Liber albus II: Fols. 281-302

Fols. 281–302

Memorandum of an accord made between the dean and chapter of Wells and the treasurer of Wells on Tuesday after the Nativity of St. Mary, touching the oblations of the chapel of St. Mary in the cloister of the great church; namely that the treasurer shall take all oblations made on the feast of the Purification, from the first stroke of matins until compline be said of second vespers, and oblations on other days shall remain with the said chapel and the chaplains ministering therein. Sealed by the bishop and the chapter. Dated Wells, kal. September 1269.
R.III. f. 282.

Memorandum of a sentence pronounced on Monday after St. Scolastica 1277 in the great church of Wells, by the official of the bishop of Bath and Wells, in a suit of Nicholas son of Nicholas the treasurer of Wells against Sir Guy de Scheuyndon rector of Weston by Worle for 100lb. of wax, arrears of a yearly pension of 100lb. of wax which he was bound to pay by ordinance of bishop Joscelin, upon the confession of the said rector, who craved a term for payment thereof, condemning him in the said pension and arrears, and fixing terms for payment.

R.III. f. 282. (Weston has been altered by a later hand to Worspring, but see the ordinance of Bishop Joscelin, R.I. f. 214d.: above p. 253.)

Gift by William Slauyne of Cote to the church of All Saints Mertok, and to Hugh rector thereof and his successors, of 80 feet in length of his land and 42 feet in breadth on the east side of the barton of the said Hugh, in consideration of 20s., with warranty. Witnesses: Robert de Parys steward of Sir Engeran de Feynnes, Roger Eustace of Mudeslegh, Hugh de la Lane of Ivelchestre, William Hugelin, Walter le Messager, Simon the clerk, Martin de Wynescumbe, Alan bailiff of the prior of Otritona. Dated Mertok, viii id. April 1262.
R.III. f. 282d.

Indenture witnessing an agreement for the defeasance of a bond in 100l., given by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to Master William de Lutleton the precentor and Sir Thomas Husebonde otherwise Marcel chaplain and the heirs or assigns of the said precentor, for payment of 4l. a year at Wells for 25 years, upon condition that they shall pay to Sir Thomas Husebonde 5 marks a year to celebrate a chantry to be established for 25 years in the church of Wells for the soul of Master John Marcel (elsewhere Martel) late canon of Wells, or to other chaplains to be set in his place by the precentor, his heirs and assigns, or by the dean; and that the dean and chapter are bound to pay all damages and costs sustained by the precentor or chaplain by delay of payment, and triple penalty if sued before a judge, with provision for filling a vacancy. Dated Wells, 18 January 1346.
R.III. f. 283.

Licence by Thomas Stanle dean of Wells and the chapter to Walter Wyncaulton canon of Wells, to erect an altar at his cost before the image of Holy Cross on the north side of the high belfry in the church of Wells. Dated the chapter house, 6 September 1406.
R.III. f. 283d.

Inspeximus and assent, dated viii kal. April 1300 intrante, by Thomas prior of Bath and the chapter, to a writing in three parts made by Walter dean of Wells and the chapter, giving to William de Welyngton canon of Wells 10l. a year of their common goods in their manor of Northcory towards a yearly service for him to be performed in the church of Wells for ever, in consideration of benefits by him freely conferred upon his mother church, and especially of 40 marks given towards 'the fabric of the chapter and of the said church,' according to his appointment; namely that 10 marks shall be paid quarterly to two chaplains (not vicars) for their maintenance, and they shall celebrate daily, saying the full service for the dead for his soul and his benefactors, at an altar by the entry of the church below the belfry on the north side, also 4s. towards the maintenance of the light, ornaments, bread and wine, and 20s. towards an anniversary of the said William for ever on the day of his obit, to be divided among the canons and vicars present, 3 marks to buy bread for the poor, 2s. to the communar for his pains, and 8d. to the sacrist for sounding the gong: the said William in his life time appointed Sir William de Ludelawe and Walter de Wedmore chaplains, to be removed by the chapter for insufficiency, bad conduct or default, and a substitute appointed by the dean, for security whereof the dean and chapter submit themselves and their goods of Northcory to the bishop to enforce observance, and the bishop in his visitations shall make inquisition and provision for the service and distribution aforesaid: one part to remain with the bishop, one in the treasury of Wells, the third with the executors and heirs of the said William: dated in chapter, x kal. April 1299.
R.III. f. 284.

Letters patent of King Edward [II], addressed to all persons holding ecclesiastical dignity or office, being a prohibition of all acts touching the treasury of Wells, whereby the possession thereof by Master Jordan Moraunt the king's clerk (collated by the king) might be troubled. Tested at Raygate, 1 June 3 Edward [II].
R.III. f. 285. Pat. Cal. p. 229.

Return by the dean of Axbrygge, dated Estbrent iiii id. November the same year, to a mandate of the official of the archdeacon of Wells, dated xv kal. November 1349 and received kal. November, addressed to the said dean, the rectors of Uphulle, Kyustoke and Worle, on behalf of Master Richard de Thormerton treasurer of Wells, directing them or any of them to admonish Sir John rector of Weston to pay 50lb. of wax, the arrears for St. Andrew's term of a yearly payment of 100lb. due from his said church, or to compel him so to do by sentence of suspension and excommunication, and by sequestration; stating that he has been unable to admonish the said Sir John, after diligently seeking his corporal presence, but has sequestrated the fruits in his barn, namely wheat, barley and beans valued at 2 marks.
R.III. f. 285. (Weston has again been altered to Worspring by a later hand.)

Faculty granted by Jordan Morandi treasurer of Wells to the dean and chancellor and to Master Hugh de Pencryth canon of Wells, to take an account of the executors of the subtreasurer lately deceased of goods in his custody to the treasury belonging, and to appoint a subtreasurer (not perpetual, but removable at the will of the treasurer), taking security for the faithful performance of his duties. Dated London, 24 October 1311.
R.III. f. 285d.

Indenture between Master John Marcel (elsewhere Martel) canon of Wells and Master William de Luttelton precentor, Master Simon de Bristollia chancellor, Master Richard de Thystelden treasurer, Michael de Eston succentor, and Geoffrey de Cheltheheth canon of Wells, witnessing that on xvii kal. February 1341 the said John has deposited [100l.] in the treasury of Wells in their custody, for a perpetual chantry of 5 marks yearly to be performed for himself, his parents and benefactors, in the church of Wells at the altar of St. Katherine and other virgins where the body of John de Drokesford bishop of Bath and Wells lies, for which sum they are to him bound, with condition that the dean and chapter shall give diligence before Michaelmas to acquire an inheritance whereof such chantry may henceforth be found, and from this day a chaplain by him presented shall celebrate until Michaelmas, the dean and chapter finding vestments, a chalice, missal, ornaments, bread, wine and light, and thereafter the said John shall find a chalice, a missal, three pairs of vestments, three towels, bread, wine, and light, or 40d. as the celebrant shall choose: the said John shall present to any vacancy during his life, and after his decease the dean shall collate, or in default the chapter, or the bishop; and the dean and chapter shall find new vestments when necessary: failing such acquisition before Michaelmas, the said precentor, etc., shall deliver again the sum of 100l. to the said John. Dated Wells, the day above mentioned.
R.III. f. 286.

Defeasance of a bond in 100l. given to John Marcel (Martel) canon of Wells by Master William de Lutelton precentor, Master Simon de Bristollia chancellor, Master Richard de Thystelden treasurer of Wells, Michael de Eston succentor and Geoffrey de Chelcheheth canon of Wells, upon condition that the dean and chapter found a chantry for him, according to the terms of an indenture between the parties and within a term thereby limited, or else the money be returned to him. Dated Wells, xvii kal. February 1341.
R.III. f. 287.

Ratification by Thomas prior of Glastonbury of the gift of the church of Weston made by Joscelin their bishop to St. Peter of Bath and the prior and convent there.

R.III. f. 287. (Weston has again been altered to Worspring by a later hand.)

Notification by Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells that the parish church of Mertok in his diocese is annexed to the treasurership of Wells, and forms the corpus of the said treasurership; that Master Richard de Thystelden now treasurer has the same so annexed; and that the treasurer for the time being shall present to the vicarage upon any vacancy, so that no other is rector of the said church, or of any portion thereof. Dated Evercrych, iiii non. August 1344.
R.III. f. 287.

Gift by Ralph called abbot of Mont St. Michel de periculo maris and the convent to Joscelin bishop of Bath and his successors, of the advowson of Mertok; quitclaim of all benefit or pension which they received of the same; and ratification of the disposition he has thereof made. Done 1226.
R.III. f. 287d.

Lease by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to Master William de Luttelton and Walter de Coumptone, of a messuage, 27 acres of land and 2½ acres of meadow at Wokyhole, formerly held of them by Roger de Milton, to hold for their lives at a yearly rent of 16s., with power to reenter for arrears or waste. Dated Wells, Saturday before the Conversion of St. Paul 7 (sic) Edward III.
R.III. f. 288.

Inspeximus and confirmation by William bishop of Bath and Wells of a charter of Richard de Bamfeld canon of Wells founding a chantry, (for which see R.I. f. 87: R.III. f. 125: above, p. 107). Dated Wells, ii kal. October 1269.
R.III. f. 288.

Charter (in Latin with Saxon heading) of King Eadred, giving to Edmund his thegn (ministro meo) three hides of land (mansas agelluli) in a place called 'aet Hanecan Hamme' ('aet Vest Hacanan, Hamme and aed Glind lea' in heading), to hold for life and to leave to whom he will, free of all secular incumbrance (mundiali obstaculo) except common labour, military service, and building of bridge or castle. Metes and bounds (in Saxon). Done 947. Sealed by King Eadred, and witnessed by Eadgifu his mother, Oda archbishop of Dover and others named.

R.III. f. 288d. Cod Dipl.. ii. p. 275, No. 416: Birch, Cartularium Saxonicum ii. 586, Nos. 821, 822. The place is there identified as Hanham co. Gloucester, the heading being disregarded.

Charter (in Latin with Saxon heading) of Eadgar king of all Britain giving to ÆElfric his thegn (ministro) a portion of land namely one hide (except half a perch) in a place called aet Mono-vyrþige (Monavyrþige), to hold for life and leave to whom he will, free of all service save military service and repair of bridge and castle. Metes and bounds (in Saxon). Dated 963. Sealed by Eadgar king of the English, and witnessed by archbishops Dunstan and Oscytel, and others named.

R.III. f. 289. Cod. Dipl. vi. p. 57, No. 1244. Birch, Cart. Sax. iii. 351, No. 1116.

Charter (in Latin with Saxon heading) of Eadred king of the English and ruler of the other nations within a circuit, giving to Burhelm his thegn six hides of land (mansas agelluli) in a place called Svinford, free of all incumbrance save castle, bridge and military service. Metes and bounds (in Saxon). Witnessed by archbishops Oda and Oscetel, and others named.

R.III. f. 289d. Birch, Cart. Sax. iii. 223, No. 1023.

Charter (in Latin) of Eadveard king of the Angul Saxons, giving to Asser bishop of the church of Scireburn and to that household three towns, that is Veolingtun (land of six dwellers), Bocland (land of five dwellers), and Lidgeard (land of twelve dwellers), by reason of an exchange of the monastery called in Saxon Plymentun. Signed by King Eadveard, bishop Asser, and others named. Metes and bounds (in Saxon) of Bocland and Velingtune, also of Lidgerd.

R.III. f. 290. Cod. Dipl. v. p. 156, No. 1083: Birch, Cart. Sax. ii. 268, No. 610.

Faculty granted by Reginald de Legh treasurer of Wells and John vicar of Mertok to Peter de Faucunberge their parishioner and his heirs and their household, to erect a chapel in his manor of Midelton, because of his distance from the church and the floods between, and to have a chaplain there to celebrate; such chaplain at his first coming to swear fealty to the treasurer and vicar, to keep harmless the church of Mertok, and to admit none of the parishioners to sacraments save when unable to reach the mother church owing to the floods or other impediment, especially at the four solemn feasts; reserving to themselves power of suspension if the said chaplain shall accept oblations or obventions of the parishioners, or commit any other offence. Confirmation under seal of Thomas dean of Wells and the chapter. Dated Wells, in full chapter, ix kal. May 1287.
R.III. f. 290d.

Bond of Geoffrey de Brudeport to the dean and chapter of Wells in 100s. yearly payable of his land of Kerchel, towards the maintenance of two priests vicars of Wells celebrating for the soul of Dame Agatha de Meysy and her ancestors in the chapel of St. Mary on the south side of the great church, with power to distrain upon his said lands for default; such priests to be presented every year or upon a vacancy by the said Geoffrey and his heirs, and admitted by the dean and chapter. Witnesses: Sir Henry de Bratton, Sir John de Alra, Sir Geoffrey de Laurton, Alan de Wauton, Ralph de Godmanneston, William de (sic) Buttiller, Philip de Button, Hugh de Cranemere, Richard Norris, Richard Hundr'. Dated 1250.
R.III. f. 291.

Gift by William le Nywman of Luvinthon to St. Andrew and the church of Luvinthon, of a croft called the Medhaya and one cow, to hold of the grantor and his heirs, with proviso that Adam the tailor and Constance his wife (daughter of the grantor) and their heirs shall hold the said croft and the said cow of the said church at a yearly rent of 12d., or wax of that value towards the light of the high altar of that church, with warranty both to the said church and to the said tenants. Witnesses: Richard the hunter, William Daniell, Philip Hospinell, William Busun, Alward de Luvinthon.
R.III. f. 291d.

Agreement upon oath, made in the octave of St. Martin 1251 between Dame Agatha de Meisy and Geoffrey Bridiport, that the said Geoffrey, his heirs or assigns, tenants of the manor of Kerchel in the county of Dorset, shall render yearly to the said lady for her gift of the said manor 20l. payable quarterly, and shall also pay yearly 100s. to two chaplains celebrating for her in the great church of Wells, according to a charter by the said Geoffrey made to the chapter of Wells, with power to the said lady or her assignee to distrain for default; but the said lady shall make good any loss incurred for defect of warranty. Witnesses: Henry treasurer of Wells, Peter prior of the hospital of Wells, Matthew de Burnham, Philip de Butthon, Richard de London, Adam de Kerchull, Randolph the baker.
R.III. f. 292.

Mandate of the official of the archdeacon of Wells to the dean of Ivelcestre and the vicar of Mertok, to admonish and compel by sentence of suspension and excommunication certain persons upon a schedule named (against whom for the crime of sacrilege before him acknowledged the said official has decreed a penance, to be scourged thrice around the market of Montacute naked except their breeches, and thrice around the parish church of Mertok) to render to [Richard] de Thormerton treasurer of Wells the corn and money in the said schedule set down. Dated Wells, viii id. December 1349.

John Thornhulle, 3d.
Thomas Growe, scourging, 2 bushels of wheat and 2 bushels of beans.
Henry Takun, scourging and 40d.
Hugh Bon, scourging and 18d.
R.III. f. 292d.

Indenture of agreement, dated Michaelmas 1273, between Nicholas son of Nicholas treasurer of Wells and rector of Mertok and William Slauin of Cotes, for the lease to farm of half a virgate of arable land, one acre of meadow and half a perch of pasture in the town of Esse, containing 29½ acres of arable land, whereof 19½ acres lie in the field towards Ivelcestre, 5½ acres in the field above the town of Esse, and 4½ acres in the field towards Tyntenhille, the half perch of pasture between the pasture of the men of Esse and the prior of Montacute's meadow at Tyntenhulle, and the acre of meadow in the middle field of Esse, to hold so long as the said Nicholas shall be rector, if the said William so long live, for 10s. to be paid yearly at Mertok to the said Nicholas or his servant, [a clause erased, relating, as the margin shews, to Peter's penpe,] in consideration of 10s. in hand paid, with warranty. Witnesses: Master John de Apperleghe, Robert de Sancto Claro, William Hugelin, Simon the clerk, Philip de la Hulle.
R.III. f. 293.

Submission by Richard de Cluttun vicar of. Wells, warden of St. Mary's chapel in the cloister of the great church and defender of the rights of the same by the dean and chapter appointed, to the award of the bishop and the subdean, touching an oblation of wax and of money for wax in the said chapel, long in dispute between the treasurer of Wells and the wardens of the said chapel. Seals of the dean and chapter and of the said warden. Dated' Wells, iiii kal. August 1260.
R.III. f. 293.

Submission by Andrew de Wynton clerk, proctor of the prior and convent of Merton, to the ordinance of Joscelin bishop of Bath, touching tithes and other things which the priory used to take in the parish of Mertok, provided the prior and convent of Bath do likewise. Witnesses: Master Robert, Crespin, Adam the priest, Walter and Richard de Sorham clerks, Simon de Tithefeld. Dated the morrow of St. Peter and St. Paul 1242.
R.III. f. 293d.

Mandate of W. bishop of Bath and Wells to the dean and chapter of Wells, to stay proceedings before them in a cause between Richard de Clutton vicar of Wells and N. treasurer of Wells touching the despoiling of the said vicar, the said treasurer having appealed upon the ground that they thought fit to inform 'the said E.' in fact his adversary, contrary to justice and to his prejudice; and to cite the parties to appear before the bishop or his official in the cathedral on Wednesday after St. Peter and St. Paul. Dated Dogmeresfeld, xv kal. July 1269.
R.III. f. 293d. ('The said E.' is apparently Edward, then dean.)

Receipt given by John de Godlee dean of Wells to Richard Bake the subtreasurer, for eight rings of gold to make a jewel for the use of the said church. Dated Wells, Monday after the Nativity of St. Mary 1307.
R.III. f. 293d.

Ratification by Thomas prior of Glastonbury and the convent of a gift made by Joscelin their bishop to St. Peter Bath and the prior and monks there of a benefice of 10 marks of the church of Chiw.
R.III. f. 294.

Letter of attorney by Walter Portifer to John Abbeie to give seisin of a burgage and appurtenances in Northcory to Richard Craddok and Nicholas Mancel. Dated Northcory, 3 August 44 Edward III.
R.III. f. 294.

Mandate by Walter de Hulle, rector of Shepton Bellicampi and commissary general of Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells, to Sir Henry de Insula vicar of Congresbury, to pronounce sentence of excommunication with bell, candle and cross during mass, upon such days as he shall be by the dean and chapter of Wells required, against Hugh de Lodewell, Thomas Gene, Stephen de Wordenhulle, John de Rischworth, John Byrd, William Chaundos, Thomas Wyneman, Walter Bele, Richard Bele and Gilbert Averay, who acknowledged that they were bound to the dean and chapter for spiritual causes in 100 marks, and were accordingly condemned in that sum, but have failed to pay the same without reasonable cause. Dated Wells, 31 August 1330.
R.III. f. 294. (See f. 304d., where for Bele is read Gele.)

Proceedings in the chapter of Axebrugge on Tuesday the morrow of the Translation of St. Thomas M., July 1243. The king having presented Sir Peter Sarac[enus] to the church of Cungresbury (alleged to be void), whereas there ought to be inquisition thereupon in the said chapter, H. subdean of Wells (in the name of the chapter of Wells) said that the church was not void, but had been conferred to the increase of the common fund of Wells, producing evidences, and shewing that the dean and chapter previously, by W. de Brug', J. de Keinesham and J. de Cerd vicars of Wells, before R. official of W. archdeacon of Wells at Bren, appealed and renewed their appeals against the said presentation and the institution of the said Peter or any other, the church not being void; against the archdeacon and his official, not to admit the said Peter or any other, or commit to any the custody of the church, seeing that appellant has the better right; against the archdeacon similarly, seeing that he is sworn of the chapter, if he would avoid perjury; adding that, whereas the former appeal was for their right, this appeal is for their right and possession, wherefrom they were ousted by force, therefore that no attempt be made to their prejudice until the right and possession has been determined. Master Eymeric also appeared for the king and not for the person presented, and shewed cause against the allegations of the dean and chapter. Inquisition was thereupon made touching the church of Cungresbury; and the chapter said that they could not tell whether the church was void or no, seeing that the dean and chapter produced a charter of bishop J. touching the collation thereof which is in dispute, for that the king had made presentation, and the dean and chapter claim the right and possession thereof: that it is not a pensionary church, and the value is 40 marks: that the person presented is of good testimony: and that the subdean of Wells has appealed for the right and possession aforesaid. No proctor appearing for the dean and chapter, adjourned by consent to the morrow at Wells. On which day the parties appeared, and the dean and chapter ratified and renewed their appeal, as above. (See also R.I. f. 64d.: above, p. 73). Further adjournment to the morrow, by consent of the parties, in hope of an accord; but the said P[eter] craving institution, the dean and chapter renewed their appeals, proffering obedience to any competent judge who would determine their right and possession; whereupon the archdeacon proposed to set a day for the hearing: but the other side objected to him, by reason of his oath to the chapter, and professed inability to proceed without counsel of the king or of the lord [archbishop] of York his vicegerent in England. Whereupon the archdeacon offered to name commissaries if the parties would consent: but the other side again refused.

R.III. ff. 294d., 295. (Imperfect: breaking off at foot of page. It seems that one or more leaves are here wanting, though the pagination is unbroken.)

Names of the bishops in Somerset, from bishop Daniel a.d. 704, to bishop Harewell [1367].

R.III. f. 296. The earlier portion of this list is printed by Wharton, Anglia Sacra (London 1691) i. 553. The latter portion, from bishop Dudocus, he has omitted, no doubt as agreeing generally with the account which follows, where the facts are more fully stated. In the text the years of bishop Robert of Lewes are 31; bishop Joscelin dedicated the church of Bath; bishop Ralph de Salopia built a new manse for the choristers, gave them a yearly rent of 10 marks payable by the vicar of Chyw, and 5 marks payable by the same vicar for his obit, also to the church of Wells vestments, here enumerated.

A history of the see of Wells, from its foundation by King Edward the Elder in 905, to the accession of bishop Bubwith [1408].

R.III. ff. 296d.–302. Anglia Sacra, i. 554–571; with some variations; Wharton's text being taken from Cotton MS. Vitellius E. V, and imperfectly collated with this MS. See his preface, p. xxxviii.

Bull of Pope Nicholas [V], reciting the statute or ordinance of Pope Boniface [IX] concerning the payment and oath to be made by every canon on commencing residence (see the bull of Pope Boniface, f. 164d.: above, p. 392), and that of such payment 10 marks have been assigned to the fabric, 10 marks to the vicars, and the residue to the canons residentiary, for the charges of hospitality, litigation and repairs, but that the canons non-resident (often holding the better prebends) bear no part in such charges, and allege that the said payments should go wholly to the fabric and not to the residentiaries; confirming the said statute of Pope Boniface, and ordering that the said payments shall be applied as aforesaid, notwithstanding the constitutions, and the statutes or customs of Wells. Dated St. Peter's, pridie kal. Maii 1453.
(Much defaced.)
R.III. f. 302.