Vindication of Ecclesiastical Volume 3 2

Matildi, in Stanistratford, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde idem Ric. et Matil. queruntur, quod cum ipsi tulissent Regiam prohibitionem quod non sequerentur placitum illud, scilicet, die Sancti Cregorii prox. praeterito. Idem Thomas et Isolda, spreta Prohibitione, nichilominus secuti sunt placitum illud, &c. unde deteriorati sunt et dampnum habent ad valen ciam 40 sol. Et inde producunt, &c. Queruntur eciam, quod fecerunt eos innodari vinculo Excommunicationis, &c.

Et Thomas et Isolda venerunt et defendunt, quod nunquam ante nec post secuti sunt placitum illud contra ipsos, &c. nec ammodo sequentur. Et inde invenerunt Plegios Laur. del Brok. et Michaelem de Lerm. Et dictum est eis quod faciant eos absolvi, &c.

Robertus le Faucuner et Wilhelmus de Winestanstanne opt. se 4 die versus Simonem de Cormeges de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsorum Roberti et Willielmi in Henr. contra prohibitionem, &c. Et Simon non venit. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod Attach. eum. Et Vic. mandavit quod Clericus est, et non habet laicum feodum per quod, &c. Et ideo mandatum est Archiepiscopo Cantuar. quod faciat eum venire in crastino Sancti Martini, &c.

Samuel de Melles Attach. fuit ad respondendum Ernis. de Dunheved de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico seodo ipsius Ernis in Dunheved, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde idem Ernis. queritur, quod homines falcabant Jannum in quadam Bruera quam habet in Dunheved, Samuel venit, et propter hoc Excommunicavit homines suos, et trahit eos in placitum in Curia Christianitatis. Et unde deterioratus est ad valenciam, &c.

Et Samuel venit et defendit, quod nunquam secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis, set rever a dicit, quod petit decimas illius Janni in Dunheved quando falratum fuerit; Et Ernisius been concedit, quod ipse habeat decimas vel persona de Dunting in cujus parochia Jannum illud est, et hoc alias concessit, sicut patet in Rotulo Sancti Michaelis, an. r. H. 3. 23. Et ideo sine die, &c.

Robertus Marescal opt. se 4 die versus Radulphum Purcel de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis, &c. quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, &c. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et Radulphus non venit, &c. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod Attach. eum: Et Vic. mandavit quod idem Radulphus Clericus est, & non habet laicum feodum per quod, &c. Et ideo mandatum est Archid. Stafford. quod faciat eum venire à die Sancti Michaelis in 15 dies, &c.

Simon de Thoftes, et Magister Walterus de Thoftes, et Stephanus Persona de Lineford Attach. fuerunt ad respondendum Roberto de Tunneston de placito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis quae non sunt, &c. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde idem Robertus queritur, quod ipsi petunt ab eo in Curia Christianitatis 6 marcas, quas Wilhelmus de Thoftes ei commisit ad emendum duas marcas redd. &c.

Et Simon et alii venerunt, et been cognoverunt quod ipsi implacitaverunt in Curia Christianitatis, et quod petunt ab eo praedictas 6 marcas nomine Testamenti pr • dicti Willielmi de Toftes, eo quod idem Wilhelmus in ultima Voluntate sua ease legavit, quia praedictus Robertus non emit inde redditum praedictum: Et Robertus non potuit hoc didicere, et cognovit quod ipse recepit Denarios illos. Et ideo dictum est praedictis Simony et aliis, quod ipsi procedant in placito praedict. non obstante Prohibitione praedicta. Et Robertus in misericordia.

Isabella quae fuit uxor Willielmi de Lanleg Attach. fuit ad respond. Abbati de Woburn de placito, quare secuta est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis quae non sunt, &c. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde idem Abbas per Attorn. suum queritur, quod trahit ipsum in Curiam Christianitatis in placitum, et petit ab ipso 22 Marcas ex una parte, et 100 Solidos ex alia; unde deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenciam 40 Marcarum.

Et Isabella venit et defendit, quod nunquam post Prohibitionem vel ante secuta est placitum illud in Curia Christianitatis de aliquibus catallis quae non sunt de Testamentis. Immo de catallis quae sunt de Testamento praedicti Willielmi quondam viri sui: Et hoc idem continetur in edicione quam idem. Abbas inde profert. Et ideo Abbas in misericordia. Et dictum est Isabellae, quod non sequatur versus eum in Curia Christianitatis de aliquibus catallis, nisi sint de Testamento, &c.

Johannes de Aberton, &c. Attach. suit ad respondendum Thomae de Hoile de placito, quare sccutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis ipsius Thomae quae non sunt, &c. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde queritur, quod ipse exigit ab eo 4 bussell. ordci, et 4 bussell. fabarum; unde deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenciam 20 sol. Et inde producit sectam, &c.

Et Johannes venit et defendit contra ipsum et sectam suam, quod nunquam post Prohibitionem implacitavit eum in Curia Christianitatis de aliquibus catallis, &c. Et ideo consideratum est quod vadiet legem se 12 man. Et veniat cum lege in adventu Justic. &c.

Petrus de Bedinton opt. se, &c. versus Magistrum Johannem Officialem Archid. L. de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de debitis quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et versus Elyam de Wudcote de placito, quare sccutus est idem placitum contra, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c. Et Officialis attach. fuit per Johannem de Ory, et Ricardum fratrem ejus: Et Elyas Attach. fuit per Radulphum de Gardino et Walterum Milkpote. Et ideo ponantur per mcl. pleg. quod sint in Octabis Sancti Michaelis, et primi, &c.

Tom. 2. p. 552. l. 2. after related, add: by Mat. Westminster: Sub eisdem temporibus (An. 24 H. 3.) videns Imperator, quod Papa Concilium convocaverat ad de jectionem super hoc, quod idem Papa seculare brachium, et praecipue hostium Imperil publicorum in auxilium ejus advoc • vit, et formam convocationis, secus quem praelocutam fuerat, alteravit; poenituit eum in hoc consensisse, ut Concilium convocaretur. Et resiliens, significavit Regi Anglorum, ut muniret omnes regni sui Praelatos ex parte Imperatoris, (by his Imperial Sovereignty) ne venirent ad illud generale Concilium (the ancient undoubted right of calling, or recalling General Councils being solely in the Emperor, not Pope) in personis et rebus securitatem in ditidne sua penitus denegantis, et nolentis ubi praesidebit inimicus cius capitalis, cansam comm • ttere dubio foro tam excellentem. Dominus Papa, ei contra scripsit; significans eisdem Praelatis, ut humanis minis postpositis, Patri suo spirituali obedienter et obsecundarent, nec omitterent quin ad Concilium communiter venire ad terminum statutum properarent. Vnde Episcopy fluctuantes in proposito, quid agendum foret, dubitabant. Nonnulli vero Episcoporum regni Angliae, & quidam Abbates mar • transierunt, (notwithstanding the Emperors prohibition upon the Popes contrary command) ut si aliquo modo Pateret transitus per terram velper mare, veuiendi ad Concilium, praeceptis Apostolicis satisfacturi, illuc properareut. But observe the issue of their and other Bishops obedience to the Popes commands. Imminente tempore aestivali, Otho, quandoque Legatus in Anglia, & qui Legatus fuerat in Francia, (with other Legates) infinitam secum Praelatorum trahentes multitudiuem, naves ascenderunt apud Genuam Civitatem, ut sub Ducatu Genuensium salvo ad Concilium pervenirent. Ad quos animandos Papa unum Legatum destinaverat, qui ab eodem Papa potestatem acceperat, omnes imminenti periculo se opposituros, ab omnibus peccatis suis absolvendi (which yet could not absolve them in the Court of Heaven or Earth from their disobedience to the Emperor, against Solomon 's, Saint Paul 's and Peter 's express Precepts, as the event did evidence:) Sed cum omnes vasto mari se commendassent, venerent eis obviam piratae Imperiales, qui omnes sub captione miserabili concluserunt, et multos ex eis vel submerserunt, vel irreverenter trucidarunt. Quos autem acceperunt, post longos maris tractus sub caumate intollerabili adustos, sub vinculis et arcta custodia (notwithstanding their Legatine Robes, Cardinal Caps, Episcopal Rochets, and pretended privileges) Neapolim (ubi ex praecepto Imperatoris carceri sunt addicti) in totius Ecclesiae dedecus et ignominiam, pertra • unt. Facta autem fuit haec infausta navalis congressio, die Sancti Marci Evangelistae; (ever honored by this remarkable victory over these contumacious Popish Legates and Prelates.) Interim duo Papales exactores Petrus videlicet Rubeus, Domini Papae consanguineus & familiaris (talis enim erat titulus Epistolarum suarum) & Petrus de Supino (through the Kings supiness) per Angliam, Scotiam, & Hiberniam, pecuniam iufatigabiliter ad opus Domini Papae exquisitis argumentis abradere non cessant, Rege vero haec omnia malo nimis consilio permittente. Whereupon, Imperator scripsit Regi Angliae elegantem Epistolam, in qua increpat Regem, quod in perniciem regni sui, et imperii, terram suam, per Papales quaestionarios depauperari, et ipsum solenniter excommunicari permittit, qui magi, rationabilem quam alii Principes Christiani, haberet excusationem huic praecepto Domini •• pae resistendi, co quod sorortus existit Domini Regis. His denique temporibus, absolvebatur quicunque vellet, pro pecunia crucesignatus, praedicantibus et illud persuadentibus ex praecepto Papae, fratribus tam M • noribus quam Praedicatoribus; ita, ut multi hodie crucesignati in crastino a voto suo, data, quam possent pecunia, non sine multorum admiratione absolverentur per Praedicatores et Minores, in scandalum Ecclesiae, et ordinis ipsorum. This being a mere impious Papal cheat to pick their Parses to maintain the Popes wars against the Emperor, (instead of resisting the Saracens in the Holy Land,) who then took Viterbium and distressed Rome in ira magna, ad ultionem super diffamatione magna, qua nomen suum Dom. Papa in universis finibus Christianorum denigraverat: Et dotes Ecclesiae Romanae suae subdidit ditioni; unde Ecclesia Romana magnam induit cum desolacione confusionem.

Tom. 2. 562. l. 24. after Febr. add: Walter de Cantilupo Bishop of Worcester in a Diocesan Synod, (An. 1240.) presumed to make several Ecclesiastical Constitutions, and among others, this concerning Intestate’s Goods: Si autem laicus liber homo intestatus decesserit, Dominus ejus et Ecclesia, cujus parochianus extiterat, habeant quod ex testamento, si fieret, eis fuerat tribuendum. Quod autem de bonis superfuerit, in solutionem debitorum defuncti, si quae fuerint, & stipendia servientium, et alios pios usus per visum Domini defuncti, et ipsum quem Episcopus ad hoc deputaverit, erogetur; allowing the Lord an equal power in the distribution of the surplusage of the Intestate’s estate with the Administrator, which Archbishop Boniface and Stradford their subsequent Constitutions denied to the Lord and Administrators, appropriating it to the Ordinary, contrary to the forecited Charters of King Henry the First, King John, and other usages.

Tom. 2. p. 572. l. 35. add: Matthew Westminster relating the rapines and extortions of these two Popes Agents, the vast sums of money collected by them for the Pope in Scotland and Ireland, and Otto his revocation from England; writes thus of Petrus Rubeus, Papae familiaris & consanguineus; Cito transiit Angliam, & in Scotiam veniens, ibidem vicesimam ad opus Papae non segniter abra • it. Eodem tempore, Magister Petrus de Supino in Hiberniam missus, ut ibidem vigilanter meteret, quicquid poterat inde, non fictus Papae quaestionarius, appropriavit. Quae praeda ad numerum mille et quingentarum marcarum et amplius dicitur ascendisse. Collecta autem Petri Rubei, quam a Scotorum finibus emunxit, hanc summam creditor duplicasse. Qui postea remeans per Angliam, domos religiosorum perscrutans, novis argumentis pecuniam ad opus Papae argute nimis exegit, cogens cos jurare, quod illud Sacramentum, quast confess • onis arcanum, usque in dimidium anni celarent. In quo corda fidelium divertit a devotione et dilection Romanae Ecclesiae, et dolore magno sauciavit. Ipso tempore, revocatus est (Otto) Legatus, per autent • cum Papale, multum admonitus, ut adventum suum ad Romanam Curiam maturaret, & Concilium generale anticipando praeveniret, ut fratres, praehabita morosa deliberatione, tractatum haberent simul cum eo de imminente ejusdem ruina, et periculo irrestaurabili, Imperatore jam dotes Ecclesiae invadente.

This pragmatical Pope Gregory so far interested himself in Suites depending in the Kings Temporal Courts, as at the suit of a Freer to send this Bull to the Abbot of Waltam, to assist the Freers brother in a Suit then depending, to recover a small Inheritance detained from him; the Original whereof I met with in the White Tow • r.

GREGORIUS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, dilecto filio Abbati Sanctae Crucis de Waltam, Londonien. Dioc. salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Provenit de favore impenso pauperibus attritis vexatione potentium, quod Regis aeterni pietas & temporalem prosperitatem retribuit, & vitae gloriam perennis impendit. Sane, Guilielmo Germano dilecti filii fratris Guilielmi de ordine Minorum familiaris nostri accepimus, intimante, quod W. dictus Scotus Clericus & quidam alii Londonien. Dioc. quasdam domos, terras, & possessiones ad ipsum haereditario jure spectantes, contra justitiam detinent, & ei reddere contradicunt. Verum cum sibi tenuem, ut dicitur, facultatem habenti, propter potentiam partis alterius dispendiosum existat super hiis subire litigium; nos fratris ejusdem precibus inclinati devotionem tuam rogamus & hortamur attente, per Apostolica tibi scripta praecipiendo mandantes, quatinus dicto Guilielmo te favorabilem exhibens & benignum, detentores hujusmodi, qui sub tua jurisdictione consistunt, ut eidem praedicta bona restituant, & de percep • is ex eis fructibus satisfactionem exhibeant congruentem, pro nostra ct Apostolicae sedis reverentia operam tribuas efficacem; preces nostras taliter impleturus in eadem per auxilium gratiae tuae & suam consequi gaudente justitiam, nos tibi ad grates exinde teneamur. Datum Lateran. 10 Kalend. Maii, Pontificatus nostri anno tertio-dec • mo.

Tom. 2. p. 576. l. 5 after Octobris, add: The Bishops, Archdeacons, and other Ecclesiastical Judges still usurping the Conusance of holding Pleas in their Courts Christian, of Goods and Chattels that were not Testamentary, against the Kings Prohibitions issued by the Judges, I find sundry Attachments and Suits against them, and the prosecutors of those Suits in the Plea-Rolls (in the Tower) before the Justices Itinerant in the 25 ^th . year of King Henry the 3 ^d . I shall instance only in these ensu • ng.

Rotuli de Placitis & Essoniis de malo veniendi captis apud Rading. in Octabis Sancti Michaelis, anno regni Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannes vicesima quinto, coram, &c. Jusiiciariis Itinerant.

Leyc. ss. Matthaeus Persona de Skakerton attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Willielmo de Oddeston de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem Domini Regis, &c. Et unde queritur quod idem Matthaeus petit ab eo in Curia Christianitatis duas marcas quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. Et unde dicit, quod detulit ei prohibitionem Regiam vigilia festi Sancti Petri ad vincula, anno 25. Uade dicit, quod deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenciam 4 marcarum. Et inde producit sectam, &c.

Et Matthaeus venit & defendit contra ipsum & sectam suam, Quod nunquam secutus cst placitum illud postquam detulit ei prohibitionem. Et ideo consideratum est, quod vadiet legem, se duodecima manu. Et venit cum lege à die Paschae in tres Septimanas apud Westm. plegii de lege, Robertus de Eggeton. de Comitatu Wygorn. & Johannes de Crutterbir. de eodem Comitatu.

Robertus Prior de Estlegh & Robertus Prior de Persore simil • er Wygorniae attachiati suerun • ad respondendum eidem Willielmo, quare tenuit idem placitum, &c. contra prohibitionem, &c.

Et ambo Priores venient & been defendunt, quod non omnino tenuerunt placitum illud post prohibitionem, &c. Et dictum est eis, quod de caetero non teneant, &c. Et Wilhelmus per sicremittit eis legem. Ideo ipsi inde sine die.

Suff. Alexander de Stanham per Willielm. de Cyresy optulit se 4 die versus Willielmum filium Walteri de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, & Wilhelmus non venit, et fuit attachiatus per Simonem Clericum de Wrte, & Henricum de Dunmere. Et ideo consideratum est, quod ponatur per vadium & meliores plegios, quod sint à die Paschae in tr • s Septimanas inde restonsurus & ostensurus, quare non fuit coram Justiciariis Itinerantibus apud Rading. à die Sancti Michaelis in 15 dies. Et primi, &c.

Suff. Robertus de Badingeham attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Adae filio Walteri & Matildae uxori ejus de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et aliis debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem, &c. as before.

Somers. Margareta de Sum. optulit se 4 dieversus Johannem Decanum de Kelneton de placito, quare tenuit placita in Curia Christianitatis de catallis ipsius Margaretae, quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem, &c. Et versus Henr. de Gant. de placito, quare secutus est idem placitum in eadem Curia, contra prohibitionem, &c. as before.

Ricardus filius Roberti optulit se 4 die versus Priorem de Wymundham de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christiauitatis de catallis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem, &c. Et Prior non venit, &c. Et habuit dicm per Essoniatorem suum, &c.

Idem Ricardus optul • t se 4 die versus Johannem Turf, Hugonem Dache, Willielmum filium Walteri, Thomam Hardekin, Radulphum Goodic, Willielmum Aylfled, Reginaldum Malling, Nicholaum Mory, Ernaldum Underwode, & Nicholaum Sutorem de placito, quare secuti sunt idem placitum in cadem Curia Christianitatis, contra eandem prohibilionem. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c. Et habuerunt diem per Essoniatorem suum ad hunc diem, &c. Et quia Vicecomes non attachiavit eos sicut praeceptum ei suit, praeceptum est ei, quod attachiet eos quod sint ad eundem terminum; et Vicecomes sit auditurus Iudicium suum de eo, quod ipsos non attachiavit.

Cornub. Robertus filius Ham. Esson. Willielmi de Beckeley opt. se, &c. versus Adam. de Keryor, Johannem de Rotomago, & Henr. de Trewyth de placito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis ipsius Willielmi quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. contra prohibitionem, &c. Et Adam & alii non venerunt. Et Johan. attach. fuit per, &c. Et Henr. per, &c.

Essex. Lucas de Terlinges & Walterus Godyler opt. se, &c. verse. Rogerum Decanum de Wyham de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis eorum quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. contra prohibitionem, &c. Et versus Ricardum Lessey & Thomam fratrem ejus; quare secuti sunt idem placitum, &c. Et Rog. attach. fuit per Ricardum le Messer & Rogerum le Gise; Et Ric. & Tho. fil. Galfr. Martyn, & Edm. Juvenem, ideo ponantur per mel. pleg. quod sint in Octabis, &c. Et primi, &c.

The are some more of like nature that year, but these may suffice; to show the frequency of these Ecclesiastical Courts encroachments, to the prejudice of the Crown, and Subjects great vexation.

Tom. 2. p. 578. after Septembris, add; The Nuns of Boleton being bound by their Order not to go forth of the limits of the Nunnery; the King by his Royal Prerogative and Charter, notwithstanding their Constitution, gave the Abbess liberty to constitute an Attorney in all cases, wherein they had cause to sue or be sued, by this Patent.

QUia Moniales de la Grace de Dieu de Boleton de constitutione Ordinis sui ita inclusae sunt, quod nunquam coepta domus suae exibunt; Concessit Dominus Rex Priorissae & Monialibus ibidem, quod si contingat ipsam Priorissam ab aliquo vel aliquibus implacitari, vel necesse habeat alios implaci • are, praedicta Priorissa, non obstante contraria constitutione regni, Regis liberam habeat potestatem Attornatum suum inde faciend. per Literas suas patentes. Et mandatum est Justiciariis, Vicecomitibus, & omnibus Ballivis & fide • bus Regis, quod Attornatos praedictae Priorissae taliter admittant. In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud Portesm. 7 die Maii.

Tom. 2. p. 603. l. 23. before Cui, add; I find this Commission in the Patent-Rolls issued to the Archbishop of York and others, to summon all the Abbots of the Cistercians and Praemonstratenses before them, to demand an aid from them, with a Proviso not to draw it into consequence to their prejudice, to induce them to it.

REX Eborum Archiepiscopo, & W. Carleolensi Episcopo, & W. de Cantilupo, salutem. Cum, sicut non ignoratis, pecunia plurimum indigeamus pro negotus nostris expediendis in partibus transmarinis; Vobis mandamus rogantes, quatinus coram vobis convocari faciatis omnes Abbates de Ordine Cysterciensi et Praemonstratensi, et ipsos cum omni solicitudine inducatis ad subsidium nobis contribuendum, quo mediante guerram nostram commodius sustinere possimus, & quod nobis ad utilitatem & ipsis cedere debeat ad honorem. Gratanter quidem loco subsidii à singulis dictorum Abbatum lanam unius anni reciperemus. Ad quod ab eis optinendum (nisi modo alio commodius & decencius negotium istud procurare possitis) laborare curetis. Intimantes eisdem ex parte nostra, quod ex mera gratia sua auxilium ad praesens ab eis postulamus: Nolentes ex eo ipsis in aliquo praejudicari; nec si nobis concedatur ad praeseus quod trahi possit in consequentiam. Teste Rege apud Bard. 4 die Octobris.

How the Archbishop executed this Commission without success, (these Abbots refusing to grant him any Ayd of wool or monies, but only of their prayers,) Mat. Paru thus relates, as Tom. 2. p. 603.

Tom. 2. p. 652. l. 4. after therewith, add; Mat. Westminster records, Anno 1143. that by Pope Innocent the 4 ^th . and his Cardinals instigation, ipsa tota civitas Viterbii, cum partibus adjacentibus, per Reinerum de Viterbio Cardinalem, conversa est ad Romanos, qui partes Papae confovebant. Et eodem tempore re cesserunt ab Imperatoris fidelitate multi Nobiles et Potentes: qui igitur oderunt eum, extollentes caput, comminati sunt ei, quod eum usque ad internecionem persequerentur. Humiliatus igitur Imperator secundum illud Davidicum (Imple facies eorum ignominia, & quaerent nomen tuum Domine) formam pacis obtulie Ecclesiae; scil. ut juraret, se libenter stare censurae Ecclesiasticae, de injuriis ei illatis satisfacturum, ita scilicet ut praecognosceret in quibus, et praevisa via, et omnibus praecognitis: (refusing to take a blind general Oath without particulars.) Quod cum denegaretur ei, magis solito desaevit in Ecclesiam, et viros Ecrlesiasticos. Fecit etiam inter alias suas tyrannides, (so they styled his Royal Justice against traiterous Monks and spies) duos fratres de Ordine Praedicatorum, & tot de Ordine Minorum incarcerari, quia Epistolas inter Principes et Magnates, in Imperatoris et Imperii detrimentum, depraehensi sunt bajulasse, (to stir them up to revolt from him to the Pope, and take up arms to dethrone and destroy him, for which he might have justly hanged them for Traitors) qui in carcere ob immanitatem pressurae defecerunt. Et tunc temporis (by reason of the Popes extortions, the Corruptions of his Court, Clergy, and these Treacheries against the Emperor, in partibus maxim ultramontanis, multiplicati sunt haeretici, (as the Monk stiles them, for opposing the Popes Usurpations, Errors, Vices,) praecipue illi, quos Paterinos appellamus, (the same with the Waldenses or Albigenses) qui temporibus retroactis latuerunt, & depraehensi gravi morte p • niebantur; I am non erubescentes, neque punitionem, neque Ecclesiasticam censuram formidantes, in publicum, et recta cervice prorumpunt, ita ut finis mundi a multis creditor imminere. Transiit ergo ann •• ill Ecclesiae periculosus, r • gno Angliae procellosus, Italicis praeliosus, Templariis, Hospitalariis schismaticus, & scandali generativus.

Tom. 2. p. 615. l. 35. after conferendis, add: This Bishop of Bath was elected by the Prior and Monks of Bath alone, who refused to join with the Chapter of Wells in the election; whereupon they opposed it: but the Pope being his friend, the King at the Popes request approved his Election, and issued this Writ for restitution of his Temporalties; with a saving of his Royal right, and the right of the Church of Wells.

REX adh • buit assensum & favorem praefectioni factae de Magistro Rogero quondam Praecentore Saresberiensi in Episcopum Bathoniensem, ad instanciam Domini Papae de gratia Regis specially, salvo jure Regis et Ecclesiae Wellensi. Et mandatum est Militibus, liberis hominibus, & omnibus aliis tenentibus de Episcopatu praedicto, quod ei in omnibus quae ad praedictum Episcopatum pertinent intendentes sint & respondentes. In cujus, &c. Teste ut supra.

Et mandatum est Custodi Episcopatus Bathoniensis, quod ei de omnibus terris & tenementis, & aliis rebus ad praedictum Episcopatum pertinentibus seisinam ei hahabere faciat, retentis ad opus Regis bladis et aliis ad Regem pertinentibus. Teste ut supra.

The same year the King for the honor of the University of Oxford, and quiet of the Scholars there, by his Royal Prerogative, granted the Cognisance of all Suites and Contests arising between the Scholars and Townsmen, to the Chancellor and Vicechancellor of the University, notwithstanding any Prohibition issued to them, by these his Letters Patents.

REX omnibus, &c. salutem. Noveritis nos pro quiet Universitatis Studentium Oxonii, de specially gratia nostra concessisse Cancellario et Universitati praedictae, quamdiu nobis placuerit, in causis Clericorum, ex mutuis datis aut receptis, aut taxationibus, seu locacionibus domorum, aut equis conductis, venditis seu commodatis, seu pannis & victualibus ortum habentibus, seu aliis quibuslibet rerum mobilium contractibus in municipio aut suburbio Oxonii factis, nostra prohibicio non currat, set hujusmodi causae coram Cancellario Vniversitatis Oxonii, non obstante prohibitione nostra deducantur. In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud Radinges 10 die Maii.

Tbe King likewise by this Patent licensed the Bishop of Durham to make a Will, and thereby freely to dispose of the Corn and goods he had in Right of his Church or otherwise, without interruption of him or his Officers, which else he could not dispose of.

REX omnibus, &c. salutem. Sciatis quod concessimus N. Dunelmensi Episcopo, quod quandocunque voluerit, libere et licenter condere possit Testamentum suum, et pro voluntate sua ordinare tam de bladis seminatis in terris Episcopatus sui et Ecclesiae suae, quam de omnibus aliis suis, et similiter immobilibus personam suam, ration Ecclesiae suae, seu ration sui ipsius contingentibus. Ita quod si de eo humanitus contingat (quod nollemus) executores Testamenti sui liberam habeant administrationem omnium praedictorum ad executionem Testamenti sui, prout inde ordinaverit faciendam, sine impedimento nostri et haeredum nostrorum et Ballivorum nostrorum. In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud Shireburn 22 die Augusti.

Among the Essoin-Rolls of this year in Easter Term, I find these Suits and Attachments for holding and prosecuting Pleas in Court Christian, for Chattels not Testamentary, &c. and for Lay-fees.

Essonium de malo veniendi apud Westm. à die Paschae in quindecim dies, anno regni Regis Henr. fil. Regis Johannes, 28.

Wigorn. Willielmum le Bercher optulit se 4 die versus Priorem de Evesham de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christiantatis de catal • is et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem, &c. et versus Magistrum de Stratford de placit • , quare secutus est placit. idem in eadem Curia, contra, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt. Et Vic. mandavit quod Clerici sunt et non habent laicum feodum per quod possint distringi. Et ideo mandatum est Abbati de Evesham, quod habeat praedictum Priorem in Octabis sancti Johannes Bapt. Et mandatum est Episcopo Wigorn. quod habeat praedictum Magistrum Robertum ad eundem terminum, &c.

Ebor. Osbertus fil. Willielmi Esson. Willielmi Clarel optulit se 4 die versus Thomam Priorem de Bridlington, et versus Ricardum Priorem de Kyrkham de placito, quare tenuerunt placitum in Cuxia Christianitatis de catallis quae non sunt, &c. contra prohibitionem, &c. Et versus Radulph. Priorem sancti Oswaldi de placito, quare secutus est idem placitum, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c. Et Prior de Bridlington attach. fuit per Robertum de Rednesse, et Willielmum de Basingby. Et Prior de sancto Oswaldo attach. fuit per Willielm. filium Alexander. de Bramham et Henr. Slegg de eadem. Ideo pon. per mel. pleg. Et primi, &c. Et Prior de Kirkham non venit, &c. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod attach. eum, &c. Et Vic. nichil inde fecit. Ideo sicut priùs praeceptum est Vic. quod attach. eum, &c. Et quod sit ad praedictum Terminum. Et Vic. sit auditurus judicium suum, &c.

Surr. Wilhelmus de Ponte optutit se 4 die versus Willielmum Personam de Mikelham de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Willielmi de Ponte in Mikelham, contra prohibitionem, &c. Et Will. Persona non venit. Et habuit diem per Esson. suum ad hunc diem, postquam fuit attach. per Rob. de Mikelham & Henr. de la Ross. Et ideo ponatur per meliore pleg. quod sit in Octab. Sancti Johannes Bapt. Et primi, &c.

Tom. 2. p. 706. l. 31. after Junii, add: That these Inquisitions and Recognitions upon Oath, thus successively prohibited by all the premised Writs to the Bishop of Lincoln, his Archdeacons, Officials, Rural Deans and Clerks, were Articles of Inquiry in their Visitations, which some peremptorily deny, not acknowledgements of Deeds or Civil Contracts with Oaths to perform them under pain of Ecclesiastical Censures, as they assert, is most evident. 1. By the Writs themselves. 2 ^lie . By Archbishop Boniface and his Suffragans Articles and Constitutions against these Writs and Prohibitions, Tom. 2. p. 890. Artic. 9. Cum Praelati Ecclesiastici inquirere volunt de peccatis subditorum, prohibentur Laici ne de veritate dicenda, aut de credulitate, aliquod Iuramentum exponant, aut Praelatis super hujusmodi obediant, propter quod multorum excessus et peccata mortalia incorrecta et impunita relinquuntur, &c. p. 907. Cum insuper Praelati Ecclesiastici ex officii sui debito inquirant, de morum disciplina, peccatis et excessibus subditorum, quia Rex, Magnates et aliae Potestates saeculares ipsorum officia impediunt in praemissis, Laicis sibi subditis inhibendo, ne ad mandatum ipsorum Praelatorum, de veritate dicenda subeant juramentum, &c. Impedientes▪ vero ne hujusmodi juramenta praestentur, per Interdicti et Excommunicationis sententias arctius compescantur. 4 ^lie . By Archbishop Stratford 's and his Councils Constitutions, An. 1340. De impedientibus Iurisdictionem Ecclesiasticam: Accidit novitate perversa, quod cum Ecclesiarum Praelati de morum disciplina, peccatis et excessibus subditorum nituntur inquirere, Magnates et Potentatus alii seculares, officia impedire molientes corum, inhibent laicis ipsorum tenentibus aut nativis, (by the Kings Writs to the Sheriffs and them) ne ad Ordinariorum citationes pro suorum criminum vel excessuum correctionibus canonice subeundis, (quorum correctio et punitio ad ipsos Ordinarios noscitur pertinere de consuetudine ve de jure, &c.) extra locum sui dominii veniant vel compareant coram eis: Et ne in locis sui dominii per Praelatos ererceantur praemissa, impediunt, et procurant nequiter impediri; fibique super hiis Iurisdictionem Ecclesiasticam exercentes, et suis subditis, et pro corum culpis et excessibus poenitentias corporales, seu pecuniarias imponentes, ac ipsos sacere cogentes, easdem sicut ordinare ipsis licet; aut poenitentiis corporalibus juxta modum excessuum suorum impositis, redemptiones pecuniarias prout juste poterunt admittentes, de et super extorsionibus et excessivis indictant; sicque indictatos attachiant ac incarcerant; ac super hiis in foro seculari eos sibi respondere compellunt: quibus mulctas pecuniarias ea occasion in dicto foro seculari imponi procurant et faciunt indebite (as they falsely suggested) pro libito voluntatis. 5 ^lie . This is most irrefragably evident by Bishop Grosthead 's own Articles of Inquiry, (whereupon those Writs then issued) entitled, Articuli Inquisitionis per Archidiaconatus Episcopatus Lincoln. à singulis Archidiaconis faciendae, being 50 in number, published of late in the 2 ^d . Tome of Sir Henry Spelman' • Councils; the same in effect and form with our Bishops and Archdeacons modern Visitation Articles, (which they enforce Lay-men to inquire of upon Oath) which I shall here present you with.

• 1. An aliqui Rectores Ecclesiarum, vel Vicarii, vel Sacerdotales Parochiales sint enormiter illiterati?
• 2. An Sacramentum Eucharistiae portetur ad infirmos cum debita reverentia; &, s • cut decet, custoditur?
• 3. An aliqui praedicti, vel aliqui infra sacros Ordines constituti, sint incontinentes?
• 4. An incontinentes sint correptiper Archidiaconum loci, et quoties unusquisque sit correptus, et qualiter?
• 5. An aliqui convicti vel confessi super Incontinentia obligaverunt se ad resignationem Beneficii, vel ad aliquam poenam Canonicam si recidiverint, et si quisquam eorum recidiverit post obligationem?
• 6. An aliqui Beneficiati, in sacris Ordinibus constituti, sint uxorati?
• 7. An aliqui Clerici frequentant Ecclesiam Monialium sine causa rationabili?
• 8. An aliquis Clericorum in sacris Ordinibus teneat mulierem cognitam libi, vel aliam, de qua oritur suspic o mala?
• 9. An aliqui sint Ebriasi, vel tabernas frequentantes, vel Vsurarii, vel Negotiatores, vel pugnantes, vel alio vitio notentur?
• 10. An aliqui sint Firmarii, dantes vel recipientes ad Firmam Ecclesias, sieve licentia Episcopy?
• 11. An aliqui sint Vicecomites, vel Iusticiarii seculares, vel tenentes Ballivas a Laicis, unde obligentur eis ad ratiocinia?
• 12. An all • qui Rectores faciant pactum cum Sacerdotibus suis annuis, ut praeter stipendia à Rectore recepta, possint recipere ab aliis Annualia vel Triennalia?
• 13. An aliquis Sacerdos Parochialis non habeat a Rectore suo sufficientem sustentationem?
• 14. An Laicis detur ad Firmam aliqua libera terra alicujus Ecclesiae?
• 15. An Redditus assignati ad Luminaria, vel alios usus Ecclesiae certos, in certos usus Ecclesiae convertantur, vel in usus Rectorum vel Vicariorum?
• 16. An alicubi compellantur Parochiani, ut in die Paschae simul communicent & offerant?
• 17. An aliqui intendant Histrionibus, vel ludant ad aleas, vel taxillos?
• 18. An aliqui portent arma, vel non habeant tonsuram & habitum congruentem?
• 19. An aliquis habeat plures curas animarum sine dispensatione?
• 20. An aliquis Rector sive Vicarius sit filius proximo ministrantis?
• 21. An aliquis Sacerdos extorquet pecuniam pro poenitentia vel aliis Sacramentis, vel in ungat poenitentias lucrativas?
• 22. An D • aconi ministrent Sacramenta solis Sacerdotibus commissa, vel audiant Confessiones?
• 23. An aliquis Rector vel Vicarius non sit in Ordine, qui exigit sua cura, vel non facit residentiam in suo Beneficio?
• 24. An Ecclesia aliqua non habeat Clericos vel Clericum honestum secundum facultates Ecclesiae?
• 25. An Mercata, vel Ludi, vel Placita secularia sint, vel fiant alicubi in l • ris sacris?
• 26. An Cimiteria sint ubique clausa, & Ecclesiae decenter aedificatae, & ornatae, & vasa sacra rite custodita?
• 27. An aliquis Sacerdos celebret de Aceto?
• 28. An aliqui Beneficiati audeant vel doceant leges seculares?
• 29. An Canon Missae sit rite eorrectus?
• 30. An alicubi leventur arietes, vel fiant Scottalos, vel decertetur in praeeundo cum vexillo matricis Ecclesiae?
• 31. An ad mandatum Ecclesiae & Episcopy haec in singulis Ecclesiis aliàs sint prohibita?
• 32. An aliquis Clericus vel Laicus, teneat in hospitio suo Concubinam Clerici, et ubi sunt Concubinarum receptacula?
• 33. An aliquis Sacerdos sit desidiosus ad visitandum infirmos?
• 34. An Crismalia convertantur in usus seculares?
• 35. An aliqui Religiosi appropriaverint sibi aliquas decimas vel Ecclesias, sine licentia Episcopy loci, vel aliqua hujusmodi?
• 36. An aliquae Ecclesiae sint vel fuerint retentae sine Sacerdote?
• 37. An aliqui Vicarii se faciant Rectores, vel e converso?
• 38. An aliqui illegitimi, cum quibus non est dispensatum, habeant Ecclesiasti • a Beneficia, vel in sacris Ordinibus constituti?
• 39. An aliqui gerant se Rectores vel Vicarios, qui non sunt per Episcopum instituti?
• 40. An Superaltaria sint honesta, & non molentur super ea colores, & quae Ecclesiae sunt dedicandae?
• 41. An aliqua Ecclesia post Oxoniense Concilium sit diruta sine Episcopy licentia?
• 42. An Judaei morentur alicubi, ubi non consueverunt morari?
• 43. An Adulteria, vel crimina publica Laicorum, s • nt rite per Archidiaconum correcta, et sialiqua sint incorrecta?
• 44 An in singulis Archidiaconatibus sint sufficientes Poenitentiarii Episcopy?
• 45. An aliqui Laici sint pertinaces, ut stent in Cancello cum Clericis; et qui Sacerdotes sunt Ordinati alibi extra Episcopatum, et per quem licentiati sunt ad celebrandum?
• 46. De vita et honestate Archidiaconorum, Decanorum et Clericorum, qui ministrant in Ecclesiis▪
• 47. An aliquis S • cerdos bis celebret in die, nisi in casibus concessis, & in propria persona, in propria Ecclesia?
• 48. An aliqua Anacorita facta sit sine assensu Episcopy?
• 49. An in aliqua Capella celebretur sine assensu Episcopy?
• 50. An all • cubi morentur Monachi vel ahi Religiosi in Grangiis, vel aliis possessionibus suis, et quomodo se gerunt, et cujus famae sunt? De famulis eorum et servientibus, quomodo se gerunt, et cujus famae sunt?

On these very Articles of Inquiry, the King, his Council and Judges prohibited any Lay-men to be cited, to make Inquisitions or Recognitions upon Oath, by the premised Writs.

From these Visitation Articles we may observe: 1. That the prohibiting of Priests marriages, (against God's Law and institution) made them very incontinent, to keep Whores, Concubines, frequent Nunneri • s and deflour Nuns, to satisfy their lusts. 2 • y. That sundry Priests in that age were married and had children, whose sons sometimes succeeded their Fathers in their Benefices, notwithstanding all Canons and Constitutions made against it. 3ly. That Pluralities, Nonresidence, and Clergy-men's exercising any Temporal Jurisdiction, Office, or employments, and studying the secular Laws of the Realm, were prohibited as scandalous and criminal in this age. 4ly. That the Bishops in all their Visitations and Inquiries, amongst other things endeavored to advance their Jurisdiction over all Laymens persons, rights, privileges, to subject them to their own and their Archdeacons, Officers, Inquisitors censures; which Encroachment King Henry and his Council thought meet to restrain, by successive Writs of Prohibitions issued to this Bishop of Lincoln Grosthead, and others.

If the premises be not sufficient to answer the Objection, that these Prohibitions were not intended of these Visitation Oaths and Articles of Inquiry, then set on foot by Grosthead; I shall then add for further satisfaction, that it is generally agreed, that all Episcopal Visitations were originally founded on Acts 15. 36, 42. Then Paul said unto Barnabas, let us go again, and ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Visitemus) visit our brethren in every City, where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do: and Paul went through Syria and Silicia confirming the Churches, (by his preaching personally to them) without using any such Citations out of their own Parishes, or Articles or Oaths of Inquiry, as Grosthead with his Archdeacons, Deans and Officials then prescribed to and enforced on the people of his Diocese, of which we find no mention or intimation in the Acts of the Apostles, nor in the ancient Canons or Constitutions we read of concerning Bishops Visitations in our own or other Churches; Witness those of Boniface Archbishop of Mainz (an Englishman, and Popes Legate,) sent by him to our English Bishops, Anno Domini 745. of the Council of Cloveshove under Cuthbert Archbishop of Canterbury, Anno 747. cap. 3. of the Council of Calcuth under the Popes Legates, An. 787. cap. 3. and of Odo Archbishop of Canterbury, An. 943. c. 3. which enjoin every Bishop at least once every year, to go in circuit throughout his Diocese, cum omni vigilantia praedicando verbum Dei (as Saint Paul did) populumque diversae conditionis ae sexus aperte doceat, diligcnter Conventicula per loca congrua constituendo, quo cuncti convenire possunt ad audiendum verbum Dei, et omnibus viam salutis demonstret, utpote • is qui raro audiant verbum Dei, Prohibens et inter eaesera peccamina, paganas observationes, gentiliumque errata, ne aliquis per incuriam pastoris per devia cujusl • bet ignorantiae errans, rugientis leonis morsibus invadatur; & vigilanti cura gregem sibi commissum pascat, confirmet: Et ne quis turpis lucri gratia, sed spe morce • is aeternae, greg • m sibi commissum pascere studeat. Quod enim gratis accipimus, gratis impendere non differemus, without any Fees, Procurations or Articles of Inquiry upon Oath, whereof we find no mention. The first Canon I have observed made in England after the Conquest concerning Visitations, is this of Hubert Archbp. of Canterbury in the Council of London, An. 1200. worthy observation. Prohibemus, ne subdi • os suos talliis et exactionibus Episcopy gravare praesumant. Cumenim dicit Apostolus, Non debent filii thezaurizare parent, bus sed parents filiis; multo longe à paterna pietate videtur, si Praepositi subditis suu graves existant, quos in cunctis necessitatibus pastoris more debent fovere. Archidiaconi, aut sui Decani, nullas exactiones vel Tallias in Praesbyteros seu Clericos exercere praesumant, &c. Sane ad praecidendam tàm avaritiae quàm negligentiae vitium; authoritate Toletani Concilii subnixi, praecipimus, ut Visitator ab Ecclesia in qua Visitationis officium debito modo non exercet (by preaching the word of God to the people, &c. as aforesaid) procurationem, aut procurationis redemptionem, exigere non praesumat. The like was decreed in terminis, or with little variation, by Stephen Langeton Archbishop of Canterbury in the Council of Oxford, An. 1222. by Rich. Poor Bishop of Sarum in his Diocesan Synod, Anno 1217. De Procurationibus Archidiaconorum, by Otho the Popes Legate and the Council of London, An. 1226. cap. 20. Officium Archidiaconorum; by Othobon the Popes Legate and the Council under him, An. 1248. by Peter Quivil Bishop of Exceter and the Synod under him, An. 1287. by the Synod of Winton about the year 1308. by Walter Raynol • s Archbishop of Canterbury in the reign of King Edward the 2 ^d . by John Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury and the Council of London under him, Anno 1342. De Visitatione & Procu • atione Archidiaconorum, & aliorum Ordinariorum: All which prescribe all Visitors (especially Archdeacons, the Bishops eyes) not only to preach to the p • ople in all Churches they visit; in the first place, and instruct them in the principles of Religion, but likewise personally to enter and view every Churches Fabric. with their Books, Vestments, Ute • sils, appurtenanances which they Visit: and that not perfunctorily, but diligently; and to demand or take no Procurations from any Church they do not thus personally and actually view, visit, and those only in competent meat and drink, not in money; yea if they visit many Churches in one day, they enjoin them to demand but one Procuration from them all, not several Procurations from each of them, and no Pro • uration at all from poor Churches and Ministers: wherewith William Lindewode in his Provincial Constit. l. 3. De Censibus & Procurationibus, f. 159, 160, Johannes de Aton in his Glosses on Otho 's and Octobon 's Constitutions, f. 43. 89. Angelus de Clavasio in his Summa Angelica, Tit. Visitatio; together with Gratian Distinct. 42. cap. Nonoportet; & Causa 10. qu. 1. and his Glossesfully accord. Yea Council. Lateran. sub Innocent. 3. An. 1215. cap. 33, 34. Concilium apud Castrum Gunteri, Anno 1251. Concilium apud Salmur. An. 1253. Synodus Andegavensis, An. 1263. Concilium Provinciale apud Langres, Concilium apud Nanetes, An. 1264. Council. Burdegal. An. 1582. with others collected by Laurentius Bochellus, Decreta Eccles. Gallicanae, Lib. 5. Tit. 15. De Visitatione, Procuratione, & Personis quibus commissa est potest as visitandi, thus decree the like; Cum ration Visitationis debetur procuraetio, district praecipimus, Vt nullus procurationem recipiat, nisi in locis visitatis duntarat: and that, tantum victualibus a locis quae visitantur; non pecuniis numeratis: wherewith Concilium Coloniense An. 1549. Concilium Tridentinum, Sessio 24. De Reformatione, cap. 3. Surius Council. Tom. 4. p. 845, 976. Thomas Zerula in his Praxis Episcopalis, pars 1. Tit. Visitatio, and all Canonists I have seen concur. Hence John de Aton in his Gloss on this clause of Othobon 's Constitution; (Nos tàm Ecclesiarum indemnitati, quàm Praelatorum saluti consultins providentes districtins inhibemus, ne quis corum procurationem (quae ration visitationis debetur) ab Ecclesia quacunque recipiat, nisi cum eioem visitationis officium impendit, qui vero receperit, donec restituerit ab ingressu Ecclesiae sit suspensus:) hath this observation, Et haec ratio forte movet Episcopos hujus-regni, qui in visitationibus suis procurationes ab Ecclesia communiter non exigunt, (which since many of them usually do, against the premised Canons and Constitutions) quia ad singulas Ecclesias ob causam visitationis non declinant: licet plene personas visitant tam Clerum quam populum, ob hanc causam nunc ad unum locum, nunc ad alium congruum convocando; cum tamen procurationem debeaut recipere tantummodo de locis visitatis. Ut hic; & Extrav. de Censibus, c. Romana. It being then no legal, real, nor Canonical Visitation at all for Bishops or Archdeacons to summon a whole Diocese, Archdeaconry, or Deanry to meet at one certain place or Church, there to appear before and visit their Bishops or Archdeacons out of, and remote from their own Parishes, to their great travel and expense; no more than a Bishops, Archdeacons, or Ministers summoning all the Sick-persons or Prisoners in their Diocese, Archdeaconries or Parishes to meet them at the places where they visit, or at their Parish-Churches, is or would be reputed a real, legal or canonical visitation of the Sick, or Prisoners, within our Savior Christ's, or S ^t . James words or meaning, Mat. 25. 36, 39, 40, 43, 44. Jam. 1. 27. c. 5. 14, 15 or within the Order for visiting the Sick, in the Book of Common Prayer prescribed by Act of Parliament; which orders Ministers, to go and enter into Sick-persons Houses, Chambers to visit them, not they to send for them into the Church, or their own Houses: this new kind of Visitation being in truth a visiting of the Bishops and Archdeacons by the Ministers, Churchwardens and others repairing to them; not a visitation of them by the Bishops or Archdeacons, contrary to the Apostolical primitive constitution, custom, and the ancient Canonical legal form of all Episcopal and Archidiaconal Visitations; who personally repaired to every Church they visited, and there first of all preached God's Word unto the People, and then with all care and diligence viewed the Fabrics, Ornaments, Vestments; Utensils, Books and necessary appurtenances of each Church, the persons, manners of the Ministers and People with their own eyes, and so needed no such Inquiries or Visitation Artioles upon Oath concerning them, their Ministers or Pirishioners, as Bishop Grosthead, his Archdeacons, Deans and Officials then endeavored to enforce upon the People or Churchwardens by Ecclesiastical censures; which King Henry the 3 ^Rd . his Council, and Judges thereupon prohibited as illegal Innovations, Grievances, Vexations by the premised Writs: Much less needed they such printed Books of numerous, various, unauthorised Articles, Oaths, as others have since illegally invented, enforcing the Churchwardens of every Parish to buy their Books of Articles at dear rates, and then to make Presentations on them upon Oath; for which Presentations they must likewise pay Fees: A device of later times rather to pick the Peoples Purses, and ensnare their Consciences, than to reform their vices; Which the premised Councils condemn as a gross abuse; and Claudius Espencaus (a learned French Bishop) thus long since complained of: Minores non tantum Episcopy, sed & Archidiaconi, eorumque male Officiosi (absit verbo invidia, nam de malis loquor) Officiales & Vicarii dum Dioeceses & Parochias obequitant, non tam facinorosos & criminum reos poenis & correctionibus à vitiis deterrent, quo fine peregrinationes hujusmodi olim jam fuerunt jure canonico ordinatae, quam pecunia praesenti et numerata, titulo Procurationis, ne dicam fictitiae Iurisdictionis emungunt, et exigunt tum Clericos, tum Laicos: and Saint Bernard long before him severely censures, in Sermon 77. super Cantica, & Concione ad Clerum in Concilio Rhemensi, to omit all others. If every Judge of Assise or Sessions of the Peace should Print all the Articles of their Charges and Inquries, and enjoin every Grand-Jury-man and Constable to buy them, and exact Procurations from them, it would be reputed an intolerable, illegal Innovation and Exaction in them. Therefore it can be deemed no other in Bishops, Archdeacons, and other Visitors. All which considered, will abundantly answer the premised Objection, grounded on the misconstruction of the words, Ad recognitiones super Sacramentum faciendas, which properly signify, to make Inquisitions or Presentments upon Oath, as the words Recognitio, facere Recognitionem, & Recognitores Assisarum in cases of Assizes, with our Law-books and Statutes clearly resolve.

Tom. 2. p. 699. l. 6. after juveris, add: In the Plea-Rolls and Assizes taken before the Justices Itinerant in the 31. year of King Henry the 3 ^d . (remaining in the Tower) I find many Prohibitions, Attachments, and Actions upon them, brought against Bishops, Archdeacons, Officials, and other Persons for holding Plea, and prosecuting Suits in Courts Christian of Advowsons, Free-holds, Trespasses, Debts and Chattels that were not Testamentary, not given in Marriage, and for Excommunicating them against the Kings Crown and Dignity, to the Subjects great damages and vexation, with Writs enjoining them to absolve them. I shall begin with one in my own native Country of Somerset.

Placita & Assisae capta apud Northampton in crastino Natalis Sancti Johannes Baptistae, anno regni Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannes tricesimo primo. Coram Rogero de Thurkelby, & sociis suis Justiciariis.

—Essoniator Drogonis de Staunton, & Henricus filius Roberti Essoniator Aliciae de Staunton optulerunt se 4 die versus Magist. Nicholaum Archidiaconum de Bathonia de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de feodo ipsorum Drogo • is et Aliciae in Staunton contra prohibitionem, &c. & versus Walterum Personam, &c. & versus Will. Lenteneley de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsorum Drogonis et Aliciae, &c. contra eandem prohibitionem, &c. Et Archidiaconus & Persona non venerunt, &c. Et ideo mandatur Vicecom. quod attachiet eos. Et Vicecomes mandavit, quod ipsi Clerici sunt, et quod non habent laicum feodum ubi possint attachiari. Et ideo mandatum est Episcopo Bathoniensi, quod venire faciat eos apud Oxoniam in crastino Sanctae Trinitatis, &c. Et unde Vicecomes, &c.

Walterus Persona de Staunton attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Drogoni de Staunton & Alic. uxori ejus de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Drogonis et Alic. in Staunton, contra prohibitionem Domini Regis, &c. Et unde ipsi Drogo & Alic. per Attornatos suos dicunt, quod cum ipse teneat unam virgatam terrae cum pertinen. in Staunton de feodo ipsorum Drogonis & Aliciae per forinsecum servicium quantum ad praedictam virgatam terrae pertinet, pro omni servicio. Et cum ipsi vellent facere districtionem pro scutagio de Gunnok, exigentes ab eodem Waltero 12 d. nomine scutagii de praedicta terra quando scutagium fuerit ad quadraginta solidos, & ad plus plus & ad minus minus, praedictus Walterus occasion praedictae districtionis fecit ipsos citari coram Officiali Archidiaconi Bathoniae apuo Bristol in Ecclesia Sanctae Mariae de la Radeclyve. Et cum ipsi detulissent eidem Waltero prohibitionem Domini Regis, ne praedictùs Walterus placitum illud amplius sequeretur, idem Walterus spreta prohibitione Domini Regis, secutus est placitum illud in Curia Christianitatis coram Archidiacono Bathoniae de die in diem, et fecit ipsos Excommunicari et omnes homines suos, unde dicunt, quod deteriorati sunt et dampnum habent ad valenciam 10 l. Et inde producunt sectam, &c. (to recover Damages against him for this injury and vexation.)

Et Walterus venit & defendit vim & injuriam quando, &c. Et been cognoscit, quod praedicti Drogo & Alicia detulerant ei praedictam prohibitionem die Sabbati in ebdodomada Paschae prox. praeterita circa horam primam, sed been defendit contra ipsos & sectam suam, quod ipse nunquam postea secutus fuit aliquod placitum in Curia Christianitatis versus praedictos Drogonem et Aliciam occasion districtionis praedicti scutagii, et quod nunquam postea occasion praedicta secit ipsos Excommunicari. Et hoc paratus est defendere Lege contra ipsos & sectam suam, sicut Curia consideraverit. Et ideo consideratum est, quod vadiet Legem sc. xii. manu. Et veniat cum lege sua à die Nativitatis Sancti Johannes Baptistae in unum mensem. Plegii de lege, Jordanus de Budiford, & Richardus de Clendon. Et praeceptum est eidem Waltero, quod interim absolvi faciat praedictos Drogonem et Aliciam, et homines ipsorum qui occasion praedicta sunt Excommunicati. Et ad hoc faciendum invenit praedictos plegios, qui hoc manuceperunt. Et praeterea Magister Johannes de Staunton filius praedicti Walteri hoc idem manucepit, et obligavit ad hoc quandam custodiam quam habet in Comitatu Somerset. Postea venit praedictus Walterus ad diem praedictum, et non potuit dedicere, quin ipse occasion districtionis quam praedicti Drogo et Alicia fecerunt pro praedicto scutagio ipsos Excommunicavit, et Excommunicatos denunciavit. Et postea per praeceptum Iustic. denunciavit ipsos a sententia illa absolutos, et super hoc fecit Literas suas patentes quas Henricus de Monte Attornatus praedictorum Drogonis et Aliciae profert, et quae hoc testantur. Such was his vexation and falsehood in his place.

Henricus de Monteforte optulit se 4 die versus Magistrum Willielmum de Lenteneley de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de advocacions Ecclesiae de Niny, quae pertinet ad liberum tenementum suum in eadem Vill. contra prohibitionem Domini Regis, &c. Et Wilhelmus non venit, &c. Et mandatum fuit Episcopo Bathon. quod faceret cum venire ad hunc diem; Et Episcopus nichil inde fecit, set mandavit, quod summonuit eum, &c. Et ideo praeceptum est Vicecom. quod sum moneat dictum Episcopum, quod sit à die Nativitatis Sancti Johannes Baptisiae in unum mensem, & ibi habeat praedictum Magistrum Willielm. &c. Et Episcopus sit auditurus Iudicium suum; for his contempt in not bringing him in at the day.

I shall only render you a brief Note of the like and other Prohibitions, Attachments and Actions which I find in the Plea-Rolls of the same Term.

Consimile (for holding Suit) de laico feodo versus Nicholaum Archid. Bathoniae, &c.

Consimile versus Rogerum Episcopum Bathoniae (for a Suit in Court Christian) de advocatione Ecclesiae de Nuny, &c. tryable only in the Kings Courts of Common Pleas.

Consimile versus Egidium Archidiac. Northampt. de placito quare ad mandatum Domini O. Cardinalis Sanctae Mariae in via lata, quia idem Radulphus coram eo non comparuit in partibus transmarinis, quod esset in praejudicium privilegii Domini Regis, ipsum denunciari fecit excommunicatum, &c.

Philippus de Covel, & Radulphus de Dayrel optulerunt se 4 die versus Priorem de Thurgaton de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis ipsorum Phil. de Rad. quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem Regis, &c.

Consimile de catallis quae non sunt, &c. versus Robertum Episcopum London. &c.

Consimile de catallis quae non sunt, &c. versus Magistrum Hospitalis Sancti Johannes Northampt.

Consimile de catallis quae non sunt, &c. contra prohibitionem, &c. versus Walterum de Sees.

To these I shall annex some Suits prosecuted by the King himself and his Attorney, against several persons for holding and prosecuting Suits in Court Christian, for Advowsons of Churches, and his free Chapels, against his Crown and Dignity, in Michaelmas Term, in this 31. year of his reign.

These with some more such Suits in the Plea-Rolls of this Term, sufficiently discover the Bishops and other Ecclesiastical Judges frequent usurpations upon the Kings Crown, Temporal Courts, and Subjects Free-holds, Liberties, with their manifold contempts and illegal Excommunications against his Prohibitions to restrain their usurpations; without which they had engrossed to themselves by degrees all Suits for Lands, Advowsons, Trespassos, Debts, Contracts triable in the Kings and Temporal Lord's Courts; which these Prohibitions, and Actions for damages against the Prosecutors, and Ecclesiastical Judges, sometimes fined to the King for their contempts, and exceeding the bounds of their Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions, did in a good measure prevent, though not totally redress.

As the King by his premised Patents granted Tithes of all Hay and Mills in his Demesn Lands to Churches, and likewise of his Venison taken in his Forests to several Bishops and Abbots; so he did by this Charter grant to the Prioress and Nuns of S ^t . Mary's in Chester the 4 ^th . part of the Tithes of all the Victuals spent by him in his house, whiles he held the Earldom of Chester in his hands, and that his Son and all Earls of Chester and their heirs, should be chargeable with these Tithes, where ever they resided, according to a former Charter of Hugh Earl of Chester, which he hereby confirmed.

REX omnibus, &c. salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse Priorissae et Monialibus Sanctae Mariae Cestriae quartam partem Decimationis omnium victualium domus nostrae quocienscumque, quandocumque et quamdiu nos esse contigerit apud Castrum, dum retinuerimus in manu nostra Comitatum Cestriae; Ita quod alicui, sive filio nostro, sive alii Comitatum praedictum Cestriae dederimus, Comes ill, et qui pro tempore fuerint successores sui Comites Cestriae, dare teneantur praedictis Priorissae et Monialibus et earum successoribus quartam partem Decimationis omnium victualium domus suae, ubicunque iidem Comites aut familiae suae fuerint per totam Angliam, prout per Cartam Hugonis quondam Comitis Cestriae praedecessores sui specialiter obligantur. Teste Rege apud Radynges, septimo die Novembris.

The like Donations of the Tithes of all sorts of Victuals, Wine, Liquors, Fish, Fowls, Butter, Cheese, &c. spent in Castles or houses, (for which no Tithes were due by Law) I find made by William de Braosa to the Monks of Bergavenny, by Nigellus de Munevilla to the Monks of Folkestan: yea William Peverel granted to the Monks of Lenton; Duas partes omnium Decimationum de Dominicis meis, de omnibus rebus quae decimari possunt. Item totam Decimam pullorum et pullarum super Dominicas pasturas meas. Item totam decimam plumbi mei, et venationis meae, tam in coriis quam in carnibus, et totam decimam piscariae meae de Nottingham: which our Kings confirmed by their Charters.

King Henry having conquered Lewellen Prince of Northwales, claimed a right to present to a Church belonging to him in Wales, then void, by way of conquest; the first presentation by this kind of Title I have observed.

HEnricus de Bretun habet literas de praesentacione ad Ecclesiam Sancti Michaelis de Kery vacantem, et ad donationem Regis spectantem ration conquestus Regis de terris quae fuerunt L. quondam Principis Norwalliae in Sutwallia, & diriguntur Episcopo Menevensi. Teste Rege apud Merleberg, decimo quinto die Novembris.

Tom. 2. p. 718. l. 14. after Jan. add; I found this original Writ issued this year by King Henry: Vic. Huntindon. Pone per vad. & salvos pleg. Episcopum Linc. quod sit coram Justic. nostris Itinerantibus apud Rading. &c. Et habeat Priorem Sancti Michaelis de Saundford, & Magistrum Johannem le Fraunceys, ad respondend. Mauricio de Arundeli, quare tenuerunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis ipsius Mauritii quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem nostram. Et similiter quod ibidem habeat Magistrum Alexandrum de Standford, ad respondend. eidem Maur. quare secutus est idem placitum in eadem Curia, &c. Teste R. de Thurkelby apud Glouc. 8 die Maii, Anno regni nostri tritesimo secundo.

Tom. 2. p. 726. l. 11. after Augusti, add; In the decayed Placita Assisarum (in the Tower) de Itinere: H. de Bathon. & Sociorum suorum Itin. apud Winton. in Crastino S. Hilary, An. 33 H. 3. M. uxor Willielmi Seel, attachiata fuit ad respendend. Ceciliae quae fuit uxor Elyae de Pestar; quare secuta est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Ceciliae in Winton, contra prohibitionem, &c. coram Mag. Galfrido de Fermiges, Officiali Dom. Episcopy Winton, exigendo ab ea quinque Messuagia, ita quod fecit eam capi et excommunicari postquam detulisset ei Regiam prohibitionem. Et unde dicit, quod deteriorata est et damnum habet ad valenciam 20 l. et inde producit sectam, &c. No doubt there were more of this kind in the Rolls of that Term, most of which are putrefied, torn, illegible. In broken Rolls about the same year, I found two more of this kind.

William de Cantelupo, Son of William Lord Cantelupe, a man of great birth, stomach and courage, who kept a great Retinue when Bishop of Worcester, with his whole Family, and the Family of the Treasurer of Lychfield were accused, appealed both for drowning and murdering several of the Kings Subjects in a most barbarous manner at Kemesey; whereupon the King issued this memorable Writ of Inquiry for the full and particular discovery, as well of the Commanders and Plotters, as Actors of this horrid Trespass, though the Bishops own menial Servants, he being suspected (as it seems) to abet them therein.

REX dilectis & fidelibus suis Magistro Simony de Wanton & Stephano Brabanzan, salutem; Sciatis, quod assignavimus vos, una cum Vicecomite nostro Wig • rniae, & coronatoribus nostris ejusdem Comitatus, ad inquisicionem faciendam de submersis & interfectis nuper apud Kemeseye, unde multi multos appellant, & multi rectati sunt tam de facto quam de praecepto, utpote tota familia Wygorniensis Episcopy de Kemeseya, et R. Thesaurarii Lychfeld. Et ideo vobis mandamus, quod in Crastino Sancti Laurencii Martyris conveniatis apud Wygorniam ad praedictam inquisitionem faciendam super tam enormi et horribili transgression commissa contra pacem nostram. Et cum constiterit vobis per inquisitionem praedictam qui fuerint inde culpabiles, tam de facto quam de authoritate, omnes illos capi faciatis et in prisonam nostram retrudi, & inde distinct & aper • e nos reddatis certiores. Mandavimus enim Vicecomiti nostro praedicto quod appellantes appellatos & rectatos si inventi fuerint, cum eorum attachiamentis et aliis quae ad negotium pertinent, dictis die & loco coram vobis venire faciat. Teste, &c. apud Wodestok 23 die Julii.

The King standing in need of Moneys this year for the recovering and defense of the Rights of his Crown, both on this side and beyond the Seas, sent this memorable Letter to some rich Abbots for a present supply.

R. Tali Abbati, salutem. Si Regiae Majestatis dignacio pro Iuribus regni tuendis devotorum et fidelium suorum amiciciam experiri voluerit, vel si ipsi suum Principem sub cujus alis protecti respirant, obsequio corporali et munerum obligatione frequenter honorent, non est mirum. Cum igitur deficientibus jam trengis inter Dominum Regem Franciae & nos pro recuperatione et defensione Iurium nostrorum, tam in cismarinis quam in transmarinis partibus, ad quas nuper misimus magnam Militum comitivam, oporteat nos facere magnos sumptus, et ob causas diversas manum liberalitatis pluribus aperire, dilectos Clericos nostros Th. de Stanford, et Willielmum de Axemuae, una cum singulis Vicecomitibus dictorum Comitatuum ad vos transmittimus, rogantes attente, quatinus ipsos in negocio nostro, quod vobis exponent, immo nos in eis favorabiliter audientes, ad alleviationem sumptuum praedictorum nos de pecunia vestra tam habundanter juvetis, quod id vobis debeamus retributione valida compensare. Teste Rege apud Oxonium, 10 die Dec • mbris.

Pope Innocent the 4 ^th . in the 6 ^th . year of his Papacy, sent this short Bull to King Henry, affectionately entreating him to assign in his name the 1000 Marks due from him this year to the Church of Rome, under the name of a Rent or Tribute, (by pretext of King John 's void Charter) to the Treasurer of the Temple in London, the original whereof I retrived in the White Tower.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, charissimo in Christo filio Regi Anglorum illustri, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Excellentiam tuam affectione paterna rogamus, quatinus mille marcas sterlingorum quas pro anno praesenti Ecclesiae Romanae nomine Census debes, dilecto filio Thesaurario Domus Militiae Templi London. solitae devotionis affectu, nomine nostro facias assignari. Dat. Lugdun. 5 Kal. Augusti, Pontificatus nostri anno sexto.

Dorso, De Censu annuo Domino Papae debito. Examinatur.

I find by the Liberate-Rolls, that this Rent due for the 31. year of Henry the third, was then paid to the Treasurer of the Temple; but that any was paid this year by virtue of this Bull, I cannot discover by any Record.

In the Plea-Rolls of Term. Mich. an. 33 & 34 H. 3. in the Tower, I discovered these ensuing Suits and Attachments for holding and prosecuting Pleas of Chattels and Debts not Testamentary nor of Matrimony, and of Advowsons and Lay-fee, in Courts Christian; against the Kings Prohibitions, Crown and dignity.

Hamo de Parceny & Mitilda uxor ejus per Attornat. &c. obt. se 4 die versus Galfr. Vicarium Ecclesiae de Maudeby, de placit. quare secutus est, & versus Johannem Decanum de Landeleshaw, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, et contra prohibitionem, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c.

David Decanus de Croft attach. fuit ad respondend. Adelth. de Hennoyr, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. Et unde eadem A. queritur, quod quidam Wilhelmus le Clerke implacitavisset ipsam coram ipso David, petendo ab ipsa 4 sol. qui non sunt de Test. &c. Et ipse A. &c. an. 33. in Ecclesia Sancti Petri de Leomynstr. detulisset ei breve Dom. Regis de Prohibitione, ne placitum illud teneret. Idem David spreta prohibitione illa tenuit placitum pr • dict. et ipsam ab ingressu Ecclesiae suspendere fecit, et postea excommunicavit. Unde dicit, quod per hic quod tenuit Placit. praedict. deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenc. 100 s. Et inde producit sectam, &c.

Elyas Hinge, &c. obtulit se 4 die versus Philip. de Marer, quare secutus est placit. in Curia Christianitatis de catallis, &c. quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. contra prohibitionem. &c.

Hugo de Bygot per, &c. obt. se 4 die verse. Magistr. Hug. de Cantilupo Praecentorem Ebor. et Willielm. Archidiac. Rychmund. et Johan. de Hesel de placit. quare praedict. Praecentor. & Archidiac. tenuerunt placit. in Curia Christian. de Advoc. 4. partis Ecclesiae de Cotingham contra prohibitionem. Et quare praedict. Johannes secutus est idem placitum contra eandem prohibitionem. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c. Et etiam mandatum est Decano & Capit. Ebor. quod fac. ipsos venire, eo quod sedes vacua, &c. qui nichil inde fecerunt. Et quia modo est ibi Archiepiscopus, mandatum est Archiepiscopo Ebor. quod faciat eos venire. Such manifold Delayes d •• Bishops and Cathedral Clergymen make in such Suits, against their usurped Jurisdiction.

Henricus Salisbur. obtulit se 4 die versus Magistr. Willielm. de Broked • gh Personam Ecclesiae de Waudegrave, & Egid. de Rous Archidiac. Norwic. de placito, quare idem Wilhelmus secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Henr. in Waudegrave, &c. & de plac. quare idem Egid. tenuit idem placitum in eadem Curia Christ. contra eandem prohibitionem. Et de placito, quare praedicti Wilhelmus et Egidius postea in dampnum et deceptionem Curiae Dom. Regis, et in contemptum Coronae et dignitatis ejusdem Domini Regis, occasion praedicti placiti fecerunt ipsum Henricum capi et incarcerari in prisona Norwic. et ipsum in eadem prisona detinuerunt; per quod idem Henricus in eadem Curia Domini Regis praedictum placitum non potuit prosequi versus eos. Et ipsi non venerunt: & praeceptum est Vic. quodattach. eos, &c. For this their contempt, vexation, oppression and deceit.

Tom. 2. p. 759. l. ult. after patentes, insert;

The Archdeacon of Taunton having obtained a definitive sentence for the Prebendary of S ^t . Decuman in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, before the Popes Delegates in England; the Pope upon his Petition issued this Bull for the confirmation and execution thereof by Ecclesiastical censures, without any Appeal: the Original whereof I discovered in the White Tower.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, servus servorum Dei; dilectis filiis S. Pauli & Martini Decanus, & Johanni de S. Laurentio Canonico S. Pauli London. salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Dilectus filius W. Archidiaconus de Taunton à nobis humiliter postulavit, ut diffinitivam sententiam quam venerabilis frater noster Episcopus Elyen. et conjudices sui a seed Apostolica delegati, pro eo contra R. Poretannum Bathon. Diocesis super Praebenda Sancti Decumanni rationabiliter protulerunt, Apostolico dignaremur munimine roborare. Quocirca discretioni vestrae per Apostolica scripta mandamus, quatinus sententiam ipsam sicut est justa faciatis per censuram Ecclesiasticam, Appellatione remota, firmiter observari. Quod si non omnes hiis exequendis potueritis interesse, duo vestrum ea nichilominus exequantur. Dat. Romae apud Sanctum Petrum, 10 Kalend, Januarii, Pontificatus nostri anno octavo.

In the Plea-Rolls, Termino Pasch. & Term. Sancti Michaelis, An. 34 H. 3. in the Tower, there are these Suits upon contempts for suing in Court Christian, against the Kings Prohibition, Crown and Dignity.

Thomas Episcopus de Sancto David. attach. fuit ad respondendum Mereduk fil. Ros de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de furcis levat. in terra ipsius Mereduk. in Keytheynoc, quod spectat ad Coronam et dignitatem Domini Regis, &c. Et unde queritur, quod cum detulisset ei Literas Prohibitionis apud Kermerd. ubi fecit ordines suos, dictus Episcopus nichilominus tenuit dictum placitunt postea in Curia Christianitatis; unde dampnum habet ad valenc. &c. Et inde producit sectam, &c.

Et Episcopus venit & defendit vim, &c. Et dicit defend. quod nunquam tenuit placitum de furcis levatis in Curia Christianitatis, &c. Et hoc been defend. contra ipsum & sectam suam. Et ideo cons. est quod vad. Legem suam se 12 manu. Et veniat cum lege die Pasch. in 15 dies: pleg. de Lege Wilhelmus Hay & Wilhelmus de Wilton. Et ad diem illum venit dictus Episcopus & sufficien. fecit legem suam. Et ideo consideratum est, quod Episcopus inde sine die. Et Mereduk in misericordia.

Idem Episcopus attach. fuit ad respondend. praedict. Mereduc. de placito, quare ad present. ipsius Mereduc. non admisit idoneam Personam ad Ecclesiam de Landeveny, cujus Ecclesiae Advocationem idem Mereduc disrationavit versus ipsum Episcopum per Assisam ultimae praesentaciouis inter eos captam, coram Ballivo de Kermerd. sicut ei Dominus Rex alias mand. &c. Et unde queritur, quod cum secutus fuit breve Domini Regis ultimae praesentationis in Curia de Kermerd. versus ipsum Episcopum de Advocatione praedictae Ecclesiae, & dicta Assisa ibidem capt. fuit: Ita quod per Assisam illam recuperaverit seisinam suam, & habuit breve Domini Regis ad ipsum Episcopum, quod ipse admitteret idoneam personam ad praesentationem suam, dictus Episcopus recusavit idoneam personam admittere, in praejudicium et destructionem Coronae et dignitatis Domini Regis, et ad dampnum ipsius Mereduc. C. Libr. &c.

Et Episcopus venit & defendit vim, &c. & dicit, quod non debet hic in Curia Laicali respondere. Quia dicit, quod examinatio Personae, utrum sit idonea vel non, mere spiritual est, et ad forum suum spectat; nec vult, nec debet inde hic respondere. Praeterea dicit, quod placitum de Advocationibus Ecclesiarum in partibus suis est mere spiritual, et ipse et praedecessores sui semper placitaverunt praedictum placitum; unde non vult, nec debet de illo placito hic respondere, nec parere, nec facere inde ad mandatum Domini Regis, licet plac. illud deducatur in Curiam Domini Regis. (A strange, disloyal, contemptuous Plea.)

Et quia Dominus Rex est in seiseina de placitis Advocationum Ecclesiarum in Curia sua per totum regnum suum; ita quod omnes Episcopy postquam loquela inde deducta sit in Curia Domini Regis debent ad mandatum Regis idoneam personam admittere. Et Dominus Rex non petit, quod ipse Episcopus respondeat de examinatione idoneitatis, quia si unus non idoneus praesentatus sit, admittat alium qui sit idoneus, set tamen quod ad mandatum suum de loquelis deductis in Curia sua, idoneum Clericum admittat, &c. Et ipse Episcopus dicit, quod non vult hic inde respondere, nec mandato Regis parere, set dicit quod ipse vult habere dictum placitum in Curia sua, quod est manifest contra Coronam et dignitatem Domini Regis, et ad exhaeredationem Domini Regis. Et Episcopus non vult aliud dicere, consideratum est, quod praedictus. Episcopus est indefensus in Curia Domini sui; Et praedictus Mereduc recuperet dampna sua, et Episcopus in misericordia; Et Dominus Rex provideat sibi de Iure suo, &c. Postea praeceptum est Ballivo de Kermerden quod distringat Episcopum per Baroniam, quod admittat idoneam personam, &c. Et damna taxata sunt ad 20 Marc. et mandatum est dicto Ballivo quod fac. denar. levari, &c. (A memorable Case.)

Wall. ss. Idem Mereduc per eundem Atturn. opt. se 4 die versus eundem Episcopum de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de furcis levatis in terra ipsius Mereduc in Keytheynot quod spectat ad Coronam et dignitatem Domini Regis, &c. Et quare tenuit placitum in eadem Curia de laico feodo ejusoem Mereduc in eadem Villa, contra prohibitionem, &c. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et Vic. mand. quod Episcopus attach. fuit per Tankard de Hosp. & Johannem Dumeit. Ideo ponatur per mel. pleg. & quod sit ad eundem Terminum. Et primi, &c.

Kermerd. ss. Dies datus est Mereduc filio Ros, per Atturn. suum quer. & Episcopo Menevens. de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis, de Advocatione Ecclesiae, &c. Et de placito, quare non admisit, &c. à die Sancti Michaelis in 15 dies. Et prohibitum est praedicto Episcopo, ne sequatur dictum placitum infra praedictum tempus. Et si occasion praedictorum placit. promulgavit sententiam in ipsum et homines suos, quod interim absolvet eos, &c.

In the Fragment of the Plea-Rolls of Trin. Term. An. 35 H. 3. I meet with these Suits and Attachments for holding and prosecuting Pleas of Chattels, Lay-fees, and Advowsons in Court Christian, against the Kings Prohibition, Crown and Dignity.

A. B. &c. optulerunt se 4 die versus Stephanum Decanum Bristol. de placito, quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo suo, &c. in suburbio Bristol. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et Stephanus non venit, &c. Et precept. fuit Vic. Glouc. quod, &c. Et unde mand. quod praeceptum est Ballivis Bristol. quod attach. eum, &c. qui, &c. Et praeceptum est Vic. G. quod non omittat propter libertatem praedictam, quin attachiet, &c.

Glouc. Wilhelmus Abbas Sancti Augustini Bristold. attach. fuit ad respondendum Willielmo Wylekoc de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Willielmi in Bristold. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde praedictus Wilhelmus queritur, quod praedictus Abbas eum traxit in placitum in Curia Christianitatis de 8 seldis in Bristold. coram Archid. de Glamorgan quas ab eo peciit; ita quod eum fecit excommunicari postquam ei detulit praedictam Prohibitionem, unde dicit quod deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenciam C. libr.

Et Abbas venit & defendit vim & injuriam quando, &c. Et been defendit, quod nunquam implacitavit ipsum de praedictis 8 seldis, quare dicit quod ipsemet est inde in seisina et semper fuit, nec aliquas seldas ab eo exigit nec unquam exigebat. Et Wilhelmus Wylekoc non potest hoc dedicere. Ideo praedictus Abbas inde sine die. Et praedictus Wilhelmus in misericordia.

Glouc. Patricius de Chahurs attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Abbati Sancti Petri Glouc. de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de advocatione Ecclesiae de Pambrey, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde idem Abbas queritur, quod idem Patricius traxit eum in placitum de praedicta advocatione coram Episcopo Sancti And • eae in Scocia postquam ei detulit praedictam Prohibitionem; unde dicit quod deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenciam—. Et inde producit sectam, &c.

Et Patricius per Attornatum suum venit & defendit vim & injuriam, &c. Et been defendit, quod nunquam secutus fuit aliquod placitum in Curia Christianitatis de praedicta advocatione post primam Prohibitionem. Et hoc offert defendere contra ipsum & sectam suam. Ideo, &c. per 12 manu. Et ven. cum lege in Crastino Sancti Michaelis.

In a broken Plea-Roll (torn off from the Bundle) about the same year, as I conjecture, there are these Law-suits upon Prohibitions.

Norht. Wilhelmus de Ferariis Comes Dereb. per Attorn. suum optulit se 4 die versus Thomam de Ferar. & Magistrum Hubertum Personam Ecclesiae de Hengham de placito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio contra, &c. Et ipsi non ven. &c. Et mandatum fuit Episcopo, &c. quod eos venire fac. ad hunc diem, eo quod Clerici sunt et non habent laicum feodum, &c. Et ideo, &c.—praedictum Episcopum, quod sit à die Sancti Martini in 15 dies. Et ibi habeat praedictos—.

Ebor. Thomas de Warthull & Robertus de Wymbelton per Attorn. suum optulerunt se 4 die versus Magistrum Thom. de Pykering, Magistr. Simonem de Claris vallibus, Magistr. Petrum de Alnewyk, Magistr. Rogerum de Flore, (and five more named:) de pl • cito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod attach. eos, &c. Et Vic. nichil inde fecit, &c.

Ebor. Richardus Pocke & Terricus de Colonia & aliis Burgenses de Estaunford per Attorn. suos opt. se 4 die versus Priorem Dunholm. de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis ipsorum quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et Prior attach. fuit per Walterum fil. Thomae & Henr. praepositum. Et ideo ponatur per meliores pleg. quod sit à die Pasch. in 5 Sept. Et primi, &c.

Tom. 2. p. 758. l. 10. after Januarii, insert: Many of the Kings Subjects in England and other his Dominions having Crossed themselves, and others intending to take up the Cross for relief of the Holy Land at the Popes and Kings instigation, and the Freers employed to preach it, were very much discouraged therein, fearing that the King and Pope would exact greater sums from them to release their Vowes, then they promised when they took up the Cross, by former experiments and exactions of this kind; whereupon the King to take away these fears and jealousies, issued this Writ.

REX omnibus, &c. Quoniam, ut audivimus, multi in regno nostro et terris nobis subjectis trepidaverunt timore ubi non erat timor, ut omnis suspicio malt tollatur de medio, bona fide promittimus, quod nullum crucesignatum vel crucesignandum in praedictis regno nostro et terris compeilemus, aut compelli faciemus, ration Crucis assumptae vel assumendae, ad solvendum majdrem summam pecuniae pro redemptione voti quam promiseri • in ipsa Crucis assumptione. In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud Windesores, 17 die Januarii.

As the King by his Letters Patents usually granted licenses to our English Bishops and their Executors freely to devise and dispose of their goods by their Wills, their debts to the Crown first satisfied: so did he to some Bishops in Ireland; as this Record assures us.

MAndatum est Johanni filio Galfridi Iustic. Hyberniae quod permittat Priorem de Conale et alios executores Testamenti Galfridi de Turvill Episcopy Ossoriensis habere liberam administrationem omnium bonorum quae fuerunt ejusdem Episcopy: Ita quod de primis bonis leventur debita Regis quae Regi debebat, et quae sunt clara. Teste Rege apud Westm. 12 die Aprilis. Et sunt patentes.

This Pope Innocent sending and employing his Italian Usurers and Merchants into England to negotiate his affairs, promote his extortions and exactions, and return the moneys extorted from the Clergy and others to Rome, sent th • s Bull to the King to crave his protection of their persons and goods from all injuries throughout his Dominions.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, charissimo in Christo filio Regi Angliae illustri, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Regalis excellentiae quamplurimum interest, ut illis, qui pro suis in regno tuo negotiationibus commorantur, te non gravem sed benignum exhibeas, et serenitate Regia mansuetum. Cum igitur Fredericus Rolland. & Thebaldus Tebolducci, socii dilecti filii Boniventurae Lupelli Civis & Mercatoris Senen. devoti nostri, in eodem regno pro suis exercendis negotiationibus moram trahant; Celsitudinem tuam rogandam duximus attentius & hortandam, quatenus Mercatores eosdem permittens in praedicto regno & toto districtu tuo libere commorari, eos occasion aliqua non molestes nec ab aliis molestari patiaris: sed potius ipsos cum omnibus rebus eorum, pro Apostolicae sedis et nostra reverentia favorabiliter manuteneas et desendas; ita quod Magnificentiam tuam proinde dignius in Domino laudibus attollamus. Dat. Perusii, 10 Kal. Marcii Pontificatus nostri anno nono.

This active Pope likewise, some few months after, sent this original Bull rescued from the rubbish in the White Tower) to King Henry, humbly entreating, (not requiring or commanding) him for the reverence he did bear to the See Apostolic and him, favourably to assign and restore the Royalties and possession of the Bishopric of Imelic in Ireland to Gilbert Bishop thereof, and to afford him his counsel, favor and assistance therein.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, charissimo in Christo filio illustri Regi Angliae, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. De tua excellentia inter Reges alios specialiter confidentes, libenter tibi cum honor tuo expedire cognoscimus, dirigimus preces nostras, sperantes eis a te cum devotione recipi, et cum efficacia effectui demandari. Hinc est quod serenitatem Regiam monemus, rogamus et hortamur attente, quatinus venerabilem fratrem nostrum Gilibertum Episcopum Ymilacen. ob reverentiam Apostolicae sedis et nostram habens in suis et Ecclesiae sibi commissae negotiis multipliciter commendatum; ac Regalia ejusdem Ecclesiae liberaliter sibi faciens assignari, eidem ut possessionem Episcopatus Ymilacen. adipisci valeat, praestes auxilium, consilium et favorem; ita quod exinde celsitudinem tuam dignis possimus in Domino laudibus commendare. Dat. Mediolan. 9 Kal. Augusti, Pontificatus nostri anno nono.

Tom. 2. p. 782. l. 19. after Augusti, insert: Placita coram Domino Rege à die Paschae in 15 dies, Anno 36 H. 3. I find this Attachment against an Archdeacon for holding a Plea of, and against a prosecutor for following of a Suit in Court Christian for Goods and Chattels, against the Kings Prohibition.

Johannes le Faukener optulit se 4 die versus Willielmum Archidiaconum Lincolniae de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra prohibitionem, &c. Et ipse non v • nit, &c. Et Vicecomes mandavit quod Clericus est, & non habet laicum feodum in balliva sua per quod, &c. Ideo mandatum est Episcopo Lincolniae, quod faciat ipsum venire in Octabis Sanctae Trinitatis, &c.

Idem Johannes optulit se 4 die versus Abbatem de Bardeney de placito, quare secutus est idem placitum contra prohibicionem, &c. Et Abbas non venit, &c. Et Vicecomes mandavit quod fuit attachiatus per Walterum de Scendelby, & Rogerum de Stepynge. Ideo ponatur per meliores plegios, quod sit, &c. ad praedictum Terminum. Et primi, &c.

In the Plea-Rolls of the same year (in the Tower) I met with this Suit, by the King, upon an Attachment for an Excommunication.

Dom. Rex per Laur. del Brok qui sequitur pro eo, optulit se 4 die versus Magistr. de Sanwyc Decanum de Arcubus Ecclesiae Sanctae Mariae London. de plac. quare ipse excommunicationis sententiam promulgavit in dilectum et fidelem ipsius Domini Regis Waleran. Senescallum suum, quia tenuit placitum quod spectat ad Coronam et dignitatem Domini Regis. Et similiter in Duloam de Luxeburgh, quia secuta fuit idem plac. in eadem Curia. Et plures fecit defaltas, ita quod precept. fuit Officiali Archiepiscopi Cant. quod venire fac. Et Offic. nichil inde fecit. Ideo precept. est Vic. quod capiat in manus Dom. Regis omnes terras ejus, & habeat corpus ejus, &c. ad praedict. Terminum.

Tom. 2. p. 797. l. 29. after instigations, subjoin. It is very observable, First, That the form of this General Excommunication then denounced was prescribed and assented to by the King, and all the Temporal Lord's. 2ly. That whereas the Bishops and Clergy in the Council of Oxford, and other Synods had thrust into their General Excommunications sundry Clauses concerning their pretended Church-liberties, which the King and Lord's never assented to, and which they publicly denounced every year; thereupon the King, Nobles, and all the Commons publicly protested before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and all the Bishops in this Parliament, That if any of them, or any other should insert into this or any public form of Writings or Excommunications already made, or to be made, any other thing, clause, or articles, than they herein prescribed and agreed to, that they never assented, nor would assent thereto, but did plainly contradict the same. 3ly. That the King himself, with his own mouth in the pronunciation of this Sentence, exempted out of it all pretended Liberties claimed by the Pope or Clergy, against the ancient and accustomed Liberties of his Realm, and the Dignity, Rights of his Crown, as this memorable Record attests, to which the Kings and Nobles set their Seals for a perpetual memorial thereof to all posterity.

NOverint universi, quod Dominus H. Rex Angliae illustris, R. Comes Norff. & Marescallus Angliae, H. Comes Hereford. & Essex. J. Comes de Warrewico, Petrus de Sabbaudia, caeterique Magnates Angliae, consenserunt in Sentenciam Excommunicationis generaliter latam apud Westm. tertiodecimo die Maii anno regni Regis praedicti 37. in hac forma, scilicet, Quod vinculo praefatae Sentenciae ligentur omnes venientes contra libertates contentas in Cartis communium libertatum Angliae, et de Foresta; et omnes qui libertates Ecclesiae Anglicanae temporibus Domini Regis et Praedecessorum suorum Regum Angliae optentas et usitatas, scienter et maliciose violaverint aut infringere praesumpserint. Et omnes illi qui pacem Domini Regis et regni perturbaverint; et similiter omnes qui Iura et libertates Regis et regni diminuere, infringere, seu immutare praesumpserint. Et quod omnes venientes contra praemissa, vel eorum aliqua ignoranter, et legitime moniti, infra quindenam post monitionem praemissam dictam transgressionem non emendave rint, extunc praedictae Sentenciae Excommunicationis subjacebunt. Ita tamen, quod Dominus Rex transgressionem illam per considerationem Curiae suae faciat emendari. Sciendum autem, quod si in scriptis super eadem Sentencia a quibuscunque confectis set conficiendis, aliud, vel aliter appositum, vel adjectum fuerit, aut articuli aliqui alii in eis contenti inveniantur, Dominus Rex, et praedicti Magnates omnes, et Communitas populi protestantur publice in praesentia venerabilium Patrum B. Dei gratia Cantuariensis Archiepiscopi tocius Angliae Primatis, necnon et Episcoporum omnium in eodem Colloquio existencium, quod in ca nunquam consenserunt, nec consenciunt, set de plano eis contradicunt. Praeterea, praefatus Dominus Rex in prolacione praefatae Sentenciae omnes libertates contra consuetudines regni nostri antiquas et usitatas, et dignitates, et Iura Coronae suae, ore proprio specialiter sibi, et regno suo salvavit, et excepit. In cujus rei memoriam et in posterum veritatis testimonium, tam Dominus Rex, quam praedicti Comites, ad instanciam aliorum Magnatum, et populi, praesenti scripto sigilla sua apposuerunt.

By which Record it is apparent; First, That the King and Nobles then had and claimed an ancient legal Right to prescribe the Forms of all public Excommunications, not the Bishops alone, and to join in the denuntiacions of them with the Bishops. 2ly. That the Bishops could not legally make nor prescribe any new Forms, Clauses or Articles of Excommunication without them or their assents thereto. 3ly. That all the Clauses and Articles of Excommunication thrust by the Bishops and Clergy into their General Sentences of Excommunication, made and published by Simon Langeton Archbishop of Canterbury in the Council of Oxford, by Archbishop Boniface in the Council of Lambeth, by Archbishop Peckham in the Council of Reding, and other Bishops in their Synods, not ratified by the King and Lord's, (published as Canonical, by Lyndewode, John de Aton of old, and in Sir Henry Spelmans Second Tome of Councils of late,) are illegal, contrary to this Royal protestation of the King, Lord's and Commons of England, and the Great Charter of Liberties, yea mere usurpations on the Subjects Liberties and Consciences, fit to be exploded, and severely punished by Regal prosecutions against those who maliciously or presumptuously denounced, or shall hereafter denounce them against the King, his Officers or Subjects.

Tom. 2. p. 807. l. 4. after Regem, add: In the Fragments of Plac. Assisarum & Coronae (in the Tower) apud Northt. post Quindenam Purificationis, An. 37 regni Regis Henrici 3. coram Gilberto de Preston, Magistro Simony de Wauton, & sociis suis Justiciariis Itinerantibus.

Hugo de Baresford optulit se, &c. versus Mag. Robertum de Northt. qnare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Hugonis in Oxford. contra Prohibitionem, &c. The other Suits of this kind in these Rolls are putrefied and perished with the Rolls.

Pope Innocent the 4 ^th . to encourage King Henry in his intended Expedition to the Holy Land, for which he had Crossed himself, authorized the Bishops of London and Chichester to Excommunicate the persons, and Interdict the Lands of all such who should by any ways invade, molest or disturb his Lands or Goods in the Provinces of Burdeaux or Auxitan during this his Expedition; notwithstanding any Constitutions or Indulgences of Popes to the contrary, by this Original Bull I discovered in the White Tower: wherein he highly extols his virtues, and readiness to extol and advance the honor of God, and the See Apostolic both in words and deeds.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, venerabilibus fratribus Londonien. & Cicestren. Episcopis, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Regis aeterm benignitas charissimum in Christo filium nostrum illustrem Regem Angliae insignem reddidit tanta diversitate virtutum, quod personam ipsius favore et grati • prosequi delectamur, set praecipue hiis temporibus quibus ipse se ac sua proponit exponere in Terra sancta obsequiis Jesus Christi, sub illo jugiter vivens affectu quod magnifice gloriam Divini nominis augeat, et honorem Apostolicae Sedis in verbis et operibus potenter extollat. Quia vero Regem tam nobilem quam praeclarum, cujus progenitores inclitos gaudet Ecclesia semper habuisse devotos, decet dictae Sedis auxilio sic protegi, sic foveri ut eidem super bonis nulla indign irrogetur injuria vel jactura, set ipsa potius illibata maneant, et secura consistant. Fraterternitati vestrae per Apostolica scripta mandamus, quatinus eundem super terris, juribus et bonis quae in Burdegalen. et Auxitan. Provinciis obtinet, quousque ad propria de praedictis partibus feliciter, Deo propitio, revertatur, non permittatis ab aliquo molestari. Molestatores, sive invasores, seu turbatores ipsius super praefatis terris, juribus & bonis quacunque dignitate et honor praefulgeant, monitione praemissa per Excommunicationis in personas et in terras eorum interdicti Sententias per vos, vel per alios, appellatione postposita, compescendo. Non obstantibus constitutione de duabis dietis, edita in Concilio Generali; & si aliquibus est ab eadem Sede indultum, quod sine speciale mandato ipsius suspensionis, vel interdicti, aut excommunicationis in eos non posset ferri sententia, sive indulgentia cujuscunque tenoris existat, de qua in literis nostris plenam aut expressam oporteat fieri mentiotionem. Quod si non ambo hiis exequendis potueritis interesse, alter vestrum eanichilominus exequatur. Dat, Perusii Non. Nov • mbris. Pontificatus nostri anno decimo.

Infra scripta verba continentur in Bulla Innocentii Papae quarti, de immunitatibus & privilegiis, avo Domini nostri Regis & aliis Crucesignatis concessis. Et similia verba in effectu continentur in Bulla Johannes 22. de immunitatibus & privilegiis Franciae Regis qui nunc est, & aliis Crucesignatis nuper concessis, cum pluribus additionibus; & specialiter cum illa additione, viz. Quod idem Papa Johannes dedit dicto Franciae Regi dignitatem seu officium Capitan. passag. transmarin. et Rectoriae ipsius et totius exercitus populi Christiani qui in dicto passagio transiret: Et quod Excommunicavit extunc molestatores, invasores seu turbatores ipsius Regis Franciae super terris, juribus et bonis ejusdem.

Quos vero suscipiendae Crucis de caetero votum obligabit ad idem, & de (die) qua taliter Crucem assumpserint sub beati Petri et nostra protectione suscepimus, &c. sub Diocesanorum suorum defensione consistunt, si aliqui eos indebite molestare praesumpserint per Diocesanos locorum in quibus idem molestatores fuerint per censuram Ecclesiasticam appellatione postposita compescantur.

Tom. 2. p. 818. l. 51. after Bull, add; In the Rolls of Pleas and Assizes (in the Tower) tenta coram Rogero de Thurkesby & sociis suis Justiciariis de Banco, Term. S. Mich. anno Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannes 38. I find near 20 Prohibitions and Attachments, and Suits upon them, for prosecuting and holding Plea in Courts Christian of Actions of Trespass, Goods and Chattels, not Testamentary or promised in Marriage, against the Kings Crown and dignity: I shall present you only with two of them at large.

Wilhelmus de Bello Campo & Johannes de la Hull per attornatum ipsius Johannes optulit se 4 die versus Petrum Hereford. Episcopum, de placito quod esset ad hunc diem, & ibi haberet Radulphum Personam Ecclesiae de Linderrig. ad respondendum de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis, eo quod praedicti Wilhelmus & Johannes intraverunt domum ipsius Radulph. in Linderrig. pro pace Domini Regis servanda, &c. Et Episcopus non venit, &c. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod attachiaret eum quod esset ad hunc diem, et haberet hic praedictum Radulphum. Et Vicecomes mandavit, quod praedictus Episcopus est in Wasconia cum Domino Rege, & fuit antequam breve ei inde venit. Et ideo sicut prius praeceptum est Vicecomiti, quod attachiet eum si inventus fuerit, &c. quod sit à die Sancti Martini in 15 dies. Et unde, &c. Et quia testatum est quod praedictus Radulphus habet terram in Comitatu Wygorn. per quam, &c. Ideo praeceptum est Vic. Wygorn. quod attachier eum quod sit a • praedictum terminum. Et unde Vic. &c.

Jordanus Vicarius de Stanes attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Willielmo de la Poylle de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis, quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem Domini Regis, &c. Et unde idem Wilhelmus queritur quod praedictus Jordanus implacitavit ipsum de una marca argenti apud Evesham, coram Praecentore de Evesham, authoritate literarum Domini Papae; et postea coram Vicario de Stanwell. Ita quod postquam ei detulisset Prohibitionem Regiam, ne praedictum placitum sequeretur, idem Jordanus spreta Prohibitione Regia, secutus fuit praedictum placitum versus eum, et fecit ipsum Excommunicari. Et unde dicit, quod deterioratus est et dampnum habet ad valenciam 40 marcarum, et inde producit sectam: (to recover his damages, and stay further proceedings.)

Et Jordanus venit & defendit vim & injuriam quando, &c. Et been defendit contra ipsum & sectam suam, quod ipse nunquam implacitavit, nec aliquod placitum secutus fuit versus eum de praedicta marca, nec de aliquo alio. Et hoc offert defendere contra ipsum & sectam suam, sicut Curia consideraverit. Et ideo consideratum est, quod vadiet ei legem se 12 manu. Et veniat cum lege sua à die Sancti Martini in quindecim dies. Plegii de lege Jordanus de Montibus de Echiford, & Thomas Malebraunch.

Idem Wilielmus optulit se 4 die versus Abbatem Westm. de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra, &c. Et Abbas non venit, &c. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod attachiet eum quod esset ad hunc diem. Et Vicecomes mandavit, quod idem Abbas non permittit se attachiari. Et ideo sicut alias praeceptum est Vic. quod non omittat praedictam libertatem quin attachiet eum, quod sit à die Sancti Martini in 15 dies. Et Vic. sit auditurus Iudicium suum.

In the same Plea-Rolls of the Justices Itinerant, I find sundry more Actions and Attachments brought for prosecuting and holding Suits in Courts Christian against the Kings Prohibitions, De catallis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio; as Rot. 5. dors. Linc. Raimundus fil. Ricardi versus Robertum Personam Ecclesiae de Woddington. Rot. 18. dors. versus Egidium de Wocumb Archid. Berks. Rot. 20. Gervasius Turprest verse. Hugonem cum Barba. Rot. 20. dors. Hertford. Attachiamentum per Johan. Gilbert verse. Johan. de Cadamo, & Joseph. Vicarium de Cestrehunt: qui post Prohibitionem suspendit ipsum ab ingressu Ecclesiae, &c. unde deterioratus est, et dampnum habet ad valenciam centum solidorum. Bed. Rot. 22. Nicholaus de Kesseleynturer verse. Priorem de Waledon. Rot. 21. Wilhelmus de Parco verse. Mag. Walter. de Vienna Offic. Episc. Wygorn. & Mag. Thom. de Abington Offic. Archidiac. Glouc. W. Newell verse. Ricardum de Pratis, Alicia de Br • dewey • s, &c. with seven more Suits of the same kind, brought against several other Archdeacons, Officials, persons, for holding and prosecuting Suits in Court Christian for Debts and Chattels, to their damage and vexation, against the Kings Prohibitions, Crown and dignity.

Moreover in the same Rolls, I find these following Attachments, Suits, for holding and prosecuting Pleas in Court Christian, De laico seodo, et de advocationibus Ecclesiarum; as Rot. 13. dors. Radulphus de Northmaneby verse. Nicholaum de Wundingham, & Guilbertum Capellanum Ecclesiae de Cornusham, Linc. Rot. 14. Devon. Gilbertus de Umframvill verse. Magistrum Walterum de Pembrok Archidiac. Berdestaple, & Gilbertum Officialem ejusdem Archidiac. Rot. 16. Suthamt. Nicholaus de Cornhampton verse. Petr. Russencob Archidiac. Wynton. & Magist. Radulphum de Merwicks, quare tenuerunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis, & versus Willielmum Canonicum de Tynhfrid, quare secutus est idem placitum. Ibid. Robertus Handesacre versus Episcopum Wygorn. & Michael. Personam Ecclesiae de Cropthorp; for the like causes.

Besides, I found in a Bundle of decayed Writs of this year in the White Tower, nine Writs of Attachment against several Ecclesiastical persons and others for holding and prosecuting Suits in Court Christian, De catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem nostram: And another Writ against Thomas Prior of Midhurst, and Peter a Dean; quare tenuerunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de advocatione Ecclesiae, &c. contra Prohibitionem nostram. T. &c. apud Westm. 13 die Octobris, anno regni nostri 38.

In the Plea-Rolls of Trinity Term (the same year,) I met with these Suits and Attachments of like nature.

Nicholaus Scot optulit se, &c. versus Robert. Scot, quare secutus est placitum, &c. de catallis, &c. quae non sunt, &c.

Magist. Bernardus le Coromalleynes verse. Abbatem de Evesham, quare tenuit placitum, &c. quae non sunt, &c. Et fuit attach.

Rogerus de Wardington opt. &c. versus Abbatem de Thornton, quare secutus est plac. &c. de catall. &c. quae non sunt, &c.

Simon le Moign opt. se. &c. versus Magist. Hugonem de S. Edmundo de plac. quare tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis, de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et Magistr. Hugo non venit, &c.

Johannes de Pelingford opt. se, &c. verse. Luc. de Deveneys & Willielmum Personam de Wysle de plac. quare tenuerunt plac. in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et verse. Galfridum Burgoil, quare secutus est idem placitum, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c.

Galfr. de Sancto Laco opt. se, &c. versus Willielmum del Parrot Vinetarium, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis, de catall. &c. contra, &c. Et versus Will. Decanum Northampton, quare tenuit idem plac. contra eandem Prohibitionem, &c. Et ipsi non veniunt, &c.

Agnes uxor Johan. de Godemarches opt. se, &c. versus Ad. le Parchenur & Alic. ux. ejus, quare secuti sunt plac. de, &c. quae non sunt, &c. contra Prohibit. &c. Eadem Agnes opt. se verse. Magist. Willielmum de Obrey Official. Archiep. Cant. quare tenuit idem placitum. Et Offic. non venit. Et alias mandat. Archiepiscopo, quod fac. eum venire, &c.

Jordanus de Kingestown verse. A. Wynton. Elect. quod habeat Galfrid Personam Ecclesiae de Stamewel, ad respond. eidem Jordano, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis, de advocatione Capellae de Kingestown, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et Electus non venit. Et fuit attach. Et pon. per meliores pleg.

From these and sundry other Prohibitions, and Attachments, Suits upon them this year, in one or two Terms space in the Common Pleas, with above one hundred more during King Henry the third his reign, extant in the Plea and Clause Rolls, and in Henry de Bracton (a learned Lawyer and Justice under this King) De Legibus & Consuetudinibus Angliae, l. 5. c. 2, to 17. we may evidently discern, not only the studious endeavors of Ecclesiastical Courts, Judges to enlarge their Jurisdictions, and usurp, engross to themselves the conusance of all Temporal causes, against the Kings Crown, Dignity, frequent Prohibitions and Attachments successively issued by his Judges to restrain these injurious Usurpations; but likewise conclude, that Bishops, Ordinaries, and Courts Christian, had then no legal Jurisdiction at all to meddle with, dispose of, or distribute the Chattels or Debts of any Lay-persons dying intestate; they being not Catalla & Debita de Testamento, but Intestatorum, or de Intestato decedentibus, as their own Canons style them; which are as opposite, as contradictory to each other, as the Goods, Debts of persons unmarried, are to Catalla & Debita de Matrimonio; as is evident by Glanvil, l. 7. c. 5, 6, 7, 8, 16. l. 12. c. 20. and Bracton, l. 2. c. 26. And that their disposition or distribution of them, as well as holding such Pleas, was then declared to be an illegal Usurpation, as the Prohibition in the Clause-Roll of 39 H. 3. m. 17. dorso, (Quod usurpastis vobis placita de laicis feodis, et de catalls et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio) with others, evidence. This Usurpation of Ordinaries over Interstates Goods, King Henry 3d. his Nobles and Judges opposed, prohibited during his reign, as the forecited Prohibitions, yea the very Articles, Constitutions of Archbishop Boniface and his Suffragans, evidence. Which our Kings, Judges, Nobles likewise opposed in succeeding ages, as John Stratford and his Suffragans in their Constitutions Anno 1342. De Impedientibus Ecclesiasticam Jurisdictionem, thus complain of and acknowledge. Quidam etiam Domini temporales et corum Ballivi bona decedentium ab intestato in suis districtionibus ad ipsos Dominos praetendentes fore, quamvis erronee devoluta, ne per Ordinarios bona hujusmodi pro debitorum solutione sic decedentium, ac in alios pios usus pro ipsorum animarum salute convertantur utiliter, (prout consensu Regio et Magnatum regni Angliae, tanquam pro jure Ecclesiasticaque libertate, ab olim extitit ordinatum) impediunt, in derogationem Ecclesiasticae libertatis, jurisque et jurisdictionis Ecclesiasticorum impedimentum et laestonem enormem. Whereupon they then denounced a Major Excommunication against all opposers or hinderers of their disposal or distribution of Intestate’s Goods. To justify which their Innovation and usurped Jurisdiction, they pretended they had it anciently granted them by an Ordinance of Parliament assented to by the King and Nobles of the Realm, (prout consensu Regio et Magnatum regni Angliae, tanquam pro jure Ecclesiasticaque libertate, ab olim extitit ordinatum:) Which Ordinance must needs be either a willful forgery, (there being no such Ordinance extant in History or Record, as Lindewode ingenuously confesseth in his Gloss thereon,) or else a gross mistake, or perverting of the premised Clauses in King Henry the 1. King John 's, or King Stephen 's Charters of Liberties; neither of which gave them any legal Jurisdiction at all over Lay-men's Chattels or Goods dying intestate, as I have proved, and the premised and subsequent Suits, Attachments on, and forms of Prohibitions clearly evidence: Wherein I am much confirmed by this passage in Ranulphus de Glanvilla, (most expert in the ancient Laws and Customs of this Realm) Chief Justice of England under King Henry the 2 ^d . in his Tractatus de Legibus & Consuetudinibus Angliae, tempore Regis Henrici secundi compositus, printed Cum Privilegio, London. 1604. lib. 7. cap. 16. who resolves, that this was then and in former ages the Law and Custom of the Realm concerning Intestate’s Goods; Cum quis Intestatus decesserit, omnia catalla sua sui Domini esse intelliguntur; si vero plures habuerit Dominos, quilibet eorum catalla sua recuperabit, quae in feodo suo reperiet. Vsurarii vero omnes res, sive Testatus, sive Intestatus decesserunt, Domini Regis sunt. This then being the ancient Law, Custom of the Realm, Prerogative of the King, and Right of every Lord of Manors, it is very improbable that the King and Lord's would devest themselves of this their Jurisdiction over, and Right in Intestate’s Goods, to vest them in the Bishops and Ordinaries disposal, by any such Parliamentary Ordinance, as Archbishop Stratford and his Suffragans pretend in their premised Constitution, and Othobon before them, there being none such extant; who could not pretend the least Jurisdiction or Right thereto by any Law of God, nor of the Realm, except that clause they thrust into King John 's Charter, which really gave them no such Jurisdiction, and was omitted in King Henry the 3 ^d . his Grand Charter of Liberties, ch. 18. As for the Charter of King Stephen to the Bishops and Clergy, (extending only to their own Goods and Chattels in right of their Churches, not to Lay-men's) made at the Bishops own solicitations, (who advanced him to the Crown against their Oaths) he being a mere Usurper, his Charter was of no greater validity to bind his successors in point of Prerogative, then his other Charters were in case of the Crown-Lands granted by him to his Prelates, Nobles and Adherents; which were soon after resumed by King Henry the 2 ^d . (notwithstanding King Stephen 's Charters) upon this ground; Quia Chartae invasoris praejudicium legitimo Principi minime facere deberent. Whereupon our Bishops in succeeding ages, procured special Patents and Licenses from our Kings to make their Wills, and dispose of their Goods by them, without infisting on King Stephen 's Charter, authorizing them freely to make their Wills and devise their Church-goods without such Licenses. If therefore they could not devise their own Goods and Chattels by their Wills without our Kings special License, much less could they dispose or distribute the Goods, Chattels of all Lay Intestate persons, without the special consent of the King and Lay-Lord's by Act of Parliament, which they cannot produce. As for their Plea of Prescription, that they have used to dispose of and distribute the Goods of Intestate persons to pious uses time out of mind; they may likewise argue, they have used to hold Plea of Lay-fees, Advowsons, Debts, Chattels, and other things not belonging to them, time out of memory, notwithstanding all Prohibitions, Complaints, Attachments against them for it; but being done by usurpation only, not of right, yea apparently against the Kings Prerogative, Laws and Customs of the Realm, they shall not take advantage of their own wrongs to deprive the King, his Courts, Subjects of their just Rights, Liberties; and Nullum tempus occurrit Regi, will be a sufficient answer to this and all other their gradual Usurpations on the Crown or Subjects Rights. Which I humbly submit to the grave consideration of the learned Judges and Professors of the Common Law, for whose information, benefit, and the just defense of the Kings Crown, Dignity, Prerogative, against the Usurpations of Popes, Bishops, Legates, Nuncioes, Ordinaries, Ecclesiastical Courts, Judges in former and late times, I have inserted into this Chapter most of the Suits and Attachments upon Prohibitions extant in the Plea-Rolls or Writs, of King Henry the 3 ^d . (in the Tower of London) omitted in my Second Tome; which will satisfy the World, and all usurping Canonists, that such Suits, Prohibitions, and Attachments on them, are no Innovations, nor Invasions of the ancient Rights, Liberties of the Church, as they and their predecessors falsely pretend, and most confidently publish in their Constitutions, Glosses, Discourses, which they cry up for the Ecclesiastical Laws of our Church and Realm, though never so reputed by our Kings, Parliaments, or learned Judges, as I shall further evidence (if God permit) by examining most of them, in their due Chronological series.

Tom. 2. p. 820. l. 1. before The King, add; In the Plea-Rolls in the Tower, Anno 38. H. 3. I met with this memorable Record in vindication of the Kings Ecclesiastical Prerogative against the Pope himself and his Delegates, in a case concerning the Privileges of his Free-Chapel of S ^t . Mary of Salop, and others.

Henricus Abbas Salopiae attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Domino Regi de placito, quare in Domini Regis et liberae Capellae suae beatae Mariae Salopiae praejudicium non modicum, quae exempta est, ita quod Dominus Papa, nec aliquis alius Iudex Ecclesiasticus Iurisdictionem aliquam in ea habeat, exercuit Iurisdictionem in Capella de Fytesho, quae pertinet ad Eapellam Domini Regis praedictam, spoliando de eadem Capella de Fytesho Clericos dictae Capellae Salopiae, qui eam ex collacione Decani & Canonicorum ejusdem Capellae optinuerunt. Et unde Laurencius de Brok qui sequitur pro Rege queritur, quod praedictus Abbas misit ad Ecclesiam de Fytesho, quae est de Capella Regia praedictae, & de advocatione Domini Regis, in qua quidam Clericus Domini Regis fuit institutus per Ballivos Domini Regis sicut pertinet ad libertatem Domini Regis, misit ibidem homines suos ad destituendum praedictum Clericum, et instituendum alium Clericum, qui dicebat se esse admissum per Episcopum, qui nullam Iurisdictionem in ea habuit, et quandam cistam contra privilegia Domini Regis, quae deposita fuit in praedicta Ecclesia cum Iocalibus, et aliis bonis fregerunt, & bona in eadem inventa ceperunt & asportaverunt, & triturare fecerunt blada praedicti Clerici Domini Regis, & asportari, in dedecus Domini Regis, et magnum praejudicium libertatis Capellae Domini Regis praedictae, unde dampnum habet ad valenciant 100 Marcarum.

Et Abbas venit & defendit vim, &c. Et dicit, quod quicquid ipse fecit in praedicto negocio, fecit per mandatum Magistri Hugonis de Sancto Edmundo, cui commissum est Iurisdictio in negocio Crucesignatorum, et per Literas suas patentes; quae testantur, quod mandavit dicto Abbati quod super injuriis et violenciis manifestis Roberto de Acton Clerico Crucesignato, Personae Capellae de Fytesho a Richardo de Honton Canonico Ecclesiae beatae Mariae Salopiae, et quibusdam aliis tam Clericis quam Laicis, celerem justiciam de die in diem procedendo sine omni strepitu Iudiciali, eidem exhibere curaret. Et si dictum Richardum et alios dictas violencias et injurias dicto Crucesignato intuliffe invenerit, eosdem ad satisfactionem condignam per censuram Ecclesiasticam compelleret, contradictores et rebels per censuram eandem appellatione remota compescendo. Ita se gerentem, &c. Profert eciam formam qualiter debebat procedere sub sigillo praedicti Hugonis, quae testator, Si Crucesignatus aliquis dicat Conservatori seu Executori Crucis; Talis tenetur michi vel tali in tanta summa pocuniae ex Testamento vel aliunde, veluti ex mutuo vel hujusmodi, sive per fidei dationem, sive per Cartam, vel aliam rationem, quia non procedetur per indaginem judicialem, set inquisicionem, nequaquam citer, set denunciet Executor sive Conservator per aliquem Bedellum, sive per duos nuncios juratos, illi qui dicitur teneri in aliqua summa pecuniae Crucesignato nomine ipsius Crucesignati, sive nomine executorio, sive eciam idem Executor Testamenti vesit in Terrae Sanctae subsidium aliquam porcionem pecuniae assignare pro mortuo eciam Crucesignato. Et si ill cui denunciatum est venerit vel comparuit coram Executore Crucis, Quaerat statim Executor, Tenerisne tali Crucesignato in tanta? &c. vel sic, Fecistine talem injuriam tali? &c. Si confiteatur se teneri vel fecisse, Executor compellat eum ad satisfaciendum de die in diem sine strepitu Iudiciali nullo obstante privilegio: si negetur, Juret incontinenti de veritate dicenda, &c. Unde dicit, quod per praedictam commissionem et praedictam formam ipse restituit quendam Robertum de Acton audita probatione sua, quod ipse spoliatus fuit de Ecclesia de Fytesho, in cujus possessione extitit per unum Annum & amplius per Episcopum Lychefeldensem. Et quia praedictus Abbas non dedicit, quin Ecclesia de Fytesho sit de advocatione Domini Regis, et de Capellaria ejus; Et eciam dicit, quod ipse destituit Clericum per Decanum & Capitulum admissum, & restituit praedictum Robertum, et hoc est contra libertatem Domini Regis, quod ipse aliquam Iurisdictionem deberet exercere, nec sua Iurisdictio in tantum se extendit ut poss • t destituere et instituere aliquem, maxim de eis quae pertinent ad Capellariam Domini Regis, consideratum est, quod Dominus recuperet damp • a, et Abbas in custodia, &c.

From which memorable Record I shall observe: First, That neither the Pope himself, nor his Delegates, no more than the Bishop, could exercise any Jurisdiction in or over the Kings Free-Chapels, or the Churches belonging to them. 2ly. That the large Privileges granted by Popes to those who Crossed themselves for the Holy Land, and speedy righting of their Injuries in a summary way, extended not to the Kings Free-Chapels, or Chaplains in them. 3ly. That the King by Judgment of his Court and Judges recovered Damages against this Abbot, and likewise committed him to Prison, for violating the Privileges of his Crown and Free-Chapel, notwithstanding this his Plea and Justification, by the Pope and his Delegates authorty.

In the same Plea-Rolls upon an Attachment for suing in Courts Christian for two Chapels, the Prosecutor renounced his Suit there to avoid the like Fine and Imprisonment for this offense to the King.

Richardus de Chastyllun Procurator Willielmi de Chastyllun venit & dicit, quod non vult sequi versus Magistrum Galfridum de Tethese in Curia Christianitatis super Capella de Chelesham, et Belesham. Et de hoc invenit plegium Priorem de Wenelok qui manucepit pro eo, &c.

As the King and his Judges this year were careful to prohibit all encroachments of Bishops and Ecclesiastical Courts upon the Rights and Prerogative of his Crown, so were they likewise to prevent it in Corporations and other Temporal Courts, as this memorable Record attests, relating to the City of Bathe, (for which I serve in Parliament,) who were not guilty of those disloyal usurpations, or illegal exactions then suggested against them, as their Plea and Issue manifests.

Praeceptum fuit Vicecomiti, quod venire faceret coram Consilis Domini Regis 12. et ditioribus et discretioribus Civibus Bathoniae, ad respondendum Domino Regi pro se et tota Communitate Civitatis Bathoniae, de placito, quare sine assensu Domini Regis, eligerunt sibi Majorem et 12. Iuratores, qui placita quae placitari solent in Hundredo Domini Regis, tenent et determinant coram eis, ad exhaeredacionem Domini Regis, &c. Et unde queritur, quod elegerunt sibi Henricum le Taillur, qui gerit officium Majoritatis, et capit consuetudines de Summariis et Pannicis Civitate Bathoniae.

Et Cives Bathoniae veniunt & defendunt, & dicunt, quod nunquam elegerunt sibi Majorem, nec Majorem habere clamant, nec Iuratores elegerunt ad aliqua placita terminanda, nec unquam aliquas emendas ceperunt ration Majoritatis de aliquibus transgressionibus in Civitate Domini Regis. Et de hoc ponunt se super Patriam. Ideo praeceptum est Vicecomiti, quod venire faciat, &c. nisi H. de Bracton prius ad partes illas venerit 12. de visneto, &c. qui nec, &c. & qui non sunt de homagio Prioris Bathoniae ad recognoscendum, &c. à die Sancti Michaelis in quindecim dies, &c. Et Cives ponunt loco suo Johannem le Simiter, & Johannem de Claverton, &c.

The Kings Proctor in the Court of Rome being this year authorized by the King to take up 300 Marks for dispatch of the Kings businesses there by his Commission, and taking it up from the Popes Usurers, Merchants there, entered into this ensuing Obligation to them for payment thereof, under severe forfeitures and penalties, which the King must incur in case of non-payment thereof.

IN nomine Domini Jesu Christi, Amen. Anno Nativitatis ejusdem 1254. Indictione duodecima, mensis Maii die 16. Pontificatus Domini Innocentii Papae IIII. anno undecimo: in praesentia mei Noclerii Scrunarii & testium subscriptorum ad hoc specialiter vocatorum & rogatorum, Dominus Guido de Rosilione Archidiaconus Lugdunen. Nuncius & Procurator illustris viri Domini H. Dei gratia Regis Angliae, Domini Hiberniae, Ducis Normanniae & Aquitaniae, & Comitis Andegaviae apud sedem Apostolicam constitutus, habens a dicto Domino Rege mandatum de mutuo contrahendo usque ad summam trecentarum Marcarum sterlingorum novorum, prout in literis Domini Regis exinde confectis plenius contineri confessus est, et recognovit se pro negotiis dicti Domini Regis, ac necessariis utilitatibus apud eandem sedem Apostolicam promovendis et expediendis mutuo recepisse et babuisse a Bonifacio Bonisignoris et Bonaventura Bernardini, mutuantibus & solventibus, tàm pro se quàm pro Bernardino Prosperini, Aldebrando Ildebrandi Civibus & Mercatoribus Senon. trecentas Marcas bonorum, novorum et legalium sterlingorum, et tredecim solidis, et quatuor ferlinges pro marca qualibet computatis, de quibus dictus Procurator procuratorio nomine se been—& pacatum vocavit, exceptioni non memorato, & non soluto omni pecuniae omnino renunciando. Quas praetaxatas trecentas Marcas sterlingorum ipsis vel uni corum, aut ipsorum Nuncio praesens publicum instrumentum deferen • i & restituenti in Festo beati Michaelis proximo futuro London. apud Scaccarium Regis, per legitimam stipulationem promisit, dictus Procurator procuratorio nomine jam dictum Dominum Regem plene soluturum & integre redditurum, & quod si in dictis loco & termino praedicta pecunia ipsis Mercatoribus, ut dictum est, non fuerit integre persoluta, extunc in antea stipulatione praedicta promisit eis dictus Procurator procuratorio nomine, pro damnorum et interesse recompensationem persolvere per singulos duos menses, pro singulis decem Marcis praedictis, unam Marcam ipsorum sterlingorum, et expensas unius Mercatoris cum uno equo et uno serviente, ubicunque fuerit, usque ad plenam totius dictae pecuniae solutionem; quam praedictam recompensationem dampnorum et interesse, ante dictis Mercatoribus promisit in sortem dicti debiti nominatus Procurator procuratorio nomine nullatenus computare; ac non detinere memoratum debitum contra ipsorum meritorum voluntatem sub praetextu recompensationis praedictae ultra terminum praelibatum: pro quibus omnibus & singulis supradictis firmiter observandis & plenary adimplendis, memoratus Procurator procuratorio nomine jam dictum Dominum Regem & successores suos praedictis Mercatoribus principales constituit debitores & pacatores, ipsum Dominum Regem cum omnibus bonis suis mobilibus et immobilibus, praesentibus et futuris, eisdem Mercatoribus propter hoc specialiter obligando. Renunciavit in praescriptis omnibus dictus Procurator procuratorio nomine, dicti Domini Regis & successorum suorum omni Juris & Legum auxilio Canonici & Civilis, consuetudini, et statuto privilegio fori, beneficio restitutionis in integrum, et exceptioni etiam quod praedicta pecunia non sit conversa in utilitatem dicti Domini Regis et terrae suae, constitutioni de duabus dietis Concilii generalis, omnibus Apostolicis literis, indulgentiis, et aliis quibuscunque, a seed Apostolica impetratis, ac etiam impetrandis, & omni exceptioni, actioni, defensioni & rei quae obj • ci possit contra hoc instrumentum vel factum. Ad majorem autem dictorum Mercatorum cautelam, praefatus Procurator bona fide promisit, quod dictum Dominum Regem studiose & fideliter, laboraret ut—omnia & singula supradicta antedictis Mercatoribus observentur. In hujus itaque rei testimonium & evidentiam pleniorem, praesens Instrumentum dictus Dominus Archidiaconus suo sigillo roboravit. Datum Assisii coram hiis testibus; scilicet, G. Magistro Hugone de Communiaco, teste Pontio de Salisto Clerico, test. Willielmo de Rossilione, test. G. Thomasso de Venant. famil. dicti Archidiaconi, &c. Ego—Authoritate Imperiali Notarius publicus praedictis omnibus interfui, & hoc Instrumentum scripsi & complevi rogatus.

Tom. 2. p. 806. l. 1. before The King, insert; In a Bundle of original Writs of this year and their Returns, (An. 39 H. 3.) I found in the White Tower, there are no less then 21. Attachments and Processes issued to the Sheriff of Lincoln only, against several Ecclesiastical persons and others; quare tenuerunt, et quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem nostram: I shall render you only a breviate of the Plaintiffs and Defendants names; Richardus de Swaldebore & Christiana uxor ejus, verse. Roger. de Imyngham & Radulphum Personam Ecclesiae de Starteford. Richardus de Hewel verse. Radulphum fil. Laurentii. Radulphus de Martinesthorpe verse. Willielmum Personam Ecclesiae de S. Wosold. Wilhelmus de Cutroft verse. Johannem Personam Ecclesiae de Anderby Decanum de Kandestro. Wilhelmus de Crokton verse. Walterum Personam Ecclesiae de Dunstore. Richardus de Swaldeclive & Christiana uxor ejus, verse. Simonem le Monte, & Laur. de la Champane. Aluredus de Amanototer verse. Simonem Decanum Christianitatis Lincoln. (who held a Suit) pro trecent. Marcis pro damnis suis, & 3. Marcis pro Willielmo le Papeter, pro damnis suis; levied of his Ecclesiastical goods by the Bishop of Lincoln, for holding such a Plea in Court Christian against them. Edith. Page verse. Reginald. fil. Marger. de Lincoln. Robertus de Norton verse. Magistr. Robertum Condeney. Wilhelmus de Askeby verse. Johannem Decanum Christianitatis Lincoln. Robertus de Norton verse. Magistr. Rogerum de Askeby. Nicholaus de Heurell verse. Radulphum fil. Laurentii (an aliàs.) Wilhelmus de Sancto Philiberto verse. Magistrum Willielmum Archer. Richardus de (torn) verse. Willielmum Archidiaconum Linc. & Magistr. Robertum Offic. ejus. Johannes de Rocheford verse. Magistr. Willielmum de Lucy. Radulphus de Maire verse. Richardum de Blend, Magistr. Alexand. de Deping, & Radulph. Decanum de Stamford; quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis, et Decanus tenuit idem placitum in eadem Curia contra Prohibitionem nostram, et in deceptionem Curiae nostrae fecerunt praedictum eadem excommunicari, capi et imprisonari, et in prisona nostra Linc. detineri, quousque deliberatum fuit per praeceptum nostrum. After which there was a Jury impannelled between them, concerning the prosecuting and holding this Plea, and excommunicating, imprisoning the Plaintiff after the Prohibition, upon which issue was joined, and found for the Plaintiff; as the Panel and Inqusition joined to the Writ attest. There are two other Writs of this sort, but the names are torn and decayed. Besides these I find two Writs of Attachment issued to the Sheriff of Lincoln. Pone per vadios & salvos plegios H. Episcopum Linc. quod sit coram Justic. nostris apud Westm. &c. Et ibi habeat Johannem de Wadingham & Gilbertum Capellarium de Copinham, ad respondendum Radulpho de Normannerby de placito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Radulphi in Copinham, contra Prohibitionem nostram, &c. Teste W. de Thurkelby apud Westm. 8 die Maii, anno regni nostri 39. And an alias, 18. Octobris. Teste ut supra: between the same parties: And one Writ of Attachment more to the Sheriff of Lincoln, brought by Gerardus de Fernivel, versus Abbatem de Bardeneye, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de advocatione Ecclesiae de Beringsham, contra Prohibitionem nostram. Teste meipso apud Linc. 3. die Maii, anno regni nostri 39. These 24. Writs issued this year to this one Sheriff of Lincoln, against those illegal usurpations of the Bishop, Dean, Archdeacon, and Officials upon this Kings Crown, Prerogative, his Subjects liberties and properties; which is very remarkable, Henry Lexinton was then Bishop.

In the decayed Plea-Rolls of Term Mich. An. 39 H. 3. as I conjecture (in the Tower,) I met with these Suits for holding and prosecuting Suites in Ecclesiastical Courts for Free-holds and Lay-Chattels, against Prohibitions and Attachments.

Magister Eustachius de Cestreton attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Hugoni de Loges, quare contra Prohibitionem, &c. traxit eum in placitum in Curia Christianitatis d • laico feodo ipsius Hugonis in Cestreton, &c. Unde idem Hugo queritur, quod ipse exigit ab eo in Curia Christianitatis de certa pecunia pro decimis molendini, et certum pratum, scilicet, tres acras prati, & praeterea de Wareto, et de terris incultis, si illas locaverit, ipse petit decimum denarium, & inde producit sectam, &c.

Et Magister Eustachius venit & defendit contra eum & contra sectam suam, quod nunquam traxit eum in placitum de aliqua certa re, nisi tantum de decimis foeni et molendini, sicut decimae inde dari debent; nec aliquam acram prati petit, nec denarium de molendinis, nec aliquid de wareto vel terra, nisi tantum garbas, et ideo praeceptum est eidem Eustachio; quod de nullo placito de caetero sequatur in Curia Christianitatis, nec de aliquo laico feodo, nec de aliquo quod sit contra Coronam Domini Regis.

Johannes Bec. optulit se 4 die versus Magistrum Robertum de Herfes Archidiacono Lincolniae de placito, quare contra, &c. tenuit placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Johannes in Boby, &c. Et Magister Robertus non venit, &c. Et Vicecomes mandavit quod non habet laicum feodum. Et ideo mandatum est Domino Episc. Lincolniae quod distringat eum, quod sit in Octabis Sancti Martini.

Radulfus de Windeburg optulit se 4. die versus Magistrum Rogerum de Burton de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Radulphi in Windeburg, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et Magister Radulphus non venit, &c. nec habet laicum feodum. Et ideo mandatum est Domino Archiepist. Eborum quod distringat eum quod sit a die Sancti Martini in 15. dies, &c. Et idem Radulphus non sequitur versus Iudices.

Tom. 2. p. 860. l. 24. after Februarii, add; In the decayed Plea-Rolls (in the Tower) of Hill. Term, Anno 40 H. 3. I find these Prohibitions, Attachments, and Proceedings against Prosecutors and holders of Suits in Spiritual Courts for Chattels and Free-holds not belonging to them.

Nicholaus de Wottesden attachiatus fuit ad respondendum Richardo filio Godesridi de Wicumb de placito, quare in Curia Christianitatis tenuit plac • tum de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et unde queritur, quod cum Agnes Bradford & Rogerus filius ejus implacitaverunt ipsum coram praedicto Nicholao, petendo ab • o 30. s. quae non fuerunt de Testamento vel Matrimonio, et ipse detulisset ei breve Domini Regis in Capella de Wuburn in crastino Sanctae El • nae anno regni Domini Regis, nunc anno 40. ne placitum illud inter eos teneret, praedictus Nicholaus spreta Prohibitione tenuit praedictum placitum coram eo, et ipsum fecit excommunicari; Unde dicit, quod deterioratus est, et dampnum habet ad valenciam Centum solidorum. Et inde producit sectam, &c.

Et Nicholaus venit, & defendit vim & injuriam quando, &c. Et been defendit contra ipsum & sectam suam, quod nunquam tenuit placitum de aliquibus catallis in praedicta Curia postquam ipse praedictum breve Domini Regis detulit. Et hoc offert defendere versus ipsum & sectam suam, sicut Curia consideraverit. Et ideo consideratum est, quod praedictus Nicholaus vadiet legem se 12. manu. Et veniat cum lege in Octabis Sancti Hilary. Plegii de lege Adam Averill, & Richardus de Norwico.

Postea à die Sancti Johannes Baptistae in quindecim dies venit praedictus Nicholaus, & fecit legem suam. Ideo consideratum est, quod ipse Nicholaus inde sine die, & Richardus filius Godefridi in misericordia pro falso clamore. Et prohibitum est praedicto Nicholao ne ulterius Richardum praedictum placitet; et injunctum ei, quod sine dilacione faciat ipsum absolvi. Postea venit praedictus Richardus, & questus fuit, quod praedictus Nicholaus eum nondum fecit absolvi. Imino impetravit breve Regis de capiendo ipsum occasion praedicti placiti. Ideo praeceptum est Vicecomiti, quod attachiet eum quod sit a die Paschae in unum mensem, ad respondendum de transgression praedicta.

Idem Richardus optulit se 4. die versus Magistrum Johannem de Cumpton de placito, quare ipse simul cum praedicto Nicholao tenuit praedictum placitum in eadem Curia, contra eandem Prohibitionem. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et plures fecit defaltas. Ita quod mandatum fuit Episcopo Lincolniensi, quod faceret eum venire, eo quod Clericus est, et non habet, &c. Et quia Episcopus obiit, mandatum est Officiali Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis, quod faciat eum venire in Octabis Sancti Hilary, &c.

Richardus filius Martini de Oteringham optulit se 4. die versus Magistrum Thomam de Grimmeston de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis, &c. contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et fuit attachiatus per Willielmum de la Chambre de Holm, & Adam Horeband de eadem. Ideo ponatur per meliores Plegios, quod sint à die Sancti Hilary in quindecim dies. Et primi, &c.

Johannes filius Willielmi Essoniator Galfrid. de Wulmerston optulit se 4. die versus Priorem de Monte Acuto de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christiani. de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Testamento, &c. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et attachiatus fuit per Robertum de Hamme, & Johannem Pay de eadem. Ideo ponatur per meliores Plegios, quod sit à die Paschae in quindecim dies. Et primi, &c.

Henricus de Stanel. optulit se 4. die versus Henricum Pri • rem de Wederhall, Willielmum le Carpenter, Willielmum Fayrheved, Willielmum filium Aldurae, Johannem filium Richardi Mus, & Richardum Mus, de placito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de laico feodo ipsius Henrici, &c. Et ipsi non venerunt, &c. Et praedictus Prior fuit attachiatus per Johannem filium Johannes de Bouleyn, & Henricum de Wedrehall. Et praedictus Wilhelmus, et omnes alii fuerunt attachiati per Richardum de Bastenthweyt, Adam Bradheved, Dryteythekeld, & Adam de Church Oswald. Ideo ponatur per meliores Plegios, quod sit à die Sancti Hilary in tres septimanas. Et primi, &c.

In a Bundle of Writs (in the Tower) Anno 40 H. 3. Wilhelmus de Gaunt sued forth a Writ of Attachment, versus Thomam Priorem de Markely Vic. Linc. ostensur. quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Lestamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem nostram. Teste, &c. 15. die Junii, anno regni nostri 40.

Tom. 2. p. 853. l. 16. after Junii, add; The original Instrument of this Accord made by Adam de Marisco, between the Bishop of Winton and the Prior and Monks of S ^t . Swithin, ratified by the Kings Patent; I found in the White Tower, agreeing with that in the Patent-Roll.

In a Bundle of Patents and Certificates of Elections, &c. in the White Tower, An. 40 H. 3. I found this Certificate of the Chapter of Landaff, of their Election of William Radnore for their Bishop, by the Kings license, (who recommended another) after the decease of John their Bishop, defiring his confirmation thereof.

EXcellentissimo Domino suo H. Dei gratia illustri Regi Angliae, Domino Hiberniae, Duci Normanniae, Aquitaniae, & Comiti Andegaviae, Capitulum Ecclesiae Lavdaven. salutem in Domino sempiternam, & orationes in Christo cum devotione. Defuncto bonae memory Johanne quondam Landavens. Episcopo, nobis de solita clementia vestra per literas vestras patentes liberam vestri gratia concessistis eligendi facultatem. Nos autem Deum habentes prae oculis, salubri consilio literarum vestrarum firmiter, ut decuit, inhaerentes, invocatâ Spiritus Sancti gratiâ, de unanimi assensu & voluntate omnium fratrum nostrorum, Magistrum Willielmum de Radnore Thesaurarium nostrum, virum discretum & honestum, egregie literatum, Deo & Ecclesiae devotum, Regiae Majestati vestrae humiliter inclinatum, et rei publicae, per Dei gratiam, valde profuturum, in temporalibus cautum, in patrem elegimus & pastorem, Celsitudini vestrae, quam conservet & augeat Altissimus, humiliter supplicantes et devote, quatikus dictae Electioni nostrae Regium assensum pie praebere dignemini; Nec moleste ferre velitis, si placet, quod preces vestras ad praesens exaudire nequivimus; Cum ill qui nunc instinctu Spiritus Sancti duximus eligendum à puerili aetate sua nobis cognitus, existit, et inter nos laudabiliter et continue conversatus suerit in Ecclesia nostra, quae semper Clericos de gremio suo cujus • ibet Ecclesiae (dummodo digni ertiterint) in Electionibus celebrandis caeteris Clericis duxit praeferendos. Propter quod devotissime petimus, ne praedicto facto nostro, quod, ut speramus, a Deo processit, in aliquo, quod Deus avertat, moveri aut turbari velitis; sed potius, si placet, processui nostro Canonico congratulari dignemini. Valeat & crescat Regia potestas vestra semper in Domino. Dat. anno Domini M. CC. LVI. 5. Kal. Aug. Whereupon (it seems) the King was satisfied, and ratified his Election.

In the fragments of Pleas in the Tower, Term. Trin. An. 41 H. 3. as I conjecture, I met with these Suits and Attachments upon Prohibitions.

Wilhelmus fil. Henrici de Assekewyke per Attornatum suum optulit se 4. die versus Priorem Sanctae Trinitatis Eborum de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Lestamento vel Matrimonio▪ contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et plures fecit default as. Ideo praeceptum est Vicecom. quod distringat eum per omnes terras, &c. Ita quod de exitibus, &c. Et quod habeat corpus ejus.

Idem Wilhelmus per Attornatum suum optulit se 4. die versus G. Archiepis • opum Eborum, de placito, quod esset ad hunc diem, & quod haberet hic Willielmum Decanum Eborum, & Thomam de Aunton Clericos suos, ad respondendum eidem Willielmo de placito, quare secuti sunt placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debitis quae non sunt de Lestamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et praeceptum fuit Vic. quod attach. eos, quod essent ad hunc diem. Et. Vicecomes nihil inde fecit. Ideo sicut prius praeceptum est Vic. quod attach. eos, quod fiut in Octab. Sancti Michaelis. Et Vic. sit auditurus Judicium suum.

Wilhelmus filius Martini per actionem suam optulit se 4. die versus Richardum Pytecock de placito, quare secutus est placitum in Curia Christianitatis de catallis et debits quae non sunt de Lestamento vel Matrimonio, contra Prohibitionem, &c. Et ipse non venit, &c. Et plures fecit Defanltas. Ita quod primo fuit attach. per Rogerum Atteyate de Bermingham, & Thom. fil. Johannes Tyxtor. de eadem, & secundo per Willielmum de Bermingham, & Robertum Bateman de eadem. Ideo ipsi in misericordia. Et praeceptum est Vic. quod distringat eum per omnes terras: Ita quod de Exit. &c. Et quod habeat corpus ejus in Crastino Animarum, &c.

Tom. 2. p. 935. l. 21. add; I found in the White Tower Chapel this Epistle and Petition of the Freers Minorites to King Henry the 3 ^d . to confirm their intrusion into S ^t . Edmunds by his second Charter, not deeming the Popes Bull they had got, sufficient; which the Abbots and Monks contemned and set at naught: wherein they highly extol his piety, liberality, care to propagate Religion and Order, asserting his and other Kings Ecclesiastical prerogatives therein.

GLoriosissimo Principi & in Christo amantissimo Domino, ac piissimo patri Domino