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35. Richard de Marisco.
IT séemeth the Sée was long voide after the death of Philip. For Richard de Marisco, Lord Chauncellor of England and Archdeacon of Northumberland an old courtier, was thrust into this Sée by Gualo the Popes Legate, and conse∣crate by the Archbishop of Yorke, the yéere 1217. During the time of the vacacy, I find that one Morgan prouost of Be∣uerley was elected vnto this Bishopricke. He was bastard brother vnto king Iohn, and begotten vpon the Lady of a knight called Sir Ralf 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Blewet. Exceptions were taken against him, that he was a bastard and so by the Ca∣nons not capable of ecclesiasticall preferment without speci∣all dispensation; which the Pope being loath to graunt, adui∣sed him to call himselfe Blewet, and to alledge that he was borne in lawfull wedlocke, promising vpon that condition to affoord him consecration. But he answered, that for any worldly preferment whatsoeuer, he would not renounce his father or deny himselfe to be of the bloud royall. So he lost his Bishoprick and (for ought I find) neuer attained other pre∣ferment after. This Richard was a very prodigall man, and spent so liberally the goods of his church, as the monks doub∣ting he would vndoo them and himselfe also, went about by course of law to stay him and force him to a moderation of ex∣pence. But it fell out quite contrary to their expectation. For he being wilfully set, continued law with them, appealing to Rome, &c. and continued his old course 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vntill his death. The yéere 1226. in the beginning of Easter terme, he rid vp to London with a troupe of Lawyers attending on him. At Peterborough he was entertayned in the Abbey very hono∣rably, and going to bed there in very good health, was found in the morning by his chamberlaines starke dead. He decea∣sed May the first leauing his church 40000. marks indebted. A monke of Durham bestowed this ryming Epitaphe vpon him.