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.

11. Henry Lexinton.

THe King now was very earnest with the Chapter of [ 1254] Lincolne, to elect Petet d'Egueblank Bishop of Here∣ford vnto that their Sée. They alleaged, he was a stranger, vnderstood not the English tongue, and was more∣ouer an euill man, not gouerning well the charge already committed vnto him. In regard hereof, they humbly besought the king to hold them excused, and made choice of Henry Lex∣inton their Deane. He was chosen December 30. 1253. consecrate. May 17. following. died August 8. 1258. & was buried at Lincolne in his owne Church. The yéere before his death, he offred some kind of hard measure vnto the Uniuer∣sity of Oxford, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certaine liberties that of old be∣longed vnto it. For redresse hereof, they were forced to make their complaint vnto the King lying then at Saint Albons,

〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 Matthew Paris a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their petition, and (as 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bold to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the king, vsing these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in priuate. I beseech your grace, euen for Gods sake, to haue compassion vpon the Church now tottering and in great dan∣ger of vtter subuersion. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Paris, the nurse of so many excellent and famous Prelates, is now greatly troubled. If the Uniuersity of Oxford be disquieted and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also (especially at this time) being the second Uniuer∣sity of Christendome and euen an other foundation of the Church, it is much to be feared, least it cause a generall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vtter ruine of the whole Church. God forbid 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King that that should happen, especially in my time; I will indeuour to preuent it. I doubt not he was as good as his word: For I find no more mention of any farther stirres. This, I haue thought good the rather to set downe, to shew, what was the reputation of our Uniuersity of Oxford in those daies.