Charters: Nos. 201-300 (1321-48)

Nos. 201–300 (1321–48)

201. 1321.—Agreement by John [de Drokenesford], bishop of Bath and Wells, with Sir John de Godelee, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, respecting the receipt of the profits of vacant churches in the diocese of Bath and Wells; the dean and chapter to receive the profits, to use their jurisdiction as to prebends and prebendal churches; the archdeacons of Bath, Wells, and Taunton to enjoy their own customary jurisdiction; the bishop to enjoy his own customary powers of citation and correction. Dated, London, at the New Temple, 9 Kal. . . ., 1321, 12th year of the bishop.

Injured by damp.

202. 1322.—Agreement between John Jakes of Byestewall, and John le Smyth of Chyldecompton; Jakes grants to Smyth the easement of a wall called pynonwall, for a yearly rent of½d., under penalty of 20s. if not paid duly. Witnesses: Henry de Benteshale, William le Mercer, John Manywrenche, John le Frye of Hornyngdon, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Wednesday before SS. Philip and James, 15 Edw. II. 1322.

Round seal: a star. s' joh'is jakin.

203. 1322.—Grant by William son of John Chirebourne [?] of Bath, vicar in the church of St. Andrew, Wells, to John de Godelegh, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, of a yearly rent of 13s. 4d. arising from a tenement in Wells, which Walter le Teler and Christina his wife hold for their lives, and the reversion of the same after their deaths. Witnesses: . . . de Middelton, Adam de Cheleworth, William Scot, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 10 kal. April, 1322.

Round seal: within a carved and pointed Gothic quatrefoil, a full length figure of St. Andrew with his cross, before him the half length figure of the grantor, adoring him. In the field the legend—s' w. de ba'.

204. 1323.—Grant by Hugh de Lymyntone, vicar in the church of St. Andrew, Wells, to Master Walter de Hulle, vicar, his heirs and assigns, of houses in Wells in the street leading from La Montorye to the street which goes from Biestethewalle to the said church, paying yearly 9d. to the chief lords and 2lbs. of incense [thuris] to the church of St. Andrew. Witnesses: Roger de Middelton, Adam de Chelewourth, Edmund de Welleslegh, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 5 April, 16 Edw. II.

205. 1324.—Grant by Avice la Duk, relict of John called Le Webbe, in her lawful widowhood, to her son John, clerk, his heirs and assigns, of a tenement and land in Prestelegh in Dultyng parish, which William son and heir of Walter le Neveu formerly granted to her and her husband in fee simple. Witnesses: William Sammel, John Sammel, Walkelin Tonere, Henry le Thick, [and others]. Dated, Prestelegh, 5 April, 17 Edw. II.

Pointed oval seal: a star. s' avicie le dvc.

206. 1324.—Grant by John de Welleslegh, lord of Welleslegh, to Warin de Welleslegh, son of Alice de Welleslegh, and to Ellen his wife, for their lives, of a messuage and garden at Byestewall, between the tenement of Richard atte Stone and la Puryheye, paying 6s. 8d. yearly to the grantor for all secular service except royal service, and except service at my court of Wells. Witnesses: Sir Thomas de Welleslegh, knt., Edmund de Welleslegh, Robert de Wodeford, John le Frie, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Assumption of the B.V.M., 18 Edw. II.

207. 1324.—Lease by Robert Wayfer of Wyveleslegh to Master Richard de Forde, treasurer of the church of Wells, for his life, of all his lands, etc., in Melesburgh, Wokyhole, and Cnolle, at a yearly rent of 8l. 13s. 4d. Master Richard may dispose of it by will, or his executors may hold it or dispose of it, for one year after his death, paying as before. Dated, Wells, Monday the morrow of St. Jerome, the confessor, 1324.

Oval seal, from an antique gem set in a metal rim; a hawk with wings expanded, preying on a rabbit. s' ricardi de forde clerici.

208. 1324.—Grant by John de Weleslegh, knt., to Master Walter de Hull, clerk, his heirs and assigns, of a "place" of land in Wells, called La Purihey, lying between the street leading to Byestewall, on the south, and the street going towards La Monterye on the west. Witnesses: Adam de Cheleworth, Roger de Middelton, Nicholas de Palton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Monday after St. Andrew, 18 Edw. II.

209. 1324.—Power of attorney by John de Wellesleghe, knt., to Adam de Cheleworthe, to deliver to Master Walter de Hulle, clerk, seisin of land in Wells, called La Puriheye [as in no. 208]. Dated, Wells, Monday after St. Andrew, 18 Edw. II.

Round seal: a shield of arms and legend, uncertain, cracked. s' johanni[s] . . . lesleh.

210. 1325–6.—Release by Henry le Bakere of Wells to Thomas de Testwode, burgess of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of his right to land in Wells, viz: 1½ acres in the field of Stoberghe and½ acre near Sandbroke, which he had of the grantor's gift. Witnesses: Roger de Middelton, Adam de Cheleworth, Walkelin Tonere, Brian Dauberville, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Monday after the Purification, 19 Edw. II.

211. 1327.—Grant by Robert Wayfer to Walter Eem of Milvertone, for 5 marks, of a tenement at Wokyhole in the manor of Wells, for his life, paying yearly 6s. 8d. to the grantor for all service, and doing royal service and discharging all other burdens whatsoever. Witnesses: Roger de Middelton, Richard le Parker, John de Ellewelle, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday, the feast of St. Michael, 1 Edw. III.

212. 1328.—Grant by Richard de Wyndesores to Robert de Cormailles, his heirs and assigns, of all his lands, tenements, and a moiety of a watermill in the manor of Bikenalre, with the reversion of a messuage and 40 acres of land, which John de Ludehiwichs of Lynche holds for life. Witnesses: Sir John de Erlee, Sir Ralph Fitzhours, Sir Alexander Luterel, Sir John de Membury, Sir John de Reynny, Sir John Fichet, knts., John Durburgh, John de Ludehiwichs, Roger atte Walle, and Simon de Roches. Dated, Winchester, Trinity Sunday, 2 Edw. III.

Round seal; within a finely carved Gothic pointed quatrefoil, and between three oakleaves, a shield of arms, a saltire between four crosses, fleury or crosslet. s' ricardi de wyndlesore.

213. 1328.—Grant by Robert de Somerton to John le Webbe and Richard le Webbe, for their lives, of land in Wrentich, paying 2s. yearly to the grantor, and working for two days in autumn by [per] two men at Wrentich (for which they shall have their food [gestum suum] at Christmas), for all service. After the death of each of them his best beast shall be given as a heriot. Witnesses: Walter de Hacch, Walter Caucy, Hugh atte Hele, [and others]. Dated, Wrentich, Monday after St. Barnabas, 2 Edw. III.

214. 1328.—Indenture by Adam, the abbat, and the convent of Glastonbury, acknowledging that by reason of the lands, &c., which they had of the gift of Master Robert de Wambergh, archdeacon of Wells, in Middeltone Abbots, near Ievelcestre, in exchange for one acre of glebe-land and the advowson of the church of the vill of Bergh, the archdeacon had delivered to them two charters:—

• (1) Grant by William de Middelton to John de Buttone, provost of Wells, and his heirs, of the said lands, etc., in Middelton Abbots.
• (2) Grant by William de Buttone to Thomas de Buttone, archdeacon of Wells, and his successors, of the same lands, etc.

These they undertake to deliver to the archdeacon for the time being if they have to call on him to warrant the said lands, etc., in the king's court. Dated, Middeltone Abbots, near Ievelcestre, Friday, the nativity of St. John Baptist, 2 Edw. III.

215. 1328.—Certificate of an inquisition taken in the parish church of Axebrugge, vii kal. August, 1328, by the official of the archdeacon of Wells, in pursuance of a mandate of John [de Drokensford], bishop of Bath and Wells, dated at Banewell, viii kal. August, 1328, 19th year of the bishop, directing the archdeacon or his official to enquire into the vacancy, patronage, last presentation, profits, &c., of the parish church of Bergh, to which Master Robert de Wambergh, archdeacon of Wells, has presented John called Treonte, of Heyeworth, priest. The jury of rectors and vicars [names] say that the church of Bergh is rightly vacant because the last rector, Sir Adam Spryngheose, has been appointed to the parish church of Moneketon, in the diocese of Wells, and it became vacant about the feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle last; Master Robert de Wambergh, archdeacon of Wells, is the true patron, as appears by a charter (produced) of the abbat and convent of Glastonbury, who gave to the archdeacon and his successors certain glebe land in the vill of Bergh together with the advowson of the church, and by William Rosmond, their attorney, delivered seisin to him; the abbat and convent presented last; the person presented [presentatus] is free and legitimate, of good life and honest conversation, and in priest's orders, and holds a perpetual vicarage in the cathedral church of Wells.

This copy has been sealed by the said bishop, at Banewell, iiii kal. August, same year.

Fragment of seal.

216. 1328.—Grant and release by Avice, relict of Thomas de Merre of Northcory, to Robert de Somerton and Joan his wife, and to Thomas and Cicely, their children, of all lands, tenements, rents, and services, as well of freemen as villeins, in Merre and Slole in Northcory, as fully as she held the same after the death of the said Thomas de Merre by a fine levied in the king's court or in any other way. Witnesses: William de Thorne, Walter de Hacthe, Alan de Kyngesbur', John de la Slo, [and others]. Dated, Northcory, 23 Dec., 2 Edw. III.

Fragment of seal, round; a squirrel cracking a nut.

217. 1328–9.—Certificate of an inquisition taken in the parish church of Axebrugge, xv kal. February, 1328, by Walter de Hulle, rector of the church of Schepton Beauchamp and commissary of the bishop, in pursuance of a mandate of John [de Drokensford], bishop of Bath and Wells, dated at Banewelle, nones December, 1328, directing him to enquire as to the true yearly value of the portions, fruits, rents, etc., of the church of Berghes, to the vicarage of which Master Robert de Wambergh, archdeacon of Wells, has presented John de Hampton Meysi, priest, the bishop wishing to make provision for ordination of the vicarage. The jury of rectors and vicars [names] say that the oblations of the altars of the said church, together with the tithes of wool, cheese, milk, lambs, calves, foals [pullanorum], apples, eggs, fisheries, ducks, curtilages and hay and of the mills belonging to the church, are worth 15 marks yearly, and the tithes of sheaves are worth 25 marks The archdeacon was warned that he might be present if he wished at the ordination of the said vicarage. Copy sealed by the bishop, London, xiii kal. Mar., same year.

Fragment of a pointed oval seal, bearing a figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child in a niche.

218. 1328–9.—Settlement by John [de Drokensford], bishop of Bath and Wells, of the dues payable to and chargeable upon the vicarage of Berghes in the archdeaconry of Wells, whereby John de Hampton Meysy, the newly appointed vicar, and his successors, are to have an acre of land in Pynekescroft for their habitation, and all oblations, obventions, altar dues [altillagia] and small tithes [as in no. 217, but omitting hay, and adding pigeons and flax], arising in the whole parish except the archdeacon's curia, which will amount to 10l. and more; subject to a charge upon them of 40s. to the archdeacon, for the support of three chaplains in the cathedral church. Dated, London, xv kal. March, 1328 [1329], 20th year of the bishop.

219.—Duplicate of no. 218.

220. 1328–9.—Appointment by John [de Drokensford], bishop of Bath and Wells, of Stephen de Kyngeston, priest, to the chantry founded by the said bishop at the altar near which our body . . . for the commemoration of Sir John de Godelee, dean of Wells, and others, &c. Dated, Dogmersfeld, 16 kal. April, 1328 [1329], 20th year of the bishop.

Much mutilated.

221. 1330.—Inspeximus and confirmation by Roger de Cormayles of a grant by Robert de Cormayles, his brother, late deceased, to John de Godelee, Robert de Wamberg, and Hamelin de Godelee, their heirs and assigns, of all his lands in Bikenalre, with the services of free tenants and villeins; witnesses: Philip de Columbariis, John de Clivedon, Baldwin Malet, Hugh de Langlande, John de Reyne, knts., [and others]; dated, Wyke-juxta-Norton in Caunden, 26 May, 3 Edw. III. Witnesses: John de Denham, Ralph le Fuitzhors, Simon de Forneus, John de Clivedon the younger, John de Erleye, knts., [and others]. Dated, Wells, Wednesday before the Conversion of St. Paul, 1330.

222. 1330.—Receipt by Henry de Harnhulle, Roger de Cornmailles, and Robert Thiwe, executors of the will of Robert de Cornmailles, to the dean and chapter of Wells, for 1,000 marks in which the dean and chapter were bound to the said Robert de Cornmailles. Dated, Wells, Thursday before the Conversion of St. Paul, 1330.

Round seal: head of Janus, from an antique gem. s' h . . . n . . .

223. 1329–30.—Grant by John le Smythe of Childe Comptone to Thomas Mey of Lymyngtone, clerk, his heirs and assigns, of a messuage in the street called Byestethewalle, Wells, a rood of land adjoining, and a rood of land at la Aissehenecroyce; also an area annexed to the messuage and part of a curtilage, and the easement of a wall called pynonwal, which I have of the gift of John Jakes. Witnesses: Roger de Middelton, Edmund de Wellesleigh, Adam de Chelewourthe, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 14 Feb., 4 Edw. III.

224. 1330.—Release by John de Mohoun, knt., to John de Godelee, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, of all his right, whether in demesne, rent or service, to all the lands, etc., that Richard de Wyndesore formerly held of him in Byknalre, in the town of Stokgomer. Witnesses: John de Clyvedon, John de Erlee, Hugh de Langlond, Ralph Fisours, [and others]. Dated, Dunsterre, Sunday after St. John ante Portam Latinam, 1330, 4 Edw. III.

Round seal: a shield of arms, a cross engrailed, at either side of the shield is a lion passant. s' [jo]hanis de movn.

225. 1330.—Letters patent giving licence to the dean and chapter of St. Andrew, Wells, to assign in mortmain to the abbat and convent of Athelingney 100 acres of moor in Northcury, for the common of pasture which the abbat and convent have in 800 acres of moor belonging to the dean and chapter in the same vill. Westminster, 12 July, 4 Edw. III.

226. 1330.—Grant by Hamelin de Godelee to John de Godelee, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, in free alms, of all his lands and tenements in Bikenalre, with services of free tenants and villeins, to find two chaplains at a salary of 2 marks yearly, for the celebration of masses in the chapels of St. Katherine, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Margaret, in St. Andrew's church, Wells, for the souls of John de Droknesforde, late bishop of the said church, Robert de Cormailles, Roger his brother, Richard de Alresforde, Henry de Harnhull, and all faithful departed. Witnesses: Sirs John de Clivedon, Ralph Fuzours, John de Meymbury, knts., [and others]. Dated, Friday, the eve of St. Michael, 4 Edw. III.

227. 1330.—Grant by Roger atte Fenne and John Benet, chaplains, to Robert atte Fenne, son of Walter atte Fenne, of the parish of Mertok, and Emmota his wife, their heirs and assigns, of all their lands and tenements at La Fenne in the parish of Mertok, which they have of the gift of the said Robert. Witnesses: Walter de Wydecomb, John Burcy, Laurence Geffray, [and others]. Dated, La Fenne, Monday after St. Luke, Evang., 4 Edw. III.

Round seal: an Agnus Dei. s. prive smv [?].

228. 1330–1.—Grant by Thomas Gyngelot of Wells, clerk, son and heir of Cristina Gyngelot, relict of Hugh de Were, burgess of Wells, with the assent of his wife Alice, to Thomas de Mertoke the elder, burgess of Wells, and Edith his wife, and the heirs and assigns of Edith, of a messuage in the west part of the street called Ysakesmede, Wells, and of a rent of 12d. from a messuage adjacent which Avice Gyngelot, his sister, holds of him for life, with reversion of the same, paying 3s. yearly to the grantor while Avice lives, and 4s. after her death. Witnesses: Roger de Middelton, Edmund de Welleslegh, Henry le Eyr, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Wednesday after St. Peter in Cathedra, 5 Edw. III.

Round seal: an ornamental star. s' thome gyniglot [?].

229. 1331–2.—Grant by Robert Wayfer of Wyveleslegh, to John called Person, of Wells, and Joan his wife, for their lives, of a tenement in Wokyhole, which John Cake formerly held of me, and which John and Joan lately had from Sir Robert de Clypston, canon of Wells, my assign and farmer of all my lands and tenements in Melesbergh and Wokyhole, paying yearly to the grantor 4s. 10d. for all service except royal service. Witnesses: Thomas de Wodeford, Richard le Parkere, Hugh atte Chapele, [and others]. Dated, Wyveleslegh, Sunday after St. Augustine the bishop, 6 Edw. III.

Round seal: a branch slipped with a 3-foil leaf growing out of it; legend indecipherable.

230. 1332.—Grant by Philip de Droknesford, son and heir of Philip de Droknesford, to Sir John de Godelee and Sir Hamelin, his brother, their heirs and assigns, of a messuage and lands in Okhamptone in the parish of Wyvelescombe, which formerly belonged to Sir John de Droknesford, his uncle. John and Hamelin gave 100l. Witnesses: Sirs John de Clyvedone the elder, John de Erlegh, Ralph Phizhours, Hugh de Langlond, knts., John de Durburgh, and John le Jeu. Dated, Wells, Friday after the Translation of St. Thomas the martyr, 6 Edw. III.

Round seal, bearing a shield of arms; quarterly, four conical hats, in chief a label of three points. [s' p]hilippi de droknes. . . (fn. 1)

231.—Duplicate of no. 230. Round seal, a stag. timete devm.

232. 1332.—Release by Philip de Drokenesford, brother and heir of Sir John de Drokenesford, sometime bishop of Bath and Wells, to Sir Hamelin de Godele, canon in the cathedral church of St. Andrew of Wells, of all right to all lands and tenements in Okhampton in the parish of Wyvelescombe, which Philip de Drokenesford, his son, gave to Sir Hamelin by his charter. Witnesses: Sirs John de Clyvedon the elder, John de Erlegh, Ralph Fizhours, Hugh de Langelond, knts., John de Durburgh and John le Jeu. Dated, Drokenesford, Monday, feast of St. Margaret the virgin, 6 Edw. III.

233. 1332.—Release by Giles de Pymore to Robert de Somerton, Joan his wife, and Thomas their son, and the heirs and assigns of Robert, of all right to various messuages and lands in Slolegh, Lellesdon, Wrentych, and West [? Hatch] in the parish of Northcori. Dated, Lyllesdon, 5 October, 6 [?] Edw. III.

Round seal, defaced; awavsre.

234. 1332.—Appointment by the dean and chapter of Wells of Masters John de Wambergh and John Pymme, canons of the same, as proctors or attorneys to receive seisin of the manor of Okhampton, collated to the said dean and chapter by Sir Hamelin de Godelee. Dated, Chapterhouse, Wells, 10 Dec., 1332, 6 Edw. III.

235. 1332.—Appointment by Hamelin de Godelee of Master Richard de Thistelden, treasurer of the cathedral, Wells, and Sir William de Tolond, perpetual vicar of the church of Wyvelescomb, to deliver seisin of the manor of Okhampton to the dean and chapter of Wells. Dated, Wells, 10 December, 1332, 6 Edw. III.

Round seal: impression of an antique gem, ? two deer running to the right.

236. 1332.—Release by Hugh son and heir of James Tryvet of Okhampton, to Sir John de Godelee, the dean, and the chapter of St. Andrew's, Wells, of his right to lands in Okhamptone, which formerly belonged to the said James, in the parish of Wyvelescombe. Sealed with the seal of the community of the borough of Wells as well as my own, quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum. Witnesses: Sir John de Wroxhale, sheriff of Somerset, Hugh de Langelond, knts., Philip de Weleslee, Robert de Somerton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Wednesday after St. Thomas the martyr, 6 Edw. III.

Seal of the city of Wells, fragmentary.

237. 1332.—Duplicate of no. 236.

Sealed with the seal of the community of the borough of Wells, together with that of Adam de Chelewourth, quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum.

238. 1332–3.—Grant by Geoffrey de la Hokerstone, son of Geoffrey de la Hokerstone of Wells, to Thomas de Brydeport, marshal, and Cristina his wife, and the heirs and assigns of Thomas, of a messuage in Southovere st., and a perch of land there, next the garden of the prior and brethren of the Hospital of St. John at Wells on the east, and extending towards the south to the watercourse running from the bishop's outer mill [molendinum extrinsecum]. Witnesses: Adam de Cheleworth, Thomas de Mertok, Thomas de Testwode, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 20 March, 7 Edw. III.

Round seal: an ornamental star of eight points. s' galfridi la hokerstone ivnior'.

239. 1332–3.—Appointment by Geoffrey de la Hokerstone, son of Geoffrey de la Hokerstone of Wells, of John de Yendernvile, tailor, to deliver to Thomas de Brydeport and Cristina his wife, seisin of a messuage and lands in Wells, at Southovere. Dated, Wells, 20 March, 7 Edw. III.

Round seal, as no. 238.

240. 1333.—Release by Richard de Thystelden, locumtenens of the dean of Wells in his absence, and the chapter, in general convocation, Thursday, 15 July, 1333, to Sir Hamelin de Godelee, Richard de Chudderlegh, John de Chudderlegh, and Sir Roger de Acton, executors of the will of Sir John de Godelee, late dean, of all actions on account of the demolition of the church at Wells, and of money collected for the work or fabric of the same, expenses of the stalls, the canonization of Sir William de Marchia [ratione demolicionis ecclesie Wellensi predicte operis seu fabrice ejusdem ecclesie per ipsum defunctum qualitercumque dum vixit inchoate, vel per eundem in eadem perficiende, ac eciam cujuscumque pecunie tam ad opus seu fabricam dicte ecclesie quam stallos chori, canonizacionem domini Willelmi de Marchia, seu aliunde quacumque decetera concesse collecte seu per eundem defunctum dum vixit vel executores suos ad dictum opus seu fabricam dicte ecclesie ante diem confectionis presencium recepte], save actions against the executors for muniments of the church, etc. Dated, Wells, as above.

241. 1333.—Grant by Juliana called La Kyng, relict of Roger de Middelton, burgess of Wells, in her lawful widowhood, to Laurence Gelde and Agnes his wife, for their lives, of a messuage on the north side of Southovere st., Wells; paying yearly to the grantor a rose at the Nativity of St. John Baptist and doing all service to the chief lord. Witnesses: Walkelin Tonere, Thomas de Wodeford, Adam de Cheleworth, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Monday, eve of St. Thomas the Apostle, 7 Edw. III.

Round seal: a gryllus or compound figure, comprising the heads of a man, an ass, and an eagle. liset e celet.

242. 1334.—Grant by John Pouer to Michael de Edustune, son of William de Edustune, and to Agnes his wife, and the heirs of their bodies, of a yearly rent of½d. which Lucy wife of Walter le Cat pays for her life, with the reversion of½ acre of meadow which the said Lucy holds for life, paying yearly to the grantor ¼d. for all service. Reversion to the grantor and his heirs. Witnesses: Robert de Bere, William Strecche, Walter Seleman, [and others]. Dated, Stoke Curcy, Friday after the Annunciation, 8 Edw. III.

243. 1334.—Grant by Thomas de Retforde, chancellor of Wells, president during the vacancy of the deanery, and the chapter, to Alan de Gosenhale and Agnes his wife, for their lives, of a messuage and 18 acres of land in Hywysch, near the high bridge, belonging to our church of Burnham, at a yearly rent of 9s., and pasture on the north side of the church at a yearly rent of 6s. 8d., for all service. Dated, Wells, Sunday after the Translation of St. Thomas the martyr, 8 Edw. III.

244. 1334.—Grant by John de Pymour to Robert de Somerton, Joan his wife, and Thomas their son, and the heirs of Robert, of a messuage and land held by Adam Barde in bondage in Slolegh, and of 2 acres of land lying under the stone mill in Slolegh, and of a rent of 6d. yearly paid by Walter Brete and Agnes his wife for one acre of meadow in Hacchemede, which they hold for their lives, together with the reversion of the same. Witnesses: John atte Sloo, Walter Caucy, Walter de Hacche, [and others]. Dated, Northcory, Monday after Michaelmas, 8 Edw. III.

Round seal: a duck [?].

245. 1335.—Release by Thomas de Retforde, chancellor of Wells, to Master John Martel, canon of Wells, and his heirs, of his right to a house in la Mulelane, Wells, which belonged to Henry le Gatere, burgess of Wells. Witnesses: Adam de Chelewourth, Thomas Thestwode, Stephen de Wedmore, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 10 Sept., 1335, 9 Edw. III.

Oval seal; a square with four semi-circular loops forming a gothic carved quatrefoil; in the square a tau cross, between the sacred monogram I.H.C.; in the spaces around the square, (1) an eagle displayed, (2) a lion, (3) an Agnus Dei, (4) a wyvern. Legend, a rhyming verse.
. . . ero
qve . . . sanotero [?].

246. 1335—Grant by Walter de Rodeneye to John Gylle of Wells and Edith his wife, weavers, for their lives, of a messuage on the east side of Gropecountelane, Wells, paying 20s. yearly to the grantor for all service. Witnesses: Adam de Cheleworth, Thomas de Testwode, Richard le Heyr, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday after Michaelmas, 9 Edw. III.

Round seal: a shield of arms, three eagles displayed. Crest on a helmet, mantling, and wreath, on a high cap, an owl (?). s' walteri de rodeneye.

247. 1335.—Statement by William Parle, parishioner of the church of Northcori, that he, assisted by William atte Rowe, had wickedly abstracted certain tithes of sheaves, belonging to the chapter of Wells as rectors of the said church, whereby he had incurred the sentence of greater excommunication, but on supplication for remission, and on surrender of the keys of certain houses wherein he and his companion abovementioned had stored the tithes, to the treasurer of Wells, he was to receive absolution. Dated, Wells, Wednesday after St. Leonard the abbat, 1335, 9 Edw. III. In the presence of Master Richard de Wells, treasurer, Robert de Baldok, canon, Hugh de Ophulle, vicar, William de Crysteham, Reynold the sacrist, and Geoffrey de Baggerygg. Sealed with the seal of the official of the dean of Wells, quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum.

Seals. (1) William Parle; round; two hands crossed in saltire. prive sv. (2) William atte Rowe; round; an eagle displayed. (3) Official of the deanery of Wells; pointed oval; a figure under an arch adoring a saint under a canopy; fragmentary.

248. 1336.—Ordinance by Ralph [de Shrewsbury], bishop of Bath and Wells, fixing the portio, or income of the vicars of the parish church of Burnham, appropriated to the dean and chapter, to consist of the oblations of the whole parish and the tithes of hay, reeds [? rosei], fish, mills, lambs, wool, cheese, calves, foals [pullanorum], flax, hemp, pigeons, pigs, honey, and whatsoever tithes arise from the gardens [de ortis], fowls coming from chursshut, grass in the churchyard of the church of Burnham and of the chapel of the same, and all other small tithes within the parish. The vicar to find a chaplain, defray archidiaconal dues, supply two processional candles, incense [incensum], bread and wine for celebrations, pay for the binding of the books and washing of the vestments; the dean and chapter to supply new books and vestments when required, and discharge all other burdens, ordinary and extraordinary. The bishop reserves power to order and assign a fit house [mansum] for the vicar, to be built at the cost of the dean and chapter. Dated, Banewelle, xv kal. Sept., 1336; 7th year of consecration.

249. 1336.—Release by Isabel, relict of Geoffrey de la Hokerston, in her lawful widowhood, to Thomas de Brydeport and Christina his wife, their heirs and assigns, of her right to dower in a tenement and land in Southovere st., Wells. Witnesses: Richard le Eyr, Thomas Testwode, Thomas le Devenyssch, Richard Everard, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Thursday before SS. Simon and Jude, 10 Edw. III.

250. 1337.—Grant by Walter de London, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, to Sir John de Sobbury, canon of the same church, of a tenement at La Torreyete, which Sir Richard de Rodeneye, canon, formerly lived in, to hold so long as he is a prebendary canon in the said church, paying the accustomed rent and doing all repairs. Dated, Wells, 8 April, 1337.

251. 1337.—Grant by John de Clyvedon of Alre, knt., to John his son and Elizabeth his wife, and the heirs of their bodies, of yearly rent amounting to 11l. 14s. 6d. arising from lands and houses in Cheddre, held by Roger son of Thomas de Hanam, [and others, including 10 marks 3s. from William de Dodevyle for a water-mill] for their lives, and the reversion of the same after their deaths; also a rent of 40s. which John Hicchecok and Agnes his wife pay for a tenement in Wells held by them for their lives, and the reversion of the same after their deaths; paying yearly to the grantor 7s. 9d. forall service; reversion to the grantor and his heirs. Witnesses: Sir Thomas de Erlegh, parson of the church of Alre, Richard de Chuselden, William de Seintcler, Richard de Coker, [and others]. Dated, Alre, Thursday, feast of Corpus Christi, 11 Edw. III.

Round seal: in a quatrefoil, a shield of arms, fretty or lozengy, a bend, ? with some indistinct charges; over the shield a Katherine wheel. precibvs inclina ricardi tv kat'ina.

252. 1337.—Inspeximus by Edward III of an inspeximus by Henry III of a grant by King John to the church of St. Andrew and the canons of Wells, of the manor of Northcury, with the hundred and all pertaining to it, and the church of the manor, the land of Haccha, and the land of Wrentis, in free alms, quit of all secular service, et de blanco quod ad Scaccarium nostrum inde reddi deberet, and of a grant of a market every Wednesday at the same manor. Witnesses: J. archbishop of Dublin, [and others]. Dated, Bristol, 10 Sept., 10th year [of John], [1208]; the inspeximus of Henry III being witnessed by Eustace, bishop of London, [and others]; dated, Westminster, 12 Feb., 11th year [1226–7].

Inspecting also a grant by Edward I to the same of free warren in the demesnes of Northcory, Stoke, and Hachche, co. Somerset. Witnesses: Godfrey, bishop of Worcester, [and others]; dated, Winchester, 24 Dec., 8th year [1279]. And exchanging the above said market for another market every Tuesday at the same manor, and a yearly fair for three days, on the eve, the day, and the morrow of St. Peter ad vincula [1 August], provided no injury be thereby done to the neighbouring markets and fairs. Witnesses: John, archbishop of Canterbury, primate of All England, Richard, bishop of Durham, [and others]. Dated, Westminster, 5 Oct. 11th year.

253. 1338.—Appointment by Margaret Heyroun, sister and one of the heirs of John Heyroun of Enefeld the younger, of Thomas Duranc' of Enefeld, to deliver seisin to John de Garton, citizen and mercer of London, nephew of the said Margaret, namely, son and heir of Joan, her late sister, of all lands, etc., which she (Margaret) inherited from her said brother John in Neweton, Northpeterton and Exton, co. Somerset. Dated, Enefeld, Middlesex, Sunday, the feast of St. Alphege, 19 April, 12 Edw. III.

Round seal, fragment. Two figures holding up between them a flower [?].

254. 1338.—Grant by John Walraund, knt., to John le Breware and Lucy his wife and Henry, John, Maude and Joan, their children, for their lives, of 2s. rent out of a messuage in Wells, held by Richard atte Stone and Alice his wife for their lives, together with the reversion of the same after the deaths of Richard and Alice; paying yearly to the grantor 2s. for all service except suit of court twice a year. Witnesses: Thomas de Wodeford, Hugh de Henton, Walter de Dynre, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Friday after the Nativity of St. John Baptist, 12 Edw. III.

255. 1338.—Grant by Robert Gyene of Bristol to Robert, son and heir of William Gyene of Northcory and Cristina his wife, and the heirs of the body of Robert, of a messuage, a windmill, and all his lands, moor, etc., in Chereleyestath and the hundred of Northcory, with the reversion of all lands, etc., which Maude, relict of Robert Gyene, grandfather of the said Robert son of William Gyene, held in dower; together with the services of free and villein tenants; reversion to the grantor. Witnesses: Richard de Acton, John Gyene, John atte Sloo of Somerton, [and others]. Dated, Chereleye, 16 July, 12 Edw. III. Copy. Cƒ. vol. 1, p. 410.

On the dorse:—

Agreement between Edward, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, and Robert son and heir of William Gyan, settling a dispute as to husbote and heybote, contained in his charter; the former grant six reasonable wagon-loads of bushwood in Stathmore yearly to Robert and his heirs, to be taken between the Exaltation of Holy Cross and Michaelmas, by view of the bailiff of Northcory; and for this Robert releases the husbote and heybote. Witnesses: Geoffrey de la Slo, John de More, Walter le Frye, Richard le Frie, [and others]. Copy. Cƒ. vol. 1, p. 71.

256. 1338.—Grant by Geoffrey atte Watere, priest, and William Coke of Mertok to Henry de Morbathe and Cristina his wife and the heirs of their bodies, of all the grantors' lands, etc., which they have of Henry's gift at La Fenne in the parish of Mertoke; with remainder to the right heirs of the said Henry. Witnesses: John Baret, Walter de Welham, John Geffrei, Walter Coffyn, and John de Boloygne. Dated, La Fenne, Thursday after St. Andrew, 12 Edw. III.

Round seal, an antique gem; [?] a charioteer in a biga.

257. 1339.—Grant by Walter de Rodeneye, knt., to Thomas le Saltere, burgess of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of a rent of 13s. out of a tenement in Grope lane, which John Gylle and Edith his wife hold for life, and the reversion of the same after their deaths. Witnesses: Thomas de Wodeford, John le Kyng, William Cheleworth, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Thursday after SS. Peter and Paul, 13 Edw. III.

Round seal: in a quatrefoil, a shield of arms, three eagles displayed. sigill . . . lter' de rod. . . .

258. 1339.—Appointment by Walter de Rodeneye, knt., of John de Coumbe, to give seisin to Thomas le Saltere of the property granted by no. 257. Dated, Wells, Thursday after SS. Peter and Paul, 13 Edw. III.

Fragment of a seal, from same matrix as no. 257.

259. 1339.—Grant by John de Trente of Hegheworthe, vicar in the cathedral church of Wells, to William le Ferrur, burgess of Wells, and Agnes his wife, for their lives, of an area of land in Wells, towards Le Chepstrete; paying yearly 12d. for all service. Witnesses: Thomas de Wodeford, Richard de Bradewelle, Gilbert le Bowyare, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 7 July, 13 Edw. III.

Round seal: the sacred monogram ihc, with a staff between two sprigs of leaves. nazarenvs.

260. 1339.—Grant by Thomas de Brydeportes, burgess of Wells, to John Abraham and Cristina his wife, daughter of the grantor, and the heirs of the body of Christina, of a messuage and land in Wells adjoining the close of the Hospital of St. John in Southovere; paying yearly at the Nativity of St. John Baptist a rose to the grantor so long as he lives, and doing all service to the chief lords. Witnesses: Thomas de Testwode, Thomas le Sadeler, John le Kynge, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 16 August, 13 Edw. III.

Round seal: an ornamental cross. s' henr' d' boveha.

261. 1339 [?].—Grant by Isabel de Weleweton, relict of David de Weleweton, in her lawful widowhood, to Richard de Weleweton her son, and the heirs of his body, of a tenement, with houses and land, in Chamberlaynestrete, paying 8s. yearly to John de Hoo, vicar in the church of Wells, and 1d. to the grantor, for all service. Witnesses: Sir John de Wyke, Sir Thomas de Welleslegh, knts., John de Weleweton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Sunday after St. Andrew, 13 Edw. [III ?].

262. 1341.—Exemplification of the statute [15 Edward III, Stat. 1, as entered on the Statute Roll at the Tower], confirming the franchise of Holy Church, the Great Charter, the Charter of the Forest, &c. French.

Begins: Nostre seignur le Roi Edward tierz apres le conquest a son parlement tenuz a Westminstre a la quinzeyne de Pasche lan de son regne quinzisme, etc.

263. 1341.—Release by John Kyng of Wells to Henry de Shirburne, chaplain, his heirs and assigns, of his right to a messuage in Chaumberleynestrete, Wells, which Juliana la Kynggne, the grantor's mother, left [legavit] by her testament to Henry and his heirs. Dated, Wells, iii non. August, 15 Edw. III. Witnesses: Henry Martel, John Strode, and William Scot.

264. 1341–2—Release by Robert le Toukere of Cheddre and John his brother to John son of John le Boghyare of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of their right to three messuages and land in La Montorie, Wells. Witnesses: Walter de Middelton, mayor of Wells, Thomas le Saltere, Hugh de Somerton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday, feast of the Circumcision, 15 Edw. III.

265. 1341–2.—Indenture testifying that Master John Martel, canon of Wells, has deposited 100l. in the treasury, in the custody of Masters William de Luttelton, precentor, Simon de Bristol, chancellor, Richard de Thystelden, treasurer, Sir Michael de Eston, succentor, and Sir Geoffrey de Chelchehethe, a canon, for a perpetual chantry of 5 marks yearly for the good estate of the said Master John while he lives, and for his soul when he dies, and for the souls of his parents and benefactors, at the altar of St. Katharine and other virgins, where the body of Sir John de Drokesford, bishop of Bath and Wells, is buried. The dean and chapter, before Michaelmas next, are to acquire a patrimony out of which the said chantry of 5 marks is to be maintained. The services are to begin from the date hereof, and a chaplain is to be presented by the founder. Until Michaelmas, the dean and chapter are to provide vestments, chalice, missal and ornaments for the altar, bread, wine and light, at the celebration. If they obtain the said patrimony in the meantime, then the chaplain shall take the 5 marks, and Master John shall find a chalice, missal, 3 pair of vestments and 3 napkins [tualia] for the altar, the dean and chapter finding bread, wine and light or 40d., as the celebrant shall elect. The right of presentation to belong to Master John during his life, and after his death to the dean, but if at any time the dean fail to appoint within 10 days, then the chapter shall appoint, and if the chapter fail for 10 days then the bishop shall appoint. The dean and chapter shall find vestments, etc., in future. If they fail to acquire the said patrimony, as aforesaid, the persons to whom the 100l. has been handed, shall pay the chaplain up to the time specified, and repay the balance to Master John or his executors. Dated, Wednesday, 17 kal. Feb., 1341[-2].

266. 1341–2.—Defeasance by John Martel of the bond for 100l. given by Master William de Littelton [and others], with respect to the chantry to be founded, as appears in no. 265. Dated, Wells, 17 kal. Feb., 1341[-2].

267. 1343–4.—Grant by Walter de London, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, to Master William de Litteletone and Walter de Coumptone, for their lives, of a house and land at Wokyhole, paying 16s. yearly for all service. Dated, Wells, Saturday before the Conversion of St. Paul, 17 Edw. III.

268. 1342.—Grant by Walter de Londoniis, the dean, and the chapter of Wells, to Sir Richard de Tychemerssh, perpetual vicar, for life, if he shall so long remain a vicar, of a tenement Byestwalles in the suburb of Wells, where Richard de Marchelegh and Simon Cotyn, vicars, formerly dwelt, paying the accustomed rent. He is to maintain the tenement in as good a state as it is at the date hereof, or even better. Dated, Wells, 4 July, 1342.

269. 1343.—Grant by Henry de Schyreborne, chaplain, to Bartholomew Quarter, carpenter, for life, of a house, &c., in Chambyrleynstrete, Wells, paying yearly 6s. 8d. for all service. Witnesses: Peter le Moyner, William le Lodere, William Stot, clerk, Stephen le Somenour, John Strode, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Saturday after St. Gregory, 17 Edw. III.

Round seal: a bearded bust in profile to the right, an antique gem. servite . d'no . in . timore.

270. 1342–3.—Grant by John le Boghyare of Wells to Sir Thomas Housebonde, chaplain, his heirs and assigns, of four messuages in La Montorye, Wells. Witnesses: William de Chelewourth, Walter de Middelton, Henry Martel, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Saturday the Conversion of St. Paul, 17 Edw. III.

271. 1342–3.—Release by John le Boghyare, son of John le Boghyare of Wells, to Sir Thomas Housebonde, chaplain, his heirs and assigns, of his right to the same four messuages in La Mounterye in Wells, which he has of the gift of Robert le Toukere of Cheddre and John his brother. Witnesses: Walter de Middleton, Thomas le Saltere, Hugh de Somerton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Thursday before the Purification, 17 Edw. III.

272. 1343.—Grant by John, son and heir of William de Westbury, to Sir John de Fyfhyde, chaplain and vicar in the church of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of a vacant place of a tenement in Southover st. Witnesses: John le Kyng, John Sobbury, John Cheleworthe, Richard le Pursere, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Monday after St. Agatha, 17 Edw. III.

Round seal, as no. 260.

273. 1343.—Grant by Henry de Shyrburne, chaplain, to Peter le Monyer, burgess of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of a messuage in Chaumberleynestrete, Wells, which Henry had of the gift and legacy of Juliana la Kynggne. Sealed with the seal of the grantor and also with the common seal of the commonalty of the said town quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum. Witnesses: William de Chelewourth, Thomas le Saltere, Hugh de Somertone, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Thursday, the feast of St. Cuthbert, 17 Edw. III.

Round seal, as no. 269.

274. 1343.—Release by Henry de Shyrburne, chaplain, to Peter le Monyer, burgess of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of his right to the same messuage in Chaumberleynestrete. Witnesses: William Chelewourth, Walter de Middelton, Thomas le Saltere, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday, the Annunciation, 17 Edw. III.

Note as to the common seal of the town, as in no. 273.

Seal as in no. 273.

275. 1346.—Certificate by Thomas de Hulle, clerk of Wells, notary public by apostolic authority, that Sir Walter de London, dean of Wells, exhibited before him a grant by Ralph, bishop of Bath and Wells, to the chapter of Wells, of the custody of the deanery during vacancy; dated, 4 April, 1343, Indict. 11, 1st year of Pope Clement VI, in the Chapterhouse, Wells. Witnesses: Sir Henry de Folham, canon of Wells, Master Thomas de Davyntre, and Sir John de Hulle. Dated, Banewell, May, 1346.

Notarial signum.

276. 1343.—Grant by John called Trent, of Hegheworthe, vicar in the cathedral church of Wells, to Peter le Moyner, burgess of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of all his tenements, cottages, etc., in Chambyrleynstreet, Wells; also a rent of 12d. with the reversion of the land from which it is derived. Sealed with the seal of the grantor and also with the common seal of the commonalty of the borough of Wells quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum. Witnesses: Sir William de Bath, rector of the church of Baggeburgh, William de Cheleworth, Thomas le Saltere, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 14 April, 17 Edw. III.

Round seal: a lion.

277. 1343.—Release by John le Kyng of Wells, son and heir of Simon le Kyng, to Peter le Moyner, burgess of Wells, of his right to a messuage in Chambyrleynstrete, Wells. Witnesses: Thomas le Saltere, Thomas Testwode, Hugh de Somerton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday in Easter week, 17 Edw. III.

Hexagonal seal. In a cusped quatrefoil the initial I, between four emblems of saints, a crown, an eagle, an Agnus Dei, and a Katherine wheel.

Loosely attached by a strip of parchment is a duplicate of the seal, probably from some other document.

278. 1343.—Grant by Peter le Moyner, burgess of Wells, to William le Ferur, burgess of Wells, and Agnes his wife, for their lives, of an area of land lying towards Chepestrete, Wells, on the south; paying yearly to the grantor 12d. for all service. Witnesses: William de Cheleworth, Thomas Testwode, Richard de Bradewell, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 1 June, 17 Edw. III.

Round seal: a 4-leaved flower [?]. s' will'i . . .

279. 1343.—Grant by Warine de Welleslegh and Ellen his wife to John called Le Bruwer, Lucy his wife, and Henry, John, Maude, and Joan, their children, for their lives, of the moiety of a newly raised stone wall, 22 feet long from west to east; paying yearly to the grantors 4d. for all service, for which the grantees' tenement Byestewall may be distrained. Witnesses: Thomas de Wodeford, Guy de Astyngton, George de Welleslegh, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 9 Oct., 17 Edw. III.

Round seal: a stag's head cabossed with a cross between the attires; timete devm.

280. 1343.—Grant by Ralph [de Shrewsbury], bishop of Bath and Wells, to Peter le Monyer, our burgess of Wells, and the heirs of his body, of a place of land in Chamberleynestrete, paying yearly to the bishop and his successors 1d. for all service. Witnesses: Thomas le Saltere, John Markaunt, John le Kyng, [and others]. Dated, Woky, 12 Oct., 17 Edw. III.

Privy seal of the bishop, oval, broken. Three niches containing the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child between St. Andrew with his cross, and St. [? Peter with his keys]. In a niche below, the bishop praying. Legend destroyed.

281. 1345.—Grant by Ralph [de Shrewsbury], bishop of Bath and Wells, to Thomas le Riche and Joan his wife, and the heirs of their bodies, of a place of land in the High st. Wells, paying yearly to the bishop and his successors 6d. for all service; reversion to the bishop and his successors. Witnesses: Peter le Monyer, John Markaunt, Walter de Compton, [and others]. Dated, Woky, Wednesday, St. Alban's day, 19 Edw. III.

Fine, but imperfect seal of the bishop: pointed oval; on a diapered ground, a full length figure of the bishop, elevating his right hand in the act of benediction; over head a canopy. In the field the keys of St. Peter, and the saltire of St. Andrew, s' radvlphi dei . . . episcopi.

282. 1345.—Grant by John de Brideport of Little Kurchell. to John de Chidioke, knt., his heirs and assigns, of rents paidl. by John de Strode and others, for various properties in Wells,l. and the reversion of such of them as are held for life. Witnesses:l. Hugh de Mohaud, John Wake of Gussith, Nicholas Pyke, Nicholas de Odecoumbe, Thomas de Fremantel, and Henry Antioche. Dated, Litelkurchel, Dorset, Sunday before the Nativity of St. John Baptist, 19 Edw. III.

Round seal: a hare or rabbit.

283. 1345.—Grant by Isabel Gylemyn, daughter of William Gylemyn of Bristol, to John de Fifide, vicar in Wells cathedral, his heirs and assigns, of a yearly rent of 8d. from a tenement in Suthovere, Wells, which John the son and Juliana, the relict of William de Westburi hold. Witnesses: John le Kyng, John Hichechoc, John de Westbury, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 8 July, 19 Edw. III.

Round seal: within a gothic quatrefoil a lion sejant guardant; svm lio fortis.

284. 1345.—Release by Guy de Astyngton to Peter le Monyer, burgess of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of all right to all lands and tenements in Chaumberleynestrete, Wells, which Peter has of the gift of Sir John de Wourth, perpetual vicar in St. Andrew's church, Wells. Sealed with the seal of the grantor and also with the common seal, of the commonalty of the town aforesaid quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum. Witnesses: Sir Walter de Rodeneye, Sir John de Palton, knts., Walter de Cumpton, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 27 July, 19 Edw. III.

Round seal: a lion dormant; favce amie seit nonie [?].

285. 1345.—Release by Isabel Gylemyn of Bristol, in her pure virginity, to Sir John de Fifide, vicar, of the rent conveyed by no. 283. Dated, 8 September, 19 Edw. III.

Round seal, imperfect, as no. 283.

286. 1346.—Grant by Agnes Borgeys of Doultecote to Geoffrey Borgeys, her son and heir, his heirs and assigns, of all her lands and tenements in Doultecote and Langge Sotton near Somerton. Witnesses: Hugh de Houton, John atte Chapele, Walter de Somerton, [and others]. Dated, Doultecote near Wells, Sunday before St. Gregory, pope, 19 Edw. III.

Round seal: an Agnus Dei; ecce agnvs dei.

287. 1346.—Grant by John son of William de Westbury, "boucher" of Wells, to Sir John de Fyfhide, vicar in the cathedral church of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of a rent of 8d. yearly arising out of a tenement in Southovere, Wells, next the tenement of the prior of St. John, Wells, together with the reversion of the same after the death of Juliana, the grantor's mother. Witnesses: John Hygecoke, John Frere, Robert de Mertok, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday, feast of St. Ambrose, 20 Edw III.

Round seal as no. 260.

288. 1346.—Release by the same to the same of the said rent, and of two new shops [seldis]. Witnesses: John Hichecoke, John Sodbury, John Cheleworthy, [and others]. Dated as no. 287.

289. 1346–7.—Grant by Thomas Housebonde to Juliana de Wautone, her heirs and assigns, of a rent of 3s. out of a messuage held by John Citoler for life in the street called La Montorye, Wells, and the reversion of the messuage, after John's death; also 3 messuages adjoining. Witnesses: John le Boghyare, William le Lodare, Simon le Roo, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 24 January, end of the 20th year of Edw. III.

290. 1346–7.—Grant by Richard de la More, burgess of Wells, to Masters William de Littelton and Stephen de Hulle, clerks, their heirs and assigns, of a yearly rent of 57s. and 8d., which Peter le Moner and Margery his wife, and William Dounframvyle and Mary his wife pay for a messuage in High street in Wells, adjoining the tenement of the prior of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist, Wells; with the reversion on the death of the above named tenants; doing the accustomed services to the chief lords, viz: a yearly payment of 16s. to the prior of the said hospital and 21s. to the church of St. Andrew, Wells. Sealed with the grantor's seal, and also with the seal of the commonalty of the borough of Wells, quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum. Witnesses: Thomas Testwode, Thomas Saltere, Richard Everard, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Tuesday after St. Peter's Chair, 21 Edw. III.

Fragment of the seal of the corporation of Wells.

291. 1346–7.—Defeasance by William de Littelton and Stephen de Hulle, clerks, of a feoffment by Richard de la More, burgess of Wells, of a yearly rent of 57s. 8d. arising out of a messuage in High street, Wells, on condition of a payment of 6l. at Michaelmas next and 6l. at Michaelmas following. Dated, Wells, Wednesday after St. Peter's Chair, 21 Edw. III.

Oval seal: within gothic tracery, a lion dormant beneath a tree.

292. 1347.—Bond by Robert Gyan of Northcory, son and heir of William Gyan, to Robert de Somerton, for 40s., to be paid on Monday after St. Peter ad vincula. Witnesses: Matthew de Clyvedon, John atte Slo, Walter Caucy, [and others]. Dated, Northcory, Saturday after the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr, 21 Edw. III.

Round seal: a hare riding on a dog, and blowing a horn; sohov roban.

293. 1347.—Release by Roger le Kyng to Sir Nicholas de Pontesbury, his heirs and assigns, of a tenement in the street called Southovere, Wells, and the reversion of another tenement there, after the death of Laurence Calware. Et quia sigillum meum pluribus est incognitum, sigillum commune communitatis ville Wellie presentibus apponi procuravi. Witnesses: John le Bowyare, Thomas le Saltere, Henry Martel, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Thursday after the nativity of the Virgin, 21 Edw. III.

Seals: (1) A hand holding a falcon. Legend indecipherable. (2) Broken impression of the seal of the city of Wells.

294. 1348.—Release by Juliana, relict of William de Westbury, to John Fifhyde, perpetual vicar in the cathedral church of Wells, his heirs and assigns, of her right to a tenement in Southovere, next to that of the prior of St. John's, Wells. Witnesses: John Hychecok, Thomas Draycote, Richard Everard, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Monday, feast of St. Gregory, pope, 21 Edw. III.

295. 1348–9.—Grant by Richard Everard of Wells, executor of Agnes, relict of Henry de Wedmor, deceased, to John le Ropere, steward of the borough of Wells, Thomas le Saltere, and Thomas de Draycote, burgesses of Wells and the whole commonalty of the said borough, of a messuage in Grope-lane, which Agnes bought of Thomas le Devenyssche. Witnesses: John de Wyk, lord of Milton, Thomas Panes, John Bourne, [and others]. Dated, Wells, 24 Jan., 22 Edw. III.

Round seal: on a shield, a rose, in chief a crescent and a star and in base a bird. s. ricardi everard de welles.

296. 1347–8.—Restoration by Ralph de Schupton, motus conscientia, to Margery wife of Robert Wayfer of Wyveleslegh, of her share as co-heir in the inheritance of William de Meulesbergh, her father, in Meulesbergh, Wokyhol, and Knolle, which Ralph held on lease from the said Robert Wayfer. Dated, Wyveleslegh, Thursday after the Purification, 22 Edw. III.

Fragment of seal: a fleur-de-lis.

297. 1347–8.—Grant by Margery, relict of Robert Wayfer of Wyveleslegh, in her lawful widowhood, to Robert her son, his heirs and assigns, of all her inheritance after the death of William de Meulesbergh, her father, in Meulesbergh, Wokyhol, and Knolle, with the services of free tenants and villeins. Witnesses: Sir Robert Selyman, knt., William Kaylewey, John Tropenel, John de Milton, Hugh atte Chapele, [and others]. Dated, Wyveleslegh, Thursday, feast of St. Valentine, 22 Edw. III.

Pointed oval seal: a fleur-de-lis; s' marge' wayfer.

298. 1347–8.—Confirmation by Robert Wayfer, son of Robert Wayfer of Wyveslegh, to Walter Bem of Mulverton, for life, of a tenement with land at Wokyhole, which his father Robert originally granted. Walter may take common for his hearths on Robert's hill [mons] but not for sale; he must maintain the houses, and may not assign; paying yearly 7s. for all service, except royal service, which he must do, and all other burdens due from the premises, and suit at Robert's court as often as it shall be held. If at Walter's death no sufficient live animal can be found on the tenement, 40d. shall be paid as a heriot. Witnesses: John de Wyke, Hugh atte Chapel, John Chamberlein, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Wednesday after St. Matthias, 22 Edw. III.

Round seal: two heads [?] with a quatrefoil flower between them; love me annewe.

299. 1348.—Appointment by Margery Wayfer of Wyvelesleigh of Richard Everard and John de Melesbergh, to receive seisin of lands and tenements, rents, services of free men and villeins, etc., which Robert son of Robert Wayfer of Wyveleslegh granted to her for life. Dated, Wells, Monday before St. Michael, 22 Edw. III.

Fragment of seal, as no. 297.

300. 1348.—Grant by Hugh de Uppehulle, vicar in the cathedral church of Wells, to Master Walter de Hulle, archdeacon of Bath, his heirs and assigns, of a tenement in Wells which Hugh had of the gift of Robert de Chidyngfold, late vicar, between the tenement of the abbat and convent of Muchelneye and that formerly of Sir Hugh de Lymyngton. Witnesses: Sir Walter de Rodeneye, Sir Walter de Pavele, knts., John le Boghiare, Thomas de Dracote, [and others]. Dated, Wells, Saturday, St. Luke's day, 22 Edw. III.