A catalogue of the bishops of England, since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with a briefe history of their liues and memorable actions, so neere as can be gathered out of antiquity. By F.G. subdeane of Exceter.

12. Rogerus de Skerwyng.

ROgerus de Skerwyng was the next Bishop of Nor∣wich, being preferred thereunto an. 1265. In his time there was a dangerous sedition raysed betweene the citizens of Norwich and the monks of the Cathedral church; the history whereof is briefly this: In a faire that was kept before the gates of the priory, there happened a fray, in which some seruants of the couent flew certaine citizens. A Jury being empanncied hereupon, found them guilty, and the offi∣cers tooke order for the apprehending of the murtherers if they might be met withall. The monkes greatly offended herewith, first excommunicated the citizens, then shutting the gates; not onely prepared themselues to defence, but also be∣gan to offend the other, shooting at the passengers first, and af∣terward

issuing out of their gates, killing diuers persons and spoyling many houses. The citizens greatly incensed here∣with, fired the gates, entred the monastery, and after a long conflict, a great number being flaine on both sides preuayled, rifled the priory, and set fire on the same in diuers places at once. This fire consumed not onely the celles and offices of the monkes; but the almes house also, the steeple, and greatest part of the cathedrall church. The king hearing of this tu∣mult (king Henry the third) with all speede posted thither, and caused diuers citizens to be hanged, drawen and quarte∣red; Amongst the rest that were executed, a woman that first carried fire to the gates was burned. The monkes for their part appealed to Rome, and so handled the matter, that they not onely escaped punishment, but also forced the citizens to pay them 3000. markes after 500. markes a yeere towarde the reparation of their church, and to present them with a Pare of gold of seuen pound waight. This end was made by king Edward the first (his father being now dead) at the re∣quest and solicitation of the Bishop, who died an. 1278. ha∣uing sate 13. yeeres.