Gervase (nos. 251–74)
251. Grant by Abbot Gervase to the preceptor of 8s. from the tithes of
Roding (Essex) for the repair of books. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius, abbas Beati Petri Westmonasterii, totusque conventus
eiusdem ecclesie, omnibus hominibus suis, tam presentibus quam futuris,
salutem. Manifestum vobis fieri volumus nos amore Dei, pro reparandis
libris armarii, et pro ceteris negotiis que ad cantoris nostri pertine[n]t
officium, communi assensu et consilio, concessisse et dedisse cantarie viij
solidos de decima de Roinges, quam tenet Aluricus presbiter, et his
terminis: ad Annuntiationem Sancte Marie iiij solidos, et ad Festivitatem
Sancti Petri ad Vincula iiij solidos. Quapropter volumus et precipimus ut
cantor ecclesie Beati Petri Westmonasterii, quisquis ille fuerit, predictos
habeat solidos bene et honorifice et in pace. Ne quis eum super hac nostra
donatione et predicta elemosina ullo modo inquietet.
MSS: (1) WAM 1172A.
26 × 12.3 cm; t.u. 3.4cm.
Seals: (1) First seal of the convent: (Cat. Seals BM, 4299), red;
attached by hemp cords inserted through a t.u. at the foot of the
charter. (2) Seal of Gervase: pointed oval; 8.3 × 6 cm; monk presenting a church to the Virgin (seated) and Child: SIGILLUM
GERVASII ABBATIS SANCTI PETRI [MON]ASTERII.
Endorsed: (a) Confirmatio capituli de Alba Royn' (13C). (b) Carta
Gervasii, abbatis Westmonasterii eiusdem loci conventus de viij
solidis de decima de Roinges percipiendis concessa precentori dicte
ecclesie Westmonasterii qui pro tempore fuerit pro reparacione
librorum armarii et pro ceteris negotiis que ad cantoris pertinet
officium. (14C). (c) Cantor (15C).
(2) WAD, f. 648v.
Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 5, p. 102, with partial facsimile
(Plate VII(c)); Robinson & James, 1 (from WAM).
252. Grant by Abbot Gervase of the manor of Kelvedon [Hatch]
(Essex), for lights and other offices of the High Altar. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas Beati Petri Westmonasterii, totusque
eiusdem ecclesie conventus omnibus tam futuris quam presentibus
Christi fidelibus, salutem et eternam felicitatem. Scire volumus
fraternitatem vestram et caritatem que in Christo est, nos, uno et
communi totius capituli nostri consilio propter honorem et reverentiam
corporis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi, et Beati Petri Apostolorum Principis
et advocati nostri, et omnium sanctorum quorum reliquie in nostra
requiescunt ecclesia, ad luminare corporis Domini Nostri nominatim, et
ad cetera altaris officia concessisse et dedisse necnon propriis manibus
nostris Deo super altare Beati Petri advocati nostri manerium de
Keleuedune sicut nostrum proprium cum omnibus rebus pertinentibus ad
ipsum manerium optulisse. Volumus igitur ut ista donatio rata sit quia ab
omnibus nobis ut ita sit confirmata est. Quicumque ergo hanc oblationem
et hanc donationem temere violare et istud manerium ab illis officiis que
supra nominavimus et sicut ordinavimus aliquo malo ingenio auferre vel
elongare aut distrahere conatus fuerit, nisi citius ad congruam emendationem venerit, perpetue maledictionis et anathematis gladio feriatur, sit
pars eius et portio cum Dathan et Abyron sit conversatio ipsius cum
diabolo et angelis eius in igne perpetuo. Amen.
MS: WAD, f. 377v.
Rubric: Carta Gervasii Abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de
manerio de Keleuuedune.
Note: Kelvedon Hatch was given by Ailric the chamberlain in c. 1066
(Harmer, no. 74; DB, II., 14; Harvey, WA, 343).
253. Grant by Abbot Gervase for lights at the altar, of Bloxham (Oxon.)
church, held by Robert de Chesney: Robert is to pay five marks
(£3. 6s. 8d.) a year to the sacristy, and if he dies or enters a religious order
or is promoted to higher office, the church is to revert to the use of the
(high) altar of the Abbey. [1138 × 1148]
Universis sancte et catholice matris Ecclesie filiis, tam prelatis quam
subditis, tam presentibus quam futuris, Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii,
salutem. Sciant presentes et futuri me petitione et communi consensu
capituli nostri concessisse et dedisse luminari ceterisque officiis altaris
ecclesie nostre ecclesiam de Blokesham quam Rodbertus de Chaisn'
tenet de me et de ecclesia nostra. Qua propter volumus et precipimus ut
amodo predictus Rodbertus sacriste [sic] ecclesie nostre intendit et
recognitionem quam nobis inde facere debebat, sicilicet v marcas argenti
illi faciat: ad Pascha duas marcas et dimidiam; et ad Festum Sancti
Michaelis tantundem eundem. Si vero predictus Robertus obierit aut
vitam suam mutaverit aut ad dignitatis gradum promotus fuerit, predicta
ecclesia cum omnibus pertinentiis suis altari ecclesie nostre quieta et
libera permaneat. Qui vero hanc donationem aliqua perversitate interupit sacrosancti corporis et sanguinis Christi reus sit, cui iniuriam inferre
presumit.
MS: WAD, f. 378r–v.
Rubric: Carta Gervasii abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de
eodem.
Date: Robert de Chesney became archdeacon of Leicester in
1145 × 1146 (Fasti III, 33). The absence of this title is not necessarily
conclusive for the dating, but the charter was certainly issued before his
election as bishop of Lincoln, 13 Dec., 1148 (ibid.).
Note: Robert de Chesney belonged to an Oxfordshire family (Eynsham
Cartulary, ed. H. E. Salter, Oxford Historical Society 49 (Oxford, 1907),
411).
254. Grant by Abbot Gervase to William de Wenden and his wife
Adelaide, daughter and heir of Walter Stantus, of all Walter's tenements
and offices within and without the church. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, omnibus probis hominibus
suis, Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciant tam presentes quam futuri me
concessisse et dedisse Willelmo de Wendena (fn. 1) et Adelaidi uxori sue omnia
tenementa que fuerunt Walterii Stantus, et ministeria infra ecclesiam et
extra, in domibus et terris, et omnibus aliis rebus, quia predicta Adelaidis
filia fuit eiusdem Walteri, et iustissima heres ipsius. Quam ob rem volo et
precipio quod predictus Willelmus uxorque eius Adelaidis et heredes
eorum habeant et teneant omnia predicta tenementa et ministeria cum
corrediis et consuetudinibus omnibus eisdem ministeriis pertinentibus,
ita plenarie et quiete et libere et honorifice, sicut unquam Walterus
Stantus vel aliquis antecessorum melius tenuerunt, et sicut Gaufridus
frater sepedicte Adelaidis eis quieta clamavit omnia predicta a die
desponsionis eorum usque in eternum, et heredibus illorum. Teste
Osberto de Clara, priore; W. Capes; Rogero Branc'; Ricardo de Hair',
monachis; Gregorio Dapifero; Ricardo de Furmonwill'; Hugone Bello;
Elia de Mulesham; Hugone de Bifort; Gaufrido filio Godefridi; Rogero
de Moretein; Johanne, armigero abbatis; multisque aliis.
MSS: (1) WAM L.
16.8 × 8.9 cm; tongue 1.6cm.
Seals: (1) Seal of Gervase (as above, 251); green; on tongue. (2)
Counterseal: 3 × 2 cm, from an antique intaglio gem: helmeted
goddess in front of an altar; legend: SIGILLUM GERVASII
ABBATIS WESTM.
Endorsed: Westmonasterium (14C).
(2) WAD, f. 87v.
Rubric: Carta Gervasii Abbatis de seriantiis vestibuli et pincernarie
de quibus subsequenter quieta clamantia per magistrum Willelmum
de Wandene.
Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 6, p. 103.
Note: As the WAD rubric shows, these offices were identified as the
serjeanties of the vestibule and the buttery, when the later William de
Wenden relinquished them to Abbot Walter de Wenlock (1283–1307): cf.
Flete, 117. See also Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 130, on Gervase's grant.
255. Confirmation by Abbot G[ervase] to Nicholas son of Clement of the
agreement between him and Bertram the clerk, son of Leodbert, concerning the church of St Matthew in London, as a charter testifies.
Nicholas is to pay 10s. a year towards the monks' clothing. [1141 × 1150]
G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, totusque conventus
eiusdem ecclesie episcopo Lundon (fn. 4) universisque sancte Dei ecclesie
filiis, salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse et confirmasse Nicholao filio
Clementis conventionem que facta est inter Bertramnium clericum filium
Leodberti et prefatum Nicholaum super ecclesiam Sancti Mathei in
London' cum pertinentiis suis sicut carta capituli Sancti Pauli testatur.
Quare volumus et precipimus quod ipse Nicholaus predictam ecclesiam (fn. 5)
teneat et habeat ita libere et quiete et honorifice sicut predictus
Bertramius vel aliquis antecessorum suorum melius et liberius et honorificentius et quietius tenuit salvo jure ecclesie nostre. Reddendo inde x
solidos per annum ad vesturam nostram in cathedra Sancti Pauli.
Testibus hiis: Rodberto de Corneil; Roberto clerico de Turri; (fn. 2) Guillelmo
sacerdote de sancto Audoeno; Bernardo sacrista Sancti Pauli; Henrico;
Philomena; Amando clerico; magistro Herveo; Elia clerico; Jerino
ingeniatore; Salomone de Sutbbeheda; (fn. 3) Hugone Bello et multis aliis.
MSS: (1) WAD, f. 476.
Rubric: Confirmatio Abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii super
conventione predicta, reddendo × solidos per annum.
(2) F, f. 288 (omits witnesses).
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 1, pp. 138–9 (from WAD).
Date: The agreement between Nicholas and Bertram (380) was made
with the consent of Robert de Sigillo, bp. of London 1141 × 1150 (Fasti, I,
2).
Note: St Matthew's church in Friday Street paid £3. 19s. to the abbey in
c. 1291 (Taxatio Nicholai IV, p. 9b).
256. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] and the convent to Azo and Alice, his
maternal aunt, of the land held by his father Alfred in London, near the
cemetery of St Laurence on Thames, for an annual rent of 2s.
[1138 × 1157]
G[ervasius] abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus eiusdem loci concedunt Azoni et Aliz' matertere sue et heredibus ipsius terram quam
Alvredus pater ipsius Azonis tenuit in Lundonia prope cimiterium Sancti
Laurentii super Tamisiam. Et volumus ut eam bene et in pace teneant eo
tenore quo predictus Alvredus tenuit, scilicet ij solidos reddendo per
annum: ad Pascha xij denarios, et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xij
denarios. (fn. 7) His testibus. (fn. 6)
MSS: (1) BL Egerton 3031, f. 48v.
Rubric: Carta abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii super quadam
terra in Londonia facta Azoni et Adelizie.
(2) BL Harleian 1708, f. 113.
(3) BL Cotton Vespasian E XXV, f. 60v.
Rubric (MSS (2) and (3)): Sigillum Sancti Petri Westmonasterii de
terra Alueredi in London'.
Pd: B. Kemp, Reading Abbey Cartularies I, Camden 4th ser. XXXI
(1986), 355, no. 462, from Egerton, Harley and Vespasian.
Date: Term of office of Abbot Gervase. On stylistic grounds, the charter
appears more likely to be mid 12C than temp. Abbot Gilbert.
Note: The presence of this text in BL Egerton 3031 indicates that
Reading held the land by 1193 at latest, although its transfer is not
recorded. There is a possible link in the writ issued by Queen Eleanor as
regent, Jan. 1156 × April 1157, ordering the sheriff of London to investigate a complaint by the convent of Reading that they had been unjustly
disseised of unspecified land in London donated, from the tenure of the
abbot of Westminster, by Richard Fitz B. when he became a monk at
Reading. If Reading's title is proved, the sheriff is to reseise its convent of
the land, saving the right of the abbot of Westminster (Reading Abbey
Cartularies I, no. 466).
257. Agreement whereby Abbot Gervase and the convent of Westminster granted to the chapter of St Martin [le Grand], London, at an annual
rent of 7s., the church of St Agnes in London with its lands, as it was given
to the abbey by Godric Lobbe when he became a monk. [1138 × 1157]
Hec est conventio inter ecclesiam Sancti Petri Westmonasterii et conventum eiusdem loci et ecclesiam Sancti Martini London' et capitulum
eiusdem ecclesie: videlicet, ego Gervasius, abbas Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, et omnis conventus concedimus ecclesie Sancti Martini
London' et toti capitulo eiusdem ecclesie tenendam de ecclesia nostra et
conventu nostro ecclesiam Sancte Agnetis London' cum terris et omnibus
rebus eidem ecclesie pertinentibus sicut Godricus Lobbe illas (fn. 8) tenuit
melius, qui ecclesiam ipsam et teneduras suas donavit cum corpore suo
die qua monachus effectus est ecclesie nostre. Volumus etiam quod
honorabiliter et libere illas teneant inperpetuum (fn. 9) possessionem et
quietam de omnibus consuetudinibus per vij solidos reddendo (fn. 10) ecclesie
nostre per annum ad duos terminos: hoc est in Natale Domini xlij
denarios, et infra septimanam Pasche xlij denarios. Quicumque vero aut
ex conventu nostro aut de capitulo Sancti Martini hoc pactum infringere
vel violare molitus fuerit, anethema sit et cum Juda proditore Dei
infernales luat penes. Amen.
MSS: (1) WAD, f. 477.
Rubric: Camerar' (rubric heading): Cirographus inter ecclesias
Westmonasterii et Sancti Martini London' super ecclesiam Sancte
Agnetis, reddendo per annum vij solidos.
(2) F, ff. 288v–289.
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 8, p. 142 (from WAD).
Note: The dean of St Martin le Grand during the latter part of Stephen's
reign was Henry of Blois, bp. of Winchester and uncle of Abbot Gervase
(Brooke & Keir, 311), which possibly influenced the terms of this grant
(Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 134).
258. Grant by Abbot Gervase to his clerk Elias son of Goldwin of land in
London between the house of Baldwin son of Ingelric and that of Wlgar,
for an annual rent of 2s. 8d. towards the clothing of the convent.
[1138 × 1157]
G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, omnibus baronibus et
civibus London' et amicis et tenentibus suis, Francis et Anglis, salutem.
Sciant presentes et futuri me firmiter concessisse et dedisse Helie clerico
meo filio Goldewini et suis hereditario jure quandam terram de feodo
Sancti Petri in London', que est inter mansionem que fuit Baldewini filii
Ingelrici et inter mansionem Wlgari in feodo finabiliter tenendam.
Reddendo inde per annum ij solidos et viij denarios libere pro omni
servicio ad vestituram conventus Westmonasterii. Quare volo quod ipse
eam habeat et teneat cum omnibus libertatibus eidem terre pertinentibus
ita bene et in pace et libere et honorifice et quiete sicut aliquis melius et
liberius et honorificentius et quietius terram tenet de ecclesia Sancti Petri
Westmonasterii. Hiis testibus: Ansgodo monacho; Ricardo de Bissea,
monacho; Hugone novicio' monacho; Ricardo preposito; Magistro
Herveo; Gervasio Peverello; Salonone (fn. 11) de Stibbeta; Radulfo fratre
abbatis; Amalrico fratre suo; Hugone Bello; Osmundo coco; Simone
coco; Ricardo Blundo; Ricardo dispensatore, parente, et pluribus aliis.
MS: WAD, f. 493v.
Rubric: Carta Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii de quadam terra in
London' reddendo ij solidos et viij denarios per annum.
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 2, p. 139.
Note: See Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 134, 138.
259. Grant by Abbot Gervase to Godwin Loffa of Bishopsgate for an
annual rent of 4s. of the land in Langbourn ward (London), near the
church of St Denis, which his grandfather Wlfward Grafte gave to the
church of Westminster. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii totusque conventus vicecomiti et
omnibus baronibus Lundiniensibus, salutem. Notum sit presentibus et
futuris nos concessisse Godwino Loffa de Bissopesgate et heredibus suis
terram illam quam Wlfwardus Grafte, avus suus, dedit ecclesie Westmonasterii in custodia Langebort iuxta ecclesiam Sancti Dionisii, ad
tenendum de nobis iiij solidos reddendo per annum, totum ad Pascha. Et
ita volumus quod idem Godwinus predictam terram teneat bene et in
pace et libere et quiete, sicut aliquis antecessorum suorum melius tenuit.
MS: WAD, f. 504v.
Rubric: Telligraphus abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de quadam
terra in custodia de Langebort iuxta ecclesiam Sancti Dionisii.
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 3, p. 139.
Note: In c. 1291 the abbey had 5s. rents in the parish of St Denis (Taxatio
Nicholai IV, 10a). See also Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 136–7.
260. Confirmation by Abbot Gervase of the grant made by John son of
Ralf to the church of St Pancras (Lewes) of the land Aluric Lambesheavod held in London, and two tenements which Wibert of Arras
held of Westminster; St Pancras will hold all these for a total rent of 5s. a
year. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus vicecomiti et
omnibus baronibus Lundonie, salutem. Sciant presentes et futuri nos
concessisse et confirmasse donationem quam Johannes filius Radulfi
dedit ecclesie Sancti Pancratii: videlicet, de terra quam AEluricus Lambesheavod tenuit in Lundonia et duas terras quas Wibertus de Arraz de
nobis tenebat. Has terras concedimus ecclesie Sancti Pancratii de Leues
ad tenendum de nobis, reddendo ecclesie nostre de terra AElurici
Lambesheavod ii solidos per annum, et de terris Wiberti iij solidos. Et ita
volumus ut bene et in pace predicta ecclesia Sancti Panchratii de ecclesia
nostra teneat, quamdiu hos v solidos bene et legaliter reddiderit (fn. 12) his
terminis: ad Pascha xxx denarios, ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xxx
denarios. Hiis testibus: Petro Aldermanno, Alwardo presbitero, Radulfo
de Arund', Rogero Pepercon, Ivone mercen[ario], AEadwardo Winpl',
Willelmo filio Radulfi et aliis pluribus.
MSS: (1) PRO E 40/15564.
26 × 7.6cm; CIROGRAPHUM cut straight through.
Endorsed: (a) Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii. (b) Londoniensis
diocesis de tenementis et terris in London'. (c) xvj. (d) [Illegible] in
London.
(2) WAD, f. 476: variant, copied from Westminster's half of the
cirograph. Text identical until the attestations, as follows: Willelmo
de Coucham; Hugone filio Ulgeri; Johanne filio Radulfi filii
Everardi; Roger Ganet; Salede; Estmundo, et aliis pluribus.
Rubric: Carta abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii cirographata de
donatione quam Johannes filius Radulfi dedit ecclesie Sancti Pancrati. Reddendo v solidos per annum.
Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 3, p. 101; partial facsimile (Plate
IX(a).
Cal: Cat. Ancient Deeds, II, A.2389.
261. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] to Gerin the king's minister of the land
of Endiff (near Charing in Westminster), which he bought from Walkelin, for 1lb. pepper annually at Michaelmas. Gerin gave 2s. to Walkelin's son and heir Robert for this concession. [1138 × 1157]
G[ervasius] abbas Westmonasterii omnibus hominibus suis et fidelibus,
salutem. Sciatis me concessisse Gerino ministro regis, et homini meo,
terram de AEnedetha, quam ipse emit de Walkelino et de heredibus suis,
sibi et heredibus suis, dando per annum unam libram piperis abbati
Westmonasterii ad Festivitatem Sancti Michaelis. Ad hanc conventionem hi fuerunt astantes et audientes ubi ipse Walkelinus, et Willelmus
frater ipsius Walkelini, et Rodbertus filius Walkelini saisiaverunt ipsum
Gerinum de terra illa, ita quod ipse Gerinus dedit Rodberto heredi ipsius
Walkelini ij solidos pro una manca auri ut supradictam conventionem
concederet: Helia prior; et Wimundus et Ricardus presbiteri; Ricardus
prepositus; Salamon de Steb'; Rogerus de Meriend'; Herdewinus de
AEnedeh'; Picotus cementarius; Rogerus de Curland'.
MSS: (1) WAM 17311.
18 × 6cm. Parchment tag, inserted through a t.u. at the foot of the
charter, but seal lost.
Endorsed: (a) xv. (b) Celerarius (c) Terra de Anedehethe. (d) Carta
G[ervasii] abbatis Westmonasterii de terra de Andehethe Gerino
ministro regis concessa, reddendo inde annuatim abbati Westmonasterii unam libram piperis [in various 14C hands].
(2) WAD, f. 445.
Rubrics: (1) Celerarius. (2) Concessio G[ervasii] abbatis de terra de
Andehethe.
Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 4, p. 101.
Date: Prior Elias, Picot cementarius and Salomon of Stepney all occur in
documents of Gervase.
Note: Endiff lay on the Thames, between Westminster Abbey and
Charing (PN Mddx, 168). On this grant, see Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 130,
138. Prior Osbert de Clare recorded the intercession of King Edward in
the healing of a knight named Gerin, keeper of the royal palace at
Westminster (Vita A Edwardi Regis, 126–7).
262. Grant by Abbot Gervase to his mother Damette of the manor of
Chelsea (Mddx.) in fee farm for £4 a year. In return Damette has given £2
to the convent and a pall worth £5. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus eiusdem loci
omnibus hominibus suis Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciant presentes et
futuri nos concessisse manerium de Chelcheth' Damete, matri predicti
abbatis, et heredibus suis ad tenendum in feudo et hereditate, cum
omnibus eidem ville pertinentibus, in aqua et in terra, reddendo inde
quatuor libras per annum, et defendendo erga regales consuetudines hiis
terminis: ad Natale Domini xx solidos; ad Pascha xx solidos; ad Festum
Sancti Johannis Baptiste xx solidos; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xx
solidos. Et ita volumus quod teneat bene et in pace, libere et honorifice,
cum saca et soca et ceteris consuetudinibus liberis. Et pro hac concessione
dedit predicta Dameta quadraginta solidos conventui et unum palleum
centum solidorum.
MS: WAD, f. 114.
Rubric: Dimissio manerii de Chelcheth'.
Pd: Flete, 89.
Note: See Harvey, 'Fee Farms', pp. 131 and no. 2, 138; 242 above.
263. Memorandum of the grant by Abbot Gervase to Gilbert son of
Gunter of the manor of Hendon (Mddx.) in fee-farm for a rent of £20 a
year. [Dec. 1154 × 1157]
Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, et totus conventus ecclesie concederunt Gisleberto filio Gunteri et heredibus suis
manerium (fn. 13) de Hendona in feudofirme cum omnibus rebus ad illud
pertinentibus, pro xxti libris reddendis inde per annum libere et honorifice et quiete, tenendum pro omnibus serviciis. Hiis testibus: Willelmo de
Cuntevilla; Radulfo clerico; Mauricio clerico; (fn. 14) Godefrido presbitero
fratre ipsius Gisleberti; Willelmo de Grest[ano]; Thomas pincerna;
Willelmo de Mulesham; Stephano nepote Willelmi; Amalrico fratre
abbatis; Radulfo Runt; Alexandro fratre eius; Ricardo preposito;
Richerio filio eius; Richerio filio Evrardi et multis aliis.
MS: WAD, f. 124.
Rubric: Carta Gervasii abbatis de eodem [i.e. de manerio de
Hendon'].
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 7, p. 142.
Date: Prob. issued in response to the mandate of H II (124).
Note: See Harvey, WA, 352, and 'Fee Farms', 135–6.
264. Confirmation by Abbot Gervase to the nuns of Kilburn (Mddx.) of
the corrody held by Ailmar the hermit, the corrody of Abbot Gilbert and
a third corrody which they held according to their charter (249).
[1138 × 1157]
Notum sit omnibus ecclesie fidelibus tam presentibus quam futuris quod
ego Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii dono et concedo, pro salute anime
mee et pro anima Regis Edwardi, necnon et pro salute omnium successorum meorum, ancillis Christi de Keneburna unum plenarium moniale
corredium: illud videlicet quod habuit Ailmarus heremita in pane et
cervisia, in vino et medone, et in pitancia. Istud corredium prece ac
petitione nostra communi consilio et consensu totius capituli nostri
confirmari feci. Preterea, notum sit quod nos communiter et concordi
voluntate corredium Gilberti abbatis illis concessimus, et tertium corredium quod secundum tenorem carte sue antea habuerunt, firmiter
confirmo. (fn. 15) Volumus igitur et constanter precipimus ut hec tria beneficia
in pane et cervisia et coquina, in vino, in medone et pitanciis, cum uno
tantummodo clareto scilicet pro anima Gilberti abbatis, absque ulla
contradictione et contrarietate et diminutione in perpetuam elemosinam
habeant. Quincunque ergo hec beneficia manutenuerint et manutenendo
pro Christo augere voluerint benedictionem Dei et nostram precipiant;
qui vero diminuere presumpserit, semel et secundo ac tertio correptus,
nisi digna emendatione satisfecerit iram Omnipotentis Dei et nostram
maledictionem incurrat. Deus omnipotens sit testis et conservator ac
susceptor huius donationis ac constitutionis nostre. Amen.
MSS: (1) F, ff. 327v–328.
Rubric: Carta Gilberti abbatis de tribus corrediis monialibus de
Kylborne concessis.
(2) LN, f. cxxv verso.
(3) CAY, f. cxxxiv verso.
Pd: Monasticon, III, no. IV, 427 (from F).
Cal: Bentley, 64, no. 527, from CAY.
265. Grant by Abbot Gervase to the nuns at Kilburn of land at Gore in
the manor of Knightsbridge (Mddx.). They are to hold it free of service,
as they were seised of it by Brother Osbert de Clare, and as it was
measured by the men of the vill. [1138 × 1157]
Gervasius, abbas ecclesie Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, et totus eiusdem
ecclesie conventus, tam futuris quam presentibus, salutem. Notum vobis
sit nos, communi assensu totius capituli et consilio, dedisse in elemosina,
pro anima regis nostri Edwardi, fundatoris ecclesie nostre, et pro
animabus omnium fratrum et benefactorum nostrorum, ancillis Dei que
sunt in ecclesia Beati Johannis Baptiste de Keneburna, et omnibus que
ibidem ad serviendum Deo future sunt, quandam terram ad sartandum in
tenetura, manerii nostri quod vocatur Knihtebruga, et in loco qui Gara
appellatur. Volumus igitur et firmiter precipimus ut in pace et quiete et
libere et sine omni servicio teneant illam predictam terram sicut eas inde
saysivit frater noster Osbertus de Clara, et sicut meta et divisio illius terre
facta est per respectum et considerationem et mensuram hominum illius
ville. Et si quis eis super hanc donationem et donationis libertatem
aliquam inde violentiam vel dampnum vel contumeliam aut torturam
aliquam fecerit, et elemosinam nostram violare vel auferre a predicta
ecclesia presumpserit, nisi ancillis Dei citam et congruum satisfactionem
fecerit, ab omni conventu ecclesie nostre excommunicetur, et a Christo
pauperum suorum defensore perpetuo anathematis gladio feriatur.
Amen. Hii sunt testes: Gregorius dapifer; Radulphus clericus; Mauricius
clericus; Ricardus prepositus; et Hathewy, qui idem manerium tenebat,
et multi alii.
MSS: (1) F, f. 328r–v.
Rubric: Carta Gervasii Abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de
terra de Gara in Knygthbrigge monialibus de Kylborne concessis.
(2) LN, f. cxxv verso.
(3) CAY, f. cxxxiv verso.
Pd: Monasticon, III, no. V, 427 (from F).
Note: See Harvey, WA, 353. See also 250 above.
266. Notification by Abbot Gervase to Earl Geoffrey [de Mandeville]
that he has granted to Prior William of Hurley (Berks.) part of the
pannage which the Abbey held in Edmonton (Mddx.), in the time of
Geoffrey de Mandeville I. [1140 × 1157]
Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas, totusque conventus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii dilecto fratri et amico Comiti Gaufrido, et omnibus baronibus
suis, salutem. Notum sit vobis omnibus quod, communi consensu totius
capituli nostri, concessimus Deo et Beate Marie semper virgini, et Sancto
Leonardo Confessori, et Willelmo Priori, cunctisque successoribus suis,
et familie Christi monachis uidelicet Herleiensis monasterii, partem
pasnagii nostri quod a diebus primi Gaufridi de Magnavilla possedit
ecclesia nostra in Eadelmatona in porcis et denariis. Et precamur et
volumus ut vos idem pro amore Dei et animarum vestrarum salute
concedatis et faciatis et litteris vestris secundum quod in carta ista
uidebitis ad ministros uestros confirmetis. Valete.
MS: WAM 3750*.
18.5 × 7.9 cm; tongue 2.5 cm.
Seal: Seal of Gervase (as above); red; on tongue.
Endorsed: (a) Gervasius abbas de pasnagio in Edelemantone (13C).
(b) 8v (15C).
Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 8, p. 104; Wethered, Lands of
Hurley, 32–3 (trans., ibid., 33–4).
Cal: Wethered, Lands of Hurley, no. 564, p. 12.
Date: William was prior of Hurley from some uncertain date post 1140
(Heads, 92). The Geoffrey de Mandeville addressed was perhaps the first
earl (1140–44), but more prob. his s. the second earl (c. Jan. 1156-Oct.
1166) (HBC, 460).
267. Grant by Abbot Gervase to Alger the clerk of the land which
Puncelin his grandfather held in Ham (Essex), for an annual rent of £3.
[? 1144 × 1156]
G[ervasius] abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus eiusdem loci concedunt Algero clerico terram quam Puncelinus avus suus tenuit in
Hamma, ipsi et heredibus suis ad tenendum de ecclesia Sancti Petri, bene
et in pace, libere et quiete, reddendo per annum lx solidos: ad Natale xv
solidos; ad Pascha xv solidos; ad Festum (fn. 16) Sancti Michaelis xv solidos. (fn. 17) Et
ita teneat quamdiu (fn. 18) fideliter servierit. Hiis testibus: Willelmo priore
Sancti Ivonis; Galfrido de Magna Villa; Warino filio Gerini; Henrico
fratre suo; Alur[edo] clerico de Watham[stede]; Waltero de Lectona;
Willelmo filio Alur[edi]; Simone filio Osberti; Radulfo de Querendona;
Galure[do] Merc' et fratre suo, et multi alii. (fn. 19)
MS: WAD, f. 496v.
Rubric: Telligraphus (fn. 20) abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de terra
quam Puncelinus tenuit in Hamma, reddendo lx solidos.
Marginalia: Hamme.
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 6, p. 142.
Date: Since Geoffrey de Mandeville attests without a title, this witness is
prob. Geoffrey III, attesting between the death of Geoffrey II in 1144,
and 1156, when he himself was created earl of Essex (G. E. C., v, 116–7).
William, prior of St Ives, was in office in 1143, and he, or a later William,
was prior in 1185 × 1187 (Heads, 95).
Note: See Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 135, and WA, 342.
268. Memorandum of an agreement between Abbot Gervase and Prior
Robert of Merton. Land in Wandsworth (Surr.) was granted to Westminster, to facilitate the siting of [fulling-]mills, in exchange for other
land in Wandsworth, granted to Merton priory, near the granges of
Dunsfold (Surr.). [1138 × 1157]
Sciant presentes et futuri hoc convenisse inter ecclesiam Sancti Petri
Westmonasterii et ecclesiam Beate Marie de Merton': quod ecclesia
Beate Marie concessit ecclesie Sancti Petri quondam partem terre sue de
Wendleswrth, ad assidendum molendina sua, iiij perticarum in lato (fn. 21)
coram molendino, et octo in longo, secus viam. Et ecclesia Beati Petri, in
recompensationem huius rei, concessit ecclesie Beate Marie duas acras
de terra sua eiusdem ville coram grangiis de Dunesford. Hec
transmutatio facta est auctoritate Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii et
Roberti prioris Mertonie, et assensu utriusque capituli.
MS: WAD, f. 370.
Rubric: Cirographus inter ecclesiam Westmonasterii et ecclesiam de
Merton de quadam parte terre pro molendinis fullenariis in
Wendleswrth'.
Date: Robert de Tywe (1117–50) and Robert II (1150–67) were successively priors of Merton (Heads, 175).
Note: It is only in the rubric that these Wandsworth mills were described
as fulling-mills during Gervase's abbacy, but the text is entered in WAD
together with the confirmation to the convent by Abbot William
d'Humez (1214–22) of a fulling-mill at Wandsworth, to maintain lights
round the feretory of St Edward (WAD, f. 370). For the subsequent
history of these mills, see Emma Mason, 'Westminster Abbey's fullingmills at Wandsworth', Bulletin of the Wandle Group, no. 13 (December
1984), 4.
269. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] to Robert his marshal of three virgates
and other lands, all waste, in Wheathampstead (Herts.) in fee-farm for an
annual rent of 10s. [1138 × 1157]
G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et totus eiusdem ecclesie
conventus concedunt Roberto marescallo suo et heredibus suis tres
virgatas terre in manerio nostro de Watamsted' in feodo et hereditate:
terram, videlicet, quam Willelmus de Couele in eadem villa ex utraque
parte aque (fn. 22) tenuit, et eam postea pro vque annorum servicii et
monachorum victus defectu ecclesie voluntarie reddidit et quietam
finaliter clamavit, et terram similiter quam Geroldus camberarius abbatis
Hereberti tenuit, et postea pro viij° annorum servicii et monachorum
victus defectu ecclesie quiete reddidit, que antea Leofwini magistri
fuerat, quam et ipsi Leofwini (fn. 23) etiam heredes ecclesie et monachis
quietam et sine calumpnia reddiderunt et solutam omnino clamaverunt.
Et ideo volunt ut ipse Robertus et heredes eius terram istam ita bene et in
pace, libere et quiete teneant, sicut prefatus Leofwinus umquam eam
melius tenuit et sicut ullus homo Sancti Petri in tota villa melius.
Concedunt eidem Roberto et heredibus suis etiam terram quam Ricardus
de Osumull tenuit et pro servicii iii annorum et monachorum victus
defectu ecclesie et monachis ipse et heredes eius omnino liberam red
diderunt et solutam et quietam clamaverunt, et unam similiter
cotelondam que fuit Godwini porcarii ad se hospitandum et ad domos
suas in ea faciendas. Omnes vero terre iste predicte vaste et deassise erant
et eas versus regem de proprio illorum dominio singulis annis adquietari
opportuit. Sed idem Robertus pro tribus virgatis amodo eas versus regem
defendet. Hanc quidem donationem similiter et concessionem eidem
Roberto et heredibus suis abbas et conventus Westmonasterii tam
consilio et assensu totius capituli quam consideratione et iudicio proborum virorum illorum de Watamstede contulerunt et suo presenti
scripto confirmaverunt et inde suum homagium in pleno capitulo
susceperunt. Quare volunt et firmiter concedunt ut idem Robertus et
eiusdem heredes terras teneant prenominatas bene et in pace, libere et
quiete, in bosco et in plano, in terris et in aquis, cum omnibus consuetudinibus et libertatibus que in aliis terris Sancti Petri pertinent.
Reddendo inde annis singulis xtem solidos in firma manerii pro omni
servicio hiis terminis: ad Natale xxx denarios; ad Pascha xxx denarios; ad
Festum Sancti Johannis xxx denarios; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xxx
denarios. Et inde isti sunt testes: Radulfus clericus; Ricardus prepositus;
Willelmus de Watamstede; Rogerus eiusdem (fn. 24) filius; Radulfus frater
abbatis; Amalricus abbatis frater; Gerinus miles; Stephanus de Cuntav';
Willelmus (fn. 24) aurifaber; Hugo Bellus; Simon cocus; Radulfus eiusdem
Roberti armiger, et multi alii.
MS: WAD, f. 205.
Rubric: Carta G[ervasii] abbatis Westmonasterii et totus eiusdem
ecclesie conventus de tribus virgatibus terre in manerio de
Wathamstede.
Marginalia: (1) supl' paucis gariantibus. (2) supl' paucis. (3)
Gervasius abbas.
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 5, p. 141.
Date: The lands were perhaps waste as a result of some incident during
the civil war. Both Stephen and Matilda visited St Alban's, while
Geoffrey de Mandeville had his headquarters not far away.
Note: See Harvey, WA, 347, and 'Fee Farms', 133.
270. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] to Elias the deacon of the church of Islip
(Northants.) for an annual payment of half a mark (6s. 8d.), saving the
rights of the church of Westminster and the holding of the sokemen of
Islip who hold of that church. [1148 × 1157]
G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, R[oberto] episcopo et toti
clero episcopatus Lincolniensis, salutem. Sciant me in elemosinam
canonice concessisse Helie, decano ecclesiam de Islepa, salvo iure
ecclesie Beati Petri Westmonasterii, et salvo tenemento soccamanorum
de Islepa, qui de ecclesia Beati Petri Westmonasterii tenent, reddendo
michi per annum dimidiam marcam argenti. Hiis testibus: Ricardo de
Bissea, monacho; Johanne monacho; Henrico, presbitero de Sudburgo;
Gaufrido, presbitero de Dena; Hugone capellano suo; Ricardo
presbitero de Sudwica; Sueinone, presbitero de Stanerda; (fn. 25) Henrico,
presbitero de Apetorp; Helia clerico; Radulfo de Septem Fontanis;
Radulfo filio Nigelli; Willelmo de Grestano; Gaufrido fratre suo; Andrea
de Hwath; Waltero de Sudburgo; Helia de Mulesham; Gaufrido filio
Parentis; Ricardo Blundo.
MS: WAM 15183.
16 × 6.5 cm. Step in left-hand corner.
CIROGRAPHUM cut in two along bottom.
Endorsed: Islepe. Scriptum G[ervasii], abbatis Westmonasterii, de
ecclesia de Islepa. (14C)
Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 7, p. 103, with facsimile (Plate
VIII(a)).
Date: Limited by terms of office of Abbot Gervase and of Robert de
Chesney, bp. of Lincoln (cf. Fasti III, 2).
Note: The Northamptonshire Survey, an early twelfth-century compilation, subsequently revised before the middle of the century (VCH
Northants., I, 357–8), stated that four of the King's sokemen held one
hide of the fee of Westminster Abbey (ibid., I, 365). This estate was prob.
the land, comprising 1 hide 1 virgate, which was held in 1086 by the bp. of
Coutances (DB I, f. 220v.). The identification of the church as that of
Islip, Northants (rather than of Islip, Oxon.), is confirmed by the
attestations of local clergy, incl. those of Sudborough and Deene, in both
of which Westminster held demesne manors (cf. Harvey, WA, 355).
271.* Grant by Abbot Gervase to William of Darnford in fee-farm of the
manor of Deerhurst (Gloucs.) for an annual payment of £30; also the half
hundred of Deerhurst with all its liberties as they were granted to the
abbey by King Edward. [1138 × c. 1141]
G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, omnibus amicis et tenentibus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, tam clericis quam laicis, Francis et
Anglis, salutem. Noverit universitas vestra nos unanimi consensu totius
conventus nostri Sancti Petri Westmonasterii dedisse et concessisse et hac
presenti carta nostra confirmasse Willelmo de Derneford in feodofirma
manerium de Derhurst' cum omnibus pertinenciis suis. Tenendum et
habendum de nobis et de successoribus nostris sibi et heredibus suis,
libere et quiete, bene et in pace, jure hereditarie inperpetuum. Reddendo inde annuatim nobis et successoribus nostris xxxta libras argenti ad
duos anni terminos: scilicet, infra octabas Pasche xv libras, et infra
octabas Sancti Michaelis xv libras pro omnibus serviciis, consuetudinibus
et exactionibus secularibus ad nos vel ad successores nostros pertinentibus. Quare volumus et concedimus pro nobis et successoribus nostris
quod predicti Willelmus et heredes sui habeant et teneant predictum
manerium de Derhurste cum omnibus libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus, in bosco et plano, in pratis et pasturis, in aquis et
molendinis, in viis et semitis, in stagnis (fn. 26) et vivariis, in mariscis et piscariis,
infra villam et extra, et in omnibus aliis locis ad predictum manerium de
Derhurst' pertinentibus. Concedimus etiam predictis Willelmo et
heredibus suis dimidium hundredum de Derhurst cum duabus sectis visus
franciplegii per annum, et cum omnibus aliis sectis et omnibus
libertatibus: videlicet, in homagiis, releviis, herietis, eschaetis recipiendis
et habendis, et in omnibus aliis ad predictum manerium de Derhurst
pertinentibus. Et quod nos vel successores nostri vel nostri ballivi nullum
ingressum habeamus infra libertatem predicti manerii de Derhurst ad
districtiones vel ad aliquas submonitiones faciendas, nisi tantum pro
firma nostra si forte retineatur ultra terminos predictos, et tunc namia que
capta fuerint pro eadem non ducantur extra libertates predicti manerii de
Derhurst'. Omnes vero alias districtiones et submonitiones infra predictum manerium faciendas predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis
inperpetuum liberas concedimus et quietas. Concedimus etiam pro nobis
et successoribus nostris quod, si predicti Willelmus vel heredes sui in
comitatu, hundredo vel in aliqua alia curia per querimoniam de ipsis
factam sint inplacitati et nos per libertates nostras curiam nostram
exigerimus de ipsis sicuti de hominibus nostris, et curia nostra nobis per
iudicium fuerit concessa, nos vel successores nostri curiam nostram alibi
non tenebimus nisi infra predictum manerium de Derhurst, et tunc, si
predicti Willelmus vel heredes sui vel homines nostri in predicto manerio
de Derhurst sint amerciati coram nobis vel ballivis nostris pro quacumque
causa vel forisfacto, predicti Willelmus vel heredes sui misericordiam
illam absque alia contradictione habeant, tam de hominibus nostris quam
de eorum hominibus propriis, ad firmam nostram predictam melius
perficiendam et nobis reddendam. [Concedi]mus etiam predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis omnes libertates et liberas consuetudines quas
gloriosus Rex Sanctus Edwardus nobis contulit et concessit. Et si no[s] (fn. 27)
vel successores nostri in posterum aliquas libertates de aliis regibus seu
aliis fidelibus Anglie perquisiverimus, nos easdem libertates eisdem
concedimus et [confirm]amus, ita quod illis adeo libere et plenarie
utantur sicuti nos melius et liberius illis utimur in dominicis maneriis
nostris seu in aliis locis ubicumque libertates habuerimus. Nos autem et
successores nostri predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis predictum
manerium de Derhurst cum omnibus pertinentiis et omnibus libertatibus
et liberis consuetudinibus predictis contra omnes homines et feminas pro
predicto redditu inperpetuum warantizabimus, manutenebimus et
defendemus. Et nos una cum conventu nostro predicte domus nostre
Sancti Petri Westmonasterii ad hoc assensum probente et confirmante
excomunicavimus omnes illos qui predictas libertates et liberas consuetudines de predictis Willelmo vel heredibus suis auferunt vel auferre
nituntur, quoniam illis adeo specialiter et firmiter pro nobis et pro
successoribus nostris illas concedimus et confirmamus sicuti nos specialius et liberius alicui illas dare possumus, concedere vel confirmare.
Hiis testibus: Helia, priore Sancti Petri Westmonasterii; Ansgodo
monacho; Ricardo de Bissea monacho; Adam monacho de Malvernia;
Roberto Folet; Rogero de Stanton; Oliverio; Hugone Bello; Adam filio
Godefridi de Persora, et pluribus aliis.
MSS: (1) WAM 32668.
26.5 × 19.5cm; t.u. 1.5cm; MS stained. Two vertical and three
horizontal folds. Tag sur double queue. This charter is written in a
13C hand, and both the phraseology and the detailed legal provisions
show that it cannot be a true copy of its putative original (Harvey,
'Fee Farms', p. 132 and n. 1).
Endorsed: (a) ij (13C). (b) Carta Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii
facta Willelmo Deneford' de manerio de Derestrt cum pertinentiis
(13C). (c) Derherst (13C). (d) Derhurst' (13C).
(2) WAD, f. 316r–v.
(3) CAY, f. lxxj verso (memorandum: payment given as £34).
Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 4, pp. 139–41 (from WAM), setting out
grounds for its being a forgery.
Cal: Bentley, 36, no. 258 (item 2), from CAY.
Alleged date: The empress's confirmation is 1138 × 1148, prob. no later
than 1141: cf. Regesta III, no. 259. Compare with the charter from the
convent (341) confirming the grant made by 'Gervasius quondam abbas
noster', and with Henry II's confirmation (136).
Note: Deerhurst (Gloucs.) was given to Westminster along with other
former possessions of Pershore Abbey by the Confessor (Harmer,
nos. 99–102, and pp. 290–294). It was assessed in DB at 50 hides (the halfhundred of Deerhurst was the only hundred possessed by the abbey and
was worth £40 TRE and £41 in 1086). See also Harvey, WA, 344–5, and
'Fee Farms', 131–3.
272. Notification by Abbot Gervase to Aylwin the sheriff of Sussex that
Turbern of the Weald has fled to sanctuary. [1138 × 1154]
Gervasius abbas et omnis congregatio Westmonasterii Aylwyno vicecomiti et omnibus baronibus de Southsexia, salutem. Sciatis quod Turbernus de Welda misericordiam Dei et altarem Sancti Petri atque
sepulcrum Regis Edwardi ad liberacionem sui requisivit. Est autem
consuetudo et privilegium et ab antiquis Anglie regibus dignitas ista
ecclesie Sancti Petri donata ut amplius pro ea forisfactura de qua
calumpniatus erat non perdat neque vitam, neque membra, neque
omnino aliquid suarum rerum amittat. Valete.
MS: F, f. 258v.
Rubric: Littera testimonialis antiqua de visitacione magni altaris
Sancti Petri Westmonasterii et sepulcri Regis etc.
Pd: Monasticon, I, no. LXI, 310.
Date: No known sheriff of Sussex is named Aylwyn in the reign of Henry
II, so that this writ antedates his accession.
273. Notification by Abbot G[ervase] to R sheriff of Sussex that — has
fled to sanctuary. [1138 × 1157]
G[ervasius] abbas humilis et omnis congregacio Sancti Petri Westmonasterii R vicecomiti et omnibus baronibus de Sussex, salutem. Sciatis
quod iste [name erased] misericordiam Dei et altare Sancti Petri et
sepulcrum Regis Edwardi ad liberacionem sui requisivit. Est autem
consuetudo et privilegium et ab antiquis Anglie regibus dignitas ista
ecclesie Sancti Petri donata, ut amplius forisfactum de quo calumpniatus
erat non perdat neque vitam neque membra sua neque omnino aliquid
suarum rerum amittat. Valete.
MS: WAD, f. 79v.
Date: Richard de Humez was sheriff of Sussex 1156 × 1157, and was
succeeded by Ralph Picot 1157 × 1160 (Sheriffs, 141). However, R. was
perhaps an otherwise unidentified sheriff in Stephen's reign, since before
the end of Gervase's abbacy, and prob. before the end of Stephen's reign,
there was a further development in the wording of the fugitive writ (274).
274. Notification by Abbot G[ervase] to N sheriff of Mddx. that H has
fled to sanctuary because of a charge of theft. [1138 × 1157 (? × 1154)]
Domino N vicecomiti Midlesexie G[ervasius] humilis abbas et omnis
congregacio Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, salutem. Iste H requisivit
misericordiam Dei et Sancti Petri et sepulchrum Regis Edwardi propter
reatum furti quod sibi imponitur. Scitote igitur talis est dignitas ecclesie
nostre et Regis Edwardi postquam aliquis reus ibi misericordiam sicut
supradiximus requisierit nec vitam nec membrum pro illo reatu debet
amittere; precamur ergo vos et monemus ne contra domum et auxilium
tanti patroni facere presumatis. Valete.
MS: WAD, f. 79v.
Date: There is no known N sheriff of Middlesex for the early years of
Henry II. so this document almost certainly dates from Stephen's reign.
Note: This form of fugitive writ was prob. the latest issued during
Gervase's abbacy, since Laurence's writ is a development of its format
(279).