Chapter acts: 1503-5

1503–1504.

1503, St. Jerome, Sept. 30.—Collation to priories, chantries, etc., similar to those on pp. 106, 112.—fo. 97.

Clerk of the fabric: Orchard. Addiscote refused on the ground of infirmity.
Sub-treasurer: Fox.
Communar: Capron. Pomeray refused for certain good reasons.
Tabular: Morys.
Escheator: Jenyn, Vaisy and Capron nominated by the vicars; Vaisez chosen by the canons.
Auditors: Stevyns, baron, the sub-dean [Wydow], and Austell.

1503, Oct. 1.—[John] Prediaux, vicar choral, has leave of absence until Michaelmas next, for pursuing his studies at Oxford or elsewhere in England, and not otherwise; he shall take nothing for the monuments [sic] of the church nor for vicars' commons during the time of his absence.—fo. 91d.

Grant to Robert Widow, sub-dean, of the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Bokland Abbatis, in the diocese of Salisbury.

Ordered that in the cathedral church of Wells as heretofore, on all double feasts, at second vespers, a responsory be solemnly sung, any statute to the contrary notwithstanding.

1503, Oct. 22.—Master Hugh Yng inducted by proxy as succentor on the death of John Martok, pursuant to mandate of the king, sede vacante.

1503, Oct. 24.—Master Thomas Goldwege installed in person in the prebend of Cudworth, pursuant to mandate of the king.

Master Thomas Wade, scribe of the acts, collated to the perpetual chantry at the altar of St. Stephen, for the soul of Sir Stephen Hulle, sometime canon, and now vacant by the appointment of Thomas Goldwege as canon.

Master Thomas Goldwege admitted a canon residentiary; he paid 100 marks caution money.

Grant of 40 days to every canon making actual residence this year; without cotidians. If any canon die before he has completed his necessary residence not counting the 40 days, he shall not benefit by them.—ƒo. 98.

Grant to Thomas Goldwege of the canonical house which Robert Wydow, sub-dean, lately occupied; also leave of absence until Christmas next, so that the house may be repaired and prepared; he may have cotidians in the meantime when he is in the town

1503, Nov. 11.—Master William Cousyn, the dean, admitted a canon residentiary; he paid 100l. caution money; he had leave of absence until Christmas next, and was allowed the benefit of the 40 days of grace granted on Oct. 24.

1503, Nov. 12.—Master Roger Churche admitted a canon and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe IV.

1503, Nov. 26.—Master John Cole admitted a canon and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe VIII, pursuant to mandate of the king.—ƒo. 98d.

1503, Dec. 3.—Master Roger Churche admitted a canon residentiary; he paid 100 marks caution money and was allowed the benefit of the 40 days of grace granted on Oct. 24.

1503, Dec. 15.—Walter Philipp admitted a vicar non-perpetual.

1503, Dec. 17.—Master Thomas Wade, chaplain, instituted to the chantry at St. Stephen's altar for the soul of Sir Stephen Hulle, late canon, vacant by the appointment as canon of Thomas Goldwege, the last chaplain.

1503, Dec. 21.—Ordered that a certain bill made and contracted with the consent of the canons on Dec. 24, 1502, as to the new building of the chancel of the parish church of North Cory, to be done by Master Thomas Harreis, ought to be registered in the register book of the chapter. The bill follows. The chancel was wholly ruinous and had to be rebuilt. Harreis was requested by the chapter to undertake the work, which he agreed to do, and to pay all expenses, which were to be repaid yearly upon the account of great commons [super compotum magne commune] at the rate of 20s. a year from the portion of each residentiary, beginning with the division of great commons [in divisione magne commune] in 1503. The total cost came to 52l. 13s. 8d. [sic]. Eight residentiaries this year paid 8l. 13s. 4d. [sic], leaving a balance of 44l. [sic], which they bound themselves under the common seal to pay.—ƒo. 99.

Ordered that henceforth the official of the peculiar jurisdictions of the dean and chapter shall have for his fee 20s., as wont, in those years in which he raises [levat] by his office 20s. or more; in other years he must rest content with the sum he actually makes.

Ordered that in future the residentiary chosen to act as steward of the church shall not claim nor have all the days of his year of office cum pleno fructu, because that is not conformable either to praiseworthy custom or statute, but rather, corrupt; but according to the tenor of the statute he shall have cum pleno fructu all days when he is actually on his business and going and coming. And to encourage his diligence it is decreed that he may have at his pleasure 10 days cum fructu pleno in each term of his office, for doing his own business, and another 10 days in each of those terms, in complement of his residence, without cotidians. He shall omit nothing of the escheats of his year, unless it be for the mortuary of the body of a private person [?]; if absent he shall take nothing for processional days, unless he is on actual business of the church, for this was ordained only ad decorem solemnitum. [Marked vacat.]—ƒo. 99d.

1503–4, Jan. 2.—Grant to Master John Biccham, canon, of the canonical house which Master Thomas Tomyow lately occupied, to be held by him until some new canon come into residence, paying yearly to the escheator the rent anciently accustomed.

Grant to Master Hugh Yng of all days up to the feast of St. Parnell next [May 31], in complement of his residence this year, if he live and survive that day, without cotidians.

Grant of 40 days of grace to all other canons making actual residence, without cotidians.

1503–4, Jan. 15.—Licence to Sir John Yaa, chaplain of one of the 4 chantries founded for the soul of Nicholas Bubb-with, to exchange his chantry for the perpetual vicarage of the prebendal church of Huwyssh.—ƒo. 100.

1503–4, Feb. 15.—Grant to William Cousyn, the dean, proctor for the chapter at the convocation to begin at St. Paul's on the 16th inst., of all the days of his absence from the beginning of convocation so long as it shall last and he shall be present; without cotidians.

1503–4, Feb. 28.—The empty barn called Canon barn demised to Sir John Merler, master of the Hospital of St. John Baptist in Wells, for 6 years, at a yearly rent of 37l. 6s. 8d.

A messuage in High St., Wells, was lately granted to John Walshate and his assigns for 80 years; the term is now extended to 99 years from the first day of the grant.

Grant to Thomas, bishop of Tine, the precentor, that he may hold and celebrate the office of the dead for the obit of Oliver [King], late bishop of Bath and Wells, Master John Lugwardyne and himself (Thomas), when he shall die, on the morrow of St. Jerome yearly for 99 years; for this he granted to the dean and chapter during the term a yearly rent of 30s. issuing from an inn [hospicium] called Antilope, which he holds of the dean and chapter, and from certain closes of meadow and pasture.—ƒo. 100d.

1503–4, March 18.—Master Thomas Austell, late elected to the office of steward of the church, renounced the office; he was granted 10 days of grace cum fructu. Master Peter Caresleigh was appointed.

License to John Jonynges, vicar choral, not to come to matins in the night time; nevertheless he may have the daily commons wont to be paid to a vicar attending both night and day hours.

1504, March 26.—Sir Oliver Grendon [a vicar choral], who should have read the Gospel, for neglecting to do so is suspended from the receipt of daily commons for a month, because, according to the statutes of the church, for a default of this kind he should be suspended from his habit for a month.

1504, April 1.—Confirmation of the license given above to Sir John Jonynges.

Master Thomas Beaumounte, archdeacon of Wells, admitted a canon residentiary; he deposited 100l. caution money. He may participate in the 80 days of grace granted to each canon residentiary this year, without cotidians; he was appointed proctor of the chapter, jointly with the dean, at the convocation, and was to have all his days of absence, sine fructu.—fo. 10l.

1504, April 6.—The legacies of Oliver, late bishop, were received, viz.: 2 silver-gilt candelabra, weighing 101 oz. di. di. quart.; a holy-water vessel with a sprinkler, weighing 34³/8 oz.; 2 silver-gilt phials, weighing 29¼ oz.; 2 silver-gilt image of St. George, weighing 48 oz., in exchange for an image of St. Andrew the Apostle, weighing 47 oz., which St. George the dean and chapter received in place of St. Andrew because there are two images of St. Andrew in the treasury; all which legacies the bishop gave to the cathedral in honour of God, Blessed Mary, his mother, and St. Andrew the Apostle, so that his soul may be specially remembered among the dead benefactors of the church for ever.

1504, April 14.—William Harman admitted a vicar non-perpetual.—ƒo. 101d.

1504, April 20.—The dean delivered certain evidences and muniments relating to the lordship and mill of Northcory, situate on the water of Tone.

Master Thomas Beaumount, archdeacon of Wells, restored to the dean and chapter 30l. by the hands of Richard Ronyon, which Master Thomas lately received in the name of the stock [implementum] of the provostship of the church, and he was bound by his written obligation to restore the same to the dean and chapter whenever the provostship should happen to pass [dimittere] by resignation, demise or death. Afterwards he received the obligation from them.

1504, prid. kal. May.—Sir John Godard admitted a vicar non-perpetual, and assigned to the stall of Combe VIII.

1504, May 5.—Masters William Cousyn, dean, Thomas Cornish, precentor, and Roger Church, canons residentiary, were deputed to ride to the manor of Northcory, to treat and communicate with the counsel of Lord Richard [Fox], bishop of Winchester, as to the course of the water of Tone and the mill lately built near the same within the said manor.

1504, May 6.—Sir Oliver Grendon, vicar-choral, was charged with having laid violent hands on Sir Hugh Voulez. He confessed, swore to observe the statutes of the church, and was restored to his former status. He and Sir Hugh Voulez were warned to abstain from the house of a suspected woman, Agnes Fere, on pain of losing their habits.

1504, May 10.—William Hychyns admitted a vicar non-perpetual.—ƒo. 102.

1504, May 11.—Grant of 10 days of grace to Master Thomas Austell; the grace of days granted to him on March 18 by reason of his office of steward was confirmed.

1504, May 13.—Sir John Manfeld, chaplain, collated to the chantry of Blessed Mary in the churchyard of Northcory, vacant by the death of Sir John Chaundeler. Sir William ——, the chaplain there, is to induct him.

The dean appointed proctor to solicit and carry out the business with the bishop of Winchester concerning the mill at Northcory; he shall have all days spent about the same in complement of his residence.

Agreed to have Thomas Hobbson as their auditor at the next audit, with a fee of 40s., but without the fees of the exchequer arising from the reeves, but having his necessary expenses and costs, viz. parchment for the account rolls, provender of horses and other necessaries.

1504, May 14.—James Villers installed in the canonry and prebend of Tymberescombe, pursuant to mandate of the king, sede vacante.

Ralph Gardner, John Broghyng and John Claveleshay, vicars-choral, on account of their age and infirmities have license not to attend matins in the night, but each of them must be present at matins on all principal feasts and greater doubles under pain of losing commons for that week in which he makes default; otherwise they may have full commons.—ƒo. 102d.

1504, May 16.—Confirmation of the license, etc., granted to Sir John Jenynges on March 18 last.

1504, May 20.—Master Robert Dyker installed by proxy in the chancellorship, by the authority of William [Warham], archbishop of Canterbury and legate of the apostolic see.

Sir John Holme admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1504, June 10.—Master Thomas Godewege presented to the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Cheddre, vacant by the death of Sir John Stephyns.

1504, June 12.—Master Roger Churche presented to the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Northcory, vacant by the death of Sir John Stephnes.—ƒo. 103.

1504, June 20.—Decreed to have Thomas Hobson as auditor at the next audit with a fee of 40s., with meat and drink for himself, his servants [famulis] and his horses during the audit, and with parchment, paper and other necessary expenses, but without the fees arising from reeves and bailiffs, which shall remain in the disposition of the dean and chapter.

1504, June 22.—The vicars-choral were urged to say certain prayers for the king, as more fully appeared in a table thereof; they agreed, being always anxious to obey the exhortations of the dean and chapter in such matters.

1504, June 26.—Sir John Aleyn, vicar-choral, brought a box containing certain evidences and muniments concerning the chantries of Master John Biconell, knt. [sic], which were received, etc.

1504, July 1.—The seal of the jurisdiction of the dean and chapter not being at hand, Master Thomas Goldwege, the official of the jurisdiction of the dean, was requested to seal with the seal of his office a mandate to the official of the dean and chapter to induct Master Roger Churche to the perpetual vicarage of Northcory; which he promised to do.

1504, June 29.—Master Robert Dykar installed in person in the chancellorship.—ƒo. 103d.

1504, July 19.—Sir William Capron, vicar-choral, presented to the perpetual vicarage of Northcory, on the resignation of Master Roger Church.

1504, July 20.—William Knott admitted a vicar non-perpetual.

1504, Aug. 2.—Sir John Abbot, priest, admitted a vicar non-perpetual; of special grace he was granted license to celebrate mass for the soul of Master John Stotwhaite, in the chantry at the altar of Holy Cross, for the year following, taking for his stipend 5 marks out of the income of the said chantry.

1504, Aug. 26.—Decreed that a service of the dead [servicium mortuorum] may be solemnly had and celebrated in the cathedral for the soul of Oliver [King], the late bishop, on the feast of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor, and of special grace the statutes and ordinances to the contrary were dispensed with.

1504, Sept. 19.—Sir John Braddon was charged with neglecting to celebrate morning mass, to the grave scandal of the church and the detriment of his soul. He confessed that he had often done so. He was also charged with frequenting the company of Joan Millward, contrary to the orders of the chapter. He thereupon became abusive, and was suspended from his habit until further order.

1504, Sept. 28.—Sir John Braddon, vicar-choral, was charged with disobedience and abuse on several occasions; also that on Wednesday last he entered the choir without his habit during divine service; he confessed and submitted to punishment. He was ordered to go before the procession, with bare feet and head, with a surplice only over his gown, and a wax taper of 1lb. in his hand, in the manner of a penitent, on two Sundays, the 6th and 13th of October, etc. He did not appear to do his penance on the 6th, and sent the following derisive letter to Dr. Church:

Worshipfull maister doctor, it is soo, I have a litill besiness to doo, the which causith me that I may nott intende to do my penance. Wherefore I woll desire and pray you hartely, for the goode mynde that ye bere unto me, undeservid, for to do my penaunc this day for me.—ƒo. 104d.

On the same Sunday, as he confessed, he carried a long knife under his clothes.—ƒo. 105.

After various adjournments, Braddon was deprived of his office.—ƒo. 105d.

1504–1505.

1504, St. Jerome's Day, Sept. 30.—Collation to priories, chantries, etc., similar to those on pp. 106, 112.—ƒo. 104.

Clerk of the fabric: Orchard.
Sub-treasurer: Fox.
Communar: Capron.
Tabular: Morys.

Escheator: nominated by the vicars, Vayzey, Ferr and White; chosen by the canons, Vayzey.
Auditors: Austell.
Keepers of the library: Caresleigh and Churche.

1504, Oct. 1.—Sir Robert Brown, chaplain, appointed to the chantry of St. Saviour, Blessed Mary and All Saints at the altar of Holy Cross in the north part of the church, founded for the soul of John Stortwhait, and now vacant by the resignation of Sir John Abbot.

Grant to Sir Amisius Powlet, knt., of the next vacancy of the chantry which Sir Richard Tyke now holds, so that he shall present a worthy and able parson.

Grant to the said Sir Amisius for life, for his good service, counsel and aid, past and to come, of a yearly pension of 26s. 8d., to be paid by the communar.—ƒo. 106.

Grant to John Skewys, gent., of a pension of 20s., in like form.

John Pole appointed feoderer of the dean and chapter, with a yearly pension of 13s. 4d.

1504, Oct. 5.—Master Robert Dykar, the chancellor, installed in the prebend of Cory, pursuant to mandate of the king.

The dean and the precentor were appointed proctors, and granted all the days of their attending [intendencie], in complement of their residence.

1504, Oct. 20.—Read certain letters of Pope Julius, dated at St. Peter's, Rome, Aug. 4, 1504, 1st year of his pontificate, announcing that he had translated Adrian [de Castello], cardinal priest by the title of St. Chrysogonus, from the see of Hereford to that of Bath and Wells, vacant by the death of Oliver, late bishop.

Masters Roger Chirche and Thomas Goldweg, pursuant to mandate of [Wm. Warham], archbishop of Canterbury, installed and enthroned the new bishop, in the person of his proctor, Master Polodorus Virgenius [sic], sub-collector in the realm of England, he having first taken the corporal oath according to the statutes and customs of the cathedral church of Wells.—ƒo. 106d.

1504, Nov. 12.—The dean was appointed special proctor to procure and solicit all business of the chapter at London and elsewhere in England, and especially concerning the bishop of Winchester; he shall be allowed all days of attending to this, without cotidians, and his expenses.

1504, Dec. 14.—Walter Philipp admitted a perpetual vicar.

1504, Dec. 23.—Master John Biccham, (fn. 1) canon and prebendary of Combe XII, was admitted a canon residentiary, and paid his caution money of 100 marks. He was granted the canonical house where Master John Austell late dwelt. (fn. 2)

1504–5, Jan. 11.—Master Bekham claimed from the dean, the proctor of master provost of the church, as he asserted, 26s. 8d. due to the said Master John [Bekham] by reason of his prebend of Combe XII for Christmas term last, which the provost was bound to pay within 15 days after every term. The dean, as proctor, said that he would pay under protest, without prejudice to the rights of the provost, and Master John answered that he was unwilling to receive the money under such protest. The dean then said Valeat ut valere poterit. (fn. 3) —ƒos. 108d., 109.

1504–5, March 18.—Richard Gardener admitted a canon, and installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe XI, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 107d.

1505, April 5.—Grant to Thomas Goldwege of a piece of land pertaining to Canons' Barn, from the wall of the small garden before the window of the great parlour of his canonical house on the west of the barn, to the wall of Richard Trigge's garden on the north; paying yearly 8d. to the keeper of the barn.—ƒo. 107.

1505, April 12.—Grant of a yearly pension of 13s. 4d. to Master Nicholas Tramp [?], in consideration of his good counsel, past and to come.

1505, April 19.—Agreed to pay 51s. 8d., to avoid distraint and other inconveniences, in respect of a subsidy granted to the king, for the houses called New Warkes in High Street and other houses in the city of Wells.

1505, April 25.—Master John Tayllour, decretorum doctor, admitted as canon and installed in the prebend of Wedmore III, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 107d.

1505, May 24.—Master Robert Dyker, the chancellor, granted to the dean and chapter (for this one turn only) power and authority to nominate and appoint a person as scribe and register of the dean and chapter and of their acts.

1505, May 24.—Grant of a yearly rent of 26s. 8d. to Edmund Mylle, esq., and Anne his wife, and the survivor of them, for their good counsel and service, past and to come; to be paid by the communar every Michaelmas.—ƒo. 108.

1505 May 27.—Master Robert Williamson admitted as clerk of the chapter and scribe of the acts.—ƒo. 110.

Master John Ednam, S.T.P., installed by proxy in the archdeaconry of Taunton and in the prebend of Mylverton I, annexed thereto, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

Installed in person Aug. 21, 1505.—ƒo. 112d.

1505, May 26.—John Braddon, late a vicar-choral, renounced his vicar-choralship, and all right of appeal to the archbishop of Canterbury or to the pope in respect of his recent dismissal.—ƒo. 110d.

1505, July 18.—William Huchyns admitted a perpetual vicar.—ƒo. 111.

1505, July 21.—William Knott the like.—ƒo. 111d.

1505, July 22.—Master John Edmundys, clerk, admitted a canon, and installed in person in the prebend of Wedmore II, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 112.

1505, July 23.—Grant to Sir John Holme, vicar-choral, for his good and diligent service, of a yearly pension of 26s. 8d. during pleasure.

1505, Aug. 2.—Sir John Abbot admitted a perpetual vicar.