A Brief Register Calendar Part 1, Section 1 · Observations

A Brief Register Calendar Part 1 · Section 1 · Observations

p. 101Vsefull Annotations and Observations upon the precedent Writs to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Ecclesiastical Barons, and Clergy.

FRom the precedent Writs of Summons issued to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors. Ecclesiastical Barons, and Clergy, wherewith I have presented you in a Chronological Series according to their Antiquities, I shall here, for the information of such Lawyers, Gentlemen, and other Readers unversed in Records of this nature, recommend these ensuing particular Observations to them, before I proceed to the Writs of Summons to the Temporal Lords; reserving my General Annotations and Observations concerning Parliamentary writs for the Close of the first Part of this Brief Register, Kalendar and Survey; when they have taken a full view of all the several kindes and varieties of Parliamentary writs of Summons, whereon they must be grounded.

p. 1021. That as the Spiritual Lords and Barons, are mentioned in allaaSee Spelmann… Concilia, Ingulphi Historia, The Prologues to the printed Statutes of H. 3. Ed. 1, 2, 3, 4. R. 2. H. 4. 5, 6, 7, 8. Great Councils, Parliaments, Prologues, and Acts of Parliament before the Temporal Lords and Barons: So generally for the most part, the writs of Summons directed to them are first entred, recorded in the Dorse of the Clause Rolls, before the writs to the Temporal Lords, though now and then the writs to the Prince of Wales, and some other Temporal Peers, are first enrolled, but yet very rarely.

2. That when there was an Archbishop of Canterbury in being, the first writ of Summons to, or Prorogation of Parliaments entred in the Rolls, is generally that which issued unto him, as Primate of all England; if within the Realm, or to his … absence out of it; But when there was no Archbishop of Canterbury living; the first writ … in the Ro…s issued to the Archbishop of … ▪ as Primate of England: yetbbHere, p. 28, 29 36. now and then the first writ of Summons entred, is directed to the Archbishop of York, when both are living; and the writ to the Gardian of the Spiritualties of Canterbury … of that See is some…imes first entred before the writ to the Archbishop of York: Yea, if the Archbishop of York was a Cardinal▪ and Canterbury none ye … of Summons, as appears by Cl…s 25 H. 6. m. 16. & 24 dorso, and 29 H. 6. m. … …orso, and other Rolls.

3. That when both Sees of Canterbury and York were void, the first writ entred was directed to theccHere, p. 55. Bishop of London (as in 22 E. 3. where the Archbishop of Canterbury was elected and confirmed, but not installed, and York quite void) and sometimes to some other Bishop, without any certain method therein observed.

4. That in Claus. ddHere, p. 3.6 Iohannis (the first writ of Summons extant) there is only one single writ of Summons without the Bishops name to whom it was issued, and in Claus. 26 H. 3. only one single writ of Summons to p. 103the Archbishop of York, without mention of any writs to other Bishops, which yet no doubt had writs of Summons as well as he, though not entred, as some clauses in the bodies of both these writs do intimate.

5. That in the Summons of 49 H. eeHere, p. 5, 6.3. the first, and only writ registred is directed to the Bishop of Durham, and 18 Abbots and Priors are listed in the Eodem modo mandatum est, before the Archbishop of York and other Bishops.

6. That the writs directed to the Archbishops of Canterbury always stiled them▪ Venerabili in Christo Patri eadem gratia Cantuariae Archiepiscopo, totius Angliae Primati: That the writs issued to the Archbishops of York ever use this stile; Venerabili in Christo Patri eadem gratia Eborum, Archiepiscopo, Angliae Primati, leaving out totius: And the writs sent to all other Bishops run thus, Venerabili in Christo Patri eadem gratia Episcopo, &c. (But i… any Archbishop or Bishop were made a Cardinal, then the stile was, Cardinali et Archiepiscopo Eborum, et Cardinali et Episcopo Wynton: as in Claus. 25 H. 6. m. 16, 24 dorso. 29 H. 6. m. 21. dorso, and other Clause Rolls of Hen. 6. when York and Winchester were both Cardinals; and Winchester is still placed whiles a Cardinal next after York. The writs to Abbots, Priors, Gardians of Spiritualties of Bishops, and other Ecclesiastical persons, usually run in this form, Dilecto sibi in Christo Abbati Sancti Augustini, &c, or Priori de Lewes, &c. which I have here omitted in their writs for the most part, with an, &c. to avoid frequent Repetitions, and p…olixity.

7. That in the Eodem modo, and Kalendar of the Bishops names to whom writs were directed, the Archbishop of York is for the most part first named, yet somtimes he and his Suffragans are listed after all the Bishops of the Province of Canterbury, sometimes before them, sometimes intermixed with them. In the entring of the Bishops names, there is no certain order or method observed; for sometimes the Bishop of Durham p. 104is first named, other times the Bishop of London, elewhere the Bishop of Winchester: sometimes the Bishop of Rochester, otherwhiles Chichester: Now and then all the Welsh Bishops are named together after all the rest of the Province of Canterbury, yet in some Rolls they are named promiscuously, & intermixed with the English Prelates, as the writs came first to the Registers hands, and not according to the Antiquity of their Sees or consecrations, for ought I can discern by comparing their entries; Only it is observable, that Anthony ffSee Godwins Catalogue of Bishops, p. 520, 521. Seldens Titles of Honor, p. 720.Beak Bishop of Durham (a very wealthy Prelat) procuring himself to be made Patriarch of Ierusalem by the Pope, was summoned by the Title of A. Patriarch. Ierusalem. et Episc. Dunolm. in the Summons of 1, 2, 13 of Edward 2. Here, p. 15, 16. and entred next after the Archbishop of York in the Rolls.

8. That the Bishops for the most part are named in the Rolls, and entred by themselves before the Abbots and Priors, yet now and then (but very rarely) they are intermixed with the Abbots and Priors, as in 49 H. 3. dors. 11.

9. That all the Archbishops and Bishops were usually summoned to all our Parliaments, but not to Councils of State, and that in person, if in England, or alive. But when anyggHere, p. 11, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43. 46, 51, 64, 65. &c. 95, 96, 97. Archbishop or Bishop was absent in forein parts, the King usually sent writs of Summons to their Vicars Generals: and when their Bishopricks were void by their deaths, or translations to another Bishoprick, to the Guardians of their Spiritualties, to supply their places.

10. That when any Archbishop, Bishop, or Abbot, was elected only,hhHere, p. 9. 16. 42, 46, 50, 55▪ 59, 71. 96, 97. before his confirmation or installment; the writ of Summons issued to him by the name of I. Electo Cantuanae, electo Hereford, &c. If elected and confirmed, but not installed; then Electo Cantuariae, or Hereford▪ confirmato: By which it is evident, that Archbishops, Bishops, and Abbots only elected, or elected or confirmed, might be and were usually summoned p. 105to … likewise in their absence beyond the Seas; Yea, in 2 E. 2. dors. 14. There is a writ issued R. Electo Dublin Episcopo, in the Eodem modo, registred amongst the Bishops of England, next after the Patriarch of Ierusalem, and Bishop of Durham:

12. That the chief reason why sometimes there are more Bishops summoned to one Parliament than another, is only the vacation of their Sees by their deaths or translations: what the number of them was summoned to each Parliament, I have mentioned in the grosse where I find them entred in the Rolle at large, to avoid the repetition of their names, which those who please may peruse in the rolls themselves.

1… That the first writs to the Archbishops of Canterbury, York, or any other Bishop in the Clause Rolls, be they writs either of Summons to a Parliament, Council, or Convocation, or of Adjournment, or Prorogation, are usually entred at large: which I have abbreviated with an, &c. where the form and clauses are the same with those I transcribe at large. And the writs which follow the first issued to the rest of the Bishops, are but briefly entred for the most part, with an Eodem modo mandatum est subscriptis, or Consimiles Literae, or Consimilia Br…via diriguntur subscriptis, viz. &c. unless it be where there are different Clauses in some of the writs varying from those to the first Bishops; which Clauses (recited at large) I have here printed, when they occurre in the Rolls.

13. That the writs of Summons to Parliaments directed to the Archbishops and Bishops are of various forms, differing very often one from the other, not only in their recitals of the particular causes of summoning them; but in sundry special and unusual clauses, as I have touched in the recital of them, and shall more largely insist on in my General Obs…rvations in the close of this Part of my Register. That the writs of p. 107Summons to Councils and Convocations, issued to the Archbishops and Bishops are usually different one from another, not only in form and special… Clauses, but likewise from the writs of Summons to Parliaments, unless where the word Concilium is used for a Parliament: There being no Praemuni…ntes, &c. in any writs of Summons to Councils of State, but only to Parliaments, and that not alwayes, but a… the Kings pleasure: and no general Summons of all the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Priors holding by Barony to all Councils of State; but only of such and so many of them as the King and his Counsil thought meet, when as they were usually all summoned to Parliaments.

14. That the writs of Summons to Convocations of the Clergy, were directed only to the two Archbishops or their Vicars Generals, to summon all the Bishops, Abbots, Priors and Clergy of their respective Provinces to them, not alwayes on a certain day or place as in writs for Parliaments and Great Councils, but at such time (or place) as they deemed most convenient, without any particular writs at all issued to any other Bishops, Abbots, Priors, or Clergy men, as in Summons to Parliaments and Great Councils: where though they had all particular writs of Summons, yet the King oft times issued special writs to the two Archbishops, to summon all the Bishops, Abbots, Priors and Clergy, within the several Diocesses of their Provinces to appear at the Parliaments, Councils, and Convocations, to prevent all negligence, defects, or faylers in their Summon…, and excuses for not appearing, whereby the affairs of the King and kigdom might be prejudiced.

15. That …he number of Abbots and Priors summoned to our Parliaments, was somtimes more, somtimes less, as I have briefly touched, relating their number in the grosse for brevity sake; where I find them particularly mentioned in the Rolls. The names of those Abbots and Priorr who were ordinarily or extraordinarily summoned to Parliaments and Parliamentary p. 108Councils, with the reasons of this incertainty in their numbers by subsequent exemptions, because they held no Lands by Barony or Knights service from the King, but only in Frankalmoigne, or by act of special grace, or through vacancy by death, or otherwise; those who please may read at large in Mr. Seldens Titles of Honor, Book 2. ch. 5. Sect. 22, 23, 25. p. 732. to 735. and more particularly in the ensuing Alphabetical Table of their names and Summons.

I shall here only present the Readers with 3. Kalendars of their names out of the Clause Rolls, as I finde them there recorded.

The 1. List is that in the Clause Roll of 49 H. 3. m. 11▪ dorso in Cedula. where the writ at large being directed to R. &c. Episcopo Dunolm, &c. (as it is here transcribed, p. 5, 6.) immediately after the writ, this Catalogue of the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and Deans names summoned to it follows, in this form.

Eodem modo mandatum est Episcopo Karliol.

Abbati Sanctae Mariae Eborum.

Priori Dunolm.

Priori Sanctae Trinitatis Eborum.

Abbati de Seleby.

Abbati de Furness:

Abbati de Fontibus.

Abbati de Royvall.

Abbati de Melsa▪

Archiepiscopo Eborum.

Priori de Parco.

Abbati de Rup….

Abbati de Bella Lauda.

Priori de Bridlington.

Priori S. Oswaldi.

Abbati de Rufford.

Priori de Blida.

Priori de Thurgarton.

Priori Karliol:

Abbati de Wyteby.

Priori de Giseborne.

Decano Eborum.

Eodem modo mandatum est subscriptis.

Episcopo London.

Episcopo Wynton.

Episcopo Exon.

Episcopo Wygorn.

Episcopo Lincoln.

Decano Exon.

Decano de Well.

Episcopo Elien.

Episcopo Sarum.

Episcopo Coventr. et Litchf.

Episcopo Cic…str.

Elect… Bath. et Wellen.

Decano S…rum.

Decano Lincoln.

In forma praedict a scribitur Abbatibus, Prioribus subscriptis sub hac data. Teste Rege apud Wodest. XXIIII. die Decembr.

Abbati Sancti Edmundi.

Abbati de Wautham.

Abbati de Sancto Albano.

Abbati de Glaston.

Abbati de Rading.

Abbati de Cirencestr.

Priori de Merton.

Abbati de Oseney.

Priori Sanctae Fresewid: Oxon.

Abbati de Missenden.

Abbati de Waverle.

Priori Elien.

Priori Norwicen.

Abbati Cestr.

Abbati Salop.

Abbati de Hulmo.

Abbati de Bardene.

Priori de Lenton.

Abbati de Bello.

Priori Ordinis de Sempli…gham.

Priori de Watton.

Electo de Evesham.

Abbati Westm.

Priori Hospitalis Sancti Iohannis Ierusalem in Anglia.

Magistro Militis Templi in Anglia.

Abbati de Ramesey.

Abbati de Burgo.

Abbati de Thorn.

Abbati de Crouland.

Abbati Colecestr.

Priori de Dunstaple.

Abbati de Bello loco.

Abbati de Parco Lude.

Abbati de Stanlegh.

Abbati de Lilleshull.

Abbati de Buttlesden.

Priori de Betuve…r.

Priori de Lews.

Abbati de Clervaus.

Priori de Stodley.

p. 109Abbati S. Augustin. Cantuar.

Abbati de Cercesey.

Priori Sanctae Trinitatis Cantuar.

Abbati de Hida Winton.

Abbati de Middleton.

Abbati de Cerne.

Abbati de Abbotisbury.

Abbati de Tavistocks.

Priori de Huntingdon.

Abbati de Sulebey.

Abbati S. Augustini Bristol.

Abbati de Malmesbery.

Abbati de Milchene.

Abbati de Abingdon.

Abbati S. Petri Gloucestr.

Abbati de Persour.

Abbati de Winchecombe.

Priori de Coventr.

Abbati de O elveston.

Abbati de Teukesbury.

Priori de Swinesheued.

Priori de S. Neoto.

Abbati de Wardon.

Abbati Sancti Iacobi Northampt.

Abbati de Leicestr.

Abbati de Kirkested.

Priori de Eton.

Priori de Cruceroys.

Abbati de Kirkestall.

Abbati de Tame.

Abbati de Bermundesy.

Priori de Barnewell.

Abbati de Meryvall.

Priori Sancti Swithin Winton.

Abbati de Lesenes.

Priori de Ledes.

Priori de Lauda.

Priori de Spalding.

Priori Sancti Barthol. London.

Priori de Kenelworth.

Priori de Nuttell.

Abbati de V…lle Dei.

Abbati de Croxton.

Here you see 36 Priors, in…ermixed promiscuously with 65 Abbots, (one of them only Abbot Elect, but not installed) the Bishops and Deans in…erposed between them, most of which Priors, and some of which Abbots, were never after summoned to any other Parliaments, nor yet these Deans in this manner.

The 2. is that of Clause 23 E. 1. m. 4. dorso, and 24 E. 1. m. 7. dorso: where the Abbots and Priors summoned to those 2. Parliaments are thus registred and distinguished by their several Orders in both these rolls alike, and in no Summons else besides these: though they are again all summoned and entred almost in this p. 110Order in Clau…e 28 E. 1. dors. 17. and 3. and some Rolls in E. 2.

Abbati de S. Edmundo.Exempti.

Abbati de Waltham.

Abbati de Alnewik.Premonstracen.

Abbati de Egleston.

Abbati de Sta. Agatha.

Abbati de Barlinge.

Abbati de Tupholme.

Abbati de Byley.

Abbati de la Dale.

Abbati de Newhus.

Abbati de Cokirsand.

Abbati de Croxton.

Abbati de Kirkested.

Abbati de S. Radegunda.

Abbati de Heppe.

Abbati de Fur…eyes.Cisterc.

Abbati de Sallaye.

Abbati de Holmecoltram.

Abbati de Novo Monasterio.

Abbati de Iornall (or) Iereval.

Abbati de Fontibus.

Abbati de Bella Lauda.

Abbati de Melsa.

Abbati de Kirkestede.

Abbati de Rupe.

Abbati de Rughford.

Abbati de Valle Dei.

Abbati de Gerndon.

Abbati de Stanley in Ardern.

Abbati de Pippewell.

Abbati de Combe.

Abbati de S. Albano.

Abbati de Evesham.

Abbati de Tichefeld.

Abbati de Suleye.

Abbati de Lavendox.

Abbati de Torre.

Abbati de Wellebecks.

Abbati de Hales.

Abbati de Bello capite.

Magistro Militiae Templi in Anglia.

Priori Hospitalis Ioh. Ierus. in Anglia.

Magistro Ordinis de Semplingham.

Abbati deGlauca in 24. E. 1. m. 7. Blanca Lauda.

Abbati de Basingwerk.

Abbati de Cumbermere.

Abbati de Crokesden….

Abbati de Valle Regali.

Abbati de Deulacresse.

Abbati de Mira Valle.

Abbati de Stanlawe.

Abbati de Byldewas.

Abbati de Stanle in Wiltes.

Abbati de Swynesheued.

Abbati de Wardon.

Abbati de Boxle.

Abbati de Stratford.

Abbati de Tyletye.

Abbati de Binedon.

Abbati de Quarrera.

Abbati de Leteley.

Abbati de Dunkeswell.

p. 111Abbati de Bell… loc… Regis.

Abbati de Strata florida.

Abbati de Flaxele.

Abbati de T…nt…rn….

Abbati de King…swode.

Abbati de Waverle.

Abbati de Revesbye.

Abbati de Parco Lude.

16. That in the writs of Summons to Abbots and Priors, the writs are very seldom recited at large to any of them, unless in 27 E. 1. d. 9. and towards the latter end of the reign of King Edward the 3. where some writs to the first Abbot named in the lists of Summons, are entred at large; the rest only recited with an, &c. or not mentioned at all, but only thus, Eodem modo mandatum est, &c. or Consimiles Literae, or Consimilia Brevia diriguntur Abbatibus et Prioribus subscriptis; entred in the Roll, with a Catalogue of their names subscribed under it.

17. In antient times the first writ that is entred, for the most part issued to the Abbot of S. Augustines in Canterbury, (in which Rolls there is no certain order observed in the Abbots and Priors names and summons.) sometimes the Abbot of S. Albans, now and then the Abbot of Glastonbury; sometimes some other Abbots are first named in the List of Summons, and one name frequently praeponed, & then postponed after another, as the Register was pleased to enter them in the Rolls: But from 1 H. 4. to the end of King Ed. 4. the first writ entred is, Abbati de Burgo Sancti Petri. As for the Priors, they are for the most part registred after the Abbots; now and then but rarely, before the Abbots, and frequently intermixed with them: sometimes one Prior is placed before another in some Summons, which was named last in other Lists: few Lists agreeing in the order of their names, unlesse that of 23 E. 1. d. 4. and 24 E. 1. d. 7. which exactly accord in all things, from which that of 28 E. 1. d. 3. & 17. doth somwhat vary in the order, though not in the number of their names.

p. 11218. That the absence of the Archbishops, Bishops or other Great men from, and no… coming to Parliaments an… Great Council… when summoned, did many times hinder the proce…dings in them, and caus… them to be prorogued or adjourned, to the publike prejudice▪ yet upon particular nec…ssary occ…sions for the kingdomes defence and …afety, their personal presence was dispensed wi…h, and their Summons superseded; wi…nesse this memorable writ to the Bishop of Durham, Claus. 6 E. 2. m. 12. dorso.

Rex, Venerabili in Christo Patri R. eadem gratia Dunolm. Ep…s…opo salut…m. Li…t nuper Vobis mandaver… mus quod omn…bus aliis praetermissis essetis ad Nos tertia Dominica Quadragesimae prox▪ fu…ur, apud Westm, ibidens Nobiscum …t cum Praelatis …t Proceribus Regni nostri super diversis negotiis Nos et Statum ejusd…m Regni nostri tangentibus tractaturi, vest umque consilium impensur… ▪ Pre securitate tamen Custodiae et maj…r… tuitione part…um vestrarum contr… Scotos inimicos …t Rebe…les nostros, vobis man▪ damu…, quod à partibus praedictis vos nu…atenus …anf… ratis, sed Procuratorem vestrum sufflo…nter instructum addictos diem et locum mittatis, ad consent …nd, hi…s qu… tun… ib…dem per Nos …t dictos Pr…latos, …t Proc…re… …n…geris ordinari. Teste Rege apud Westm, 20 di… Feb.

Eodem modo mandatum est Episcopo Karliol. T. ut supra.

And this other observable writ of Supersedeas to the Bishops of Durham, and Karliol, with other Lords and Great men summoned to Parli…m…nt, thus recorded, in Claus. 12 R. 2. m. 42. dorso.

… De non venlendo ad Parliamentum.… p. 113… Vobis mandamus▪ quod prop…r r…siste…tiam inimicorum nostrorum pr…dictorum meliori et fortiori mod… quo poteritis, in propriis partibus vestris, aut alibi ubi in hac parte melius… videritis expedire, expectetis, mandato nostro non obstante. Ita quod semper dil…ctis et fidelibus Henr. de Percy Comiti Northum: & Johanni ae Nevil de Raby quos ad supervidend: et gubernand: Marchias Scotiae assignavimus, obedientes, intendentes sitis et auxiliantes quot…ns et q…ando per ipsos, seu …orum alterum fueritis rationabiliter praemuniti. Teste Rege apud Northampton 20 die Augusti. Per ipsum Regem et Consilium.

Consimilia Brevia diriguntur subscriptis sub eadem data, viz. Th. Episcopo Karliol, Rogero de Clifford, Johanni de Roos de Hamlake, Rado▪ Baroni de Graystock, Philippo Darcy, Henr. Fitz Hugh; Willielmo de Dacre.

Consimilia Brevia diriguntur Henr. de Percy Comiti Northumb. Iohanni de Nevill de Raby, excepto ultimo Clauso. Ita semper.

Of which see more in my Observations on the next Section, and here p. 51, 52.

19. That some writs to particular Bishops, varied in certain special clauses now and then from those issued to other Bishops at the self same time, upon special occasions, and in the**See p. 7, 8. 51, 52. form of the Praemunientes, &c.

20. That as there are some single writs of Summons to Bishops, or Archbishops entred in the Clause Rolls now and then, without any to the Temporal Lords or Barons registred together with them; So there are some writs of Summons to and prorogations of Parliaments iss…ed to Temporal Lords in some Rolls, without any to Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors or Ecclesiastical Lords entred with them, though no doubt they had the like writs of Summons and Prorogations, although not registred, as the bodies of the writs do manifest.

21. That the writs issued to the Archbishops, Bishops p. 114Abbots, Priors and Clergy, run usually in this form▪ Vobis mandamus quod in fide et dilectione quibus nobis tenemini, &c. not in fide et homagio. But the writs to the Earls, Barons and Temporal Lords: though they sometimes retain the self same words in fide et diloctione, yet for the most part they run thus; quod in fide & homagio, or ligeantia, quibus nobis t…n…mini, &c. or in homagio, …id… et dilectione: or in homag…o et lige…ntia; homagio, or ligeantia being put in the place of dilection…, or added to fide et dilectione quibus nobis tenemini.

22. That the writs to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots and Priors, for the most part, observe this stile; Vobiscum, ac cum caeteris Praelatis, Magnatibus et Proceribus, &c. in all clauses of the writ; The writs to the Earls, & Temporal Lords, Vobiscum, ac cum Praelatis et caeteris Magnatibus et Proceribus, or caeteris Magnatibus, or Proceribus, only: cae…eris being ev…r placed before Praelatis, in the writs to the Bishops, Abbots, but after Praelatis, and before Magnatibus or Proc…ribus, in all writs to the Tem…oral Lords, because of different Orders▪ the Prelates no… being Magnates or Proc…r…s by birth, or in their own right, but only the Temporal Lords; and they being not Praelati, or Eccl…s…astical Peers by order or function, but only the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and other Ecclesiastical▪ Barons.

23. That the number of Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors and Ecclesiastical persons summoned by writs to our Parliaments, was for the most part equall to, and many times farr exceeding the number of the Temporal Lords, & Barons; as you may easily discern by computing and comparing their numbers in this, with those of the Temporal Lord in the ensuing Section. In the Parliamvnt of 49 H. 3. the number of the Prelates, Abbots, and Spiritual persons summoned by writ, was 120. the number of Temporal Lords, but 23. Anno 23 E. 1. d. 9. the number of the Spiritual Lords summoned was 77; of the Temporal Lords but 63. And dors. 3, 4. the Spiritual Lords summoned to another p. 115Parliament that year, amounts to 90. the Temporal Lords only to 50. In 24 E. 1. d. 7. the Spiritual Lords summoned, were in all 91. the Temporal but 43. yet in other Parliaments the Temporal Lords exceeded the Spiritual, as in 27 E. 1. d. 18. the Spiritual Lords were 58. the Temporal 90. but in the next Parliament 28 E. 1. m. 3. the Spiritual Lords summoned were 102. the Temporal only 89. Their differences in number in other Parliaments I shall for brevity sake omit, only in most summons under King H. 4, 5, & 6. during these Kings absence and wars in France, (when most of the Earls and Temporal Lords were in actual service in the wars) the Spiritual Lords were neer double to the Temporal.

24. That the first writ wherein I finde any mention of, and provision for the Defence of the Church of England, is in 6 E. 2. here, p. 20. the next is in 11 E. 3. p. 39, & 40. 12 E. 3. p. 42. & 14 E. 3. p. 46. After which in the writs of 18 E. 3. p. 50. 31 E 3. p. 60, 61, 62. 46 E. 3. p. 67. 49 E. 3. p. 69. 1 R. 2. p. 69, 70, 72. and in most succeding them, Defensionem Ecclesiae Anglicanae, Salvationem et defensionem Ecclesiae Sanctae; Et …oc sicut salvationem et defensionem Ecclesiae Sanctae diligitis, were usually inserted into the writs of Summons, as well to Parliaments as Convocations, and in writs to the Temporal Lords and Sherifs, as they were in writs to the Clergy, it being one principal end of summoning Parliaments and Convocations.

25. That sometimes the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors were**Here, p. 20, 27, 29, 33, 35, 36, 41, 55, 56, 62, 64, 65, 71, 72, &c. authorized by the writs themselves to make Proctors, or Proxies to supply their places; other times prohibited to make any Proctors or Proxies at all, but peremptorily injoyned to appear in person, without any excuse, or Proctor to supply their absence. But the Deans, Chapters, Archdeacons, Priors and Clergy of every Diocess by a special clause of Praemunientes, &c. in the writs to the Archbishops and Bishops, and by second writs to the Archbishops, were summoned p. 116the Deans, Pri…rs and Archdeacons by themselves, their Chapters by one, and the Clergy of each Diocess, Quod per duos Procuratores idon…os p…enam et sufficientē potestatē ab ipsis Capitulis et Clero habentes, dictis die et loco intersint, ad fac…end. & consentiend. hiis, quae tun… ibidem de Com: Consilio regni nostri, divina favent… clementia co…tig… rit ordinari. Amongst others, the Bishop of**Here p. 7, 8. Bath and Wells was particularly injoyned Praemunientes Priorem et Capitulum Bathon. et Decanum et Capitulum Wellen▪ Ecclesiarum suarum, &c. quod idem Prior et D…canus in propriis personis suis, & dicta Capitula per unum Procuratorem idoneum, &c. una nobiscum inter sint, ad▪ &c. Hereupon the Prior of Bath when sick appeared not in person, but by a Proctor, and the Chapter of Bath by one or more Pr…ctors, specially chosen and authorized by their Letters of Procuration under their Seals; Which Letters of Procuration, I find entred in the antient Parchment Leiger Book of the Priory of Bath in sundry forms in the reign of King Edward the 1. which I shall here insert, for their rarity; and because they will inform us, what …ull and sufficient power other Priors, Deanes, Chapters, and the Clergy of each Diocess, (as also the Spiri…al Lords when absent, and authorized to make Proxies,) gave to their Procurators; and in what forms other Letters of Procuration were made in former times, of which I find only one printed inTi…les of Honor, p. 731, 73…. Mr. Selden.

The first of these Procurations runs in this manner, being directed to the King himself:

Serenissimo Domino suo, Domino Edwardo, Dei gratia, illustri Regi Angliae, Domino Hiberniae, et Duci Aquitan…ae, sui devoti Thomas Prior, et Capi…: Bathoniensis Ecclesiae, salutem, et debitam cum orationibus assiduis reverentiam et fidelitatem. Ad tractandum▪ ordinandum et faciendum una Vobiscum et caerer…s Praelatis et Proceribus, et aliis Regni incolis, in praesenti Convocatione Generali ap…d Westm. die Dominica proxima post festum S. Martini, pro diversis Regni negotiis convenientibus, dilectum in Christo Con…ratrem, et Conprofessum p. 117nostrum Fra…rem W. de Hampt…n, …ostrum facimus, ordinamus, et constituimu… PROCURATOREM per praesentes, plenam et liberam po…estatem eidem in hac parte conceden…es. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum, Capituli nostri praesentibus est appensum. Datum in Capitulo nostro Bathon: die Mercurii prox. ante festum S. Martini. Anno grat. 1295. (A…. 23 Ed. 1.)

There is another Letter of Procuration to this W. d… Hampton, made by the Sub Prior and Chapter of Bath the same year in the same words with the former, except in this variation and addition; Et aliis Regni incolis in hac instanti Convocatione generali apud Westm. die Dominica prox. ante festum Sancti Andreae Apoli, &c. PROCURATOREM LEGITIMUM per praesentes: Dan…es eidem, &c. (as before) omnia nostro nomin… facienda quae Nos faceremus si in Convocatione memora…a praesentes esse possemus. In c…j…s, &c. ut supra. Datum in Capit. nostro Bathon: die Sanctae Celiciae Virginis & Martyris. Anno gr. 1295.

Anno 24 E. 1. I find this form of Procuration by the Sub-Prior and Chapter of Bath directed to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Reverendae Sanctitatis Patri in Christo, Domino C. Dei patientia Cantuar: Archiepiscopo, totius Angliae Primati, sui filii humiles et devoti Frater Philippus Subprior. et Capitulum Bathoni…nsis Ecclesiae Cathedralis devotos obedientiae et reverentiae Spiritus cum salute. Ad tractandum una cum caeteris Religiosis in Convocatione vestra praesenti London. convenientibus die Dominica qua cantatur Laetare Ierusalem, cum continuatione diei, si…opus fuerit seu di…rum, et ad faciendum omnia quae Nos ipse faceremus si praesentes ibidem esse possemus, dilecto Confratri nos…ro, et Conmonacho Will: de Hampshire PROCURATORI NOSTRO …plenariam per praesentes contedimus faculta…em: Ratum habentes stabile et fi…mum quicquid per eundem nomine nostro in Convocatione praedicta actum fuerit p. 118sen concessum. In cujus rei testimonium Sigillo Capituli nostri fignari fecimus hanc Indenturam. Datum in Capi…ulo nostro Bathon: die Sancti Cuthberti. Anno Dom. 1296.

In the 27. year of King Edward 1. there is this Procuration made in another form.

Sancto Patri ac Domino, Domino C. Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati, Frater Thomas, Prior Ecclesiae Bathon. salutem, subjectionem, honorem et reverentiam debitam tanto Patri. Sanctae Congregationi Patrum Reverendorum Dominorum Episcoporum, Abbatum, Priorum, caeterorumque Praelatorum ac Cleri Provinciae Cantuar. in vestra praesentia reverenda post instantem commemorationem Animarum London faciendae, ob debilitatem nimiam nostri corporis, non valen…es personaliter interesse; vestrae Paternitati supplicamus attente, quatinus tunc ibidem hanc no…ram excusationem habere dignemini benignius excusatam. Ad tractandum vero providendum e… ordinendum super utilitatibus Ecclesiae promovendis, et aliis articulis de quibus in vestrae Paternitatis mandato plenior …it men…io, ac consent…endum hiis quae oportuna et expedientia videbuntur, dilectum nobis in Christo fratrem Hugonem Godmer nostrum Commonachum, NOSTRUM PROCURATOREM facimus et constituimus loco nostri, ad faciendum omnia ac singula quae Nos faceremus, seu facere deberemus si personali…er praesentes essem…s. Ratum habituri et gratum, quicquid idem Procurator noster cum unanimi Sanctorum Patrum et Cleri praedictorum assensu in praemissis duxerit faciendum. Valeat vestra S…ncta Paternicas reverenda in Christo per tempora longiora. Datum Bathon. 4 to. Kal. Novembr. Anno Dom: 1299.

There is another Procuration of the self-same date made by the Sub-Prior and Chapter of Bath, directed to the said Archbishop with the self-same Preface, to tanto Patri: and then Vestrae Sanctae Paternitati notum fa…mus per praesentes, quod Nos ad tractandum, providendum, p. 119ordinandum super ut…litatibus Ecclesiae promovendis, e… aliis …rtioulis de quibus in vestrae Paternitatis mandato plenior fit ment…o, et ad consentiendum hiis quae oportuna et expedientia videbuntur; dilectum nobis in Christo Fra…rem Rober…um de Clapcote nostrum Commonachum nostrum Procuratorem facimus et constituimus loco nostri, ad faciendum omnia … singula quae verus et legitimus Procurator fac…r… d…bet et consuevit. Ratum habi…uri et gra…um, quicquid idem Proourator, &c. (as in the next before.) Datum in Capitulo nostro Bathon: 4 Kal. Novembr. Anno Dom. 1299.

The same year on the first Lords day in Lent, I meet with another Procuration of this Prior in a different form from the precedent.

Universis sanctae Matris Ecclesiae …iliis …rater Thomas Prior E…clesiae Bathon: salutem in Domino sempiternam. Quia IN PARLIAMENTO DOMINI REGIS HABENDO LONDON secunda die Dominica Quad…agesimae OB NIMIAM CORPORIS NOSTRI DEBILITATEM ADESSE PERSONALITER NON VALEMUS, dilectum Nobis in Chri…o Fra…rem Willielmum de Hampton, nostrum Commonacum, NOSTRUM PROCURATOREM FACIMUS ET CONSTITUIMUS, ad faciendum pro Nobis ibidem quaecunque facere deberemus, secundum tenorem mandati Regis si in propria nostra persona tunc praesentes essemus, et consentiend…m sicut justum fuerit et canonicum hiis quae de Communi Consilio pro utilitate Domini Regis et Regni, favente Domino tunc ordinand. con…igerit, vel …tiam provideri. Ratum habituri et gratum quicquid idem Frater Willielmus NOSTER PROCURATOR cum unanimi Praelatorum Ecclesiasticorum, Procerum ac Magnatum, et Cleri assensu in praemissis sic duxerit faciendum. Datum B…thon: die Dominica prima Quadragesimae. Anno Dom. 1299.

There is the like Procuration of the s…me date made to him by the Prior and Chapter of Bath in all their names, and in the same words.

p. 120About the same year, the Sub Prior and Chapter of Bath made this form of Procutation, entred in their Le…ger Book.

Pa…eat universis per praesentes, quod Nos Prior et Capitulum Ecclesiae Bathon. dilectos nobis in Christo William de Syw…nham Clericum, et I…hannem de Merston PROCVRATORES NOSTROS VEROS ET LEGITIMOS, conjunctim et divisim, et quemlibet eorum in solidum, ita quod non sit melior conditio occupantis, ad infra scripta fecimus, ordinavimus et constituimus per praesentes. Dantes eisdem et eorum alteri nomine nostro potestatem IN PARLIAMENTO DOMINI NOSTRI REGIS apud W…stm. in crastino S. Hillarii prox futur. per Dei gratiam celebrando, cum continuatione et prorogatione dierum sequentium, usque ad …nalem dicti Parliamenti expeditionem, comparendi cum caeteris Religiosis, et aliis de Clero Regni Angliae Proceribus et Magnatibus dicti regni, caulas et negoci… quas vel quae habuerint in Parliamento tractandi, proponendi, necnon super tractandis et proponendis ibidem Statum dicti Domini Regis, e… regni sui, ac etiam STATUM ECCLESIAE ANGLICANAE concernentib…s: nostrumque deliberatum consensum et cons…iium hiis quae mediante Domino ibidem contigerit utiliter ordinari una cum aliis impendendi. Ulteriusque faciendi in praemissis et eà concernentibus quod juris fueri… et rationis. Promittentes Nos ratum, firmum et gratum sub Ypotheca re…um quos et ligare pos…umus, habituri, quicquid dicti PROCURATORES NOSTRI VEL EORUM ALTER in praemissi… et ea contingentibus duxerint, vel duxerit faciend. In cujus rei …estimonium …igillum nostrum commune praesentibus est appensum. Dat. in Domo nostro Capitulari Bathon.

26. That it appears by theaaHere, p. 3, 4, 78. 34, 35. 40. 54, 62, 70, 72, 73. Clauses and contents of sundry Praemised Writs, as likewise by thebbSee an Exact Abridgment, p. 18. 189. Protestations of the Clergy, and their Distinct Aydes, and Subsidies from the Temporalty granted in Parliaments p. 113to our Kings by d…erent Acts of Parliamen…, ex…ant in our PrintedccRastalls Abridgment Taxes and Tenths. Statute Books, as well as Parliament, and Stat…te Rolls; that the King and Temporal Lords and Commons in Parliament could not legally impose any Aydes, Subsidies or Taxes whatsoever on the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Deans, Chap…ers, Archdeacons, and inferiour Clergy o… England, without their own special Grants and Consents in their Co…vocations; it being contrary to the Great Charters of Henry the 1. King John, and Henry the 3. Chap. 1. yea to the Freedom, Rights, Liberties of the Church confirmed by them, and to all other Acts confirming Magna Charta, and to a particular Act, Rot. Parl. anno 8 H. 4. …. 36. exempting them from making Contributions with the Laity. Therefore they cannot do it now, upon the self same grounds, they having as full, as large an interest in their Rights, freedoms, Libe…ties, and those Grand Char…ers, Statutes confirming them, as any of the Laity have in theirs: Yet when they obstinately refused to grant▪ King Edward the first a necessary Ayde for the defence of the Realm in two successive Parliaments one after the other, against their allegiance and duty,ddWalsi…gham, Hist. Angl. p. 34, 35, 36. See before, p. 8. See my Plea for the Lords, p. 262, 263. only because Pope Boniface by his Constitution had prohibited under pain of excommunication, Ne Talliae vel Exactiones à Clero per seculares Principes quocunque modo exigentur, vel eis solvantur de rebus Ecclesiae: the King thereupon did put them out of his protection: to redeem which, many of the Clergy by themselves, and many of them by Mediators gave the King the fifth part of their goods, notwithstanding the Popes Inhibition; which is thus related by Matthew Westminster, Anno 1296. p. 407, 408.

Die Sancti Hillarii, celebravit Archiepiscopus Concilium suum cum Coepiscopis suis Suffraganeis Londini in Ecclesia Sancti Pauli. Quibus tractantibus per dies octo super postulatione regia, non invenerunt iter rectum, nec modum exclusivae sententiae, si aliqui vel quae…ito colore, vel aliquo titulo quippiam contulissent, etiam p. 114si plurimi clerici, aulici, curiale…que accessi…ent, qui postulatis consilium dederan… & favorem. Quae omnia Regi per Episcopos, aliósve nuncios, funt relata. Qui statim mutatus in crudelem, perversa regali aequalitate in tyrannidem, licentiatis suis famulis, obviantium cle…icorum religiosorumque virorum, quasi modo hostili, equitaturas …ibi arripere meliores, prohibitis insuper placitatoribu…, in lege sua peritis, coram Baronibus de Scaccario, seu ante quemvis …lium Justiciarium secularem, pro personis Ecclesiasticis allegare, Ecclesiasticos ministros censuit sua pace in…ignos. Mandavit etiam singulis ordinatis, sponte offerre sibi suorum proventuum quintam partem, a…t invitè cedere omnibus bonis suis. Huic mandato primitus obtemperaverunt quidam …onsorati, in curia regali praelati, in cura verò animarum Pilati manifesti, ut inducerent pari modo animos caeterorum. Quo facto, seisita sunt protinus per manus Vicecomitum omnia bona clericorum mobilia & immobilia, super laicum feodum inventa, a…qu… fisco regio titulata, cum superabundanti molestia suis ablatis libertatibus, q…as praedecessores reges, Christianitatis conservatores, Ecclesiis contulerant, authores bonorum. Et quod nequius est ferendum, appreciabantur ipsorum facultates, emptoribus quantocius expo…endae, nec securi audebant clerici equitare, nisi in majori conventu propter militum in cl…ricos violentiam, à rege licentia data. Sed & omni… bona Archiepiscopi, mobilia & immobi…ia, capta sunt in manu regis. Ipse quidem sustinuit patientè…. Ig…ur Clero si…ut supradictum est passo in corpore, pas…us est & Rex in animo. Hinc dolor et metus omnium Praelatorum. Hi…mque in perplexitate maxima constituti sunt, ut si quicquam concederent, sententiam excommunicationis incurrerent ipso facto, et si non darent, non effugerent immisericordes manus ipsorum praedonum. His madefacti adversitatibus, pro se ipsis anxii, pro grege sibi commisso inco…solabiliter moestificati, tanquam non habente alimoniam, p. 115ingruente fame, necessario seculum reperere quaesierunt, protectionem regis facultatibus suis, ratioci…io magno, redemptis.

Yet notwithstanding all the Clergy procured special Absolutions from this Po…e, from that Excommunication they conceived they had incurred by this their Ayd granted to the King against his Constitution, though done only through force, and such fear as might happen even to a constant man, as I observe by certain Instruments of Absolution, remembred by none of our Historians, but registred in the Leiger Book of the Priory of Bath; out of which I have transcribed them, as not unworthy publike knowledge.

Venerabili in Christo Patri, Dei gratia Archiep…s…opo Cantuar. vel ejus Vicario in Spiritualibus, Frater Gentilis, miseratione divin…, Ecclesiae Sancti Martini in Montibus Presbyter Cardinalis, salutem, et synceram in Domino caritatem. Ex parte Joh…nnis de Godmer perpetui Vicarii Ecclesiae de Ched…ern. Bathon. & Wellen. Diocaes. Nobis oblata pet…tio continebat, Quod ipse olim per vim & metum qui cadere posset in constantem, invitus Ministris se… Collectoribu… illustris Regis Angliae, contra novae Constitutionts tenorem Sanctissimi Patris Domini Bonefacii, divina providentia Papae …, Tallias sive Collec tas per solvit; per quod sententiam Excommunicationis incurrit, in tales generaliter promulgataem, et sic ligatius, non tamen in contemptum Clavium, in suis Ordinibus ministravit, et alias se ingressit divinis. Super quibus, supplicari fe…it humiliter si…i de absolutionis beneficio et dispensationis gratia per sedem Apostolicam salubriter provideri. Nos igitur, auctoritate Domini Papae, cujus Penitentiariae curam gerimus, circumspectioni vestrae committimus, quatenus si ita est, ipsum Vicarium à dictae excommunicationis Sententia …uxtae formam Ecclesiae absolvatis. Proviso attentè, quod idem Vicarius super hoc mandatis Domini Papae, et Romanae Ecclesiae semper parebit, et faciet illam poenitentiam quam sibi duxerit injungend…m, eoque ad tempus prout expedire p. 116vider…is a suorum Or…num executione suspenso. Demum Suffragan…ibus ei meri…is alioque Canonico non obstante super irregularitate dicto modo contracta cum eo misericorditer auctoritate dispensetis predicta. Datum Agnan: 6to Idus Augusti. Ponti…icatus Domini Papae Bonefacii 8. Anno sexto.

Sancto Patri in Christo et Domino reverendo R. Dei gratia Cantuar. Archiepiscopo totius Angliae Primati, sui filii humiles et devoti Thomas Prior et Conventus Bathon. salutem, et devotus obedientiae et reverentiae Spiritus cum omni honore debito tanto Patri. Ad petend. et recipiend. à vestrae clementia sanctitatis beneficium absolutionis, super excommunicationis sententia quàm incurrisse veremur, ex eo quod contra Constitutionem sanctissimi Patris et Domini Bonifacii divina providentia Papae octavi editam, contra omnes qui Collectas et exactiones sibi à Ministris, Nunciis seu Collectoribus illustris Regis Angliae persolveru…t nolentes vel inviti, Protectionem Domini Regis super hoc impetrantes et recipientes; dilectum Nobis in Christo fratrem Hugonem Godmer, praecentorem Ecclesiae nostrae Bathoniae Conmonacum nostrum, nostrum in hiis constit…imus Procuratorem. Dantes eidem liberam et plenam potestatem …estra in hac parte recipiendi mandata quae secundum Deum ad salutem animarum nostrarum juxta tenorem, formam, vim et effectum mandati Apostolici super hoc vobis directi, nobis duxeritis injungenda, una cum potestate jurandi in animas nostras secundum quod postulaverit ordo Juris. In cujus rei testimonium Sigillo nostro communi signari fecimus hanc scripturam. Datum Capitulo nostro Bathon: 5 Idus Novemb. Anno dom. 1300.

Universis praesentes literas inspecturis pateat evidenter, Quod nos Thomas Prior Bathon. et ejusdem lo…i Conventus Ordinis S. Benedicti, Bathoniensis et Wellensis Diocaes. bona side promittimus et sub ypotheca omnium bonorum Monasterii nostri cavemus, quod nos semper p. 117Romanae Ecclesiae et Domini Papae mandatis par…bimus, super excommunicationis et interdicti sententiis quas incurrimus, pro eo quod dudum contra Constitutionis tenorem Sanctissimi… Patris nostri Domini Bonifa…ti Papae octavi, Nunciis, seu Ministris Domini Regis Angliae Subsidium de bonis nostris Ecclesias…icis contribuimus propter vim et metum qui cadere poterit in constantes. In cujus rei testimonium, &c. Datum in Capitulo nostro Bathon. 5 Idus Novembr. Anno Dom. 1300.

Universis praesentes Literas inspecturis Robertus permissi…ne divina Cantuar. Archiepiscopus totius Angliae Primas, aeternam in Domino salutem. Literas Venerabilis Patris Domini Matthaei Dei gratia Portuensis, et Sanctae Rufinae Episcopi sanctissimi Patris Domini Bonifacii Papae 8vi. Paenitentiarii recepimus, tenorem qui sequitur continentes. Venerabili in Christo Pat…i Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. vel ejus Vicario in Spiritualibus, Fr…ter Matthaeus miseratione divina Portuensis, ac Sanctae Rufinae Episcopus, salutem, et sempiternam in Domino caritatem. Ex parte Prioris et Conventus Monasterii Bathoniensis Ordinis Sancti Benedicti fuit propositum coram Nobis, quod ipsi olim viet me…u qui cadere po…erit in constantem, Ministris, Nunciis, …eu Collectoribus illustris Regis Angliae contra Constitutionem et tenorem Sanctissimi Patris et Domini, Domini Bonifacii divina Providentia Papae octavi noviter …ditae contra Tallias, Collectas et Exactiones sibi impositas persolverunt, propter quod Excommunicationis incurrunt sententiam ex ipsius Constitutionis tenore in omnes et singulos contra facientes generaliter… promulgatam: Et sic ligati in suis, non tamen in contemptum Clavium, ministraverunt Ordinibus, et aliis divinis se ingesserint Officiis sicut prius; Verum cum parati sint Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae in omnibus obedire mandatis, supplic…ri fecerunt humiliter eis per sedem Apostolicam salubriter provideri. Nos igitu… ipsorum supplicationibus p. 118quantum cum Deo po…umus favorabi…iter annuent…s, auctoritate et mandato Domini Papae cujus Paenitentiariae curam gerimus, providentiae vestrae praesentium tenore committimus, quatinus …i est ita, ipsos et eorum quemlibet a reatu exces…us hujusmodi et excommunicatione quam propter hac incurrerunt absolvatis juxta formam Ecclesiae consuetam; Interdictum ab ipso Monasterio amovendo, et injunc…a eorum cuilibet pro culpae modo paeni…entia salutari, et alia quae talibus debent et consueverunt injungi; quodque …tabunt mandatis Ecclesiae, et facient illam poenitentiam quam sedes Apostolica eis duxerit injungendam▪ Super i…regularitate ex praemissis contracta dispensetis auctorita…e et mandato praedictis, alio non obstante canonico, misericorditer eisdem prout secundum Deum animarum ipsorum salu…i …ideri…is expedire. Datum Lateran. 3. Nona… Martii. Pontificatus Domini Papae Bonifacii octavi Anno sexto. Nos igitur dictos Priorem et Conventum Monasterii Bathon. et eorum quemlibet in per…or a Fratris Hugonis Godomer, Procuratoris ipsius Ecclesiae Bathon. Commonachi et Procuratoris sui, à majoris Excommunicationis sententia memorata, praestita nobis primitus ab eisdem idonea cautione quod stabunt Mandatis Ecclesiae, e…facient illam poenitentiam quam sedes Apostolica eis dixe…it injungendam, auctoritate nobis in ha… parte, commissa, juxta formam nobis in hac parte commissa juxta formam Ecclesiae absolvimus, et eis injunximus poenitentiam salutarem. Interdictum de ipso suo Monasterio amovendo. Et super irregularitate quam ea occasione sic liga…i in suis Ordinibus ministrando, et alias se divinis Officiis inmiscendo contraxerant, cum eisdem et eorum quolibet misericorditer auctoritate dispensamus praelibata, prout secundum Deum animarum ipsorum saluti vidimus expedire. In testimonium vero praemissorum Sigillum nostrum praesentibus est appensum. Datum apud Lyminge 17 Kal. December. Anno Dom. 1300. Consecrationis nostrae septimo.

p. 119There is another absolution from this excommunication granted almost in the like form and words by the Archbishop of Cant. to Iordanus Vicar of W…ston, who made a Procuration to another Clerk to request and receive it in his behalf; quia gravi corporis agritudine perpetua detentus ad v…stram venerabil…m praesentiam accedere non valens. By which it is evident, that every Clergyman and religious person whatsoever from the highest to the lowest, who through force or fear contribu…ed any aid to the King, against this Antimonarchical Constitution of Pope Boniface the 8. was excommunicated, interdicted for it, and forced to Peti…ion the Pope and his Penitentiaries, to be absolved from the same; and that only upon their Oaths and caution given to yeeld obedience alwayes to the Popes and Church of Romes manda…es for the future, and to undergo such penance as the Pope should please to i…flict upon them for what was past; yet thi… is stiled, a dealing mercifully with them. After which Oath a…d absolution, An. 1300, when as the Temporal Lords and Commons granted the King the 15. part of their goods for the Confirmation of the Great Char…er and their Liberties; **Mar. Westm. Anno 1300. 1301. p. 416▪Robertus Archiepiscopus Cantuar. pro Clero nihil voluit concedere, neque de temporalitate annexa Ecclasiae, sine licentiasummi Pontificis special; yet the Pope the next year usurped and received from him & them the Tenth of all their Ecclesiastical goods for 3. years, against their wills and the Kings too. Such vassals then were the English Clergy to the Popes; as of late years they have been in another kind to all arbitrary Commi… tees, New Tax-masters and Governors, who not only tax them at their pleasures without their consents, but eject, suspend, silence thē frō preaching, administring the Sacraments, or instructing children as Schoolmasters, in Publike or Private, without any legal cause, tryal, or proceedings, against all the Great Charters and S…atutes for maintenance of their Liberties and Freeholds in their Benefices, they being meer tenants at will both p. 120of their Ministry and Livings, the only means to make them rrGal. 1. 10. 1 The…. 2. 4. 2 Cor. 2. 27. Ezech. 13. 10, 11, 12.Gal 1:10Gal 1:12 Cor 2:27Ezek 13:10Ezek 13:11Ezek 13:12time-servers, Men-pleasers, Cor…upters of the Gospel▪ and Daubers with untempered morter, instead of sincere Ministers of the Gospel, and real Servants of Iesus Christ; Therefore fit to be timely redressed for the future; as this Papal Constitu…ion was timely opposed by King Edward the first, as is evident by Pat. 25 E. 1. pars 1. m. 9. 11. pars 2. m. 5. 6▪ & Claus. 30 E. 1. m. 13. which I shall hereafter reci…e at large in their due place. And this Passage of Mat. Westm▪ An. 1297. p. 408. Anno Gratiae 1297. congregatis Archipraesule Cantuar. & quibusdam aliis coepiscopis suffraganeis suis apud s…nctum Paulum Londint. 26 die Martii, iterum pro…stat… ecclesiae consulturis, insurgentes protiniss duo causidici, & duo de ordine Praedicatorum fratres, regalem & temporalem favorem aucupantes, conati sunt argumentis probare clerum ipsi regi, in tempore belli, non obstante prohibitione apostolica, de suis facultatibus posse licit… subvenire. Insuper prohibitio sub poena incar…erationis, ne quis contra ipsum regem et eos, qui jam pridem suam protectionem quaesierant, excommunicationis sententiam promulgar…t, provocatione facta pro se ad Romanam curiam & pro ipsis. Recesserunt igitur omnes oneratis suis conscientiis per Archi…piscopum sic dicentem, salvet suam animam unusquisque.