Some Early Visitation Rolls preserved at Canterbury

( 143*) SOME EARLY VISITATION BOLLS PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. BY C. EVELEIGH WOODRUEE, M.A. AMONGST the archives of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury are certain vellum rolls which contain a record of the proceedings in the Court of the Commissary of the Prior and Convent of Christ Church in the last decade of the thirteenth century. The see of Canterbury was vacant after the death of Archbishop Peckham for more than two years, during which period the Prior and Chapter, as guardians of the spiritualities, performed all diocesan functions which were not necessarily episcopal.* One of these functions was the holding of visitations in the parish churches throughout the diocese, a duty which, probably on account of the fees which could be exacted, seems always to have been undertaken with some alacrity. On this occasion the Prior and Chapter appointed as their Commissary brother Richard of Cliffe, a monk of their house, who travelled about the county, holding his court in the parish churches, summoning before him offenders whether clerical or lay, and giving injunctions for the reformation of any abuses or defects which might be brought to his notice. The record of his proceedings contains much information relating to the condition of church life in the country parishes more than six hundred years ago, which has not been published hitherto, and is perhaps worthy of a detailed notice in the pages of Archceologia Cantiana. The original record is, of course, in Latin, but for the convenience of those of our members who do not understand that language, it has been thought better to give an English translation, or in some cases an abstract of the contents of the rolls. An exception has, however, * Peckham died 8 Dec. 1292. Eobert Winohelsey was elected to the primacy 13 Feb. 1293, but his confirmation was delayed owing to the vacancy of papacy until 12 Sept. 1294, and he did not receive the pallium until 18 March 1295, 144 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS been made in cases which relate to sexual irregularities— these have been left in the original tongue. The penalties meted out to offenders against the sanctions of the Canon law at this period were so severe that one would have thought that they would have been effectual deterrents to its breach; unhappily repeated eastigations round church and marketplace seem to have had little effect in the reformation of morals. As an example of the severity of the penances enjoined on guilty couples we may quote the case of a man and woman of the parish of Brenzet who were sentenced to be whipped five times round the-market-places of Eomney and Hythe, and six times round their parish church! The parties concerned, however, were doubtless of mean condition, since we learn that a knight, one Sir Thomas de Marynes, whose case was a peculiarly bad one, was permitted to commute his penance by a money payment, on the ground that " it was not seemly for a knight to do public penance "\ The record shews that charges of incontinency against the clergy were by no means uncommon, and although the accused were able sometimes " to purge themselves " by witnesses called on their behalf, there is sufficient evidence to shew that the celibacy of the clergy did not ensure purity of life. Parish clerks, who of course were in minor orders, were sometimes married, and though this did not absolutely disqualify them from office, they were strictly forbidden to serve about the altar, or even to carry the holy water. It is interesting to note that even at this early date one of the duties of a parish clerk was to " keep school." At the remote little church of Fairfield, in Eomney Marsh, we learn that a woman served at Mass occasionally, but even in that sparsely populated district the practice could not be tolerated. Amongst the beneficed clergy there were many who did not reside on their cures; indeed, the Eectors of Deal, Hope All Saints and Ickham were at school, and their churches served either by vicars or parish chaplains. With regard to the relationship between rectors and vicars, these rolls give many interesting particulars. Eor example, at PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 145 Newchurch an inquiry held by several of the clergy of the neighbourhood made the following return : '.' That at one time there was a resident rector there, and no vicar; that the rector served the church well with the aid of two chaplains and other sufficient clerks; that after his decease divers rectors were collated to the church who kept no residence, let the church to farm, and served the church in a miserable way by a single chaplain; that the parishioners feeling themselves aggrieved complained to the Archbishop, who ordained a perpetual vicarage in the church and endowed it with the oblations and offerings of the altar, the small tithes, and the tithe on hay; that the vicar served the church honourably with the aid of a chaplain in deacon's orders and other sufficient ministers, the rector paying all pensions due from the same church; that the rectory at that time was worth 40 marcs, and the vicarage 20 marcs; that at length Archbishop Boniface collated to the church Master John Poroges, one of his clerks, who being an astute and litigious person withdrew from the vicar the tithe of hay, and made the vicar pay the pensions due from the said church; that the vicar sought to recover what was due to him by a lawsuit, but died while the suit was sub judice; and that from that time the succeeding vicars had not received the hay-tithe, and have been burdened improperly with the pensions. Further, they stated that the present stipend of the vicar did not exceed 10 marcs, and was insufficient to support the burdens laid upon him. Moreover, the relative value of the rectory and vicarage was more disproportionate than of yore, owing to the fact that much land that was formerly pasture, and, as such, of profit to the vicar, had been broken up by the plough, and now therefore paid tithe to the rector instead. No house was provided for the vicar, who therefore had been compelled to build one at his own proper costs and charges." To the question how the vicar's share of the benefice could be augmented with the least and most tolerable loss to the rector, they replied: " If the vicar were to have the tithe of hay, and five acres of land which are of the fee of the church, with a reasonable VOL. XXXII. L 1 4 6 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS share of the corn," so that in all his stipend might come to about 20 marcs per annum. The strictness with which the laws of consanguinity were interpreted at this period is illustrated by the fact that the Vicar of Lyminge was cited for having published the banns of parties related in the fourth and fifth degrees, and that a man was permitted to put away his wife because his mother had acted as her sponsor at the font. With regard to the condition of the fabric of the parish churches, we do not get so much information as we could wish. Too frequently the record merely states that the roof is out of repair, or that the walls want mending. At Fairfield, however, we learn that the church was built of timber and plaster, and for that reason had never been dedicated, and that at Wingham the parishioners were ordered to make a seemly and sufficient window on the west side of the south porch. Of the internal fittings and ornaments more particulars are given. For the most part the inquiries relate to things enjoined by Othobon, the Cardinal Legate, and promulgated in the Council of London, 1268; or by the statutes of Archbishop Peckham. Among the latter was the provision in every church of a seemly Pix for the Host.* Peckham's statutes enumerate the various adjuncts of divine worship which it was the duty of the parishioners to provide; nevertheless, many of the churches still lacked many of these things when the Commissary held his visitation.f * Dignissimum eucharistiae sacramentum precipimus de eetero taliter custodire, ut vindelioefc in bursa vel loeulo propter commutationis periculum nullatenus collocetur, sed in pixide pulcherrima intrinsecus lino candidissimo adornata, in qua ipsum corpus domini respositum in aliquo cooperculo de serico purpura vel lino purissimo operiri precipimus. Wilkins' Concilia, vol. ii., p. 48. t De ornamentis ecclesie ad parochianos pertinentibus . . . . Calix, Missale, vestimentum ipsius ecclesie principale, casula, alba munda amictus, stola, manipulus, zona cum duabus tuellis, crux magna processionalibus et alia pro mortuis, lanterua cum tintinnabulo, thurribulum, velum quadragesimale, vexilla, campanae, manuales pro mortuis, feretrum, vas ad aquam benedictam, osculatorium, candelabrum ad cereum paschalem, campanae in campanili et oordae ad easdem, fons sacer cum ferulis, et reparatio navis ecclesie interius et exterius tam in altaribus quam imaginibus, fenestris earura et vitreis cum clausura cemeterii ad ipsos parochianos pertinere. Cetera autem omnia tam in reparatione oanoelli quam in ornamentis eiusdem internis vel externis secundum diversos ordinationes et consuetudines approbatas debenfc a rectoribus locorum et vicariis reparari. Wilkins, ut supra, p. 49, PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 147 I t is somewhat surprising, however, to read that though the parishioners were responsible, this did not exonerate the priest, who was invariably suspended from performing divine service whenever the ornaments or books were defective. The provision of a lock for the ehrismatory and the font was one of the things ordered by the Cardinal Othobon, and cases of neglect on the part of the parishioners to furnish one are of frequent occurrence in these visitations. The rolls contain also some account of inquests held by order of the Commissary into the-cause of the vacancy of several benefices. The jury was composed, generally, of the clergy of the deanery in which the benefice was situated, and when their names are stated, it is possible that from this source the names of some incumbents not met with elsewhere may be recovered. The vacancies are said to be due to the default of the Archdeacon, but the record does not state what steps were taken towards filling them.* [Roll IX.] [ Woodchurch.] At a Chapter held in the Church of the blessed Nicholas of Eomene by brother E. de Clyve, commissary of Canterbury during the vacancy of the see, on the Friday next before the feast of the Conversion of the blessed Paul, in the year of our Lord mcc nonagesimo secundo (129§), Eoger the Chaplain of Wodechurch is cited to make canonical obedience to the Prior and Chapter of Canterbury sede vacante. He doth not appear, but since there is good reason to believe that he hath a corpse awaiting burial he is excused. On the morrow he appeared at hagene (Ageneyf) in the hall of the said prior and Chapter and asked to be allowed to make his obedience there and then because he certified that he had another corpse awaiting burial on that day, and in order that he * The Archdeacon was Richard.of Eerring, with whom the Prior and Chapter had muoh controversy with' regard to jurisdiction when the see of Canterbury was vacant. Pen-in g carried the suit to Borne, and during his stay there was elected to the Arohbishoprio of Dublin. t One of the Christ Churob manors, near Now Romney. L 2 148 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS might bury the aforesaid corpse, he was permitted to make his obedience in the accustomed manner. Wodeehurch. Eobert le Ster notatur de adulterio commisso quadam carectar'. He doth not appear. Wherefore we suspend him from entering the church. Juliana de Hornyngbroke notatur de adulterio eum Bad' de Pysinghe, mulier citata non comparet idcirco suspensa. Johannes capellanus qui fuit apud Wodeehurch anno preterito notatur de Johanna uxore Willi le Hert, mulier citata non comparet, idcirco suspensa, postea iterato citata non comparet idcirco excommunicata. Idem Johannes diffamatur de relicta le Spyle mulier citata &o. (as the last). Wilis Alius Willi Lucas impregnavit Julianam Bructyn vir comparet et confitetur et abiuravit peccatum suum et fustigatus ter circa ecclesiam postea concessum est quod recipiat unam disciplinam humiliter coram processione quia humiliter comparuit et mulier excusata est eo quod jacet in puerperio. [Old Romney.~\ A visitatiou held in the churches of St. Laurence and St. Martin in Old Eomney on the day and year above named. They have nothing to say except concerning the ornaments of the said churches. Dns Wills, capellanus, habet quandam Agnetem sororem suam ut dicunt in domo sua. [Then follows a numbers of charges against parishioners for detaining money, goods, or stock (chiefly cows) belonging to the Church.] In the Church of St. Martin the chrismatory and Corpus Domini are without locks, there are no books (Ubri penitus deficiunt), the chalice requires repair, the font has no lock, the roof of the chancel and of the Church are in bad condition. For the defects found in the chrismatory and pix Sir William, the Chaplain, is suspended from the celebration of divine service. \New Romney.~\ Verso. Visitation in the Church of St. Nicholas, Eomney. Visitation held . . . . in the year of our Lord 1294. Alicia uxor Godfridi Tyter notatur super adulterio commisso cum Eicardo dicto Burnet. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 14& All the parish clerks (clerici beneficiarii) are married. In St. Nicholas' Church there is no censer, both font and chrismatory are without locks, the churchyard fence is out of repair and in the same condition as it was last year. 1292 [Eomney Marsh]. St. Mary in the Marsh. The rector doth not reside continually, he hath another benefice in the diocese of . . . . ? Wherefore he must shew his title to these churches, and appear before the lord (commissary) to answer for his non residence. Eobert G-odman, John G-odman, and William, Chaplain of Hope, have failed to pay tithes within the bounds of the parish of St. Mary. Eobert and John appear and say that they have paid their dues as they were bound to do, and that they were not called to answer for the other man. William the Chaplain, who was suspected of appropriating the tithes, could not be found. Johannes Wolnoth impregnavit Celestriam filiam Joliis Andreu ut dicitur, mulier est mortua, Jofi.es non f nit citatus quia moratur Cant'. Simon serviens, frater de Honychilde, diffamatur de eadem. The man did not appear, therefore he was suspended and is cited to appear on the morrow at Eomney. Matilda daughter of Alan G-odefrey keepeth back two pounds of wax due to the Church of St. Mary yearly from certain land which is called Pennesland, and hath done so for two years. She was not cited because she lives at Winchelsea. Fastbridge (Estlregge). The rector did not appear to receive the lord's visitation, nor has he ever been in residence there, nor was a chaplain found therein at the time of the visitation, and the parishioners ask that a fit priest may be provided for them. Wherefore it was decreed that the fruits of the benefice should be sequestrated until other order be taken. The rector doth not appear and therefore he is suspended from celebrating divine service. And an inhibition was issued that no one should presume to violate this sequestration on pain of excommunication, also the rector is cited to appear at Braburn on Thursday after the feast of All Saints to answer to the premisses and to the charge of breaking the aforesaid sequestration. 150 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS On the day he did not appear, nor did any proctor appear in his name. The case standeth over (Pendet). Edward, Vicar of Westhethe, hath the said church to farm and hath held it a long time. He was suspended and deprived of his vicarage. Broomhill (Promhulle).* The vicar doth not reside, nor hath he done so since he was instituted. The abbess arid convent of Gynes hold the church for their own uses. Adjourned. Eoger, who is now chaplain there, hath taken the vicarage to farm, out of which he payeth yearly to the Archdeacon one marc, and the Xing taketh (percipit) all the fruits of the same. The chaplain appeared and saith on oath that in the first year of the institution of the vicar, he agreed with the vicar to serve the Church, and give to the vicar that year four marcs, out of which he paid one marc to the vicar, and two marcs to the archdeacon, pro incontinentia viearii, and one marc remains to be paid for that year, which he is keeping in his own hands, and he conf esseth that he is bound to pay four marcs the following year, of which he has not yet paid anything but keepeth the money in his own handst Md The chaplain retired to the diocese of Chichester. The church lacks a surplice and a rochet. Proctors appear and promise that they would find what was required before the feast of All Saints. Johannes de Gateberghe wished to marry Petronilla Baron cuius consanguineam Petronillam de Cruce idem Johannes prius cognovit, comparent dicti Jofis et Petronilla Paron et dicunt iurati quod non contraxerunt matrimonium adinvicem et vir eonfitetur quod prius cognovit dictam Petronillam consanguineam nee scivit quod fuerunt consanguinee, et mulier eonfitetur quod quando cognita fuit ab eodem bene scivit quod dictus Johannes prius Petronillam congnoverat consanguineam suam unde abiuraverunt peccata sua et loca suspecta et fustigabuntur quinquies per forum de Werehom et quinquies circa ecolesiam ubi sunt parochiani uterque. * A limb of the Cinque Port of Romney situated on the sea coast near the boundary between Kent and Sussex. The town was washed away in the great storm of 1287, which also destroyed old Winchelsea. The church, however, survived the debacle, and continued to exist until the end of the fifteenth century. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 151 .. Walterus filius Jofiis notatur de forn' cum Deonisa Kembestere citati non comparent postea testificatur quod sunt vagabundi unde citentur cum poterint reperiri. Thomas filius Hamon' notatur de Mabilla Levechild, vir citatus non comparet idcirco suspensus et mulier excusatur quia gravida est, postea testificatur quod mulier est mortua et vir in mari. [From Boll X.] Concerning the vacancy of the vicarage of Promhelle. Friday next before Palm Sunday, 1292. In the Church of St. Nicholas de Eomenal an inquiry was held by the commissary into the cause of the vacancy of the vicarage. The jurors were the rector of Middele, the vicars of Eomenal, Lyde and Newecherche, and the parish chaplains of Ivecherche, Fayrefeld, Northne, Lyde, Eomenal, All Saints Hope, and St. Clement's Old Eomenal, who said that the jurisdiction of the Church of Canterbury during the vacancy of the see rested with prior and chapter of Christ Church. Hope All Saints. The rector does not reside because he is at school (stat in scolis) by licence of the lord (Archbishop), and Master Nicholas, Master of the Schools of Canterbury, keepeth (custodit) the fruits of the same church and answereth for the same. Adjourned. Wilis capellanus loci eiusdem diu est tenuit Johannam Ancillam . . . . ? Dobyn quam impregnavit ut dicitur, dependet. The Vicar of Eomene doth wrong to the Church of All Saints in that he taketh a moiety of the tithe of the milk of beasts which are milked in the parish of the same vicar. Adjourned. Afterwards, because no one prosecuted, the case is dismissed. The lady of Crawethorne (Orawthorne) doth not come to church • as she ought, and is bound to do, nor does she contribute either to the work of the church, to the paschal candle, or the blessed bread, because she hath a chapel in which her chaplains use a bucket for a font (faciunt sibifontem in una buketto). Adjourned till the lord's visit. The Missal is in bad condition (debilis), and through the poverty of the parishioners it is not possible to get it repaired or renovated, because the men of Eomene possess almost all the lands in the said parish. Adjourned until the lord shall come to Eomene. The heirs of Hamo le Bret of Eomney keep back xiid of annual rent of the lands which have been from ancient time assigned 1)52 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS to the work of the said church, and they should be cited at Eomney in March. Alice, widow of John le Wyse, keepeth back two cows of the said church which she had of her husband because she was the executrix of his will. She appears and saith that she hath paid and made satisfaction concerning the rent due to the church from the two cows, and her evidence is supported by her chaplain. The Master of the Domus Dei of Dover, the chief parishioner (capitalis parochianus), hath purchased many lands which are not of the ancient demesne of his manor, out of which he hath contributed nothing to the work of the said church, or to any of the defects therein. The case is adjourned until the lord shall come to Eomene. The Master did not appear, wherefore he is suspended from the celebration of divine service, and it is decreed that he should be summoned to appear on the Thursday next after the feast of All Saints at Brabourn. The Master appeared on the morrow at Aldington and obtained reinstatement (status sui reformaeionem obtinuit), but he is to appear at Eomney on the Tuesday next after the feast of All Saints. On which day he appeared, and saith that none of the said lands have been acquired recently, but that some part of the lands of his ancient demesne has been exchanged for other lands. Wherefore it is decreed that an inquest be held on Wednesday at Eomney. On which day the Eector's proctors appeared and the parishioners, and because they say that they know nothing against the said Master and brethren, and the evidence is in his favour, and no inquest has been held, the said Master and brethren are dismissed [here a wide space is left blank] until other order be taken. Also the vicar should receive annually two marcs from the nuns to whom the Church is impropriated. The nuns' proctors appear and confessed that they were in times past liable to pay a pension of four marcs, and that the money was reserved (sequestrata) in their own hands. The names of their proctors are Michael Evebroke and another. Also the chaplain swore that he would collect with all fidelity the altar dues, and render a faithful account of the same to the lord Archbishop of Canterbury or his ministers when called upon to do so. Afterwards the said chaplain went away (recessit) and he lives at la Eye, and it is said that Henry Thomas, a layman, holdeth the said vicarage to farm. Wherefore it was decreed that the said Thomas should be cited and the fruits sequestrated. Afterwards the sequestration was relaxed at Aldington. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. X5& Bilsington (Bilsyntone). Jordanus de Newentone, Canon regular of Bilsington priory, notatur de Johanna Kynet que dicitur peperisse eidem, nescitur ubi moratur mulier, vir comparet et negat factum et subposuit se inquisicioni que fiet die Jovis, et quia mulier non comparuit idcirco suspensa et citetur ad dictum diem, quo die vocata quidam Susenna relicta Mathi Mabeli' dicit jurata, et requisita, quod pref atus Jordanus rogavit ipsam quod dicta Johanna posset esse in domo sua asserens quod fuit consanguinea sua que quidem Johanna stetit in domo. Thomas Quikenam, farmer of Sir Nicholas de Sandwych, Knight, doth not reckon wrhen paying his tithes the tenth sheaf which he giveth to the reapers. And though he is a great merchant he giveth no tithe of his merchandize. He was summoned and did not appear, wherefore he was suspended. Afterwards he appeared and was enjoined to purge his contumacy by visiting the precincts (limina) of the blessed Edmund barefoot within three weeks. To the other articles recited he saith on oath and confesseth that in autumn he has some of his corn reaped for money, and some for the tenth sheaf which he giveth to the reapers before everything, and of the corn which is reaped for money he giveth the tenth sheaf to God and the Church, and of the corn which he causeth to be reaped for the tenth sheaf he giveth the tithe after he has given the tenth to the reapers, and as for his merchandize he giveth tithe of his profits (lucri) in divers places where he maketh profit. Wherefore he is enjoined to give the tithe sheaf of his corn before he giveth anything to the reapers, or to give to the reapers first and the ninth sheaf to the church, and of his profit on merchandize he should give the tithe to the church where he liveth and receiveth the sacraments and sacramentals (sacranientalia), unless he hath built warehouses in certain markets and hath stayed there for some time, and that he should deduct nothing from the said profits except what must necessarily be put aside for buying and selling in his business, also he shall make satisfaction to the Vicar of Bilsington, where the said Thomas liveth, and the said Thomas was bound by his corporal oath to do all these things under pain of excommunication. Also the same Thomas, a layman and a married man, holdeth to farm the Church of Brenset and the Church of Promhelle and the Church of Beusfeld (Whitfield) in the deanery of Dover, whose fruits he purchased for three years, and there was wont to be distributed four seams of corn at Brensete to poor parishioners at the feast of 154 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS the Annunciation which hath been withheld by him, as is alleged, and yet it is believed that it is reckoned in his account. He appears and saith on oath that he entereth the corn of the Churches of Brensete and Promhelle in autumn in the name of the rectors and not in his own name, and that afterwards he buyeth the said corn from them, and now the King hath everything, and on this he submitted himself to an inquest. As for the Church of Bensfeld he confesseth that he bought it (the profits). The roof of the nave of the church and the churchyard are in bad repair. Thomas de Cobery is said to be the warden, wherefore he was summoned. He appeared and denied (the charge). Wherefore six parishioners of the better sort are summoned . . . . the parishioners appeared and alleged that the said defects were now made good, and they are enjoined under pain of one marc to the Archbishop's almonry that they make good the churchyard fence. Adjourned by leave of the Visitor (domini). Orgarswich (Orgareswyhe). The Prior and Convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, have a certain manor in the said parish, and do not pay the small tithes, nor the tithes of hay which were wont to be paid in time past. Held over because the rector saith that it is not expedient to proceed against them. Brenzett (Brensete). Hamo Corbyl is cited for adultery with Basilea Forne, and although he has often been corrected yet he does not fear to repeat the offence . . . . An inquest was held and the jurors found that they were guilty and incorrigible, and that the man behaved badly towards his wife, who appeared, and they were reconciled and agreed to live together under pain of seven floggings in the neighbouring markets. And the said Hamo aud Basilea were condemned by the same inquest and abjured their sins, and the suspected places (loca suspecta), and were flogged five times through Eomney Market, and five times through Hythe Market, and six times round their parish churches. Wills Wolnoth tenuit Mabillam la Wyte diu est in forn' qui nunquam receperunt aliquam penitenciam per aliquem ordinarium. Comparent et confitentur famam et factum et abiurarunt sese abinvicem in forma ecclesie et fustig' ter circa ecclesiam predictam. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 15"5 Blachnanstone. Mass was wont to be celebrated in the said Church of Blackmanstone every day, but in the time of the present parish priest it is not always said (continue). The said chaplain of the place appeareth, and was enjoined to serve the said church regularly and in seemly fashion, as far as his strength allowed (iuxta sui corporis possibilitatem), under pain of severe penalty if he should be negligent in the future. Henry Tuke, farmer of the mill of Nicholas Barrok, hath not paid the tenth seam of wheat for tithe of the mill, although he payeth to the lord of the mill ten seams yearly, . . . . he saith that he gives to the said Nicholas for the farm of the mill only eight seams a year. He must pay to the rector of Blackmanstone two bushells of wheat for the arrears of half a year under pain of excommunication. [Roll XIIL] Burmarsh (Burewaremerse). [Two cases of incontinence of no interest.] The clerk of the church is married, and he carrieth the blessed water. He appeareth, and took oath that for the future he will not minister about the altar. The Archdeacon of Canterbury, rector of the Church of Lymene, usurps to himself the tithes of ten acres which are within the boundaries of the said parish of Burewaremershe. Adjourned by request. The Eector of Demecherche usurpeth to himself the tithes of certain land within the boundaries of the said parish. It standeth over because both parties consent to a summary inquiry. The Eector of Burewaremershe is not continually in residence, nevertheless he is a good man, and does what good he can in the parish. Let the fruits of the rectory be sequestrated. His chancel is badly covered. He appeared, and promised bona fide that he would make good all the defects. Dymchurch (Demecherche). Elias clericus tenet quandam Agatham in domo sua in forn' vir comparet et eonfitetur et abiuravit peceatum suum. Vir fustig' ter circa ecolesiam.... Mulier iij fustig' circa ecolesiam de Demecherch. The roof of the church is in bad order, nevertheless some say it is being repaired. 156 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS Brother John of Honychilde, a layman, is cited concerning the wife of William Feyne. They both appear and deny on oath the report and the fact, and because not much is known against them they are ordered to purge themselves una manu as quickly as they can; afterwards both solemnly purged themselves. Snave. The rector is not in priest's orders, nevertheless he was instituted in the time of the legate Ottobon* of good memory. He is, however, a deacon. He doth not reside continually. Adjourned by the direction of the Visitor. The roof of the church is in bad order; they lack a chalice and towel, it is alleged through the fault of the rector or priest. The case is adjourned, and the proceedings beforo- the Visitor are on another roll. Adam Cocus de Hortone uxoratus, tenet in adult' Lynnam filiam Joh' de la Bregge, comparent ambo et confitentur &c et fustig' quinquies per forum de Eomene ex quinquies per forum de Werehorne, et quinquies circa ecclesiam uterque. Beneficiarius loci uxoratus est tamen est ibi clericus sufficiens ad deserviendum ecclesiam et circa altare, comparet beneficiarius et juravit quod non ministrabit circa altare de cetero. Johannes capellanus parochialis loci diu est tenuit et adhuc tenet Angnetem Hungerhern de Eomen' comparet et juratus negat famam et factum et subposuit se inquisicione clericorum et laicorum, tamen deeretum est quod fiat tam per laicos non suspectos etfidedignos quam per clericos, pendet in alio rotulo coram domino. [Boll XII.] Newchwch. Sir John de Berthen, rector of the same, doth not reside, he doeth no good in the parish, and all the granges (grangia) of the rectory have been destroyed, so that the greater part of the fruits (of the benefice) are sometimes entrusted to a layman's keeping, and he letteth those fruits to farm. He did not appear at the visitation, either in person or by his proctor, wherefore the fruits are sequestrated . . . . Afterwards the rector's proctor gave satisfaction * Vicariam nullam suscipiunt nisi sit Presbyter aut Diaconus proximis quatuor temporibus rite in presbyterum ordinandus. Cap. Othonis Tit 10. wilkins' Concilia, vol. i., p. 651. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 15 7 for his contumacy, and the sequestration was relaxed, and he was enjoined to distribute every year to the poor people of the parish five quarters of coi-n, the charge concerning non-residence, and the repair of the defects standeth over (pendet). There is in the same church a vicar, who used to have a chaplain to help him on account of the size of the parish, but for a long time he hath not had one on account of the small value of his vicarage, wherefore proceedings are being taken to augment the same. The vicar appeareth, and saith that he did not have a chaplain there because of the poorness of the vicarage. Wherefore it was decreed that the rector should be cited instead, ou Monday after the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist.... the vicar saith he hath in writing the ordination which the lord (Archbishop) made for the vicarage, and that he will shew it on the morrow, on which day he exhibited it, and he is dismissed. A copy of the inquest concerning the vicarage of the church of Newchurch. Thomas, Eector of Ohartham, certifies to the Archbishop (Peckham) that in accordance with his mandamus he has summoned an inquest of jurors to enquire into the condition of the vicarage of Newchurch, and that the jury [John Clerk, William Westebregge, Thos. de Wyuelsted, Eobert Eoger, Sir Robert, perpetual vicar of Eomney, Sir Thos., perpetual vicar of Aldington, John, chaplain of Crauthorne, Henry de Hammyngherst, Hugh Clerk, William de Bonington, Robert of Wood] had made the following return : That at one time there was a resident rector there and no vicar; that the rector served the church well with the aid of two chaplains, one a deacon, and other sufficient clerks : that after the death of that rector divers rectors were collated to the church at divers times who kept no residence, let the church to farm, and served the church in a miserable way with the aid of a single chaplain. The parishioners, feeling themselves aggrieved, complained to the archbishop for the time being, and the same archbishop ordained a perpetual vicarage therein, endowing it with all oblations and offerings of the altar, all small tithes, and the tithe of hay, and he served the church honourably with a chaplain as colleague (socio) in deacon's orders, and other sufficient ministers. And the rector, for the time being, paid all pensions due from the same church, and the rectory at that time was reputed to be worth forty marcs, and the vicarage twenty marcs. At length Boniface of good memory, Archbishop of Canterbury, collated to the church 158 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS one of his clerks, Master John Poroges, who, being an astute and litigious person, withdrew from the vicar the tithe of hay, and at first made the vicar pay the pensions clue from the said church, viz.: to the Church of Bilsington ten shillings, and to the Church of St. Martin at Canterbury sixteen shillings and ninepence halfpenny. The vicar, for the time being, went to law with him (the rector), and while the suit was pending he died, and from that time forward the succeeding vicars have not received the hay-tithe, and have been improperly burdened with the payment of the pensions. They say also that the present vicar does not receive a sufficient portion (of the benefice) to enable him to sustain the burdens laid upon his vicarage for hospitality, such as the reception of friars (fraires) and other guests known and unknown who may come along (supervenientes), because his share at the present time is worth only ten marcs, and the rectory upwards of sixty marcs, because the lands which used to be in grass, and on which animals were pastured, which were of much profit and convenience to the vicars, are now under the plough on account of the drying up of the marsh, wherefore the rector receiveth all the tithes and the vicar scarcely any (quasi nihil). Moreover, the rectors sustain none of the burdens there, nor do they keep any hospitality, but carry off everything; nor had the vicar any house except one belonging to a layman (nisi in laicofeudo) which is highly rented and burdened with services. Nevertheless the said vicar hath built a sufficient house for himself and his successors out of his own private fortune. They say also that Master Eichard de Coplond, who was at one time rector there and did much good, considering the share of the vicar to be insufficient, gave him, in some years, five seams of corn, and in some years eight seams, towards the support of the burdens incumbent upon the vicarage. Nevertheless, after his time the share of the vicar decreased very considerably from the causes above written. Asked how the share of the vicar might be augmented with the least and more tolerable loss to the rector, they say if the vicar were to have the tithe of bay and five acres of land, which are of the fee of the church, and are held by the rector and are of little profit to him, and which after deducting the various rents and services are estimated at ten shillings annually, together with some reasonable share of the corn, his share, together with what he now possesses, would then amount to twenty marcs. He will then be able to maintain hospitality and all the burdens of the vicarage in an honourable manner, (See also p. 178.) PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 15 9 [Roll VII.] Lyminge (Lynimynge). [1293.] The Visitation of the church of Lyminge and of the chapels annexed to the mother church. The Abbot of St. Eadegund doth not pay the small tithes issuing out of the manor of Paddlesworth, and as he used to do in times past. The Vicar of Lymmeng was wont to have the great tithes ofthe sheaves (garbarum) of the manor of Paddlesworth and in like manner of Stanford, paying ten marcs to the rector, whereas now he hath nothing of the aforesaid tithes; nevertheless they know not why the aforesaid tithes are withdrawn from him. The rector is not resident in person, aud it appeareth that he holdeth several benefices with cure of souls in England. At Paddlesworth the stipend (?) of .the priest is withdrawn by the vicar . . . . and sometimes the said J., chaplain of the said vicar, celebrateth so early (ita mane) that the parishioners lack (careant) the canonical hours and mass. Also the fruits of the church of Lymminge and of its chapels are spent in foreign parts (in parlibus citra marinis). Also at Stanford the granary is ruinous. Also at Paddlesworth the rector hath caused a certain house to be pulled down and hath not rebuilt it. The Vicar of Lymminge published the banns in the aforesaid church between Henry de Hempstede and Emma, daughter of Thomas de Bredenheye, and although he knew that they were related in the fourth and fifth degree, the vicar solemnized marriage between them. Eichard Brunig hath put away (desponsavit) Alice, daughter of Simon Bedell, because the mother of the said Eichard received the said Alice from the sacred font. The proctor of the rector hath sold the fruits at Paddlesworth to William, called Bastard, before they were reaped. Sir William, Chaplain at Stanford, hath bought the corn of Stanford for five years of the proctor of the said rector. Jofis de Leche notatur super adulterio commisso cum Jorina fil' Willi dicti Barun et est idem Joli uxoratus in partibus suis. Wilis fil' Willi de Prato tenet quamdam Godelenam fil' commatris sue. Vincent de Heydon, executor of the will of Robert Box, detaineth two shillings to his own use, which were left for making Stanford Bridge, and likewise he detaineth twelve pence left for the maintenance of a certain road near Stanford. 160 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS Thomas Charles, son of Thomas Charles, executor of the same T., hath not carried out the last will of the said Thomas, because he retaineth sixpence left to the hospital of the blessed Thomas at Canterbury, and sixpence to the hospital of poor priests. Dns Wilis capellanus de Stauford tenet in domo sua Alieiam de Werchorne. Verso. Jons fil' Edya notatur super adulterio commisso cum Jofi.ua . . . . The rector is not in priest's orders, nevertheless he saith he obtained institution before the council of Lyons. Capellanus de Stanford tenet concubinam suam ut prius dieitur, hoc adiecit quod earn tenuit per x annos et amplius. Dom de Leche keepeth back all the tithe of the wind-mill, and hath retained for a year and a half three bushels of barley, ten shillings. A missal is lacking in the chapel of Stanford, which the parishioners are bound to find. Vicarius tenet filiam propriam domo sua de qua notatur dictus Jons capellanus socius suus, et satis est apta ad viriles amplexus. Things lacking in the chapel of Paddlesworth. A psalter and legendary are lacking; the Body of the Lord is kept in- a very unseemly pix ; the font has no lock or cover; the chrismatory has no lock. Wherefore the Sir J., chaplain there, is suspended from celebrating divine service, and the parishioners should' be warned to repair the defects before the feast of St. Michael under penalty of twenty shillings. [A membrane attached to the above contains a list of persons excommunicated or suspended during the vacancy of the see, as follows:] Dunstan, vicar of Sellenge, Simon, rector of Boninton, John, parish chaplain of Heryngsselle (f ILinxhill), Adam, vicar of Eghethorne (Fythorne), dean of Sandwich, Master John de Moningham, rector of the same, Eichard called domine, chaplain of the Church of Eidelingwealde (Ringwould), excommunicated ; Master Eichard, rector of the Church of Eipple, Stephen, rector of Waldweressare (Waldershare), Stephen, Godfrey, Matthew and William, vicars respectively of Oolrede, Tilmanstone, Norbourne, Wodnisburg, suspended; John, rector of Horton, dean of Elham, suspended, and after repeated contumacy excommunicated, GeofPRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 161 frey, vicar of Ohileham, dean of Bregge, Eobert and Eichard, vicars of Preston and Pelham et William de Stodmersse . . . . ? . . . . verso, John Boxley, dean of Wesbere, excommunicated; Peter, vicar of the Church of Menstre, suspended; John de Watton, vicar of the Church of Kingston (Manic), Master Matthew, rector of the Church of the blessed Mary Magdalene in Canterbury, suspended ; John, vicar of the Church of Monketone, excommunicated. Broohland. [Boll XL] The church is badly covered, the gutters (stillicidid) and timber are rotten. Wherefore the parishioners are summoned, and because it is said that they are liable, it was enjoined on the wardens that they should cause all the said defects to be repaired before the next visit of the lord (? commissary) to the marsh under pain of twenty shillings. The rents assigned to the fabric and lights of the church are not paid nor can they be levied except by the rector, whose duty it is to levy such dues. Adjourned. Fairfield (Feyrefeld). Eoger of Kenardintone, clerk of the church, is married, and he carrieth the blessed water, and it is believed that he married a widow. He appeared and swore that he would no longer serve about the altar. The present chaplain pastureth lambs in the churchyard and alloweth a young woman (juvenculam) to minister to him at the altar. He appeared and swore that on three or four occasions he was served in the manner aforesaid, and he swore that in future that he would do so no more, nor would he pasture lambs in the churchyard except in gathering time (tempore collectionis). Simon quondam capellanus ibidem nunc manens apud Eomene notatur de Nutekina filia Hugonis ate Walle, vir comparet et eonfitetur quod aliquo tempore deliquit cum ea super quo f uit correctus sede vacante, et negat recid' . . . . , super quo supposuit se inquisicioni, etc. *The visitation of brother E. de Clyve, Commissary of Canterbury, sede vacante, made in the Church of Feyrefeld on the * This is from another document [E 29], but it probably was once part of the roll. VOli. XXXII. M 162 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS Saturday next after the feast of the Holy Trinity in the year of our Lord 1294', by Sir Simon, chaplain of the same, and Will' Comfrrey, Stephen le Longhe, Simon Cleys, Richard le Wolfe and Lovekyn Brekebot, parishioners of the said church. A frontal for the high altar is lacking, because there is only a poor (debile) carpet before (coram) the same. A cloth (tuella) is required for the lectern (lectonarium) (sic), because the one that is there is very dirty (vilissima) and in poor condition. There is an antiphoner which is of no use or value, and a legend of no value. They lack a psalter, manual, processional, ordinal, collectar and martyrology. The church was never dedicated, and the altars in the chancel are of wood badly put together, also the walls of the chancel are in bad condition (debiles) because they are full of holes in the lower parts; moreover the churchyard is dedicated, but not the church, because it is of wood and daub (de ligno et plastura terre). The oil has not been changed this year, the church font has no lock as it ought to have. The rector does no good in the parish, and this year has sold all the fruits at the same time and all together (simul et in summa) to a layman, and the chaplain has so meagre a portion that he cannot live or sustain himself in a decent manner there. Simon capellanus notatur de quadam Natekina et eredunt melius quod sit verum quam falsuin. The clerk of the church is married. Sellinge (Selynghe). John de Wylminton eauseth injury to the church by impeding, as far as he can, the vicar from cultivating an acre of land which from old time belongeth to his vicarage, and the said John very rarely cometh to church, and in other ways bebaveth badly in keeping back (church dues). Adjourned by request. The same vicar hath no clerks to serve him, except laymen, who are literates (Utteratos) and married. They appear (sic), and it was found that he hath a sufficient clerk . . . . nevertheless the vicar was enjoined for the future to cause himself to be served by fit and sufficient clerks under pain of suspension. Nicholas Cryel miles notatur de adult' cum Matilda de Hanlee PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 163 quam dictus Johannes sepuis duxit ad eum apud Ostringhehangre occasione cuius mulieris prefatus Nicholas male tractat uxorem suam, vir citatus est in manerio suo tamen non person' inventus unde reputatur contumac' et decretum est quod vocetur de Jofie ut supra, William de Morstoke and Thomas of the same pay in the name of tithe the eleventh sheaf of their fields, and although they have often been corrected, they do not reform. They were cited, but did not appear, therefore they were suspended for contumacy . . . . The Rector of Orgareswyke taketh the small tithes of seventeen acres of land called Soleslonde, which was wont to belong to the Church of Sellynghe. Adjourned by request. The Eector of Demecherche taketh tithes of Honnyngstone, viz., on three acres which used to belong to the vicarage of Sellynge. The matter is being considered by the Eector and the Master of the Maison Dieu. [The next entry is omitted as the parchment is mutilated and the writing can only be partly read.] I t is certified that the said church lacks . . . . ? (obliterated) because the chaplain is insufficient afterwards the said chaplain appears, and was found to be incompetent (impotens) and insufficient to hold the cure, wherefore it was decreed that the rector should be recalled to the cure, unless he can get leave from the lord. Westenhanger (Ostringehangre). The Eector of Ostringhehangre notatur de quadam relicta de Heytone, vir comparet et iuratus negat expresse famam et factum et quia non est maxima presumptio contra eum purgabit se v manu* die veneris, quo die dictus rector purgavit se valde solempniter. The rector is non-resident, but is at school, by licence of the lord (archbishop) as is alleged, and he doth no good in the parish, but taketh the money and departeth, and letteth the church and altarage to farm. Afterwards the rector doth not appear, wherefore he is considered contumacious, and his penance is reserved until it can be inflicted by the lord. The fruits were sequestrated. The church roof is in bad order, nevertheless it is being repaired. Eicardus capellanus loci eiusdem diffamatur de quadam Alicia Gangard de Snergate que iacet in puerperio non citantur quia non * That is to call five witnesses to bear testimony to his good character. M 2 164 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS sunt inventi. The clerk of the church is married, and he ministers about the altar. The clerk was not cited because he went away with the priest. Lympne. [Eoll XIV.] Lymene the clerk hath a wife, and he hath married a widow. He appeared, and was inhibited under pain of excommunication from ministering about the altar and from reading the epistle. The Archdeacon of Canterbury is rector of the same (church). He did not appear to receive visitation on the day appointed for him. Afterwards he did not appear, nor was he summoned. Thomas de Marynes miles tenet in adulterio quandam Elianor de Elmestede filiam Johannis de Wadesole, et prius tenuit aliam Agnetem Soppestre nomine quam adhuc alit, et male tractat uxorem suam et diu est male tractavit, comparuit die Jovis miles coram domino et fatetur quod peccavit cum utraque et dicta Elena et abiuravit utramque et loca suspecta sub pena quadraginta marcarum pro voluntate dni Cant' Archiepiscopi disponend' si committantur et quia non decet militem facere publicam penitenciam iniunctum est sibi quod soluat seu solvere faciat pauperibus hosp' patrie secundum ordinacionem dni xx marcas, cui adquievit idem miles. [Verso.'] Et eodem die comparet dicta Agnes Soppestre et iurata fatetur quod cohabuit cum dicto milite per novem annos vel circiter et peperit eo bis et dicit quod annus est elapsus et amplius quod vir ultimo cognovit earn et abiuravit dictum militem et loca suspecta et fustigabitur quinquies per forum et quinquies circa ecclesiam in camisia ut moris est et quia dicta Elena gravida e s t . . . . sibi ista vices, et decretum est quod dictus miles et uxor sua compareant coram domino in crastino festi sancti luce evang' futur' et receptur' super dissensu octo inter eos quod est iustum et consensit idem miles quod possit tam ad penam predictam si committatur quam ad solucionem dictarum marearum pro termino (?) solvendarum ut premittitur prout superius tangitur soluend' per quasqunque sensuras ecclesiasticas compelli absque aliquo iur' remedio laicalis. Godard de la Ree, Walter Eok and some other parishioners withhold certain laudable and customary offerings hitherto in use. They appear and say they have never withheld (anything). The vicar appeared and gave evidence, and the said parishioners swore PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 165 that in future they would withhold nothing, whereupon the vicar signified that he was content. The Vicar of Aldintone taketh small tithes to the value of one hundred shillings within the bounds of the said parish, by what right is unknown. Both the vicars appear, he of Lymene and he of Aldintone, and the Vicar of Aldintone exhibited an ordination of his vicarage in which the said tithes are contained, and the evidence having been heard, both were enjoined for the future not to hinder one another under pain of excommunication from taking what was theirs by right and approved custom. Afterwards both vicars appear, and the Vicar of Aldintone saith that the said Vicar of Lymene again hindered him from taking his said tithe. [More evidence is inscribed on the back of the roll about this case, but it does not seem to have been settled definitely by the commissary.] Dunstanus qui f uit capellanus ibidem nunc manens ut dicitur apud Broclonde notatur de Matilda filia Godardi de Ree uxor Eichardi Taylur mulier vagabunda est quia sequiturmaritum suum, dicitur tamen quod nunc est ad manerium de Smethe, et dicitur quod sacerdos moratur apud Broclonde, comparet et dicit quod elapso triennio semel peccavit cum ea et non amplius super quo correctus fuit et subposuit se inquisicioni que dicit quod dictus capellanus peccavit cum dicta muliere triennio elapso et super hoc fuit correctus et mulier similiter et fecerunt penitenciam et intelligunt quod nunquam postea recidissuarunt et sic dimittitur. Johannes Salkyn uxorem habet que senex est, nee vult eam exhibere, vir stat cum diio Wifto de Brochelle in parochia de Saltwode et citetur ad diem veneris, mulier comparet et dicit quod maritus suus se bene habet erga eam nee conqueritur de eodem. West Hythe (Westhethe) a chapel of Lympne. Eylewardus vicarius de Westhethe tenuit diu est quandam mulierem in domo sua, de qua sucitavit quam plures proles, que decessit in domo sua tanquam esset sua uxor et demum adhesit cuidam Chime Tukkyld mulieri quam publico tenet et feofavit eam de quadam domo et sepius cognoscit eam in canaba et in fossis in scandalum toeius ordinis, dictus vicarius in visitacione eonfitetur quod ipse idem diffamatus est de Chima Tuckyld tamen immunis est de eadem ut dicit, comparet et iur' de veritate dicenda eonfitetur • quod aliquo tempore suscitavit binam prolem ex ea que mortua est et sunt octo anni elapsi quod ultimo cognovit eam et annus est elapsus quod ipsa decessit in.domo ipsius sacerdotis dicit etiam per 166 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS sacramentum quod immunis est a dicta superstice et super hoc subposuit se inquisicioni que fiet die veneris, et dicta Chima superstes comparens iurata negat factum et dicit quod dictus capellanus nunquam feofavit earn de aliqua domo et subposuit se inquisicioni . . . . postea privatus est ille Eglwardus et mulier abiuravit peecatum suum et loca suspecta et fustigata ter per forum de Hethe et tria circa ecclesiam de Westhethe. Wingham. [Boll VI.] [1294.] A Visitation held in the church of Wengeham by brother E(ichard) de Clyve, commissary of Canterbury, and visitor for the prior and chapter of the Church of Christ, Canterbury, sede vacante, ou the Thursday next after the feast of the blessed Dunstan in the year of our Lord mcc ninety four by the men below written, viz., first by (per) Sir Peter, provost of Wengham, and Sir Walter de Peceham, Canon of the same church. In membr. (sic), by Eichard de Dene, Eichard Eykem und, Gilbert de Goldene (pen struck through), Walter Furrier, Adam Menbyn, Theobald the tanner, Walter the steward, Henry de Mudel, and John de Welmestone, parishioners of the same church. The church oweth a pension to Sir Theodosius de Camilla* of one hundred pounds a year. Item: Two altars in the church are not dedicated, of which one is newly constructed. The prior and convent of St. Gregory, Canterbury, take certain tithes in the said parish to the value of fifty shillings, on what title is not known. I t was ordained that the canons ought not to receive anything in that church unless they are resident; how the seneschal arranged matters (ordinavit) is not known. Sir John of Lewes, canon of the church, was not born in wedlock, but whether he holdeth a dispensation is not known. The altar of Esse (Ash) is let to farm every year. The canons have sold the fruits of the Church of Esse to John de Dene before they were reaped (separates a solo). Alanus de Helles stetit in sentencia excommunicacionis per * Theodosius de Camilla was Rector of Wingham 1271—81. He was also a papal Chaplain, Dean of 'Wolverhampton, and Eector of Tarring. Archbishop Peckham deprived him of his benefices in 1282. He afterwards became Bishop of Turin. See Hussey's Chronicles of Wingham, p. 144. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 16 7 triennium et amplius et tenet publico sarram Malmeyns in fornieacone. Henricus de Herst vicarius notatur de Johanna filia Sparwere que inventa fuit in lecto suo. Eobertus Odhyn vicarius notatur de Alicia Soscep que peperit sibi. On the same day and place the parishioners of the same church were ordered to make a seemly and suitable window on the south side of the said church of Wingham on the west side of the porch before the feast of blessed Michael, under pain of ten shillings, because the wall of the said church on that side is found to be ruinous (ruinosus invenitur). Overland. A visitation held in the chapel of Overland by Sir Nicholas the chaplain Thomas of Higham (Hegham), Hamo at Bridge (Bregge) and William Cok, parishioners of the same on the Friday next after the feast of St. Dunstan in the second year. There used to be a baptistery (baptisterium) in the said chapel, and seven years ago it was taken away, and it is at Esse, and the said chapel was founded almost entirely out of alms (fundata quasi in toto per elemosinam). Fleet (Flete). A visitation in the chapel of Fleet on the second day, by Sir Hugo the chaplain of the same, Henry Hugon, Thomas le Buteler and Walter Edward, parishioners of the same. The monks of Folkestone take in the said parish certain tithes of corn, viz., in certain places the third sheaf (terciam garbam decime), on what title is not known, and they sell the same to laymen before the corn is reaped. Also it was found that the font of the same chapel is without a lock, and the roof is in bad repair, as was found last year, wherefore it was decreed that the parishioners be enjoined to repair the said defects before the feast of the blessed Michael, under penalty of half a marc. The rectors have never in their time done any good in the parish to the poor. The altar dues (alteragium) are let to farm yearly. Waterus Edward forn' cum Gunnora TJnderdune, et cum Cecilia Hughe, et cum quadam ancilla sua, filia sampson de Ho, 168 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS Ash. Visitation held in the church of Ash on the Friday above named by Sir Robert, the parish chaplain of the same, and Henry at Molonde, Eichard Cupere, Paul of Quakstone and John the clerk, parishioners of the said church. The Altarage is let to farm every year. On the same day a new missal was presented by the parishioners, and dedicated (attitulatum) to the abovesaid church, and the other defects found were made good. Jofis Wardegrom duxit in uxorem quandam Eeynam cuius matrem prius cognovit earn'. The rectors do no good in the parish and sell the crops before they are reaped (separantur a solo). The prior and convent of St. Gregory, Canterbury, take certain tithes of corn, on what title is unknown. I t is not known whether the priest is of legitimate birth. On the same day and place the crops (blada) of the Church of Ash were sequestrated, as well on account of the non-payment of a procuration as also on account of the delivery and sale of the fruits (of the benefice) at the same time and in gross to lay people, contrary to the statutes, and the sequestration was delivered to Sir Peter, the provost, and Sir Reginald, Chaplain of Esse, to be kept strictly at their peril. The parishioners say that those who hold the Church of Esse sell all the corn, lend nothing (nichil acommodant) to the parishioners, and do no good. The chaplain hath the Altarage to farm continually. The executor of William ate Broke administers (the estate) badly, renders no account, and a year and a half has elapsed since the will was proved. Capellanus de Overlande tenet quandam parvam puellam in domo sua. The Provost (of Wingham) conducts the inquiry in matrimonial causes to the proper conclusion. Womenswould (Wymelineswold). A visitation made in the chapel of Wymelinesewolde on the Friday abovesaid, by Eobert, parish chaplain of the same, and Thomas de Oxyndene, Eoger de Nethersole, and John Aleyn, parishioners of the same. PRESERVED At CANTERBURY. 16& The defects found in the preceding year have not been made good, except that one new vestment, one surplice, and one psalter are found. Also the roofs of the bell-tower and church are in bad condition, the churchyard is badly fenced, neither is the repair ordered under penalty in the year before carried out, wherefore that penalty standeth good; also there is no lock to the font. Wherefore it is decreed that the parishioners be summoned to shew cause why they should not be compelled to pay the penalty. The rectors do no alms in the parish, and sell the fruits to Sir Thomas, chaplain of Nonyntone, before they are reaped. William, the baker, is summoned because he feloniously carried off (asportavit) tithes from the ground of Juliana de Nethersole last autumn. Juliana, the wife of the same [William ?], did receive into her house for three nights a sorcerer, who made a white circle (circulum album) in the aforesaid house and other occult signs (miracula). Isabella, sister of the bishop, bequeathed a cope to sustain a light (cereum) in the chancel, and the wardens of the church-work withdraw (subtrahunt) that cope and the profits of the same. Thomas . . . . ? and his partner (percenarius) withhold eleven pence from the light of the blessed Mary and have done so for five years. Stephen Barate and John his brother withhold five quarters of barley left to the work of the church by their mother. I t was ordained that there should be two priests in the church of Esse, and there is only one. Eoger Burd made his will and it is not known how the executor administrated it. Also there are in the church of Esse great defects in ornaments through the default of the same deceased person. Nonington (Nonyntone). The chaplain holdeth the Altarage and the fruits to farm, causes the tithes to be collected and manages everything. A year is elapsed since the wife of Eobert Hollestrete died. The chaplain has much land, and busies himself much in secular affairs. There is no resident rector, nor is anything known concerning any ordination (of a vicarage). 1?0 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS As regards matrimonial causes the Provost investigates those that are to be wound up in the appointed manner. Visitation made in the church of Nonington, etc. By Thomas, the Chaplain of the Church, and Ralph atte Bery, John Borfys, Eobt. Aeholt and Samson atte Napiltone. The missal is incomplete (insuffieiens) as it was last year, and the church has not been repaired. Wherefore the parishioners are to be summoned to shew cause why they should not be compelled to pay the penalty, and they are again enjoined to repair the said defects under pain of 40s. Also they lack a Martyrology, a manual, and frontal for the altars in the nave of the church. The nuns of St. Sepulchre, Canterbury, take tithes in the parish, by what right is unknown. The abbot and convent of St. Albans take certain tithes in the parish, by what right is unknown, and they sold the same that year at one time and in gross (simul et in summa). Thomas, the chaplain, holdeth the Altarage and all the fruits to farm. The rectors do no alms in the parish. John of Canterbury, chaplain, celebrating in the said parish, hath no books and he is suspected of not saying matins and his service because he is a wandering fellow (vagabundus). Nor is he careful to keep a record of his service (servicmm suum recordando). Goodnestone (Godwynstone, Godwuneston). The Provost conducts the inquiry in matrimonial causes. The rectors do no good, and are usurers. (Verso.) Visitation of Wingham with its chapels. (Then a blank space of about 11 inches.) Visitation made, etc., by Eichard, the parish chaplain, Thomas de Bonyntone, John de Offyntone, William de Piritone, and Thos. de Godwynstone. The alterage is let to farm to the chaplain. The fruits of the church are sold to a layman together and in gross before they are reaped. Neither do they (the rectors) give any alms in the parish. The wife of William Pykoche behaveth badly (male se habet) towards her husband. PRESERtED AT CANTERBURY. It l The missal is found to be insufficient, as in the preceding year, nor is there a Lenten veil, although the parishioners had been enjoined to provide one on a former occasion, and it was found that the roof of the church was bad. Some of the parishioners appeared again and alleged that they were not bound to find the veil, but the rectors ; and on this point they offered to submit themselves to the judgment of Sir Peter the provost. Wherefore they were ordered to make good the defects in the missal and the chnrch before the feast of St. Michael under penalty of 409, and because the question of the church veil (velum templi) was left to the arbitration of the said Sir Peter, it was enjoined that the said Sir Peter should give his decision before the above-mentioned feast* Roll X. (4 membranes). [1292.] Proceedings in the Church of Christ, Canterbury, before us, brother Richard of Clyve, commissary of Canterbury, during the vacancy of the See, on the third law-day next after the feast of the Epiphany in the year of our Lord 1292. Naclcington (abstract). Concerning the vacancy of the vicarage of Natyndon. The commissary had ordered an inquiry to be held by the clergy of the deanery of Canterbury into the cause of the vacancy, which was alleged to be due to the default and negligence of the Archdeacon of Canterbury. The Eural Dean, Master Simon, Eector of St. Andrew's, Canterbury, had contumaciously refused to summon the clergy of his deanery, and was therefore suspended from entering a church (ab ingressu ecclesie suspendimus). Afterwards, at the request of several friends, the suspension of the dean was relaxed. The inquiry was held by the Rectors of St. Elphege, St. Martin, St. George, St. Mary Bredmanne, St. John, St. Edmund and All Saints, the Vicars of St. Paul's and Northgate, and the Chaplains of the hospitals of Eastbridge and St. James', Canterbury. Bolvenden. Concerning the vacancy of the vicarage of Bolvenden. Tuesday next before . . . . ? 1292. The commissary on arriving at the Church of Essettisfforde (Ashford) for the purpose of inquiring • into the cause of the vacancy, found the gates of the church closed * The Lenten veil is mentioned in the statutes of Abp. Peckham as one of the things for finding which the parishioners were responsible. 1^2 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS against him, and Master Eobert of Derby standing in the churchyard, who insultingly denied him entrance to the church, to the prejudice, loss, and scandal of the Church of Christ in Canterbury. At length the inquiry was held in the churchyard by the vicars of Charing, Aldinton, the parish chaplains of Godmersham, Westwell, Egerton and Smethe. Reculver. Concerning the vacancy of the Church of Eeculver. Tuesday, the eve of the Annunciation, 1292. An inquiry into the vacancy caused by the death of Master Luke de Bree to be held by the rectors of Fordwich and Westbere, the vicars of Eeculver and Chislet, and the two parish chaplains of Eeculver. (The patronage of the benefice is stated to be in the hands of the King of England.) Boughton Blean. Concerning the vacancy of the vicarage of the Church of Boctone next Blen. Thursday next after Easter Sunday, 1293. In the Church of Boctone next Blen an inquiry was held by the commissary into the vacancy of the vicarage of the aforesaid church. An inquest was taken by the following jurors: Sir Eichard, dean of Ospringe and vicar of the same, Master Peter, vicar of the Church of Faversham, Sir Eobert, rector of Godwynestone, Sir Thomas, vicar .of the Church of Sesaltre, Sir Eoger, vicar of the Church of Harnehelle, Sir . . . . (torn), vicar of Sellynge, Sir William, rector of the Church of Stonhore, and Sirs William and Thomas, parochial chaplains respectively of Stone and Preston. Monhton. Concerning the vacancy of the Church of Monketone* next Newenham, 11 April 1293. An inquiry to be held by the vicar of Ospringe, the rector of Oteringdene, the vicars of Dodingtone and Newenham, and the parish chaplains of Burdefelde,* Ludenham and Stone. Willesborough. Concerning the vacancy of the Church of Wynelisberghe (Willesborough). Saturday next before the feast of St. Margaret * Church destroyed and the parish united to the rectory of Otterden. PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 17 3 the Virgin, 1293. Dunkan, Vicar of Sellinge and Dean of Lymene, had been instructed to summon a jury to inquire into the cause of the vacancy, but had neglected to do so. The jurors were therefore summoned by the apparitor of the prior and chapter, but they maliciously absented themselves, in consequence of which the said Dunkan and the following priests were suspended from entering a church or celebrating divine service: John, rector of Seyenetone (Sevington), Simon, rector of Bonyntone, Eobert, rector of Essetisforde (Ashford), John, chaplain of Henxelle, and John, parish chaplain of Merseham. Ringwould. Concerning the vacancy of the Church of Eydelingewolld. Acta in Ecclesia de Rydelingewelde, 20th Sept., 1293. Sir Adam, Dean (of Christianity) and Vicar of Egethorne (Eythorne) had been warned to call together the following clergy of his deanery to inquire into the cause of the said vacancy: Master John de Monyngeham, rector of the Church of Egchethorne, .Master Eichard, rector of Eypple, Stephen, rector of Waldwarsfagh, John, rector of Little Monyngeham, Walter, rector of Bettlishangre, Stephen, vicar of Colrede, Godefrid, vicar of Tilmanstone, Matthew, vicar of Northburne, William, vicar of Wodnesberghe, and Richard, parish chaplain of Eydelingeswelde. On the day appointed one John Amys, proctor for the abbot of Langhedone, and the priors of Dover and Ledes appeared, and after some delay the aforesaid Adam, the dean, Master John de Monynham, rector of Eghetthorne (Eythorne), and Eichard, parish chaplain of Eydelingswelde (Ringwould). The dean acknowledged the receipt of the mandate, but confessed himself unwilling to obey it, wherefore he is excommunicated in writing (inseriptis), and the rectors and vicars who have not appeared are suspended from entering a church or celebrating divine service. Boughton Aluph. Concerning the vacancy of the Church of Adulfisboctone. Friday next after the feast of the blessed Matthew the Apostle, in the year above-named. An inquest was held in the Church of Alufisboctone by the commissary and the following jurors : Sir Eichard, rector of Broke, Sir Ralph, vicar of Waltham, Sir John, vicar of Boctone next Blen, Sirs Geoffrey, John aud William, parochial chaplains respectively of Westwell, Cheringe and Chalfloke 174 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS (ChallocTc), and Sirs Thomas, Thomas, Ralph Thomas, and Eeginald of the churches of Wy and Crundale. Sir John, rector of Hortone, dean of Elham, who had refused to summon the jury, was suspended from entering a church or performing divine service. Wiclcham. Proceedings to inquire into the vacancy in the Church of Wycham. In accordance with his instructions, Geoffrey, vicar of Chilham, had summoned the following clerks to inquire into the matter: John, rector of Chilendenne, Nicholas, vicar of Wycham, Henry, vicar of Littleburne, Eobert, vicar of Prestone, Clement, vicar of Bekesburne, Eichard, vicar of Petham, William, parochial chaplain of Stodmershe, and William, parochial chaplain of Sturmuth. On the day appointed at first appeared only John Amys, who asserted that he was acting as proctor for several of the clergy of the deanery. After some delay the Rector of Chylendenne and the Vicars of Wycham and Littleburne appeared in person ; the absentees were pronounced contumacious, and were suspended from entering a church or performing divine service. Later, on the same day, Clement, vicar of Bekesbourne, appeared, and excused himself on the ground that he had been hindered from coming by a fit of bleeding, and humbly sought to be restored to his former condition, which, after he had sworn to obey the commands of the church, he obtained. Sarre. Proceedings in the Church of Westbere. The Dean of Westbere, John called Cutteler, had been instructed by the commissary to summon a jury consisting of Master Walter, rector of Westbere, Peter, vicar of Minster, Thomas, vicar of Sesaltre, and others not named, to inquire into the cause of the vacancy in the Church of Serre. After a long wait neither the dean nor any of the clergy put in an appearance; they were accordingly suspended for their contumacy. Thomas, vicar of Sesaltre, appeared later, made his submission, and was restored to his former condition. "Upper Hardres. 1293. Monday after the octave of St. Luke, in the Church of Wymelyngeswelde. Proceedings before the Commissary to inquire into the vacancy in the Church of Heghardres through the alleged PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 17 5 default and neglect of the Archdeacon. The said Archdeacon being abroad (in remotis) the following clergy were summoned: Master Anselm, rector Eastry, Master Martin, rector of Icham, Thomas de Bpton, rector of Adesham, and Sirs John, Thomas, Richard, Ralph, Richard, Stephen, and Robert, parish priests respectively of Wengeham, Nonyntone, Godwynestone, Esse, Staple, Estry and Wymelyngeswelde, and Sir John de Wattone, rector of Kyngestone. On the day appointed none of the said clergy appeared, and they were thereupon declared contumacious and suspended from their office. Afterwards Robert, parish priest of Bregge (Bridge), came running in great haste into the hall of the lord bishop of Herford (diii Epi herford) at Wymelyngeswelde,* and asked to be restored, and since he offered a legitimate excuse, namely, that he had a corpse to bury, the aforesaid sentence was relaxed, and the said Robert gave evidence on the said vacancy. Barfreston. In the same year, day and place, an inquiry was held into the vacancy of the Church of Berfreystoue (no particulars given). Fastwell, Tuesday next before the feast of SS. Simon and Jude 1293 an inquiry was held as to the vacancy of the Church of Estwell. The clergy were summoned to the inquest but did not appear, and thereupon they were suspended from office, viz., Sir Eichard, rector of Broke, William, vicar of Chering, John, vicar of Bocton juxta Blen, and sundry parish chaplains. The same sentence was pronounced also against Master John de Ravelingeham, rector of Kenyntone (Kenington), and Sir John, vicar of Tentirdenne, for a like default. Friday after the feast of St. Martin in the year abovesaid another inquiry was held as to the vacancy of the church by the following incumbents: Master Peter, rector of Kenardintone, Sir Bartholomew, rector of Hastingeleghe, Sir Thomas, vicar of Newentone next Folkestane, and several parochial chaplains. Lenham. On the same day,f etc., an inquiry was held into the vacancy of the vicarage of Lenham (no particulars given). * How it came about that the Bishop of Hereford had a house at Wymingswold I have been unable to discover. t Tuesday before the Eeast of SS. Simon and Jude, 1293. 176 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS Canterbury, St. Mary Bredin. Proceedings in Christ's Church, Canterbury. The following incumbents were cited to inquire into the cause of the vacancy in the Church of St. Mary de Bredene : William, rector of All Saints, Thomas, rector of St. Mildred's, John, rector of St. Mary de Bredmanne, Thomas, rector of St. John, Matthew, rector of St. Mary Magdalene de Burgate, Salamon, rector of Nethirhardres, and Walter, vicar of Northgate. None of the above appeared, therefore they were suspended, and Master Simon, rector of St. Andrew and dean of Canterbury, was ordered to summon all the clergy of his deanery, namely, Sirs William, rector of All Saints, Matthew, rector of St. Mary Magdalene, Thomas, rector of St. Mildred, John, rector of St. Mary Bredman, Thomas, rector of St. John's, Ralph, rector of St. Edmund's, Matthew, rector of St. Mary de Castro, Virgil, vicar of St. Paul's, Adam, vicar of Hakynton, Walter, vicar of Northgate, Henry, vicar of Natyndon, Eobert, vicar of Westgate, William, vicar of St. Dunstan's, together with the parish priests of St. Michael Burgate, St. Mary Nethirhardres, Herebaldon, and St. Peter's, also the following, who were summoned by Master Martin, rector of Icham, viz.: Sir Luke, rector of St. Elphege, Sr Eichard, rector of Martin, Sir William, Master of Estbregg. The inquiry was then held, and the clergy who had neglected to attend the former summons were suspended, with the exception of William, rector of All Saints, who alleged that he was before the King's Justicesitinerant at the time of the former citation ; Master Salamon, rector of Nethirhardres, who said that he did not know of the citation because for eight days and more before the citation was issued he was away from home; and James, rector of Burgate, who swore that when the citation was issued he was at Clyve in the service of Master John de Bestane. Boughton Monchelsea. Proceedings in the church of Hollingburne, on the Saturday next after the feast of St. Martin, 1293, relating to the vacancy of the vicarage of Boctone Monchensy. Sir Benjamin, dean of Sutton, had been ordered to cite the clergy of his deanery. The dean, however, and the following clergy absented themselves: James, rector of Wormeselle, Walter, rector of Chert, John, chaplain of Heriettisham, William, chaplain of Est Suttone, John, vicar of Merdenne, Osbert, chaplain of Stapilherst, and Thomas, chaplain of Langele. Wherefore the above defaulters were suspended, and PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 177 the inquiry was held by Sir Hugh, vicar of Thornham, Sir William, vicar of Aldintone, Sir John, vicar of Lenham, Sir John, vicar of Berghestede, and the parish chaplains of Meydestane, Hollingburne, Boxele, and Ledes. The dean at length appeared, and at the instance of certain friends the suspension was released in his case. Est ibi clericus Eobertus Muffliard bigamus, qui duxit viduam que mortua est et tamen labilis est sui corporis fornicand' cum diversis, comparet vir et dicit quod uxor sua elapsis triginta annis et amplius diem suum clausit extremum, de f ornicacione cum diversis mulieribus negat, nisi quod anno elapso et amplius quadam sibi peperit, de qua fuit rite correctus prout est sufficienter testificatum, de lapsu vero postea legitime se purgavit. Ivychurch (Ivecherche). Sir Hugh de Notyngham, rector of the church there, doth not reside, and he letteth to farm the fruits and the altarage. The rector doth not appear because he is in the King's service (stat in obsequio Regis), but his clerk appeared as his proctor, and sufficient evidence was given to shew that the fruits (of the benefice) are not let to farm, but are sold after collection by the rector; the charge of non-residence standeth over. Also there used to be a vicar in the same church and now there is none. This is denied on the part of the rector, and it was certified by the parishioners that there was formerly a vicar there a long time ago, and that in the time of the (last) four successive rectors there had been no vicar. The case is adjourned at the Visitor's pleasure. Robert de Prato, clerk of the same church, hath a wife, and he serveth the priest at the altar, nevertheless another carrieth the blessed water, who is said to be unqualified (insufficiens). The said Robert appeareth and was inhibited under pain of excommunication from approaching the altar. The lesser clerk is allowed to minister. Master Hugh de Panebrok, formerly rector of the same church, is said to have done nothing for his parish in his lifetime, nevertheless his executors were enjoined after his death by brother R. de Clyve, the commissary, sede vacante, to give seven marcs of the goods of the deceased in the parish, and it is unknown whether this has been done. Master Thomas, Rector of Adesbam and ex'or of the said Hugh, appeared and answered that be was ready to give an account of his administration, and if it should appear that there was any VOL. XXXII. IT 178 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS liability upon him he would give satisfaction according as the ordinary should decide.* Adjourned. Monday next after the feast of the blessed Lucy the Virgin in the year of our Lord abovesaid, in the Church of Christ, Canterbury, in full consistory by mandate of the above lords we held an inquiry concerning the vacancy of the Church of Iveeherche by Master Martin, rector of the Church of Icham, Master Gwydone, rector of Swalclyve, Sir Eich., rector of Aldintone, Sir Will', rector of St. George, Canterbury, Sir Matt', rector of St. Mary de Castro, Sir Thos', vicar of Aldintone, Sir John, vicar de la Bredene, Canterbury, and Sir John, parish chaplain of Netherhardres. Aldington and Smeeth. The vicar quarreleth with his parishioners on Sundays and holidays, and knoweth not how to carry on a discussion without getting into a great rage. And the same vicar pasturefh his horses in the churchyard, and he employeth temporary (momentaneos) chaplains. The vicar appeared aud denieth the first article, and was enjoined under pain of deprivation that for the future he should no longer quarrel with his parishioners; concerning the animals, he was bidden to keep the church gate shut; concerning the temporary chaplains, the vicar was enjoined, on pain of deprivation, that for the future he should employ properly qualified chaplains and competent assistants. [Seven cases of incontinency follow, but as they are of no special interest they are omitted.] The ornaments of the Church of Aldintone and of the Chapel of Smethe are visited. The light of the Church of Aldintone is badly kept, and this is thought to be the fault of Eobert de la . . . . ( ? ) . Eobert appeareth and saith that he is not the warden of the light, but he hath twelve pence to buy a sheep for the light, and he is enjoined to buy the sheep before the feast of Easter, or return the money to the warden of the light. The churchyard is badly fenced . . . . [the rest is illegible]. Newchurch. Proceedings in the Church of Newcherche . . . ., Tuesday next before the feast of St. Katherine, in the year abovesaid. A * An inventory of the goods of Hugh de Panebrok is printed in Kent Records, vol. iii., p. 146, PRESERVED AT CANTERBURY. 179 mandate had been issued to Sir John, rector of Seymetoue, dean of Lymene, to summon the clergy of his deanery to inquire into the vacancy of the Church of Newcherche in the gift of the King of England. The dean appeared, and asserted that he had been so much occupied in certain arduous business relating to the subsidy for the Holy Land that he had not been able to reduce his certificate to writing, but confessed that he had received the mandate with due reverence, and asked to be allowed to certify by word of mouth that he had duly cited the following persons: Master William, rector of Broclonde, Sir Simon, rector of Bonyntone, Sir Thomas, rector of Bilsington, Sir Adam, rector of Orgareswyke, Sir Richard, rector of Aldintone, Master Peter, vicar of Lyde, Sir Thomas, vicar of Aldintone, Sir William, rector of Brensete, Sir Thomas, vicar of Newcherche, and the parish chaplains of Wyttrishesham, St. Nicholas de Eomene, Iveeherche, Lyde, Smethe, Mersham, Stone, Apeldre, Lymene, Eokyng, Blakmannestone, Henxele and Estbregg. (See also p. 156.) Monlcton. In the matter of the inquiry concerning the vacancy of the Church of Monketone in the gift of the King. The dean of Westbere, John, vicar of Chistelet, had neglected to obey the mandate ordering him to cite the clergy of his deanery; he was therefore excommunicated. Nevertheless the inquiry was held by Master Walter, rector of Westbere, Sir John, vicar of Eeculver, Sir William, vicar of St. John's, Sir Richard, vicar of St. Peter's, Sir Edmund, vicar of St. Laurence, Sir Thos., vicar of Sesaltre, and the parish chaplains of Wytstaple, Swalclive, Herne, St. Nicholas, All Saints, Monketone, Wode and Birchintone. Charlton next Dover. Proceedings in the Church of Folkestone before brother B.. de Clyve, commissary . . . . concerning the vacancy of the Church of Cherltone, in the deanery of Dover, through the negligence of the official of the archdeacon of Canterbury. The dean of Dover excused himself from executing the mandate of the commissary to cite the clergy of his deanery on the ground that he was absent from home when the said mandate was issued. The inquiry was held by the following persons : Sir Simon, rector of Pordwich, Sir v 2 180 SOME EARLY VISITATION ROLLS. John, rector of Boclonde, Sir Denis, rector of St. Nicholas, Dover, Sir Eichard, rector of St. John's, Dover, Sir John, vicar of Hugham, Sir Peter, vicar de la Eyvere, Sir John, vicar of Ewell, Sir Walter, vicar of Folkestane, Sir Thos', vicar of St. Margaret', and the parish chaplains of Westclyve, Newentone, Cerytone (Cheriton), St. Peter's, Dover, and Saltwode. Mongeham. In the Church of Wengeham an inquiry was held concerning the vacancy of the Church of Monyngeham, in the gift of the King, by Sir Peter, provost of the Church of Wengeham, and the chaplains of Nonyntone, Godwynestone, Adesham, Wymelingeswelde, Dale (Deal), Esse (Ash) and Icham. Stowting. In the Church of Hethe an inquiry was held concerning the vacancy of the Church of Stutynghe, in the gift of Sir William Kirkeby, by Sir Eich', rector of Broke, Rich', vicar of Lyminge, and the chaplains of Wye, Elmestede, Braburne, Hethe, Saltwode, Aldyntone, Smethe and Staneforde. Boxley. Proceedings in the Church of Meydestane before brother E. de Clyve, commissary of Canterbury, sede vacante, Kl. Apl. 1294, concerning the vacancy of the Church of Boxele. An inquiry was held by the following persons: Sir Richard, vicar of Suttone, Hugh, vicar of Thorneham, and the chaplains of Hollingburne, Olecumbe, Ledes, Boxele, Longele, and Boctone Malherbe.