Henry I (nos. 57–96)

57.* Charter of H I, taking the abbey into his protection; acknowledging it as the coronation church, and confirming its liberties and privileges. [Westminster, 5 Aug. 1100]

CC VII.8, pretended original, no trace of seal; F., ff. 65–67; WAD, ff. 53v–54; T, f. 21r–v (attestations omitted); PRO Rot. Ancient Charters CC no. 3 (in part: text ends at frydhsocne); C, f. 30v (extracts only).

Pd: Regesta II, no. I, from CC VII. 8, collated with F; Flete, 54–5 (excerpts only), from CC VII.8 with WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 489; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 2.

Note: 'Not authentic' (SR, no. 348). The dei gratia style would suggest a date of 1172/3 or later (ibid., 19). The attestations are those of the principal witnesses to H I's coronation charter (F. Liebermann, Die Gesetze der Angelsachsen (Halle A.S., 1903), I, 521–3; F. Liebermann, 'The Text of Henry I's Coronation Charter', TRHS new ser. 8 (1894), 45; C. Bemont, Chartes des Liberte's anglaises (Paris, 1892), 3–6; W. Stubbs, Select Charters, 9th edn. (Oxford, 1913), 117–19; English Historical Documents II, 1042–1189, ed. D. C. Douglas and G. W. Greenaway, 2nd edn. (1981), no. 19 (in translation). See also Scholz, 'Two Forged Charters from Westminster', 473.

58. Mandate of H I informing Eudo dapifer and Herbert the chamberlain that on all feasts when he wears his crown in the churches of Westminster, Winchester and Gloucester, these are to have an allowance, and their cantors an ounce of gold, as Maurice bp. of London testified that they had in the time of the king's predecessors. Westminster [1100 × 1107]

WAD, f. 339; F, f. 78v; T, f. 24r–v (omitting place of issue).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 141, no. 18, from WAD and F; J. H. Round, The King's Sergeants (1911), 322 (salutation and attestation omitted), from Gilbert Crispin.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 490; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 3.

Date: Prob. issued at the king's coronation on 5 Aug. 1100 (ASC, sub an. and note 11). Attested by William Giffard as bp.-elect of Winchester. He was nominated on 3/4 Aug. 1100, and consecrated 11 Aug. 1107 (Fasti II, 85).

Note: On the location of earlier crown-wearings, see Biddle, 'Seasonal Festivals and Residence', 51–72. Westminster became a venue for crown-wearings only in 1062 and remained so down to 1109. In addition to the three venues named in this writ, there were others, notably Windsor and York, but Westminster was chosen frequently at Christmas, and often at Pentecost (never at Easter).

59. Notification by H I to Hugh of Buckland, William the chamberlain, William de Mandeville and the men of Mddx., that he has conceded to God and St Peter, and Abbot Gilbert the grant of the manor of Ebury which Geoffrey de Mandeville and his wife made for their souls. The abbot is to hold it as W II conceded by his writ (52). London [Nov. 1100 × July 1106]

F, ff. 73v–74; LN, f. vj; CAY, f.v verso-vj.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 142, no. 20, from F and LN.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 769; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 66; Bentley, 4, no. 17, from CAY.

Date: Attested by Queen Matilda (married 11 Nov. 1100: ASC, 177; Orderic V, 298), and by W. the chancellor (extended to Willelmo in LN and CAY). William Giffard remained chancellor to c. April 1101 (Regesta II, ix); Waldric became chancellor late in 1102, until late 1106 (ibid.). Hugh of Buckland was sheriff of Mddx. in 1103 (Morris, 'Sheriffs of Henry I', 163 n.5) and possibly already by July 1101 (Regesta II, no. 532). The king was in Normandy from Aug. 1106 to late Mar. 1107 (Regesta II, xxix).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 350–1.

60. Writ of H I, informing William Giffard, bp. of Winchester, and the barons of Surr. that he has confirmed to St Peter, Abbot Gilbert and the monks four hides at Tooting, as these were held in the time of W I and H's (other) antecessors. The abbot is not answerable for any claim to this land except in the king's presence. Winchester [Aug. 1100 × 1107]

WAD, f. 505; F, f. 67v (where the additional attestation of Richard de Reviers appears before that of Nigel d'Oilly).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 142–3, no. 21, from both MSS.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1173.

Date: Richard I de Reviers d. 1107 (Sanders, 137). William Giffard was nominated to Winchester ¾ Aug. 1100, and consecrated 11 Aug. 1107 (Fasti II, 85). Like other episcopal nominees in the early years of H I's reign, he was probably styled episcopus from the date of his nomination (Beauchamp Cartulary, no. 159n).

Note: The unnamed royal predecessor was Harold II Godwinson, in whose reign Tooting was given by Alnod of London. He had bought the land from Waltheof, who acquired it from Sweyn (DB I, f. 32; cf. Harmer, 357, no. 92, where Sweyn, a kinsman of Edward the Confessor, is named as the donor; cf. also VCH Surrey IV, 98; Harvey, WA, 359).

61. Writ of H I, informing Robert Bloet, bp. of Lincoln, Ranulf Fitz Ranulf, and the barons of Lincs., that, in his presence and with his consent, Hugh de Evremou restored to Abbot Gilbert the manor of Doddington, which he received from the abbot in presence of W II, in exchange for the manor of Duxford. But King Henry restored Duxford to Count Eustace, and gave Hugh a grant in exchange, therefore Hugh restored his manor to the abbey. Westminster, Pentecost [1102 × 1107 (? 1102 × 1103)]

WAD, f. 501; F, f. 74r–v.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 145, no. 26, from both MSS.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 818; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 90.

Date: Attested by William Warelwast, without any title. He was consecrated bp. of Exeter in 1107, but prob. used the style bp.-elect from 1103, following the d. of Bp. Osbern, whom he allegedly attempted to have removed from office on account of blindness (De Gestis Pontificum, 202n). Before William's consecration, the king kept Pentecost at Westminster only in 1102, 1104 and 1107 (Regesta II, xxix, no. 818n).

Note: Hugh's companion notification to the bp. is 475. See also Harvey, WA, 339, 348.

62.* Writ of H I, informing the sheriffs of those shires where the almonry holds lands that he has quitclaimed Paddington (Mddx.), Fanton (Essex) and Claygate (Surr.), and whatever it held TRE in the wood of Ditton (Surr.) and elsewhere, from pleas, scots, aids, plaints, and all other customary exactions, for the souls of his father and brother, Queen Matilda and himself, and their children. London post 2 Feb. [c. 1103 × 1104]

WAM XXIX(2); WAD, f. 458.

Pd: SR, no. 521, plate X(a) (facsimile); Gilbert Crispin, 144, no. 24: from WAM XXIX(2).

Cal: Regesta II, no. 667; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 63.

Date: Early in the reign, but after the birth of the future Empress Matilda, Aug. 1101 × Aug. 1102, and perhaps also after that of William Aetheling, Aug. 1102 × Aug. 1103 (Gervase of Canterbury I, 91–2). The hand is that of Scribe ii, the narrowest limits of whose Chancery career are 1095–1103 (SR, facing plate X(a); Bishop & Chaplais, xix). See also Chaplais, 'Seals of Henry I', 272.

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 341, 353, 358. There is no evidence in DB that the abbey held any property in Ditton. Moreover, a pre-Conquest assignment of land to the almonry would be improbable. The contents of this writ suggest either that the king's clerks did not scrutinize Westminster's claims or that a royal scribe was persuaded to produce a forgery for the abbey.

63.* Writ of H I, informing the sheriffs in whose shires the almonry holds lands that he has quitclaimed Paddington (Mddx.), Fanton (Essex) and Claygate (Surr.), and whatever it held TRE in the wood of Ditton (Surr.) and elsewhere, from pleas, scots, aids, all plaints and murder-fine, and all other customary exactions, for the souls of his father and brother, at the request of Queen Matilda. London [1101 × ante 1 May 1118]

WAD, f. 458; F, f. 75v.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 668 (conflated with 64); Farrer, Itinerary, no. 65; Gilbert Crispin, 144.

Date: Before the death of Queen Matilda on 1 May 1118 (ASC, sub an.). The queen was married on 11 Nov. 1100 (ASC, sub an.).

Note: Possibly a fabrication, designed to include the murder-fine, based on 62. See also Harvey, WA, 341, 353, 358.

64.* Writ of H I, informing the sheriffs of those shires where the almonry holds lands that he has quitclaimed Paddington (Mddx.), Fanton (Essex), Claygate (Surr.), and whatever it held TRE and TRW in the vill or the wood of Ditton (Surr.), from pleas, plaints, shire and hundred courts, murder-fine, scots, aids, wardpenny and all incidents and customary exactions, as the charters of King Edward and W I bear witness. London [for 1100 × 1110]

WAM XXX; WAD, f. 458; F, f. 75v; T, f. 23v (attestations omitted).

Pd: SR, no. 522, plate VII (c) (facsimile); Gilbert Crispin, 143–4, no. 23: from WAD XXX.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 668, conflated with 63; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 64.

Date: Intended for the early years of the reign. See also notes to 62.

Note: Not authentic (SR, 8–9). An elaboration of 63, itself a suspect document.

65. Writ of H I, ordering Gilbert the sheriff of Surrey that those lands of the abbey and of Abbot Gilbert which are in the king's demesne, within Windsor Park and forest, namely eight hides of the manor of Pyrford which W I granted, are to be quit henceforth from all geld and scot, specifically from the new geld, and other gelds as W I and W II conceded by their writs. Bisley [c. 1104 × 1107]

F, f. 67r–v.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 141, no. 19.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 851; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 191.

Date: Roger Bigod, who attests, d. 1107 (Sanders, 12, 47). Roger was still sheriff of Surr. c. 1104. Gilbert is known to have been in office c. 1110–1125 (Sheriffs, 135). Royal exactions are mentioned sub an. 1104 by chroniclers (e.g. ASC, 179; Florence of Worcester II, 53).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 359. For W I's writ, see 44; the writ of W II appears to be lost.

66. Writ of H I, informing Urse d'Abetot and his barons of Worcs. that he has conceded to the abbey the land of Comberton which Robert Dispenser gave (488). Windsor [Aug. 1100 × 1108]

WAD, f. 292v; F, f. 74; CAY, f. lxix verso (memorandum).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 147, no. 28, from WAD collated with F.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 903; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 94; Bentley, 33, no. 254 (item 43), from CAY.

Date: Urse d' Abetot d. in 1108 ('Winchcombe Annals', ed. R. R. Darlington, Med. Misc. DMS, 122.) His brother Robert Dispenser d. before the end of 1097 (488).

67. Writ of H I, informing his barons and officers of Essex that the abbey is to have its land of Feering and Ockendon freely, with all customary rights, as W I granted and conceded (9–10). Havering [Aug. 1100 × 1114]

WAD, f. 243; F, f. 74.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 143, no. 22, from both MSS.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1179; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 312.

Date: Attestation of William de Curcy (Sanders, 143). No attestation of royal charters can certainly be ascribed to his son, W II (Farrer, H & KF I, 104).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 341, 343.

68. Write of H I, informing Hugh of Buckland, the sheriffs, loyal men and officers of London, that he has conceded to the abbey the lands in London which the three daughters of Deormann gave for their souls and their burial, and for confraternity, with the advice and consent of their brother Ordgar, to hold with sake and soke, and lawful rights, [ante 26 Sept. 1107 × c. 1114]

WAD, f. 492 v; F, f. 77v.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 147–8, no. 29, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1123.

Date: Term of office of Ranulf the chancellor, who attests (Regesta II, ix; T. F. Tout, Chapters in the Administrative History of Medieval England (1933), VI, 2), further limited by that of Hugh of Buckland as sheriff of London and Mddx., c. 1103 × 1109, who had been succeeded by William of Eynsford by c. 1114 (Sheriffs, 199).

Note: The king's overlordship of the lands suggests that the women's father was Deorman the moneyer (prob. son of Algar the moneyer), who is named on coins of King Edward and W I. Deorman was succ. as moneyer in London by several of his descendants in turn: Pamela Nightingale, 'Some London Moneyers and Reflections on the Organization of English Mints in the Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries', Numismatic Chronicle, 142 (1982), 34–50; James Campbell, 'Some Agents and Agencies of the Late Anglo-Saxon State', Domesday Studies, ed. J. C. Holt (1987), 209–10. In 1086 Derman (sic) of London held in chief half a hide in Islington (Iseldone) as successor to Algar (DB I, 130v. See also Brooke & Keir, 219, 344; Bishop & Chaplais, no. 16 and plate XV).

69. Writ of H I, ordering his justices, sheriffs, and officers throughout England and in the seaports that the whole supplies of the monks, and whatever pertains to their victuals and clothing, which their men can swear to be their demesne property, are to be quit of toll, passage-dues, and all customary exactions. Tower of London [Spring 1107 × ante April 1116]

WAD, f. 54; F, f. 130r–v

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 150, no. 34, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1175; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 307.

Date: Issued by Otwel Fitz Count, drowned 25 Nov. 1120 (Orderic VI, 304). The king was in Normandy from early April 1116 until 25 Nov. 1120 (Regesta II, xxx). Attested by Rannulf the chancellor (Regesta II, ix).

70.* Writ of H I, instructing [Richard de Belmeis I] bp. of London, the archdeacon, and the chapter of St Paul's, that the abbot and church of St Peter of Westminster and their priests are to have those churches which his father gave them, namely: the wooden chapel of St Margaret, Eastcheap, with the parish, lands and houses pertaining to it; half the stone chapel of St Magnus the Martyr with the whole parish; the church of St Laurence [Candlewick Street] with all appurtenances, and the church of St James on the riverbank (? St James, Garlickhithe), as they held them in King William's time and his own, and in the episcopates of Hugh [de Aurea Valle] and Maurice. London [24 May 1108 × ante mid-April 1116]

WAD, f. 98.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 148, no. 30.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1177.

Date: The attestation of Queen Matilda indicates a date before the king's departure from England in 1116 (Regesta II, xxx). Internal evidence indicates that the bp. addressed is intended as Richard de Belmeis I, elected and temps. 24 May, consecrated 26 July 1108 (Fasti I, 1).

Note: The bp. 's name is represented by the initial G, indicating that a forger was working from a text of 93, purportedly dating from Dec. 1127 × ante Aug. 1133. Moreover, there can have been no chapel dedicated to St Magnus the Martyr in the reign of W I. The date of his d. is uncertain. It is said to have taken place in 1091, but prob. occurred 16 April 1117 (Orkneyinga Saga, transl. and introd. H. Palsson and P. Edwards (1981), 95–96n.). Alternative years of 1104 and 1109 have been given (AASS, April II, 438–41), although there are internal inconsistencies in both of these. Even on Orkney itself, his translation, and the observance of his cult date only from some twenty-one years after his death (Orkneyinga Saga, 104). Whereas a related forged charter of H I confirmed the whole church of St Magnus (93), the present text confirms only half, as does the spurious First Charter of W I (1). On 23 April 1182, Westminster Abbey and Bermondsey Priory agreed to hold half each (287). See also Oxley, 'Medieval Church Dedications', 117–25.

71. Writ of H I, ordering Richard de Monte to cause the abbot to have 10s. annually from the royal alms, as contained in his rolls. Cannock [? 1110 × 1116]

F, f. 79.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 149, no. 32; Poole, Exchequer, 37n.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1053; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 330.

Date: Richard de Monte was sheriff of Oxon. 1110 × 1116 (Sheriffs, 107).

72. Writ of H I, notifying Herbert Losinga, bp. of Norwich, Haimo the dapifer, the burgesses of Sudbury and his officers in Suffolk that he has conceded to the abbey St Bartholomew's church, Sudbury, which his moneyer Wulfric gave when he became a monk at Westminster, to hold with all liberties which they had at any time, and as it was adjudged in his court, in presence of his barons. Westminster [May 1114 × ante 3 April 1116]

F, f. 79r–v T, f. 24v (first attestation only).

Pd: Monasticon III, 459, no. I; Gilbert Crispin, 34n. (extracts): from F.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1178; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 348.

Date: Herbert Losinga (d. 1119) was consecrated in 1091; moved his see to Norwich in 1094 or 1095, and was consistently styled bp. of Norwich from c. 1103 (Fasti II, 55; Barbara Dodwell, 'The Foundation of Norwich Cathedral', TRHS fifth ser. 7 (1957), 6–7). The king was in Normandy from 3 or 4 April 1116 until 25 Nov. 1120 (Regesta II, xxx). The first witness, Ralph d' Escures, abp. of Canterbury, was postulated 26 April 1114 and enthroned 16 May 1114 (Fasti II, 3). The council held at Westminster in Sept. 1115 was a likely setting for this grant (Gilbert Crispin, 34).

Note: Wulfric struck coins of W II (Types iv and v) and H I (Types iii and v) at Sudbury (G. C. Brooke, A Catalogue of English Coins in the British Museum, I The Norman Kings (1916), clxxxiii–clxxxiv).

73. Writ of H I, instructing all sheriffs and collectors in whose administrative districts the abbey holds lands that all the land and men of the abbey are to be acquitted of all gelds, pleas, Danegelds, murder-fines and everything else exacted while the abbey was in the king's hand. Anything taken from them is to be restored. Brampton [c. New Year 1121]

F, ff. 130v–131.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CXXV.

Cal: Regesta II, 152, no. 1239.

Date: Prob. issued immediately after Abbot Herbert's election, c. Jan. 1121 (Hist. Novorum, 291). The king spent Christmas 1120 at Brampton (Henry of Huntingdon, Hist. Anglorum, 243), but was in London by 6 January 1121 (Regesta II, xxx).

Note: The problem of wrongful exactions was a major and recurring one. At Michaelmas 1130, it was recorded that Abbot [Herbert] owed 1,000 marks to secure restoration of goods which had been unjustly dispersed. Thanks to successive royal pardons, the total liability was reduced to 150 marks (£100): PR 31 Henry I, 150.

74.* Writ of H I, ordering all sheriffs and collectors in whatever administrative districts there are lands of Westminster Abbey, that the whole land and men of the abbey are to be quit of all pleas, gelds, Danegelds, murder-fines, sheriffs' aids and all other exactions, since he quitclaimed these for the soul of his wife, Queen Matilda, and as King Edward acquitted them by his charters. Brampton [post 1 May 1118 × c. 4 Jan. 1121]

WAD, f. 54v; F, ff. 75v–76.

Pd: Regesta II, 337–8, no. CXXVI, from F.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1240.

Date: After the d. of Queen Matilda (ASC 'E', 186). The king was at Brampton at Christmas 1120 (Regesta II, xxx).

Note: Prob. a fabrication based on 73.

75. Writ of H I, ordering his barons, sheriffs and officers that Abbot Herbert is to be given seisin of all lands which were alienated from the abbey, or granted without the assent of the chapter. If anyone brings a claim concerning these lands, the abbot may do justice to him in his own court. Windsor [1121 × 1122 (?c. 30 Jan. 1121)]

F, f. 75v.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CXXX.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1252; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 412.

Date: As for 77.

76. Writ of H I, notifying those in whose shires St Peter of Westminster holds lands, that he has granted to St Peter and Abbot Herbert, for his soul and for those of King Edward, his predecessors and successors, certain liberties, as King Edward confirmed by charter. Windsor [Jan. 1121 × May 1122]

WAD, f. 54; F, ff. 77v–78 (omitting attestations of Robert bp. of Lincoln and John bp. of Bayeux); F, f. 129r–v; T, f. 24 (attestations omitted).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 163–4 (no MS cited).

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1248; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 109 (witnesses correct, but erroneously stating that the charter concerns London).

Date: As for 77.

Note: The opening clause of the attestations is defective and should read: R. archiepiscopo Cant', G. archiepiscopo Rothom', as in 77.

77. Notification by H I to the bp., sheriffs, barons and officers of London, that, for the stability of the realm, and for the souls of named members of the royal family, he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster all lands given by King Edward and others in London, to hold with the privileges confirmed in King Edward's charter. Merchants, both native and alien, dwelling on the abbey's land, are to be exempt from customary dues and exactions, rendering lawful payment to the abbot, as King Edward and W I confirmed by charter. Windsor [Jan. 1121 × May 1122]

WAM XXXI, Fourth Great Seal in white wax; WAD, f. 98r—v F, ff. 76v–77 (only the first seven attestations); T, ff. 23v–24 (attestations omitted).

Pd: NPS Facsimiles, plate 20a (facsimile and transcript); Formulare, no. CCCCXCVI: from original; Monasticon I, 308, no. LII, from Formulare.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1249; SR, no. 523; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 410, wrongly listed as a general charter.

Date: The principal witness, Ralph d'Escures, abp. of Canterbury, d. 19 Oct. 1122 (Fasti II, 3). Evidently issued after the d. of William Aetheling, 25 Nov. 1120 (Orderic VI, 294–8). The king was at Windsor 29–30 Jan. 1121, and 14–15 May 1122 (Regesta II, xxx). The preamble indicates the earlier visit (cf. Geoffrey de Mandeville, 429).

Note: In the hand of Scribe vii, active ante 1120 × c. 1130 (SR, 30). Seal is genuine (Chaplais, 'Seals of Henry I', 265, 273). The authenticity of the hand and seal indicate that this is indeed a genuine charter, and not, as first appears, an inflation of 78, designed to incorporate the mercantile privileges.

78. Notification of H I, addressed both generally and specifically to his officers and burgesses in London, that he has conceded to St Peter and Abbot Herbert those lands in London which King Edward gave, and those which the abbey formerly held there, whosoever gave them, with the laws and customs granted by King Edward and confirmed by privilege of his charter. Any further donations of lands or churches within London are to be held with similar exemptions. Windsor [1121 × ante 20 Oct. 1122]

WAD, f. 98.

Pd: Formulare, no. LXV, from the original charter, endorsed Libertates Lundoniae, then at Westminster Abbey; Monasticon I, 307, no. LI, from Formulare; Flete, 88 (Henricus … dedisset) from WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1247.

Date: The first witness, Ralph d'Escures, abp. of Canterbury, d. 19 or 20 Oct. 1122 (Fasti II, 3). Also attested by Robert 'the king's son'. He was created earl of Gloucester in June—Sept. 1122 (HBC, 463). See also Regesta II, no. 1347. Herbert became abbot c. Jan. 1121 (Hist. Novorum, 291). The charter was possibly issued on the occasion of his appointment.

79. Writ of H I, ordering William the chamberlain and Aubrey de Vere, and their successors as chamberlains and sheriffs of London, to pay the sacrist of St Peter of Westminster ½d. daily, from the farm of London, to maintain the light burning before the tomb of Queen Matilda, from Michaelmas last past, in perpetuity. Westminster [post 25 Nov. 1120 × ante 10 Jan. 1123 (? 7 Jan. 1121)]

WAD, f. 339v.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 156, no. 39.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1377; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 470.

Date: Attested by Robert Bloet, bp. of Lincoln, d. 10 Jan. 1123 (Fasti III, 1), and by Rannulf the chancellor, d. c. New Year 1123 (Regesta II, ix), after the king's return to England following a four—year absence (ibid., xxx), during which the Queen d. The king was at Westminster on 7 Jan. 1121 (ibid.). Aubrey de Vere was sheriff of London 1120–1122 (Sheriffs, 199).

80. Writ of H I, ordering the sheriffs of those shires where St Peter and the abbot of Westminster hold lands, and their officers, that Abbot Herbert is to hold his lands, men and property quit of pleas and suits, shire and hundred courts, as the abbey held them TRE, and as confirmed by a charter of King Edward. Any plea concerning murder or larceny committed on his land shall be pleaded there, as the aforesaid charter bears witness and commands. Windsor [1121 × 1122 (? c. 30 Jan. 1121)]

WAD, f. 54; F, ff. 78r—v, 129v– 130 and 130 (i.e. three transcripts).

Pd: Regesta II, no. CXXIX, from F, f. 78r—v, collated with WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1251.

Date: Rannulf the chancellor, who attests, d. Jan. 1123 (John of Worcester, 17; Henry of Huntingdon, 244). Abbot Herbert was appointed c. Jan. 1121 (Hist. Novorum, 291).

81. Writ of H I, ordering Robert Bloet, bp. of Lincoln, to abide by his agree- ment with Abbot Herbert and the monks concerning their manor of Lessness (Kent), which he holds of them, as firmly as he observed the agreement with Abbot Gilbert and the convent in the time of W II, so that the king hears no further complaint. Woodstock [Jan. 1121 × ante 10 Jan 1123]

F, f. 67v.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 157, no. 42.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1383; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 473.

Date: Robert Bloet d. at Woodstock 10 Jan. 1123 (ASC, 188; De Gestis Pontificum, 313; John of Worcester, 17; Henry of Huntingdon, 244). Abbot Herbert was appointed in Jan. 1121 (Hist. Novorum, 291).

82. Writ of H I, ordering Gilbert the sheriff of Surr. that Abbot Herbert is to be seized of the land of Battersea as Rannulf the chancellor was formerly, and especially that land of which Gilbert unjustly gave seisin to Hugh Fitz Hedric. Waltham [c. Jan. × ante 11 June 1123]

WAD, f. 161r–v.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CLXXI.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1416.

Date: Gilbert ceased to be sheriff c. 1125 (Sheriffs, 135; cf. Morris, 'Sheriffs of Henry I', 70). Henry was in Normandy from 11 June 1123 to 11 Sept. 1126 (Regesta II, xxx). Rannulf the chancellor d. January 1123 (John of Worcester, 17; Henry of Huntingdon, 244). Herbert became abbot c. Jan. 1121 (Hist. Novorum, 291) but the writ was prob. issued after Rannulf's d. See also note to 83.

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 357–8.

83.* Writ of H I, informing Roger bp. of Salisbury, Geoffrey de Clinton, and his sheriffs and officers in Oxon., Surr. and Mddx., that he has restored to Abbot Herbert and the convent those lands which the chancellor held of them, namely Battersea (Surr.), Islip (Oxon.), Pyrford (Surr.) and Shepperton (Mddx.), as they held them TRW. Woodstock [Jan. 1121 × ante 2 Aug. 1133 (? × 1123)]

WAD, f. 54v; F, f. 67v, repeated f. 130v; BL Harleian MS 6148, f. 139v (transcribed c. 1607–1621 from the sealed original, which was owned by Oliver St John, Lord Grandison. His interests in Battersea developed over many years, and he bought the manor in 1627: Taylor, Our Lady of Batersey, 67).

Pd: Regesta II, no. CCCIII, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1881.

Date: Before the king's final departure from England (Regesta II, xxxi), and after Herbert's accession c. Jan. 1121 (Hist. Novorum, 291). A likely date would be shortly after the d. of the chancellor Rannulf, in Jan. 1123 (John of Worcester, 17).

Note: The writ is attested by Nigel d'Oilly, who is believed to have d. c. 1115 (Sanders, 54), and in Regesta II it is calendared as spurious for this reason. On Islip, see the note to the spurious restoration attributed to William I (3); Harvey, WA, 356. On the other lands, see Harvey, WA, 354, 357–9. The chancellor in question has been identified as Rannulf Flambard (ibid., 354, 359n.2), although H. W. C. Davis argued that he was never chancellor (Regesta I, xviii). In the reign of W II, the chancellors were successively Robert Bloet and William Giffard (ibid.), who remained in office after the accession of H I. He was followed by Roger, later bp. of Salisbury, Waldric, another Rannulf, and finally by Geoffrey rufus. (Regesta II, ix—x). Robert Bloett held other land of the abbey (81), but of all these chancellors, only the second Rannulf did not acquire a bishopric, and would therefore most naturally be styled chancellor in retrospect: cf. 82.

84. Writ of H I, ordering Richard [de Belmeis I], bp. of London, to render justice to the abbot of Westminster, concerning the men who, armed and by night, broke into his church at Wennington (Essex). [24 May 1108 × Jan. 1127]

F, f. 74 (no attestations).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 149, no. 31; A. L. Poole, The Exchequer in the Twelfth Century (London, 1973 impression), 39–40, n. 4; Bigelow, 127; Madox, Hist. Exchequer, 141n. (a); T. Stapleton, Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae I (London, 1840), xx. n.(v).; Van Caenegem, 418, no. 13.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1538.

Date: Richard de Belmeis I's term of office (Fasti I, 1).

85. Writ of H I, ordering his sheriffs and officers throughout England that the entire supplies and goods of the abbot, which his men can swear are his own, are to be quit of toll, passage dues and all customary exactions, as they were in the time of his predecessors. Marlborough [Aug. 1100 × ante 1129]

F, f. 76r–v.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 149, no. 33.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 867.

Date: Before the king's final departure from England. A similar, but not identical, charter for Abingdon Abbey has the same attestation and place of issue, but is addressed to Hugh of Buckland in his capacity as sheriff of Berks. (Chron. Mon. de Abingdon, II, 79). If the Westminster writ was issued on the same occasion, its limits are those of Buckland's term of office in Berks, before 1129 (Sheriffs, 6).

86. Writ of H I, instructing Robert de Bertherol and all the barons of the honor formerly held by Otwel Fitz Count, that he has granted to St Peter and the monks of Westminster the church of Sawbridgeworth (Herts.), to hold with its appurtenant lands, tithes and rights. [post 25 Nov. 1120 × ante 2 Aug. 1127]

F, f. 75.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 156, no. 40.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1884; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 472.

Date: Otwel Fitz Count d. in the White Ship disaster (Orderic VI, 304). Richard de Belmeis I, bp. of London, d. 16 Jan. 1127, caused seisin of this church to be delivered to the convent (203).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 388, 409.

87. Writ of H I, generally addressed, ordering that the entire supplies and goods which the convent's officers at Sawbridgeworth (Herts.) can swear to be their demesne possessions are to be kept quit of toll, passagedues and all customary exactions. [post 25 Nov. 1120 × ante 2 Aug. 1133]

F, f. 75.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 156–7, no. 41.

Cal: Regesta, II, no. 1885.

Date: No earlier than 86, and possibly issued on the same occasion. It is prob. later than H I's writ granting general exemption from toll (85), since this property was not held in the time of the abbot's predecessors (86).

88. Writ of H I, informing the bp. of London, and the justices, sheriffs and barons of Mddx., that he has conceded to Richard de Balta and his heirs the land of the fee of the abbot of Westminster in Hampstead, rendering to the abbot and convent £2 annually, as they granted him by charter. Westminster [post 25 Nov. 1120 × ante Aug. 1133 (? Jan. × ante 25 Aug. 1127)]

WAD, f. 120v.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CCLXIX.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1758.

Date: Before the king's final departure from England, 2 Aug. 1133 (Regesta II, xxxi). The attestation of Eustace Fitz John indicates a date of 1116 or later (Sanders, 103n. 1), so that the writ dates from after the king's return to England, 25 Nov. 1120 (Regesta II, xxx). The attestation of Hugh Bigod also suggests this (Sanders, 47). The absence of the bp.'s name (assuming that this is not an omission of the cartulary scribe) may indicate that the writ was issued during the vacancy in the see (Fasti I, 1). In 1127, the king was at Westminster 13–16 May, and crossed to Normandy on 26 Aug. (Regesta II, xxx).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 352.

89. Writ of H I, notifying the sheriff and officers of London that all merchants residing in the soke of St Peter and of the abbot of Westminster may come and go peaceably, without harassment. No–one except the abbot and his monks has authority there, as Kings Edward and W I conceded by their charters. Windsor [c. Jan. 1121 × Aug. 1133]

WAD, f. 98v; F, f. 76v.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CXXVIII (from WAD).

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1250; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 411 (a reference to contents of F, ff. 75–8).

Date: Farrer suggests c. 30 Jan. 1121; followed by Regesta II, giving outside limits of c. 1110 × 1133, presumably on the grounds that the writ is attested by Geoffrey de Clinton. The king was at Windsor in Jan. 1121 (Farrer, Itinerary, 91; Regesta II, xxx) and it is likely that this writ is one of the group of privileges obtained by Abbot Herbert at the time of his appointment.

90. Writ of H I, ordering the sheriff and barons of London that Abbot Herbert and the monks of Westminster are to have the church of St Mary (Newchurch) which Goslan gave, with its appurtenant lands. No one may administer it without the permission of the abbot. Windsor [Jan. 1121 × ante 2 Aug. 1133]

WAD, f. 505v; F, f. 79.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 159, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1880.

Date: Before the king's final departure from England (Regesta II, xxxi) and after Herbert's appointment (Hist. Novorum, 291).

Note: The church is identified in the rubric to the entry in WAD. Control over this church was already lost in the reign of W II (49, 54), and the present writ, whether or not a fabrication, was intended to assist in its recovery. Despite subsequent confirmations by King Stephen (109) and Pope Adrian (IV) (166), it was not recovered. The donor is named as Alward in the three eleventh–century royal writs concerning this church (40, 49, 54), and also in the spurious First Charter of W I (1).

91. Writ of H I, ordering Aubrey de Vere, sheriff of Essex, to convene the shire court concerning the dispute between the abp. of Canterbury and the abbot of Westminster concerning the land of Alestan [in West Ham]; to cause a verdict to be delivered on who has the better title, and to put him lawfully in seisin. Westminster [1129, ante Nov.]

F, f. 76.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CCIV; Van Caenegem, 419, no. 14.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1539.

Date: Attested by Nigel d'Aubigny, who d. in Normandy in Nov. 1129 (Charters of the Honour of Mowbray, xviii and n. 2). Aubrey de Vere is recorded in office in 1130, and succeeded his predecessor after 1128 (Sheriffs, 43).

Note: Alestan held a manor of eight hides, thirty acres in West Ham TRE, and this was given by W I to Rannulf Peverel and Robert Gernon (DB II, ff. 64, 72b).

92. Writ of H I, ordering Hugh Mascherell to restore to St Peter at Westminster the tithe of Roding (Essex) which his brother gave, and also any arrears. Windsor [c. 1120 × ante 2 Aug. 1133]

WAD, f. 648v.

Cal: Regesta II, CCCII, breaking text at concessit, but continuing T. G. de Clinton apud Windr'; Van Caenegem, 433, no. 44.

Pd: Regesta II, no. 1878.

Date: Limited by the king's final departure from England. The earlier limit is indicated by the attestation of Geoffrey de Clinton (C. Warren Hollister, 'The Origins of the English Treasury', EHR 93 (1978), 262, 266).

Note: Hugh Mascherell attests both the genuine (c. 1085 × 1086) and the forged charter of Geoffrey de Mandeville I granting Hurley to Westminster, the latter in association with Walter Mascherel, evidently his social inferior, whose relationship is unspecified (Chaplais, 'Original Charters', 108). Hugh with his brother Roger attests Geoffrey I's grant of Ebury (436). Armitage Robinson suggested that Hugh of the present writ was of a younger generation than Geoffrey's contemporary (Gilbert Crispin, 134). The attestation of Geoffrey de Clinton may support this contention, but all references may yet be to the same man. Presumably Roger granted the tithe of Roding, but Hugh, as his feudal superior, declined to ratify the grant.

93.* Writ of H I, ordering Gilbert the Universal, bp. of London, the archdeacon and the chapter of St Paul's, that the abbot and church of St Peter of Westminster and their priest are to hold peaceably the church of St Magnus the Martyr in London, and its parish, as in the time of W I and W II, and earlier in his own reign; and during the episcopates of Hugh [de Aurea Valle], Maurice and Richard de Belmeis I. He prohibits anyone from impleading them. Woodstock [Dec. 1127 × ante Aug. 1133]

WAD, f. 98v; F, f. 77r–v.

Pd: Regesta II, no. CCCIV (from WAD).

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1883.

Date: Before the king's final departure from England. Gilbert was elected bp. c. Dec. 1127, and consecrated 22 Jan. 1128 (Fasti I, 1).

Note: St Magnus's cult is unlikely to have spread to London until after the end of Henry's reign (70), and the writ is presumably a fabrication. Both the spurious First Charter of W I (1) and another spurious charter of H I (70) confirm to the abbey only half of this church, the portion awarded in a lawsuit of 1182 between Abbot Walter and the prior of Bermondsey (287).

94. Writ of H I, instructing Richard Basset and Aubrey de Vere that the abbot is to have his stalls in the new work as in the old, and as the king has ordered, so that he hears no complaint arising from default of right. [?c. 1129 × 1133]

F, ff. 78v–79.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 157, no. 43.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1988.

Date: Prob. before the king's final departure from England. From 1129 onwards, Richard Basset and Aubrey de Vere were associated as sheriffs in various counties (Sheriffs, 12, 43, 75, 86, 92, 135), including Surr. (ibid., 135). They were not sheriffs of London in that year, nor is it likely that they would be, from c. 1130, when H I granted the city the right to elect its sheriffs (PR 31 Henry I, 148).

Note: If Basset and De Vere were addressed as sheriffs of Mddx., the 'new work' would seem to be in Westminster and Armitage Robinson suggested that it was a building being constructed outside the abbey precincts on the king's orders (Gilbert Crispin, 157). The abbot's stalls were prob. those for the fair in Westminster, or, if this did not yet exist, for a market there.

95. Writ of H I, ordering William II, constable of Chester, that the abbot and convent are to have their land of Perton (Staffs.), as the earl's father granted in alms for his wife's soul, quit of scutage and secular services, as William's father granted it, and as they held it afterwards, and in the time of Hugh, earl of Chester. No–one is to exact escheats, and anything unjustly taken must be restored. Woodstock [c. 1130 × ante 2 Aug. 1133]

WAM XXXII.

Pd: SR, plate XVIII(a) (facsimile); Bigelow, 127; Madox, Hist. Exchequer, 435.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1882; SR, no. 524.

Date: Limited by the king's final departure from England (Regesta II, xxxi). The attestation of Richard Basset is unlikely to date from ante 1127 (Regesta II, no. 1838n). The hand is that of Scribe xv, active c. 1133 (SR, note facing plate XVIII(a); see also Chaplais, 'Seals of Henry I', 275). William succeeded his father in the constableship of Chester and the barony of Halton in, or shortly before, 1130 (G. Barraclough, 'Some charters of the earls of Chester', Med. Misc. DMS, 25).

Note: Westminster had lost possession of this land post 1086, and eventually recovered it only after the accession of Richard I, when it was immediately farmed by Abbot Walter and the convent to Hugh de Nonant, bp. of Coventry (304; see also Harvey, WA, 79, 82, 357n).

96. Writ of H I, informing his barons of Sussex and Mddx. that, by judgement of his barons of the Exchequer, Abbot Herbert proved his title to Parham (Sussex) and Mapeleford against Herbert Fitz Herbert, and may hold this land in demesne. Woodstock [c. 1130 × ante Aug. 1133]

WAD, f. 571v; F, f. 74v; T, f. 23v (attestations omitted); PRO, KB 26/54, m. 18d.

Pd: Curia Regis Rolls VI, 176–7, from KB enrolment; Plac. Abbrev., 84b (attestations omitted): citing original; Gilbert Crispin, 46, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta II, no. 1879; Farrer, Itinerary, no. 666.

Date: Before the king's final departure from England in Aug. 1133 (Regesta II, xxxi). An allowance was made to Herbert the chamberlain in 1129–1130 (PR 30 Henry I, 104), but Herbert Fitz Herbert succeeded his father in that year (ibid., 378).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 359. Mapeleford is presumably a holding in Mddx.