24. THE HOSPITAL OF ST. STEPHEN, PELAW
Scarcely anything is known of St. Stephen's
Hospital at Pelaw, near Chester-le-Street. It
appears to have been in existence as early as
1260, in which year William Litell, priest, was
collated to the mastership. (fn. 1) In 1313, when
'Peter called le Ponte' was appointed, the
master's duty was stated to be the celebrating, or
providing for the celebration of divine service,
and the performance of the other functions of
his office, as had been the custom up to that
time. (fn. 2)
In 1381 John son of Robert de Pelaw sold
his manor of Pelaw, and the advowson of
St. Stephen's chapel in the said manor to William, Joan, and Thomas de Elmedon. (fn. 3) It
seems, however, that the property subsequently
came into the hands of the bishop; for in 1450
Bishop Neville confirmed to William, son (sic)
and heir of William Elmedon, his (the bishop's)
manor of Pelaw, with the advowson of the
hospital or chapel of St. Stephen, at a rent of
13s. 4d. In this charter there is a special clause,
'saving always to William Lambe, Chaplain,
Master of the Hospital, and his successors, all
lands, rights, and tenements of the hospital,' but
what these consisted of is not specified. (fn. 4) Surtees
says that the foundation was long ago re-absorbed
in the landed estate. (fn. 5)
Masters of Pelaw Hospital
William Litell, priest, coll. 1260 (fn. 6)
Richard Fayre, priest, coll. 1274 (fn. 7)
Hugh de Driffield, coll. 1311 (fn. 8)
Peter called 'le Ponte,' coll. 3 December,
1313 (fn. 9)
William Marckam, chaplain, coll. 1317 (fn. 10)
William Lambe, chaplain, occ. 4 October,
1450 (fn. 11)