Liber albus II: Fols. 241-60

Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Dean and Chapter of Wells: Volume 1. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

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'Liber albus II: Fols. 241-60', in Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Dean and Chapter of Wells: Volume 1, (London, 1907) pp. 428-436. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/wells-mss/vol1/pp428-436 [accessed 19 March 2024]

Fols. 241–60

Charter (in Latin) of King Edward [the Confessor], headed:

'þis is eallra þæera landa land boc þe mid rihte hyraoˇ in to þã biscoprice þe Eadveard cynge gebocode Sancto Andrea apostolo.

'In to þam biscop stole to Vyllan on ece yrfe':

whereby, being requested by Giso bishop of Wells (whom he had three years before sent to Rome, and received back furnished with an ordinance of Pope Nicholas) and by Eadgida his queen, to permit the gifts of his ancestors (some almost consumed by time) to be collected for security in a single charter (in armariolo unius kartule), he for ever establishes not only all that the bishop and his predecessors have obtained of the king or his predecessors or by purchase, but whatever the church under his rule is seen to possess. Signed with a cross by the said king, and sealed with his image, also by Eadgyda the queen, archbishop Stigand, archbishop Adred, bishop Hereman, bishop Leofric, bishop William, bishop Egelric, bishop Eilmer, bishop Leofwin, bishop Wulfwin, bishop Wadlere, bishop Wulfstan, abbot Egelnoˇ, abbot Leofweard, abbot Sewold, duke Harold, duke Tostig, duke Gyrˇ, duke Leofwine, duke Eadwine, duke Waldþeof, Robert, Esgar, Raulf, and Bundi procur', Wigod and Heardyng butlers, Winsi cubicul'. Brihtric, Elfstan and Elfgar p. (priests ?), Toug, Agelwi, Evorwacer and Eilwi, Egelmer, Egelfrid, Wikyng, Siweard, Nordman, Elfgeat and Osmund m. (thegns).

List of the possessions of the said church noted in several chirographs: in the territory of Wells (anciently called Tidingtun) and the villages thereto belonging are 50 hides, Paulesham, Woky, Hentun, Gyrdleg, Bleddenhyˇ and Eastun, Westbyrig, Wokyhole and æbbevyrð, Burcotan, Middeltun and other Middeltun and æt þam, Pænne, Hornningdune and other Hornningdune, and Hwite circe, Denrenn, Dulticotan, Welsleg, Wuormestorr, Celicotan, Begenhangra, Wandestreow, Hlittun: in another called Ciw are 50, and these are villages thereto adjoining, Litletun, Hæsele, Dundreg, three Suðtunes: in another called Evorcric 20 hides, Preostle, Cesterbled, Strettun: in another called Cyncgesbyrig 38 hides, and these are its villages, Landbroc, Readewelle and æt þam Beorge and Lytlenige, Hiwisc, Cuma, Pibbesbyrig: Cerdren & oder frusa Cerdren: Cynemerstun, Langanham, Winesham, and Cungaresbyrig, also Banawell: in that called Welingtun is a possession of 15 homesteads (cassati), and these are their villages, Bocland, Hamme, Huntanapoð, Herpoðforð, Pinnocesmor, Ceolfestun: in another called Wyfelescumbe are 15 in these towns, Nunnetun, Upcotan, Hwitefeld, Hwidigcum, Acumetun, Langele, Forda, Peddesford, Fifhida and other Fifhyda, Dene, Slep, Hwrentimor: in that called Lidegeard are 15 homesteads (cassati), and these yards (curticule) adjoining thereto, Cuma, Peddenallras and the woodland, Æsce, Baggabeorc, Anacota, Hylle: in the place called Weddmor is a possession of 4 hides, and the villages thereto belonging are Biddesham (properly called Tarnuc), another called Heawycan, and Mercern: these all, with woods, fields, meadows, feedings, fisheries, mills are confirmed to the church aforesaid, or to the bishop. Written by bishop Giso at the king's command, 4 May 1065, in the royal town called Wendlesore. Seal of bishop Giso.

R.III. f. 241. Cod. Dipl. iv. 163, No. 816, where the witnesses are omitted, and there are some different readings.

Letters patent of King Edward [II], embodying the statute Articuli cleri of 9 Edward II. Tested at York, 24 November 10 Edward [II]. By the king and council.
R.III. ff. 242–244. See Statutes of the Realm, i. 171–4.

Memorandum that debate having arisen between John bishop of Bath and Wells on the one part and John de Godelee dean of Wells and the chapter on the other, touching the fruits of vacant churches in the diocese, (which the dean and chapter claimed by grant of John formerly bishop of Bath and Wells, and by possession time out of mind,) also touching the jurisdiction and the exercise thereof in the church of St. Andrew Wells, in all prebends and prebendal churches in the diocese except the prebend of Bartone, and in the farms and certain other places, and over the parishioners there dwelling (with a few exceptions), which they claimed to be exercised by the dean to the exclusion of the bishop, causes of plaints and appeals excepted: by the mediation of friends the said bishop agreed that the dean and chapter and their successors may take the fruits of all vacant churches, as they and their predecessors used to do, and may exercise their said jurisdiction as they used to do (with the exceptions aforesaid); also that the archdeacons of Bath, Wells and Tanton may exercise their respective jurisdictions as they used to do, saving to the bishop his proventions in every archdeaconry, in civil manner, namely citing any man, and making corrections by his official at his sessions, unless the bishop think fit to make special examination at his passage through the diocese. Sealed by the bishop. Dated London, the New Temple, ix kal. August 1321. The above Dot to extend to vacant churches annexed to dignities.

R.III. f. 244d.: II. f. 48. Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc. i. 191.

Letters patent of King Henry [IV] addressed to the guardians of his peace in county Somerset, the sheriff, and other officers, reciting a c'ause of the statute of 14 Edward [III] ('his grandfather') which forbade any person acting by commission under the king's seal great or small to take any goods of ecclesiastical persons, and upon the complaint of the clergy of the realm, ordering the said officers to enforce the statute against the purveyors of the king's household. Tested at Westminster, 7 October 7 Henry [IV]. By the king and council. (In margin, erroneously, Henry VI.)
R.III. f. 245.

Order of Robert bishop of Bath, that those who congregate at Wells for the fairs at three feasts in the year, namely the Invention of Holy Cross, St. Kalixtus and St. Andrew, shall do their business in the streets of the town, and not in the church or the porch thereof as heretofore: granting them quittance of toll on the said feast days and the vigils thereof. Witnesses: Ivo dean of Welles, Reginald the precentor, Robert and Thomas the archdeacons, Edward, Master Eustace, William de Sancta Fide, Ralph Martre, William de Atebera, Peter de Chiu, Walter the baker.

R.III. f. 245d. See Church, Early History, App. E. pp. 359–361.

Inspeximus and confirmation by Henry (Bowet, in margin) bishop of Bath and Wells of certain statutes of the church of Wells: one that the dean, precentor, archdeacon, chancellor and treasurer shall take double commons, and the rest of the canons single commons, upon condition that they are in residence: a second that, whereas certain canons used to stay one or two months, or even half a year, in the houses of other canons, and count that as residence, without supporting hospitality or the other charges of the church, a canon wishing to be held as resident shall keep a house of his own in the city. Dated the palace Wells, the Conversion of St. Paul 1404.
R.III. f. 246.

Charter (in Latin) of William [I] monarch of all Britain, granting, at the petition of bishop Giso, to St. Andrew the Apostle towards the demesne of the see and the maintenance of the brethren of the church of Wells, 30 hides (mansus) in Banawelle, which bishop Dodoco had conferred upon God but king Harold had taken away. Metes and bounds at Banavelle, Cumbtune, Hivisc, Heavican and Ceoddor mynster (in Saxon). Dated 1067. Signed and sealed by William king of the English, Queen Maud, archbishops Stigand and Aldræd, bishop Odo the king's brother, and many others named.
R.III. f. 246d. See Somerset Arch. and Nat. Hist. Soc. xxiii. 49.

Letters patent of king Edward [II], being a general protection for the dean and chapter of Wells, their men, lands and possessions. Tested at Porcestre, 14 September 18 Edward [II].

(Edward I, erroneously, in margin.)
R.III. f. 247d. Pat. Cal. p. 21.

Letters patent of king Henry [IV ?] exempting the clergy who used to pay the king tenths, and those who occupy chantries, from payment of the subsidy granted by the last parliament, payable to the treasurer of the king's wars. Tested at Westminster, 30 April 5 Henry [IV ?]. By the king and council.
(Henry VI, in margin.)
R.III. f. 248.

Testament of Hugh bishop of Lincoln, concerning his goods which should be restored to him in England. Debts 261 marks which the lord [bishop] of Bath knows of, to the pope Peter's pence unpaid of his bishopric, to the king 608 marks 8s. 1d. and any that may be due of Ludingeland. Bequests for his soul, 500 marks towards the fabric of his church, 500 marks to buy lands to increase the common fund thereof, 60 marks to the vicars there, 300 marks to divide among religious houses of the bishopric, 100 marks among lepers' houses, 100 marks among hospitals, 300 marks among churches he had held to buy books and ornaments, 30 marks to the house of Stanleg', 20 to that of Quarrei, 30 to that of Polestlou, 10 to that of Fernleg', 100 to that of Plinton; for the soul of the relict of Geoffrey de Mand[eville] 20 marks, of (or to) Thomas de Mand[eville] 20 marks; to William de Mand[eville] 40 marks, Richard de Argent' 3 marks, to a knight of Notingehamsire holding of the archbishop of York whose daughter G. Atyes would have for his son 40 marks, to Richard whose Hill' (sic) Robert de Mand[eville] had 30 marks, to William chaplain of Niweton formerly parson of Trent 10 marks, towards building a hospital or other alms for the soul of Jordan de Turry 300 marks, to the relict of Simon de Bugeden 20 marks, Christina relict of Hugh the smith and her daughter 3 marks, Maud Blunde of Well' 3 marks, Maud daughter of Christina Sudoure 3 marks, the lepers of Selewud 3 marks, the nuns of Berwe 10 marks, the house of Berliz 3 marks, the fabric of Bocland church 20 marks, the house of Caninton 5 marks; towards building a hospital at Well' 500 marks, to Bath hospital 7½ marks, the lepers' house without Bath 3 marks, the lepers without Ivelcestre 3 marks, the nuns of Stodleg' in Oxenefordsire 7½ marks; to Maud de Berewich who was with G. Wac 7½ marks towards her marriage, the relict of Richard Foliot of Stoke 7½ marks, for the soul of Eva daughter of Algar de Well' 7½ marks, to Master John de Ebor' (unless beneficed by testator) 100 marks, to the daughters of William de Stratton 300 marks towards their marriage, to the girl (puelle) de Sancto Edwardo 150 marks towards her marriage, the boy de Evercriz 40 marks towards his exhibition, to poor kinsfolk 100 marks, John de Mertoc 60 marks, Herbert de camera 50 marks, Roger the marshal 30 marks, Richard the marshal 40 marks, Walensis the cook 30 marks, Richard de camera 10 marks, Matthew de coquina 3 marks, Geoffrey son of Peter 7½ marks, other grooms 5 marks, Geoffrey Ginemer (?) 2 marks, Alan le Hottere 2 marks, Roger the chaplain's man William 5 marks, William testator's writer 10 marks. When restitution is made him, all wrongfully taken during the interdict shall be restored to his knights and men. Bequests to the canons of Moreton 20 marks, of St. Barbara 20 marks, for the soul of Stephen parson of Dokemeref[eld's] son 7½ marks. Executors, the lord [bishop] of Bath and Master Helias de Derham; praying the lord [archbishop] of Canterbury and his brethren in exile to aid in fulfilling this testament. They shall divide the residue of that which should be restored and of his other goods and debts, for his soul, among the poor of the bishopric of Lincoln or elsewhere; and dispose of his books, clothes and apparel as they may think fit. Should the bishop of Bath first die, the said Helias and Master Reginald de Cestria executors, with the advice of the lords of Canterbury and Ely: if Helias die, the said bishop sole executor, with the advice of the archbishop. Further, to the fabric of Wells 300 marks, to increase the common fund of Wells, to the use of the vicars and canons, 300 marks, to be divided among the vicars 40 marks. Done at St. Martin de Garenn', St. Brice's day in the 3rd year of his episcopate, in presence of J. bishop of Bath, Master Helias de Derham, Master John de Ebor', Master Reginald de Cestria, Master William, Roger, and Helias chaplains, Peter de Cic', William de Ham'.
R.III. f. 248d. (For a will made 17 years later, see Giraldus Cambrensis, Rolls Series, vii. App. G, p. 223.)

Confirmation by M. de Chandos of a gift made with her assent by Silvanus to the church of St. Mary of Stoueia (Stoweia) in almoin at its dedication, to wit 2 acres of land, and 1½ acres in Betescumba which he afterwards gave: also of a gift made by Roger de Paris at the same dedication, to wit 1 acre of land in Bueli. Witnesses: Walter prior of Boclanda, Master Richard (sic) de Gilleford the archdeacon, Master R. de Lech[elade], Jocelin and Walter the bishop's chaplains, H. de Vinel, R. dean of Spachestun and of Modiford, R. Fichet, Philip de Horsi, H. de Gahiste, G. son of Walter.
R.III. f. 250.

Copy bull of Pope Boniface VIII, being a decree concerning the privileges and exempt jurisdiction of the abbey of St. Augustine Canterbury, dated the Lateran, xiiii kal. April 9 Pope Boniface VIII. Attested by Geoffrey Branctone clerk of the diocese of Lincoln, notary public.

R.III. f. 250. See Cal. Papal Letters i. 608; Mon. Angl. i. 130.

Inspeximus by W. bishop of Bath and Wells of a charter (not here quoted) of King John, and order that the men of the dean and canons [at Wells] shall be quit of toll in the bishop's manors, in accordance with the said charter. Dated Wells, ii id. July 1 bishop W.
R.III f. 251d.

Writing indented, whereby Thomas de Bekyntona bishop of Bath and Wells grants to William Vouell master of the city or borough of Wells, the burgesses thereof and their successors for ever, that they may have a head for a water conduit with reservoirs, vents and other engines above and below ground, for taking and leading a portion of the bishop's water springing within the precinct of his palace of Wells from a spring called Seynt Andrew welle, upon a spot appointed by the said bishop, whereon he has built such head at his own cost sufficient for lead pipes 12 inches in circumference, with dikes, trenches, ponds, cisterns, etc., as well within the said precinct as in the public streets of the city, and power to repair the same, break ground and lay pipes, etc., so that the water may flow as far as the high cross in the city market and other places as they shall think fit, making good all damages; provided that the first head and reservoir to take all the said bishop's water be round, of 10 feet diameter within the walls, built of stone, lime or other material at his cost, with one round cistern of lead 5 feet in depth and 4 feet in diameter, and pipes attached on either side of the reservoir or cistern at the cost of the city, half the water to be led towards the city, half to flow to and within divers parts of the palace, and the said head shall have one door and two keys, one to remain with the bishop, the other with the master and burgesses: provided also that when the moat surrounding the palace shall be scoured, all the water may be turned thither until the same be refilled: covenants that the head or reservoir shall be opened, inspected and cleansed every six months at least, and that the waste water shall flow into the bishop's great mill stream. For this benefit the master and burgesses grant that they and their successors shall once a year visit the place where the said bishop is buried in the church of St. Andrew to render prayers for his soul; and the said bishop (trusting in the mercy of God and the merits of the Virgin, St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Andrew his patrons) grants 40 days' indulgence for every such visit. Three parts, one to remain in the custody of the bishops, one in the archives of the dean and chapter, the third with the master and burgesses. Dated 20 September 1451.

Confirmed and sealed by Thomas Lacok prior of Bath and the convent 27 September; and by Nicholas Carent dean of Wells and the chapter 27 September, the same year.
R.III. ff. 251d.–253.

Sentence of . . . . . . . . . . . [judges] appointed by the papal see, annulling the deposition of Peter the clerk vicar of Jatton, and the institution of William a priest of Great Britain to that church, made by Master Thomas de Bedeford clerk of the diocese of Lincoln (by authority of the official of Canterbury) during the vacancy of the see of Bath and Wells, upon the complaint of the dean and chapter of Wells (who claimed that the institution to the said prebendal church belonged to them during such vacancy), after a hearing before certain canons of Salisbury learned in the law, their commissaries, and a confession by the said Master Thomas made; and condemning the said Master Thomas in 10l. costs.

R.III. f. 255. (The first part wanting, f. 254 having been cut out. Compare f. 110; above p. 365.)

Agreement for the sale of the land at Cume by Adzor þuredes son to Giso bishop of Sumorsetescyre, made at Viltune in presence of Edgyþe relict of King Edweard by licence of King Willelme, witnessed by Sæxi, Kyppincg and Brihtmær priests, Godric and Valdere deacons, Sumorlæte subdeacon, Herdincg, Vulfveard Hvite, Ægelsig stiveards, Alfvold burþen, Vitela, Alfvold, Brihtric Doddasunu, Brixi Ceolsigsunu, Godvine hos., Leofvine Godvinessunu, Agamund, Ælfric Lange, Ælfric Ælfheges son, Æiederic goldsmið, Ægelsig goldsmið, Nordmann Johns son, Ægelric cook, and Rabel cook; and dated in Lent 6 William [I] Maud his wife and Robert æþeling, Landfranc being archbishop, in the year of the deaths of archbishop Stigand and bishop Leofric of Exacestre, anno domini 1070, 11 bishop Giso.
R.III. f. 255d. See Somerset Arch. and Nat. Hist. Soc. xxii. 106.

Inspeximus and confirmation by King Edward [III], dated Westminster, 11 December 37 Edward [III], of the following charters of the dean and chapter of Wells:—


A gift of King Richard [I] dated 27 November 1 Richard [I].
A grant of King John dated 26 November 9 John.
A grant of King Henry [III] dated 22 January 11 Henry [III].
Another dated 15 May 13 Henry [III].
A licence in mortmain of 22 January 35 Edward [I].
An inspeximus, dated 5 October 11 Edward [III], of an inspeximus by King Henry [III], dated 12 February 11 Henry [III], of a charter of King John, dated 10 September 7 John: also of a grant of King Edward [I] to bishop Robert, dated 24 December 8 Edward [I]; with further grant of a market and fair at Northcory.
An inspeximus, dated 12 October 13 Edward [III], of an inspeximus, dated 12 February 11 Henry [III], of a grant of King John, dated 10 September 7 John; with grant of a market and fair in lieu of the former grant.


A gift of the manor of Knappe, made by Walter de Cadamo to [dean] John de Godelee, dated 5 May 34 Edward I.
A quitclaim of the said manor made by [dean] John de Godelee to Hamelin his brother, dated 35 Edward [I].
A gift of the said manor made by Hamelin de Godelee to the dean and chapter, undated.
An attornment of the tenants of the said manor by the said Hamelin, dated 35 Edward [I].
A gift made by bishop Roger to the chapter of the custody of the deanery during any vacancy, made in May 1246.
An inspeximus and assent to the said gift by the prior and convent of Bath.
A gift made in November 1239 by bishop Joscelin at the dedication of the church.
R.III. ff. 256–258.

Inspeximus and confirmation, dated Westminster 5 December 30 Henry [VI], and exemplification, at the request of Master Thomas Boleyn and Sir John Trevenaunt clerks, of a gift to them made by Thomas bishop of Bath and Wells of a piece of ground in the city of Wells, 243 feet in length and 36 feet in breadth, one end abutting on the garden of the cathedral choristers, the other westward upon the tenement wherein David Taillour now dwells, lying between the cathedral churchyard on the north and the market place on the south (part whereof, 243 feet in length and 24 feet 8 inches in breadth, was within the precinct of the said churchyard, but is now by sufficient authority and for good causes appointed for profane uses); also of another void space or piece of ground by the door of the Guyldhalde 89 feet in length, the south end abutting on the said door, the north end upon the corner of the street between the said churchyard and the canon's house where Master Lewis Rede now dwells, in breadth at the Guyldhalle dore 37 feet and at the street corner 30 feet, and lying between the said churchyard on the east and Sadelerstrete on the west, (whereof a portion, 89 feet in length and in breadth 18 feet at the Guyldhalle dore and 23 feet 3 inches at the street corner, was within the churchyard, as aforesaid,) to hold of the chieflords; and of power to enclose and build thereon, with warranty: witnessed by William Vouell master and Thomas Horewode bailiff of the said city, William Gascoigne, John Godewyn, Richard Dyere, William Cutte, John Water burgesses; and dated Wells, 27 September 1451.
R.III. f. 259.

Bull of Pope Clement [III], addressed to R. Bishop of Bath, taking into his protection the church of Wells and all its possessions and those which may be lawfully acquired hereafter, and especially the churches of Scaudeford, Engestrigg', Aselberg', Bokeland, Arpetru, Pilton, Brent, of Co[m]pton and Brunfeld, Cudewide, Wittlokoc,* Timbrescumbe, Aulescumbe, Holecumb and Lamai, Bort, † Chedre, and Lideford, the manor and church of Dokemeresf[eld], his right in the church of Waleton, the churches of Staweia, Warmenistre, Berwe, the manor and church of Northcory, with their appurtenances. Dated the Lateran, non. June 3 Pope Clement.
R.III. f. 260. *Sic: White Lackington. †Sic: Bovey.

Bull of Pope Innocent [IV ?] addressed to the archdeacon of Gloucester, upon the petition of the bishop and chapters of Bath and Wells, being a mandate to visit with ecclesiastical censure those who invade their rights. Dated Lyons, xii kal. July 5 Pope Innocent.
R.III. f. 260d.

Bull of Pope Alexander [IV ?] confirming to the dean and chapter of Wells the churches of Piltona (granted by the abbey of Glastonbury for two prebends), of Subrentona (for one prebend), of Bokelanda (for one, by authority of the bishop and consent of Oliver de Dinam), of Haselberga (for one, by like authority and consent of William son of William de Haselberga), and a pension of 6 marks which the church of Breutona is bound to pay to Wells and Bath to find two candles, all acquired by bishop R.; and ratifying the dignities and customs of Salisbury which they hold by grant of the same bishop. Dated the Lateran, iiii non. March 2 Pope Alexander.
R.III. f. 260d.