ROTULI SELECTI AD RES ANGLICAS ET HIBERNICAS SPECTANTES, EX ARCHIVIS IN DOMO CAPITULARI WEST-MONASTERIENSI, DEPROMPTI

London: G. Eyre and A. Spottiswoode, 1834.

NOTE: Text scanned from an 1834 ex-libris copy. Please be careful when quoting. Pagination has been preserved; line-breaks have not. Additional sections of the volume will be placed online as time allows. ~Tamara

PREFACE

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THE Records now deposited in the antient building which was originally the Chapter House of the Abbey of Westminster are those of the Treasury of the Court of the Receipt of the Exchequer. A useful analysis of the contents of this great depository may be found in a Return made in 1800 to the enquiries of a Committee of the House of Commons by the late Right Hon. George Rose, at that time the Keeper, and printed in the Report on this subject. After describing those Records which exist, each in a series of Volumes, Rolls, or Bundles, and those which admit of being referred to some general head, there remained many single documents of which he has given a catalogue under the title of "Miscellanea."

These are of two distinct characters. Some, and by far the largest portion, are complete documents. But there are others which are detached members of a series in some other office, separated from the rest, it is not known when or how, and to which it should seem that the public convenience requires they should be restored.

Among these Miscellaneous Records are found Many Papal Bulls, amongst which is that by which the title of Defensor Fidei was granted to King Henry VIII. by Pope Clement VII:

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—The original Wills of four of our early Sovereigns; viz. Richard II., Henry V., Henry VII., and Henry VIII., found some years ago in a state of great neglect and decay, from which they have been rescued:—Documents relating to the foundation of King Henry VII.'s Chapel:—Many documents relating to the affairs of Cardinal Wolsey, to the King's divorce, to the proceedings of the Visitors of the Religious Houses, and to the Surrenders of those Houses:—Surveys of Estates forfeited in the time of Henry VIII.:—Documents concerning the Mint and Coinage:—Instructions and Covenants respecting Mines and the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall:—Jewel Accompts:—Wardrobe Accompts :—Accompts of the Surveyors of Works:—and Statutes of the Orders of Saint George and Saint Michael.

Rymer has printed some of the more important of these documents. From those still unpublished the following small selection has been made of a few which relate to the earlier periods of English history.

I.

Rotulus Litterarum Patentium de anno regni Regis Johannis septimo. A.D. 1205 & 1206: p. 1-38.

This Roll is a detached member of the series of Patent Rolls at the Tower, extending from the 3d of King John (1201) to the end of the reign of King Edward IV. (1483.) By what means it became separated from its companions is not now known. Rymer has printed from it five of the Writs, and refers to it in his margin as being then at the Tower. If in this he is correct, it is evident that it has been removed to the Chapter House at a very recent period.

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But it may be doubted whether it really was at the Tower at the time when Rymer made his extracts from it, since it was plainly absent from its companions when, about the time that Rymer made his Collections, the extracts from these Rolls were made for Henry Powie Esq., the Speaker of the House of Commons, 1689, now in the Lansdown Library at the Museum, No. 287, &c.

It is endorsed and entitled in the manner above represented. It is, however, in fact, the Roll of the Patent Writs of but one half the year; the earliest being tested on the 30th of November, and the latest on the 9th of May following, which is just before the commencement of the 8th year of his reign.

The Roll consists of seven membranes, which are so attached that the beginning of one immediately follows the end of the other. This was the Chancery mode of preparing the Rolls, while at the Exchequer the several membranes, or small collections of membranes, when to be made up in a Roll, were attached to each other by being stitched together at the head of each.

The Patent Writs are Royal Letters. As in the French Monarchy the King's Letters are of two classes, called the Lettres Patentes and the Lettres de Cachet, so the Letters of the English Sovereigns are of two kinds, the Litterae Patentes and the Litterae Clausae. When the practice arose, in the reign of John, of enrolling copies of those Letters for the purpose of preservation and future reference, and perhaps for the further purpose of being a check upon the forgery of instruments of such great importance, they were entered

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on two distinct Rolls, now called the Patent Rolls and the Close Rolls, a very important portion of the Records of the Realm.

It is not easy to discover from the contents of the Writs entered on the two Rolls, why some are classed as Patent and others Close; and the sole distinction may from the first have been, that the former were delivered open, and the latter under seal. The popular notion that the Patent Writs are all addressed Omnibus, &c. cannot be sustained, as will appear by the Roll now published. There is, however, a general distinction between the two, lying in the superior importance of the affairs to which the Writs on the Patent Roll chiefly refer.

A Volume containing the Close Rolls for the reign of John, and a part of the reign of Henry III., has been lately published by the Commission, under the superintendence of Mr. Hardy of the Tower. But of the Patent Rolls only single writs have hitherto been published, selected for particular purposes, as by Prynne, Dugdale, Rymer, and others ; together with a Calendar published by the Commission in 1802, in a folio volume. A complete Calendar of the Patent Writs would be a very valuable addition to our published historical matter, 'till the Writs themselves can be all published at large,—a work greatly to be desired. But unfortunately the printed Calendar does not notice the tenth part of the whole number of writs entered on the Patent Rolls ; and many of its notices of those which are there calendered are too brief and unsatisfactory. This Volume may therefore be considered as presenting the first specimen which has been laid before the Public of the nature of these Rolls ; and it has been thought expedient to introduce in this Preface a Calendar in English of the Writs in this

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Roll, which will, better than any analysis, exhibit the true nature of the Patent Rolls in general, and show how many are the points in English history which admit of illustration from them; and I venture to add, how dubious and uncertain, how deficient in the soundest and best evidence, histories must be which are compiled without the aid of documents such as these, and of that exact chronological order in which many important public transactions are here exhibited.

P.1.

1. Safe conduct to W. King of Scotland to come to the King at York on the octaves of the Purification of Saint Mary, and to return. The Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Chester, W. Earl Marshall, the Earl of Warren, Robert fitz Roger, the Constable of Chester, are appointed to conduct him, and more of the antient commission which he asked of us, if he desire to have more.—A Truce of 40 days existing. —Earl David, the King of Scotland's brother, is sent, who is to remain in Scotland until the King returns, as he had required by his messengers. T. Lambeth, 30 Nov.

2. To the Archdeacon of Canterbury: The King, while the Archbishoprick of Canterbury is vacant, hath granted to his beloved clerk, Adam de Essex, the five marks which as Vicar of the Church of Smereden he had been accustomed to pay to Wibert de Eggardinton, who is now dead, in the name of a pension; so that the said Adam may hold the whole church:—requiring admission and institution. T. Canterbury, 2 Dec.

p. 2.

3. Mem that Letters Patent had been directed to the Bishop of Hereford concerning the Church of Dillum, in favour of Henry de Ver.

4. To Walter de Clifford : that he deliver to Roger de Thoeny the Castle of Boskeret, in his custody. T. Westm. 7 Dec.

5. To all Merchants: that the money which Walter, Adam, and Magister Martin, the messengers of the Church of Glaston, or two of them, had borrowed of merchants to the amount of 700 marks, when they went to the Apostolic See on the business of the Church, shall be paid out of the goods and

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p. 2.

possessions of the Prior and Convent of Glaston:—and that the merchants who have lent the money, or their messengers, should have safe conduct in coming to England to receive the same. T. Westm. 7 Dec.

6. To his Barons of Rumenell and Hei: that he has granted to Reginald de Barris, his servant, the Towns of Rumenell and Hea [Romney and Hythe], with the custody of the ports, together with Reginald de Comhull and his bailiffs. T. Lambeth, 6 Dec.

7. To M. Justice of Ireland: that at the solicitation of the Pope he has laid aside the anger and indignation which he had conceived against J. archbishop of Dublin, and has taken him again into favour: Wherefore the Justice is to protect him, his men, and all belonging to him, and to cause him to have all liberties which he had on the day when first the discord arose between them, as well in respect of his foresters as of other his servants: Also that he put him into possession of the land of Lisloe, which the White Monks of Saint Mary hold, notwithstanding what is contained in letters of ours which they have that they should not be disseised except by the judgment of our Court, because we do this by the counsel of our Bishops, Earls, and Barons; yet is the Archbishop to stand to the judgment if any one calls him: Also that the Justice enquire if the land which was Alelm's, which we have given to the Monks of Theukesbiry, belong to the Abbey of Glendelakh, and if the said Alelm held the land, on the day of the said discord, of the Archbishop ; and if it is so, then that he cause the Archbishop to have seisin of it, and seek out other lands to be given to the Monks of Theukesbiry in exchange :—Some other arrangements consequent on this reconciliation. T. London, 6 Dec.

p.3.

8. To M. Justice of Ireland: Warrant for the payment of 100 marks to J. archbishop of Dublin when he comes to Ireland; and the arrears of a knight's fee which we have granted him by reason of the dispute between him and us concerning the Abbey of St. Thomas of Dublin.

p. 4.

9. Mem of safe conduct granted to Lue the wife of Gerard de Attyes, and her sons, in coming to England and remaining there.

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p. 4.

10. To the Treasurer and to W. and R. chamberlains of the King, to pay the Archbishop of Dublin 25 marks.

11. To the Keepers of the Port of Portsmouth: left imperfect 12. To the Barons of the Exchequer, respecting a reckoning of Alice countess of Warwick. Cancelled as being enrolled on the Close Roll.

13. Licence to Raun, monk of Christ Church, Canterbury, that he may send out of England, whithersoever he will, corn to the value of 100l.

14. Licence to him to whom the Knights Templars have sold their ship with salt, which belonged to Hubert, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury, to take it wheresoever he pleases, rendering all customs due.

15. Mem of licence to the Knights Templars to sell the ship.

16. Safe conduct to the Abbot of Fescamp and his company, coming to England against Easter.

17. To the Pope: on the death of H. archbishop of Canterbury, a question arose between the Bishops of his Province and the Monks of Canterbury, respecting the right of electing a successor ; and since, on account of the appeals by these parties, the Church of Canterbury might remain too long without a Pastor, to the great inconvenience of the Church and Realm, the parties had renounced their appeals at London on the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, the King had proceeded to Canterbury on the Sunday following, when with his consent J. bishop of Norwich was elected by the Prior and Convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury: he now signifies to his Holiness that the said Bishops had not with his knowledge and consent elected any one to be Archbishop. T. Cant, 11 Dec.

p. 5.

18. Protection for a ship of the Bishop of Norwich laden with 20 tuns of wine.

19. Safe conduct to Martin Campio to come to England to recover his debts.

20. Mem of grant of the custody of the Abbey of Malmesbury to Will. de Cornhull.

21. Safe conduct to Ralph de Caleys and his companions, men of Geffery de Lucy, to come to England with the booty

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p. 5.

which they have got from the King's enemies. T. Elvenh, 15 Dec.

22. To Walter de Clifford: that he deliver to William de Breos the Castles of Grosmont, Skenefrid, and Lantelio, which we have granted to him to hold as Hubert de Burg held them. T. Dorkecestr', 18 Dec.

p. 6.

23. To all persons in the Diocese of Lincoln: thanking them for what they have done towards the construction of the new work in the Church of Lincoln, which had been liberal, as the beautiful structure of the building shewed; but urging them to continued exertion that the fabrick might not remain in its present unfinished state. T. Dorkecestr', 18 Dec.

24. To all persons in the Archdeaconry of Richmond: that he has sent Honorius their Archdeacon to the Court of Rome on important public affairs; and that during his absence they should protect the rights of the Archdeacon and themselves, and be obedient to his Official. T. Brehull, 20 Dec.

25. General protection to Honorius archdeacon of Richmond, Magister Columbus, Magister Geffery de Derham, and six Monks of Christ Church, Canterbury, with their attendants, going as messengers from the King. T. Breh, 18 Dec.

p. 7.

26. To all the Bishops in the Province of Canterbury: that they should annex their seals to letters sent by J. the Elect of Canterbury to the Court of Rome. T. Brehull, 20 Dec.

27. To Gerard de Canvill: that he deliver the County of Lincoln and the Rolls to Thomas de Muleton, to hold for seven years, rendering the antient fine and the increment 28. To the free tenants of the County of Lincoln, signifying the same, and that he is not to be disseised of the county during that term, unless he do something wherefore he is disseised by the judgment of our Court.

29. To the knights, free tenants, and all the men of the land which was Gilbert Basset's, and of that land of Walter de Dunestanville which Gilbert Basset held: that he has appointed John fitz Hugh and Bartholomew the clerk, bailiffs and keepers. T. Wudestok, 24 Dec.

30. To Ric. de Haracourt and John his brother: to come secretly to the King, and do what by a messenger they had proposed.

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If they do it the King will restore to them their lands in England. T. Oxon, 26 Dec.

p. 8.

31. To Hugh de Gurnaco: a pardon, and permission to come to England to pass to the Isle of Jersey or to Rochell, there to be employed. T. Marlborough, 28 Dec. [This Writ is printed in the Foedera, vol.i. p. 93, but with several variations from the original.]

32. Permission to Richard de Haverland to traffic at home and abroad: but he is not to export victuals, or arms, or horses above the value of two marks.

33. Protection of the lands, men, and possessions of the Bishoprick of Bath and the Abbey of Glaston, now in the custody of the Archdeacons of Wells and Taunton, being in the King's hands. T. Sarr, 30 Dec.

34. To Odo de Grosseby: that he pay to Magister Matthew, the King's physician, the rent which he had been wont to pay to Thomas de Argencoill, the clerk of the King of France, out of the Church of Salachil, which the King gave to the said Thomas.

p. 9.

35. Permission to Hyldebrand de Saxon to traffic, in the same terms and with the same restrictions as the permission above. T. Clarendon, 31 Dec.

36. Mem of Josceline de Wells having a presentation to the Church of Winesham.

37. Permission to Laurence of London to export one ship-load of corn before Easter next. T. Christ Church, 4 Jan.

38. Protection to Prater Wace and persons employed under him about London Bridge.

39. The men, lands, and fee of Saher de Quency, of the Honour of Leicester, are freed of suit to any shires or hundreds, and of sheriff's aid, as they were in the time of Robert earl of Leicester.

p. 10.

40. To the Barons and Knights of Poictou: a general amnesty. T. Bera, 5 Jan.

41. To the Mayor and the probi homines of Rochell: that they set at liberty Ralph de Tannac according to the terms of an agreement between him and Savaric de Malo Leone. T. Bera, 5 Jan.

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p. 10.

42. To Savaric de Malo Leone, the Seneschal of Poictou: that he destroy all the fortified houses of Peter Bertin and John Bertin and others, which are near Rochell, that may be injurious to the town.

43. To the same: a repetition of the same writ.

44. To the same: permission to act as he sees proper to persons returning to their allegiance. T. Bera, 5 Jan.

p. 11.

45. To the Mayor and others of Angoulesme : Warrant for the deivery of Oliver de Turri, their prisoner, to the man of Rob. de Turnham, who is the bearer of these letters.

46. Mem of Letters Patent granted to Alexander de Warham that he may export salt and hides into Normandy. This is cancelled because entered below.

47. To all bailiffs and men of the Abbey of Ramsey: that the King has sent J. de Bramcaster, Archdeacon of Worcester, to take care of the Abbey of Ramsey, together with the Abbot of the same. T. Gillingham, 13 Jan.

48. To the Archdeacon and Officials of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury: requiring institution of W. de Wrotham, Archdeacon of Taunton, to the Church of Warden, in Sheppy, to which the King has presented him. T. Gillingham, 13 Jan.

49. The Licence to Warham, noticed above.

50. The King acquits, as far as in him lies, the flight and outlawry of Hugh de Tiggehal, accused of the death of Edward King; but Hugh must make his peace with the parents, "parentes," of the man slain. T. Gillingham, 16 Jan.

p. 12.

51. To Will. de Wrotham: Presentation of Henr. de Hereford to the Church of Ecche. T. Eston, 20 Jan.

52. To G. bishop of Rochester : Presentation of Walter de Gray, the King's Chancellor, to the Prebend of Mailing, which is in the King's gift by reason of the vacancy of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury. T. Tewkesbury, 23 Jan.

53. To Tho. de Helham, the Official of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury, signifying the same.

54. Acknowledgment of the receipt at Tewkesbury, on Jan. 21, of the capellaria which had belonged to Hubert, late Archbishop of Canterbury, and which had been left in the

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care of the Knights Templars of London. An interesting catalogue is given. T. Worcester, 23 Jan.

p. 13.

55. To all persons in the Archbishoprick of York: that the King has received into favour G. the Archbishop of York, and requires all persons to be obedient to him; but the King nevertheless will act according to the customs of the realm in respect of those whom he has excommunicated. T. Worcester, 25 Jan.

56. To Geffery de Wandestr': that he deliver the son of Odo de Cumton, who is in his custody, to Peter de Stoke. T. Kenefar, 27 Jan.

57. Licence to Laurence de Bruges to trade in England; but he must not export corn without the King's permission. T. Worcester, 25 Jan.

58. An acquittance to Tho. de Sanford of 1,000 marks which he had received from the King's Chamber at Marlborough, and delivered to certain persons to carry into Poictou, according to the King's precept. T. Brewood, 29 Jan.

p. 14.

59. To the Sheriffs of Stafford and Derby: that they should not permit the Prior and Canons of Trentham to be impleaded of any of their tenements, which we guarantee to them, except before us or our Chief Justice. T. Brewood, 26 Jan.

60. Mem of letters directed to the Bishop of Lincoln, concerning the presentation of Philip de Lucy to the Church of Middelton.

61. Presentation of John Wtheng to a prebend in the Church of Brug.

62. Licence to John Pie to carry a ship-load of bacon and cheese into Flanders. T. Nottingham, 3 Feb.

63. Acknowledgment that Robert de Vipont has delivered to R. de Cornhull, according to the King's command, Wido and Reginald, the sons of Wido de Vo, and his hostages. T. Lex inton, 7 Feb.

64. Safe conduct to R., King of the Isles, to come to the King and return.

65. Mem that Marchisius de Albini has letters of presentation to the Church of Carlton to the Bishop of Lincoln.

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p. 14.

66. To William fitz Alan: that he deliver to Walter de Clifford two of the Welsh hostages whom he has in his custody, and to William de Cantilupe one, and to Ralph de Sumeri one. T.York, 11 Feb.

p. 15.

67. Licence to the Bishop of London to send an empty ship beyond sea for wine and any other merchandize. T. York, 13 Feb.

68. A similar licence to Ph. bishop of Durham. T. York, 13 Feb.

69. Presentation of Nicholas, the physician of G. fitz Peter, to the prebend which was John Reimund's, clerk of the Earl of Eu, in Hasting. T. York, 13 Feb.

70. Warrant to Albery de Ver, Earl of Oxford: that he deliver to Wil. de Albini Robert son of Robert de Ros, a hostage, whom he has in custody. T. Knaresborough, 13 Feb.

71. Licence to Robertus Camerarius that he may put his land of Wikingeby in pledge for four years, for his redemption.

p. 16.

72. Writ to the Foresters of Nottingham, &c.: that they permit the Archbishop of York to have the liberties and free customs in the forests which his predecessors have had. T. Bovag, 16 Feb.

73. Mem that the Lepers of Preston have Letters Patent of protection.

74. Mandate to Rob. le Vavasour, that as he loves his body, imediately on the sight of these letters, he set at liberty Gilbert fitz Reinfrid, son and heir of Theobald Walter. T. Wich, 2 Mar.

75. Mandate to M. fitz Henry, Justice of Ireland, that he distrain the lands and cattle of Geffery fitz Robert, to the extent of the 300l. which he owes the King. T. Wich, 2 Mar.

76. To the Archbishop of York: that he institute James de Cirenester to the Chapel in the King's Castle of Nottingham. T. Wich, 2 Mar.

77. To the same: that he institute Peter, son of Richard de Lexinton, to the perpetual vicarage of the moiety of the Church of Gedling, now in the King's right by reason of the custody of Daon Bardulf, a pension of two besants being reserved to Michael, the parson of the said moiety, who is consenting.

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p. 17.

78. Permission to Rob. de Turnham to take to Flanders the corn grown on his own lands, to sell for his redemption. T. Lanc, 21 Feb.

79. Licence to Rob. de Ros, that when he has assumed the Cross he may pledge his lands to whom he will, from the Feast of Saint Michael in the 8th year of the King, for three years, to raise the money for his journey to Jerusalem. T. Lane, 26 Feb.

80. Licence to Will. Briwer to export 1,000 summae of corn. T. Newcastle under Line, 3 Mar.

81. Mem that the Brethren Hermits of Saint Brigid of Childris have letters of protection.

82. Mem that Mr. Gilb. de Aquila has letters to the Dean of Bocking of his presentation to the Church of Stithed, which is in the King's hands by reason of the vacancy of the see of Canterbury.

83. Discharge of Rob. de Vipont of 300 marks out of 1,000 which were delivered to him at Nottingham.

84. Presentation of Will. de Wrotham, Archdeacon of Taunton, to the Church of East Malling, in the King's hands by reason of the vacancy of the see of Canterbury. T. Meleburn, 6 Mar.

p. 18.

85. Mem that Peter de Cornhull has letters of presentation to the Archdeacon of Canterbury for the Church of Milstede. 86. Recognition of the right of the Brothers of the Hospital of Jerusalem to the Church of Saint Mader of Runeri, in Cornwall; and that the presentation of Tho. de Chimelly by the King, while the lands of Henr. de Pomery were in his hands, shall not prejudice their right. This is cancelled, because it is entered on the Charter Roll.

87. Licence to Ph. de Bretham that he may load a ship with corn at Lynne, and take it to Winchelsey; but he must give security to the Bailiffs of Lynne that he will not carry it out of England. T. Selveston, 16 Mar.

88. To Will. de Cantilupe: that he deliver to W. Mareschal the son of Walter de Aura T. Windsor, 20 Mar.

p. 19.

89. Mem that the Abbot and Canons of Nutley have letters of protection,

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90. To W. de Scotindon, Dean of Shoreham: that lie resign that Deanery to Tho. de Elham. T. Windsor, 20 Mar.

91. Announcement of Elham being made Dean of Shoreham, to the parsons, chaplains, and clerks of the Deanery.

92. Announcement of his appointment to Elham himself, to hold as long as the see of Canterbury is vacant, and the King's pleasure continues.

93. Licence to W. Earl Marshall, that he may export 400 quarters of corn from his manor of Boseham. T. Mortlake, 22 Mar.

94. To Richard de Beauchamp and Milo de Beauchamp: that if Robert de Vipont cannot be found they deliver the capellaria [of which mention is made before in No. 54.] of H. late Archbishop of Canterbury to Rob. de London and Rob. Basset, to be brought to the King, the King having made a gift of it to the Bishop of Winchester. T. Mortlake, 21 Mar.

p. 20.

95. A similar mandate to Rob. de Vipont.

96. To all Sheriffs, Foresters, and Bailiffs in whose bailiwicks the Bishop of Winchester has lands : that they allow the Bishop to possess them as his predecessor G. bishop of Winchester, of pious memory, held them. T. Cramden, 24 Mar.

97. To P. de Tarenzim : that he deliver the Castle of Taunton to such person as the Bishop of Winchester shall send to receive it.

98. To the Prior, &c. of the Abbey of Ramsey: that from the time when the Abbot shall resign his Abbey, they be obedient to J. archdeacon of Worcester, as their Custos. T. Lambeth, 24 Mar.

99. That a safe conduct has been granted to the King's sister, Queen Berengaria, and her retinue, to come to the King of England and return; they giving security that no harm shall happen to the kingdom through them. T. Oteford 27 Mar.

P. 21.

100. A Mem to the same effect, respecting three persons, the mesengers of the said Queen.

101. To Saher de Malo Leone : that he cause the Monks of Saint Mary of Chaurruns to have 50l. rent of Poictou which our

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nephew Otho, while he had the bailiwick of Poictou, gave them in Rochel and Oleron, unless it can be taken more conveniently elsewhere.

102. To M. fitz Henry, Justice of Ireland: that he take into the King's hands all the lands which were Wil. de Burgh's, and those which were Theobald Walter's.

103. To the same: that he inquire by lawful men of the Kingdom of Cork and the Kingdom of Limerick concerning the Castle of Kilmehel and five Cantreds, whether they had belonged to the Kingdom of Cork or the Kingdom of Limerick; and if it is found that they belonged to the Kingdom of Cork, that he take them into the King's hands as his demesne.

104. Licence to the Abbot of Fulk Armund that he may fetch from England to Normandy 400 summae of corn.

p. 22.

105. Mem of licence, to the same effect, to the Abbot of Bello Becco.

106. Mem of a similar licence for 100 summae to the Abbot de Loco Dei.

107. To M. fitz Henry, Justice of Ireland: Letter of protection for Simon fitz Peter.

108. Licence to the Lepers of Bologne to take 20 summae of corn from England to Flanders. T. Canterbury, 3 April.

109. The King confirms the resignation of the Abbot of Ramsey, and that he have the manor of Cramofeld assigned to him for term of life. T. Canterbury, 3 April.

110. Licence to Earl Aubrey to carry out of England 200 summae of corn, and 400 bacons.

111. Mem that Geffery de Bockland has letters to the Dean of Pageham of his presentation to the Church of Pageham.

p. 23.

112. Acknowledgment that Thomas de Sanford has rendered certain plate committed to him to keep.

113. To James Savage and Elyas de Derham: that they deliver to Reginald de Cornhill 1,100 marks of the fine which they have made for the debts of Hugh Archbishop of Canterbury. T. Dover, 4 April.

114. To the Archdeacon and Chapter of Cassel: recommending the Bishop of Ferns to be elected to the vacant Archbishoprick of Cassel. T. Canterbury, 3 April.

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p. 23.

115. Mem that letters to the same effect were written to the suffragan Bishops of that Archbishoprick.

116. And also to M. fitz Henry, the Justice of Ireland, with a postript to the effect that P. bishop of Winchester had sworn that he never sought to obtain any thing in the Court of Rome that might redound to the injury of the King, his Justice, or his realm of Ireland.

117. The King certifies that Brand de Duway is his man and his "dominicus mercator," and that all his goods and merchandize are in the King's protection: he has also licence to traffic anywhere, paying the customs due. T. Dover, 4 Apr.

p. 24.

118. Mem of licence to Henry de Sandwich to carry 100 summae of corn out of England.

119. Licence to H. archdeacon of Wells to export 600 summae of corn.

120. Mem of similar licence to John de Towcester for 100 summae.

121. Mem that the Barons of Winchelsey have the King's Letters Patent of protection as long as they are voyaging in the King's galleys.

122. Mem of licence to Robert fitz Sunnulf to carry out of England a ship-load of corn, of the corn of the Bishop of Norwich.

123. To the knights, free-tenants, &c. of the honour of G. de Mandevill, the elder, lord of Merswood : that the King has rendered the honour of Merswood to Rob. de Mandevill, the heir of the said G.

124. Pardon to Gilbert de Sukeling of his flight and abjuration of the realm on account of the death of Will. fitz Alan, of Gaydon; but he must make his peace with the parents [or relatives, "parentes"]. T. Lond, 22 Mar.

p. 25.

125. Mem of licence to Rob. Sunnolf de Ley to export a ship-load of corn belonging to the Bishop of Norwich, Elect of Canterbury.

126. To the Bishop of Chichester: presentation of S. de Waltham to be instituted to the Church of Saint Andrew of Hastings.

127. Licence to eleven persons, each to export a ship-load of corn. T. Romney, 4 April.

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p. 25.

128. Acquittance to Thomas de Samford of 300 marks. T. Porchester, 10 April.

p. 26.

129. Mem of Letters of Presentation, addressed to the Bishop of Lincoln, in favour of Colinus, Clerk to Rob. de Vipont, to the moiety of the Church of Westburgh.

130. To the Knights and Free Tenants of the Bishop of Winchester: that he has granted to the Bishop reasonable aid on account of his great expences and labours for the King's honour and the dignity of the Church. T. Clarendon, 14 April.

131. To the Mayor and Probi Homines of Rochell: that they grant safe conduct to Peter de Moneta and Bertram de Virilli. T. Clarendon, 15 April.

132. Mem of like writ to the Probi Homines of Bourdeaux.

133. Licence to Wil. le Bretun to bring wine and other merchandize into England, but that he carry out no merchandize without the King's licence. T. Southampton, 13 April.

134. Mem of a similar Licence to Wil. Sale.

135. Mem of Letters of Protection to the Hospital of Saint John the Baptist without the gates of Dublin.

136. To all Port Bailiffs and others : that if Eustace the Monk have not restored to Wil. le Petit the ship which he took from him, they aid the said William in recovering it wherever it is to be found.

p. 27.

137. Licence for the galley of R. Earl of Chester to go to Cheshire and return. T. Craneburn, 16 April.

138. To the Archdeacon of Taunton: that though the King has granted to Hubert de Burgh the custody of the Land of the heirs of Rob. de Beauchamp, in the counties of Somerset and Dorset, he has not granted the Advowsons of the Churches; wherefore if any presentations shall be made by any persons but the King they will be done unjustly. The King has heard that the Church of Hacch in the said honour is vacant, and presents to it Henr. de Hereford. T. Craneburn, 17 April.

139. Licence to Rob. fitz Roger to export a ship-load of corn from Tinemouth.

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140. To the Prior, &c. of Ramsey: that the King has committed the custody to J. Archdeacon of Worcester. T. Clarendon, 19 April.

p. 28.

141. To Geffrey de Lucy: that he deliver to Wil. Talebot and Geffrey le Veel, Ralph de Sancto Wandregisilo. T. Winchester, 19 April.

142. To W. Archdeacon of Taunton, Reginald de Cornhill, and Wil. de Cornhill: that they deliver up the Bishoprick of Winchester to P. Bishop of Winchester to hold entirely as Godfrey the late Bishop held it the day he died. T. Clarendon, 14 April.

143. Licence to the Bishop of Winchester to export corn. T. Clarendon, 15 April.

144. Similar Licence, and of the same date to that granted to Wil. le Bretun (No. 133.), to Ric. le Petit of Oistreham.

145. Acquittance to Wil. Briwer of 1,000 marks, which the King had lent him for the redemption of Wil. his son from a prison of the King of France.

p. 29.

146. Presentation of Henr. fitz Elyas to the Vicarage of the Church of Dilum, he paying an annual pension to Henr. de Ver the parson, of one bezant. T. Winchester, 21 April.

147. Mem of Presentation of John de Birmingham to the Church of Colred in the Archbishoprick of Canterbury.

148. Mem of Presentation of Willielmus to the vicarage of the said Church, rendering to the above John a pension of 10 marks.

149. General Protection to the Men, Lands, and Goods of Geffrey de Lucy, Wil. fitz Henry, and Hugh de Sancto Philiberto, while they are beyond sea on the King's business.

150. To the Bailiffs, Viridaries, and Men of Wulvemar and Alsishold: that Rob. de Venors is taken out of their superintendance and placed under the custody of Joh. fitz Hugh. Other things to remain as they were.

151. Licence to Wil. English (Anglicus) of Rouen, that he may take out of England eight score summae of corn. T. Westminster, 26 April.

p. 30.

152. To the Constable of Southampton, and to Walter Fortin and Wil. de Langetot: that immediately on the receipt of these

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Letters, as they value the King's honour and peace of the realm, and love themselves and the things belonging to them, without the least delay, they go to the ports of Southampton, Portsmouth, Rie, Christ Church, and Yarmouth, and to the other ports in their bailiwick; and detain for the King's use all transport ships which can carry eight horses or more, and that they cause them to be manned with good seamen and brought together at Portsmouth, by the Vigil of Pentecost at the latest; that they take care there be in each ship "pontes et cleiae;" and that a brief be made of the persons to whom the Ships belong, of how many seamen each has, and how many horses each will carry; and that if any of them be laden with wares, that they see that they are immediately unladen. They are further commanded to dispatch messengers to those ports to which they cannot go in person, in the same hour in which they receive these letters.

153. Grant to Margaret de Bolebot who was the wife of Walter de Bolebot, that she shall not be constrained to marry, but that if she wish to marry she must first acquaint the King.

p. 31.

154. A similar grant to Elizabeth who was the wife of Wil. Bardulf.

155. Licence to Wil. de Albini to export 200 summae of wheat, 200 of oats, 100 of barley, and 20 summae of beans. T. Lambeth, 30 April.

156. To the Mayor, Jurats, and all Faithful Men of Bourdeaux: that the King has nominated Reginald de Pontibus to be Seneschal of Gascony and Bourdeaux.

157. To the Seneschal of Gascony and to the Bailiffs and to the Mayor and Community of Bourdeaux: that they cause Ernaldus de Landa to have seisin of the lands and possessions of Amavenus Delga deceased.

158. To the same: that they allow Ernaldus de Landa to have the lands of Tyliac and Saor and the duty on oats, according as King Richard our brother gave to Gaylard father of the said Ernaldus: that Ernaldus is made Keeper of the Forest of Bourdeaux: and that the little wood called Bedad is given to him for his fire-wood.

p. 32.

159. To the Knights and Free Tenants of the Fee which was Robert de Furnell's: that the King has granted to Simon de

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Lisle the custody of the land and heirs of the said Robert, till they are of sufficient age to hold the lands according to the custom of the land of England. T. Lambeth, 28 April.

160. General Protection to the goods and possessions of Rob. de Haya while he is absent in the King's service in the Islands with the King's ships. T. Westminster, 31 April [sic].

161. To Reginald de Cornhill: that he shall take the King's prisage of all wines that come to London; but so that if any person claims exemption, he shall make oath that the wine for which he claims it was bought by himself or his agents, and is his own proper chattel.

162. Grant to the Men of Bourdeaux: that if any foreigner come to settle amongst them, and dwell there for one month without challenge "hominii sui," he shall be regarded as a denizen.

p. 33.

163. Presentation of Wil. Gernun to the Church of Mereden in the diocese of Salisbury, in the King's hands by reason of Rob. de Batepore having departed from his fidelity and our service. T. Windsor, 1 May.

164. General Protection to Tho. de Sancto Walerico, while absent beyond sea on the King's service.

165. To all Earls and Barons: that they give credence to what Henr. de Ver shall say to them concerning affixing their seals to tlie writing which he brings them from the King, to which the seals of G. fitz Peter the Justiciar, and the Earl of Salisbury, our brother, and of certain others, hang.

166. Mem that Humfr. de Bassingburn Archdeacon of Salisbury has letters of Presentation to the Bishop of Ely for the Church of Bassingburn, on the resignation of Alan de Bassingburn; which Alan is, however, to remain Vicar as long as he lives, yielding to the said Humphrey a pension of two bezants.

p. 34.

167. To the Bailiffs of the City of Bath and its appurtenances, which were in the King's hands before the decease of Savaricus formerly Bishop of Bath, and to all the Knights, Free Tenants, and other persons of that portion of the Abbey of Glaston which belonged to Savaricus: that they

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receive as the Custodes, J. the Elect of Bath, and H. Archeacon of Wells.

168. To the Custodes of the Bishoprick of Bath, and of that portion of the Abbey of Glaston which belonged to Savaricus formerly Bishop of Bath: that he has restored to J. the Elect of Bath all the Manors of the Bishoprick of Bath, to hold as Reginald Bishop of Bath held them; and given to him and the Archdeacon of Wells the custody of the city of Bath and its appurtenances, which were in the King's hands before the death of Savaricus the Bishop, and the custody of that portion of the Abbey of Glaston which belonged to Savaricus, till it is known what shall be settled by the Court of Rome touching the reformation of the Abbey of Glaston.

169. To the Knights and Free Tenants of the Bishoprick of Bath: that they answer to J. the Elect of Bath, &c.

170. A cancelled writ, the true copy occurring afterwards, No. 176.

p. 35.

171. Mem of Presentation of Willielmus to the Church of Saint Budock in Oxford.

172. The King, at the request of R. de Turnham, has taken into his hands certain lands belonging to him, to hold as a security to certain merchants who have lent him 300 marks ; if the money be not repaid within two years, the land to be delivered up to them for payment. T. Basing, 6 May.

p. 36.

173. Grant to Gilbert de Riggeby, patron of the moiety of the Church of Leke, that because he has twice yielded to the King's request that moiety, to wit, once in favour of J. de Well now the Elect of Bath, and another time to Will. de Gray the Chancellor, that he shall not be asked again to bestow it.

174. To Rob. de Vipont: that he deliver Martin fitz Reinfrid to Alexander the man of Daniel de Botelleria, the bearer of these letters. T. Suwich, 9 May.

175. To the Bishops of St. Asaph, Exeter, Salisbury, Llandaff; Coventry, Bangor, Worcester, Hereford, St. David's, Lincoln, and Chichester: signifying that the Bishops of London, Winchester, Rochester, and Ely, and the Elect of Bath, are writing to the Pope on matter concerning the dignity of the

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p. 36.

King and the Realm, and entreating that they will signify their concurrence; and that as, on account of the hazards attending the journey, different messengers will be dispatched, the King begs that duplicates of the letters may be prepared. T. Porchester, 8 May. To the same purpose letters were addressed to the Abbots in the province of Canterbury.

176. Exemplification of a Fine between Rob. de Turnham and Joan his wife, petents, and the Knights Templars, tenants, concerning the Mills at York on the Foss; to wit, that the said Knights give to the said Robert and his wife 200 marks and lend him 300 more, for which the said Rob. and Joan are to recognize, in the King's court, the said mills to be the right of the said Knights. This being done, the said money to remain to the said Rob. and Joan, the 300 marks being to be repaid at the terms specified in the chirograph of the Court. But if the said Rob. die before the chirograph is made, or the said Joan refuse to concur, that then the 500 marks shall be repaid: the King taking into hand to see them satisfied.—There is scarcely any difference, except in form, between this and the cancelled writ, No. 170.

177. A Grant from the Abbot and Convent of Cernel to the King of whatever they have in the park and vivary of Nettlecumb, in return for having delivered to them from Roger de Pole and Rob. de Newburgh all their land of Nettlecumb. In reviewing this Calendar we find that a great number of the Patent Writs relate to affairs of Trade. We find twenty-one permissions to export Corn ; and a few permissions to export Salt, Hides, Bacon, and Cheese. Licences to import are confined to Wine, and are granted for the most part to Bishops. There is an important document respecting the prisage of Wine in the Port of London, No. l6l. Licences to traffic in England are granted to several persons, one of whom is designated as a "Royal Merchant," but these Licences contain prohibitions to export. One Licence is granted to a person of distinction to export the Corn grown

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upon his lands for his own redemption ; and we have another licence granted by the King to a Baron, to pledge his land to raise money to redeem himself.

Many relate to Ecclesiastical Affairs. There are thirty-one which consist of presentations to benefices or dignities in the Church: another very remarkable one by which the King assures the person to whom it is addressed, that having twice nominated to a Church in his dotation, the King will not hereafter claim the right. Several are general Letters of Protection to the Religious Houses. The affairs of the Abbeys of Malmesbury, Ramsey, and especially of Glaston at that period in a very unsettled state, receive some illustration. We have in No. 23. an important instrument respecting the building of the Church of Lincoln. One instance only occurs of proceedings incident to the Assumption of the Cross and going to the Holy Land; it is in the case of Robert de Roos, who has the King's licence to pledge his lands to raise money for the expence of the enterprise. In No. 54. we have a remarkable catalogue of what constituted the "capellaria" of Hubert late Archbishop of Canterbury; the articles were brought to the King at Tewksbury, who afterwards gave them to the Bishop of Winchester, of whom we have other notices. In other writs we have the terms on which the contest between the King and the Archbishop of Dublin was composed; and in others we perceive the state of disunion in which the King was living with the Archbishop of York, his half-brother. The still more difficult affairs of the See of Canterbury, in the seventh year of King John, almost the only subject on which the Chroniclers of that year have touched, receive, as might be expected, much useful illustration.

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Of Secular Affairs, we have various discharges of money and plate ; distraints on the lands of the King's debtors ; appointments of Bailiffs and Keepers; transfer of the custody of hostages and prisoners ; delivery of Castles, Ports, Counties; protections granted to particular persons, especially when about to be absent on the King's affairs. There are several Safe conducts, one of which refers to a secret embassy ; another is granted to the King of Scotland to meet the King at York, with an honourable attendance ; another to Queen Berengaria the widow of King Richard I., to come to England with her retinue ; and another to Reginald King of the Isles, who is called in the Close Rolls of this year. King of Man. There are also many relating to the King's affairs in Ireland, in Poictou, and Gascony. In No. 152 we have a remarkable impress of Ships.

I pass over other matters of inferior importance. In the preceding Calendar I have inserted the date of time and place only in the instances in which the teste meipso occurs. In these we can entertain no doubt that the King was present in person at the place and time so indicated; and one use to be made of these Rolls is to show what roving lives the early Sovereigns of England led. In the first fortnight of December the King made two journeys to Canterbury. On his return from the second visit, he set out on a long progress, from which he did not return to the neighbourhood of his Capital till the 18th of March. In the course of this progress he visited Dorchester, from whence he passed by Gillingham, Frome, and Bradenstoke, to Worcester. Having appointed to receive the King of Scotland at York, he proceeded thither, by way of Litchfield,

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Nottingham, Doncaster, and Sherburn. He was at York from the 8th to the 13th of February, when he removed his Court to Knaresborough, from whence he proceeded to Richmond and Carlisle. On the 21st he was at Lancaster, and on the 1st of March at Chester. From that city he passed by Newcastle under Line and Melburn to Nottingham, and returned through Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire to Windsor. He remained about London for a week. The month of April was occupied by another tour in the southern counties, in which he proceeded first to Dover, thence through Sussex to Southampton, where he remained several days ; he removed to Clarendon, whence he returned to Winchester, and through Alton to the neighbourhood of London. On the 3d of May he was at Swallowfield, whence he passed to Freemantle, Basing, Porchester, Southwich, where he was on the 9th, and where we lose the benefit of the Roll.

Of the five documents published by Rymer from this Roll two are the Safe Conducts to Queen Berengaria and the King of the Isles. That he did not give the Safe Conduct granted to the King of Scotland must have arisen from the want of a steady principle of selection in the preparation of his work, for of the three, it is assuredly of the chief interest. Two others are given apparently for the sake of Otho King of the Romans, whose name occurs in them, namely, the pardon of Hugh de Gurney, and the confirmation of Otho's gift while Earl of Poictou to the Monks of Charron. The fifth is the remarkable Letter to the Bishops, requesting them to affix their seals to letters addressed to the Pope. Only one of these documents is published with perfect accuracy. Hugo de Gurnaco appears as Hugo de Burnaco, an error of the greater moment as there were two families, both of distinction,

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the Gurnays and the Bernakes. But the most important mistake is the placing the circular Letter to the Bishops, dated May 8, in the 7th of his reign, in the A.D. 1205, since it certainly belongs to the A.D. 1206; thus introducing confusion and disorder into the history of that great national event, the dispute of King John with the Court of Rome.

Rymer may not have been aware of the fact which is made evident by all the Chancery Rolls of this reign, that the years of the reign of John are reckoned from Ascension Day to Ascension Day.

II.

Transcripta omnium Litterarum Patentium Debitorum et Compotorum ac Annuitatuum sub testimonio Loca-tenentium Hiberniae, aut Justiciariorum, temp. R. Henrici V. et ab anno I. ad annum XII. R. Henrici VI—p. 39-103.

King Henry VI., by writ under the Privy Seal, dated at Westminster the 10th day of February in the 12th of his reign, A.D. 1434, directed to the Lord Treasurer of Ireland and the Barons of the Exchequer of that Kingdom, called upon them to make return of all discharges of debts and accompts, and also of all annuities which had been granted by any Lieutenant or Justice of Ireland, from the day of his father's coronation to the then present time. The Record which is here printed consists of the Original Writ and the Return which was made to it by Sir Thomas Strange the Treasurer, and the Barons of the Irish Exchequer.

To be continued...