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.

51. William Edendon.

THe same yeere William Edendon was consecrate Bi∣shop, [ 1345] a man in very great fauour with King Edward the third, being treasurer of England, he caused groats and halfe groats, to be coyned the yeere 1350. (coyne not séene in England before) but they wanted some thing of the iust sterling waight, which was the cause that the prices of all things rose then very much. And where as many other times the like practise hath béene vsed, in so much that fiue shillings hath now scarce so much siluer in it, as fiue groats had 300. yéeres since, no maruell if things be sold for treble the price that they were 300. yéere agoe. Hereof also it com∣meth to passe, that the Prince and Nobility cannot possible maintaine their estates, with their auncient rents and reue∣newes, which bring in, though the wonted tale and number, yet not the due waight and quantity of mettall. But to re∣turne to William Edendon, he was also Chauncellor of Eng∣land, and once elect Archbishop of Canterbury, but refused to accept it. He founded a Monastery at Edendon (where he

was borne) for a kinde of religious men called Bon-hommes: he died ann. 1366. when he had béene Bishop almost one and twenty yéeres, and lyeth in a very faire toombe of Alaba∣ster on the South side of the entrance into the quier, whereon is engrauen this rude Epitaphe.

Edindon natus, Willmus hic est tumulatus, Praesul praegratus in Wintonia Cathedratus. Qui pertransitis eius memorare velitis, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & mitis, ausit cum mille peritis. Peruigil anglorum fuit adiutor populorum, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 egenorum pater & protector eorum. M. C. tribus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 post LXV. sit I. punctum.

His successor William Wickham sewed his Executors for dilapidations, and recouered of them 1662. l. 10. s. besides 1556. head of neate, 3876. weathers, 4717. ewes, 3521. lambes, and 127. swyne, all which stocke it séemeth belonged vnto the Bishopricke of Winchester at that time.