Nos. 339–49
339. The weekly farm of the monks: specified foodstuffs; 1 mark for the
servants; £8. 10s. from the more remote manors; for allowances and
pittances £32 from Benfleet, Fanton, Paglesham and Wennington (all in
Essex) and Comberton (Worcs.); £15 for firewood; for the chamber and
all necessaries: all rents from London; Doddington (Lincs.); Chollington
(Suss.); Cippenham (Bucks.) and Sulby (Northants.). One mill at Strat
ford (Essex), and at Parham (Suss.). Total £70. For servants in specified
offices: from Hanworth £1.10s.; from Cowley £1.10s. (both in Mddx.);
from Titeburst 10s.; from Mardley 15s. (both in Herts.); from Ilteney
£1.4s.; from Ockendon 5s. (both in Essex); from tenants of the vineyards,
with exceptions, £1; for the Lord's Supper £3 from Wheatley (Essex) and
7s. from Knightsbridge (Mddx.). [temp. H.I, c. 1118 × 1120?]
Hec est firma monachorum in septimana: ad panem: vj cumbas et lx et vij
solidos ad coquinam; et xx hops de brasio; et × de gruto; et iij cumbas
avene; et ad servientes j marcam argenti. Et illa maneria que longinqua
sunt et hoc reddere non poterint reddent pro tota septimana viij libros et x
solidos. Ad karitates et pitancias: xxxij libri de Bienflet, de Fantone, de
Pakelesam, et Winetona, et de Cumbritona; ad ligna xv libri; ad cameram
et ad omnia que necessaria sunt omnes redditus Lundonie, et Dodintuna,
et Cillentuna, et Sippeham, et Sulebi, et j molendinum apud Stretfort et
Perham. Hec est summa: lx et × libri. Ad servientes coquine et pistrini et
bracini et orti et vinee et infirmatorii, et portarii: de Hanewrde xxx solidi;
de Coveley xxx solidi; de Titebirste × solidi; de Merdeleya xv solidi; de
Elteneya xxiiij solidi; et v solidi de Okkenduna; et xx solidi de illis qui
tenent terras vinearum, exceptis illis qui habent terrulas pro solidatis suis.
Ad servicium cene Domini lx solidi de Wateleya; et vij solidi de
Knichtebrigge.
MSS: (1) WAM 5670.
20.3 × 8.3 cm; no t.u.
Endorsed: (a) Extenta conventus Westmonasterii (12C). (b) Compositiones (15C).
(2) WAD, f. 629.
Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 41, from WAM.
Date: Later than the recovery of Comberton (66; 488), and of Doddington (61, 475). It has been suggested that the document represents the
allowance made to the monks when the abbey was in the hands of H I,
between the death of Abbot Gilbert and the appointment of Abbot
Herbert (Gilbert Crispin, 44), but that would not explain why it was
copied into WAD so long afterwards.
Note: Discussed in Gilbert Crispin, 42–50; Harvey, WA, 80.
340. Notification by the convent of Westminster to the citizens of
London that they have conceded to Eorlwin, brother of Wlfwin, in fee
and inheritance, the land with the building on it which Godric Catepol
held of their chamberlain in Eastcheap, to hold at an annual rent of 7s.,
whether or not there is an outbreak of fire (which destroys the building).
[1136 × 1138]
Conventus ecclesie Sancti Petri Westmonasterii omnibus civibus
London', Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciatis quod, communi consensu et
concordi voluntate totius capituli, concessimus Eorlewino fratri Wlfwini
terram et totum edificium quod super terra est, quam Godricus Catepol
tenuit de camerario nostro in Eastceapa, in feudum et in hereditatem,
tam sibi quam heredibus suis, ardeat civitas necne, unoquoque anno per
redditionem vii solidorum in die Ramarum Palmarum. Hii sunt testes:
Gregorius dapifer; Reinaldus Barill; Radulphus de Ponte Fracto; Willelmus de Winter; Tovius Ganet; Tovius corveisarius; Durandus
Duredent, Wisgarus de Pirifo', et multi alii.
MS: WAD, f. 504v.
Rubric: Telligraphus conventus Westmonasterii de quadam terra in
Estchepe.
Marginalia: London'.
Date: Gregory was dapifer under Abbots Herbert (250) and Gervase
(254, 265), so this document was possibly issued during the vacancy
between them.
Note: It is remarkable that the rent is due on Palm Sunday, rather than at
the usual quarterly terms.
341. Notification by the convent of Westminster to their tenants and
friends, that they have confirmed to William of Darnford the manor of
Deerhurst (Gloucs.), to be held of the current abbot and of his heirs, at an
annual rent of £30, as the former abbot, Gervase, granted that manor in
fee-farm. William and his heirs may hold the manor with all liberties, as
Abbot Gervase granted in the charter which William holds. [1158]
Omnibus amicis et tenentibus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, tam clericis
quam laicis, Francis et Anglicis, totus eiusdem loci conventus, salutem.
Noveritis nos concessisse et confirmasse Willelmo de Derneford
manerium de Derhurst cum omnibus suis pertinentiis; tenendum et
habendum de abbate nostro qui pro tempore fuerit sibi et heredibus suis
libere et quiete, integre et pacifice, iure hereditario inperpetuum; reddendo inde annuatim abbati nostro qui pro tempore fuerit xxxta libras
argenti ad duos terminos, scilicet: infra octabas Pasche xv libras, et infra
octabas Sancti Michaelis xv libras, pro omnibus serviciis, consuetudinibus et exactionibus secularibus ad ipsum abbatem qui pro
tempore fuerit pertinentibus, sicuti Gervasius quondam abbas noster
illud manerium de Derhurst in feodo firma illis dedit et concessit. Unde
concedimus et confirmamus quod predicti Willelmus et heredes sui
habeant et teneant predictum manerium de Derhurst cum omnibus suis
pertinentiis adeo libere, quiete et integre, sicuti predictus Abbas
Gervasius melius et liberius illis dedit et concessit cum omnibus
libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus in carta sua quam predictus Willelmus de Derneford de ipso habet plene contentis et specificatis. Nos
autem, predictus conventus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, uno cum abbate
nostro qui pro tempore fuerit predictum manerium de Derhurst, cum
omnibus suis pertinentiis et cum omnibus libertatibus [et liberis consuet]udinibus, a predicto Abbate Gervasio predictis Willelmo et
heredibus suis datis et concessis pro predicto redditu, [in perpetuum
warant]izabimus. Et nos excommunicationis sententiam a predicto
abbate nostro Gervasio in omnes illos illatam qui libertates [et liberas
con]suetudines predicto manerio de Derhurst pertinentes auferrent de
Willelmo de Derneford vel de heredibus suis, firmiter concedimus et
confirmamus. Hiis testibus: Helia priore Sancti Petri Westmonasterii;
Osberto de Clare; Roberto Fol[et]; Rogero de Stant[on]; Willelmo de
Mulas; Helia clerico; Gregorio senescallo, et pluribus aliis.
MSS: (1) WAM 32670.
23.5 × 11.5 cm.
Seal very damaged; fragments on tag.
Endorsed: (a) Derhurst (12C). (b) Carta . . . Willelmo de Derhurst
. . . Derhurst (badly stained) (14C).
(2) WAD, ff. 316v–317.
Date: The vacancy following the deposition of Abbot Gervase.
Note: The related charter of H II confirms the manor in similar terms
(136), as granted by the convent, and by the former Abbot Gervase (271).
The existing text of the abbot's charter has been amplified in the
thirteenth century (Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 131–3).
342. Final concord made between the Chapter of Westminster and Peter
of Sutton and his wife Margaret, concerning land in Dowgate (London),
of which she is co-heiress, formerly belonging to Sermann and now
occupied by Robert of Marlborough, from which the monks used to
receive 8s. annually. Mirabel, daughter of Oger the dapifer, will hold the
land for life, without payment. After her d., or her entry into religion, or
her vacating the land for any other reason, Peter and his wife will render
4s. annually in alms, payable to the monks' chamber, for that part of the
land which they hold. The other 4s. rent will be rendered by John Tresgod
and his wife Amy and their heirs, as their cirograph bears witness.
Husting Court, London [1179–81]
Hec est finalis concordia inter monachos Westmonasterii et Petrum de
Sutton' et Margaretam uxorem eius, facta apud London' in Hustingo,
existentibus tunc vicecomitibus Willelmo filio Sabel et Reginaldo veteri,
et aliis baronibus Lundon' presidentibus, de una terra in Duvegate, que
fuit Sermanni, in qua mansit Rob[ertus] de Marlebergia, de qua solebant
idem [sic] monachi antiquitus viij solidos percipere per annum, videlicet:
quod Mirable, que fuit filia Ogeri dapiferi, tenebit eandem terram tota
vita sua libere sine censu. Post decessum autem ipsius Mirable, aut si
forte ad religionem se transtulit, vel quocumque modo terra ilia de manu
ipsius exierit, memoratus Petrus et uxor eius, et heredes eorum, vel
quicumque eam tenuerint, reddent annuatim pro parte illius terre quam
tenebunt iiij solidos inperpetuum camere prescriptorum monachorum in
elemosinam, scilicet: ad Pascham ij solidos; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis ij
solidos. Nec amplius poterunt monachi de parte Petri et uxoris sue sive
heredum suorum exigere quam illos quatuor solidos per annum, sed
Johannes Tresgod et uxor eius Amia et heredes eorum alios quatuor
solidos monachis persolvent, sicut cirographum eorum testatur. Et illu
actum est consilio et assensu Margarete uxoris [sue] supradicti Petri, que
est heres ipsius terre. Hiis testibus: Gilleberto, constabulario Turris
London'; Johanne Buchunte; Edwardo Blundo; Henrico filio Ailwini;
Radulpho Brand; Rogero filio Alani; Ricardo filio Reyneri; Andrea
Bucherel; Willelmo filio Sabel'; Johanne de Coveham; Willelmo de
Haverhell; Walerammo; Johanne Burguinun; Radulfo Britone; Petro,
Johanne, clericis vicecomitis, et toto Hustingo.
MS: WAD, f. 486v.
Rubric: Concordia facta in Hustingo London' inter monachos Westmonasterii et Petro de Suttun' et Margaretam uxorem eius de una
terra in Duuegate. Reddendo iiij solidos.
Date: William Fitz Sabelina and Reginald le Viel as sheriffs: cf.
Reynolds, 'Rulers of London', 355, where Reginald's colleague is listed
as William Fitz Isabel. The Westminster charters distinguish clearly
between these two men.
343. Final concord made between the Chapter of Westminster and John
Tresgod and Amy his wife, concerning land in Dowgate (London), of
which she is co-heiress, formerly belonging to Serman, and now occupied
by Robert of Marlborough, from which the monks used to receive 8s.
annually. Mirabel, daughter of Oger the dapifer, will hold the land for
life, without payment. After her d., or her entry into religion, or her
vacating the land for any other reason, John and his wife and their heirs
will render 4s. annually in alms to the monks' chamber, for that part of
the land which they hold. The other 4s. rent will be rendered by Peter of
Sutton and his wife Margaret and their heirs, as their cirograph bears
witness. Husting Court, London [1179–81]
Hec est finalis concordia inter monachos Westmonasterii et Johannem
Tresgod et Amiam uxorem eius facta apud London' in Hustingo, existentibus tunc vicecomitibus Willelmo filio Isabell' et Reginaldo veteri, et
aliis baronibus London' presidentibus, de una terra in Duvegate que fuit
Sermani, in qua mansit Robertus de Marlebergia, de qua solebant idem
monachi antiquitus viij solidos percipere per annum, videlicet: quod
Mirable, que fuit filia Ogeri dapiferi, tenebit eandem terram tota vita sua
libere sine censu. Post decessum autem ipsius Mirable, aut si forte ad
religionem se transtulit, vel quocumque modo terra illa de manu ipsius
exierit, memoratus Johannes et uxor eius et heredes eorum, vel quicumque eam tenuerit, reddent annuatim pro parte illius terre quam
tenebint quatuor solidos inperpetuum camere prescriptorum
monachorum in elemosinam, scilicet: ad Pascham duos solidos; ad
Festum Sancti Michaelis duos solidos; nec amplius poterunt monachi de
parte Johannis et uxoris sue, sive heredum suorum, exigere quam illos
iiijor solidos per annum. Sed Petrus de Suttuna et uxor eius Margareta et
heredes eorum alios iiijor solidos per annum monachis persolvent, sicut
cirographum eorum testatur. Et istud actum est consilio et assensu Amie
uxoris supradicti Johannis, que est heres ipsius terre. Hiis testibus:
Gilleberto, constabulario Turris London'; Johanne Buchunte; Edwardo
Blundo; Henrico filio Ailwini; Radulpho Brand; Rogero filo Alani;
Ricardo filio Reinerii; Andrea Bucherel; Willelmo filio Sabel'; Johanne
de Coveham; Willelmo de Haverhell'; Walerammo; Johanne Burguinun;
Radulpho Britone; Petro, Johanne, clericis vicecomitibus, et toto
Hustingo.
MS: WAD, ff. 486v–487.
Rubric: Concordia inter monachos Westmonasterii et Johannem
Tresgod et Amiam uxorem eius de predicta terra in Duvegate.
Reddendo iiij solidos annuatim.
Date: See 342.
344. Record of a payment to the Exchequer by the prior [William
Postard] and convent for the enrolment on the Pipe Roll of a
memorandum that William of Eynsford III quitclaimed to them his vill of
Benfleet (Essex), which he held of them for life, at a farm of £24, and that
he restored the charter concerning this, in the Curia Regis in presence of
the Barons of the Exchequer. 29 Sept. 1189.
Prior Ecclesie Beati (fn. 1) Petri de Westmonasterio et conventus eiusdem loci
redd[iderun]t compotum de j marca ut scribatur in Magno Rotulo quod
Willelmus de Einesford tertius clamavit eis villam suam de Benflet (fn. 2) cum
pertinentiis suis quietam, quam debuit tenere de eis tantum in vita sua ad
firmam pro xxiiij libris, et quod reddidit eis cartam suam quam habuerat
de hac conventu (fn. 3) in Curia Regis coram Baronibus de Scaccario. In
thesauro liberaverunt. (fn. 4) Et quieti sunt. (fn. 5)
MSS: (1) PRO, E372/35, membr. 25 (dorse).
(2) WAD f. 602v (insertion in margin of folio).
Marginale: Bemflete.
Pd: Pipe Roll 1 Ric. I, 230.
Cal: Formulare, xxi.
Date: The Pipe Roll records the Michaelmas audit of the Exchequer.
Note: Although William Postard's dates as prior are uncertain, he was in
office during Walter's abbacy (302) and also during the vacancy, which
concluded in his own election (Ric. of Devizes, 54; Diceto, II, 100–01).
On Benfleet see Harvey, WA, 340.
345. Notification by Prior Robert of Moulsham and the convent of the
celebration, at the request of Abbot Ralph Arundel, of four feasts with
copes and processions and with wine and pittances. The abbot in return
has given the convent their manor of Benfleet (Essex), which he held at
farm from them for some years. [1200 × 1214]
Omnibus Sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis ad quos presens scriptum
pervenerit, R[obertus] dictus prior Westmonasterii, et eiusdem loci
conventus, salutem eternam in Domino. Noverit universitas vestra nos
bono animo et unanimi assensu et voluntate et divini amoris obtentu
concessisse et carta nostra in pleno capitulo nostro confirmasse venerabili
et dilecto patri et abbati nostro, Radulfo de Arundel, ad petitionem et
voluntatem ipsius, incrementa quatuor festorum per anni revolutionem
celebranda in cappis et processionibus cum vinis et pitanciis honorabiliter
in eisdem festis inveniendis, videlicet: Festum Beati Laurentii, Festum
Beati Vincentii, Festum Beati Nicholai, et Festum Translationis Beati
Benedicti, que omnia prius cum cervisia et pitancia simpliciter statuta,
cum vinis et pitanciis et processionibus statuimus honorabiliter
celebranda. Statuimus etiam quicquid fiat de pitanceria nostra vel
festivitatibus similibus ut, scilicet aliter disponantur et mittentur ne
aliquid de predictis quatuor festivitatibus minuatur aut mittetur si possibilitas assit, ut modo prenominato possint celebrari. Huius autem
auctoritate confirmationis et caritative assensu concessionis, concessit et
reddidit et confirmavit nobis idem venerabilis pater noster et abbas ad
petitionem et voluntatem nostram manerium nostrum de Bainflete (fn. 6) per
aliquot annos ab eodem ad firmam possessum cum omnibus pertinentiis,
emendationibus, instauris, possessionibus, consuetudinibus, et omnibus
rebus quecumque fuerint ad idem manerium pertinentibus. Ut autem hec
confirmatio et concessio nullatenus a posteris abbatibus, videlicet, seu
prioribus, vel quicumque alii fuerint, possit infringi eam auctoritate Beati
Petri et omnium sanctorum et nostra confirmamus, eiusque infractores in
pleno capitulo nostro data sententia vinculo anathematis innodantes.
Sigilli nostri appositione eam roboravimus.
MSS: (1) BL Add. Charter 8473.
16.6 × 12.1 cm; t.u. 2.2 cm.
Seal: on tag; brown; 6.5 cm diameter. Obverse: seated figure in
habit, ? bearded; right hand raised in benediction. Reverse: ? coronation of the Virgin (seriously damaged). No surviving legend. Cat.
Seals BM, I, no. 4303, p. 801.
Endorsed: (a) De iiij festis in capis celebrandis ad instantiam
Radulphi abbatis, videlicet Sanctorum Laurentii, Vincentii,
Nicholai et Translationis Sancti Benedicti abbatis. (b) Dupplicatur
xiiij. (c) Pitanciarius.
(2) WAD, f. 602v.
(3) F, f. 246v–247.
Pd: Flete, 99–100.
346. Confirmation made in form of a cirograph by Prior Robert of
Moulsham, with the assent of the convent, to William English of Westminster and his heirs, of a messuage in the vill of Westminster, lying
between the land of Geoffrey Smith and that of William parmenter,
which messuage William English and his wife Isabel received in fee and
inheritance from the aforesaid Geoffrey son of Jocelin Smith and his
heirs, by service of 3s. annually, which rent Geoffrey and his heirs
granted to provide lights for the Lady Altar. William English and his heirs
were assigned to render this rent to Prior Robert, or to anyone else who
might be warden of the altar, as Geoffrey's charter testifies. William and
Isabel, in presence of the better and more lawworthy men of the vill of
Westminster, constituted the Blessed Virgin and the warden of the altar
their heirs. Prior Robert, as chief lord, on behalf of the Blessed Virgin,
and in his capacity as warden, has confirmed the messuage to William and
his heirs, at an annual rent of 4s. 6d. due to him (Prior Robert) or to
anyone who is warden for the time being. [c. 1199 × 1207]
Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Robertus de Mullesham, prior
Westmonasterii, assensu et voluntate tocius conventus nostri, dimisi et
concessi et hac presenti carta confirmavi Willelmo Anglico de Westmonasterio et heredibus suis unum masuagium cum pertinentiis in villa
Westmonasterii; quod masuagium iacet inter terram Gaufridi fabri ex
una parte, et terram Willelmi parmentarii ex altera, et quod masuagium
predictus Willelmus Anglicus et Isabella uxor eius receperunt in feudo
sibi et heredibus eorum de predicto Gaufrido filio Jocilini fabri et
heredibus suis per servitium trium solidorum per annum pro omni
servitio et per gersummam quattuordecim solidorum. Redditum quorum
trium solidorum predictus Gaufridus et heredes sui dederunt et concesserunt ad administrationem luminaris altaris Beate Marie in ecclesia
nostra pro xl solidis. De quibus tribus solidis predictus Willelmus et
heredes sui assignati fuerunt reddere mihi, vel alii qui pro tempore esset
custos predicti altaris, sicut carta ipsius Gaufridi testatur. Unde sciendum
est quod predictus Willelmus ante decessum Isabelle uxoris, eius assensu
et voluntate utriusque, de predicto masuagio cum pertinentiis Beatam
Mariam et custodem altaris ipsius qui pro tempore fuerit, coram melioribus et legalioribus hominibus ipsius ville Westmonasterii, heredes
fecerunt et constituerunt. Ego autem vice gloriose Virginis et nomine
ipsius altaris custodis tamquam capitalis dominus concessi et dimisi et
presenti scripto confirmavi predicto Willelmo et heredibus suis predictum
masuagium cum pertinentiis vel cui assignare vel dare voluerit; reddendo
inde singulis annis mihi vel alii qui pro tempore fuerit custos predicti
altaris iiijor solidos et vj denarios, unde prius reddidit nisi tres solidos
tantummodo. Habendum et tenendum sibi et heredibus suis, vel
assignatis, libere et quiete, integre et plenarie, per liberum servitium
predictorum iiijor solidorum et vj denariorum reddendorum ad iiijor anni
terminos, videlicet: ad Natale Domini tresdecim denarios et obolum; et
ad Pascha tresdecim denarios et obolum; et ad Festum Sancti Johannis
Baptiste tresdecim denarios et obolum; et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis
tresdecim denarios et obolum. Ut autem hec omnia securam firmitatem
futuris temporibus obtineant ego Robertus, vice gloriose Virginis et
nomine altaris ipsius tunc temporis custodis, sigillum meum apposui parti
carte cyrographate quam remanet ipsi Willelmo et heredibus vel
assignatis suis, et ipse Willelmus sigillum suum apposuit parti carte
cyrographate que remanet penes me vel alium tunc temporis ipsius altaris
custodem. Hiis testibus: Domino Willelmo Eliensi, domini regis
thesaurario; Domino Roberto Mauduit; Johanne de Sterteford; Willelmo de Castell; Alexandro clerico; Ludovico clerico; Odone aurifabro;
Henrico Sumer; Ricardo filio Edmundi; Roberto de Claigate; Stephano
de Berking; Roberto de Crokesl'; Laurentio Muschat, et toto alimoto
Westmonasterii.
MSS: (1) WAM 17326.
20.3 × 17 cm; t.u. 2.3 cm. Indented CYROGRAPHUM at top.
Seal: on tag; red; 4 × 3.5 cm. Obverse: fieur-de-lys; legend: + S.
WILL LE ANGLEIS DE CHECCER.
Endorsed: (a) Convencio inter capellam et Willelmum Anglicum de
Westmonasterio de tribus solidis annui redditus solvendis eidem
capelle ad luminaria sustentanda pro quodam mesuagio in villa
Westmonasterii. (b) Westmonasterii capella lvj.
(2) WAD, ff. 547v–548.
Pd: Richardson, 'William of Ely', 86–7, no. VI.
Date: William English, sergeant of the Exchequer, transported treasure
in the early years of John's reign (Rot. Litt. Claus. I, 12, 13, 16). He was
active on Exchequer business in the latter part of H II's reign and was
prob. a brother of Richard of Ely, royal treasurer and subsequently bp. of
London, and a kinsman of his successor as treasurer, William of Ely; he is
last mentioned in 1207 (Richardson, 'William of Ely', 47 and n. 2;
86–87n.).
Note: Geoffrey son of Jocelin's charter is 433. Walter, a later proctor of
the Lady Altar, granted this messuage to Robert son of Maurice and his
heirs, c. 1225 × 1235 (WAM 23638(d)).
347. Confirmation by Prior Robert of Moulsham, in his capacity as
warden of the Lady Altar, and with the assent of the convent, to Mr
Geoffrey Pic[ot] and his heirs, of a messuage in Westminster [formerly
held by] Gilbert [ ] and his wife Alice, which messuage lies
between the house of Roger Enganet and that of Agnes of Claygate.
Gilbert [ ] gave this messuage to the Lady Altar when he set out
for Jerusalem, [the grant to take effect] after the d. of his wife, since it was
their purchased and acquired land. Mr Geoffrey [Picot] would hold this
land, rendering 8d. annually to the Lady Altar, and the service of 3s. 4d.
due to [the chief lord] of that fee. [? Temp. John]
Sciant tam presentes quam futuri quod ego Robertus de Molesham, prior
Westmonasterii, tunc custos altaris Beate [Marie] [ concessi et
dedi] et hac presenti carta mea confirmavi, consilio et assensu tocius
conventus eiusdem loci, Magistro Gaufrido [ ] et
heredibus suis, et illi cuicumque dare vel vendere, vel assignare voluerit
mesuagium illud in Westm[onasterio ] [ ] Aliz
uxoris eius; quod mesuagium iacet inter domum Rogeri Henganet, et
domum Agnetis de Cleigat', ex[ ]; et quod mesuagium
predictus Gilebertus, quando iter arripuit Ierosolimam, dedit altari
Beate Marie predicti loci [ ] uxoris sue, scilicet post decessum eiusdem uxoris sue sicut eorum empcionem, et adquisicionem.
Prefatus vero Magister [Galfridus ], vel alii qui custos efficietur
predicti altaris ad opus luminaris Beate Marie predicti loci octo denarios:
ad [Festum Sancti] Michaelis duos denarios; et ad Nathale Domini duos
denarios; et ad Pascham duos denarios; et ad [Festum Sancti Johannis
Baptiste] duos denarios. Hoc vero mesuagium tenebit predictus Magister
Gaufridus Pic[ot], vel heredes sui, vel ille cuilibet m[ ] de
predicto altari, libere et pacifice et quiete, ab omni exactione et consuetudine per predictum serv[icium ] eiusdem feodi, scilicet:
quadraginta denarios (fn. 7) qui reddendi de predicto mesuagio annuatim per
quatuor [terminos] loci. Ego vero Robertus de Molesham, prior predicti
loci, tunc custos, altaris Beate Marie, vel ille qui custos eiusdem [altaris]
predicto Magistro Gaufrido Pic[ot] et heredibus suis, vel illi cuicumque
hoc mesuagium dederit, vel vendiderit, vel [ ] servicio contra
omnes homines et feminas inperpetuum. Et ut hec donacio et concessio et
presentis carte [ ] permaneat, eam istius sigilli mei munimine
roboravi. Hiis testibus: Roberto capellano; Willelmo [ ]
clerico; Willelmo filio Andree; Ricardo Testard; Odone aurifabro, tunc
preposito; Henrico Sumer; R[ a ]i Willelmo pistore,
e[ ].
MS: WAM 23638(e).
15.5 × 10.7 cm (as muniment survives). The text has been cut away
at the right-hand side and also covered at the lower edge to form a
membrane of a compotus roll on the reverse.
Annotated: Quaere registratur.
Date: Gilbert's grant to the Lady Altar was prob. made c. 1189, when
the contingent from England was preparing to embark on the Third
Crusade. The attestations to Prior Robert's grant suggest a date about the
middle of King John's reign.
Note: Despite the cavalier treatment of this charter, it had not been
entered into any cartulary.
348. Grant by Prior Robert of Moulsham to Adam sergeant of the
church of Westminster of that land in Westminster which the prior bought
from Peter Fauset. The land is in the fee of Hamund de Hotot next to the
holding John Pimerich once had in the same fee. Adam is to hold it freely
in perpetuity of the proctors of the Lady Altar for 2s. a year, saving only
the forinsec service of the abbot. [Temp. John]
Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Robertus de Mulesham, prior Westmonasterii, voluntate et assensu conventus eiusdem loci, concessi et
dimisi et hac presenti carta confirmavi Ade servienti de ecclesia Westmonasterii, totam terram illam cum pertinentiis in villa Westmonasterii
quam emi de Petro Fauset, que fuit de feodo Hamundi de Hotot: que
videlicet terra jacet iuxta terram quam Johannes Pimerich aliquando
tenuit que fuit de eodem feodo. Habendam et tenendam ipsi Ade et
heredibus suis de nobis et successoribus nostris altaris Beate Virginis
Marie in eadem ecclesia procuratoribus libere et quiete, integre,
inperpetuum: reddendo inde singulis annis de predicta terra duos solidos
procuratori prefati altaris qui pro tempore fuerit ad quatuor principales
anni terminos pro omni servitio, salvo tamen forinseco servitio abbatis.
Hanc autem terram predicto Ade et heredibus suis warantizabimus
contra omnes homines et feminas per predictum servitium. Ut autem hec
concessio et carte presentis confirmatio rata sit et stabilis eam sigilli mei
appositione corroboravi. Hiis testibus: Odone aurifabro; Ricardo
Testard; Gaufrido de Cruce; Wimund pistore; Johanne filio Alani;
Gaufrido de Ecclesia; Gervasio portitore; Ivone de Medmeham; Willelmo filio Herberti; Nicholao de cellario; Helia parmentario; Gervasio
Tatin; Laurentio Muschat, et multis aliis.
MSS: (1) WAM 17329.
14.3 × 12.3 cm; t.u. 2 cm.
Seal: green; on tag; 4.8 × 3.3 cm; obverse: standing angel:
SIG[ ]ERT DE MVLESHAM
Endorsed: (a) Robertus de Molesham prior Westmonasterii dimittit
Ade servienti de ecclesia Westmonasterii quandam partem terre in
Westmonasterio predicto . . . (13C). (b) reddendo inde annuatim
custodi capelle Beate Marie ecclesie Westmonasterii ij solidos per
annum (14C). (c) Westmonasterii capelle redditus lv (14C).
(2) WAD, f. 547r–v.
Note: Peter Fauset's grant is 430. This and related documents refer only
to a Lady Altar. A special fund was apparently set up under Abbot Ralph
to raise money for the building of a new Lady Chapel: building was
actually begun during the abbacy of his successor, William d'Humez
(History of the King's Works, ed. H. M. Colvin, 6 vols. (1963–1973), I,
131). At least forty documents in the abbey muniments concern properties in Westminster assigned to the fund, and endorsed 'Westm' capell''.
349. The form of the oath to be taken by those fleeing to sanctuary at
Westminster. [Early 13C]
Forma juramenti confugientium ad sanctuarium Westmonasterii.
In primis: jurabit quilibet ad dicendum veram causam adventus sui et
condiciones eiusdem et adversus quales personas.
Item: jurabit quod fideliter et honeste se habebit dum infra sanctuarium
manserit, jura quoque et privilegia ac consuetudines eiusdem loci
sustinebit, pro posse suorum defendet.
Item: jurabit quod omnem correctionem et jurisdictionem presidentis
ibidem, necnon judicia et precepta licita, justicia et equitate suadentibus
obedienter subibit et tollerabit, et contra eam non veniet quovismodo
directe vel indirecte, salvis provocationibus et appellationibus ad sedem
apostolicam licite directis.
Item: jurabit quod pacta et contractus que et quos infra dictum sanctuarium fecerit fideliter observabit.
Item: jurabit, si propter debitum ad prefatum sanctuarium confugerit,
quamcito comode poterit satisfaciet creditoribus suis ac adversus eosdem
in colloquiis et tractatibus honeste et modeste ac sine garula et probosis
verbis se habebit.
Item: jurabit quod panem unum, serviciam ac alia victualia in dicto
sanctuario non vendet communiter, sine licencia speciali domini archidiaconi (fn. 8) Westmonasterii vel ipsius locumtenentis petita et optenta.
Item: jurabit quod non recipiet aliquem fug[i] tivum (fn. 9) seu aliquos fugitivos
aut alios suspectos in domum suam vel mensam ad hospitandam sine
licencia supradicta. (fn. 10)
Item: jurabit quod arma defensiva non portabit infra sanctuarium sine
predicta licencia sed ipso (fn. 11) ad immun[i] tatem recepto, illa si que habet,
dicto archidiacono (fn. 12) vel eius locumtenenti sine contradictione liberabit
cum fuerit requisitus.
Item: jurabit quod non exibit sanctuarium die vel nocte postquam
receptus sine licencia predicta, nisi fecerit finem cum adversariis suis.
Item: jurabit quod false, subdole, aut maliciose aliquem fugitivum non
diffamabit, nec quovismodo defraudabit.
Item: jurabit quod violenciam voluntariam in dicto sanctuario non faciet
nec alicui illicite fieri videbit qui illud pro posse suo impediet. Hoc omnia
fideliter observari promittet, sicut Deus se adiuvet et Sancta Dei
Ewangelia etc.
MSS: (1) LN, f. cxxxix verso.
(2) CAY, f. cxlviii verso.
(3) WAD f. 37; memorandum inserted in lower margin: forma
juramenti confugiencium ad sanctuarium Westmonasterii querentium in novo Registro Nigri paperio et. . . [faded] articulo (late 14C
hand).
Date: The earliest documented (monastic) archdeacon is Richard de
Crokesley, but all that is known of his term of office is its termination on
his election to the abbacy in Dec. 1246 (Pearce, Monks of Westminster, 4,
212). It is not known when the office originated. The style and content of
the oath suggest a date early in the thirteenth century, while the clause
referring to appeals to the papal curia probably post-dates the Concordat
of Avranches (23 May, 1172).
Note: On the sanctuary precincts, see Honeybourne, 'Sanctuary
Boundaries'. From the customary compiled under the direction of Abbot
Richard de Ware (1259–83), it is clear that the daily allocation of bread in
a monastic corrody was generous (Customary of the Benedictine
Monasteries of Saint Augustine, Canterbury, and Saint Peter, Westminster, ed. E. M. Thompson, Henry Bradshaw Society, XXIII and XXVIII
(1902–4), II, 103; on the corrody see also 102, 180, 244), hence the
temptation of the fugitive to sell his surplus to pilgrims who remained in
the church overnight. The duty of maintaining good order in the church
itself fell upon the sacrist, who was particularly enjoined to maintain
adequate lighting (ibid., 42 ff. and especially 47–8, 61, 268).