Abbot and Prior were at that time in the said abbey. Subsequently on the same day, before the hour of Vespers, the Rev. John Rogan, canon of the said house of St. Augustine, together with the clerks of the same abbot, were sent by the same abbot, as they confessed, to treat of the visitation with the commissaries and visitors, then dwelling in a certain inn in the parish of the Blessed Mary in the market of Bristol, there being present Masters Robert de Sutton, Richard de Alincestr', Reginald de Heyton, William de Chadesheye, Robert de Hasele, Adam de Stininton, William de Malmesbur', Hugh Pope, and John Appar', clerks, and Adam de Pyryton, Thomas Andrew, Thomas Bate of Grimel, Thomas de Rouleye, Thomas le Synegar', and Simon de Hailing, lay witness specially invited.

Upon the Tuesday, the day mentioned in the citation, at about the first hour of the day, the same commissaries came to the gate of the abbey and found the same closed against them, but the porter and the proctor of the abbey, by name William de Bethene, were outside the gate. And the commissaries asked to enter and visit there, but they were not suffered to do so. Thereupon their commission to visit, the composition aforesaid, and the other instruments touching the visitation were read by brother John de Stratford at the gate of the abbey, and a copy given to the said proctor, there being present R. de Heyton, R. de Sutton, R. de Aline', W. de Chadesheye, Adam de Steninton, William de Malmesbur', John

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Appar', and Thomas Andrew, the Rev. Richard, dean of Bristol, and William de Welda, witnesses and others, a great multitude. And afterward a public warning was given in writing by brother John de Stratford to the abbot, prior, sub-prior, sacristan, precentor, cellarer, cook, almoner, and all the chapter of the same abbey in the presence of William de Bethene, the aforesaid proctor, and the Rev. John Rogan and William de Rading, canons of the same house. Whereupon entrance being wholly denied to the same commissaries, the same John de Stratford publicly excommunicated the said abbot, prior, and the others, and the commissaries wrote to the dean of Christianity of Bristol to cite the same abbot and convent to appear before the commissaries in the church of St. Augustine, next the gate of their abbey, on Thursday then next following. Upon which day the same commissaries, about the first hour of the day, came to the same church and summoned the said abbot or his proctor in the presence of the notary public, Adam de Styninton, John de Deresl', apparitor of Bristol, clerks, Thomas Andreu, Thomas Bate of GrimeP, Thomas de Rouleye, Thomas de Sinegare, Adam de Gloucester, clerk, Adam de Piryton, and John de Hallowe, witnesses, and upon the abbot not appearing, the said commissaries went to the said abbey, where they found the porter and many others of the household of the abbey, and offered and were prepared, as they assert, to revoke the gravamen, if any there was, against the said Abbot and Convent, and to grant a remedy to them; and they asked for a copy of the provocation and appeal of the same abbot, if there was any appeal. And the same commissaries offered the same porter and assistants of the household of the abbey a copy of the composition and of their commission and the other instruments touching the same visitation, and wished to leave such copy at the gate, but those of the abbey who were there refused to permit it with scornful words. Afterwards, on Thursday following, the said commissaries sent another letter, dated the 15th of the Kalends of February, 1307, to the dean of Bristol, reciting the foregoing proceedings, and desiring the said dean to go personally to the aforesaid abbey and denounce the same abbot and convent, exhorting them to let the same commissaries have a copy of their appeal, if any there was, as the same commissaries were willing to revoke all damages, if any were done to the same abbot and convent, and further that he cite them to appear in the church

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of Tettebur' on Tuesday after the feast of St. Vincent. The receipt of which letter the said dean acknowledged, and stated that after he had fully exposed and published the commissaries' order before the porter and others of the said abbey, he was unable to find the abbot, or was he permitted to see any of the convent, nor to have any speech with them, but he cited them to appear, as directed, and otherwise fully executed the commissaries' orders. Upon the said Tuesday after the feast of St. Vincent, the same commissaries came to the parish church of Tettebur', and waited there, in the presence of the notary public, Adam de Stininton, William, rector of the church of Rokampton, John de Couleye, till night, but the abbot made no appearance, nor presented any copy of his appeal, if any there was. Notarial certificate subjoined of Thomas de Stokes.

[Fol. 64] Memorandum, that the provocation and appeal thereof, on account of the various difficulties [were sent] to the courts of Rome and Canterbury, and then because the prior of Worcester made an error in the prescribed form, the abbot of St. Augustine by the multitude of his witnesses succeeded in his defence; and litigation is still pending in the Court of Canterbury on the principal issue.

On Tuesday the 16th of the Kalends of February the brothers of St. Mark of Bristol were visited by the commissaries, who received one mark for proxies. And the same commissaries on the same day visited the brothers of St. Bartholomew, and they did not pay proxies, on account of the poverty of the same brothers. On the Wednesday following the same commissaries visited the Priory of St. James where proxies were paid in food and drink, and on the same day they visited the house of St. Mary Magdalene, where proxies were not paid on account of poverty. On the Thursday following, they visited the deaneries of Haukesbur' and Button in the church of Market Solbur'. On Monday after the feast of St. Vincent, they visited the deaneries of Stonhus and Duresleye in the parish church of Tettebur'.

On the Tuesday following, wishing to visit the church of Horseley and the priory there, they were resisted, whereupon they excommunicated the prior and the elders of the same, and afterwards the said prior having appealed to the court of Canterbury, renounced his appeal and acknowledged the right of the Prior of

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Worcester to visit his priory, whereupon brother J. de Sancto Briavelo and master John de Bradewas, commissaries of the Prior of Worcester, visited him and his priory and received proxies in meat and drink.

[Fol. 64d] On Thursday after the Conversion of St. Paul, the same commissaries visited the deaneries of Cyrenc' and Fayreford in the church of Cyrenc', and on the same day, wishing to visit the abbey there, they met with resistance.

On the 15th of the Kalends of April, the Prior of Worcester personally visited the priory of Stodleye and received proxies in meat and drink.

On the 6th of the Kalends of April, brothers J. de Grimeleye, J. de Sancto Briavelo, and master Simon de Wonecot, commissaries of the same prior, were admitted to visit the abbey of Theukesbur' by brother Henry de Staneweye, monk of the same, acting in the place of the abbot. And they received 4 marks for proxies, whereof the prior of Worcester released 2 marks for pittances to the Convent there.

On the 5th of the Kalends of April, the church of Wykewane was visited by the commissaries, and they received 4 marks for proxies according to the ordinance of W. de Geynesburgh, formerly bishop of Worcester.

On the 6th of the Kalends of April, the prior personally visited the priory of Beckeford, and had 1 mark for proxies.

On the 5th of the Kalends of April, the church of Durhurst was visited by the commissaries, and they there received 4 marks for proxies, whereof the prior pardoned two, and the visitation of the priory there was passed over on account of an immunity which the prior alleged.

On the 3rd of the Nones of April, brothers John de Harleye and John de Sancto Briavelo, commissaries of the prior, visited the priory of Little Malvern at the instance of all the convent. On the 2nd of the Nones of April, the said prior personally visited the abbey of Wynch', and received proxies in meat and drink.

On the 4th of the Kalends of April, the same prior personally visited the church of Audibrok', and there received 4 marks by the hands of the vicar for proxies.

On the 8th of the Ides of April, the Vigil of Palm Sunday,

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the same prior wishing to visit the abbey of Gloucester was resisted.

Letter from John, abbot of the monastery of S. Peter of Gloucester, to the Prior of Worcester, acknowledging the receipt of the prior's letter warning the said abbot of his intention to visit the abbey of Gloucester, and ordering him to recall the absent brothers who ought to be present at the visitation, but on account of the shortness of the time and the long absence of some of the brothers on necessary business and being occupied in divine service on the said Vigil of Palm Sunday and other lawful causes, the said abbot is unable to admit the prior to such act of visitation.

An account of the proceedings at the resistance made by the abbot of St. Peter of Gloucester to the visitation of the Prior of Worcester.

On Wednesday after the Annunciation, 1308, the Prior of Worcester visited the abbey of Theukesbur' by brothers William de Grimeleye and John de Sancto Briavelo, his monks and commissaries, and on the Friday afterwards visited the abbey of Wynchecumb, having first visited the chapter of Worcester and the other monasteries and religious houses in the same diocese, some by himself and some by his commissaries. The same prior continuing his visitation to the abbot and convent of St. Peter of Gloucester, having warned them of his intention to visit their house on Saturday the Vigil of Palm Sunday, by letter dated the 12th of the Kalends of April, 1307; and again on the 2nd of the Nones of April, 1308, the prior again wrote that notwithstanding their excuses he intended to visit the abbey. On the day fixed for the visitation the prior, after the first hour of the day, came to the gates of the abbey of St. Peter of Gloucester, which he found closed against him, and outside the gates were certain monks of the house and masters Walter de Holebergh and John de Schryvenham, clerks, proctors of the said abbot and convent. The prior immediately sought to be admitted to lawfully exercise his office of visitation, which was not permitted, whereupon the prior issued a monition, warning the abbot, prior, sub-prior, cellarer, precentor, hospitaller, kitchener, infirmarer, and almoner to admit him to visit their house, and because the same abbot and convent would not attend to such

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warnings, the said prior excommunicated them. Copies of which sentence of excommunication and the other instruments touching the visitation were given to the said proctors, then being at the gate aforesaid, there being present Masters Simon de Winecot, Reginald de Heyton, Richard de Alincestr', clerks, Walter de Wykes, Alexander de Hodinton, William de Marteleye, Adam de Stinington, John de Ely, Thomas le Ferrur, and William apparitor of Warwick. Notarial certificate attached of Thomas de Stok, clerk, of the diocese of Exeter.

[Fol. 66] Acknowledgment by the Dean of Gloucester of the receipt and execution of the order from the prior of Worcester to him, dated at Gloucester on Saturday the Vigil of Palm Sunday, to publicly announce in every church as well collegiate as parish throughout the town of Gloucester and neighbourhood on that instant, Palm Sunday and the two Sundays following, that the said abbot, prior, sub-prior, precentor, cellarer, hospitaller, chamberlain, kitchener, and others of the abbey of St. Peter of Gloucester have been and are excommunicated. Dated at Gloucester, the 8th of the Kalends of May, 1308.

[Fol. 66d] Inhibition of the official of the Court of Canterbury, addressed to the Prior of Worcester, on behalf of the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter of Gloucester who claim immunity from visitation by any, saving the legate of the Apostolic See, of the Metropolitan of Canterbury, and of the diocesan of the place that the same prior do nothing further pending the appeal of the said abbot and convent. It was further contended that the said prior ought not of right to have visited the chapter of the cathedral church of Worcester or other religious houses, as it is not yet two years since William de Geynesburgh visited the greater part of the diocese of Worcester, and it is notorious that the see of the bishopric is filled by Walter Reginald, by apostolic authority made bishop of Worcester. Dated at London, the 2nd of the Ides of April, 1308.

[Fol. 67] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Court of Canterbury, acknowledging the receipt of the above order. Dated at Worcester, the 8th of the Kalends of May.

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Letter from the Dean of Gloucester to the Prior of Worcester, acknowledging the receipt of an order from the Prior that he supersede the orders lately issued against the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester. Dated at Gloucester, the 8th of the Kalends of May.

[Fol. 67d] Answer by the proctor of the Prior of Worcester to the suggestion contained in the inhibition, issued by the official of the Court of Canterbury on behalf of the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter of Gloucester. The Prior relies, as to his right to visit, upon the composition made between the priory and Boniface, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, and denies the allegations in the suggestion.

[Fol. 68] Letter from Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Prior of Worcester, proposing that the matters, touching the visitation, between the Prior and the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester be submitted to him. Dated at Maydestan, the 3rd of the Ides of July, 1308.

[Fol. 68d] Letter from the Prior of Worcester to Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, consenting to the above proposal.

Letter from J., Prior of Worcester, to Michael de Berham, Chancellor of the Archbishop of Canterbury, confiding their case touching the visitation of the Abbey of Gloucester to his experience.

[Fol. 69] Form of submission by the Prior of Worcester to the decision of the Archbishop of Canterbury, touching their case as to the visitation of the Abbey of Gloucester. Dated at Worcester, the 16th of the Kalends of September, 1308.

Order from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester, to cite or cause to be cited the Prior of Worcester to appear before the same Archbishop on the third lawday after the feast of Circumcision, wherever he may be in his province. Dated at Otteford, the 18th of the Kalends of January, 1308.

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[Fol. 69d] Order by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the official of Worcester to publish the proceedings and definitive sentence of the same Archbishop touching the above matter. Reciting the submission of the Prior of Worcester, dated at Worcester the 5th of the Ides of January, 1308 [in a slightly different form to that given above]; the form of submission of the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester, dated the 3rd of the Ides of January, 1308; the ratification by the sub-prior and convent of Worcester of the Prior's submission, dated the 3rd of the Ides of January, 1308; and that brother John de Sancto Briavelo, monk and proctor of the Prior of Worcester, offered to brother Henry de Lethe, monk and proctor of the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester, the libel of the said Prior, in which the Prior claimed the right, during the vacancy of the See of Worcester, to visit the abbey of Gloucester, whereupon the proctor of the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester set forth his contestation, by which the same abbot and convent assert that they are free and have immunity from the visitation of the same prior. The same archbishop having heard and seen the instructions exhibited by the proctor, and having heard and understood the merits of the case, declared in writing by his definitive sentence that the said prior and administrator of the spiritualities of the bishopric of Worcester, the See being vacant, by authority of the church of Canterbury, and the priors of the same church of Worcester, for the time being, by the same authority, at future vacancies, have had, and ought to have (the See aforesaid being vacant), the right of visiting the monastery of St. Peter of Gloucester. The forms of appointment of the two proctors as above follow. Which said sentence was read at Magefeld on the 15th of the Kalends of February, 1308, by Master Michael de Berham, the archbishop's chancellor, in the presence of Masters Reginald de Sancto Albano, archdeacon of London, Nicholas de Knovyle, rector of the church of Maydesbane, John de Wynchelse, canon of Salisbury, and Philip de Turvyle, canon of St. David's, Henry de Derby, rector of Cheyham in the diocese of Winchester, William, rector of Swainton in the diocese of Norwich. Dated by the Archbishop at Cherring on the 5th of the Ides of August, 1309. Notarial certificate attached by Geoffrey de Bramton.

[Fol. 72d] Warning by the Prior of Worcester to the Prior and Convent of Stodleye of his intention to visit the church and chapter

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of Stodleye on Monday before the feast of the Annunciation. Dated at Worcester, the Nones of March, 1307.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Prior and Convent of Stodleye of the order of St. Augustine, that when visiting the monastery of Stodleye he found certain matters requiring correction. First, that the Prior in the correction of the brothers and rebuking the excesses of the same should take care to have more discretion than he was wont, lest the lukewarmness of the discipline should in the future increase the ground for dissolution (dissolutionis materiam atnplificet infutururn}; also that none of the brothers in the fratery distribute or send out of the monastery anything of the remains of their food to any one, without the knowledge of the president, to the prejudice of alms, nor do anything to the detriment of alms; also that the time of religious service be more properly observed by more strictly keeping silence than is wont, according to the rule of St. Augustine, and to the approved custom of the place; also the same Prior of Worcester at his visitation absolved brother Thomas de Wateleye, who for his disobedience and other excesses had for a long time been kept in prison, he having shown signs of contrition. Dated at Worcester, the 3rd of the Kalends of April, 1308.

[Fol. 73] Sentence of excommunication against the Abbot and Convent of Gloucester, promulgated at the gates of the abbey, for refusing to admit the Prior of Worcester to their monastery for purposes of visitation. Dated on Saturday after the feast of St. Lucy the Virgin, 1313.

Declaration by the Prior of Worcester at the gates of the abbey of Cirencester on Monday after the feast of St. Lucy, 1313, that whereas the Abbot and Convent of Cirencester claimed to be free of the visitation of the same Prior, and being cited by John Deysi, proctor of the said Prior, to appear in the cathedral church of Worcester to exhibit their privilege, after various proclamations the said Abbot and Convent did not appear. The said Prior has therefore determined to proceed in the business of the visitation, and do what the canonical sanctions dictate.

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[Fol. 74] Letter from King Edward II. to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of the Bishopric of Worcester, requiring him to cause funeral services, with the chanting of masses and other ecclesiastical suffrages, to be celebrated for the soul of his father by all religious persons and other clergy of the diocese, that by their prayers he might be able the quicker to enter the celestial kingdom and eternal blessedness. Dated at Westminster, 30 October, 1 Edward II.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Worcester, to enjoin all abbots, priors, and other religious persons, deans, rectors, vicars, chaplains, and others, within the ambit of the archdeaconry of Worcester, to solemnly celebrate in their churches the service of the dead with the singing of masses for the soul of King Edward I. Dated at Worcester, the 15th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

Writ from King Edward II. to the keeper of the spiritualities of the bishopric of Worcester, requiring that prayers be offered by the religious and others of the clergy of the bishopric of Worcester for the preservation of the kingdom and other lands subject to the king, in prosperity and peace, and that the king may, under God, rule and defend them by the commands of God to the honour, profit, and quiet of himself and of the same kingdom and lands. Dated at Westminster, the 28 October, 1 Edward II.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the archdeacon of Worcester, commanding him to enjoin the execution of the same writ upon all religious persons, rectors, vicars, and chaplains of parishes, and others, within the archdeaconry of Worcester, in their churches, every day, and especially on Sundays and festivals. Dated at Worcester, the 15th of the Kalends of December, 1307.

Writ from the king to the keeper of the spiritualities of the bishopric of Worcester, to raise certain debts due to the abbot and convent of Gloucester from the goods and ecclesiastical benefices of the following clerks, not having lay fees, before the morrow of St. Hilary, viz.: the parson of Doderhulle, 56s.; the parson of the church of Ulleberwe, 28s.; the parson of the church of Tredinton, 53s. 4d.; the abbot of Brueria, for his portions of Schefnecote and Condecote, 16d.; the parson of Lutleton, 10s. 8d.; the abbot of

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Morgan, for his portion in the church of Olveston, 6d.; the parson of Thornbur', 63s. 4d.; the abbot of Flaxleye, for his portion in the church of Brimeffeld, 2s. 6d.; the parson of the church of Bourton, 13s. 4d.; the dean of Hereford, for his portion in the churches of Prestbur' and Sevenhampton, 20s,; the precentor of Hereford, for his portion in the same, 6s. 8d.; the parson of the church of Morton, with the chapel, 6s. Dated at Westminster, the 24th November, Edward II.

Order by the Prior to [the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester?] to execute the same writ. Dated at Bradewas, the 2nd of the Kalends of January, 1307. And a like order sent to the official of the archdeacon of Gloucester.

Certificate to the Barons of the Exchequer that the foregoing writ came to the Prior at Bradewas on the 20th January, so late that the Prior was unable to do anything thereon.

Further writ to collect the same debts before the morrow of the close of Easter. Dated at Westminster, the 3rd February, 1 Edward II.

[Fol. 75] Certificate upon the same writ that the spiritualities of the bishopric were no longer in the Prior's hands, the elect of the bishopric having been confirmed, and having the custody of the temporalities and spiritualities.

Writ of venire facias for Simon de Dunes, clerk, to answer Adam de Fulham of a plea of debt. Dated at Westminster, the 12th of February, 1 Edward II.

Order by the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Archdeacon of Gloucester to execute the same writ. Dated at Worcester, the 12th of the Kalends of April, 1307.

Certificate upon the same writ that Simon de Dunes, clerk, was not found in the diocese.

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Writ of venire facias for Simon Prewes, clerk, to answer Roger de Bellafaga of a plea of debt. Dated at Westminster, the 15th February, 1 Edward II.

Order to the Archdeacon of Gloucester to execute the same writ.

Return to the writ, that the said Simon de Prewes was enjoined to appear.

Writ of fieri facias upon the goods of Simon de Prewes to be rendered to Walter de Nevill. Dated at Westminster, the 24th January, 1 Edward II.

Order to the Archdeacon of Gloucester to execute the same writ.

Two forms of return to a writ of fieri facias.

[Fol. 75d] Other similar forms.

Forms of return to a writ of venire facias.

Writ from Edward II. to the keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester. Whereas the prelates and clergy have granted a fifteenth of their goods, the King prays the same keeper to elect certain persons to collect the same in the diocese of Worcester, so that the same collectors may pay one moiety into the Exchequer on the morrow of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary, and the other moiety on the morrow of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Dated at Reding, the 4th December, 1 Edward II.

Order from the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester, to warn all abbots, priors, masters, and preceptors, as well exempt as not exempt, of whatsoever order they may be, and all rectors, vicars, portioners, and others of the clergy to pay a moiety of the fifteenth granted to the King according to the taxation of the tithe now current in the cathedral church of Worcester, this side the feast of the Blessed Mathias. Dated at Worcester, the 2nd of the Nones of January, 1307.

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[Fol. 76] Appointment by the Prior of Worcester of John de Sancto Briavelo and John de Stratford, monks of Worcester, as collectors of the same fifteenth. Dated at Worcester, the Nones of January, 1307.

Form of acquittance for payment of the said fifteenth. Order by the Prior of Worcester to the official [of the Archdeacon of Worcester or Gloucester] to warn all those who had neglected to pay the moiety of the fifteenth, granted to the King, to pay the same before Sunday after the feast of St. Gregory, under pain of the greater excommunication. Dated at Worcester the 5th of the Kalends of March, 1307.

[Fol. 76d] Writ from Edward II. to the Keeper of the Spiritualities of Worcester. That on account of the war with Scotland and other matters the collectors of the said fifteenth may be warned to effectually collect the same, if necessary by ecclesiastical censure, so that one moiety may be paid by the morrow of the Annunciation, without delay or difficulty. Dated at Westminster, 16 March, 1 Edward II.

Return to the writ that the same collectors had been warned to do as required in the writ under pain of excommunication.

Order from the Prior of Worcester to the Archdeacon of Worcester to excommunicate and to lay under interdict the churches of those abbots, priors, and others who had not paid the said fifteenth. Dated at Worcester the nth of the Kalends of April, 1307.

[Fol. 77] Letter from Walter, elect of Worcester, to John, Prior of Worcester, committing to him the power to compel the payment of the said fifteenth under ecclesiastical censure. Dated at London, the 16th of the Kalends of July, 1308.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester, collector of the fifteenth, to John de Sancto Briavelo and John de Stratford, sub-collectors, committing to them the power to collect, levy, and take charge of the money of the same fifteenth, and appointing them his proctors and attorneys.

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Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester to give warning that the second moiety of the same fifteenth be paid under pain of ecclesiastical censure. Dated at Worcester, the 8th of the Kalends of August, 1308.

Order from the Prior of Worcester to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester to publish the excommunication of and to lay under interdict the churches of those who had not paid the said fifteenth. Dated at Worcester, the 5th of the Ides of November, 1308.

[Fol. 78] Letter from Walter, Bishop of Worcester, to Master John de Rodeberwe, his official, committing to him for execution a writ from Edward II., dated at Westminster the 30th November, 2 Edward II., reciting that having commanded the keepers of the spiritualities, the See of Worcester being then vacant, to depute certain persons to collect in the diocese of Worcester the fifteenth granted to the King, by the prelates and clergy at the Parliament at Northampton, and pay the same at certain terms now past, and a large sum of the said fifteenth being as yet in arrear, the King commands that the same collectors be distrained by their benefices to pay the same arrears. Dated at London, the 5th of the Ides of December, 1308.

Further order by the Prior of Worcester, as collector of the said fifteenth by authority of W., Bishop of Worcester, to the official of the Archdeacon of Worcester, to publish the excommunication with due solemnity of those who had not paid the same fifteenth. Dated at Worcester, the Ides of February, 1308.

[Fol. 78d] Commission by the Prior of Worcester to John de Stratford to absolve in form of right those who had been excommunicated for not paying the said fifteenth.

Form of letter of absolution.

Letter from the Prior of Worcester to the Dean of P. Hearing that in the parish of O., according to the laudable custom introduced by the pious devotion of the parishioners, it has been accustomed from a time whereof memory is not, that the parishioners are bound

132 SEDE VACANTE REGISTER.

to carry the tithe sheaves to the vill and leave them at the door of the barn and not in the fields, but John de W., a parishioner, has dared to infringe this laudable custom, and has this autumn refused to take the tithe sheaves from his lands, to the prejudice of ecclesiastical liberty, the grave peril of his soul, and pernicious example to others, the Prior therefore commands the same dean to canonically warn the same John de W. and his servants to comply with the said custom within eight days.

Writ from Edward II. to the sheriff of Worcester to distrain the Prior and Convent of Worcester, collectors in the bishopric of Worcester, of the fifteenth lately granted by the clergy in the Parliament at Northampton, to appear before the Barons of the Exchequer and render an account of the same fifteenth. Dated at Westminster, the 17th June, 4 Edward II.

Memorandum, that on the morrow of St. Margaret the Virgin, 5 Edward II., brother John de Stratford, monk of the cathedral church of the Blessed Mary of Worcester, rendered an account of the fifteenth granted by the clergy before the treasurer and barons of the Exchequer, for the bishopric of Worcester, which is inserted in the Great Roll of the Exchequer. Sum total of the account 490li. 12s. 2d., of which he has allowance of 10li. for expenses in collecting.

[Fol. 79] Account of J. de Wyk', Prior of Worcester, of the receipts of all synodals and perquisites of the bishopric of Worcester, during the vacancy of the See by the death of William de Geynesburgh, the late bishop, from the feast of St. Faith the Virgin, 1307, to the feasts of Tyburtius and Valerian, 1308.

Citation by Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, of the Prior of Worcester to appear and render an account of his administration of the Spiritualities of the See. Dated at Leuesham, the 2nd of the Nones of December, 1308.

Appointment of John de Sancto Briavelo, monk of Worcester, as the prior's proctor to render the account as above required.

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Account of brother J. de Wyk'

Receipts of the archdeaconry of Worcester.
Perquisites by the hands of the dean of Warwick, 5li. 14s. 4d.
Synodals by the dean of Poywyk, 6s.
Perquisites by the same, 33s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Wych, 49s. 6d.
Perquisites by the dean of Kidderminster, 36s.
Perquisites by the dean of Worcester, 32s.
Perquisites by the dean of Persor, 58s. 8d.
Sum, 16li. 9s. 10d.

Receipts of the Archdeaconry of Gloucester.
Perquisites by the dean of Durseleye, 7s. 8d.
Synodals by the same, 20s.
Perquisites by the dean of Haukesbur', 10s. 8d.
Synodals by the same, 10s.
Perquisites by the dean of Burton, 10s. 8d.
Synodals by the same, 4s. 8d.
Perquisites by the dean of Campeden, 28s.
Synodals by the same, 17s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Bristoll, 19s. 4d.
Synodals by the same, 9s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Stowe, 24s.
Synodals by the same, 13s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Stonhous, 18s.
Synodals by the same, 13s. 8d.
Perquisites by the dean of Winchecumbe, 15s. 4d.
Synodals by the same, 7s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Fayreford, 12s.
Synodals by the same, 7s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Cyrencestr', 16s.
Synodals by the same, 13s. 4d.
Perquisites by the dean of Gloucester, 21d.
Synodals by the same, 12s. 8d.
Sum, 15li. 13s. 5d.

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[Fol. 79d] Receipts from the probate of Wills [1].
By the probate of the will of the wife of Richard de Haggeleye, 18d.
Of the will of Edith de Oseleye, 23d.
Of the will of W. de Bininton (?), 12d.
Of the will of Master Henry Wag. 18d.

The same renders account of the probate of wills, corrections in visitations and other emoluments, and perquisites of all the jurisdiction for the aforesaid time, 27li. 4s. 3d.

Form of petition by the prior of one place to the prior of another to admit an illiterate clerk (simplicis literaturae) as a monk.

Certificate by the Prior of Worcester that Henry de Wenwynton, was ordained sub-deacon in the cathedral church of Worcester, on Saturday quatuor temporum in the first week of Lent, 1313.

Style to be used by the Prior of Worcester during a vacancy, viz.:-
"Prior of the cathedral church of Worcester, by authority of the Court of Canterbury, official and administrator of the spiritualities in the City and Diocese of Worcester, the see being vacant".

Form for making John de Maddeleya a notary, and investing him in the same office "by the pen, inkhorn and charter, which I hold in my hand," in accordance with the order of Bassianus de Aliate, citizen of Milan and Count of Palestine (comitis Palestini). Dated at Worcester, the 6th of the Kalends of June, 1315.

Form of appointment of a proctor to present a clerk to a church.

[1] These receipts are all scratched through in the MS.

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