| Description | (Mostly in Latin with a few sections in Old French. Written in a single hand (possibly a fair copy) in brown ink with red section headings on vellum folios (5.5 x 8 in). Pages evidently trimmed when the volume was rebound, with the loss of the first 12 folio numbers. Written as a tract on conveyancing, and sets out formulas for types of legal documents, apparently using real examples from the period 1227-1337, most from the abbey archives or those of its daughter monastery at Leominster, Herefordshire, particularly at Ivington, Herefordshire, and the archives of the bishop of Hereford. Some examples use the abbot of Gloucester, but appear to be based on Reading originals. Frequent use of Roman calendar where dates are given (many documents have dates omitted); many names and places identified only by abbreviations. Table of contents at the front; not quite complete as it only goes up to f.113v. Also includes text of homage sworn by John Balliol, king of Scots, to Edward I, 1292 (in French); and documents relating to the election of Richard Bannister as abbot of Reading, 1262.
Bound in vellum in the late 18th century, with label on spine inscribed 'Preced of Conveyances', and described in 18th century hand on verso of flyleaf as 'An old manuscript in old Court hand on vellum of Precedents in Conveyancing'. Bookplates of the De Burgh family, 18C, and of James Stevens Cox, 20C.)
[The early history of this document, after the dissolution of the monasteries, is unclear, but from the late 18th century until the 1950s it was in the ownership of the Burgh (later De Burgh) family of Oldtown, Naas, Ireland.]
Calendar of contents:
Table of contents (unfoliated)
f. 1 Headed 'Incipit tractatus de cartis' ('here starts the tract on charters'); introductory remarks
f. 1v. Example of deed of feoffment. J. de la Lude to W. de B. A manor and tenements in A., with its appurtenances, mills, ponds, woods, gardens, closes, fields and pastures, for annual services to the lord of the fee. Witnesses C., D. and E.. Dated at F. (no date, reign of King Edward).
ff. 1v.-2 Example of deed of burgage. [Blank] to J. de L. A burgage plot, 10 a. land and a meadow in Reading, the burgage being situated on the north side of a street called New Street ('Newestret') [later Friar Street], between the tenement of Elye of Banbury ('Bannebur'') on the east and the tenement of J. de B. on the west, and 2a. in the Esteth Field, extending from north to south between the land of Walter Pistoris and the land of William le Glasiere, with the remaining land lying in le Crondelfeld between the land of Thomas Syward and the land of William Vaisent, with 1/2 a. meadow in East Mead. Witnesses A., B., C., and G.. Dated at W., no date, reign of King Edward.
ff. 2-2v. Example of feoffment. Simon de la Ree of Ivington, [Herefordshire] ('Ivyton'') to Richard son of Adam Spigurnel. A messuage and 7 a. land in Ivynton', of which the messuage is in the High Street between the tenement of Nicholas Gilbert on the east and the tenement of Roger Reygnald on the west, 1 a. lies in le Parkfeld, 2 a. in a furlong called le Merele, 2 a. in le Loweforlong, 2 a. in a field called Schutelesforde, and 2 a. at the boundaries. No dating details. With addendum for the sale of chattels remaining on the property following livery of seisin.
ff. 2v-3. Example of sale of chattels. Thomas de A., son of Thomas de A., of B., to Simon of R. All Thomas's goods, moveable and immoveable, chattels, in G. in the parish of B.
ff. 3-3v. Notes on leases.
ff. 3v.-4 Example of lease with warranty. R. de B. to B. of B. All his lands and tenements in N. for £10, to be paid twice a year.
ff. 4-4v. Example of deed of common pasture. J. de B. to A de C. Common of pasture for 100 sheep and one ram, seven cows and eight bulls. Annual rent one rose.
ff. 4v.-5. Example of charter to give seisin. Agnes, daughter and heir of Hugh Bulbe of Ivington, to 'the said Richard'. All the lands and tenements which her mother Alice de la Ree had as her dower and which came to Agnes after her mother's death.
f. 5. Example of [joint or marital] feoffment. James de Forda to William de Jay and his wife Alice. A carucate of land with appurtenances.
ff. 5-5v. Example of feoffment in tail. James de Forda to William de Jay and his wife Alice and the heirs of their bodies.
ff. 5v.-6 Example of deed of exchange. William le Taverner of Leominster to John de Edreye of H. A burgage in Leominster in a street called Burgeyselon, between the tenements of A. of B. and D. of K., in exchange for a house given by John to William, which is situated on the south side of the street leading towards Stone.
ff. 6-6v. Example of feoffment and quitclaim. Mayelus Aray of Leominster to Philip de B. of Leominster and his wife Isabel. 2 a. meadow lying in a field called S. between the fields of B. and C., extending from the 'apto'' of William le Romayn to the pasture formerly of John de Fonte if Luston'.
ff. 6v.-7. Example of quitclaim. Alice, daughter and heir of Agnes Bulbe of Ivington to Richard Spigurnel called Bulbe. The lands and tenements which Alice's mother Agnes gave to Richard.
f. 7. Example of quitclaim. John, son and heir of B. de [N?] to R. of S. All the lands and tenements which R. now holds in Ivynton' and which formerly belonged to Hugh Buble [sic] of Ivington'.
ff. 7-7v. Example of deed of surrender. H. de B. to B. de N. A carucate of land in N.
ff. 7v-8 Example of quitclaim. Matilda, widow of Hugh Miles de la Lude, and Richard, son of Hugh, to the abbot of Reading. 6 a. arable land in Ivington, Leominster (described).
ff. 8-9. Example of deed to terminate a lease for lives and years. Dated 1324 and 18 Edward II [8 July 1325-24 March 1325]. Thomas Aubrey of Southcote to John son of Adam de B. Recites lease of Thomas's manor and appurtenances for the life of John, annual rent a rose for the first 10 years, £20 thereafter, payable twice a year.
ff. 9-9v. Example of deed to terminate lease for lives. J. de B. to B. of K. Recites lease of a messuage in West Street, Leominster, situated between the tenement of J Bubbe and the tenement of S. of P., for the life of B.
f. 9v. Text of homage made by the king of Scots to the king of England (in French) [1292]: 'Mounscignour mounsyre Edward Rey d'Engleterre soveraygn seygnour du reaume d'Escocee jeo Johan de Baillol [sic] Roy d'Escoce devyene vostre hom[ag]e lige de tut le Reaulme de Escosce one les apurtenaunces e qu't qil apent lequel eo tenk e dey de dreit e cleym pur moy e mes heyrs Roys d'Escoce tenus heritablement de vous et de vos heyrs Roys d'Engleterre, e foy e leaute vous porterri a vous e vos heyrs Roys d'Engleterre de vie e de membre e de terrien honour, comitte tute gent qe peinat vivre e mour, etc.'
ff. 9v.-10. Text of letters patent reporting the homage (in French): 'A tous iceaux que cette lettre verrount e or rount. Jon de Bailol par la grace dieu Ray d'Escoce, salutz en dieux. Sache vostre vainsite' moy aves fet homage a tres noble prinve mounseignour lige mounsire Edward par mesme la grace Roy d'Engleterre soverayn seygnur du reaulme d'Escoce a Novel Chastel sur Tyne [Newcastle upon Tyne] en Engleterre le rous seint Estevene, lendemayn de Nowel, l'an de la incarnacioun mil deus cent nonaunte secunde, e du regne le dit mounseignour le Rey Edward vintesime primer, en presence des honourables Pieres, Willam [sic] e Roberd, epuesges de seint andreu e de Glaska [the bishops of St Andrew's and Glasgow], Johan abbe de Gaddeswrth, Johan count de Bontzham, Patrik counte de la Marche, Gilbard de Wym, Franille' counte de Anegor', Johan counte de Aceles, Johan Comin, Alex' de Baliol, Thom' Rondulf, Geffray de Moubray, Patrik de Graham, Willam de Seint Cler, Richard Syward, Ingram de Inframville, Andreu de Morres, Thom' Randulf fiz David de Tonerand, Michel le Wemes, Richard Fras[er], Andreu Fras[er], Simond Fras[er], Alex' de Baliol e Jon de Scryvelme qi en cette leige ount mis lur seals ensemblement oue le men.'
ff. 10-11v. Text of letters from John to Edward after making his homage (Latin and French).
ff. 11v.-12. Notes on the manumission of serfs.
f. 12. Example of deed of concession of right to a serf. J. of B. to R. of K. [of or to] his slave ('nativum') John of D. with all his family and chattels.
ff. 12-12v. Example of deed of release of a serf. J. to R. of K. Quitclaim of all right in R., his family and chattels.
ff. 12v-13v. Examples of writs.
f. 13v. Example of licence of a lord [of the manor] for a serf to take holy orders. John, abbot of Reading, to Robert Bytestere.
f. 14. Example of deed of alienation of a serf. Abbot of Gloucester to John of L. and his family.
ff. 14-14v. Example of deed of manumission. John de la Lude to G of C. and his family.
f. 14v. Example of agreement settling dispute over a payment. John de Bradewelt and William of Worcester (de Wygorn').
ff. 14v-15. Example of agreement settling dispute. Solomon Romayn of Leominster, chaplain, and Sir R. Forthyng' or Feorthyng', monk of Reading, for Sir Richard Schour. Relates to malicious defamation in the presence of the monks of Leominster. Dated at Leominster, nativity of St John Baptist, 17 Edward II [29 August 1323]
f. 15v. Example of agreement settling dispute. John de E. of Leominster and John of B.
ff. 15v.-16 Example of agreement between the lord and the community of men (in French). Richard de Hompton', Hugh ('Huwe') Hakelutel, John de Sarnesfeld, and the community of the franchise of Leominster, with the abbot of Reading as lord.
f. 16v. Example of final concord in the king's court. Easter 20 Edward I [1292]. William of H. and his wife Isabel vs R. of A. and his wife Isabel. Relates to a messuage and appurtenances in the town of C.
ff.16v-17. Example of final concord in the court of the abbot of Reading at Leominster. Thursday before the feast of St Margaret the virgin 18 Edward [I] [13 July 1290]. Roger F. and his wife Margery vs G. of L. and his wife Isabel. Relates to 2 a., one toft, 18 1/2 a. arable land, and 2 a. meadow, in Leominster.
ff. 17-17v. Notes on difference between disturbance and ejection ('comodatus' and 'defortium')
ff. 17v.-18. Example of bond of disturbance ('obligatio facta de commodato'). Andrew G., [by permission of?] the abbot of Peterborough ('Burg' St Petri'), bound to P. de S., merchant of London, in £100.
f. 18. Examples of discharges following the same. P. de S., merchant of London, and Sir G., abbot of Peterborough, for the payment of £25.
ff. 18-18v. Example of bond. James de Forda to William de Cappe in £100.
f. 18v. Note on bonds.
ff. 18v.-19. Example of bond with penalty for non-payment. J. of F. to William of C. in £20 to repay 16s.
ff. 19-19v. Example of bond [of good] faith. J. of F. to William of C. in £20.
f. 19v. Example of discharge of the same. W. of C. to J. of F. having received £20.
f. 19v. Example of bond to sell wool for three years. J. by the instruction of the abbot of Gloucester promises to sell to T. of S., merchant, all the abbey's wool for the next three years.
ff. 19v.-20. Example of notice of ejection. J. de I., burgess of London, to R. of B.
f. 20. Example of discharge of free charter or bond or other writing. G. of N. for receipt of six charters from J. of B. (comprising two charters and four quitclaims) for safe custody, and is now discharged.
f. 20. Example of discharge. G. [F.?] to S. of K. for £100.
ff. 20-20v. Example of [agreement to house in the convent?] for life. W., abbot of Gloucester, to W. de G. of L.
f. 20v. Example of agreement to maintain for life. W., abbot of Gloucester, to Sir R. de P., priest.
ff. 20v.-21. Example of the same. W. , abbot of Gloucester to H. de C. of London.
ff. 21-21v. Example of [agreement to pray for a soul]. W., abbot of Gloucester, binds himself and his successors to establish a chapel to pray for W. of N. forever, in life and death, in the parish church of N.
f.21v. Example of letters of [alienation of rents in return for prayers?] J. of W. and his wife Agnes to R., prior of the Augustine friars.
ff. 21v.-22. Example of grant of annual pension of 40s. Brother Gilbert, abbot of St Paul's monastery of Whitebridge ('Sancti pauli de ponte albo'), to W. of D., clerk, son of J. of D.
f. 22. Example of grant of annual pension of 40s. [?], abbot of Gloucester, to master T. of P.
ff. 22-22v. Example of grant of annual pension of 10 marks. No names.
ff. 22v.-23. Example of letters of licence to take holy orders from another bishop. Richard de Vernoun, official of A., bishop of Hereford, to W. of [R?] in the diocese of Hereford.
f. 23. Example of testimonial for priesthood. R., bishop of Hereford, to W. bishop of Worcester, respecting T. of D. in the diocese of Hereford, deacon.
ff. 23-23v. Example of letters of ordination. R., bishop of Hereford, to J. of B. and J. de C. of L.
f. 23v. Example of certificate of ordination from the time of a predecessor. A., bishop of Hereford, from the register of his predecessor R., concerning the ordination of W. of N., priest.
ff. 23v.-25 Example of dispensation of defect in birth (illegitimacy) to permit ordination. Brother Arnold of St Prisca, priest and Cardinal, to J. of L., clerk, of the diocese of Salisbury.
f. 25. Example of licence to a monk to study. N., abbot of Gloucester, to R. of T. and W. of B.
ff. 25-25v. Example of licence for a monk to go on pilgrimage. W., abbot of Gloucester, in the diocese of Salisbury [sic], to Brother William de Hico'.
ff. 25v-26 Other letters on the same subject. W., abbot of Gloucester, in the diocese of Worcester, to Brother B.
ff. 26-26v. Example of licence for a monk to [leave religion/transfer to another monastery?] To Brother N. of T.
ff.26v.-27 Example of licence for a monk to choose his own confessor. W., abbot of Gloucester, to W. of B.
f. 27 Example of letters patent of the bishop for [?]. Adam, bishop of Hereford, to [Samson?] of Gloucester.
f. 27. Example of copy of will to confirm. Will of W. of T., confirmed by W. of F., commissary of Adam, bishop of Hereford.
ff. 27-27v. Example of letters patent to [?]. R., prior of Gloucester convent ... for his life to the holy memory of the late abbot W.
f. 27v. [Not clear - relates to a will]. Correction slip pasted in.
ff. 27v.-28 Example of letters patent for someone to take animals to a certain place. B. of K., appointed by J. of C. as his messenger, to take two horses to N. to drive 100 sheep and 10 oxen there
f. 28. Example of another letter for bailiffs of the town or city. H. of T. appoints John son of Richard as his messenger to drive 100 sheep to London. Two examples of testimonials for William of T. as a faithful and honest man.
ff. 28-28v. Example of testimonial for a deacon and chaplain. Sir J. of T., deacon and monk of N.
f. 28v. Testimonial to the good character of William de Gya. Testimonial in French from Beumond, count de Boham, to William Dencourt as a seller of cattle ('akatour de beofs de vaches e de tute manere autrez bestes').
ff. 28v-29. Order of Henry III for the men and monks of Reading to be free of shires, hundreds, pleas etc. Witnesses, E. of London, J. de B., bishop of Salisbury, H[ubert] de Burg[h], earl of Kent, W[illiam] de Forz, count of Aumale, H[umphrey] le Bo[h]un, earl of Hereford, W de Gynesford, R. de Argent', Henry de Capell' and others. Dated by the hands of R[alph], bishop of Chichester, and chancellor of the king, at Westminster 20 February 11 Henry III [1227]. [Also recorded on the Charter Roll and in several of the abbey cartularies].
f. 29. Letter to the bailiffs of the liberty of Leominster regarding the same. To W. Fabr' of M., bearer of these present to the abbot of Reading, who is to pay him. Dated at Leominster.
ff. 29-29v. Example of letters patent for the calling of marriage banns. R., rector, perpetual vicar or chaplain of N. to the chaplain of the parish of K., for banns to be called between G. of R.'s parish and A. of the other parish. Dated Sunday after St Barnabas, [no year].
f. 29v. Example of certificate of banns. B., rector, perpetual vicar or chaplain of N., to H. of K., regarding banns of G. and A.
ff. 29v.-30.Example of testimonial of payment. G., abbot of Winchester to T. of A.
f. 30. Example of letters patent to the bailiffs for freedom from payment. W. of B., clerk, releases R. of D., bailiff.
ff. 30-30v. Example of appointment of proctors. P. de T. appoints John de Lil of T. and Sir P. de C., clerks, as his proctors.
ff. 30v.-31.Example of the same. The abbot and convent of Gloucester appoint master P. of S. as their proctor on the court at Rome.
ff. 31-31v. Example of the same. A., abbot of Gloucester, and is convent, appoint Brother A. of W. and B. of G.
ff. 31v.-32.Example of the same. R., chancellor of the king, appoints Brother H. of G., one of his monks, as his proctor on the general provincial council to beheld on the next holiday after Easter at St Paul's Cathedral, London.
ff. 32-32v. Example of the same. Appointment of Brother W. of B., monk, as proctor of the abbey of Gloucester, to the Roman court for the payment of tithes.
ff. 32v-33. Example of the same. J. of F., chaplain or deacon, appoints M. of E. as his proctor.
ff. 33-33v. Example of the same. R., bishop of London, to Master Bartholomew de For', canon of St Paul's, London, as collector of tithes in England for three years. W., abbot of Gloucester, [to pay tithes to him]. [Identified by Professor Brian Kemp as actually
relating to Reading, confirmed by the Salisbury bishop's register.]
ff. 33v.-34. Example of the same. W., abbot of Winchester, relating to the manor of C. and other lands, appoints W. of C. and M. of C., monks.
ff.34-34v. Example of the same. G., abbot of Gloucester in the diocese of Salisbury [sic], appoints Brother P. of C. as proctor to pay £100.
ff.34v.-35.Example of the same. G., dean of Chichester, appoints master J. [as proctor for the election of or in the absence of a bishop?]
f. 35. Example of the same. H., archbishop of Canterbury and primate of England, to G., dean of Chichester. Appoints N. and N. proctors for the election of a chancellor of Chichester diocese in the place of the late master J.
ff. 35-35v. Example of the same. Pope Innocent to G., dean of Chichester. Appoints N. and N. as proctors concerning R., postulate bishop.
ff. 35v.-36.Example of the same. Appoints proctor for all causes.
ff. 36-37v.[Relates to trials?]
f. 37v. Example of [agreement between convent and church] dated 1244. Commutation of [real property?]
ff. 37v.-38. [Relates to trial?]
ff. 38-38v. Example of letter of supplication.
f. 38v. Example of [letter excusing judgment?]
ff. 38v.-40. Notes on ordinary jurisdiction, including section on the prohibition of lay fees (f. 39v.).
ff. 40-40v. Consultation. Edward III to the official of the archdeacon of Berkshire. John de Rocheford, parson of Speen, having appeared in the king's court against Robert le Carpent[er] concerning tithes and other payments. Dated at Westminster 15 October 11 Edward [III, 1337].
f. 40v. Notes on patronage.
ff. 40v.-41. Letters of the king as licence to elect [a new abbot]. King E[dward] to G., dean of Chichester.
ff. 41-41v. Writ of king relating to the same. To the prior and convent of Reading. Agreeing to the request of Brother Richard, sub-prior, Brother Robert, sacristan, Brother Roger, chamberlain, and Brother Stephen of Caversham, monk, following the death of Brother Richard, the late abbot, to elect his successor. Dated at Windsor, 22 March 46 Henry [III, 1262].
ff. 41v.-42. Writ of patronage or protection ('protectio') of the abbey during the vacancy. Dated at Windsor, March [1262].
ff. 42-42v. Form of letters for [the recall of absent canons for an election]. Dean and Chapter of Chichester to Master N., canon, following the death of N., the late bishop.
ff. 42v.-43. Example of letter excusing a canon's absence from an election. Master G. of N., canon. With notes on procedures.
f. 43. Letter sent to the king asking for his consent to the election. Letter from the king to G[iles], bishop of Salisbury, approving the election of Brother Richard of Reading [Richard Bannister] as abbot, dated at Windsor, 26 March [1262].
ff. 43-43v. Example of letters of proxy to refuse an election. B., bishop of Salisbury, to prior G. and the convent of Reading, relating to the election of Brother N.
ff. 43v.-44. Letters patent from the bishop of Salisbury to the king to confirm the election of Richard as abbot of Reading. Dated at Ramsbury ('Rammesbur''), Wednesday after the Annunciation, 1262 [29 March 1262].
ff. 44-44v. Writ from the king to the prior and convent of Reading following the election. Dated at Westminster, 1 April 1246 [sic].
f. 44v. Writ from the king confirming the election as abbot of Richard Banastr', monk and sub-prior. Dated at Westminster, April 1246 [sic].
ff. 44v.-45. Petition to carry out an election. A., [archbishop] of N. Relates to the church of Chichester.
ff. 45-48v. Notes on advowsons of parish churches or chapels
ff. 48v.-49. Form of charter to alienate an advowson. T. of N. to R. of C. 1 a. land in A. with the advowson of the church of that town and all other appurtenances.
ff. 49-51. Notes on the right of patronage.
ff. 51-51v. Example of letters of presentation to a rectory. W., abbot of Reading, to N., bishop of Lincoln. Presents T. of B., clerk, to the current vacancy in the church of Haneberg'.
f. 51v. Example of letters of presentation by a lay patron. A. de B., knight, lord of C., to A[dam], bishop of Hereford. Presents T. of B., clerk, to the vacant church of D.
ff. 51v.-52. Bishop's reply to the above.
ff.52-52v. Letter to the dean of Leominster to summon all the rectors and vicars in his deanery to an inquisition into the vacant church of D.
f. 52v. Example of letter of institution. Adam, bishop of Hereford, instituting T. of B., to the church of B. Letter of induction of the same.
ff. 52v.-53. Presentation by the vicar of G. during a vacancy in the see of Hereford. W., archbishop of Canterbury, to Master S. of L. in the diocese of Hereford, presenting T. de W. to the vicarage or parish church of G.
f. 53. Example of letter of institution. Adam, bishop of Hereford, institutes A. of Q. to the vicarage of G., by presentation of the abbot of R.
ff. 53-53v. Licence [of] the abbot and convent of Gloucester to Roger, bishop of Salisbury, relating to the presentation of master R. of Chichester to the church of W., n.d. [c.1315-1330]. Described as Gloucester but actually Reading [confirmed by Brian Kemp from Salisbury bishop's registers].
f. 53v. Licence to present [in plurality]. N., by permission of the abbot and convent of Gloucester, to the church of S. in the diocese of Salisbury, in place of Sir Richard, the former rector, and the church of W.
ff. 53v.-58v. Various documents regarding the disputed institution of Sir John de Edereye, rector of St Michael's church, Croft, Herefordshire, to the church of St Michael of Kechedin, after the resignation of Sir Walter of Wynfreton', rector of Kechedin. One document (f. 54v.) dated at [Crefden?], Saturday after the beheading of John the Baptist 1330 [sic?] [1 September 1330; but note that Bishop Adam of Hereford, allegedly the author, died in 1327. Another docunent is dated at Shinfield ('Schenyngfeld') [a residence of the bishop of Hereford], 24 September 1325 (also f.54v.). Some are addressed to the archdeacon of Brecon. [See also ff. 79v.-80v.]
ff. 58v.-59. Notes on compromise agreements ('transactio').
Inserted sheet between f. 58v. and f.59. Example of charter of compromise agreement concerning the possession of a vicarage. A. and O., judges.
ff. 59-60. [Mandates from the bishop to investigate the question]. Richard, bishop of Hereford, to J., vicar of the church of L. and R., vicar of the church of P.
f. 60. Form to protect clerks from felony.
ff. 60-60v. Letter from Adam, bishop of Hereford, to master T. of G., canon of Hereford, concerning the case of A. of B., clerk, accused of murder.
ff. 60v.-61. Letter of proclamation concerning the same.
ff. 61-61v. Letter from Adam, bishop of Hereford, to master Thomas de Chandos ('Chaundos'), archdeacon of Hereford, and Richard de Vernon, canon of Hereford, concerning Stephen son of Richard of Wynchinton', accused of the murder of Thomas le Chesere of Clifford. Dated at Hereford, 6 kalends of January [27 December] 1324. [See also an entry in the bishop's register, published as 'Registrum Ade de Orleton, Episcopi Herefordensis (ed. Revd A T Bannister, Canterbury & York Society, 1908, pp.302-303).]
ff. 61v.-62. Letters of commission to proclaim the same. Thomas de Chaundos, archdeacon, and Adam Charbonel, canon of Hereford, on behalf of A., bishop of Hereford.
ff. 62-62v. Testimonial of purgation of a clerk (A. de B.) by A., bishop of Hereford.
ff. 62v.-63 Letters on the delivery of a purgated clerk
Inserted sheet between ff. 62v. and 63. Notes on purgation, continued on f. 63.
ff. 63v-64. Citation to make purgation. The rector of Newbury and perpetual vicar of Chieveley ('Chevele'), to purgate John de Crace of Basildon ('Bascelden') [for a crime against?] Henry de Perys. Dated at Wallingford, 7 ides July [9 July] 1320.
f. 64. Testimonial that purgation has taken place. John, chaplain of T. in the diocese of Salisbury, for incontinence with a certain Agnes, daughter of N. de C., servant of Hugh de W. Purgation in the court of R., bishop of Salisbury.
ff. 64-64v. Short section crossed out in red (the same ink as that used for the headings).
f. 64v. Example of demand to capture those accused of being excommunicated. Letter to King E. from William, bishop of [blank] concerning J. of [blank], accused of various offences.
ff. 64v.-65. Notes on arresting the excommunicated at the request of the bishop.
ff. 65-68v. Documents relating to a judgment. R., bishop of Salisbury, [against] the abbot and convent of Reading.
ff. 68v.-69. Example of letters of attorney for livery of seisin. R., abbot of Winchester, to W. de C. to deliver seisin to T. de B. of a messuage and curtilage and 3 a. arable land.
ff. 69-69v. Certificate that master Richard of Battle ('de Bello'), canon of Salisbury, is proctor of the archbishop at the visitation of the abbot and convent of Winchester [sic] in the diocese of Salisbury.
ff. 69v.-70v. Instrument of revocation by public authority. Dated [1319], in the presence of the abbot and convent of Gloucester [sic?]. Refers to agreement between W., former abbot of Reading [William, abbot 1165-1173?], and Master Simon de St John. William, clerk, son of John of D.
ff. 70v-71. Enforcement of [...?] first fruits. T., archdeacon of A., collector of the first fruits.
ff. 71-71v. Public confession of defamation [by a chaplain of a monk]. Solomon Romayn of Leominster, chaplain, against Brother Richard Feorthing, monk of Reading, case of malicious defamation, in the presence of Thomas Stanford. Dated Saturday after St Ambrose 18 Edward II [6 April 1325]. Solomon is to pay 100s. to the abbot of Reading as alms, at Leominster.
ff. 71v-76. Notes on wills.
f. 76. Example of letters of administration. Archdeacon of Berkshire for Thomas de Lamehuthe of Reading, admon granted to Sir John de Wynchedon', chaplain, and John of Pangbourne ('Pangeburne'). Dated at Reading 3 nones August [3 August] 1317.
ff. 76-76v. Letters of denunciation against defrauding the deceased. Official of Berkshire to the perpetual vicar of Streatley ('Stretle') and Basildon (Balcesdene'). Accuses the excecutors of the will of a certain Hugh, formerly servant of Gilbert Stynt of Pangbourne, of keeping his goods. Dated at Reading 7 ides July [9 July] 1321.
ff. 76v.-77. Letters of commination and sentence concerning a case of impeding the last will of a testator. The official of Hereford to all the vicars of Leominster deanery. J. of S. and G. of B., executors of Stephen of N., decesased.
f. 77v. Commission of official of Hereford to the Dean of Leominster, to hear the accounts of the exceutors of J. of B., deceased.
Also release of the executors: Adam, bishop of Hereford, to Thomas of B., executor of R. of B.
f. 78. Release of executors of the will of Agnes, wife of J. of B. Also renunciation of cure and vicarage before R., bishop of Salisbury: W., chaplain of R. and vicar of B.
fff. 78-79v. Example of instrument of public revocation. 4 nones August [2 August] [1322?], in the presence of the abbot and convent of Gloucester. Concerning [a debt of £50 owed by W., former abbot of Reading to master Simon de St John, revoked by William, clerk, son of John of W.
ff.79v.-80v. Example of sentence in a case of sacrilege involving a rector taking a house, church, and goods. Adam, bishop of Hereford to master Thomas de Chandos', archdeacon of Hereford, concerning Sir Walter de Wynfreton', rector of Crofte. Dated 6 October 1325. [See also ff. 53v.-58v.]
ff. 80v-81. [Documents relating to laymen removing goods from churches.]
f. 81. Example of substitution. Hubert Constable, prcotor for the abbot of Reading, ofers in his place master William de Herdwik. Dated at Oxford.
ff. 81-81v. 'Pronotatio' of the proctor of the abbot of Reading, read in the convent church at Reading, 8 kalends June [24 June] (no year given) in the presence of Richard de Brenham, John de Londras, Andrew of Guildford ('Guldeforde'), and Peter le Hayward.
ff. 81v.-82v. Documents relating to dispute over unpaid annual pension of 4s. Proctor of abbot of Reading versus Sir Henry Staly, rector of Sulham ('Soleham') [1328].
ff. 82v.-83. Inhibition in matrimonial case of A. of B. versus Alice of Stockton.
ff. 83-84. Inhibition in case (in the archdeaconry court of Oxford. Ralph Loveday of Mongewell and [Elicie?] de Stutevile of 'Woubourne' in the diocese of Lincoln [Wooburn, Buckinghamshire?].
ff. 84-85. Inhibition from the official of Salisbury to the official of Berkshire. Case of Stephen Woodhatch ('Wodehach') of 'Arle' [Earley?] for defamation. Examined by master Thomas, vicar of Stratfield Mortimer, and Richard, perpetual vicar of Reading St Mary. Dated at Ramsbury, 8 ides November [6 November] 1323.
ff. 85-85v. Dismissal of case. Dean of the church of St Mary-le-Bow, London, and official of the Commissary Court of Canterbury to the prior of Hurley [sic], concerning the pension of Henry Stali, rector of Sulham versus the abbot and convent of Reading.
ff. 85v-86. Letters of execution from prior of Hurley relating to similar pension case involving Reading Abbey and William of Petersfield, perpetual vicar of Compton, 1329. [See also British Library Addl Charter 19640.]
ff. 86-86v. Letters of execution, official of Hereford to dean of Leominster, concerning James of W.
ff. 86v.-88v. Documents relating to case of William of Bourton and a disputed marriage (with impediments) with Matilda Tilli, daughter of William Tylli, in the town of Reading. Possibly relates to a prior marriage with Ralph des Bynulac' or Bilunlas of Reading. One document written by Ralph de Querndon', clerk, official of Salisbury, dated at Sonning, 9 kalends March 1326 [21 February 1327].
f. 88v. Letter of citation of John Sterr' and Gonnild de la Sarterie of Reading, who he holds in marriage, to appear at Salisbury church on Thursday after the feast of St James the apostle, in a case of marriage and divorce (separation) brought by Eleanor de Berham. Dated at Ramsbury, 16 kalends August [17 July] 1327.
ff. 88v-89v. Letters of execution of sentence of divorce (separation). Official of Salisbury to the dean of Reading and the vicars of St Mary, St Laurence and St Giles, concerning the case of marriage and divorce between Eleanor de Berham versus John Sterre of Reading, fisherman, and Gunnild atte Sarterie of the same place. Dated at Salisbury, 7 kalends October [25 September] 1327.
f. 89v. Letter testifying to the contraction of a marriage and its solemnisation in church. Thomas de Litton, official of the [archdeacon of] Berkshire, testifies that Julian, wife of Thomas de Lamhuche, deceased, has appeared before him to swear that she was legally married to the said Thomas. Dated at Reading, ides of May [15 May], 1317.
ff. 90-99v. Numbers not used; the text continues seamlessly from 89v. to 100, there is no physical indciation of pages being removed, and the numbers are not accounted for in the contemporary table of contents.
ff. 89v, 100. Example of certificate of bishop of a lawful marriage, sent to the king's court at Westminster by Stephen, bishop of London. Relates to the possible bastardy of John Mortimer ('de Mortuo Mar''), declaring him to be the legitimate son of Roger Mortimer ('de Mortuo mari') and Julian de Turbervile, who were lawfully married by banns.
ff. 100-100v. Example of commission to examine the executors of a deceased person. Official of Berkshire to master Alexander of Newport ('de Novoporto'), rector of Warfield, and Thomas, perpetual vicar of Stratfield Mortimer, to examine John of Harwell, executor of Thomas le Ferour of Wallingford. Dated at Reading, 4 nones April [2 April] 1319.
f. 100v. Example of commission to hold chapel. Official of Berkshire to John, perpetual vicar of Reading St Laurence.
ff. 100v.-101. Example of commission of canonical power. Official of Salisbury to Roger, rector of Frome, Walter of Stratton, and Thomas, perpetual vicar of Stratfield Mortimer, to receive and examine witnesses Robert de la Hog', rector of Whitchurch in the diocese of Lincoln and Sir Walter Vachel, rector of Purley in the diocese of Salisbury, in the church of Reading St Mary on Saturday after the discovery of the Holy Cross [8 May 1316]. Dated at Salisbury, 2 kalends May [30 April] 1316.
ff. 101-101v. Commission and order. Archbishop of Canterbury to the dean of Henley, ordering him to summon Adam, rector of Mongewell, and Ralph Loveday, to satisfy master John de Wilington', clerk. dated at 'Lamecuth, 10 kalends December [22 November] 1320.
ff. 101v.-102. Commission, official of the dean of Salisbury to the chaplain of the parish church of Wokingham, to summon William Bithewode of Wokingham to satisfy William of Lambourn. Dated at Hurst ('la Hurst'), Thursday after St Andrew, [4 December] 1320.
f. 102. Commission to correct excess. Simon, bishop of Salisbury, to master Richard of Battle ('de Bello'), Robert de Worth and William of Coleshill ('de Coleshulle'), canons of Salisbury, in the correction of Nicholas of Woodmancote ('de Wodemannescot''), and Matilda of Benham [a nun at] Goring Priory. Dated at Sherborne ('Schirebourne'), 3 kalends October [29 September] 1317.
f. 102v. Letters of commission to absolve excommunication and dispense irregularities. Icherius de Concareto ('de Conquereto'), canon of Salisbury, to the rector of Aston in the diocese of Lincoln, to absolve Albus, monk of Reading, and any other monks, from excommunication for delayed payments [to the pope?]. Dated at London, 10 December 1329.
ff. 102v.-103. Form of absolution.
ff. 103-103v. Example of letters of indulgence for works of mercy. Issued by N., bishop of Salisbury.
ff. 103v.-104. Example of letters of indulgence issued by R., bishop of Hereford [probably Richard de Swinfield (1283-1317)] for the soul of Brother W. de M., dean of Leominster [probably William de Meders, prior of Leominster (fl.1290-1305)], buried before high altar in the choir of Leominster Priory church.
ff. 104-105v. Example of documents relating to a case arising from a visitation. John de Bourne, canon of Lincoln, and Gilbert of Wokingham, clerk, appointed by Henry, bishop of Lincoln, hearing cases from the visitation of the archdeacon of Oxford by the commission of the dean of Woodstock, [at?] the church of Dunstewe. Relates to an annual pension payable [by?] the church of Stanton Harcourt and 'Hanebergh'' in Woodstock deanery [to?] Reading abbey. Witnesses to be heard are Robert de Wynched, Geoffrey de Oram, Robert de Bischeleye, John of Maidenhead ('de Maydenheuth'), William of Abingdon, William le Grinder', Robert le Parsoun, Robert Cockon, Brother J. de Whelton, Brother Andrew de Stok', Brother William de Lynton', and J. Southwode. Dated 1329 (various dates).
f. 105v. Example of sequestration. Official of Berkshire to the dean of Reading. Sequestration of the church of Pangbourne. Dated at Reading, kalends April [1 April] 1337.
f. 106. Example of [document relating to sequestration]. Roger, bishop of Salisbury, to the perpetual vicar of Ilsley ('Hildeslee'). Concerns the sequestration of Englefield following the death of John Mareschal, rector of Englefield ('Engelfeld'). Dated at Sonning, 8 kalends February 1328 [25 January 1329].
ff. 106-106v. Order that notwithstanding the sequestration, certain monies should be paid. Roger, bishop of Salisbury, to the perpetual vicar of Tilehurst ('Tynghehurst'), cncerning Englefield, ordering the payment of a pension payable to the abbot and convent of Reading. Dated at Sonning, 5 kalends March 1328 [26 February 1329].
ff. 106v-107. Letters of citation to the warden of the sequestration to appear and answer for the non-payment. Roger, bishop of Salisbury, to the perpetual vicar of Tilehurst ('Tighelhurst'). Dated at Sonning, kalends of March 1328 [1 March 1329].
f. 107. Release of sequestration. Official of Berkshire to the dean of Reading. Release of sequestration of Pangbourne church. Dated at Reading, 16 kalends May [16 April] 1337.
ff. 107-107v. Example of excommunication for sacrilege in a church. Offficial of Hereford to the dean of Leominster. The sacristan of Leominster Priory receiving offerings of candles and money in Leomister church, [left the candles on the altar of the Blessed Virgin and took the money?].
f. 107v. Letter of citation of the dean of Leominster, ordering H. de A. of L. to appear at Hereford church.
f. 108. Citation of excommunicate. Official of archdeacon of Hereford to dean of Leominster, reciting letters received from the official of the archdeacon of Shropshire. John of G., former servant of A. of E., having been excommunicated in Leominster parish church, to appear in St Thomas's Church, L[eominster].
ff. 108-108v. Sentence. Robert, bishop of Salisbury, to the perpetual vicar of Abingdon St Helen, concerning [unknown persons who have stolen a portable breviary ('portiform'') in the custody of?] H. of Drayton, monk of Reading., to be detained in the convent church of Abingdon.
ff. 108v.-109. [Sentence.] Robert, bishop of Salisbury, to the dean of Reading and rector of Reading St Laurence, concerning unknown persons who have [committed violent behaviour against] William Polpeny and Robert son of Robert le Boteler of Reading, clerks in the town of Reading. Dated at Welford, 1337 (no date).
ff. 109v.-110. Petition. B., son of H. concerning his wife A.
f. 110. Petition. A. of B., stating that C. of W, and certain others, clerks and laymen, have stolen money.
f. 110. Inquisition into felonies. Held at Leominster in the court of the bailiff of that place, Thursday after St Leonard, 18 Edward II [7 November 1324]. Roger de Drumpfeud and John de Humbr' swear on oath that John Penge of Kingston, John de la Brok' and Walter de la Brok' of Kingston, raped Christian, wife of Hugh le Wylde at Leominster, and took away various articles; also that John son of John de Brokeshull stole a mare from Hugh of Louceleye.
ff. 110-110v. Inquisition. At Leominster in the court of the bailiff and the coroners of the liberty. John of Waverton', and Walter Capenter [sic] swear on oath that Roger of Cleongr' stole a mare from the prior of Leominster in I[vington], and 20s. from William de Waldelvef of Ivington; also that John Cuyhot' stole a mare from Roger de Clehungr'; that Hugh Admetes of Wigton stole 6s. 2d., a gown ('rochectum') and other goods to the value of 3s. from John de Malleye at Wigton in Hugh's house; that Hugh Witing', son of Roger Wytyng stole cloth, weights and other goods to the value of 5s. from the house of Walter Homelyn of Eton.
ff. 110v.-111. Inquisition. At Westwood ('Westwod') in the diocese of Lincoln, feast of St Andrew, 15 Edward [30 November 1287, 1321 or 1341], by the oath of Walter Drake. He says that John le Scodyar' of Westwood feloniously stole two bonnets worth 12 s. from Peter of Westwood; also that Adam de Boloe stole a horse worth 14 s. 4 d. from John le Scodiar'; John le Scodyar' stole a [? 'lonem', 'louen' or 'lovem'] worth 14 s. 4 d. from Nicholas of Hereford; that John son of Walter de la Brok stole a horse worth 14 s. 4 d. from Richard Carbonel and a bed worth 2 s. from Alice of R.; that Robert Pouke or Ponke of Kingston stole a plough worth 7d., and iron, from John Koyking; that John Launs stole four heifers worth 2 s. from Walter of Westwood; and that Thomas of Westwood had the aforesaid stolen goods in his house, having received them from the said John and knowing that he had stolen them.
ff. 111-11v. Examples of bail on appeal. Richard son of Richard de Hompton' and Richard de Aula, [sheriffs?] receive from William de Hamenache, custody of the body of Hugh le Bar of Wyvesley, arrested on the appeal of John son of William Smith ('Fabri') de la Hulle, and undertake to have him appear at Leominster. Richard of Stockton and John Koyking hold John son of Simon of Waverton', held in Hereford Castle by the appeal of John son of William Smith ('Fabri') de la Hulle; John is to appear at the next hearing at Leominster. Gaol. Roger de la Lude and Hugh Puzcheton' take custody of Thomas son of John de Hurteleye, accused of entering the house of the prior of Leominster with hostile intent, and undertake to have him appear at Leominster Gaol. John of Overton and Philip le Preestes of Eton, having custody of Walter Paty of Hamenasse who is acquitted of killing William Warde of Brocmanton' in self defence; to appear at Leominster.
ff. 111v.-112. Enrolment of a coroner's declaration of homicide. Drumpfeud on Good Friday, no year given. Robert son of William del Aka and William son of Philip de la Lon' [for taking ale from?] Robert le Bowere', they came to the field of Padewalle and a dispute broke out between them. Robert struck William with an axe in his head and afterwards ran away. William went to his father's house and lived there for three weeks and then died from the wound.
f. 112. Case of accidental homicide. Edith de Stokelaci was in the house of Gilbert de Humbr', parson of Humber, where she was brewing and had with here there, her three year old daughter, also named Edith, who was playing and holding on to the tub which was full of hot water and standing on a stool. The stool and tub fell on the aforesaid Edith, who was soaked with the hot water on her breast and stomach, and she died the following day.
ff. 112-112v. Case of sudden death by a fall. At Hachfeld Mouch', feast of St Peter ad vincula [1 August], no year given. Agnes, daughter of Alan de Dounhampton', beggar, who died after a fall in the wood called Henle.
ff. 112v.-113. Case of killing in self defence. William of Shobden (de Schobbedon') demanded Hugh de Winesford in the town of Leominster pay a debt of 20s. which Hugh owed William, Hugh in anger produced a knife, then [after killing him?] William ran away towards the walls.
f. 113. Case of killing in a fight. Philip Sparewe and Hugh de Ellesdon' and the latter's wife Crispina or Christina were at Leominster and came to Eton Hill next to the orchard of Walter of Eton. Philip struck Hugh on the chest, which killed him. Philip fled and Crispina raised the alarm Hugh was found dead by Walter of Eton.
ff. 113-113v. Case of drowning. William son of Thomas Chapel, aged six and a half, was playing without supervision in the water of Lugge [the River Lugg, Herefordshire], and went underwater.
f. 113v. Case of flight to [sanctuary?]. Alured of Zedde [Z in this case is the yogh] went to the parish church after mass and abjured royal justice and the court of the coroner Walter of Eton. He remains in the custody of Walter de Aka of Zedd'
ff. 113v.-114. Notes on precedents involving the coroner.
ff. 114v-115. Impediment of clergy. Dated Tuesday after St Mary Magdalen [24 July] 1291. The official of Canterbury, in the church of St Mary le Bow, London, relating to the prioress and nuns of Wroxall, Warwickshire ('Wrokeshale' in the dioocses of Worcester), and Reading Abbey.
ff. 115-116. Appeal of the same. Dated Thursday after St James [26 July] 1291.
ff. 116-116v. Third party appeal by the abbot and convent of Reading monastery concerning Leomisnter manor, in the diocese of Hereford. Dated at Leominster 12 May 1330; witnesses Brothers Henry of Drayton, Richard de Gywe, Peter Henry of Stoke, Roger of Wantage, Sir Hugh of Reading, Sir John Mayden and others. |