Liber albus I: Fols. 261-80

Fols. 261–80

Mandate by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) to John Waryn, Thomas Mount, and Edmund de Sancto Laudo canons, John Taunton, William and Thomas Newman vicars to make inquisition and certify touching dilapidations to the manse or canon's houses in Canons'Street by the canons' grange on the east side, lately held by John Aunger canon and now assigned to Master Thomas Bockyng' canon as the senior resident without such a house, upon a complaint by the said Thomas, for the repair of which dilapidations the said John was responsible in his life time and now his executors, and how long the said John dwelt therein, what sums he received for repairs, how much he applied to improvements, what implements should be left to his successor etc. Dated the chapter house Wells, 16 January 1375.
R.I. f. 261d.

Indenture made at Wells on Sunday after the Epiphany 1375 between Master Thomas Byngham subdean of Wells and the chapter (in the dean's absence) on the one part, and Master Richard de Carlton canon on the other, granting to the said Richard for life the farm of Burnham church with all emoluments save the advowson of the vicarage, at a yearly rent of 24l. payable quarterly fm Chiristmas next; and the said Richard shall new build one grange and one granary at the end thereof, and have housebote in their grove at Bykenalre, sufficient reeds for the first thatching, and an allowance of 10l. Dated the chapter house Wells, 13 January.
R.I. f. 261d.: repeated f. 264.

Mandate by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) to John Warin canon, Philip Erdeslegh, Thomas Newman vicars, and Master Richard Horsforde notary public to make inquisition and certify touching dilapidations upon the farm of the church of Stokegommer with the chapel ofBykenalre, late held by John Aunger and now assigned to Master Thomas Bockyng' as senior resident who has no such farm, especially in the chancels, books and church ornaments. Dated the chapter house Wells, 16 January 1375.
R.I. f. 262.

Licence granted by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) to Master Thomas de Bockyng' canon to found a chantry of a daily mass at the altar of St. John in their church, to be celebrated by one of the vicars, beginning immediately after the gospel of high mass, and an obit in the choir yearly pridie id. Decemb. during his life and afterwards on the day of his death, and to be buried under the great belfry before the image of St. Andrew, in consideration of a costly gradual and a chalice of silver gilt weighing about 40s., reserving the use thereof to him during his life. Dated the chapter house Wells, 8 December 1375.
R.I. f. 262.

Assignment by the president and chapter of Wells(in the dean's absence) to Master Thomas Bockyng' canon and prebendary, having no farm and being the first canon expectant to complete his residence, of the farm of the church of Stockegommere, void by the death of John Aunger canon, at a yearly rent of 26l. 13s. 4d. beginning at Christmas 1375.
R.I. f. 262d.

Assignment by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) to Master Thomas Bockyng' canon and prebendary, having no canon's house and being the first canon expectant to complete his residence, of the canon's houses by the canons' grange on the east, void by the death of John Aunger, at a yearly rent of 6s. 8d. Dated the chapter house Wells, Monday the eve of Christmas 1375.
R.I. f. 262d.

Assignment by stephen Penpel dean of Wells and the chapter of Master William Cokham canon, having no canon's house and being the first canon expectant to complete his residence, of the canon's house wherein Master Nicholas de Iforde dwelt during his life in the city of Wells with a great gate new built, paying yearly 10s. for the houses, and for the gate etc. [ ]s. 8d. to the warden of the work. Dated the chapter house Wells, 13 January 1375.
R.I. f. 262d.

Assignment by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) to Master William de Cokham canon, as the senior resident having no farm and having completed his residence, of the farm of Congaresbury church, void by the death of Master John Power canon, to possess so long as he shall be a canon, paying 30l. annual cess through the communar, to begin at Christmas next. Dated the chapter house Wells, 13 January 1375.
R.I. f. 263.

Special proxy by the chapter of Wells to Thomas Spert doctor of laws canon of Wells to levy of the prebend of Wyvelescombe two thirds of the fruits for the current year, or the value thereof (belonging to them by ancient custom upon the voidance of any prebend by death even before they are garnered) upon information that Robert Carwell alias Craswell canon of Wells and prebendary thereof died on the [ ] day of [ ] 1375 before the autumn fruits of that year were garnered, and to take all necessary proceedings. Dated the chapter house Wells, 30 January 1376.
R.I. f. 263.

Proxy by the chapter of Wells cathedral, addressed to the king, in favour of Master Thomas Spert doctor of laws canon of Wells, to appear as their representative in a parliament to be holden at Westminster in the quinzaine of Hilary. Dated the chapter house Wells, 12 January 1376.
R.I. f. 263.

Proxy by the chapter, addressed to Simon archbishop of Canterbury, in favour of Thomas Spert, to appear for them at a council on the morrow of the Purification in the church of St. Paul London. Dated the chapter house Wells, 12 January 1376.
R.I. f. 263d.

Inspeximus and confirmation by Stephen Penpel dean of Wells and the chapter, dated 5 the same month and year, of the appropriation of the rectory of Stoke by John bishop of Bath and Wells to the provost and brethren of Stoke under Hamedon in the parish of Stoke, made by reason of the poverty of the chapel and their debt, to compose the continual discords between them and the vicars of Stoke concerning tithes and obventions, and at the petition of Dame Alice de Bello Campo; and of the consolidation therewith of the vicarage, already in their patronage, with cure of souls, upon the death or cession of Sir Thomas Horn now vicar, with provision that they shall have a secular parish chaplain to dwell there, or one of their canons to serve the ministry and sacraments of the church, also for yearly payment of 3s. 4d. to the bishop and 3s. 4d. to the dean and chapter of Wells on St.Andrew's day; dated Woky, 1 October 1375.
R.I. f. 263d

Indenture, made in the chapter house Wells on Wedenesday after the Announciation 1376, between Master Thomas Byngham subdean of Wells and the chapter on the one part and Sir John Bockyngg' vicar and prior of the priory of St. Mary's chapel in the same on the other part, granting to the said John and his successors priors of the said chapel one toft or void piece of ground formerly built on, situate in Chamberlaynstret at Wells on the north side of the street, between the messuage held of the church of Wells by John Blanecomb on the west and that of William White on the east, which before its fall used to pay 10s. towards finding two torches to serve in the said chapel at the elevation of the Lords body, to hold when it shall have been rebuilt at the cost of the said John by a rent of 10s. for 40 years.
R.I. f. 264d.

Proxy by the chapter of Wells to Master Thomas Spert doctor of laws canon of Wells to appear for them in a parliament to be holden at Westminister in the quinzaine of Michaelmas next. Dated the chapter house Wells, 1 October 1377.
R.I. f. 264d.

Commission by the president and chapter of Wells to Master Thomas Spert doctor of laws their brother and official of the bishop of Bath and Wells, upon a proposed exchange between William Mey priest of the free chapel or chantry of St. Mary in the churchyard of Northcory of their collation and Sir John Porter rector of Ellewrth in the same diocese, to hear and approve the reasons for such exchange, to accept the resignation of William Mey, to admit and collate Sir John Porter, to demand his induction, and to receive his oath of obedience. Dated the chapter house Wells, 30 September, 1377.
R.I. f. 265.

Grant by the president and chapter of Wells to John Wareyn canon of Wells at his petition of a burying place in the cathedral on the north side of the image of the Virgin Mary by the entrance to the choir. Dated the chapter house, 31 October 1377.
R.I. f. 265.

Collation by the president and chapter of Wells of Sir John Seward priest to the chantry at the altar of Corpus Christi under the belfry of the church of Wells, founded for the soul of William de Welyngton formerly canon of Wells. Dated the chapter house Wells, 30 September 1378.
R.I. f. 265

Extract from the will of John le Roper, bequeathing to the dean and chapter of Wills 13s. 4d. yearly rent of a tenement held by Roger le Webbe and Margery his wife for life in Gropelane and the reversion thereof, on condition that they keep yearly his obit in the church of St. Andrew on the feast of St. Edmund K., if it may safely be, or otherwise his executors shall sell the same and deliver the money to the dean and chapter for that purpose; also to the vicars of the common hall of the church of St. Andrew, to increase their estate, a tenement in Gropelane called the backhouse, if it may safely be, or otherwise his executors shall sell the same and pay the money to the said vicars to pray for his soul; also 10s. yearly rent of a shop held of him for life by Edith Flaghes (Flaghis) and the reversion thereof to the dean and chapter and their successors to find two torches yearly to serve at the morning mass in the church of St. Andrew, if it may safely be, or otherwise his executors shall sell the same and the money be converted to that purpose.
R.I. f. 265.

Grant by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) that in consideration of the rents and tenements devised by the will of John le Ropere of Wells merchant (as above, here fully recited) all the said charges shall be maintained according to his said will. Dated the chapter house Wells, 12 July 1380.
R.I. f. 265d.

Inspeximus and confirmation by the president and chapter of Wells, dated 1 September the same year, of an indenture made at Lutton on Sunday after St. Peter ad vincula 4 Richard II, between Richard Harewell canon of Wells and prebendary of Lutton and Roger Harewell his father and general proctor on the one part, and John Hauk' of Henton, Ellen his wife and John their son on the other part, demising a messuage called Uphynnesplace at Grendon of the lordship of Lutton with lands etc. and a croft called Shepescroft to John, Ellen and John for their lives at a yearly rent of 13s. payable to the said Richard and his successors in the said prebend, and for the said croft 5s. for all demands save foreign services, suits of court every three [weeks] and heriots; with covenant that they shall build a hall with a chamber upon the said tenement within three years, and shall immediately dwell therein during their lives on pain of forfeiture; witnessed by John Knyght, John Veysy John Strowde, Robert Wynd, Adam Roche.
R.I. f. 266.

Sale and conveyance by Petronilla who was wife of John le Ropere of Wells merchant, Nicholas Cristesham and John Blythe burgesses of Wells, executors of the said John Ropere, to Thomas Mount, John Waryn, Walter Hethenand canons, John Tyntenhull, Thomas Nywman and John Barynton vicars in the church of St.Andrew, of 13s. 4d. yearly rent of a tenement in Gropelane held by Roger le Webbe for life with the reversion thereof, a tenement called Bakhous, and 10s. rent of a shop in the high street held by Edith Flaghces for life with reversion thereof, by the said will devised to pious uses. Witnesses: Thomas Tanner, Henry Bouedych Robert Compe, Thomas Phelpes, Richard Ferror, Walter Halyete, John Taillor. Dated Wells, Thursday after the Translation of St. Thomas M. 3 Richard II.
R.I. f. 266.

Indenture of the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) granting to Peter Barton canon of Wells for life a messuage, cottage and curtilage in Torlane Wells, near Toryete, between the watercourse on the south and a messuage late of Robert le Honte on the north, as fully as Walter Rosesone held it, at a yearly rent of 16s. payable quarterly to their escheator; with proviso for surrender thereof so soon as the said Peter shall obtain a canon's house. Witnesses: Master William Cammel precentor, Master John de Horsyngton chancellor, Master William Cokham succentor, Richard Carleton, Thomas Spert, William Odecombe, Thomas Mount, John Waryn, Walter Wyncalton, William Chambre canons, Nicholas Cristesham, Thomas Tannere, Henry Boundych burgesses of Wells. Dated the chapter house, 10 September 1380.
R.I. f. 266d.

Memorandum that a dispute having arisen between Edmund Saylowe and Richard Spycer canons, they submitted to the award of the chapter; and their award was that the said Richard should tender to the said Edmund 100 marks, whereof the said Edmund should have 20 marks or two casks of wine, and the residue remain in suspense for the said Richard's good behaviour.
R.I. f. 266d.

Memorandum that 2 February 1378 Master Stephen de Pempel late dean of Wells died in the dean's lodging in the city of Wells, and was privately buried on 3 February in the church before the altar of St. Stephen, certain canons and vicars being present with others his domestics and intimates (secreciores).

Commision by the president and chapter (the deanery being void by his death) to Sir Thomas Nywman and Sir John Barynton vicars to sequestrate all rents, proventions and ecclesiastical goods within the deanery and in the dean's manse, which belong by prescription to the chapter during a vacancy. Dated the chapter house Wells, St. Blaise 1378.
R.I. f. 267.

Commission by the president and chapter of Wells (during the vacancy of the deanery) to Richard Carleton canon of Wells to take possession of the deanery in their name, collect the rents and proventions, and appoint officals, since the custody of the deanery and receipt of emoluments in spiritualities and temporalities belongs to the chapter. Dated the chapter house Wells, 4 February 1378.
R.I. f. 267.

Receipt given by the president and chapter of Wells to Sir John Tentenhull vicar there and the other executors of Sir John Spaldyng late vicar of St. Cuthbert Wells, executor of Walter de London formerly dean of Wells, for 20l. wherein the said dean was bound to them. Dated the chapter house Wells, Monday after St. Lawrence 4 Richard II.
R.I. f. 267d.

Licence granted by John bishop of Bath and Wells to the chapter of Wells to elect a dean after the death of Stephen Penpel. Dated London, 11 February 1378.
R.I. f. 267d.

Citation by William de Cammel precentor of Wells (president of the chapter in the vacancy of the deanery)and the chapter to the absent canons, William abbot of Muchelney (IImystre), Arnald Brokays (St. Decuman), John(?)Harwill (Lutton), Robert Sloo (Cumbe secunda), Thomas Bray (Cumbe quarta), John Brankton or Bramton (Cumbe sexta) John Milward (Cumbe decima), Roger Holme (Cumbe duodeciama)John Welborne (Cumbe quintadecima), John Grene (Milverton secunda), Robert Samborne (Wedmor tercia), William Cokham (Wedmor quarta), John Balton(Wedmor quinta), Thomas Aston (dynre), Richard Spycer (Harpetre)Roger Harwill (Dundene), Thomas Salter (Wermistre or Werministre), the abbot of Athelney (Sutton), to be present on 22 February to elect a dean after the death of Stephen Penpel. Dated the chapter house Wells, ii id, February 1378.
R.I. f. 267d. Richard Harewell prebendary of Litton occurs 1366–1390.

Summons to the bishop of Bath and Wells to be present at a parliament to be holden at Northampton on Monday after All Saints, with notice to the prior and chapter of Bath, the dean and chapter of Wells, the archdeacons and clergy of the diocese, the prior, dean and archdeacons to attend in person, each chapter to send one proctor, and the clergy two. Tested at Westminster, 26 August 4 Richard[II].
R.I. f. 268.

Election of a dean. 12 February 1378. In presence of William Cammel precentor of Wells and president of the chapter (the deanery being vacant), John de Horsyngton chancellor, Thomas Byngham subdean, William de Cookham succentor, Richard Carleton, William de Odecombe, Thomas Spert, John Waryn, Walter Hethenam and John Hope canons in the chapter house assembled, and of the underwritten [Richard Horsford clerk, Exeter diocese] and Robert de Wellesborn notaries public, Robert Turney, John Wycombe and John Welcombe literate persons, the 22 February next was fixed for the election of a dean to the deanery, void by the death of Stephen de Penpel, and a summons issued to the canons absent.

On which day, after mass of the Holy Ghost celebrated at the high altar, William de Cammel precentor, John de Horsyngton chancellor, Thomas de Byngham subdean, William de Cooham (sic) succentor, Richard Carleton, William de Odecombe, Thomas Spert, Robert Stonere, John Waryn, Robert abbot of Athelney, Robert Samborne, Thomas Mount, Thomas Bockyng', Richard Spycer, Walter [Hevenan], (fn. 1) Edmund Seylo, Thomas Salter, John Mulward and John Hope canons being present in chapter, after the work of God had been preached by Master Thomas Spert, the hymn 'Veni creator spiritus' sung, the bishop's licence (with a green seal) read, also the citation to canons absent, and the chapter's letters patent published openly in the church on 13 February before the stalls of the canons absent in presence of the said chancellor, notaries, Sir Thomas Newman, and Sir Philip de Yerdesleygh vicars, first on one side of the choir then on the other, and left upon the high altar, containing a notice of the day fixed for the election and a peremptory citation to be present, addressed to the canons abovenamed, and also to John Slefford, Thomas Sobbury (Hengestrygg), Andrew Baret (Scaudeford), John Shyllyngforde (Wandestr'), William Borstal (Cumbe prima), Roger Payn (Cumbe quinta), John Blancherd (Cumbe decima), Edmund Seylo (Cumbe terciadecima), Thomas Strete (Cumbe quartadecima), John Colyngtre (Wedmor secunda), Thomas Horn (Tymberescombe), William Chambere (Ayshulle), Peter de Barton (Haselber') Thomas Schepton (Tanton), Thomas Alston [ (fn. 2) Halston] (Bocland), Roger Typerton (Cory). After which fourteen canons appeared by proxy, namely John Blaunchard, John Shyllynford, Thomas Sobbury, Roger Holm, Robert Sloo, Arnold Brokas, Peter Barton, Thomas Strete, Thomas Alston and William Chambre, [ (fn. 3) John Sloforde, John Grene: interlineation] by Master Thomas Spert, John Braunkton by William Odecumbe, and Philip Welborne by Richard Carleton, and nineteen in person; and the proxies being examined and approved, the president after preconisation declared the rest absent by contumacy, and that they would proceed with the election: also a monition and protestation, at the mandate of all present, to any under disability to withdraw. Next the constitution of the general council De formis electionum, beginning Quia propter, was read and explained by Master Thomas Spert, and when he had commenced the third had, namely the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, all and singular the canons present and the proctors of those absent, without any intervening discoruse concerning the election of any person, but on a sudden (as appeared to the notary aforesaid) inspired by the grace of the Holy Spirit, with one voice, one heart and one mind unanimously before the sixth hour elected Sir John Fordam [ (fn. 2) priest], and singing the Te deum walked in procession [ (fn. 3) to the high altar] where Master Thomas Spert publicly proclaimed the election in the vulgar tongue. After which, returning to the chapter house, the chapter appointed Master Thomas Spert, Master Robert Sloo and John Grene canons their proctors to announce his election to the dean elect and obtain his assent, and the confirmation of the bishop or his commissary. In presence of Master Robert de Wellysborne, Master William Wollay notaries public, John de Wycum and John de Welcumbe; attested by Richard Horsford.
R.I. ff. 268d.–271. Compare the treatise of Lawrence de Somercotes, printed in Bradshaw and Wordsworth's Lincoln Cathedral Statutes, II. pt.ii. pp. cxxv.sqq.

Writ of inhibition against any attempt to prejudice the king's appointment of William Langbrook to the office of treasurer in the cathedral of Wells by proceedings in the papal court, sequestration, or otherwise. Tested at Westminster, 6 March 12 Richard [II].
R.I.: bound in between ff. 268–9 and ff. 276–7. See Pat 1386, Cal.

Petition of William de Cammel precentor and president of the chapter of Wells and the chapter to John bishop of Bath and Wells to confirm the election of John Fordam as dean, reciting the death of Stephen de Penpel on 2 February 1378, his burial on February 3, all the proceedings taken in the said election, and the assent of the dean elect. Dated the chapter house Wells, 4 march the same year, in presence of Master William Wollay and John Ayschwy1 clerks notaries public, John Wycumbe and John Wellcumbe clerks; and attested by Richard de Horsford clerk of Exeter diocese notary public.

Among the canons named are Walter Hethenand, Edmund Saynlo, Roger Holm provost, and John Branton. Those who did not appear in person or by proxy were the prebendaries of Mulverton prima and Clyve, William Borstal (Cumba prima), Robert Bays (Cumba tercia), Roger Payn (Cumba quinta), Richard Drayton (Cumba nona), John Colyntre (Wedmor secunda), Thomas Schepton (Tauntton), the archdeacon of Wells (Huwyssch and Brente), Roger Tybryghton (Cory), William abbot of Muchelneye (IImistre), Thomas Bray (Cumba quarta), and Thomas Aston (Dynre).
R.I. ff. 271d.–272d.

Certificate of Thomas Mount canon of Wells and William Wollay rector of Porteshed, commissioners appointed by John bishop of Bath and Wells (commission dated London, 12 March 1378), upon the complaint of John de Fordham dean of Wells, to make inquisition touching dilapidations left by Master Stephen Penpel the last dean; that they had personally visited all the manors belonging to the deanery, and made inquisition by Sir William Louerryng, Sir Philip Yerdeligh, Sir John Barynton, Sir Thomas Martyn vicars in Wells, Sir Richard Scalon vicar of Woky, Sir John Adam chaplain of the parochial chapel of Merk, William Modeslegh, Richard Klych, Henry atte Stone, Richard Pontisside, and Henry Hogges laymen jurors, in regard to the manors of More, Merke, Tottenaye, Wedmor and Modesligh, who say that the cost of repairs in the houses granges etc. of More will be not less than 10l., in the chancel of Merke chapel and the chaplain's manse 8l. 13s. 4d., of a windmil burnt down at Tottenay 20l., a grange burnt down 46l. 13s. 4d., in other buildings at Tottenay 18l. 13s. 4d., in Wedmor in granges, bovaries, chambers, garners, bridges, two mills, four enclousures and walls, and two brewhouses, two dairy houses at Hokemede and Lacheham, and one sheepfold at Wateligh 35l. 13s. 4d., in houses, granges, bovaries, stables, ancient chapel etc. in Modesligh 26l. 13s. 4d., of the enclosure of garden and wall round fish ponds therein 6l. 13s. 4d., enclosure etc. of Modesligh park 40l., of a fishery house at Rodwere 40s., of dikes and rhines throughout the dean's lordship 17l. 16s. 5d.: also next day by the said clerks, William Modesligh and Richard Klych and also John Taylor, Walter Haliot and Thomas Orrom laymen jurors, at the dean's lodging in the city of Wells, who say that the cost of repairs in the said lodging etc. will be not less than 8l. 6s. 8d., and assess the demolition of walls and gates of a lodging contiguous and appropriated to the dean's said lodging at 6l. 13s. 4d. Dated Wells, ii kal. April 79 (sic).
R.I. f. 272d.–274.

Summons addressed to J. bishop of Bath and Wells to be present at a parliament at Westminster to be holden in the quinzaine of Easter, and to give notice to the dean and chapter of Wells, the prior and chapter of Bath, the archdeacons and clergy of the diocese, the dean, prior and archdeacons to attend, and each chapter to send one and the clergy two proctors. Tested at Westminster, 18 February 2 Richard [II].
R.I. f. 274.

Mandate of John bishop of Bath and Wells to the chapter of Wells and the archdeacon of Tanton or his official (reciting a summons from Simon archbishop of Canterbury and papal legate to appear on 9 May next in the church of St. Paul London, prelates in person, chapters, colleges and convents by one proctor, and the clergy of the diocese by two) to appear according to the said summons, and to cite the clergy within the said archdeaconry to appear on Wednesday after quasi modo Sunday in the chapel of St. Mary within the cloister of Wells to elect two proctors as aforesaid. Dated Dogmersfeld, 8 April 1379.
R.I. f. 274: repeated f. 276.

Proxy by the chapter of Wells cathedral to Master Thomas Spert doctor of laws canon of Wells to appear before the archbishop on 9 May in accordance with the above summons. Dated the chapter house Wells, 22 April 1379.
R.I. f. 274d.

Similar proxy to Master Thomas Spert to appear in parliament Same date.
R.I. f. 274d.

Letter of credence [addressed to the bishop, in margin] in favour of John de Stourton, whom they are sending to give information in a matter concerning the church of Wells and their adversaries of Northcory, and to pray his assistance.
R.I. f. 275.

Similar letter [addressed to the dean, in margin].
R.I. f. 275.

Collation by the president and chapter of Wells (in the absence of John de Fordham the dean) of Sir William Aylward chaplain to the perpetual chantry of the chapel of St. Mary of Northcory. Dated the chapter house Wells, Wednesday after St. James Ap. 1379.
R.I. f. 275.

Mandate of the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) to their official of Northcory, to induct Sir William Aylward to the chantry above mentioned, upon their collation and institution. Same date.
R.I. f. 275.

Mandate of John bishop of Bath and Wells to the precentor and chancellor of Wells cathedral to induct and install John de Fordham as dean of Wells, whose election the bishop has confirmed. Dated London, 9 March 1379.
R.I. f. 275d.

Letter of thanks from John de Fordham dean of Wells [to the chapter, in margin] desiring the continuance of their confidence and friendship. Dated London, 31 October.
R.I. f. 275.d

Letter of credence from the chapter of Wells [to the dean, in margin] in favour of John de Stourton as their messenger upon urgent business affecting their estate and the church of Wells, mentioning that they are writing also to the bishop.
R.I. f. 275.d

Summons addressed to J. bishop of Bath and Wells to be present at a parliament at Westminster in the quinzaine of Easter, and to give notice (as before). Tested at Westminster 16 February 2 Richard II, by the king and council. (Barton).
R.I. f. 276.

Appointment by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) of Walter Hethenand canon of Wells as steward of their manors etc., with proviso against his granting the custom called gestum or great timber trees in the sale of lands. Dated the chapter house Wells, 21 November 1379.
R.I. f. 276d

Letter from [the dean(?)] to the chapter, notifying that he has a grant from Master Thomas de Schepton their brother of his estate in a messuage in the city of Wells granted him by them subject to repairs, and desiring them to discharge the said Master Thomas, and to confirm the estate of the writer therein, also to defer until Easter an inquisition of waste by writ of nisi prius against the said Thomas. Dated London, 13 December.
R.I. f. 276d.

Proxy by the chapter of Wells to Master Thomas Spert doctor of laws canon of Wells to appear on 4 February in the church of St. Paul London before Simon archbishop of Canterbury and papal legate or his commissary. Dated the chapter house Wells, 22 January 1379.
R.I. f. 277.

Commission and mandate of John bishop of Bath and Wells to the abbots of Mochelneye and Athelyneye, the prior of Tanton, the vicars of Northcory, Taunton, Crych and Lenge, Sir Thomas Newman, Sir John Baryngton and Sir Philip de Erdeslegh vicars in Wells, and the chaplains of Stoke and Westhache chapels, with all solemnities to publish sentence of greater excommunication before Ascension day upon persons unknown who have fished and taken fish in the rivers and waters of Tone within the manor and parish of Northcory belonging to the dean and chapter of Wells. Dated Dogmeresfeld, ix kal. April 1379.
R.I. f. 277.

Presentation by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence) of Sir William Preston priest to the vicarage of St.Cuthbert Wells, void by the death of Sir John Spaldyng, and petition to John bishop of Bath and Wells for his institution. Dated the chapter house Wells, 22 April 1380.
R.I. f. 277d.

Memorandum that 10 January 1379 W. the precentor, J. Horssynton chancellor, T. Byngham subdean, W. Cokham succentor, R. Carleton etc. being present in chapter, T. Spert and T.Mount canons presented a proxy from Sir Robert Perlee clerk of the bishop of Winchester, and notified papal letters and process in favour of the said Robert, dated id. May 1 Pope Urban VI, touching a grace for a canonry and prebend in the church of Wells.

In the same chapter appeared Sir Robert Hauloo and presented similar papal letters of the same date.

The same day the president and chapter collated John Randolph to the vicarage of teh stall of Cumba nona, Richard Drayton the prebendary thereof being absent over sea.
R.I. f. 277d.

Writ to the sheriff of Somerset directing him to give the dean and chapter of Wells their seisin of a messuage in Wells recovered by them against Master Thomas de Schepton clerk in an action for waste by a jury at Wells before Henry Percehay justice of the common pleas on Wednesday after the close of Easter. Tested by R. Dealknap (sic) at Westminster, 25 April 3 Richard II.
R.I. f. 278.

Indenture made 15 February 3 Richard II, reciting a dispute and pleas between the dean and chapter of Wells and Peter de Yevelton touching his claims to certain profits upon their land in their manors of Northcory, Westhache and Knappe county Somerset, namely hunting, fishing, fowling and common of pasture in all places therein, as belonging to his freehold of Mere held of them within the manor of Northcory, whereupon it was found by divers royal charters that the dean and chapter had warren in all their demesne lands, and by divers inquisitions that all fisheries in all rhines and waters within the said manors are their several fisheries, and all their lands, meadows and pastures therein are theirs in severalty at all times of the year from time immemorial, save that the said Peter and his ancestors had common of pasture pertaining to their freehold of Mere in certain places with the tenants of the dean and chapter, namely from the west side of the tenements of Robert Forde and John Pode of Westhache to the town of Northcory, and upon the moors called Seggmour, Stathmour, Corimour and Folkesmour at all times of the year, as other free tenants and neifs, and had gestum every year at Christmas of the dean and chapter in their chamber at Northcory; and so it was adjudged by the king's justices assigned to hear and determine such claims, and after, upon true examination by friends of the parties, it was found that such adjudication was true and just, wherefore the said Peter approves and confirms the same, saving his common and gestum as aforesaid (which the dean and chapter grant and confirm), and quitclaims all right in the said manors (save as aforesaid), and all actions real and personal. Witnesses: Henry Percehay, Thomas Fychet, John Lorty knights, Walter Clopton, Richard Sydenham, John Tomere, James fitz James, John Bevyn.
R.I. f. 278.

Receipt given by Thomas Spert to John Mahu for 100s. in part payment of 20 marks. Dated Wells, 10 [ ] 10 Richard [II.]
R.I. f. 278d. The month left blank.

Letter [of the bishop to the chapter of Wells, in margin] stating that he has heard that John de Fordham the true dean of Wells and Master Robert de Stratton pretending himself to be dean have, by the mediation of the duke of Lancaster and the archbishop of Canterbury, agreed together that the said R. should enjoy the deanery, desiring them to support the said John who was by them appointed, and not to accept any notification that he had freely resigned, because such resignation, even if made, had never been admitted by the writer. Dated Banewell, St. Stephen's day.
R.I. f. 279.

Inspeximus and confirmation by the president and chapter of Wells (in the dean's absence), dated 3 October 1380, of a demise made by Roger Harewell the younger (son of Roger Harewell) canon of Wells and prebendary of Compton Dundene to Richard Stoweye burgess of Wells and Alice his wife, of one house of the houses of his canon's court in the city of Wells, held by the collation of John bishop of Bath and Wells, situate between his great gate on the east and the tenement of John Splot on the west; also of a piece of land adjoining the same on the north and his grange on the south, as bounded in presence of Thomas Mount, John Waryng and Roger his father; also licence to build a weir or conduit for taking a portion of the water from the watercourse in his garden to the same, and thence beyond his grange and garden to the bishop's mill bank, to hold with ingress and egress to the high way for their lives and one year more at a yearly rent of 26s. 8d. payable quarterly, with warranty; witnessed by Henry Bowedych, Thomas Tannere, Nicholas Cristesham, Thomas Phelpes, John Knytz: and dated Wells, 30 September I Richard II.
R.I. f. 279.

Proxy dated 11 May 1379 by Master Robert de Stratton doctor of laws canon of york and papal prothonotary to Richard Chestyrfeld canon of York, Master Robert Braybrok archdeacon of Cornwall in the church of Exeter, Master Robert Bradegar canon of London, Master Robert Worhtham rector of Brysele in the diocese of Norwich, Master Henry Wyntyrton archdeacon of Essex in the church of London, Sir Peter Pawe vicar of Waldon in the diocese of London and Master Thomas Page clerk of Norwich diocese, to prosecute graces of Pope Urban VI touching any canonry, dignity, parsonage or office in any cathedral or collegiate church of England. Done at Rome, in the dwelling house of Master Robert de Stratton, in presence of Master John West and Sir Richard Howlot clerks of Worcester and London dioceses: attested by Walter de Harlyng clerk of Norwich diocese notary public.
R.I. f. 280

Inspeximus and confirmation by William prior of St. Swithin Winchester and the convent, dated the morrow of St.Vincent M. 1290, of an inspeximus with grant of immunities in pursuance thereof in his manor of Tanton and elsewhere, by John bishop of Winchester, dated Suwerk by London, 16 May 18 Edward[1], of a charter of King Richard [I] giving to the church of St. Andrew Wells and to Reginald bishop of Bath and his successors his manor of Northcuri, the advowson of the church, the hundred, etc.; dated 27 November I Richard I.
R.I. f. 280d.: III. f. 27. (For the charter of King Richard see R.I. f. 9: III. f. 25, above p. 6)