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38. Robertus de Sigillo.
AFter the death of Bishop Gilbert one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abbot [ 1140] of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nephew to Saint Anselme, was elected Bi∣shop of London, and had his election confirmed at Rome. But presently such exceptions were taken against him, as thereupon he was not onely stayed from consecrati∣on, but depriued also of his Abbotship. His electors were William the Deane of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Ralfe Langford, and Richard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (the same I beleeue) that afterwards was Bishop. The King who very much mistiked this election (hauing made request for some other) amongst other effects of his dis∣pleasure, caused the wiues of these Canons (as Bale repor∣teth) to be imprisoned, and otherwise shainefully intreated. True it is, that a little before this time, euen vntill Anselme was Archbishop, many Clergy men had wiues: But he so farre foorth restrained them, as if any were maried after∣wards, they were very fewe, and durst not in any wise be ac∣knowen of it. By reason of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that were about this election, the Sée continued void a long time. The yeere 1140. Mawde the Empresse hauing taken King Stephen prisoner, came to London, and finding the Bishopricke void, caused one Robert de Sigillo a monke of Reading (or as others say Archdeacon of London) to be elected and consecrate Bishop. Within a yeere or two after, he was taken prisoner at Full∣ham by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Mandeuill a captaine of king Stephens, who ye may be sure could ill brooke any man that the Em∣presse fauoured. He sate Bishop about ten yeeres.