Liber albus I: Fols. 201-220

Fols. 201–220

Citation by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to Master William de Lutleton precentor and canon to appear at a special chapter after the Translation of St. Benedict Abb., to confer upon the defence of the liberties of their church, and the repair of the fabric. Dated the chapter house Wells, 29 May 1338.
R.I. f. 201.

Mandate of Roger de Mortuo Mari archdeacon of Wells to the dean of Frome to cite Robert Belyn, Adam atte Wydeputte and John Wyng before him or his commissary in the church of Wells after Trinity next, to answer the dean and chapter touching their violation of the sequestration by him made at the instance of the dean and chapter of the parish church of Chywton appropriated to the abbot and convent of Jumiéges. Dated Wells, 3 May 1338.
R.I. f. 201.

Memorandum that 15 December 1337 Master Simon de Bristoll', whom Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells collated to the chancellorship of Wells by exchange, was sworn in the cathedral of Bath to read at Wells in theology or in the decrees at the times used for such lecture in the university of Oxford, also to reside and to be obedient. In presence of Master John de Carleton and John de Wambergh canons of Wells and Stephen Tryppe notary public.
R.I. f. 201.

[Revocation by the locum tenens of the dean of Wells and the chapter of the commission given to Master Gilbert de Shepton rector of Crych touching the exercise of their ecclesiastical jurisdication. Dated Wells in chapter, 6 April 1338.

[Mandate of the locum tenens of the dean and the chapter to the vicar of Northcory to publish the above revocation, and inhibit his parishioners from obeying the said commission. Dated as above.]
Cancelled because not sealed.
R.I. f. 201d.

Mandate of Richard de Thystelden treasurer of Wells and Walter de Hull subdean, commissaries of the dean and chapter within the parish of Northcory, to Sir John vicar of Northcory and William de Laueleye vicar in the church of Wells, to cite Walter le Eyr, Adam le Eyr, Robert le Spycer and John Jolyf of Sowy before the dean and chapter or their commissaries in the church of Wells, to shew cause why sentence of major excommunication in accordance with the canon should not be pronounced upon them, for coming in February 1337 with certain accomplices upon consecrated ground within the said parish, and there, in sight of Master William de Lutleton the precentor, Master Robert de Baldok, Master John de Wambergh canons of Wells and others, laying violent hands upon Robert Gyan clerk and wounding him to the shedding of blood. Dated Wells, 6 April 1338.
R.I. f. 201d.

Reply to a letter [of the king, in margin] sent by Robert de Wyvill' his yeoman, stating that not a penny of the 100 marks which William de la Marche formerly bishop of Bath and Wells bequeathed to Robert Urry his nephew to take for him the holy voyage at the next general expedition, and lent him by the said Robert, is in their hands, and commending to him canon Henry de Carleton who will explain. Dated in chapter Wells, 28 January [1340, in margin]. (French).
R.I. f. 202.

Memorandum that on Friday the Translation of St. Thomas M. 1340 came Master John de Middelton vicar in the cathedral before Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter, and craved that Sir Hugh de Alresford should be admitted to dwell with him according to the statutes; and they assented, provided that Sir William de Walton now dwelling with Master John be not defrauded of his right. Present: (dean's side) the dean, the archdeacon of Wells, the chancellor, Master John de Orleton, John Hywysh; (precentor's side) the precentor, Michael de Eston, Master Robert Baldok, Henry de Fulham and Geoffrey de Chelchehuth.
R.I. f. 202.

Charter of endowment to the church of Cungresbiry upon the dedication thereof by Joscelin bishop of Bath and Glastonbury, the patron, granting to the same in almoin one virgate of land at Wyke which John Aylward, Adam Algar, William Oswal and Geoffrey Toky held, with the said men and all that goes with them for ever, to be held of the church by them and their issue as formerly of the bishop, with the same customs in the bishop's pastures as other men who formerly held of the church; also 1 acre 3 perches of land called Horscroft at Cungresbiry, the garden on the east side of the church and the bishop's court, and pasture for 6 oxen and 2 cows on the bishop's pastures with his oxen and cows. Dated by his own hand, Cungresbiry, the Translation of St. Benedict P. 10 bishop Joscelin.
R.I. f. 202.

Acquittance to date by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to Walter de Middleton and John le Markaunt burgesses of Wells, tenants of a messuage, garden and dovecote in Welles situate on the east side of Newstrete between the tenements of Richard atte More on the north and of Master Walter de Hulle the subdean on the south, for a rent of 13s. 4d. payable at Wells on 31 January every year, which rent William de Pulton canon of Wells, being the lord thereof, before the publication of the statute of mortmain, by will bequeathed to the dean and chapter for his obit in the church of Wells. Dated Wells, Thursday after the Annunciation 14 Edward III.
R.I. f. 202d.

Grant of John le Markaunt burgess of Wells, now lord of the messuage, garden and dovecote in Newestrete (above described), to the dean and chapter of Wells, that they and their successors shall for ever enjoy the rent granted (as above) by William de Pulton canon. Sealed by the said John and with the common seal of the borough. Dated Wells, 1 April 14 Edward III. Witnesses: Richard le Eyr, Thomas le Saltere, Hugh de Somertone, William de Cumptone, Thomas de Testwode, Richard de Harpetre, Robert de Lovyngton.
R.I. f. 202d.

Declaration of John le Markaunt (as above) that the messuage etc. (above described) are for ever charged with the rent granted (as above) by canon William de Pulton; and that whereas Walter de Middleton burgess of Wells, late lord thereof, caused i [] Edward III to pay the said rent, the said John has paid it in his name, granting to the dean and chapter that they and their successors shall enjoy the same for ever, and binding himself his heirs and assigns the owners of the said messuage for payment. Sealed by the said John and with the seal of the bishop's exchequer. Dated Wells, 1 April 14 Edward III. Witnesses: as the last.
R.I. f. 203.

Grant to farm by W. de London dean of Wells and the chapter to Master Robert de Stonore canon, of the farm called the canons' grange in Wells, for a yearly cess of 80l. payable quarterly to the communar, to hold so long as he be a canon and keep his residence. Dated in the chapter of Wells, iii kal. March 1347.
R.I. f. 203.

Grant by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to John de Tauestoke vicar of Modeforde and his successors, finding upon his petition that the portion assigned to his vicarage (namely the houses and gardens on the south side of the churchyard, the tithes of fulling and water mills, vivaries, warrens, parks, gardens, feedings, pastures and woods within the parish, the tithes of the young of cows, mares, geese, hens, swine, bees, goats, doves, ducks, swans, peahens etc. feeding within the same, the tithes of fishings, hawkings, marketings, huntings, gains of trading, and crafts of carpenters, tailors, smiths, websters, brewers and other parishioners, and of other goods lawfully acquired, the oblations, mortuaries, and legacies of the parishioners; the tithes of corn and hay excepted and reserved) is too small to support himself, one priest whom he is bound to find for the cure, and other charges, of 40s. a year further to increase the same, from the preventions of the said church, payable at Michaelmas and Easter by their farmer thereof, provided he find one priest to minister in chapels and other places, acknowledge of all charge of the archdeacon (the procuration due by reason of his visitation excepted), find bread, wine and light for divine offices, and be responsible for the custody of the books and ornaments, the repair of the church and of the vicarage houses, the other charges resting upon the dean and chapter. Dated in the chapter of Wells, vii kal. August 1340. Attested by . . . Hulle.
R.I. f. 203d.

Mandate of Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter, by virtue of their jurisdiction within the parish of Northcory to them appropriated, to Master Robert de Baldok canon of Wells and Sir William de Laualee vicar of Wells, to cite (in accordance with the provincial constitution 'Zelari oportet') John Abbe layman a parishioner of Northcory to appear before them or their commissary in the church of Wells on Friday before St. Ambrose Bp. and Conf., and answer the charge of infringing the liberty of their church by seizing the great tithes of the hamlets of Lillesdon and Mere within the said parish for the year 1337 estimated at 20l., thereby incurring a sentence of major excommunication, protesting that they will not proceed against him more summarily since the value does not amount to one fourth of the goods of that church. Dated Wells in chapter, iii id. March the same year.
R.I. f. 204.

Mandate of the dean and chapter (as above) to Master Robert de Baldok and Sir William de Laulee to cite John de Tanton vicar of Northcory (as above) to answer interrogatories by reason of his contempt and disobedience. Dated Wells, v kal. April 1338.
R.I. f. 204.

Mandate of the dean and chapter (as above) to John vicar of Northcory and William de Laueleye vicar in the church of Wells to cite (as above) Walter le Eyr, Adam le Eyr, and John le Spycer of Sowy to shew cause why sentence of major excommunication should not be pronounced against them, for coming upon consecrated soil in February 1337 with certain accomplices, and there, in sight of Master William de Luttleton the precentor, Robert de Baldok, John de Wamberge canons of Wells and others, assaulting Robert Gyam (sic) clerk and wounding him to the shedding of blood. Dated Wells in chapter, iii id. May the same year.
R.I. f. 204d.

Commission by the dean and chapter (as above) to the treasurer and subdean to hear and proceed in all causes against the parishioners of Northcory moved or to be moved of their office or at the instance of the parties, revoking former commissions. Dated Wells in chapter, 1 April 1338.
R.I. f. 204d.

23 October 1340, 6 Pope Benedict XII, Sir John de Sancto Paulo provost of Wells, at Everecrych in the chapel of Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells, upon his collation by the bishop in exchange with Master Alan de Conesboregh, was sworn to observe the statutes and customs of the church of Wells, to content the canons and vicars thereof and those ministering in the chapels of St. Mary and St. Martin according to the ordinance of Jocelin formerly bishop of Bath and Wells, and to obey the bishop and his ministers: in presence of Master John de Carleton, Master Walter de Hulle, Master John de Wamberge canons of Wells, John de Middleton rector of Bleodon, John de Kylehurst and Stephen Trippe notaries public.
R.I. f. 205.

Ordinance of Jocelin bishop of Bath that, whereas there were two provostships in the church of Wells, (one of Cumba, consisting in the manor and church of Cumba, the churches of Cerde and Wellington, the other of Wynesham, consisting in the manor and church of Wynesham,) and these were neither dignities nor prelacies (prelature) but offices of charge, that of Wynesham not sufficing to support the charges thereto attached, t he provostship of Wynesham shall by consent of the chapter of Wells be united with that of Cumba, and not be a dignity or prelacy but an office of charge, the person collated by the bishop and his successors having all the possessions and maintaining all the charges previously belonging to both; to consist in the manors of Cumba and Wynesham, and the churches of Cumba, Wynesham, Cerde and Wellinton (a land with alders called Presteleg and a small meadow called Spurtemed within the circuit of the bishop's wood in Wellinton excepted and by him retained); so that in the church of Welynton there be a vicar for ever, his vicarage consisting in the small tithes [legacies (fn. 1) ] and obventions of the altars of Bokeland and Wellinton and the tithes of mills and of hay (the hay of the bishop's demesne and of the demesne of Gerebert knight of Wellinton and his heirs excepted), also a house with ground on the south side of the church of Wellinton, and a house with ground on the east side of that of Bokeland. In the church of Cerde shall be a similar vicarage consisting in the small tithes, legacies and obventions of the mother church and chapels, and the tithes of hay (that of the bishop's demesne excepted) and of the mills, the vicar paying a yearly rent of 3 marks to the provost, to whom shall remain all sheaves in curtilages or outfields, church scot, and the log to be taken yearly from the bishop's wood, (and the same at Wellinton,) also a vicarage house with ground on the east side of the churchyard opposite the provost's court, with no power to make any new building or opening on the side of the provost's court: these vicarages to be in the bishop's gift. In the church of Cumba shall be a vicarage with the small tithes, legacies and obventions of the mother church and the chapel of Waterlestun (except tithes of lambs), the sheaves of beans of the curtilages and the tithes of hay of the whole parish save the provost's demesne; also a vicarage house with ground on the south side of the road to Stantun. In the church of Wynesham shall be a vicarage to consist in the small tithes, legacies and obventions of altarage (tithes of the provost's house and demesne excepted). Power reserved to make up the vicarage of Cumba to the yearly value of 5 marks, ordinary charges being deducted, of the goods of the provostship: the provost to present to the vicarages of Cumba and Wynesham. These four vicars to have the cure of souls, and to answer to the bishop for spiritualities, to the provost for temporalities; the bishop to have jurisdiction over Wellinton and Cerde, the dean and chapter over Wynesham and Cumba: the provost to pay quarterly for fifteen prebends to fifteen canons, to be collatd by the bishop, 10 marks a year each, one whereof he shall retain as his own, and shall give to his own vicar in Wells 3 marks a year, and the other canons shall give their vicars 2 marks at least; if the bishop collate the provost to another prebend, he shall collate whom he will to the prebend formerly the provost's and the canon shall give his vicar 2 marks at least, the third being contributed by the provost; the provost shall pay 20 marks a year towards the service of the Virgin, and 10 marks a year to the service of the dead established by bishop Jocelin, and shall take an oath to content the canons and ministers aforesaid; and at whatever time of year his death or cession may happen he shall have the emoluments and support the charges of the year ending at the Midsummer following, and shall leave to his successors 107 acres sown with wheat at Cumba, 149 sown with oats, and 78½ of fallow; also a stock of 40 oxen at 5s. each, and 200 sheep at 12d. each; at Wynesham the demesne tilled as usual, and a stock of 16 oxen at 3s. 6d. each, one plough horse at 5s., 6 swine and a boar at 4s., 132 sheep and wethers at 5d. each and 53 lambs at 2½d.; at Cerde the demesne tilled as usual, but no stock; at Welinton nothing tilled, for any tillage shall be his own as it was his predecessor's, and likewise any sowing of the villenage in either place, saving to his successor rent due from the land until Michaelmas, but any tillage of the demesne at Cumba beyond what he took over shall remain to his executors: William de Whethamstede provost at the date of this ordinance thus took and shall thus leave the provostship, he and his successors. Done on the morrow of Christmas, in the chapter of Wells, 29 bishop Jocelin. Certified by William Camel clerk and Walter de Hulle clerk notaries public.
R.I. f. 205.

Petition of the dean and chapter of Wells to Pope Benedict [XII] on behalf of Master John de Carleton doctor of civil law. Dated Wells, 25 October 1340.
R.I. f. 206.

Reply to a letter of [the earl of Cornwall guardian of England, in margin] in which he requested that the 100 marks bequeathed by bishop William de la Marche to Robert Urry his nephew in order that at the next expedition he should take for him the holy voyage should be sent to the king, to whom they have been lent by the said Robert for a term on the understanding that no expedition will take place for the present; stating that not a penny thereof is in their hands, as he supposed. Dated in chapter Wells, 3 December [1340, in margin]. (French).
R.I. f. 206.

Writ of supersedas addressed to the vendors and assessors of the subsidey of a ninth of sheaves, fleeces and lambs in county Somerset granted by parliament at Westminster for the foreign war, upon the complaint of the dean and chapter of Wells, in regard to the demand of the said ninth made upon the dignities, prebends and benefices of the dean and chapter, who pay the two years' tenth granted by the clergy of the province of Canterbury, provided that the said subsidy be levied upon any manors, lands etc. held by purchase as usually assessed with laymen and not with the clergy, the king desiring that prelates, abbots and priors paying such ninth should be discharged of the said tenth. Tested by the guardian at Redyng, 10 November 14 [Edward III].
R.I. f. 206d.

Writ of supersedeas addressed to the vendors and assessors (as above) upon the complaint of the dean and chapter of Wells that the ninth has been levied upon the glebe of churches appropriated to them, though they have paid the tenth to Midsummer last and are ready to pay it in future, in regard to the demand for the subsidy made upon their churches, with proviso (as above). Tested by the guardian at Walyngford, 15 November 14 [Edward III].
R.I. f. 206d.

Letters of credence from the dean and chapter of Wells, addressed to Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells, in favour of Master William de Litteleton the precentor and Master John de London canon of Wells, whom they are sending upon business concerning their church and estate. Dated Wells, iv kal. January.
R.I. f. 206d.

Special proxy by the dean and chapter to John de London canon of Wells and Nicholas de Bathonia clerk, in a cause moved against them by Robert Urry before Master Bernard Systre canon of St. Ilarius of Poitiers and papal nuncio, touching 100 marks bequeathed by bishop William de Marchia in aid of the holy land that the said Robert might cross thither. Dated in the chapter of Wells, 12 February 1340.
R.I. f. 207.

Memorandum that on 15 March 1340 the dean and chapter of Wells received a letter addressed to them by John de Sancto Paulo provost of Wells, dated Berkhamsted 11 March, stating that be had previously written for a commission to hold chapters at Combe and Wynesham, but now hears that they have fixed a day for such chapters, and requesting them to postpone the matter until he can confer with them or some of them, (for, as they are aware, he is hindered from arranging his own affairs as he ought,) or else to grant a commission to his proctor.
R.I. f. 207.

Commission by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter, by virtue of their ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the parishes of Combe and Wynesham, to Sir John de Sancto Paulo provost of Wells and Sir Roger de Langport clerk to hear and determine causes and punish offences. Dated in the chapter of Wells, 16 March 1340.
R.I. f. 207d.

Grant to farm by the dean and chapter of Wells to canon Henry de Fulham of their churches of Lovyngton and Modeford, for a yearly cess of 30l. fixed at a special chapter, payable quarterly to the communar, to hold so long as he be canon and keep his residence. Dated Wells the chapter house, Sunday after St. Matthew 1341.
R.I. f. 207d.

Grant indented by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to Sir John called Treeute de Alta Werthe vicar of Wells cathedral, of the tenement at the Torreghate which John de Sobbury canon held and has resigned, to hold for life, so that he be not bound to receive a companion therein, at the accustomed rent, rebuilding at his own cost the houses that have fallen. Dated Wells, 10 April 1342.
R.I. f. 207d.

Sentence fulminated in writing, 6 May 1313 in London at the house of the dean of St. Paul, by William de Balaeto archdeacon of Frejus (Foroiulien'), the pope's chaplain and nuncio, collector of certain legacies and obventions to the holy land, by consent and confession of Master Walter de Haselschawe clerk proctor of the dean and chapter of Wells, upon a claim for 100 marks bequeathed by William de Marchia late bishop of Bath and Wells for an aid to the holy land to John de Marchia his brother if living, or else to Robert Urry (Virry) his nephew (now surviving), to cross thither for him, and deposited by the bishop's executors with the dean and chapter, that they should make restitution and full payment to the said Robert at the first expedition to the holy land on pain of excommunication as regards the dean and interdict as regards the chapter. In presence of Master John Palencourt notary public, Sir John de Mereseye priest, Elyas Andeberti clerk. Attested by Robert called le Dorturer clerk of Winchester diocese notary public and secretary to Master William de Balaeto.
R.I. f. 208.

Copy mandate of Bernard Systre canon of St.Illarius of Poitiers and papal nuncio to the offical of Bath and Wells, at the instance of Robert Urry, reciting the above sentence, to admonish the dean and chapter of Wells to content the said Robert of the said 100 marks within one month or shew cause to the contrary, appointing the 15th day after the said monition for that purpose. Dated London, under the seal of his office, 9 January 1340.
R.I. f. 208.

Decree of Bernard Sistre (as above) reciting that on Tuesday, the day above appointed, the dean and chapter appeared by Master Nicholas de Bathonia clerk their proctor to shew cause, but Robert Urry did not, neither upon adjournment until the first hour on Wednesday; and at the application of the said proctor dismissing the dean and chapter with costs. Dated London, under the seal of his office, 15 March 1340.
R.I. f. 208d.

Exceptions in writing by Nicholas de Bathonia clerk, proctor of the dean and chapter of Wells, before Master Bernard Sistre papal nuncio, against Robert Urry and any intervening on his behalf, and against the decree of condemnation passed upon Master Walter de Haselshawe clerk proctor of the dean and chapter by William de Balaeto former nuncio, and the execution thereof, namely that such decree was for payment of 100 marks at a time then to come, to wit at the first expedition to the holy land, therefore the said Robert cannot recover the same since that time has not yet come.

Also that the said alleged decree is null, for that the said master has long been dead, and it can have no effect upon a dead person, especially in a civil cause; and the dean and chapter were absent (not through contumacy) and ignorant thereof and undefended, nor has it been shewn that they were bound to the said Robert, or that any demand had been made by him.
R.I. ff. 208d., 209.

Special proxy by the dean and chapter to Master William de Nyweton to make an appeal. Dated Wells the chapter house, 9 April 1341.
R.I. f. 209d.

Indenture of William de Arderne lord of the manor of Lovyngton, acknowledging the right of the dean and chapter of Wells to common of pasture for 3 plough horses and 21 oxen, cows, steers, or heifers in a place called Hywysh within his said manor by reason of the parish church appropriated to them before the statute of mortmain and of their lands and tenements there. Dated Wells, Tuesday after St. James Ap. 15 Edward III. Witnesses: Walter de Rodeneye, Walter de Pavely, John de Palton knights, Philip de Welleslegh, Simon de Bradeneye, Richard de Coker, Henry Toner.
R.I. f. 209d.

Grant by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter to William de Arderne lord of Lovyngton that his name shall be written in their martyrology among the benefactors of their church, and that he, his forefathers and heirs shall participate in all masses etc. Dated Wells in chapter, Thursday after St. Benedict Abb. 1341.
R.I. f. 209d.

Mandate of the official of Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells to the dean of Ivelcestre, to cite Peter de Cote rector of Cycelberge, to appear before him or other president of the consistory of Wells in that church after St. Denis next, to answer the dean and chapter touching two thirds of the fruits of the church of Exton, which he has appropriated during the vacancy thereof, such fruits belonging from time immemorial to the dean and chapter. Dated Wells, xiii kal. October 1341.
R.I. f. 210.

Mandate of the bishop's official to the official of the dean of Wells, to cite Master Robert Hereward archdeacon of Tanton before him or his commissary in the church of Wells on Saturday after St. Denis, to render an account of the fruits of ecclesiastical benefices in his archdeaconry during vacancies, belonging to the dean and chaper, taken by him his officals and ministers. Dated Wells, id. September 1341.
R. I. f. 210.

Mandate of the offical and deputy of Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells to the dean of Ivelcestre, to cite Peter de Cote rector of Cyselberge, to appear (as above) to answer for the wrongful seizure of ecclesiastical property of the church of Wells, and to other articles. Dated Wells, xiii kal. October 1341.
R.I. f. 210.

Libel of the proctor of the dean and chapter of Wells, before the president of the consistory of Wells, against Sir Thomas vicar of Welyngton, alleging that he has appropriated all the fruits of the church of Badyalton lately void, whereof according to immemorial custom two thirds belong to the dean and chapter, to the value of 10l., and praying sentence of resitution.
R.I. f. 210d.

Indenture of Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter conferring upon John [de Hywysh, in margin] canon of Wells certain houses in the canon's street in the city of Wells on the west side of the canon's grange, vacant by the death of John de Orleton canon, for a yearly pension of 4d. imposed by the donor thereof for his obit, payable to the dean and chapter or their escheator on the third day after St. James Ap. every year so long as he shall dwell there. Dated in the chapter of Wells, Saturday after teh Exaltation of Holy [Cross] 1341.
R.I. f. 210d.

Letter of credence by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter in favour of John Cok' their messenger to request general prayers for the dead. Dated in the chapter of Wells, 1 June 1342.
R.I. f. 211.

Inspeximus and confirmation by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter, dated 16 [February?] 1343, of an inspeximus and approval by Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells, dated Wyvelescumbe iv non. January 1342, of an agreement made between Master William de Littleton precentor of Wells plaintiff and Sir William atte Boxe vicar of the church of Pulton attached to the precentorship defendant, whereby the precentor granted to the vicar, so long as he should remain vicar, the tithes of lambs, wool, geese, cheese and eggs of that parish, outside the court of the abbot of Glastonbury at Pulton, paying to the precentor and his successors 4s. at Midsummer for the same; dated Wells, Monday after St. Nicholas 1342.
R.I. f. 211.

Citation by the official of the court of Canterbury to the dean and chapter of Wells, in a cause between Sir John de Sancto Paulo provost of Wells plaintiff and Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells defendant, for negligence in regard to the interpretation of an ordinance touching the said provostship, to appear before him or his commissary in the church of St. Mary le Bow London after St. Gregory, in order to give information to the president, their counsel and assent to such interpretation, to hear such interpretation etc., with mandate to search their registers and memoranda, and certify him how many provosts without a prebend are recorded, for what reason they had none, how many and which of them had prebends, what prebends any of them held, and during what time. Dated London, iv non. March 1342.

Return, after diligent search, that they can find nothing but what has been already sent under their seal: that no canon now resident can remember a provost before Sir Robert de Haselshawe who held the prebend of Wyvelescomb, after whom Master Alan de Conesburgh held the provostship but no prebend, then in his lifetime Sir Robert de Tanton obtained the provostship, and for a time held the prebend of Wyvelecomb: he died while a suit was pending between him and Master Alan, by exchange with whom Sir John de Sancto Paulo obtained the provostship; but for how many years months or days each held the same, or for what cause the said Alan had no prebend, they can find no record, nor any who knew saw or heard that any provost held the provostship as a prebend by virtue of the ordinance; with undertaking to appear upon the day above named.
R.I. f. 211d.

Inspeximus and confirmation by the dean and chapter of Wells, dated 4 March 17 Edward III, of a grant indented made by Walter de London the dean to Bertram de Dombelton of a messuage with curtilage '34 acres of land and meadow and a half' in More and Calenge which John Wynegar lately held in villenage, to hold for life freely etc. at a yearly rent of 21s. 4¼ d. for all demands, with warranty; witnessed by Walter de Farndon, Richard de Morton, John Gyllyng,' Robert le Clerk, John Chaperlayn; and dated Wells, Sunday 15 January 13 Edward III.
R.I. f. 212.

Notification by the dean and chapter of Wells that, whereas two thirds of the fruit of the church of Fytyngton at the time of the vacancy, namely the autumn of 1341, belonging to them, were collected by persons appointed by Master Hereward archdeacon of Tanton, and stored in granges or barns of the said church on consecrated ground, and afterwards removed by Simon de Bradeneye, such removal was contrary to their wishes. Dated Wells, in non. February the same year.
R.I. f. 212d.

Ratification by the dean and chapter of Wells of the appointment made by Master Robert Hereward the archdeacon of John atte Yaa clerk to collect the fruits of rents etc. of the church of Fityngton in the archdeaconry of Tanton lately vacant. Dated Wells, kal. August 1341.
R.I. f. 212d.

Inspeximus and confirmation by Walter de London dean of Wells and the chapter, dated 9 February 18 Edward III, of a grant made by Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells to Peter le Monyer burgess of Wells, of a piece of land in Wells in Chamberleynstrete, between the tenement of the said Peter on the west and a vacant piece of Master Thomas de Haselschawe on the east, containing in length 26 feet and in breadth 9 feet, to hold to the said Peter and the heirs of his body of the bishop and his successors at a yearly rent of 1d. at Michaelmas; witnessed by Thomas le Saltere, John Markaunt, John le Kyng, William de Cheleworthe, John Bradewell; and dated Woky, 12 October 17 Edward III.
R.I. f. 212d.

Ordiance of Tideman bishop of Worcester, reciting that the canons and constitutions lay down that in every appropriated church a vicar shall be appointed with fit provision for his maintenance and for supporting the charges of the church, and that accordingly upon the dean and chapter of Wells presenting Master John Manston priest bachelor in laws to the vicarage of Poculchurch (Pokelchurch) in his diocese to them appropriated, he fixed a date within which such portion should be assigned to the vicarage thereof; and with their consent assigning to the said vicar and his successors for a dwelling the hall of the rectory manse and chambers adjoining, kitchen, brewhouse, bakehouse and all houses within the said hall, and the dovecote, with a parcel of the garden stretching from a corner of the chamber at the north end of the hall straight eastwards to the furlong of the bishop of Bath and Wells, to be enclosed at the vicar's cost, and from that bound southwards to the highway through the middle of a curtilage by the churchyard, through which the vicars shall have an entry 14 feet wide, which curtilage William Prym lately held of the holding of the said rectory; a byre on the west side of the hall adjoining a stable there, and a pigsty with the vacant space before the hall from the west corner of the said byre in a straight line to the west corner of the pigsty, to be enclosed with a stone wall; the houses at Abbotestun and Westerleigh in which the chaplains serving the chapels there used to dwell; all the lands of the rectory demesne, namely 54 acres of arable land in divers fields, the meadows called (*Hammede, Swanmede, Henfeldesmede and Osemondemede), a parcel of meadow in Wotton field, and another called (*Ricardesmore), the wood called Roulese and Shortwode for their fuel, a parcel of wood from the bishop's park any day in the year and a log therefrom at Christmas, pasture for 8 oxen with those of the bishop of Bath as the rectors had, a pasture adjacent to the rectory called (*Longecrofte), with common for all cattle; the tithe of woodfalls. hay, calves, lambs, swine, fowls, geese, ducks, doves, mills, eggs, wool, woolfells, milk, cheese, milkmeats, wax, honey, stone, coal, flax and hemp, tithes of merchants and tradesmen, with mortuaties, personal tithes and oblations, (saving the rents of church or rectory tenants and all great tithes, perquisites of court, fines of lands and tenements, and heriots, a close of meadow and pasture at Westerleigh, a wood called Trotesmore, and all other houses at Poculchurch, Abboteston and Westerlegh, which shal l belong to the dean and chapter): the vicars shall have the cure of souls, perform service in the church, find two chaplains, one at Abboteston and one at Westerleygh, to celebrate in the chapels, repair the chancels of the church and chapels, pay tithes and other subsidies to the pope and king, procurations to the nuncio and to the archdeacon, Easter rent, the gift of St. Martin, a pension to the abbot and convent of Glastonbury, half a mark yearly to the bishop and his successors, and all other charges that would fal l upon the rector: should arable lands be converted to meadow or pasture, or meadow to pasture to arable land (sic), tithes to be paid as before. (No date.) Examined and found correct.
R.I. f. 213: III. f. 53d., where the names * left blank in R.I., are supplied.

Portions to be divided at Canonbern' on the feast of St. Martin Conf.in bread, meat, cheese, beer etc.

The treasurer 4 white loaves, 4 pieces of uncooked meat, 2 quarts ofbeer: and to find one candle or 1lb. wax.

The bishop's bailiff 4 white loaves, one fair piece of meat, 2 quarts of beer.

The sacrist bringing the said candle or wax 2 shoulders of mutton.

The berebrettus 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer.

The out reeve 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer.

The parker 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer.

Two sowers or eight sowers (sic) 4 white loaves and 4 black, 4 pieces of meat, 2 quarts of beer.

Four ploughmen each 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer.

Two haywards, namely the two foresters, 4 white loaves and 4 black, 8 pieces of meat, 2 quarts of beer.

The hunters 4 white loaves and 4 black, 8 pieces of meat, 2 quarts of beer.

The miller 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer.

The smith for a crook or hook 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer, if he give a crook or hook.

The borough reeve 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer.

The cachepoll 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, 1 quart of beer: and to find two casks to contain the beer, and one quart measure.

The hundredman one white loaf and 4 black, 8 pieces of meat, one meribon, one cheese, and 2 quarts of beer.

The shepherd (multardus) 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 bits (frusta) of meat, 1 quart of beer.

Corn to be received the same day:—

• Of the bishop's fee of Eston 2 mino of wheat well shaken and piled up: one corut, one reeve.

• Of the brethren's fee of Eston one mina as above.
• Of the fee of Sir Philip de Milton at Eston and Milton 7½ mince of wheat: one court, one woodward, one reeve.
• Of the fee of Ivo Denebaud 2½ minœ of wheat: one court, one reeve.
• Of Wormestorre fee 4½ mince of wheat: one reeve, one servant as for one master, for two ploughs as for one mina.
• Of Dynre fee 2½ minœ of wheat: one reeve, and none (nulla) at Westerunton.
• Of Esthornyngdon fee 2 minœ of wheat: one court and reeve.
• Of the bishop's fee of West Hornyngdon one mina of wheat.
• Of the fee of Sir Richard Berihale one mina.
• Of the fee of William de Wellesleye two thirds of a mina.
• Of Henry's fee one third of a mina. No court, no reeve.

Livery due for every mina. one white loaf and 4 black, 8 pieces of meat, one meribon, one small cheese, 2 quarts of beer.

Oats to be received:—

• Of Estharpetre fee 8 minœ of oats: 2 reeves, 2 courts.
• Of Westharpetre fee 7[minœ) of oats: 2 courts, one reeve.
• Note that for every mina is due one white loaf and 4 black, 9 pieces of meat, one cheese, one meribone with salt, 2 quarts of beer.
• For every court, namely 2 courts of Estharpetre 9 white loaves and 9 black, 18 pieces of meat, 6 quarts of beer.
• Two courts of Westharpetre 9 white loaves, 9 black, 18 pieces of meat, 6 . . . .
• The reeve one white loaf and 4 black.
• Two courts there as the others above.
• The sacrist of St. Cuthbert to have 2 white loaves and 2 black, 4 pieces of meat, one quart of beer.
• At Pridie 9 men shall take 9 white loaves, each one white and one black for collecting the tithe.
• At Hope and Hadesdone 7 men, as above.
• At Whitenhull 5 men, as above.
• At Hakedone 4 men, as above.
• Note, every loaf shall weigh 20s.
• R.I. ff. 213d., (The handwriting of this entry is similar to the last).

Ordinance of Joscelin bishop of Bath, whereas insufficient provision has been made for the light of St. Andrew Wells, that the parson of Weston near Worle, of the bishop's patronage, shall render of the revenues of that church yearly 100lb. of wax to the treasury of Wells, 50lb.. at the Passion of St. Andrew and 50lb. at his Translation so that the treasurer may find a candle of competent size for ever to burn upon the high altar at every hour when any office is celebrated in the choir day or night. Dated Wells, the Assumption 28 bishop Joscelin.
R.I. f. 214d..: III. f. 281d.

Statutes made at a special chapter held on the morrow of St. Andrew 1298.

Vicars present in the city of Wells to attend matins, prime, high mass, vespers, compline and other canonical hours: for tierce, sext and none six at least on the dean's side, and six on the precentor's. Any vicar absenting himself to lose his daily penny, unless excused for infirmity or other reasonable cause, to be explained at the next chapter. Vicars entering and leaving the choir or there remaining to observe the manner of the ordinal.

No vicar may leave the choir until service is over, even to say the service of the Virgin Mary in her chapel, save for matins there on double feasts; in order to stop the practice of going to converse with laymen in the nave under colour of purchasing goods exposed for sale there.

No trading to take place in the nave, and the sacrist to be punished for permitting it.

The sacrist to ring at the proper times, and keep the church from noise.

Every canon to restrain his household from noise in the church.The sacrist to be removed if negligent therein. No talking to take place in the choir; and anyone offending repeatedly after three warnings to forfeit half his week's commons to the fabric.

No vicar to go to market in the habit he is bound to wear in the church, nor to enter the church without it during service.

Every vicar to see daily whether he or his master (whom he is bound to warn) is on the board for special duty: and similarly the priest, deacon and subdeacon of the week.

Choir leaders to make sure they know the hymns and chants. Others to sing in time. When the gloria patriis said to turn towards the high altar.

Upon feasts of nine lessons placeboand dirige to be said in the chapter or library by those on the list for chapter mass, or to forfeith half the week's commons.

After prime the vicars to enter the chapter and a lesson to be read; then everyone to listen to the president, if he choose to rebuke him. All vicars to join in processions, expecially those on the list for duty: in those of double feasts no one to put off his choir cope before the end of the collect.

On Sundays after the procession and collect, the priest of the week to enter the pulpit in his vestments and cope of silk and recite the prayers, which all priests are to learn. No vicar to wear his cope of silk over his black cope in the choir at night.

Whereas some vicars seldom come to the office for the dead save when there is a distribution of money, and then leave, the sum so received to be deducted on Saturday from the daily portions of those not at vespers and compline: provision against late comers.

No vicar having to celebrate daily mass for a deceased person throughout the year, or the half of it, to make default in such office: those appointed to keep the boards and the examiners to be sworn to deliver weekly a list of all defaults known to them.

In accordance with the statute made in chapter on the morrow of St.James 1243, and the injuction laid upon the vicars by dean Walter and the chapter on St. Perpetua and St. Felicitas' day 1295, no vicar should live alone, but two at least together, any vicar disobeying this rule to be suspended from entering the choir and taking his commons from Michaelmas next, except by dispensation of the dean and chapter.

No vicar convicted of keeping a concubine and having children by her to permit her access to him, nor to take part in feasts where she is likely to be, nor to converse with her save in public.

The warden of the treasury, who receives 2 marks a year to maintain candles on either side of the cross in the nave during vespers, matins and high mass on double feasts, to see they are of honest size; and that the incense used is good.

The keeper of the boards to see that the altarists say the psalter daily for the bishop, the chapter and benefactors.

Every vicar within a year after being sworn to learn the church service must take the necessary orders.

The statute of William de Button the second bishop of Bath and Wells touching the admission of vicars to be observed; should the person presented to a vicarage have a defect of voice or knowledge of chanting, the dean and chapter may collate a fit person.

The dean and chapter to appoint two visitors to visit yearly within three weeks after Easter the buildings of all farms and houses of their collation and assess dilapidations, which must be made good before Michaelmas. If the farmer or tenant die, his executors to be bound to pay the cost before dealing with the deceased's goods, and a penalty of half a mark to be levied; but allowance may be made for improvements.

Canons' payments for their farms to be made within 15 days of the term at latest, subject to a penalty of 5s. for every 10 marks, and the debt to be levied of the farm and prebend of the farmer.

Whereas the first year's fruits of any vacant prebend belong two thirds to the dean and chapter and one third to the deceased, and the escheator should divide the price when sold equally among the canons and vicars present at Wells within 30 days after notice of such decease, the escheator on entering office to be sworn not to sell at less than the assessment in the chapter register, a copy whereof he should have.

No canon however long he abide in the city to claim his daily distribution or distribution at the end of the year until sworn in chapter: this rule not to be affected by certain temporary exceptions made.

Every canon to pay his vicar's stipend when due.

The precentor or succentor in chapter to arrange on Saturday for the duty of the week.

Discreet persons to amend contradictions and obscurities in the ordianl of the church, and a second copy to be made, for safety's sake, in the martyrology. Corrections to be made in the antiphonaries, graduals and tropers by instructed vicars.

Assessment of the various prebends:—

• Wedmor 40l.
• Milverton 50 marks
• Ayshull 22 marks
• Cumpton 20l.
• Jatton 50 marks
• Hengestrigg 25 marks
• Haselber' 20 marks
• Wandestr' 10 marks
• Wytlakyngton 20 marks
• Wytechirch 20 marks
• Cuddeworth 10 marks
• Lutton 25 marks
• Harpetre 20 marks
• Dultingcote 20 marks
• Wormesterr' 16 marks
• Bocland 10l.

• Eston 20 marks
• Ilton 26 marks
• Wyvelescumb 40 marks
• Dunden 20 marks
• Hywys and Brente 40l.
• St. Decuman 50 marks
• Tymbercumb 8 marks
• Werministr' 20 marks
• Dynre 8 marks
• Barton 12 marks
• Holecumb 4 marks
• Scaudeford 20 marks

The prebends when vacant not to be sold for less than the above, but for more if possible.

In accordance with the statute of the council of Mainz that all holders of an ecclesiastical benefice should assist to restore the church roof and repair the churches when necessary, all and singular the canons to contribute one tenth of their prebends for five years for that purpose according to the assessment of Norwich, namely on the morrow of the Annunciation at the beginning of 1299, the morrow of Michaelmas following, and so from year to year.

These statutes to be observed, saving the power of the dean and chapter to interpret and amend. Proclaimed in chapter on Wednesday the morrow of St. Matthias 1298: when the dean cited John de Bathonia, John de Schrivenham, John de Sancto Edwardo, John de Congresbyri, Jordan de Wittenye and William de Westbyri to appear within fifteen days and keep their residence, because of long absence.
R.I. ff. 215–20: II. ff. 19–23. See Reynolds, pp. 59–68, and App. E., p. 127: and compare his lists of the prebends pp. 69–72 and 97–9.

(ff. 221–2, wanting).