SPINEY, in Cambridgeshire.

FIRST founded by Beatrice Malebisse one of the Co-heirs of the Lord∣ship of Wikes, within the said Lordship, for three Canons Regular. Afterwards Maria de Basingburne, encreased the number to four, two of which were to come daily and officiate in the Church of Wykes. She [ 321] also gave a Messuage and other Lands for the Prior and Canons to main∣tain therein seven Poor men, allowing to each daily a Loaf of a Farthing, and among all a measure of Ale of a Penny, to each three Ells of Linnen Cloath at two pence per Ell, and every two years a Woollen Garment price two shillings and six pence, &c. Also to make three distributions of Alms per Annum to three thousand poor People. But these Charges being found to extend to much more then the Revenue of the Lands by her given, Richard Aithilwald and Matilda his Wife Cousin and Heir of the Foundresses, did An. 6. H. 5. release the coming of the two Canons to the Church of Wykes, and changed the three distributions abovesaid, to the giving thirteen shillings and four pence yearly in Alms to the Poor of Wykes, &c. King Henry the VI. An 27. granted his License to the Prior and Convent of this House to give their Convent and all their Revenues to the Prior and Convent of Ely. [ 322]