Chapter acts: 1506-9

1506–1507.

[1506, Sept. 30.]—Collation to priories, chantries, etc, similar to those on pp. 106, 112.—ƒo. 130d.

Clerk of the fabric: Pomeray.—ƒo. I31d.

Communar: Capron.—ƒo. 132.

Sub-treasurer: Fox.

Escheator: nominated by the vicars, Hardman, Lane and Weston; chosen by the canons, Hardman.

Tabular: Morys.

1506, Oct. 4.—Master John Hans, the sub-dean, admitted a canon residentiary; he paid 100 marks caution money.

Archdeacon Beaumont appointed baron of the exchequer, and canons Peter Carslegh and John Edmundes auditors of the exchequer.

[Ten documents relating to Dean Gunthorpe's endowments are here entered in full.]—ƒo. 132d.

(1) William Lewlyn, gent.; grant to John Gunthorpe, dean, and the chapter of Wells, of a yearly rent of 100!s., for 5 years from the date thereof, to be received out of all his messuages, mills, lands, etc., in Churchelegh, and Berdwyke, co. Gloucester; to be paid yearly at the four usual terms; power of distress if in arrear for one month; penalty of 10s. if any part in arrear for 2 months, and so often as it shall so happen. Witnesses: John Seyntlo, John Chocke, knts., Thomas Champeneys, esq., and Humfrey Hervy, gent. Dated June 12, 10 Hen. VII.

(2) Bond from Roger Amyse, Thomas Jonys, Richard Gregory and William Poleyn of Berdeweke, co. Gloucester, husbandmen, to John Gunthorpe, dean, and the chapter of Wells, in 5l., to be paid at Lady Day, 1489. Dated at Pokilchurche, Aug. 8, 1 Hen. VII.—ƒo. 133d.

(3) Bond from the same to the same, in 5l., to be paid at Lady Day, 1488. Dated as last.

(4) Bond from the same to the same, in 5l., to be paid at Michaelmas, 1408 [sic; sc. 1488]. Dated as No. 2.—ƒo. 134.

(5) Bond from the same to the same, in 5l., to be paid at Lady Day, 1491. Dated as No. 2.

(6) Bond from the same to the same, in 5l., to be paid at Michaelmas, 1490. Dated as No. 2.—ƒo. 134d.

(7) Bond from the same to the same, in 5l., to be paid at Michaelmas, 1491. Dated as No. 2.

(8) Bond from the same to the same, in 5l., to be paid at Lady Day, 1490. Dated as No. 2.—ƒo. 135.

(9) To Gelys Peny in Strand Inne in London, survey[or] to the cathedral churche of Welles.

The londes wherof the annuite of vli. shal go out, been fee symple londe unto me, beyng in no hondez of any othre for terme of lyve, of yeres, or othrewyse than by copy made in myne owne name. And for the knowlage therof, I wryte this with myne awne haunde. And as for the copy holders, if it be thougth necessarye they shal surender, etc., and then the said annuite shal be graunt, etc., and after that there copyes newe made, etc.
William Lewelyn.

The londez afore rehersed bene all my londes in Churchlegh and Berdeweke in the county of Gloucester; the yerly value of the said londes unto me is vijli. and more, etc., all charges borne, etc.—ƒo. 135d.

(10) Rental of the tenants of William Lewelyn, gent., in Chirchley and Berdwyke.—ƒo. 136.

1506, Nov. 12.—A "regard" of 6s. 8d. each granted to William Knott, Walter Philipp, Thomas Prows and Robert Merk, perpetual vicars, for their good and diligent service.

1506, Nov. 13.—John Taylor, decretorum doctor, admitted a canon and installed in person in the prebend of Wedmore III.

1506, Nov. 26.—Robert Walle and James Fraunceys admitted as vicars non-perpetual, for one year.—ƒo. 136d.

Oto Rowland admitted as an altarist on the nomination of Master Thomas Harryes, the treasurer.

1506, Dec. 2.—Walter Philipp and T. Prows, vicars, were charged with fighting with long knives; Philipp, who stabbed Prows with his knife and drew blood, to the great scandal ot the church, was suspended from his habit for a fortnight.

1506, Dec. 3.—A lettre myssyve sent fro the chapitre to Mr. Thomas Rowthall, secretary to our sovereyne lord the king.

After due recommendacion, so it is that the parsonage of Pokilchurch wit the advocacion of the vicariage, in the diocese of Worceter, and in your jurisdiccion, is aproperyd unto our cathedral churche, your official there at his visitacions asketh and desireth to see our improperacion, and is verray hard ayenst us. Whidder he mult us in eny somme of money or not, we are not certeyn. Sir, we have the improperacion after due ordre and fourme of lawe, and have been in peasable possession of the same tyme oute of mynde. Wherfore [we] hertily pray you of your favour, and that it will lyke you to send some lettre to your said official, commaundyng hym to cesse and not to make eny more besynesse in that behalf. And we shal be gladde to do you the pleasur we can. And thus Jhesu preserve you. From Welles iijde day of Decembre.
By the deane and brethern of the chapitre of Welles.

To the worshipfull Mr. Thomas Rowthall, secretary to our sovereigne lord the kynge.—ƒo. 137.

1506, Dec. 5.—Walter Philipp made humble submission, and was restored. Prows was suspended for a fortnight.

1506, Dec. 9.—Master Thomas Wellys, clerk, was admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Hilton, vacant by the resignation of Master George Percy, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 137d.

1506, Dec. 16.—John Harryes admitted a vicar non-perpetual.

1506, Dec. 22.—Ordered that a barn be built at Stok-gummour.

The dean said and openly [palam] protested that he had not admitted Master John Bekham as a canon residentiary, nor did he know nor had he (? aught) of his caution [nee scivit nec habuit (?) de caucione sua], nor should he [Bekham] be hereafter admitted. (fn. 1)

Sir Oliver Grendon, vicar-choral, cited to appear before the chapter within 15 days.

The citation in full.—ƒo. 138d.

1506, Dec. 24.—Ordered that the expense of repairs done in the year ending Michaelmas last shall be divided into 3 equal parts, of which one shall be borne by the residentiaries of that year, and the remaining two parts in future years.—ƒo. 138.

1506, Dec. 29.—Some time ago Sir T. Cornyssh, the precentor, and the chapter communicated with the prior of Bruton as to a pension issuing from Chiltern Dummer for a stall and obit in the cathedral, when the prior undertook to pay 7 marks yearly. Cornyssh and canon J. Edmundes were deputed to communicate again with the prior, whether he will faithfully pay the same and charge his divers manors with the payment. Provided always that if hereafter the manor of Chiltern Dummer shall become of greater value than it is now, then the prior must pay more than 7 marks.

1506–7, Jan. 6.—Richard Philpot, clerk, admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Whitlakyngton.—ƒo. 139.

1506–7, Jan. 7.—Sentence of deprivation pronounced against Sir Oliver Grendon, vicar-choral, for prolonged absence without leave; present to hear the same, Richard Pomerey, John Morys and John Jenyns, vicars-choral, Robert Williamson, scribe of capitular acts.—ƒos. 139, 140.

1506–7, Jan. 19.—A lettre myssyve sent to my lord of Wynchestre.

Right reverend fader in god and to us moste singular good lord, in moost humbliest wyse we recommend us unto your good lordshipp. And where as we understand that by the meanes of your kynde and lovyng nece, Maistresse Mylle, and hyr husband, ye arre especiall good lord unto us towchynge the matier of our mylles of Cory; in the beste maner that we can we thaunk your good lordship in the same, besechyng you of contynuaunce, and that it will please you to yeve credence unto our ryght trusty and welbeloved brother, Maister Thomas Harryes, in suche thynges as he shal move your said lordshipp towchyng the same matier. And thus the holy trinite preserve you. Written at Welles, the xixth day of Januarye.

By your oratours, the sub-deane and chapitre of the cathedral churche of Welles.—ƒos. 140, 140d.

1506–7, Jan. 23.—Richard Bramston and John Lylyhyde admitted as vicars non-perpetual.

1506–7, Feb. 7.—Roderic Diaz, clerk, admitted as canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe XI, vacant by the resignation of Richard Gardener, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1506–7, Feb. 17.—Richard Paty admitted a vicar non-perpetual.—ƒo. 141.

1506–7, Jan. 4.—A lettre myssyve sent fro the bisshop of Bathe to the chapitre of Welles.

We have called unto us John Hans, our friend [familiarem], whom we wish to see and speak with; he, so we understand, has a residence in that our church. Recommends him tor preferment to other spirituals. Bononia, Jan. 4, MDVII.

1506–7, Feb. 22.—Communication for grace for Master J. Hans, sub-dean; adjourned because all the canons residentiary were not present.—ƒo. 141d.

1507, April 1.—Grant of 40 days' grace, without cotidians, to every canon residentiary making actual residence this year. If any canon shall go the way of all flesh before completing his residence not counting the 40 days, then the 40 days shall not count towards completing his necessary residence.

Grant of 8 days' grace to John Hans, sub-dean, who has lately been on the business of the chapter, without cotidians.—ƒo. 142.

All stones for building the cloister shall be carried [deducantur] at the expense of the church's goods.

They will agree to whatever Master John Edmundes, the steward, shall do about building the barn at Northcory.

1507, April 2.—Masters T. Beamount, archdeacon of Wells, and John Edmundes are deputed to ride to the prior of Montacute about the mill at Northcory, and to show him a scire facias and other writings relating to the mill.

1507, April 16.—A lettre myssyve sent to Mr. John Fitz-James th'elder, or to his son in his absence.

After dewe recommendacion. It is not unknowen to you of the commission which ye were named inne to sitt upon at Taunton, for the matier betwene my lord privy seel [Fox, bp. of Winchester] and us, towchyng our mylle at Northcory. Ye knawe also right well that at the tyme of your syttyng ther was neyther verdyte opynly yeven, nor yet sentence orderyd by you nor by the othre commissioners, but that both ye and they at that tyme werre contentyd to take respyte in the same matier. At whiche tyme ye shewed your especiall favour and good counscel to our trusty brother, Mr. John Edmundes, for whiche so doyng we thaunk you in the beest manyer we can, prayng you of contynuaunce. So it is nowe that we have understondyng that, by the commaundement of Mr. Froste oonly, there was a scire facias directed to the sherywe [sheriff], the copy wherof, wit muche peyne, we have gotyn wityn these three or foure dayes. And by cause we wolde be assured of your mynde at this tyme, we have sent unto you by this berar the copy of the same, prayng you, in the moost hertiest wyse we can, that ye wull take the peyne to oversee the same, and to asserteyne us ayen by your writyng of your best mynd; and that it will lyke you also to yeve your beste mynde and counsell by your writyng unto us in suche othre matiers, towchyng the same cause, as this our seyd berar shal shewe unto you in our behalfe. And at your next commyng we shal deserve your peyne, wit gode's mercy. Writtyn at Welles, this Friday, xvjth of Aprill.
By your lovers, deane and chapitre of Welles.

To the worshipfull Mr. John FitzJames th'elder.—ƒos. 142d., 143.

1507, [April].—A copy of a lettre myssyve sent fro the priour of Mountague to the brethern of the chapitre of Welles.

Right worshipfull brothers, I recommaunde me to you. So it is, the day of the scire facias upon the inquisicion of Haump [?] mylles commyth fast on. And where as it pleasyd Mr. Archidiacon and Mr. Steward of your churche yn late dayes to come to our pore place, where as they and we hadd frendly communicacion of the same, as at that tyme I made theym no directe answer, by cause I hadde not spoken with our counsell. Howe be hyt, as I promysed theym, I send an answere shortly to you by my brother priour of Kerswyll. Wheruppon ye were concluded that certeyn of your brethern shuld come the Monday next folouyng, upon which day your courte was holden at Cory, to Hamp [?], and there I to mete with theym, then to apoynte for the takyng away of suche stoppage as the sayd inquisicion specified. And thidder I came, and wayted to have spokyn with suche as shulde have been theyr for you; and none come, savyng a servaunt, which excused theyr absence, and apoynted the mornynge folouynge. And by cause I cowde not come my self, I sent thydder ij of my brethern, where as they founde Mr. Steward of your churche, and he shewed to my brethern that ye intended to tary tylle Mr. Mylles were at leyser to see hyt, for dyverse consideracions, and so respyted hyt tyll the first day of Maye, and by that tyme the said Mr. Mylles shuld have leyser to see hyt. Wheruppon we have deferred our besyness as yet, howe be it we hadd fully purveyed for the takyng up of hyt at that tyme. Ye knowe welle the tyme shorteth and the daunger is muche. Wherefore I hertily beseche you to shewe me your good myndes what may be beste bothe for you and me, as my feithfull trust is in you. I pray you geve credence to this berer. And Jhesu preserve you, Amen! From Mountagw, this present Sonday. By your lovyng brother,
John, priour of Mountagw.

To the right worshipfull deane and chapitre of the cathedral churche of Welles, this be delyvered.—ƒos. 143, 143d.

1507, May 2.—An answer of the same lettre.

Right worshipfull sir, we recommende us, certifiyng you that we have receyved your writyng by this berer, your servaunt, wheryn ye desyre our myndes towchyng the avoydyng of the jupartie [jeopardy] conteyngned in the scire facias. Sir, accordyng to our saynges before tyme, we be purposed utterly on Wedenesday next commyng to have oure brother, Mr. Edmundes, steward of our churche, to speke wit Mr. Mylles, and upon the same, on Thurseday folouyng to pulle up suche thynges as we bee commaunded to doo by the kynge's commaundement [for] the voydyng of the jupartie forsayd. And thus our lord save you. From Welles, this Sonday, secund day of Maye.
By the subdeane and chapitre of Welles.

To the worshipfull fader, priour of Mountagw.—ƒos. 143d., 144.

1507, Whitsunday.—A lettre myssyve sent to the undersherefe.

Right worshipfull sir, we recommaunde us to you. And where lately ye were wit us here at Welles, and shewed us that ye hadd geven to us a monicion, accordyng to the kinge's wrytt, to remove suche beldynges as we hadd made in the water of Tone in the lordship of Northcory. Sir, we trust that we have perfourmed the kinge's commaundement in that behalf. And in somuche as we thynk ye shal retourne the wrytt at the next sessions, therfor we pray you to take the labour and peyn to come to the sayd place of the water of Tone where we have beldyd our mylle, as shortly as ye may conveniently, when one of our brethern shall mete wit you, and we shal recompence you for your labours, so that ye shalbe pleased to see the said water, where we have done accordyng to the wrytt, as we truste we have. And soo to retourne your processe. And if ther be eny thyng that we may do you pleasure in, we shalbe redy, by the grace of god, who ever kepe you. Written at Welles, this Wytsonday, in haste.
By yours president and chapitre of Welles.

To the worshipfull Richard Philips, undershereffe of Somersett.

1507, June 28.—Sir Oliver Grendon admitted a vicar non-perpetual.—ƒo. 144d.

1507, July 1.—Confirmation of the grant of 40 days' grace made on April 1st.

Grant of 20 days more to each canon resident, sine fructu, in complement of his great residence.

1507, xi kal. July.—Letter to the most reverend Hadrian cardinal priest with the title of St. Chrisogon and bishop of Bath and Wells. According to your letters and precept lately directed to us, we daily pray for the heathful state of the whole church; etc.—ƒo. 145.

In the book of receipts and payments of Thomas Pierson touching the benevolence to Henry VII, being in the keeping of John Clerk, one of the king's auditors, is contained as follows:—

From Master John Gunthorpe, dean of Welles, de benevolentia sua propria, with 106l. 13s. 4d. to be received by two tallies from the archdeaconry of Dorset and the diocese of Bath; namely, in ready money 40 marks, from the collectors of tenths in the said archdeaconry 40l., and from the collectors of tenths in the said diocese 100 marks. Sum, 133l. 6s. 8d. J. Clerk.

This bill witnesseth that I, Thomas Pierson, deputie to Sir Raynold Bray, knyght, tresourer of the king's warres, have receyved of Maister John Gunthorpe, clerk, deane of Welles, in redy money xl marces, in party of payment of CC marces, of his benevolence graunted to the kinge's grace towardes his grete viage in to his reame [realm] of Fraunce.

Item. I have receyved of hym ij tallies levyed at the kynge's receipt pro denariis mutuatis of the collectours of the dymes of the archidiaconry of Dorset and of the diocese of Bathe and Welles, conteynyng 106l. 13s. 4d., to be hadde of the said collectours, for the perfourmyng of his sayd graunte, if it may be hadd in convenyent tyme for the forsayd cause of graunt. In witnesse wherof to this bill I have subscribed my name, the xxiiijth day of February, 7 Henry VII. T. Pierson.—ƒo. 145d.

In the pells of receipt for Michaelmas Term, 6 Hen. VII, is contained as follows:—

Feb. 6; Somerset.—From the collectors of a tenth granted in the 6th year to the king by the clergy [a clero] in the diocese of Bath and Wells, of the same tenth, 100 marks. For Master J. Gunthorp, clerk, for moneys lent [mutuatis] by him May 18 last, by his own hands.—ƒo. 146.

Feb. 18; Dorset.—From the collectors of a tenth, etc., in the archdeaconry of Dorset, of the same tenth, 40l. For John Gunthorp, clerk, for moneys lent by him, June 19, 5th year, with his own hands.

In the king's exchequer. Somerset.—From the collectors of a tenth, etc., in the diocese of Bath and Wells, of the same tenth, 66l. 13s. 4d.

Allowances, Michaelmas Term, Feb. 6, 7 Hen. VII, for John Gunthorp, clerk, for moneys lent.

Dorset. From the collectors of a tenth, etc., in the archdeaconry of Dorset, of the same tenth, 40l.

Allowances, Michaelmas Term, Feb. 18, 7 Hen. VII, for John Gunthorp, clerk, for moneys lent.

July 13, 21 Hen. VII. Receipt given by Roger Lupton, clerk, one of the commissioners for the receipt of the benevolence granted to the king in the 7th year of his reign, to William Cosyn, dean of Wells, and his brethren, for 50l., paid in the ***ame of the executors of John Gunthorp, late dean, in part ***ayment of 200 marks due from him for the said benevolence, and in full contentation of the dean and his brethren for their part of the same.—ƒo. 146d.

1507, July 10.—Ordered that on ferial days and feasts without the rule [?] of the choir, on each night two choristers shall come to matins; and in feasts with the rule [?] of the choir, on every night four choristers; and in double feasts, on every night 7 choristers.

1507, July 17.—Walter Philip and Harman, perpetual vicars, were admonished because they did not come to matins on the vigil of the translation of St. Thomas the Martyr, but were playing at hand-ball [ad pilam manualem]; they must be present at matins, first mass and vespers, by day and night, from this day until St. Peter ad vincula, viz. for 15 days; if they make default they shall be deprived of their habits for three weeks.—ƒo. 146d. (slip).

Harryes and Paty, vicars non-perpetual, had been fighting in the house of a suspected woman at Estwalles, at 10 of the night; they were warned not to frequent the said house, and to be within the vicars' close at 8 o'clock at night and not to go out thereafter, under the penalty for Harryes of deprivation of his habit, and for Paty of suspention [dilacionis] of his habit for three weeks.

Otis and Hoper, clerks, were warned to be every night within the church when the bell rings for curfew [? ad Curf], and Hoper not to frequent the house of a suspected woman at Estwalles, under pain of privation of their habits.

1507, July 23.—Ordered, with the consent of Richard Higons, master of the choristers, that he shall pay to Richard Bramston, vicar-choral, at Michaelmas next, for the half quarter then ending, 5s., and from that day shall pay him for his fee and portion, 40s. a year at the usual terms, to teach the choristers to sing, as Higons did in times past. Bramston shall keep and play the organs, both in the great choir and the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.—ƒo. 147.

1507, Aug. 17.—John Harryes, a vicar non-perpetual, confessed that, contrary to a former order, he had visited the house of a suspected woman at Estwalles after 8 o'clock at night, and there had fought and struck a man with his hand. Ordered that he do come to the chapter house on St. Jerome's Day, and there put off [deponet] his habit; on which day he did so. Afterwards, on Oct. 1, he was restored to his habit, and warned as to his conduct in future.—ƒo. 147d.

1507, Sept. 3.—Copy of a letter from the dean and chapter to Mr. Robert Dykar, the chancellor. The treasurer of the church has written to you on divers occasions that you should more diligently fulfill the duties attaching to your ofiice, as by virtue of your oath you are bound to do. We send you herewith the statutes and ordinances prescribed for the dignity of chancellor, with a copy of your oath in this behalf, requesting and exhorting you to set to work to do what concerns you in the premises within 15 days before the feast of St. Jerome next. If you neglect to do this, know that you will be cited on your stall to appear before us in the chapter house on the said feast, and we shall proceed further against you.
By the dean and chapter of Wells.—ƒos. 146d., 147.

1507–1508.

1507, St. Jerome's Day, Sept. 30.—Collation to priories, chantries, etc., similar to those on pp. 106, 112.—ƒo. 147d.

Clerk of the fabric: Pomerey.—ƒo. 148d.

Communar: Capron.

Sub-treasurer: Fox.

Escheator: nominated by the vicars, Hardman, Lane and Weston; chosen by the canons, Lane.

Tabular: Morys.

Baron of the exchequer: Mr. Carslegh.

Auditor: Mr. Churche.

Mr. J. Edmundes to view and receive the accounts of the master of the choristers.

1507, Oct. 1.—Sir William Capron, the communar, was warned not to do any repairs or works appertaining to the chapter above the sum of 40s., without the assent of the steward or the chapter.—ƒo. 149.

1507, Oct. 22.—Richard Hoper, altarist, deprived of his habit and office for disobedience to former monitions and injunctions.

1507, Oct. 23.—William Smith admitted an altarist; he took the oath of canonical obedience. He and Otho Rowland and Richard Baynton, altarists, were Warned that they must be within the cathedral church at the 8th hour every night, on pain of losing their habit and office.

1507, Nov. 26.—Robert Walle admitted a perpetual vicar.—ƒo. 149d.

It was testified by Aleyn and 14 other [named] vicars-choral, that Gilbert Fraunces, a vicar non-perpetual, had not a competent voice and was of evil conversation. The precentor, with the consent of the chapter, decreed that he should not be made perpetual [non perpetuatur].

Determined that Mr. T. Harryes, the treasurer, with his ***onsent and good will, shall find all stone-work and wages of ***nasons and other servants about the new cloister, now begun, until it be finished; the canons residentiary shall find all timber and lead and wages of carpenters and other servants about the same, until it be finished, at the expense of the church goods.

1507–8, Jan. 5.—Grant of 40 days' grace, without cotidians, to every canon residentiary.

1507–8 Jan. 25.—Sir John Braddon admitted a vicar non-perpetual.—ƒo. 150.

Sir Oliver Grendon admitted a perpetual vicar.

All the vicars-choral undertook to abide by the ordinance of the dean and chapter as to the perpetuation of Richard Bramston and John Lylyhede; the dean, with the consent of his brethren, admitted them as perpetual vicars, on condition that they are diligent in reading, singing plain-song and learning the psalter, during the following year.

1507–8, Feb. 6.—Robert Asshcom, M.A., admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe VI, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

Master Polidor Virgil otherwise Castellen installed by proxy in the archdeaconry of Wells and the prebend of Brent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 150d.

1507–8, Feb. 17.—Richard Paty admitted a perpetual vicar.

1507–8, Feb. 26.—Sir Thomas Shelyngford, chaplain, presented to the perpetual chantry at the altar of St. Kalixtus, founded for the soul of Henry Huseey, vacant by the death of Sir Richard Tyke.

1507–8, March 16.—John Gye admitted a vicar non-perpetual.

Confirmation to Mr. John Cole, clerk, Edith More and John More [entry stops here].

1508, March 28.—Mr. William Mors, LL.D., admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Combe II, vacant by the death of John Argentyne, pursuant to mandate of the bishop. He was immediately admitted a canon residentiary, and paid 100 marks caution.—ƒo. 151.

1508, April 1.—Grant to Baldwin Mallet, gent., for his good service, counsel and help, of a yearly pension of 20s. to be paid by the communar.

1508, May 13.—It was agreed amongst them concerning the taking of "weyvys" and "stryvys" according as they were taken in times past at Byconalar by Cawsy [?] and the bailiffs. Let action be taken against them. (fn. 2)

The ordinances [ordinacio] of the chantry of Dom. T. Bekyngton were read in the chapter house.

1508, May 15.—John Clawsy shall have the office of instructing and teaching the choristers and tabellars to sing and sing earnestly [ad contandum et discantandum] and he is to do all other matters which belong to such an office; he shall keep and make, both in the choir and the chapel of B.V.M., all suits [sectas], as Richard Higons did heretofore, and shall play the organs both in the great choir and in the chapel of B.M. behind the high altar, at proper times. For these labours, he shall receive from the clerk of the fabric 4 marks from two vacant stalls; he shall also receive from the escheator all escheats, with the consent of the vicars, so that the vicar non-perpetuated shall have during the life of Richard Higons the things which yearly arise. Moreover, he shall have a house of the yearly value of 26s. 8d. Richard Higons, late master of the choristers, agrees to pay to Clawsy out of his fee and portion 40s. a year. After Higons' death, Clawsy shall receive all the fees that Higons now has.

1508, May 20.—Sir Oliver Grendon, vicar-choral, charged with not keeping the statutes and ordinances of the church, was allowed to resign.—ƒo. 151d.

1508, July 1.—Confirmation of the bishop's manumission of John Fenell, Bon of John Fenell, a native on his manor of Chedder, as follows:—

Omnibus. . . . Hadrianus . . . episcopus, salutem . . . Noveritis nos prefatum cardinalem et episcopum manumisse et extra manum nostram posuisse Johannem Fenell, filium Johannis Fenell, nativum nostrum ad manerium nostrum de Chedder in comitatu Somerset' spectantem, ac eundem ab jugu servitutis liberasse et liberum fecisse, cum omnibus catallis suis et tota sequela sua procreata et procreanda. Ita quod nec nos predictus cardinalis et episcopus, nec successores nostri aliquid juris vel clamei ad prefatum Johannem Fenell seu sequelam suam procreatam et procreandam nec ad bona et catalla sua, ad quascumque mundi partes divertantur, de cetero habere clamare seu vendicare poterimus nec debemus in futurum, sed ab omni jure et titulo servitutis ipsius Johannis et sequele sue procreate et procreande simus exclusi imperpetuum per presentes. In cujus rei. . . . Dated April 15, 1508.—ƒo. 152.

Confirmation of letters of the dean for a certain part of the tower upon which part a part of the church house at Wedmore is built.

1508, July 11.—Master Reynold West admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe IX, pursuant to mandate of the bishop. He was installed in person, July 25.—ƒo. 152d.

1508, July 16.—A lettre myssyve sent fro the chapitre to Mr. Thomas Hobson, auditour.

Right worshipful sir, we commaunde us to you in our lovyng maner. And where it is so that ye have take grete peyn and labours to be at our audete here at Welles, to our welth and reformation of our lordshippes and landes in tymes passed; and now we here say that ye have suche charges to your grete honour and profite, wherby ye may not conveniently be at our audete, as ye have been. Wherfore we pray you to contynue your good mynde to us, as ye have done alway, and herafter not to take the labours and peyne in sendyng us eny other person, for we be determyned from hensfurthe to us [use ?] the audyte as our predecessours have done in tymes passed, as knoweth god, who ever preserve you. Fro Welles, xvj day of Julye.

By your lovers, the deane and chapitre of Welles.—ƒo. 153.

1508, July 17.—Agreed that Sir Amisius Paulet shall have the office of steward of the cathedral church, on condition that he dwell [moram traxerit] in Somerset and not elsewhere. Adjourned for further consideration.—ƒo. 152d.

1508, July 26.—John Aleyn, Thomas Seward and Simon Lane, vicars-choral, nominated to the stall of the gift of the abbat of Clive, vacant by the death of Robert Whyte. A letter to the abbat of Blessed Mary of Clive, dated July 28, is on ƒo. 153.

Grant to Mr. J. Hans, sub-dean, of the house, opposite his house of residence, where W. Plummer now lives, paying the accustomed rent.

Sealed an acquittance to Masters Peter Carslegh and John Bekham, administrators of the will of Sir Richard Asshcote, the late communar.

1508, July 31.—Sir John Foster admitted a vicar non-perpetual for one year.

1508, Sept. 4.—Sir John Braddon admitted a perpetual vicar.—ƒo. 153d.

Sir Wilham Huchons admitted a vicar non-perpetual for one year.

Sir John Evan, chaplain, collated to the chantry at the altar of St. Edmund in the nave, founded for the soul of bishop Ergham, vacant by the resignation of Wilham God.

1508, Sept. 10.—Master Polidorus Virgilius Castellensis installed in person in the archdeaconry of Wells and prebend of Brent thereto annexed.

1508, St. Jerome's Day, Sept; 30.—Collation to priories, chantries, etc., similar to those on pp. 106, 112.—ƒo. 154.

Clerk of the fabric: Pomerey.—ƒo. 154d.

Communar: Capron.

Sub-treasurer: Fox.

Escheator: Weston, by the canons.

Tabular: Morys.

The steward and communar shall be chosen to their offices in one day.—ƒo. 155.

1508, Sept. 4.—Robert Bekham is chosen to the office of under-steward or clerk of the chequer (fn. 3) [?], if in the judgment of Mr. John Edmundes, the steward, he shall be found able. Mr. Edmundes reported, on Oct. 1, that he [Bekham] had done well in holding a court at Burnham; he was therefore appointed for one year.

1508, Oct. 2.—Release to Sir Hugh Veysy, vicar of the parish church of Pokilchurche, of a certain yearly pension of 50s. (due to the chapter and payable from the said vicarage), for 5 years from the date of these presents, on account of the poverty [exilitatem] of his vicarage and the rebuilding of the chancel there.—ƒo. 156.

1508, Oct. 16.—John Pouell admitted a vicar non-perpetual for one year.—ƒo. 155.

1508, Oct. 18.—The copy of a letter missyve sent from my lord archbisshoppe of Canterbury to the deane and chapitre of Welles.

Welbeloved bredren, I recommaunde me to you. And where of speciall favour that I bere to your broder, Doctor Churche, I entende to yeve hym a benefice, whereuppon he is contented to leve that benefice which he hathe of your gieft besides Welles. In my herty wyse I pray you to vouche-safe to make a presentation to me of the same benefice, withoute eny name, and I promyse you I shal name to you a broder of your owne, vertuoux, wele lerned and a good prechour, which I doubte not shal please God and content you right well. And if ye wull thus muche do at my desire, I trust somtyme to do you as grete pleasour. At my manoir of Lamhithe, the xviij day of Octobre.
Yowr William Cantuar.

1508, Oct. 26.—The chapter to the archbishop.

Moost reverend fader in God, our right singuler good lord, we humbly recommende us unto your good grace. And where late we have receyved your reverend lettres wheryn your good grace hathe desired us for the gieft of a benefice, which doctor Churche hath of the gieft of this chapitre; Pleaseth your said grace to knowe, that of long tyme used, and so yet contynued, eny benefice beyng of the giefte of the said chapitre be geven when hit voided to oon of the actuel residenciaries of this churche, if eny will accepte hit. Wherfore we humbly desire your good grace we may observe and kepe this olde usage. And we shal pray for the long preservacion of your good grace. From Welles, xxvjte day of Octobre.

By your oratours, the president and chapitre of the cathedral churche of Welles.—fo. 155d.

1508, Nov. 30.—Master Reynold West admitted a canon residentiary; he paid 100 marks caution.

Robert Mark, vicar-choral, has leave of absence for a whole year from Christmas next, in order to study at Oxford, but not elsewhere nor otherwise; he shall receive nothing from the emoluments of the church or from vicars' commons, but only the receipts of his stall.—fo. 156.

1508, Dec. 14.—William Lane admitted a vicar non-perpetual, and has leave of absence until the purification B.V.M. next, when he must begin his year.

Grant to Sir William Capron, the communar, of a stable in Le Mountrey Lane, at the ancient rent, until another canon residentiary shall come into the canonical house next to the stable.

1508–9, Jan. 5.—Grant to Sir William Capron, the communar, of the barn called Canon Barn, for 7 years, for 36l. (fn. 4); excepting the perquisites and profits of the court there, which belong to the canons residentiary. He must repair and maintain it at his own expense.—fo. 156d.

1508–9, Jan. 22.—The presentation to the parochial church or chapel of Alverton, vacant by the resignation of Mr. Roger Church, the last rector or chaplain, is granted to Mr. John Edmundes.

1508–9, Jan. 31.—Grant to Mr. J. Bekham,—appointed to carry out certain business with the bishop of Winchester and other persons for the vacancy [vacatio] of the parish church of Chedesey, which vacancy belongs to the chapter,—of all days of grace while he is engaged about the same, according to his expenses, cum fructu et quotidianis distributionibus

1508–9, Feb. 8.—Mr. Reynold West installed in the prebend of Holcombe, vacant by the death of Mr. John Hans, and in the sub-deanery, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—fo. 157.

1508–9, Feb. 10.—Ordinance and undertaking to keep, observe and solemnly celebrate yearly, for 10 years next following, the anniversary of Mr. John Hans, sometime canon and sub-dean, viz. August 29, unless it fall on Sunday, when it shall be deferred to the second ferial day, to be solemnly celebrated, with the office of the dead after vespers on the Sunday preceding and mass on the morrow. For this the dean and chapter have received from the venerable man, Ciprianus Relia, a Venetian, M.A. of Paris, and executor of the will of the said John Hans, 20 marks sterling, which he bequeathed to the dean and chapter.

Copy of acquittance given to Ciprianus Relia in the above matter.—ƒo. 157d.

1508–9, Feb. 17.—Sir John Hardman, vicar-choral, was charged with adultery with Joan, wife of — Plummer. He denied it, but admitted the rumour [confessus est famam]. The matter was adjourned until Feb. 24, for his further consideration, when he again denied it. It was then adjourned to March 3, when he again refused to confess. It was further adjourned to March 10, when he still refused to confess, but submitted himself to the correction of the dean and chapter. The following penance was enjoined: Hardman was to be present every day in the cathedral, at prime and at high mass, for 15 days, without his habit, and at matins every night for the same period, sine fructu and commons; he must abstain in future from the house and company of the said Joan Plummer on pain of privation of bis habit.—ƒo. 158.

1508–9, Feb. 27.—Mr. Robert Yong, M.A., admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe IX, vacant by the resignation of Reynold West.—ƒo. 157d.

Grant of 10s. to Richard Ruyon, the bailiff, for an amercement taken at Northcory.—ƒo. 158.

1508–9, March 16.—John Gye admitted a perpetual vicar.

1508–9, March 17.—John Hardman appeared and his punishment was mitigated, the following being substituted: he must be present at matins every night for a month from this day, and every ferial day at high mass he must kneel before the image of St. Andrew and say one third of the psalter of the B.V.M. or the psalms of the passion of our Lord, and he must abstain from the society and house of the said Joan Plummer, under pain of prhation of his habit.—ƒo. l58d.

1509, April 2.—Grant of 40 days' grace to every canon residentiary who began his actual residence before April 1, without cotidians, in complement of his great residence.—ƒo. 159.

Grant of a month's grace, without cotidians, to Dean Cousyn, in complement of his great residence, if he be detained in Wedmore, Mark, or in any other place of his deanery, and not otherwise. This grant was ratified June 13, without the condition.

1509, April 16.—Nicholas Preschon admitted a vicar non-perpetual.

1509, April 29.—John Chamber, clerk, admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Wyvellescombe, vacant by the death of Edward Willoughby, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 159d.

1509, May 16.—Grant to Mr. Peter Carslegh of a messuage, with a curtilage and 2 cottages annexed, in the city of Wells, which Walter Baker late held, for 50 years, paying yearly 13s. 4d. and doing all repairs. Also a close annexed to the house of the manor of Wynscombe and a piece of underwood there, for 50 years, paying yearly 15s. He shall turn [rediget] the underwood into pasture as soon as possible.

Confirmation of a grant to John Welshote of Welles, mercer, and Isabel his wife, of the tenement in Welles called the Kateryne Whele, situate on the south side of High Street, between the new tenement that Thomas Brewster now holds on the west, and the tenement of the prior and convent of the house of St. John the Baptist on the east, and which, with the adjacent garden, extends from the street on the north to the water-course called La Millstreme on the south; to hold, with the garden, for 90 years from Michaelmas, 1508, paying yearly 53s. 4d. to the dean and chapter, and 18d. to the bishop for chief-rent, if demanded. Dated Michaelmas, 1508—ƒo. 160.

1509, May 16.—Thomas Prowse, vicar-choral, accused of incontinence with one Ellen Dyke of the city of Wells, confessed that he had a child by her. He was warned to keep good rule and to abstain from women in future, on pain of privation of his habit.—ƒo. 161d.

1509, May 29.—William Haryngton, LL.D., admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Wedmore V, vacant by the death of Richard Hatton.—ƒo. 162

1509, June 4.—Agreed to have a general pardon for the church and chapter.

Grant of 40 days' grace, without cotidians, to each canon who was actually residing on April 1 last.

1509, June 13.—Mr. William Mors may have cotidians, to procure and solicit the business of the chapter concerning the vacancy of Chedesey, etc., for each day that the judgment [? juridico] was prorogued in Court during the term of the nativity of St. John the Baptist.

Every canon residentiary being in town lawfully prevented, that is, by infirmity shall have the said mass, as appears in the ordinance thereof. Before this time the custom was the contrary. Margin:—Conclusio pro missa domini T.B., episcopi, celebranda ut patet per canonicos.

Grant, during pleasure, to John Pety, of the chamber situated in the cloister, to occupy and sleep in.

1509, July 14.—Mr. John Cole admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Combe VIII.—ƒo. 162d.

Confirmation of a lease from William Rawlyns, provost of the cathedral church, to John Cole, clerk, Edith More, widow, and John More, her son, of 5 closes of pasture of overland in Welyngton, for their lives and the life of the survivor of them, paying yearly to William Rawlyns and his successors 165. Dated July 15, 1 Hen. VIII.

1509, July 31.—Sir John Foster admitted a perpetual vicar.—ƒo. 163d.

1509, Aug. 1.—Mr. Robert Asshcom admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Combe VI.—ƒo. 164.

1509, Aug. 8.—Mr. W. Mors, vicar-general in spirituals, sitting in the chapter-house in the ordinarial visitation of the Rt. Rev. Hadrian, bishop of Bath and Wells, decreed and ordained, with the consent of the canons-residentiary then present, that whenever the bishop is present and is executor officii in the choir, two canons having dignities shall be rectors of the choir, if two be present; if not, one having a parsonage may be rector with one having a dignity. When the dean is executor officii, then two canons having parsonages may be rectors of the choir, if two be present, otherwise, the senior simple canon with one having a parsonage. When a canon having a dignity is executor officii, then two simple canons shall be rectors in the choir.

Similarly, when one having a parsonage or a simple canon is executor officii on greater double feasts, then two simple canons shall be rectors.

1509, Aug. 8.—The dean and canons present ratified and confirmed the above ordinance—ƒo. 164d.

1509, Aug. 18.—Mr. Robert Honywode, LL.D., installed in lerson in the archdeaconry of Taunton, with the prebend of lilverton I thereto annexed.

1509, Aug. 30.—Mr. Robert Gumby otherwise Austeyne admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Dyndre, vacant by the resignation of Mr. John Streynsham.

1509, Sept. 4.—William Hochons admitted a perpetual vicar—ƒo. 165.

Richard Bramston and John Lylyhede, [vicars-choral], were warned that they must receive sub-deacon's orders before Christmas next, on pain of privation of their habits, if orders are celebrated within the diocese of Bath and Wells.

1509, Sept. 13.—Mr. William Haryngton, LL.D., admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Wedmore V.

1509, Sept. 15.—Confirmation of a grant by the bishop to William Clarvys of the wardenship [custodiam] of his hospitium in the parish of St. Clement Danes, without the bar of the New Temple at London, in the county of Middlesex, together with the mansion or tenement annexed thereto on the outer side of the hospitium (which tenement Richard Takyllys now holds and occupies, situate between the tenements of John Eddes on the east and John Coke on the west), to be repaired at the cost of the bishop and his successors, with all commodities and profits of the orchards and gardens of the said hospitium; also the office of reddituarius or receiver of the rents of all the bishop's tenements annexed to the hospitium, duly accounting for the same and paying what is due, for which William must find two bondsmen; to hold to William for life, to be exercised by himself or sufficient deputy, taking the wages of 2½d. a day, payable at Michaelmas and Easter, and a robe of the suit of gentlemen in the bishop's service for Christmas, as often as the bishop gives a livery of this kind, and also unum farculum ciborum cum pane et potu convenient [?] dietum [?], when, so often and so long as the bishop or his successors shall be staying in the hospitium. If the rent shall fall into arrear, William may enter and distrain on the bishop's tenements called "le Cardinallis Hatt" and "le Tabard," parcel of the aforesaid tenements in the parish of St. Clement Danes. Dated July 2, 1509.