The english register of Godstow nunnery, near Oxford : written about 1450 / edited with an introduction by Andrew Clark.

BERKSHIRE

BLEWBERRY: see also in North Moreton.

[folio 92] A Charter of Iohane, the doughtir of Iohn Tureuyle, confermynge ij. hydys of lond in Blebyry.

About 1265. Grant to Godstow, by Joan Turvyle, of two hides held of the convent of Nimgun, and a messuage, subject to a pension of 20s. to Nimgun.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Iohane, the doughtir of Iohn Tureuyle, with the consent and the assent of her husbond [The name 'Osbert Turpin' is given in the Latin copy.] , yaf and graunted & cetera, for the helþe of the soules of his fadirs and modirs and of all his aunceturs and successours, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe there seruyng god, ij. hydys of lond in blebyry, that is to sey, tho that they held of the priour and couent of Nimgun ['Nimgun' also in the Latin copy.] ; with the mese where they were wonyd to abide in the same towne; and with all other pertynentis and fredomes longyng to the same lond, in toftis in croftis, in wode and mede, in weyes and pathes, in londes I-telyd and not I-telyd: To be hold and to be had, frely and quyetly, worshipfully and in pease for euer, and that in the most fre and best wise as euer they held hit of the Monkis, yeldyng therof yerely xx. shillings, at Mighelmasse to the forsaid priour and monkis of Nimgun for all seruyce longyng to the same priour and Couent, sauyng the kyngis seruyce. And she and her heires warantized the forsaid lond with all his pertynentis aforseid to the forsaid mynchons of Godestowe ayenst all men and women, & cetera [Witnesses: William, Walerand, Hu|bert, Henry, chaplains of Godstow; Sir Ralph Harange; Reginald Basset.] .

CUMNOR

[folio VIb(18b)] A charter of huge Abbot of Abendon for iiij. burthyns of thornys.

About 1190. Confirma|tion to God|stow, by Abingdon abbey, of an old grant of faggots every day.

THE sentence of thys charter is, that Huge, Abbot of Abendon, & all the Couent of the same place, with oone assent, yaf & grauntyd to the Mynchons of Godstow, for the loue of god, in-to pur & perpetual almys, fowre burdyns of thornys of her wood of Cumnore, to be hadde euyry day thorow the yere by the syht of her forester, as they haue be wonyd to haue in tyme here a-fore: & that they be not greuid, ne let by the gryef of any man, in any tyme, of these burduns of thornys to be hadde. The forseyde Abbot & his couent confermyd the same graunt with her wrytynge, & settynge to of her seeles: these beynge wytnes: & is with-out date.

DUXFORD, on the Thames, in Longworth parish. [[NOTE.—The probability is that the abbess and convent of Bertincourt in Normandy held the feudal superiority of this property, and that therefore the tenant, Henry of St. Valerie, could not impose a rent-charge on it without their permission. For this leave they imposed the problematical rent, that Godstow should acknowledge the overlordship of Bertincourt by payment of 12d. when the abbess of Godstow visited Bertincourt. Godstow seems afterwards to have accepted a smaller rent|charge in consideration of obtaining powers of distraint for arrears. The rent-charge does not occur either in Pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291, or at the dissolution in 1540.]]

[folio 150] A Charter of henry of seynt walerye, for the mylle of dudekesforde to the holy mynchons of Godestowe.

About 1235. Grant to Godstow, by Henry of St. Valerie, of 12s. rent|charge on the mill, subject to a casualty to Bertin|court abbey, Nor|mandy.

THE sentence of this charter is, that henry of seynt walerye yaf, & cetera, to god & cetera and to the holy mynchons of Godestowe ther seruyng god, for the helth of his soule and of his auncetours and of his heires, xij. shillings of yerely rent of the mylle of dudekesford, with all encrese that myght come of the mylle, as hit is conteyned in the charter that he made of the abbesse and covente of Bertancourte: To be had and to be hold, into fre and perpetuel almesse, by service that he ought to do to the said abbesse of Bertancourte, that is to sey, by xij.

[pence [The Latin copy supplies the tenure: 'per duodecim denarios reddendos apud Bertincurt cum abbatissa de Godestowe ibidem personaliter fuerit, pro omni ser|vitio.'] ] to be yelded at Bertancourte whan the abbesse of Godestowe were ther personally: these beyng witnes.

A Charter of the abbesse of Bertoncourte for the mylle of Dudesforde, confermyng the yifte of henry of seynt Walerye, the which yaf and confermed hit to the abbesse and covent of Godestowe, of xij. shillings of yerely rente of the mylle of Dudekes|forde.

About 1235. Confirma|tion to Godstow, by Bertin|court abbey, of no. 9.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Margarete, by the grace of god abbesse of Bertancourte, and all the Couent of the same place, graunted and confermed with ther charter, the yifte of Henry of seynt Walerye the whiche he made and confermed with his charter to the abbesse and Couente of Godestowe of xij. shillings of yerely rente in the mylle of dudekesforde, with encresyng and makyng more that may come of the forsaid mylle [This clause suggests that the sum of 12s. may have been fixed by way of tithe, and was to increase if the mill became more profitable.] , as hit is conteyned in the charter that the said henry of seynt walerye had of them. Thise beyng witnesse, & cetera.

A-nother Charter of the same abbesse of Bertan|court, I-made to the mynchons of Godestowe, for the mylle aforsaid.

1246, July. Confirma|tion to God|stow, by Bertincourt abbey, of no. 9, apparently on a change of owner|ship of the mill, with grant of power of distraint.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Margarete, by the grace of god abbesse of Bertancourte, and the couent of the same place, ordeyned the abbesse of Godestowe to resceive of ther rente in Inglond, that is to sey, vpon xij. shillings yerely of the mylle of dudekesford, with the pertynentis, the whiche [folio 150b] henry fitȝ henry fitȝ Symeon of Oxenford held of them. They graunted also to the said abbesse the same power that they had in that mylle, to distreyne the forsaid henry, and who-so-euer held þat mylle, after the lawes and customes of the Reame of Englond, but he yelded the said rente to the same abbesse at the termes I-sette. And into witnesse of this thynge they made ther lettres

patentis, for ever to dure to the forenamed abbesse, And that hit be levied to the same abbesse in euery courte as to them surely for them and vpon ther thyngis to be do. The date the yere of oure lord a M^l. CCxlvj^ti, in the moneth of Iule.

[folio 150] A Charter of the Abbesse of Bertancourte, I-made to the abbesse of Godestowe, for xij. shillings, yerely.

1246. Orders by Bertin|court abbey, to their tenant, Henry, son of Henry Simeon of Oxford, to pay 8 years' arrears of the rent|charge (as in no. 9), and to pay it duly in future, with con|firmation to Godstow of power of distraint.

THE sentence of this Charter is, that Margarete, by the grace of god, abbesse of Bartancourte, and the Couent of the same place, comaunded to her welbeloued henry the sone of fitȝ henry, and bad that he shold lette not to yelde ther rente of the mylle of dudekesford, that is to sey, xij. shillings yerely, to the abbesse of Godestowe that was for the tyme, with the arreragis of viij. yere, without ony agayn saiyng: they made the abbesse of Godestowe ther resceive of the said rente, yeldyng to the same all her power to distreyne them and euery holder of the same mylle for the forsaid yerely rente, also ofte tyme as hit were nede, so moche therof makyng that they have no more vexacion by yow. Farewel: god kepe you. The date at Bertoncourte, the yere of oure lord a thowsand, two hundred, fourty and Sixe.

[folio 151] A couenaunte bitwene dame Emme Bluet, abbesse of Godestow, and Henry Symeon for vj. shillings of yerely rente of the mylles of Dudekes|forde.

About 1255. Acknow|ledgement to Godstow, by Henry Simeon, of his obli|gation to pay 6s. quit|rent out of the mills, with power of dis|traint,

THE sentence of this couenaunte is, that there was a cou|enaunte I-made, bitwene dame Emme Bluet, abbesse of Gode|stowe, and the couent of the same place of the one partie, and henry Symeon of the other partie, that is to sey, that the same henry Symeon knowleched hym-self and his heires or his assignes to be hold to the mynchons of Godestow and to ther successours in vj. shillings of yerely rente, of the mylles of dudekesford with ther pertynentis, frely vtterly and quyetly for ever, that is to sey, at the fest of myghelmasse iij. shillings and at the natiuite ['Nativity' of Mary is September 8. No doubt the term meant is 'Annunciation,' March 25.] of our lady iij. shillings. And yf hit happened

that the same Henry Symeon or his assignes or his heires paied not at the termes afore-named the seid rente, hit shold be lawfull to the seid mynchons and to ther successours to distreyne and nyme, by ony certayn seruant, in the said mylles or in ther pertynentis, the said henry or his heires or his assignes, tille hit were fully I-satisfied to the said mynchons and to ther suc|cessours. And the said abbesse and mynchons of Godestow and ther successours shold acquyte and defende the forsaid henry and his heires or his assignes ayenst the abbesse and couente of Berhemcourte, and of the vj. shillings of yerely rente kepe them harmelesse. And that this afore couenaunt, & cetera.

A lettre of attorney to William Wurth and Roger Fynacourte, I-made of the abbesse of Godestowe, to aske the arreragis of the mylle of Dudekesforde.

1297, Nov. 12. Claim by Godstow, for 18 years' arrears of the rent|charge on the mill (as in no. 9).

THE sentence of this lettre attorney is, that Alice Gorges, abbesse of Godestowe, and the couente of the same place, made, ordeyned, and sette, theire welbeloued in crist William Wurth and Roger Fynacourte, to axe and to take in ther name all the arreragis dew to them of the yerely rente of xij. shillings of the mylle of Dudekesford, the whiche ben behynde to them of xviij. yere and more, yevyng to theym or to the other of them power for the same, in the mylle aforsaid or in his pertynentis wher|so-euer they saw hit best to spede, to neme or to distreyne tille hit were fully I-satisfyed to them in ther name or them of the forsaid arreragis, also with the yerely rente in the termes after|ward of þe forsaid mylle with his pertynentis to be paid. Into witnesse of the which thynge, they made these her lettres patentes to them. The date at Godestowe, the Tewesday next aftir the fest of seynt Martyn, the xxv. yere endyng of the reigne of kyng Edward.

[folio 150b] A Charter of Iohn at the Grove of Longeworth, I-made to the mynchons of Godestowe, for x. shillings of yerely rente at Mighelmasse of the mylle of Dudekesford.

1298, April 24. Acknow|ledgement to God|stow, by John at grove, of obligation to pay 10s. rent-charge out of the mill, and of Godstow's right of distraint over all his property, even if the mill is destroyed by fire or otherwise.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Iohn of the Grove of Longeworthe bound hym-self to the lady abbesse of Godestowe,

and to the covent of þe same place, in x. shillings of yerely rente yerely to be paid for euer to the same in the same house of Godestowe at Mighelmasse of the mylle of dudekesforde. And to that paiyng of the forsaid rente, he bound hym-self, his heires and assignes, and all his londes and tenementis in longeworth, and in all other places, that, trewly and without gile, to be do for euer, to the same and to ther successours, yerely at the forsaid terme x. shillings, into whos-so-euer handis they come, also with the mylle aforsaid, waters, fysshweres, and all other pertynentis, to the constreynyng and distreynyng of þe forsaid abbesse, Couente, or ther baillifis, that they myght distreyne them and reteyne the distreynyngis tille the arreragis of the forsaid rente of x. shillings, yf ther were ony (that god forbede), also with the harmes and expensis, yf the forsaid abbesse and Couente susteyned ony by that occasion, they shold be fully I-paid. And yf hit happened the forsaid mylle, in ony case fallyng, to falle downe, to be cast downe, or vtterly to be distroyed, or to be brennyd, þat (that notwithstondyng) he shold be bounde, for hym and his heires, and also for all other holdyng afterward his londes and tenementis, to the forsaid abbesse and covente, in the forsaid x. shillings of yerely rente for euer, of the forsaid londis and tenementis, at the forsaid terme euery yere fully to paye, as hit is aforsaid, by the forsaid distreynyng. And to more suerte of the same of the paiyng of the forsaid rente, as hit is I-seid before, to be do, he bounde hym-self and his heires to the distreynyng of ony maner Iuge of the chirch the which the forsaid abbesse and couente wolde chese, that they myght compelle them by the censure of the chirche to the forsaid paiyng, all excepcions I-put be-hynde. Into witnesse of this he put to his seale. The date at Godestowe, the thursday next after the fest of seynt George, the xxvj. yere of the reigne of kyng Edwarde the sone of kynge Henry.

KNIGHTON, in Compton Beauchamp parish.

[NOTE.—Early in the history of the convent, Godstow's interest in this parish was forgotten, and consequently erroneous readings have crept in at most mentions of it in the Registers, both Latin and English. A branch of the St. Valerie family possessed considerable lands here. About 1200 Wido of St. Valerie (possibly a younger brother of Bernard) gave Godstow a rent-charge (nos. 16, 17) of 6s. 8d. over these lands to endow an obital service for his father. About 1225 Wido's

son, Reginald, sold his Knighton property to St. Frideswyde's priory (Wigram's Cartulary of St. Frideswide, 1896, ii. 297-306). The Rev. H. Salter has shown me that Mr. Wigram, following Dugdale, has assigned the sale to the great Reginald (died 1166), whereas the conveyance is dated 'in die Translacionis B. Thome Martiris,' and cannot therefore be earlier than 1224. In 1286, in an exchange of rent-charges over each other's property, Godstow (no. 509) gave up this Knighton rent-charge to St. Frideswyde's priory. The service for the founder's father was provided for by transferring the obligation to Godstow property in North Oxford, where, at the dissolution in 1540, we find this 6s. 8d. still charged (Monasticon, iv. 370). When, some 150 years later, the compiler of the Latin Register transcribed the deeds about the obit, he could not make out the locality. He had recourse to two subterfuges. Two deeds (nos. 17 and 18), owing to the founder's name, he attached to St. Valerie donations elsewhere. A third (no. 16) he put into his un|identified set at the end, under Cniscetuna (for Cnigtetuna). In the general charters he has even wandered into Cumberton.]

[folio 151b] A Charter of Wyde of Seynt Walerye for half a marke [in] Cniscetun.

About 1200. Grant to Godstow, by Wido of St. Valerie, of a rent|charge of 6s. 8d.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Wydo of seint Walerye, for his soule and for his fadir and modir and brother sowles, yaf and graunted half a marke, to god & cetera and to the holy mynchons of Godestow there seruyng god, in-to perpetuel almesse, in cniscetun every yere in the anniuersarye of his fadir aforsaid. These beyng witnesse, & cetera.

[folio IIb(14b)] A chartur of wydo of seynt walery of halfe a marke of syluer I-gyfe to the couent of Godestowe.

About 1200. Duplicate of pre|ceding. Obit for Wido's father, on Sept. 1.

THE sentence of thys dede is that Wydo of seint walery, by the consent of hys wyfe Aubreche ['Albredra' in Latin.] and Reynald hys heyr, hath Ȝyf & grauntyd to the Mynchyns [folio III(15)] of Godstowe, in perpetual almys, half a mark of syluyr euyry yere, to be take in the obit of hys fadur, at the fest of seynt Geyle, of the land that Gerard hath hold: thys wytnesith Thomas, Chapeleyn of Godstowe, & many othyr with-in rehersyd; & is with-out date.

A chartur I-made by Reynolde fiȝt wydo.

About 1200. Confirma|tion to God|stow, by Reginald of St. Valerie, of no. 16.

THYS is a confirmacion of Reynold of seynt walery of the yft of Guido a-boue seyd, of the seyd halfe marce, as it is a-boue rehersyd in the next dede a-fore: theyes wytnes, & cetera. And is with-out date.

LANGFORD: see Langford in Oxfordshire.

NORTH MORETON.

[NOTE.—The Godstow lands in North Moreton were held by tenants on payment of quit-rents, which are returned at £5 6s. 8d. a year, both in 1291 in pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio Ecclesiastica and in 1540 at the dissolution (Monast. iv. 374-5).]

[Exchequer-MS. folio 92b] Charter of Osbert Turpin and his wife Ioan of North Morton.

About 1255. Grant to Godstow, by Osbert and Joan Turpin, of the mediety of (a) 4 yard|lands in demesne, (b) a croft, (c) certain meadows, (d) and three yard|lands in villeinage: tenure = 1 lb. of cumin.

OSBERT and Ioan Turpin, for the welfare of themselves and for the souls of their ancestors and successors, gave to Godstow a mediety of all their holding in North Morton, viz. of 7 yardlands, 4 being in demesne ['In dominicis,' 'in villenagiis.'] , and 3 in villenage.

In demesne:—in Est felde 6 acres which are called Hang|indelond on the east, and 14 acres against the ditch on the west, and in middel forlong 10 acres towards the north and 10 in Blakelond next the north. In West felde 22 acres, viz. in Northlongelonde towards the north, and in Westlongelond 20 acres towards the north at the head of the same land with a 'furrow.' And, in addition, half of the whole messuage which is called Parthes ['Parc' in no. 21.] next the north and half of all the meadow called Souene acre on the south and half of the meadow which is called Riscroft towards the north, and 3 acres of meadow in North meade. And 6d. of yearly rent at Michaelmas from Richard Turepin and his heirs.

In villeinage:—Iohn Suth, with all his land and all his sequela and their chattels; and Matilda, widow of Thomas Brun, and all her land and all her sequela and their chattels; and Alice, widow of Iohn of Withham, and all her land and all her sequela and their chattels.

All this was given to Godstow in free alms, to be held by Godstow by 1 lb. of cumin at Michaelmas.

Witnesses:—Sir Henry Basset; Sir Philip of Sanderuill; Sir William of Seuekesworth; Sir Henry of Baywerthe.

[Exchequer-MS. folio 92] Charter of Henry Basset of Northmorton.

About 1255. Confirmation to God|stow, by Henry Basset, feudal superior of no. 19. Purchase money, £6.

HENRY BASSET confirms to Godstow the gift by Osbert Turpin and his wife Joan of the mediety of their lands

belonging to his fee of Northmorton. For this con|firmation Godstow gave him 9 marks of silver.

Witnesses:—Sir William of Wyldesor; Sir Philip of Sanderuill; Sir Henry of Baywerth; 'Sir' Nicholas, then steward of Abingdon; Peter Torold [Peter son of Torald died 1257: Wood's City of Oxford, iii. 460.] of Oxford; Richard Threstwald of Dunsingeton.

[Exchequer-MS. folio 93b] Charter of William son of Iohn of Northmorton.

About 1255. Confirmation to Godstow, by William, son of John, perhaps heir of the donor, of no. 19. Purchase money, 6s. 8d.

Said William for the health of his soul and of the souls of his heirs and ancestors, confirmed to godstow the gift of Osbert Turpin and Ioan of Blebiri, viz. of half of the croft called parc and of half] [Rawl.-MS. folio 92] of [The English Register begins again after a lost leaf.] the vij. yerdis of lond with ther pertynentis in northmorton: To be had and to be hold, to the said mynchons and to ther successours, into fre and perpetuell almesse, after as the charter of the said Osbert and of Iohane his wyf the which they made therof shewith and witnessith. And for this graunte and confirmacion of this charter, the forsaid mynchons yaf to hym I [half [Added from the Latin.] ] mark of siluer. And that this his graunte shold be sure, & cetera [Witnesses are: Sir William of Seuekesworth; Sir Roger of Withtham; Sir Henry of Bayworthe; James, steward of Godstow. 'Sir,' in some instances, no doubt describes the parish priest, not a knight.] .

[Exchequer-MS. folio 92b-93] Charter [Given in duplicate.] of Ioan of Blebiri, formerly wife of Osbert Turpin of Northmorton.

About 1265. Grant to Godstow, by Joan of Blew|berry, of the other half of lands described in no. 19, and confirmation of the former gift.

IOAN of Blebiri in her lawful widowhood, for the welfare of her own soul and of the soul of her late husband Osbert Turpin, [folio 93] gave to Godstow half of all her holding in Northmorton with all its pertinents, viz. half of 7 yardlands (4 in demesne and 3 in villeinage), to be held by Godstow on payment of 1 lb. of cumin for all services, except foreign service; and confirmed the gift made by her husband and herself.

Witnesses:—Sir William of Wyndlesore; Robert Basset; John of Hakeburne; Philip of Sandrevile; Hugh of Kenetwode; Milo of Morton; James of Hauehunt ['De Hauncia,' in the duplicate.] .

[Rawl.-MS. folio 92] A Charter of Milo Basset of Northmorton re|myttyng and quyte-claymyng to the abbesse and mynchons of Godestowe all his right and clayme that he had toward the forsaid abbesse and myn|chons vpon homage and relefe, & cetera.

About 1265. Confirma|tion to Godstow, by Milo Basset, feudal superior, of no. 22, and quit|claim of manorial rights. Purchase money, £5 6s. 8d.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Milo Basset remitted and furthermore quyte-claymed, for hym and his heires for euer, to the abbesse of Godestowe and to the mynchons there seruyng god, all the right and clayme that he had or myght haue toward the forsaid abbesse and the forsaid mynchons vpon homage, relefe, warde, and sute of courte, of the tenement that þei held of hym in northmorton, the which tenement they had of the yifte of Iohane Turpyne of Blebyry, So that nother he nother his heires myght no thynge axe after-ward of the forsaid abbesse and mynchons of the forseid homagis relefis wardis and sutis of courte, but all only the kyngis seruyce, as they were I-wonyd to do afore. And for this remyttyng and quyte-claymyng the forsaid abbesse and mynchons yaf to hym viij. mark of silver. And because hit shold be sure, & cetera [Witnesses: Sir Alan of Fernham, Robert of Sandervill, &c.] .

[Exchequer-MS. folio 92] Charter of Ioan of Turevile of Morton.

About 1265. Grant to Godstow, by Joan Turevile, of 2 yard|lands, tenure — pair of gloves.

IOAN of Turevile, in her lawful widowhood, confirmed to Godstow 2 yardlands in the fee of Morton, viz. a yardland which Thomas of Harewelle once held to farm of her, and a yardland which Alice widow of Fulc held, to be had and held by God|stow [folio 92b] by payment of 1 pair of gloves or 1d. at Michaelmas for all service, the convent also making said Ioan partaker of all good deeds and alms which should be done at Godstow.

Witnesses:—Sir William of Suuekewerthe; Sir Roger of Withtham; Robert of Botteleye; William Calamund; James, steward of Godstow; Henry, porter.

SEACOURT or SECKWORTH.

[NOTE.—Seuecurda, Seukeworth, Seckworth (Wood's City of Oxford, i. 325-8), and, more recently, Seacourt, was once a considerable village in Berkshire, between Wytham and North Hincksey, of which little now survives except the name (now pronounced 'Sec-urth' by Wytham folks). Its decay probably dates from the con|struction

of the Seven Bridges Road (formerly, Botley Causeway) which gave a more convenient access from Oxford across the many-streamed Thames valley to the road to Bath and the west. Before that, the route went north from Oxford through Walton for about a mile; then turned westward; crossed the main Thames at Binsey ford; and thence advanced across various branches of Thames by bridges, whose abutments remained till living memory, to Seukeworth, just south of the branch of Thames which parts Oxfordshire from Berkshire. There is some confusion about the dates of the de Seukeworth family. Wood, basing his judgement on Brian Twyne's excerpts, assumed that William of Seuke|worth gave the tithe of his mills (no. 25) to Godstow at the foundation, in 1138/9. This cannot be, since the first list in which the grant is mentioned is Henry II's second charter (no. 879), i.e. about 1165. The family descent seems to be—Robert of Seukeworth, about 1140; William, about 1165; Robert, 1200; Sir William, 1230; Dionysia, 1260. The church (no. 27), or chapel-of-ease, of Seukeworth was a benefaction of the family to Studley Priory in Oxfordshire. At the dissolution, 1540, Godstow still owned (Monast. iv. 375) a parcel of meadow called Secourt ham, valued at 3s. 4d. a year, and then reckoned to be in Wytham parish.]

[folio VI(18)] A chartur of William of Sewkeworth of the tythe of ij. myll & oþer commodyteys in ye same.

About 1165. Grant to Godstow, by William of Sewke|worth, as a nun's dower, of the tithes of two mills there, and grant of five acres of meadow. Also con|firmation of his (step?) son's gift of Easington church (no. 438) with land and tithe in Easington.

THE sentence of thys chartur is, that William of Sewekeworth willith to be know that he grauntyd & gaf to god & to our lady seynt Marye, & to the churche of Godstowe, & to the holy mynchyns there seruinge god, for the helthe of hys sowle, & of hys chyldyrn, & of hys aunceters, with hys wyfe also, the whyche he toke ['Take' is used as equivalent to 'give.' The Latin is: 'cum uxore mea, quam in illis praefatis sanctimonialibus ad deo servien|dum commisi.'] to kepe to the forseyd holy mynchons to serue god:— that is to say, he grauntyd & gaf to the holy my[n]chons a-foreseyde tethe of hys too Millis of Sewekeworth in corne, money, & fysshes; Also v. acris of hys demayne medewe, namede heahitte [Latin is: 'heaheite.'] ; Also, by hys owne consent & meuynge of hymselfe & of hys wyf, Turstyne, hys sone of wedloke, gaf & grauntyd to the forseyd churche of Godstowe the churche of esdome & a yerde of londe of hys owne demayne, & tythe of the same towne a-fore-sayd. He, hys wyf, & hys sone, gafe & grauntyd [In margin is put: '¶ for Sewkeworth.'] all these thynges to be hadde for euyr in almys to the churche of Godstowe, And gaf goddys-curs to all aduersaries & by-nemers [Latin is: 'ablatores.'] of thys gyft, & prayed veniaunce of god to falle to hem: these beynge wytnes: & is with-out date.

A chartur of Robert of Seuecorthe for the same.

About 1200. Grant to Godstow, by Robert of Seuke|worth, of the tithes of two full|ing-mills.

THE sentence of thys chartur is, that Robert of Sevecowrthe gaf & grauntyd & confirmyd wīth hys chartur, with the assent of hys eyerys, to god & to our lady Seynt Marie & to seynt John Baptist of Godstowe, & to the mynchons there seruinge god, for the helthe of hys sowle, & of hys aunceturs, in-to pure & perpetual almes, tythe of hys two myllis fuleree in Seve|cowrthe, & that hys gyft shulde be sure, & neuer be broke, he made hyt stronge by settynge to of hys seele; these beynge wytnes: & is with-out date.

[[NOTE.—The mills of which the tithes were given by the father (no. 25) were corn-mills (the Latin having 'in bladis et nummis et piscibus'). These, in the son's gift, must be different, being fulling-mills for the felting of woollen-cloth ('decimas duorum molendinorum meorum fuleree in Seuecordia').]]

[Exchequer-MS. folio 2] Grant by William, lord of Seuekeworthe, to the church of St. Mary of Sewkeworth.

About1240. Grant by William of Sewke|worth, to the church there, of tithe of the meadow held by Godstow (no. 25).

I, William of Seuekeworthe, grant to the church of Sewke|worth the tithe of that meadow which my ancestors gave to Godstow, and, in augmentation of the tithes, if they are in|sufficient, pasture for two oxen in my meadows with my own oxen in wood and plain, etc., and the half of the water-course of Dudwell. Confirmed by the seal of the bishop of Salisbury. Witnesses:—Thomas, then vicar of Sewkeworth; William Moreton, archdeacon of Berkshire and dean of Abingdon; Walter of Sewkeworth; Robert of Boteley.

WYTHAM.

[Charters about Godstow conduit.]

[folio III(15)] A chartur I-made to the couent of Godstowe by Robert fiȝt vincent.

About 1135. Grant to Godstow, by Robert, son of Vincent, of a site near Wytham, for a collecting|reservoir, and of leave to bring the connecting pipe over his lands.

THE sentence of thys dede is, that Robert [See his gift of land in 1138/9 (no. 4).] the sone of vyncent, lord of Wyhtham, hath grauntyd & confirmyd to the Mynchyns of Godstowe, for the helthe of hys soule & many othyr rehersyd, a plase to make an hede of her water cundit, to haue

for euyr vppon hys londe the whyche lyeth be-twene the londe of the church of Wyhtham & the lond of Iohn of appelford in the secund furlonge of the longe more toward Wyhtham. Also he hathe grauntyd to the same Mynchyns, to make & brynge the seyde water cundit to the cowrt of Godstowe, as wel by hys arable lond, Medewe, & al maner londes of hys tenauntes for euyr, vndur the same condicion that the damage in the defaute of the reparacion [folio IIIb(15b)] of the same mow be satysfyed, as it is seyd in the dede next a-fore [Now no. 29.] . And is with-out date.

a chartur of Robert calamunt for the cundit.

About 1135. Grant to Godstow, by Robert Calamunt, of rights, as in no. 28.

THE sentence of thys dede is, that Robert Calamunt [Probably the same as Robert, son of Vincent.] of Wyhtham hath grauntyd & confermyd to the Mynchyns of Godstowe free lycence to make a cundit to her cowrt of God|stowe bothe by hys arable londe & also by hys medewe, vndur the condicion that they satisfye & make good to hym thorow whose londys they make her cundyt for the harmys, by the discrescion of neyburs, for his hurt in the defaute of reparacion of the same: & is with out date.

[folio III(15)] a chartur of Robert Newman made to þ^e couent of Godestowe of þ^e cundit at wytham.

About 1200?. Grant to Godstow, by Robert Newman, of an en|largement of the reser|voir-site, and right of entry to repair.

THE sentence of thys dede is, how that Robert Newman of wyhtham yaf and grauntyd, in pure & perpetual almys, for hym & hys eyrys, to the Mynchyns of Godstowe & here successours, a parcell of lond, xij. fete of lengyth & x. of brede, in largeing & augmentynge the hede of the cundyte & for the howse byldynge there-vppon, the whyche hede was grauntyd of Robert the sone of Vincent, as hyt shal be more playnly shewyd in the next dede folowynge [Now no. 28.] , with fre entres and re-intres to belde & repayre the same. Also he grauntyd that the forsayd Mynchyns mowe repayre & amend the forseyd cundyt, aftur her owne wyll, as oft as nede requiryth, so that for the harmys be made amendes by the dyscresion of Neyburs to hem that be hurtyd by occasyon of suche reparacion, & cetera. And is with-out date.

[[NOTE.—I take this conduit to be for the supply of drinking water to the nunnery. Somewhere beyond the village of Wytham, a reservoir seems to have been con|structed to catch one of the springs which gush out of the foot of the Berkshire hills. Mr. H. Hurst points out the difficulty of supposing engineers at that date to be capable of conducting a stream of water under the branches of Thames which lie between Wytham and Godstow. But Oseney Abbey (Wood's City of Oxford, ii. 205) was supplied by a reservoir at North Hincksey, and portions of the lead-pipe (enclosed in stone), by which the water was conveyed across the Thames valley and probably under the streams, have been dug up in modern times. Otho Nicholson's conduit (Wood, i. 441) at Carfax, built in 1610, of which the reservoir|house still stands on the slope of Hincksey hill, is a later and more famous example. Mr. Hurst has drawn my attention to a remarkable work to supply the tanks within the nunnery enclosure and the large fishponds outside. To the west of Godstow there is a small, winding branch of Thames, called 'Wytham brook.' From this, by a straight artificial canal, a stream of water was led along most of the west side of the gardens, parallel to the convent. When near the south-west corner, this canal turned sharply eastwards, was brought under the west wall by a fourteenth|century arch (which still remains), formed within the court two largish baths or ponds, passed through the east wall by an arch, no doubt fed the fishponds (which had one arm 65 yards by 9 yards, another 23 yards by 8 yards, both of about 4 feet deep: all filled up in 1887) which lay just south of the convent; and thence escaped to the Thames by a channel which was filled up in 1885. This was called the 'Sanctuary Stream.' The field enclosed between this stream on the west and the convent buildings on the east is called 'Sanctuary Field'; that west of it is called 'Sentry Field,' probably from memory of the 1645-6 campaigns. At the point where Sanctuary stream leaves Wytham brook, an elm-tree was blown down in 1899. The cattle, trampling over the spot, brought out the foundations of a rectangular building which had no doubt been erected to keep the water in the canal at a just level. Mr. Hurst, who made the discovery, thinks that this is the 'head' described in no. 28. I do not agree, for I cannot find here any 'arable land,' for the crossing of which (nos. 28, 29) permission had to be obtained. I must, how|ever, add that Mr. Hurst opines that the levels of the water round Godstow have been greatly altered, and that lands now meadow may have been formerly plowable.]]

[Dispute about tithe at Wytham.]

[folio IIIb(15b)] A chartur I-made by dyuers iuggys a-geynst þ^e person of wyhtham.

1244/5, Febr. 13. Commis|sioners appointed by pope GregoryIX, March 27, 1241, to determine a tithe-suit. Robert, parson of Wytham, claimed tithes of a croft in Wytham, and arrears for six years. Godstow claimed exemption, by papal privilege, because the croft is novale.

THE sentence of thys dede is, that the Prior of seynt Iamys of Northampton had receyuyd a maundment of Gregori pope, as hyt a-peryth by the wrytyng there "Nouerit vniuersitas vestra me mandatum domini pape," & sequitur,

Gregorius episcopus seruus seruorum dei, how that Robert, person of wyhtham, shewyd to hym & playnyd that the Abbas of Godstowe & here couent, Iohn lucy, prest, Roger wytham, & othyr clerkes & lay men of the diocesis of Lincolne & Salisbury, wrongyd hym & dyd vnryht to hym vpon certen possessions, tethys, dewteys & othyr thynges; wherefore oure holy fadur the pope be-fore rehersyd commaundid that the seyd Prior of seynt

Iamys shuld calle the partyes & here the cause by-twene hem, appele put a-syde, wronge & vnryhtful withholdynge cesynge; & that he shuld make a dewe ende by-twene hem. Also, that that he decreyd & ordeynyd be-twene hem, he shold charge ferme & stabiliche, to be kepyd by the censur of the churche. The wytnes that be callyd, yf they wythdrawe hem to sey the trowth, for fauor, haterede, or drede, that he shuld constreyne hem vndur peyne of curse, appele ceassynge & set a-syde. I-gyf at sent Iohn lateranense, the Modur churche of rome, the syxt kalendes of aprile the xv. yere of hys popehede.

By the autorite of thys maundement, the seyd prior before callyd the Abbas of Godstowe & her couent a-fore hym aftur the ordyr of lawe. A-geynst whom the seyd Robert, person of wyhtham, purposyd hys entent in thys maner. Robert, person of wyhtham, seyth a-geynyst the Abbas & couent of Godstowe that they a-geynst sey [i. e. refuse: 'contradicunt.'] , a-yeynst ryht, to pay to hym, & to hys churche, tethys comynge forth of a croft callyd wydehey with in the boundes termys or markys of hys churche of Wyhtham, & longynge to hym aftur the comyn lawe: for thys cause, he askyth the seyd Abbas & couent of Godstowe to be constreynyde, by censur of the churche, to a graunt to be made of the seyd tethys to hym & to hys churche. Also he askyth in the name of arreragis of tethys take of the seyd crofte for vj. yerys passyd xviij. shillings aftur estymacion, the whych he desyrythe the seyd Abbas & Couent to be condempnyd in by the arbitriment of the forseyd prior: furthyrmore makynge a protestacion that, yf hyt be shewyd in ony wyse the seyd Abbas & couent to be free & excusyd by ony special priuilege for [Read 'from.'] the [folio III(16)] grauntynge of the seyd tethys, that, as the lawe iuggyth, he to leue of hys askynge & peticion. To whose intent was it answeryd in thys maner:—The Abbas & couent of Godstow seyn that the place markyd or shewyd, aftur, & in entent of, the seyd person, actor & doer, is not with-in the bondes of hys parisshe of wyhtham, & so he may not aske tethys ther-of by the commune lawe; &, yf the same place be with-in the boundes of the seyd parisshe, they be not bound to pay the tethys of hyt, for hyt is 'nouale,' that is to sey, a feld yerly tyllyd, or ellys euyry othyr yere. Also they byn excusyd & priuilegid by the pope fro the graunt of

suche tethis; &, to preue thys, they haue shewyd in iuggement the priuylege of the pope excusynge hem fro the payment of tethys of feldys yerly or euery othyr yer unmed [The translator has blundered over the contraction-form 'immunes,' and made it 'unmed.' The clause in the Latin is: et ips[a]e immunes sunt a petitione deci|marum de noualibus.'] . It was askyd of the seyd person whether the seyde place wer of suche condicion or none. With hys owne mowþe he seyd: so [Read probably 'Some,' i. e. 'partly.' The Latin is: when it was asked of the plaintiff 'an dictus locus esset novale, con|fessus fuit in iudicio, viva voce, quod novale fuit pars.'] . And vppon thys they [i. e. Godstow.] browht forth wytnes more in euyry excepcion [Latin: 'omni exceptione maiores,' i. e. too weighty to be cavilled at.] to preue that it was so. Then, whenne hyt was shewyd that the seyd person preuyd nothynge of hys entent, & hyt was shewyd opynly by confession made of the part in iuggement, & what by laweful preuynge & by preuylege of the pope, that they shuld be cler fro gyfynge of such maner tethys, we haue gyf for the sake of god the sentens in thys maner.

In nomine patris & f[ilii] & s[piritus] s[ancti] amen. Visis & inspectis & ce[tera].

Decision in favour of Godstow.

By the autorite of our holy fadur the pope we assoyle & lowse, sentencially & by iuggement, the Abbas & couent of Godstowe & her successours, in the name of the monastery, fro the vnryhtful askynge of the seyd Robert, person of the churche of wyhtham, of the gefynge of tethys askyd, & we put hym, hys successours, & hys churche, to perpetual silence vppon askynge of the seyd tethys.

To the whyche wrytynge hys seel I-put to is wytnes: The yere of the incarnacion of our lorde a thowsand two hundurd & fowrty. iiii^o. Idus februarij in the church of seynt petur at Northehampton.

[Early charters about lands in Wytham.]

[NOTE.—At the dissolution, 1540, the only piece of Godstow property separately noticed (Monast. iv. 375) is 'Our Lady's House,' rented at 10s. The other Godstow lands in this parish were no doubt reckoned in with lands in Wolvercote as forming the home-farm of the convent, as described in Monast. iv. 376.]

[folio IIIb(15b)] A chartur of vincent of wyhtham for the londe of Myddylhey.

About 1160. Confirma|tion to Godstow, by Vincent, lord of Wy|tham, of his father's gift of Middle-ei and grant of a meadow (Revenere

THE sentence of thys dede is, that Vincent of Wyhtham hath grauntyd & confermyd to the Mynchyns of Godstowe the londe that is callyd midelei, the whyche Robert hys fadur gaf to the seyd Mynchyns, in perpetual almys, with hys thre dowhters in the same place Mynchyns. Also he hathe grauntyd, with assent & consent of mold hys wyfe & hys eyrys [An initial 'h' has been erased.] , to the seyd Mynchyns, with hys two dowhters there I-sacryd to god, v. acrys of medewe of hys owne herytage, the whyche medewe is callyd reuenere, with all the purtenaunce, frely, for the helthe of hys sowle & aunceturs: & is with-out date.

[[NOTE.—The Latin is printed in Monast. iv. 363: Witnesses are Vincent's sons Robert, William, and John. The father Robert's gift was made at the foundation (no. 4).]]

[folio VIb(18b)] A chartur of Roger abbot of abendon of þ^e londe callyd pedderysham.

About 1180. Grant to Godstow, by Abing|don abbey (Roger, abbot, 1175|84), of a meadow, on petition of Henry II.

THE sentence of thys chartur is, that Roger, Abbot of Abendon, & all the couent of þ^e same place, by her commune assent yaf & grauntyd to the Mynchons of Godstow, for the loue of god & askynge of the kynge, in-to perpetual almys, the londe that is callid pedderesham. Thys londe is nyhe & boundynge to the gardyn of the Mynchons, conteynynge v. acris, & they willid that these v. acris sholde be firme & clene with|out ony c[h]alenge to the seyd Mynchons for euyr; & is with-out date.

[Later Charters about lands in Wytham.]

[folio 100] A Chartere of Richard Ieodewyne, of wightham, and Alice his wyf, confermyng to Thomas Pacokes a mesuage with a crofte and half an acre of arrable lond in the towne of wyghtham.

1369, June 29. Grant to Thomas Pacokes, by Richard and Alice Jeodewyne, of a mes|suage, croft, and half|acre, subject to quit-rent to Cale|mondes|place, and to the ward of Windsor, ½d.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Richard Ieodewyne [This name is of Oxford interest, as giving a reasonable derivation of 'Jaw|dewyn's Lane,' 'Jaudewin's Market (Wood's City of Oxford, i. 132, 371).] of wyghtam and Alice his wyf hath yovene and graunted and by

there present chartire confermed to Thomas Pacokes a mesuage with a Crofte and an half acre of arrable lond liyng in the towne of wygtham, which they had of the yifte and graunte of Symond Ieodewyne, the which is sette bitwene the mesuage of Henry Boltere toward the Sowthe, and bitwene the lond of Richard Foxe toward the Northe: To have and to hold all the forsaid mesuage, with the forsaid Crofte and half acre of arrable lond, with all his other pertynentis, to the forsaid Thomas his heires and his assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruice dewe and of right accustomed, for ever more, yeldyng therof yerely to the lord of a messuage which is called Calemondesplace viij. d. at the termes of Seynt Thomas the appostle, the Annunciacion of oure lady, the Natiuite of Seynt Iohn Baptist, and Seynt Michell the Archaungell, by evyne porcions; And to the warde of wyndesore, whan hit comyth, at every terme I-sette by the yere, i. obolus, For all other seruycis. And the forsaid Richard and Alice his wyf and ther heires, all the forsaid mesuage with the forsaid crofte and half acre of arrable lond, with all ther other pertynentis, to the forsaid Thomas his heires and his assignes ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe for ever|more. In witnesse wherof to this present chartir they sette to there seales. Thise beyng witnesse, Robert of wygtham, william of Sanford, Raaf wheler, Thomas atte Hole, walter Mason, Symond Corpel, and many other. The date at wygt|ham, the xxix. day of Iuyn, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Edward the thirde after the conquest xliij^ti.

A Chartere of Thomas Pocokes of wytham confermyng to william Brothure of the same, and Edithe his wyf, Luce and Alexandre theire children, a mesuage and an acre of arrable lond, to the same mesuage liyng, in wytham, called Cartersplace.

1369/70, Febr. 3. Grant to William Brothur, by Thomas Pocokes, of Carter's|place (no. 34).

THE sentence of this charter is, that Thomas Pocokes of Wytham hath yoven and graunted and by his present charter confermed to William Brothure of the same, and to Edithe his wyf, Luce and Alexandre [folio 199b] theire children, a mesuage and an acre of arable lond liyng to the same mesuage, in wytham aforsaid, the whiche is called Cartersplace, and hit is I-sette

next the mesuage that is called Boltaresplace: To haue and to holde, the forsaid mesuage and the said acre of lond with all his pertynentis, to the forsaid William, Edithe, Luce and Alexandre and to theire heires and to theire assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruycis therof dewe and of right accustomed, for evermore. And the forsaid Thomas and his heires the forsaid mesuage and the seid acre of lond with all his pertynentis, to the forsaid William, Edithe, Luce, and Alexandre, and to there heires and theire assignes, ayenste all maner of peple shall warantiȝe and defende for ever-more. In witnesse wherof to this present charter he sette to his seale. These beyng witnesse, Robert of Wytham, Sire walter, person of the chirche of wytham, Symond Cogbel, Thomas of wormenhale, Clerk, and many other. The date at wytham, the Sonday next aftir the fest of the Purificacion of oure Lady seynt Marie, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Edward the thirde aftir the conquest xliiij^ti.

A Chartere of Symond Ieodewyne of wyghtham confermyng to Raynold atte wykes and to william atte wykes all his place in wyghtham and half a yerde lond with medis lesues pastures and all other pertynentis longyng to the same place.

1378, June 6. Grant to Reginald at Wyke, by Simon Jeodewyne, of a mes|suage and a half yard|land, called Young|Cale|mond's|place.

THE sentence of this charter is that Symond Ieodewyne of wyghtham yaf graunted and by his charter confermed to Ray|nold atte wykes and to william atte wykes all his place in wyghtham aforsaid, and one half yerde of lond, with medis, lesues, pasturis, and all other pertynentis, liyng to the same place: Whiche forsaid place is called yonge Calemondesplace: To haue and to hold, the forsaid place and half yerde lond, with medys, lesues, pasturis and other his pertynentis, to the forsaid Raynold and william and to theire heires and theire assignes, Of the chief lordis of that fee, by seruyce therof dewe and of right accustomed, for evermore. And the forsaid Symond and his heires the forsaid place and half yerde lond, with medys, lesues, pastures and other his pertynentis, to the forsaid Reynold and William and to there heires and there assignes ayenste all maner of peple shall warantiȝe for evermore. Also the forsaid Symond yaf and graunted vnto the same Raynold and william [folio 200] all his goodes and catalles, mevable and vnmeuable, which he

had in the towne and feldis of wyghtham aforsaid or in any other place in any wise for hens-forthe to be chalenged of them or ony of them. In witnesse whereof to this present chartere he put to his seale. These beyng witnesse, Robert of wightham, Thomas atte hole, william Tatyn, william Sandford, Thomas Padbury, Walter Daundeseye, Robert Carter and othere. The date at wightham, the vj^te. day of Iuyne, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Richard the Seconde after the conquest the First.

A Charter of Alexandre, the sone of Edithe late the wyf of william Brethere of wyghtham, confer|myng to Symond Ieodewyne the yonger of wight|ham, and to Iuliane his wyf, a mesuage with a crofte and half an acre of arable lond.

1382/3, Jan. 6. Grant to Simon Jeodewyne, junior, by Alexander Brothur, of no. 35.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Alexandre, the sone of Edithe late the wyf of william Brether of wightham, hath yoven and graunted and by his charter confermed to Symond Ieodewyne the yongere of wightham and to Iuliane his wyf a mesuage, with a crofte and half an acre of arable lond to the same mesuage liyng, and his pertynentis, in wightham aforsaid, which mesuage is I-sette bitwene the tenement which at that tyme Richard Bolles held on the south partye, and the crofte called Chalcrofte of the north partie, and the same acre of arable lond lieth in the same crofte: To haue and to hold, the forsaid mese and Crofte, with half an acre of arable lond and the pertynentis, to the forsaid Symond and Iulian his wyf and to the heires and assignes of the seid Symond for evermore, Of the chief lordis of that fee, by seruyces therof dewe and accus|tomed. And the forsaid Alexandre and his heires the forsaid mese and crofte, with half acre of arable lond, and his perty|nentis, to the forsaid Symond and Iuliane his wyf and to the heires and the assignes of the same Symond ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe and defende for euermore. In witnesse wherof to this charter he sette to his seale. These beyng wit|nesse, Robert of wightham, william Tatyn, Symond Ieodewyn the eldire, Thomas atte hole, Thomas Padbury, walter Daundesey, and othere. The date at wyghtham, the vj.^te day of Ianyvere, In the yere of kyng Richard the seconde after the conquest of Englond the vj^te.

A relese and quyteclayme of Alexandre, the sone of Edithe late [folio 200b] the wyf of william Brethere of wightham, I-made to Symond Ieodewyn the yonger of wightham and to Iuliane his wyf [of] all the right that he had in a mese and a crofte and half acre of londe.

1382/3, Jan. 12. Quit-claim to Simon Jeodewyn junior, by Alexander Brothur, of all right in no. 35.

THE sentence of this quyte-clayme is, that Alexandir, the sone of Edith late the wyf of william Brether, relesed and all-wey for hym and for his heires for euermore quyteclaymed to Symond Ieodewyn the yonger of wightham, and to Iuliane his wyf, and to the heires and assignes of the same Symond, for euermore, all the right and clayme which he had or myght haue in any maner wise in a mese with a crofte and half an acre of arable lond liyng to the same with his pertynentis in the towne and feldes of wightham, So that neither the forsaid Alexandre, neithere his heires, nor none other in his name, ony maner right or clayme in the forsaid mese with crofte and half acre of arable lond and his pertynentis nor in no parte therof fro hens-forth make ony chalenge for euer, But fro all maner of right and clayme in the same by this present writyng for euermore to be vttirly excluded. Furthermore, the forsaid Alexandre and his heires the forsaid mese with crofte and half acre of arable lond and his pertynentis to the forsaid Symond and Iuliane and to the heires and assignes of the same Symond ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe for euer. In witnesse wherof to this presente writyng he hath sette to his seale. These beyng witnesse, Robert of wightham, William Tatyn, Symond Ieodewyn the eldire, Thomas atte hole, Thomas Pad|bury, Walter Daundeseye, and other. The date at wightham, the xij. day of Ianyvere, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Richard the seconde after the conquest of Englond the vj^te.

A Chartere of william Tatyn the Elder and Iohn Missenden of Abyndon confermyng to Symond Iudewyn the Yonger of wytham there tenement beyng in the towne of wytham next to the mese of Richard Bollus.

1388/9, Jan 10. Quit-claim to Simon Jeodewyn junior, by W. Tatyn and J. Missenden (possibly husbands of William Brothur's widow and daughter: no. 35), of all right in no 38.

THE sentence of this charter is, that william Tatyn the elder and Iohn Mussyndene of Abendon hath yoven and

graunted and by there present charter confermed to Symond Iudywyne the yongere of wytham a tenement beyng in the towne of wytham next to the mese of Richard Bollus; To haue and to hold, all the forsaid tenement, with all his pertynentis all about, Of the chief lordes of that fee, to the forsaid Symond his heires or his assignes, frely quyetly holy wele and in pease, rightfully for euermore, by seruyce therof dew and of right accustomed. And the forsaid william and Iohn and [folio 201] there heires the forsaid tenemente, with all his pertynentis all aboute, to the forsaid Symond his heires and assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe and surely defende for ever-more. In witnesse wherof to this present charter they sette to there seales. These beyng witnesse, Robert of wytham, walter Daundeseye, william Sanford, Thomas Padbury, Iohn Pynche, and othere. The date at witham, the x. day of the moneth of Ianyvere, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Richard the Seconde after the conquest the xij.

A Charter of Symond Ieodwyne of wightham and Iuliane his wyf confermyng to william atte wyk and to Raynold his sone an acre and an half acre of arable lond, and an acre of mede, & cetera.

1396, June 21. Grant to William at Wyke by Simon Jeodewyne, of land and meadow, possibly as security for a loan.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Symond Ieodwyne of wightham and Iuliane his wyf hath yoven and graunted and by there present charter confermed to william atte wyk and to Raynold his sone an acre and one half acre of arable lond and one acre of mede, wherof one half acre of lond aforsaid lieth in the vppirmost feld of the towne of wightham towarde the Cotage of the parson of wightham, and one half acre lieth in the Rede lond, and another half acre lieth in Depford, And half an acre mede lieth in the mede aboue vndir Godestowe, and a yerde of mede lieth in Schedday, And a-nothere yerde mede lieth in Horshey: To haue and to hold, the forsaid ij. acres and half acre of lond and mede, with all theire pertynentis, to the forsaid William and Raynold his sone and to there heires and assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces ther-of dew and of right accustomed, for evermore. And the forsaide

Symond and Iuliane and there heires, the forsaid ij. acres and an half of lond and mede with all his pertynentis, to the forsaide william and Raynold his sone and to there heires and assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe for evermore. In witnesse wherof to this present charter they have putte to there seales, Thise beyng witnesse, Robert of wightham, william Tatyn, Robert Carter, Thomas Paddebury, walter Daundeseye, Thomas Pocok, Iohn Lye, and other. The date at wightham, in the fest of whitsontyde, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Richard the second aftir the conquest of Englond the xix.

A Charter of william atte wyk and of Raynold his sone confermyng to Symond Ieodwyne and to Iuliane his wyf an acre and an half [folio 201b] of arable lond and an acre of mede in Wightham.

1398, June 2. Grant to|Simon Jeodewyne by William at Wyke, of land and meadow, as in no. 40.

THE sentence of this charter is that william atte wyk and Raynold his sone yaf graunted and by ther present charter confermed to Symond Ieodewyne of wightham and to Iuliane his wyf an acre and an half of arable lond and an acre of mede: Wherof one half acre of the forsaid lond lieth in the vppirmost feld of the towne of wightham toward the Cotage of the parson of wightham, and anothere half acre lieth in Redelond, and another half acre lieth in Depford, And half an acre of mede lieth in the mede aboue [i. e. 'above Under-Godstow,' a part of the village.] vndir Godestowe, and a yerde mede lieth in Shedday, and another yerde mede lieth in Horshey: To have and to hold, the forsaid ij. acres and an half of lond and mede, with all his pertynentis, to the forsaid Symond and Iuliane his wyf and to the heires and assignes of the forsaid Symond, frely to-gedir and in pease for euer-more, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyce therof dew and of right accustomed. In witnesse wherof to this present charter they sette to ther seales. These beyng witnesse; Robert of wightham, william Tatyn, Robert Cartere, walter Daundeseye, Thomas Pokok, and other. The date at wightham, in the fest of the holy Trynyte, In the yere of the reigne of kyng Richard the second after the conquest of Engelond xxj.

A Charter of william Caldecote of Aylesbury and of Elizabeth his wyf confermyng to Symond Iede|wyne of wightham an acre and a butte of arable lond and a butte of mede, & cetera.

1404, Aug. 10. Grant to Simon Jeodewyne by William Caldecote, of a portion of the land described in no. 40.

THE sentence of this charter is, that William Caldecote of Aylesbury and Elizabeth his wyf hathe yoven and graunted and by ther present chartire confermed to Symond Iedewyne of wightham and to his heires and his assignes an acre of arable lond liyng in Byrweye in the feldis of wightham called Carters, and a butte of arable lond liyng in Litell Chaleueye, and also a butte of mede liynge in Shorte shuddaye at Stonelake, strecchyng hit-self into the water of Thamyse: To haue and to hold, the forsaid acre and butte of arable lond and the forsaid butte of mede, with his pertynentis, to the forsaid Symond and to his heires and to his assignes, for euermore, Of the chief lordis of that fee, by seruyce therof dewe and accustomed. And the forsaid William and Elizabeth the forsaid acre and butte of [folio 202] arable lond and the forsaid butte of mede with his pertynentis to the same Symond Iedewyne and to his heires and to his assignes ayenst al maner of peple shall warantiȝe and defende. In-to witnesse of the which thynge to this present charter they sette to there seales. Thise beyng witnesse, Robert wightham, Richard wightham, Roger Fulbeck, Thomas Pocok, Iohn Hote|hale, and other. The date at wightham, the x. day of August, In the yere of the reigne of kyng henry the Fourthe after the conquest of Englond the v^th.

A Charter of Symond Iedewyne of wightham grauntyng and confermyng to Richard Bannebury, Richard Mountegu and Iohn Otale all his londes and tenementis that he had in the towne and feldes of wightham.

1408, July 8. Grant to three feof|fees by Simon Jeodewyne, of all his lands in Wytham, possibly on mortgage.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Symond Iedewyne of wightham yaf, graunted, and by his present charter confermed, to Richard Bannebury, Richard Mountegu, and Iohn Otale, all the londes and tenementis which he had in the towne and feldes of wightham aforseid; To haue and to hold, all the forsaid londes and tenementis, rentes and seruycis, with medys lesues and

pasturis, and all ther other pertynentis, to the forsaid Richard Bannebury, Richard Mountegu, and Iohn Otale, yeldyng therof yerely vnto the chief lordes of that fee seruyces dew and accustomed; And the forsaid Symond and his heires all the forsaid londes and tenementis, with all his pertynentis, to the forsaid Richard Bannebury, Richard Mountegu, and Iohn Otale, [and] to ther heires and assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe and defende for euermore. Into witnesse wherof vnto this present charter he putte to his seale, These beyng witnesse: Iohn Eburton, Richard Wightham, Iohn Coventre, and many other. The date, the viij. day of Iuyll, In the yere of the reigne of kyng henry the iiij. after the conquest viij.

A charter of Iohn Leyot, deane of Chestire, con|fermyng to William Golafre an acre of arable lond called Carters and ij. Buttis of lond and mede in the feldis of Wightham.

1410, Sept. 14. Grant to William Golafre, by John Leyot, of land and meadow, as in no. 42. Quit-rent, 2½d.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Iohn Leyot, deane of Chestire, yaf, graunted, and by his present charter confermed, to William Golafre an acre of arable lond called Carters liyng in Byrweye in the feldes of wightham, with ij. Buttis of lond and mede liyng in the feldes aforsaid, wherof one Butte of arable lond lieth in litell Chalueye, [folio 202b] And another Butte of mede lieth in Shorte shoddaye at Stanelak and hit strecchith into the watir of Thamyse: To haue and to hold, the forsaid acre of lond with the forsaid ij. Buttis and all there other pertynentis, to the forsaid william Golafre and to his heires and his assignes, frely to-gedire and in pease, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dewe and of right accustomed, for euermore, yeldyng therof vnto the forseid Iohn Leyot, his heires, and to his assignes, in the fest of Seynt Mighell the archaungell ij. d. obolus of yerely rente duryng euermore for all othere seruyces and demaundes. And the forsaid Iohn Leyot and his heires the forsaid acre of arable lond with the forsaid ij. Buttis of lond and mede, with all there pertynentis, to the forsaid william Golafre and to his heires and his assignes ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe and defende for euer in the forme aboueseid. In witnesse wherof to this present chartire he sette to his seale, These beyng witnesse: Iohn Golafre, Edmond Spersholt, Richard

wightham, walter daundeseye, Richard wodeford, Iohn Otale, Roger Bosse, and other. The date at wightham, the xiiij. day of Septembre, The yere of the reigne of kyng henry the Fourthe after the conquest the xj^th.

A Charter of Robert Schelleston of Bokelond and Margery his wyf late the wyf of Symond Iedewyne of wightham confermyng to Iohn woderove of wightham and to Isabelle his wyf a mese called Cartersplace in wightham, & cetera.

1428/9, March 3. Grant to John Woderove, by Margery, widow of Simon Jeodewyne and now wife of Robert Schelles|ton of Buckland, Berkshire, of Carter's|place; as in no. 34.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert Schelleston of Bokelond and Margery his wyf late the wyf of Symond Iedewyne of wightham hath yoven and graunted and by theire present chartir confermed to Iohn woderove of wightham and to Isabelle his wyf a mese called Cartersplace, in wightham aforsaid, which is I-sette bitwene a voide place called Bolters of the South parte, and the lond that is called Prynkeshalfacre on the north parte: To haue and to hold, the said mese with londis, medis, lesues [i.e. lesues, leswes, or leasowes = pastures.] , and pastures, with the pertynentis, to the forsaid Iohn woderove and Isabelle his wyf, to there heires and there assignes, for euermore, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dew and of right accustomed. Into witnesse of the which thynge, to this present charter they sette to there seales, These beyng witnesse: Thomas Denton, Richard Burton, Thomas Gibbes, Richard Iedewyne, Mighell Norton, and other. The date at wightham, the thirde day of Marche, The yere of the reigne of knyge henry the Sixte aftir the conquest the vij^th.

[folio 203] A Chartere of Iohn Wylcokys and Richard Smert confermyng to Iohn Woderove of wightham and to Iohane his wyf all that tenemente with gardeyne liyng to in wightham called Cartersplace with londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, with all other pertynentes.

1430/31, Febr. 22. Grant to John Woderove, by two feoffees, of Carter's|place (as in no. 34), and lands which go with it, perhaps as cancelling of a mort|gage.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Iohn wilcokys and Richard Smert hath yoven, and by there present charter con|fermed, to Iohn woderove of wightham, and to Iohane his wyf, all that tenement with gardeyne liyng to, in wightham aforsaid,

called Cartersplace, with londes medowes lesues pastures wodes and all other pertynentis liyng to the same tenement, Which the forsaid Iohn wilcokkis and Richard late had of the yifte and feffement of the forsaid Iohn woderove as in the charter of the same Iohn woderove to them made more playnly hit appereth: To haue and to hold, the forsaid tenemente with gardeyne liyng to, londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodis, and all his other pertynentes, to the forsaid Iohn woderove and Iohane his wyf and to ther heires and assignes, frely quyetly wele and in pease for euer, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dewe and of right accustomed. And the forsaid Iohn wilcokkis and Richard and ther heires, the forsaid tenement and gardeyne liyng to, londes, medis, and all other pertynentis, to the forsaid Iohn woderove and Iohane his wyf and to ther heires and assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe and defende for ever. In witnesse of the which thynge to this present charter they sette to theire seales, These beyng witnesse: Iohn Golafre, Squyere, william Fitȝ waryne, Hugh Roose, Thomas Denton, Henry Lucas, and other. The date at wightham, the thursday next before the fest of Seynt Mathie the Appostle, The yere of the reigne of kynge henry the Sixte after the conquest of Englond the ix^th.

A Chartere of Iohn woderof of wightham and Iohane his wyf confermyng to Richard Stonley there cosyne all that tenement with gardeyne liyng to, in wightham, called Cartersplace, with londes medis lesues pastures and all other pertynentis.

1442, Nov. 5. Grant to Richard Stonley, by John Woderove, of Carter's|place (as in no. 34) and of parcel of Chalcroft, on entail.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Iohn woderof of wightham in the Counte of Berkshire and Iohane his wyf hath yoven, and graunted, and by there present charter confermed to Richard Stonley ther cosyne all that tenement with gardeyne liyng to, in wightham aforsaid, called Cartersplace, with londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, and all other pertynentis longyng to the same tenement, which the forsaid Iohn and Iuliane late to-gedir had of the yifte and feffement [folio 203b] of Iohn Wylcokkys and Richard Smert of Bynsey, in the towne and feldes of wightham aforsaid, as in a charter of the said Iohn wylcokkys and Richard to them made playnly appereth. Also they yaf, and

graunted, and by ther present charter confermed, to the same Richard Stonley, iiij. Buttes of lond liyng in the north parte in Chalcrofte in wightham aboueseid: To haue and to hold, the forsaid tenement, gardeyne, lond, medys, lesues, wodis, and his pertynentis, and the forsaid iiij. Buttis of lond in Chalcrofte, to the forsaid Richard Stonley and to the heires of his body lawfully begote, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dew and accustomed, for euer. And yf hit happe the same Richard Stonley with out heire of his body lawfully begote to dye, that than they wolle and graunte, by this present writyng, that the forsaid tenemente, gardeyne, lond, mede, lesues, wodes, and there pertynentis, And also the iiij. Buttis of lond in Chalcrofte aforsaid, shall remayne vnto kateryne, the modir of the forsaid Richard Stonley, and to her heires and assignes for evere: To be holde, of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces aboueseid, for euer. And the forsaid Iohn and Iohane his wyf and ther heires, the forsaide tenemente with gardeyne londis medis lesues wodes and there pertynentis, And also the forsaid iiij. Buttes of lond in Chalcrofte aboveseid, to the forsaid Richard Stonley and to the heires of his body lawfully begoten, and also, for defaute of such heires of the same Richard Stonley, to the forsaid kateryne Stonley and to her heires and to her assignes, ayenst all maner of peple they shall warantiȝe for ever. In witnesse of which thyng to this present charter they sette to there seales: These beyng witnesse: Robert Harecourt, knyght, Richard Harecourt, Squyere, william Gyles, Richard Blakeman of Eynesham, Robert Mulleward of the same, and other. The date at wightham aforseid, the v. day of the moneth of Nouembere, The yere of the reigne of kyng Henry the vj^te after the conquest of Englond xxj^ti.

A Charter of Richard Stonley and kateryne Stonley confermyng to Thomas wylcokkis Clerk all that mese or tenement with a gardeyne liyng to in wightham called Cartersplace with all other pertynentis longyng to the same.

1453, July 4. Grant to Thomas Wilcocks, by Richard Stonley, of Carter's|place, and of parcel of Chalcroft.

[folio 204] THE sentence of this charter is, that Richard Stonley and kateryne Stonley hath yoven, and graunted, and by ther present charter confermed, to Thomas wylcokkis, Clerk, all that mese or

tenemente with gardyne liyng to, which is I-sette in wightham in the Counte of Berkshire, called Cartersplace, with londes, medis, lesues, and pastures, wodes, and all pertynentis to the same mese or tenement perteynyng in any maner wise: which forsaid tenement or mese, with all other before named, and ther pertynentis, the forsaid Richard late had of the yifte and feffement of Iohn woderof, late of wightham aforsaid, and of Iohane his wyf. Also they yaf, and graunted, and by ther present charter confermed, to the forsaid Thomas iiij. Buttes of arable lond liyng in a crofte called Chalcrofte, in the north parte of the same crofte, in wightham aforsaid: To haue and to hold, the forseid tenemente or mese, with gardeyne, lond, medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, and all other pertynentis, And also the forsaid Buttes of arable lond, with ther pertynentis, to the forsaid Thomas his heires and to his assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dew and of right accus|tomed, for ever. And the forsaid Richard and kateryne and ther heires, the forsaid tenemente or mese with gardyne, and also the forsaid iiij. Buttis of lond, and all that is before I-named, with all ther other pertynentis, to the forsaid Thomas and to his heires and to his assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe for euer. In witnesse of the which thynge to this present charter they have putte to ther seales, These beyng witnesse: Thomas Denton the eldir, Thomas Denton the yonger, William Ielys, Iohn Langfeld, Iohn Denton, and other. The date at wightham aforsaid, the iiij^th day of Iuyll, The yere of the reigne of kyng henry the vj. after the conquest xxxj.

A Charter of Thomas wylcokkis, Clerk, con|fermyng to Alexandre Martyne, Edmond Argenteine and Iohn Rudyng Clerkis all that mese with gardeyne liyng to called Cartersplace with londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodis, vndirwodis and iiij. Buttes of arable lond with all ther pertynentis in wightham.

1465, Sept. 6. Grant to feoffees, by Thomas Wilcocks, of Carter's|place, and of parcel of Chalcroft.

THE sentence of this charter is, that Thomas wylcokkys, Clerk, yaf, graunted, and by his present charter confermed, to Alexandre Martyne, Edmond Argenteine, and to Iohn Rudyng, Clerkis, all that his mese, with gardeyne liyng to, in the towne

of wightham [folio 204b] in the Counte of Berkshire, called Cartersplace, with londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, vndirwodes, and all other pertynentis overall. And also he yaf, graunted, and by his charter confermed, to the forsaide Alexandre, Edmond, and Iohn, iiij. Buttes of arable lond liyng in a crofte called Chal|crofte, in the north parte of the same crofte, in wightham aforsaid: which forsaid mese, with londes, medys, and all other before rehersed, late I [The translator retains the first person, by a slip.] had of the yifte and feffement of Richard Stoneley and kateryne his modir: To haue and to hold, the forsaid mese, with a gardeyne liyng to, londes, medes, and all his pertynentis, to the forsaid Alexandre, Edmond, and Iohn, to there heires and to ther assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dewe. And the forsaid Thomas and his heires, the forsaid mese, with gardeyne, and all other before named, to the forsaid Alexandre and Edmond and Iohn to there heires and to there assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall warantiȝe for evermore. In witnesse of the which thynge, to this present charter he sette to his seale; These beyng witnesse: Iohn Denton, Thomas Peny, Clerk, William Hows, John Hows, John Fermere, and other. The [The last few deeds seem to have been copied into this English Register just subsequent to the completion of the trans|lation of the Latin Register. They are incomplete, affording no clue as to how these lands and houses came to Godstow.] date at wightham aforsaid, the vj^te. day of Septembre, The yere of the reigne of kyng Edward the Fourthe after the conquest v^te. [folio 204b]