The Will of William Courtenay, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1396

http://kentarchaeology.org.uk/research/archaeologia-cantiana/ Kent Archaeological Society is a registered charity number 223382 © 2017 Kent Archaeological Society ( 55 ) THE WILL OE WILLIAM COURTENAY, AROHBISHOP OE CANTERBURY, 1396. EDITED BY LELAND L. DUNCAN, E.S.A. AECHBISHOP WILLIAM COURTENAY, whose will is here printed in extenso for the first time, was the fourth son of Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, by Margaret, daughter of Humphry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex, and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of King Edward I. Bishop first of Hereford (1369-70 to 1375) and then of London (1375), he was early marked out for further advancement, and after the murder of Archbishop Simon Sudbury by the rebels on 14th June 1381 he.was elected to the vacant Primacy on 17th July of that year (Register G, Christ Church, Canterbury, folio 228). His will, in which he styles himself " William Courtenay, unworthy minister of the holy church of Canterbury," commences with the usual committal of his soul, accompanied by full directions for his funeral. He wished to be buried in the Cathedral Church of Exeter, in the Nave before the •Rood, but this arrangement was not carried out, as will be seen later. His father and mother were both interred at Exeter, and the connection of the family with Devonshire made it natural that he should wish to lie amongst his kindred in the West Country. The Bishop of Exeter was to bury him, unless Archbishop Thomas Arundel of York should come according to an agreement made between them. In accordance with custom the torches used at the funeral were to be distributed to various altars, one being given to the Church of Exminster, in which parish he was born. A considerable space is taken up with a detail of the masses and other services to be said for his soul's welfare. 56 THE WILL OP WILLIAM COURTENAY, Having thus arranged for things spiritual, the Archbishop passes on to make his bequests, and in the first place he leaves the King, Richard the Second, his best cross and £100, with a protestation of his special regard and confidence. This expression of devotion is interesting, since we know that the Archbishop's plain speaking bad deeply offended the King on more than one occasion. He also beseeches the King for the love of Christ, His most blessed Mother, and Saints John Baptist, Mary Magdalene, and Katherine, to see that his executors were not unjustly dealt with in the matter of dilapidations, either of the Church or of the manors belonging to the See, including the Castle of Saltwood. This last was a favourite place with Courtenay, who, in 1382, had obtained leave to pull down several other manor-houses of the Archbishopric and to build Saltwood Castle. Mention is made, in connection with the state of the various houses, of the earthquake which took place in May 1382, during a discussion on the Wycliffe heresies, and was regarded by the heretics as a divine interposition in their favour. (See Stubbs' Const. History, vol. iii., p. 368.) Passing from these matters, he goes on to beg the King to take under his special protection his' sister " Dangayne," i.e., Katherine, wife of Sir Thomas Engaine, and this portion of the will ends with a direct appeal to his sovereign, whom he addresses as "his most dread, excellent, much to be trusted, and most loving lord." Bequests to this favourite sister "Dangayne" fill the next section, and consist of certain books, stuffs, and plate, amongst the last two silver basins with the arms of Courtenay. To his brothers Philip and Peter and his sister Anne Courtenay he leaves bequests of money and plate. To Richard Courtenay he leaves his best mitre, in case he should become a Bishop, and he also bequeaths to him several books. In default, the mitre is to go to Exeter Cathedral Church and the books to Canterbury. This Richard, whom the Archbishop calls " filius et alumpnus meus," was his nephew, being son of Sir Philip Courtenay by Anne, daughter of Sir Thomas Wake of Bisworth. He ARCHBISHOP OE CANTERBURY, 1396. 57 lived to claim his uncle's bequest, since he became Bishop of Norwich.* To William, another son of his brother Philip, he leaves a hundred marks. Prom relations the Archbishop passes on to remember the many churches with which he was connected. The Metropolitical Church of Canterbury naturally comes first, and in addition to several vestments he leaves £200 towards the rebuilding of a portion of the cloisters. The Prior, Thomas Chillenden, the Sub-Prior, and certain monks also receive mention. Vestments are also bequeathed to the Cathedral Church of Rochester. Following these comes a long list of bequests to various persons, connections, friends, office-holders, and servants. The Cathedral Churches of Exeter, London, Hereford, and the Church of Ottery St. Mary receive handsome legacies of vestments and plate. The Archbishop of York, Thomas Arundel, with whom he was on most friendly terms, the Bishops of Salisbury, London, Lincoln, Winchester, Exeter, and Bath and Wells, all receive books, jewels, or rings, and the heads of religious houses in the Diocese of Canterbury bequests of plate or money. The advowsons of Kemsing in Kent and Cornewood in Devon, which he had acquired, were to be disposed of to the best advantage. The executors named are Thomas Chillenden, Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury; Adam de Mottrum, Archdeacon; Guy Mone, Rector of Maidstone; John Frenyngham, Esq.; William Baunton, Rector of Harrow; John Dodyngton, Rector of Crukern; Robert Hallum, Rector of Northfleet; and John Wotton, Rector of Staplehurst. On the 28th July 1396 the Archbishop lay dying at Maidstone, and then expressed a wish to be buried in the graveyard there, since, as he said, he was not worthy to be interred within any cathedral or collegiate church; and he further desired his executors to expend somewhat on the * He was in high favour with Henry V., and accompanied that King on his Erench expedition, and died in France in 1415. He was buried at Westminster in the Chapel of St, Edward. (See Dictionary of National Biography) 58 THE WILL OE WILLIAM COURTENAY, building of the Collegiate Church of that town. Three days later, on 31st July, he died. As already stated by Mr. M. Beazeley in the preceding article, his wishes as to his resting-place were not respected, for he was carried to Canterbury, where Richard II. was staying at the time, and was buried there, eastward of the tomb of the Black Prince, on 4th August 1396. (Register G, Canterbury, folio 239b.) Mr. W. H. St. John Hope has pointed out to me that the record of the Archbishop's burial at Canterbury is confirmed by the displacement of the marble floor and step of the shrine platform for the making of his grave. When covering this in, the lengths of the step and the marble slabs were relaid indiscriminately, and pieces of white stone were used on account of a deficiency of marble. All this is plainly to be seen in the floor on the north side of the Archbishop's tomb. The full text of his will, which for convenience has been broken up into paragraphs, is as follows:— TESTAMENTUM OMNE WILLIELMI COURTENAY, AROHIEPISCOPI CANTUARIENSIS. (Register G, Christ Church, Canterbury, folio 260a.) In nomine et honore Sancte et Indiuidue Trinitatis Patris et filii et Spiritus Sancti Amen. Ego "Willielmus Courtenay Sancti Cantuariensis ecclesie minister indignus sanus per dei gratiam mente et corpore, considerans tamen f ragilitatem condicionis humane et qualiter omni creature tarn sublimi quarn humili pretenuibus suo cursu diebus presentis vite finis apparebit preuenire cupio quantum michi ex alto i^ermittitur diem mortis mee et de bonis meis deliberata ordinacione disponere vnde de meipso et rebus a deo sola sua honitate michi nullis precedentibus meritis collatis animo condendi testameutum sic ordino et dispono ac testamentum meum facio in hune modum. In primis lego animam meam omnipotenti deo creatori ac redemptori meo subiiciens me et ipsam misericordie sue cuius non est Humerus corpus vero quod corrumjyltur et aggrauatur animam volo quod sepeliatur ita celeriter sicut fieri poterit bono modo in naui ecclesie Cathedralis Exoniensis in loco vbi nunc iacent ties decani seriatim coram summa cruce non inuitando ad hoc magnos dominos sed solummodo Episcopum vel viciniores et Volo quod Episcopus loci me sepiliat nisi venerit venerabilis frater meus Dominus Thomas dei gratia Ehoracensis Archiepiseopus Anglie primus iuxta pactum alias inter nos initum in cuius euentum rogo confratrem meum Episcopum Exoniensem qui pro tunc erit et omnes de sua ecclesia et diocesi quatinus ob reuerenciam dei et ecclesie ARCHBISHOP OE CANTERBURY, 1396. 59 illius atque exilium precum mearum sibi omnem reuerenciam honorem et humanitatem exhibeant. Yolo itaque quod illi ties decani qui remoti erunt racione sepulture mee in aliquo alio loco honorifico eiusdem ecclesie sepeliantur meis omnino sumptibus et expensis. Item volo quod in sepultura mea sint septem torches vnus ad caput et alter ad pedes ardentes circa corpus meum et quod uterque eorum sit ponderis xx11. Item volo quod quadraginta tor ti cii eodem die illuminentur ad honorem Corporis Christi et sic ardeant in missa beate virginis et alta missa et aliis missis celebrandis die sepulture mee ac eciam in crastino si aliquem prelatum contigerit celebrare volo eciam quod Concordia fiat cum thesaurario ecclesie Exoniensis presenti vel futuro pro omnibus spectantibus ad eum racione luminarum ardentium in die sepulture mee. lta quod cum bona voluntate contentetur \_sic~\ exinde de illis autem luminaribus et torticiis habita prius inde coneordia volo quod quatuor tortieii remaneant ad vsum summi altaris prefate ecclesie Exoniensis et quatuor ad vsum capelle beate virginis ipsius ecclesie et quod cuicumque altari in ipsa ecclesia vnus torticius remaneat vbi in dicta ecclesia consuete sacerdotes celebrant missas. Si vero altare beate Katerine ibi fuerit volo quod duo tortieii remaneant ad vsum altaris eiusdem duo eciam ad vsum altaris vbi Eeuerendissimi parentes mei sepeliuntur et quatuor tortieii ecclesie parochiali sancti Martini de Exmynster vbi natus fueram et volo quod fiat vnum vestimentum de bono panno cerico cum vna capa casula tunica et tribus albis cum amicis et fanonis et quod in mei memoriam predicte ecclesie conferantur. Item volo quod Canonici vicarii secundarii choriste et alii presbiteri interessentes exequiis meis die sepulture mee iuxta gradus eorum et disposicionein executorum meorum remunerentur et simili modo fiat sacerdotibus et aliis religiosis infra eandem ciuitatem. Item lego cuilibet pauperi venienti ad exequias meas vnum denarium. Item volo quod quam cito fieri poterit post mortem meam pro anima mea et animabus patris matris fratrum et sororum meorum defunctorum et aliorum amicorum et benefactorum meorum necnon pro animabus eorum de quibus bona habui vel de quorum bonis in tota vita mea intromisi et animabus omnium fidelium defunctorum quindecim milia missarum celebreutur cum collectis quas dicendas duxerim in euentum. Item volo quod duo milia matutinarum dicantur de omnibus Sanctis cum nouem lectionibus ac pleno seruicio sicut dicuntur matutine in festo eorumdem et quod quilibet dicens plenum seruicium vj denarios percipiat pro labore. Missas vero predictas sic fore celebrandas dispono primo videlicet quod mille misse celebreutur de Trinitate, de Sancto Spiritu mille de corpore Christi mille de Assumpsione beate virginis mille de natiuitate eiusdem mille de Angelis mille de natiuitate Domini nostri Iesu Christi mille de Epiphania mille de festo purificacionis beate Marie mille de Anunciacione dominica mille de resurrexione Domini nostri Iesu Christi mille de Ascensione mille cum deuocione debita 60 THE WILL OE WILLIAM COURTENAY, celebrentur. Et volo quod in missis huiusmodi dicantur Gloria in excelsis deo Credo et sequencie si tempus anni hoc permisserit Alioquin dicantur Credo et sequencie in qualiter missa supradicta. Item lego excellentissimo Domino meo Regi Ricardo optimam Crucem meam et Cu vt sit post mortem meam specialis dominus meus sicut erat in vita speeialisshnus Dominus meus in quo super omnes mortales semper confidebam et confido quern eciam deuotissime deprecor et exoro quatinus de benignitati et bonitate sibi innatis velit esse Dominus protector et adiutor pauperum f amilarum mearum in eorum iusticia cum fauore quociens eos ad excellentissimam dignitatem suam pro optinendo refugio indigeant conuolare. Rogo eciam eundem exceUentissimum metuendissimum ac confidentissimum Dominum meum Regem pro amore Domini Iesu Christi ac beatissime Marie virginis matris sue necnon sancti Johannis Baptiste sanctarumque Marie Magdelane et Katerine ac omnium sanctorum quatinus dignetur Executoribus meis manus apponere adiutrices ne Successor meus michi aut eis iniurietur aut pro reparacionibus quicquam plus debito petat pie et iuste si placeat habendo respectum in quo statu ecclesiam et maneria mea vna cum castro meo Saltwode inueni et qualiter suhsequenter non obstante terremotu non sine grauibus et sumptuosis expensis sicut nouit Prior meus et seniores et saniores Capituli atque valenciores tocius diocesis ipsa pro meo posse et tempore reparaui prout executores mei vestram celsitudinem informabunt quibus aurem excellencie vestre inclinare dignemini amore illius qui nemini in sua indigencia claudit viscera pietatis. In iusticia enim et equitate vestris tantum confisus fiat voluntas vestra. Lego insuper et relinquo metuendissime maiestati vestre ipsius deuotissimam seruitricem atque oratricem carissimam et vnicam sororem meam Dangayne Supplicans humiliter et deuote quatinus eaudem in hac valle miserie sub alis excellentissime protectionis vestre custodire fouere atque protegere dignemini intuitu caritatis. 0 Domine mi metuendissime, 0 Domine mi excellentissimo, 0 Domine mi confidentissime et amantissime ab armariolo pectoris vestri promissa queso nullatenus expehantur sed pocius specialitatis et pietatis titulo includantur. Item lego predicte Sorori mee CC11 et modicum missale meum cum panno Satyn ruhio coopertum. Item lego eidem altare meum de albo panno cerico stragulato vna cum tabula Domini mei de Islep et meliori calice meo cum corporali de salutacione angelica quod habui ex dono Domini Thesaurarii Anglie et tabula pacis michi data per dominam matrem meam quam bene nouit Dominus Johannes Glin. Item lego eidem sorori mee duos paunos cericos de popeiays intextos vt inde faciat vestimenta ecclesiastica. Item lego sibi portiforium meum quod habui ex dono Domini mei Wyntoniensis Ejjiscopi et duos meliores cruetes argenteos deauratos et duos alios. Item lego sibi xxiiij. discos argenteos meliores sex garnatos siue chargeours, xx salsabilia et tria paria meliora coclearia. Item lego sibi duas pelues argenteas cum cignis* sculptis in medio et duo lauacra eisdem congruencia meliora. Item lego eidem alias duas * The swan was his badge. ARCHBISHOP OE CANTERBURY, 1396. 61 pelues argenteas que sunt apud Slyndon eum armis de Courtenay. Item lego sibi ciphum aureum rotundum ad similitudinem pennarum factum quem habui ex dono Domini mei Regis vt de eodem in mei memoriam bibat. Item lego domino Philippo fratri meo xl11 cum meliori eipho deaurato ac cooperculo et vno ewer. Item lego domino Petro fratri meo xln. Item lego sorori mee domine Anne de Courtenay xxu et vnum ciphum deauratum cum cooperculo secundum discrecionem exeeutorum meorum. Item lego carissimo filio et Alumpno meo Ricardo Courtenay* Centum marcas absque aliqua condicione. Item lego eidem optimam mi train meam in casu quo fuerit Episoopus. Et volo quod mitra ilia sit in custodia decani et Capituli Exoniensis quousque prefatus Ricardus fuerit in Episcopatuin promotus et, si contingat ipsum decedere antequam ad presulatus apicem assumatur, lego eandein mitram vsui ecclesie Cathedralis Exoniensis sub condicione et sub pena prohibens anathematis quod nunquam mutuetur seu alienetur vel extra dictam ecclesiam deportetur seu ad alicuius vsum impugneretur seu alienetur quouismodo Sed perpetuo ibi remaneat ad vsum cuiuscumque Episcopi ibi volentis ad honorem dei et ecolesie celebrare. Item lego eidem Ricardo in casu quo clericus esse velit et ad sacerdocium promoueri librum meum dictionarium in tribus voluminibus contentum vna cum Kalendari eiusdem. Item lego eidem milleloquium sancti Augustini et pulcrum librum meum qui lira vocatur in duobus voluminibus contentum sub ista tamen condicione quod si infra sacros extiterit libros illos habeat pro tempore vite sue et volo quod post mortem suam vel si quod absit ad mundum redierit quod omnes predicti libri sancte ecclesie Cantuariensi per modum legati remaneant et integraliter restituantur eidem sub benedictione districtius iniungens quod libros illos sine deturpacione custodial'. Et uolo quod ad eius manus deueniaut quousque in artibus inceperit vel bacallarius in hire Ciuili fuerit aut decretis. Item lego filiolo meo "Willielmo Courtenay filio fratri s mei Domini Philippi Centum marcas si perueniatad etatem xij annorum. Item lego Centum marcas distribuendas inter eeteros filios et filias fratris mei domini Philippi iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum ad comodum eorumdem. Item lego ecclesie mee metropolitanef pulcherimam et optimam capam meam rubram cum perles debrandatam. Item lego eidem ecclesie mee viride vestimentum meum aureum cum ceruis albis intextum eum aurifragio et arehangelis et toto apparatu videlicit septem capis. Item lego eidem ecclesie mee melius vestimentum meum album de auro cum ceruis siue rubris bestiis diasperatis cum vij capis eiusdem secte. * Son of Philip Courtenay, the Archbishop's brother. f See page 104 Inventories of Christ Church, Canterbury, hy W. H. St. John Hope and J. Wickham Legg, now in the press. 62 THE WILL OE WILLIAM COURTENAY, Item lego CC1' et plus iuxta disposicionem executorum meorum et secundum informacionem ministrandum per eos pro noua factura siue constructione vnius pane claustri ab hostio palacii vsque in ecclesiam se reetotramite extendentis. Item lego priori ecclesie mee Cantuariensis videlicet Domino Thome Chillyndensi fidelissimo amico meo ciphum meum argenteum siue bollam qui erat ciphus Reuerendissimi domini et patris mei de quo solebat ipse bibere et antecessores sui ae ego dum agebam in humanis Rogans quatinus in mei memoriam de eodem bibere velit et quod successores sui post mortem eciam in mei memoriam vtantur eodem. Item lego eidem priori meo xl11 vel verum valorem earumdem. Item lego sibi et successoribus suis aulam et cameram integram cum lecto brandato et toto apparatu penes custodem mei palacii remanente. Item lego Suppriori meo in eadem ecclesia vt oret pro me Ca. Item cuilibet monacho confratri meo sacerdoti in eadem ecclesia xx8. Item cuilibet monacho non sacerdoti in eadem ecclesia xiij3 iiij'1 et volo quod monachi Collegii mei Oxoniensis comprehendantur in numero cum eisdem. Item lego Domino Waltero Causton monacho eiusdem ecclesie x marcas. Item lego ecclesie Cathedrali Eoffensi album vestimentum meum stragulatum cum quinque capis eiusdem secte. ' Item lego Domino Hugoni Lutterell* nepoti meo Centum marcas et vxori sue moderne vnum ciphum argenteum deauratum cum cooperculo iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum. Item lego Hugoni Stafford aliquid iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum. Item lego Johanni Lutterell xx marcas et Willielmo Lutterell filiolo meo xx marcas. Item lego magistro Ade de Mottrumf Caneellario meo xx11 vel verum valorem earumdem magna decreta mea in quibus solebam studere et pulcrum librum sextum. Item lego Domino Guidoni Monef Centum marcas quas olim sibi promisi pro sua residencia quas volo quod habeat vel verum valorem earumdem siue resideat siue non. Item lego magistro Waltero Gibbes speculum meum indiciale et xx marcas vel verum valorem earumdem. Item lego magistro Roberto Hallum decrotales meas vna cum sexto Iibro in fine et xx marcas vel verum valorem earumdem xx marcarum. Item lego magistro Henrico Brony viginti marcas vel verum valorem earumdem. Item lego cuilibet sacerdoti Capelle mee promoto et non promoto xx marcas vel verum valorem earumdem. Item lego Domino Johanni Wottont xx marcas et vnum ciphum argenteum deauratum cum cooperculo. * Son of his sister Elizabeth, wife of Sir Andrew Luttrell. f His executors. ARCHBISHOP OP CANTERBURY, 1396. 63 Item lego Domino Ricardo Lentwardyn tantum. Item lego Domino Laureneio Hawkyn xx marcas et domino Johanni Gline xx marcas. Item lego Thome Scodier xx marcas et liberatam quam habui hoc anno de Domino meo Kege. Item lego Salesbury clerico Capelle mee x". Item Willielmo Motte x". Item lego cuilibet puero Capelle mee ad orandum pro anima mea v marcas Ita quod Willielmus de elemosinaria sit vnus inter eos et habeat v marcas. Item lego Nicholao "Weston armigero meo xl marcas et meliorem robam meam quam duxerit eligendam. Item lego Roberto Seymour cognato meo xxu et secundam meliorem robam meam quam duxerit eligendam. Item lego Johanni Erenyngham* xx marcas et vnum ciphum argenteum deauratum cum cooperculo suo statui congruenter. Item Johanni Culpeper vnum ciphum deauratum cum cooperculo et vno aquario competente statui suo vel aliquid aliud iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum. Item lego Willielmo Hansom xx11 et terciam meliorem robam quam duxerit eligendam. Item lego Ricardo Hidon x marcas. Item Henrico Casteleyn x marcas. Item Johanni Hope x marcas. Item Eicardo Trist et vxori sue xx marcas. Item lego Johanni Boteler xx" et quartam meliorem robam meam quam duxerit eligendam. Item lego Gerardo x marcas. Item paruulis Brokhull et Waleys aliquid iuxta disposicionem executorum meorum. Item lego Willielmo Barrok x marcas. Item Waltero Faukoner x marcas. Item lego Rose Mounfort par meum paternosters de auro que fuerunt domine matris mee vt eis vtatur et pro me oret. Item Christiane commoranti cum sorore mea Dangayne v marcas ad orandum pro me. Item Julian e seruienti eiusdem sororis mee iiij marcas. .Item Thome Burgh xxu et vnam robam non legatam iuxta disposicionem executorum meorum. Item lego Johanni valetto de camera mea C8. Item lego Willielmo Pope Cs. Item lego Willielmo Seger v marcas et Thome Porter de Lamheth xls. Item lego cuilibet valetto meo commoranti mecum in hospitio meo si sit de f amilia mea tempore mortis mee Ca. Item Henrico de camera mea xls. Item Johanni socio suo ij marcas. Item cuilibet garcioni de meis xl3 et cuilibet pagetto xx9. Item lego magistro Johanni Barnet Officio Curiemee Cantuariensis vnum ciphum argenteum deauratum cum cooperculo. Item lego magistro Michaeli Sergeaux decano meo iu ecclesia beate Marie.de Arcubus London vnum ciphum argenteum deauratum cum cooperculo secundum status eorum. Item lego magistro Johanni Prophet x11 et vnum librum clementinarum meliorem. Item magistro Johanni Lynton x11. Item Willielmo Baunton* xx marcas. Item Domino Johanni Dodyngton* xx marcas. Item lego Eoberto Wilford, OtoniChamhernonii et Agneti uxori sue cuilibet eorum vnum ciphum iuxta disposicionem executorum meorum. Item lego magistro Willielmo Trevellis x marcas et vnum ciphum * His executors. 6 4 THE WILL OF WILLIAM COURTENAY, valoris quinque marcarum. Item lego magistro Nicholao Hereford dumdietatem peccunie quam michi debet vt pro me oret. Item Domino Ricardo Cicester alias Gardiner de viginti lihris in quibus michi tenetur per suam obligacionem xu. Item lego magistro Eicardo Broun vnum ciphum deauratum cum cooperculo iuxta disposicionem executorum meorum et xJi. Item lego fratri Bartholomew de ordine minorum x marcas. Item lego magistro Johanni Cateby vnum ciphum deauratum cum cooperculo suo statui congruentem et volo quod satisfiat sibi pro expensis suis. Item volo quod magister Robertus Bradgar remuneretur pro labore suo iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum quia fidelis semper erat michi et nunquam voluit aliquid de me recipere. Item lego Domino Thome vnum ciphum competentem deauratum iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum. Item lego ecclesie Oathedrali Exoniensi rubeum vestimentum meum diasperatum cum stellis aureis et quinque capas* eiusdem seete et duo turribilia cum armis Domini mei Eegis et armis meis que habui de dono Domini mei Eegis cum meliori naui pro incenso cum cocliari. Item lego eidem ecclesie vestimentum meum russetum diasperatum cum falconibus de auro cum quinque capis eiusdem secte. Item 'lego eidem ecclesie ad vsum magni altaris duas pelues argenteas deauratas quas habui de dono Domini mei Wygorniensis et volo quod arma mea ponantur in fundo earumdem. Item lego ecclesie Cathedrali Londinensif vnum vestimentum meum specialissimum aureum cum tribus capis eiusdem secte cum duabus albis paruris stolis et manipulis et duas pelues argenteas deauratas quas habui de dono fratris Hilbrandi militis et magistri hospitalis Jerusalem commorantis apud Clerkenwell ad vsum magni altaris prefate ecclesie London et volo quod arma mea ponantur in eisdem. Item lego ecclesie Cathedrali Herefordensi vnum vestimentum album cum draconibus de auro diasperatum cum tunica dalmatica et tribus capis eiusdem seete cum duabus albis paruris stolis manipulis et duas albas' capas cum auro diasperatas et non sunt plures de ilia secta quia Dominus Philippus f'rater meus habuit de me terciam. Item lego eidem ecclesie pontificalem librum meum quem emi de executoribus Domini Johannis de Grandissono. Item lego eidem ecclesie duas pelues argenteas ad vsum magni altaris cum armis Domini mei Eegis in fundo sed volo quodibi ponantur arma mea. Item lego ecclesie sancte Marie de Otery nigrum vestimentum meum cum casula tunica dalmatica et vna capa eiusdem secte que fuerunt Domini Johannis de Grandissono quondam Episcopi Exoniensis et meliorem calicem meum deauratum non legatum cum ij cruetis argentis deauratis melioribus non legatis. Item lego venerabili fratri meo Domino Thome Dei gratia Eboracensi Archiepiscopo Anglie primati vnam crucem auream cum lapidibus preciosis habentem in dorso pallium et sub pallio pulcram partem ligni dominici quam crucem habui de Domino meo Rege. * Soe p. 338 Lives of Bishops of Exeter, hy Geo. Oliver, D.D. j Soe Archceologia, vol. 1., p. 501, " Inventories of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul," hy Sparrow Simpson, D.D. ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, 1396. 65 Item lego eidem venerabili fratri meo pulcra decreta mea corio rubeo cooperta. Item lego venerabili fratri meo Domino Johanni* Dei gratia Sarum Episcopo vnam crucem auream cum margaritis et lapidibus preciosis cum pulcra parte ligni dominici nigri et vnum pulcrum missale quod habui de dono venerabilis fratris mei Domini Thome Dei gratia Archiepiscopi Ehoracensis. Item lego venerabili fratri meo Domino Eobertof Dei gratia Londinensi Episcopo vnam crucem auream ornatam cum lapidibus preciosis et margaritis et cum parte ligni dominici quam habui de executoribus domine mee matris Eegis et vnum missale nouum coopertum panno aureo de damasco quod Gerardus armiger meus scripsit. Item lego venerabili fratri meo Domino JohanniJ Dei gratia Lincolniensi Episcopo melius iocale meum aureum non legatum. Item lego venerabili fratri meo Domino Willielmo § Wyntoniensi Episcopo secundum meum melius iocale aureum non legatum. Item lego venerabili fratri meo Domino Edmundo || Dei gratia Exoniensi Episcopo magnum portif orium meum notatum quod habui de prefato venerabili fratre meo Archiepiscopo Eboracensi. Item lego Domino EadulphoT" Dei gratia Bathoniensi et Wellensi Episcopo vnum anulum cum rubina quem habui de executoribus hone memorie Domini Simonis predecessoris mei et pulcrum psalterum meum panno deaurato coopertum. Item lego Abbati et Conuentui de Eeuersham mee diocesis xH. Item Abbati et Conuentui de Boxle x11. Item Abbati et Conventui de Langedon C8. Item Abbati et Conventui sancte Eadegundis C3. Item Priori et Conuentui de Ledes x1' et vnum pulcrum calicem deauratum. Item priori et Conuentui sancti Gregorii Cantuar. xu et vnum calicem deauratum. Item priorisse et Conuentui sancti Sepulcri Cantuar. x1'. Item Priori et Conuentui Douorr viginti libras et vestimentum meum rubeum cericum cum albis leonibus diasperatum cum sex capis eiusdem secte. Item priori et Conuentui de Bilsington C3. Item prioratu de Combewelle C3. Item priorisse et Conuentui de Scapeia xxu . Item Priorisse et Conuentui do Davynton prope Eeuersham x1'. Item priori et Conuentui de Merton Wyntoniensis diocesis xx". Item priori et Conuentui de Bermondeseye xx11. Item lego consanguinee mee domine Elizabeth moniali de Canonle x marcas. Item priorisse et Conuentui de Polslo Exoniensis diocesis xu. Item fratri Thome Palmer prouinciali fratrum ordinis predicatorum x marcas vt oret pro me. Item lego cuilibet domui fratrum mendicancium mee diocesis v marcas. Item lego pauperibus de Northgate v marcas. Item pauperibus de Herbaldoune v marcas. * John Waltham, Bishop of Salishury 1388 to 1395. t Robert Braybroke, Bishop of London 1381 to 1404. j John Bokingham, Bishop of Lincoln 1362 to 1398. § William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester 1367 to 1404. || Edmund Stafford, Bishop of Exeter 1395 to 1419. If Ralph Erghum, Bishop of Bath and Wells 1388 to 1400. VOTA. XXIII, JT 66 THE WILL OE WILLIAM COURTENAY, Item recluso in Crukern Wellensis diocesis v marcas. Item recluso de Shirbourn xl3 . Item cuilibet recluso infra prouinciam meam xl3. Item volo et precipio quod debita mea ante omnia soluantur et quod cuicumque iuste querelanti de iniuria per me sibi facta flat satisfactio. Et si aliqua bona supersint rogo executores meos propter viscera miserioordie domini nostri Ihesu Christi quod ilia meliori modo quo poterint vel sciuerint expendantur ad salutem anime mee atque aliarum animarum in testamento meo prenominatarum. Yolo insuper quod de Domino de Tunbrigg et de firma mea manerii de Cherleton disponant executores mei meliori modo quo sciuerint pro salute anime mee. Item de patronatibus duarum ecclesiarum per me adquisitarum videlicet de Kemsyng in comitatu Kancie et de Cornewode in Comitatu Deuonie meliori modo quo sciuerint faciant et disponant. Et rogo executores meos subscriptos eosque per viscera matris misericordie et aspersionem sanguinis Domini nostri Ihesu Christi deprecor et acliuro quatinus omnis administrationis bonorum meorum et execucionis presentis testamenti siue mee vltime voluntatis omni voluntaria excusacione cessante in se suscipiant et adiunctant ac eontenta in. eodem cum modestis et absque voluptuosis expensis pro eorum posse fideliter exequantur vt ab omni retiibutore bonorum vitam percipiant sempiternam. Si vero quod absit aliquis subscriptorum executorum meorum cuius execucionis presentis testamenti siue mee vltime voluntatis admittere et subire recusauerit volo quod sibi legatis careat eoipso. Volo eciam et ordino quod omnes et singuli legatarii supradicti Sorore mea et consanguineis meis dumtaxat exceptis verum valorem summarum pecuniarum vt permittitur legatarum eisdem si hoc executoribus meis placuerit percipiant et habeant bono modo. Ad hanc itaque meam vltimam voluntatem fideliter exequendam et adimplendam ordino et facio executores meos dilectissimum in Christo filium dominum Thomam Chillinden priorem mee Ecclesie Cantuariensis ac confidentissimos in Christo filios Magistrum Adam de Mottrum Archidiaconum meum Dominum Guidonem Mone Rectorem Ecclesie de Maydenston Johannem Frenyngham armigorum Dominum Willielmum Baunton Rectorem Ecclesie de Harwe Johannem Dodyngton Rectorem Ecclesie de Crukern Magistrum Robertum Hallum Eectorem Ecclesie de Northflete Dominum Johannem Wotton Eectorem Ecclesie de Stapilherst. (Polio 264.) The above will was proved "in capella manerii de Lamheth " on 15 September 1396. The executors swoi'e:— Quod suprascriptum testamentum fuit et est verum testamentum pie et recolende memorie Domini Willielmi nuper dei gratia dum vixit Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis iam defuncti nisi quatenus per codicillum subsequentem eidem testamento derogatur videlicet quod ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, 1396. 67 xxviij die mensis Julii proxime preterito idem Eeuerendissimus Pater languens in extremis in interiori camera manerii de Maydenston Cantuarien. dioc. voluit et ordinauit quod quia non reputauit se dignum vt dixit in sua metropolitana aut aliqua Cathedrali aut Collegiata ecclesia sepeliri voluit et elegit sepulturain suam in Cimiterio ecclesie Collegiate de Maydenston in loco designato Johanni Botelere armigero suo. Item idem Eeuerendissimus pater voluit et dixit et ordinauit quod debita sua soluerentur et quod legata sua scripta in testamento prescripto quo ad familiares soluerentur voluit eciam idem Reuerendissimus pater et dixit quod legata in dicto testamento quo ad extraneos legatarios defalcarentur iuxta discrecionem executorum meorum quodque residuum bonorum suorum remanens vltima debita et legata expenderetur iuxta disposicionem executorum suorum circa constructionem ecclesie Collegiate de Maydenston. I desire to express my great obligation to Mr. M. Beazeley, P.R.G.S., Honorary Librarian of Canterbury Cathedral, for his kindness in comparing my transcript with the original, and aiding me with suggestions on one or two doubtful points. J? 2