The first part of a brief register, kalendar and survey of the several kinds, forms of all parliamentary vvrits comprising in 3. sections, all writs ... illustrated with choice, usefull annotations ... / by William Prynne ...

Vsefull Annotations and Observati∣ons upon the precedent Writs to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Ecclesiastical Barons, and Clergy.

FRom the precedent Writs of Summons issu∣ed to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors. Ecclesiastical Barons, and Clergy, wherewith I have presented you in a Chro∣nological Series according to their Antiqui∣ties, I shall here, for the information of such Lawyers, Gentlemen, and other Readers unversed in Records of this nature, recommend these ensuing parti∣cular Observations to them, before I proceed to the Writs of Summons to the Temporal Lords; reserving my General Annotations and Observations concerning Parliamentary writs for the Close of the first Part of this Brief Register, Kalendar and Survey; when they have taken a full view of all the several kindes and varieties of Parliamentary writs of Summons, whereon they must be grounded.

1. That as the Spiritual Lords and Barons, are men∣tioned in alla 1.1 Great Councils, Parliaments, Prologues, and Acts of Parliament before the Temporal Lords and Barons: So generally for the most part, the writs of Summons directed to them are first entred, recorded in the Dorse of the Clause Rolls, before the writs to the Temporal Lords, though now and then the writs to the Prince of Wales, and some other Temporal Peers, are first enrolled, but yet very rarely.

2. That when there was an Archbishop of Canter∣bury in being, the first writ of Summons to, or Proroga∣tion of Parliaments entred in the Rolls, is generally that which issued unto him, as Primate of all England; if within the Realm, or to his 〈…〉〈…〉 ab∣sence out of it; But when there was no Archbishop of Canterbury living; the first writ 〈…〉〈…〉 in the Ro••••s issued to the Archbishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ as Primate of England: yetb 1.2 now and then the first writ of Sum∣mons entred, is directed to the Archbishop of York, when both are living; and the writ to the Gardian of the Spiritualties of Canterbury 〈…〉〈…〉 of that See is some••imes first entred before the writ to the Archbishop of York: Yea, if the Archbishop of York was a Cardinal▪ and Canterbury none ye 〈…〉〈…〉 of Summons, as appears by Cl••••s 25 H. 6. m. 16. & 24 dorso, and 29 H. 6. m. 〈…〉〈…〉 ••orso, and other Rolls.

3. That when both Sees of Canterbury and York were void, the first writ entred was directed to thec 1.3 Bi∣shop of London (as in 22 E. 3. where the Archbishop of Canterbury was elected and confirmed, but not in∣stalled, and York quite void) and sometimes to some other Bishop, without any certain method therein ob∣served.

4. That in Claus.d 1.4 6 Iohannis (the first writ of Sum∣mons extant) there is only one single writ of Summons without the Bishops name to whom it was issued, and in Claus. 26 H. 3. only one single writ of Summons to

the Archbishop of York, without mention of any writs to other Bishops, which yet no doubt had writs of Sum∣mons as well as he, though not entred, as some clauses in the bodies of both these writs do intimate.

5. That in the Summons of 49 H.e 1.5 3. the first, and only writ registred is directed to the Bishop of Dur∣ham, and 18 Abbots and Priors are listed in the Eodem modo mandatum est, before the Archbishop of York and other Bishops.

6. That the writs directed to the Archbishops of Canterbury always stiled them▪ Venerabili in Christo Patri eadem gratia Cantuariae Archiepiscopo, totius Angliae Primati: That the writs issued to the Archbishops of York ever use this stile; Venerabili in Christo Patri ea∣dem gratia Eborum, Archiepiscopo, Angliae Primati, lea∣ving out totius: And the writs sent to all other Bishops run thus, Venerabili in Christo Patri eadem gratia Epis∣copo, &c. (But i•• any Archbishop or Bishop were made a Cardinal, then the stile was, Cardinali et Archiepisco∣po Eborum, et Cardinali et Episcopo Wynton: as in Claus. 25 H. 6. m. 16, 24 dorso. 29 H. 6. m. 21. dorso, and other Clause Rolls of Hen. 6. when York and Winchester were both Cardinals; and Winchester is still placed whiles a Cardinal next after York. The writs to Abbots, Priors, Gardians of Spiritualties of Bishops, and other Ecclesiastical persons, usually run in this form, Dilecto sibi in Christo Abbati Sancti Augustini, &c, or Priori de Lewes, &c. which I have here omitted in their writs for the most part, with an, &c. to avoid frequent Re∣petitions, and p••olixity.

7. That in the Eodem modo, and Kalendar of the Bi∣shops names to whom writs were directed, the Arch∣bishop of York is for the most part first named, yet som∣times he and his Suffragans are listed after all the Bi∣shops of the Province of Canterbury, sometimes before them, sometimes intermixed with them. In the en∣tring of the Bishops names, there is no certain order or method observed; for sometimes the Bishop of Dur∣ham

is first named, other times the Bishop of London, elewhere the Bishop of Winchester: sometimes the Bi∣shop of Rochester, otherwhiles Chichester: Now and then all the Welsh Bishops are named together after all the rest of the Province of Canterbury, yet in some Rolls they are named promiscuously, & intermixed with the English Prelates, as the writs came first to the Regi∣sters hands, and not according to the Antiquity of their Sees or consecrations, for ought I can discern by com∣paring their entries; Only it is observable, that An∣thonyf 1.6 Beak Bishop of Durham (a very wealthy Prelat) procuring himself to be made Patriarch of Ie∣rusalem by the Pope, was summoned by the Title of A. Patriarch. Ierusalem. et Episc. Dunolm. in the Summons of 1, 2, 13 of Edward 2. Here, p. 15, 16. and entred next after the Archbishop of York in the Rolls.

8. That the Bishops for the most part are named in the Rolls, and entred by themselves before the Abbots and Priors, yet now and then (but very rarely) they are intermixed with the Abbots and Priors, as in 49 H. 3. dors. 11.

9. That all the Archbishops and Bishops were usu∣ally summoned to all our Parliaments, but not to Coun∣cils of State, and that in person, if in England, or alive. But when anyg 1.7 Archbishop or Bishop was absent in forein parts, the King usually sent writs of Summons to their Vicars Generals: and when their Bishopricks were void by their deaths, or translations to another Bishoprick, to the Guardians of their Spiritualties, to supply their places.

10. That when any Archbishop, Bishop, or Abbot, was elected only,h 1.8 before his confirmation or install∣ment; the writ of Summons issued to him by the name of I. Electo Cantuanae, electo Hereford, &c. If elected and confirmed, but not installed; then Electo Cantua∣riae, or Hereford▪ confirmato: By which it is evident, that Archbishops, Bishops, and Abbots only elected, or elected or confirmed, might be and were usually summo∣ned

to 〈…〉〈…〉 likewise in their absence beyond the Seas; Yea, in 2 E. 2. dors. 14. There is a writ issued R. Electo Dublin Episcopo, in the Eodem modo, registred amongst the Bi∣shops of England, next after the Patriarch of Ierusalem, and Bishop of Durham:

12. That the chief reason why sometimes there are more Bishops summoned to one Parliament than ano∣ther, is only the vacation of their Sees by their deaths or translations: what the number of them was summo∣ned to each Parliament, I have mentioned in the grosse where I find them entred in the Rolle at large, to avoid the repetition of their names, which those who please may peruse in the rolls themselves.

1•• That the first writs to the Archbishops of Can∣terbury, York, or any other Bishop in the Clause Rolls, be they writs either of Summons to a Parliament, Council, or Convocation, or of Adjournment, or Pro∣rogation, are usually entred at large: which I have abbreviated with an, &c. where the form and clauses are the same with those I transcribe at large. And the writs which follow the first issued to the rest of the Bi∣shops, are but briefly entred for the most part, with an Eodem modo mandatum est subscriptis, or Consimiles Literae, or Consimilia Br••via diriguntur subscriptis, viz. &c. unless it be where there are different Clauses in some of the writs varying from those to the first Bishops; which Clauses (recited at large) I have here print∣ed, when they occurre in the Rolls.

13. That the writs of Summons to Parliaments di∣rected to the Archbishops and Bishops are of various forms, differing very often one from the other, not only in their recitals of the particular causes of summoning them; but in sundry special and unusual clauses, as I have touched in the recital of them, and shall more largely insist on in my General Obs••rvations in the close of this Part of my Register. That the writs of

Summons to Councils and Convocations, issued to the Archbishops and Bishops are usually different one from another, not only in form and special•• Clauses, but likewise from the writs of Summons to Parliaments, unless where the word Concilium is used for a Parlia∣ment: There being no Praemuni••ntes, &c. in any writs of Summons to Councils of State, but only to Parlia∣ments, and that not alwayes, but a•• the Kings pleasure: and no general Summons of all the Archbishops, Bish∣ops, Abbots, and Priors holding by Barony to all Coun∣cils of State; but only of such and so many of them as the King and his Counsil thought meet, when as they were usually all summoned to Parliaments.

14. That the writs of Summons to Convocations of the Clergy, were directed only to the two Archbi∣shops or their Vicars Generals, to summon all the Bi∣shops, Abbots, Priors and Clergy of their respective Provinces to them, not alwayes on a certain day or place as in writs for Parliaments and Great Councils, but at such time (or place) as they deemed most convenient, without any particular writs at all issued to any other Bishops, Abbots, Priors, or Clergy men, as in Summons to Parlia∣ments and Great Councils: where though they had all particular writs of Summons, yet the King oft times issued special writs to the two Archbishops, to summon all the Bishops, Abbots, Priors and Clergy, within the several Diocesses of their Provinces to appear at the Parliaments, Councils, and Convocations, to prevent all negligence, defects, or faylers in their Summon••, and excuses for not appearing, whereby the affairs of the King and kigdom might be prejudiced.

15. That ••he number of Abbots and Priors summo∣ned to our Parliaments, was somtimes more, somtimes less, as I have briefly touched, relating their number in the grosse for brevity sake; where I find them parti∣cularly mentioned in the Rolls. The names of those Abbots and Priorr who were ordinarily or extraordina∣rily summoned to Parliaments and Parliamentary

Councils, with the reasons of this incertainty in their numbers by subsequent exemptions, because they held no Lands by Barony or Knights service from the King, but only in Frankalmoigne, or by act of special grace, or through vacancy by death, or otherwise; those who please may read at large in Mr. Seldens Titles of Honor, Book 2. ch. 5. Sect. 22, 23, 25. p. 732. to 735. and more particu∣larly in the ensuing Alphabetical Table of their names and Summons.

I shall here only present the Readers with 3. Kalen∣dars of their names out of the Clause Rolls, as I finde them there recorded.

The 1. List is that in the Clause Roll of 49 H. 3. m. 11▪ dorso in Cedula. where the writ at large being di∣rected to R. &c. Episcopo Dunolm, &c. (as it is here tran∣scribed, p. 5, 6.) immediately after the writ, this Cata∣logue of the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and Deans names summoned to it follows, in this form.

Eodem modo mandatum est Episcopo Karliol.

• Abbati Sanctae Mariae E∣borum.
• Priori Dunolm.
• Priori Sanctae Trinitatis Eborum.
• Abbati de Seleby.
• Abbati de Furness:
• Abbati de Fontibus.
• Abbati de Royvall.
• Abbati de Melsa▪

• Archiepiscopo Eborum.
• Priori de Parco.
• Abbati de Rup••.
• Abbati de Bella Lauda.
• Priori de Bridlington.
• Priori S. Oswaldi.
• Abbati de Rufford.
• Priori de Blida.
• Priori de Thurgarton.
• Priori Karliol:
• Abbati de Wyteby.
• Priori de Giseborne.

• Decano Eborum.

Eodem modo mandatum est subscriptis.

• Episcopo London.
• Episcopo Wynton.
• Episcopo Exon.
• Episcopo Wygorn.
• Episcopo Lincoln.
• Decano Exon.
• Decano de Well.
• Episcopo Elien.
• Episcopo Sarum.
• Episcopo Coventr. et Litchf.
• Episcopo Cic••str.
• Elect•• Bath. et Wellen.
• Decano S••rum.
• Decano Lincoln.

In forma praedict a scribitur Abbatibus, Prioribus sub∣scriptis sub hac data. Teste Rege apud Wodest. XXIIII. die Decembr.

• Abbati Sancti Edmundi.
• Abbati de Wautham.
• Abbati de Sancto Albano.

• Abbati de Glaston.
• Abbati de Rading.
• Abbati de Cirencestr.
• Priori de Merton.
• Abbati de Oseney.
• Priori Sanctae Fresewid: Oxon.
• Abbati de Missenden.
• Abbati de Waverle.
• Priori Elien.
• Priori Norwicen.
• Abbati Cestr.
• Abbati Salop.
• Abbati de Hulmo.
• Abbati de Bardene.
• Priori de Lenton.
• Abbati de Bello.
• Priori Ordinis de Sem∣pli••gham.
• Priori de Watton.
• Electo de Evesham.
• Abbati Westm.

• Priori Hospitalis Sancti Iohannis Ierusalem in Anglia.
• Magistro Militis Templi in Anglia.
• Abbati de Ramesey.
• Abbati de Burgo.
• Abbati de Thorn.
• Abbati de Crouland.
• Abbati Colecestr.
• Priori de Dunstaple.
• Abbati de Bello loco.
• Abbati de Parco Lude.
• Abbati de Stanlegh.
• Abbati de Lilleshull.
• Abbati de Buttlesden.
• Priori de Betuve••r.
• Priori de Lews.
• Abbati de Clervaus.
• Priori de Stodley.
• ...

• Abbati S. Augustin. Can∣tuar.
• Abbati de Cercesey.
• Priori Sanctae Trinitatis Cantuar.
• Abbati de Hida Winton.
• Abbati de Middleton.
• Abbati de Cerne.
• Abbati de Abbotisbury.
• Abbati de Tavistocks.
• Priori de Huntingdon.
• Abbati de Sulebey.

• Abbati S. Augustini Bristol.
• Abbati de Malmesbery.
• Abbati de Milchene.
• Abbati de Abingdon.
• Abbati S. Petri Gloucestr.
• Abbati de Persour.
• Abbati de Winchecombe.
• Priori de Coventr.
• Abbati de O elveston.
• Abbati de Teukesbury.
• Priori de Swinesheued.
• Priori de S. Neoto.
• Abbati de Wardon.
• Abbati Sancti Iacobi Nor∣thampt.
• Abbati de Leicestr.
• Abbati de Kirkested.
• Priori de Eton.
• Priori de Cruceroys.
• Abbati de Kirkestall.
• Abbati de Tame.
• Abbati de Bermundesy.
• Priori de Barnewell.
• Abbati de Meryvall.

• Priori Sancti Swithin Win∣ton.
• Abbati de Lesenes.
• Priori de Ledes.
• Priori de Lauda.
• Priori de Spalding.
• Priori Sancti Barthol. Lon∣don.
• Priori de Kenelworth.
• Priori de Nuttell.
• Abbati de V••lle Dei.
• Abbati de Croxton.

Here you see 36 Priors, in••ermixed promiscuously with 65 Abbots, (one of them only Abbot Elect, but not installed) the Bishops and Deans in••erposed be∣tween them, most of which Priors, and some of which Abbots, were never after summoned to any other Par∣liaments, nor yet these Deans in this manner.

The 2. is that of Clause 23 E. 1. m. 4. dorso, and 24 E. 1. m. 7. dorso: where the Abbots and Priors sum∣moned to those 2. Parliaments are thus registred and distinguished by their several Orders in both these rolls alike, and in no Summons else besides these: though they are again all summoned and entred almost in this

Order in Clau••e 28 E. 1. dors. 17. and 3. and some Rolls in E. 2.

• Abbati de S. Edmundo.* 1.9
• Abbati de Waltham.

• Abbati de Alnewik.* 1.10
• Abbati de Egleston.
• Abbati de Sta. Agatha.
• Abbati de Barlinge.
• Abbati de Tupholme.
• Abbati de Byley.
• Abbati de la Dale.
• Abbati de Newhus.
• Abbati de Cokirsand.
• Abbati de Croxton.
• Abbati de Kirkested.
• Abbati de S. Radegunda.
• Abbati de Heppe.

• Abbati de Fur••eyes.* 1.11
• Abbati de Sallaye.
• Abbati de Holmecoltram.
• Abbati de Novo Monaste∣rio.
• Abbati de Iornall (or) Ie∣reval.
• Abbati de Fontibus.
• Abbati de Bella Lauda.
• Abbati de Melsa.
• Abbati de Kirkestede.
• Abbati de Rupe.
• Abbati de Rughford.
• Abbati de Valle Dei.
• Abbati de Gerndon.
• Abbati de Stanley in Ar∣dern.
• Abbati de Pippewell.
• Abbati de Combe.
• Abbati de S. Albano.
• Abbati de Evesham.

• Abbati de Tichefeld.
• Abbati de Suleye.
• Abbati de Lavendox.
• Abbati de Torre.
• Abbati de Wellebecks.
• Abbati de Hales.
• Abbati de Bello capite.
• Magistro Militiae Templi in Anglia.
• Priori Hospitalis Ioh. Ie∣rus. in Anglia.
• Magistro Ordinis de Sem∣plingham.

• Abbati de* 1.12 Blanca Lauda.
• Abbati de Basingwerk.
• Abbati de Cumbermere.
• Abbati de Crokesden••.
• Abbati de Valle Regali.
• Abbati de Deulacresse.
• Abbati de Mira Valle.
• Abbati de Stanlawe.
• Abbati de Byldewas.
• Abbati de Stanle in Wiltes.
• Abbati de Swynesheued.
• Abbati de Wardon.
• Abbati de Boxle.
• Abbati de Stratford.
• Abbati de Tyletye.
• Abbati de Binedon.
• Abbati de Quarrera.
• Abbati de Leteley.
• Abbati de Dunkeswell.
• ...

• Abbati de Bell•• loc•• Regis.
• Abbati de Strata florida.
• Abbati de Flaxele.
• Abbati de T••nt••rn••.
• Abbati de King••swode.
• Abbati de Waverle.
• Abbati de Revesbye.
• Abbati de Parco Lude.

16. That in the writs of Summons to Abbots and Pri∣ors, the writs are very seldom recited at large to any of them, unless in 27 E. 1. d. 9. and towards the latter end of the reign of King Edward the 3. where some writs to the first Abbot named in the lists of Summons, are entred at large; the rest only recited with an, &c. or not mentioned at all, but only thus, Eodem modo mandatum est, &c. or Consimiles Literae, or Consimilia Brevia diriguntur Abbatibus et Prioribus subscriptis; entred in the Roll, with a Catalogue of their names subscribed under it.

17. In antient times the first writ that is entred, for the most part issued to the Abbot of S. Augustines in Canterbury, (in which Rolls there is no certain order observed in the Abbots and Priors names and summons.) sometimes the Abbot of S. Albans, now and then the Abbot of Glastonbury; sometimes some other Abbots are first named in the List of Summons, and one name frequently praeponed, & then postponed after another, as the Register was pleased to enter them in the Rolls: But from 1 H. 4. to the end of King Ed. 4. the first writ entred is, Abbati de Burgo Sancti Petri. As for the Priors, they are for the most part registred after the Abbots; now and then but rarely, before the Abbots, and frequently intermixed with them: sometimes one Prior is placed before another in some Summons, which was named last in other Lists: few Lists agreeing in the order of their names, unlesse that of 23 E. 1. d. 4. and 24 E. 1. d. 7. which exactly accord in all things, from which that of 28 E. 1. d. 3. & 17. doth somwhat vary in the order, though not in the number of their names.

18. That the absence of the Archbishops, Bishops or other Great men from, and no•• coming to Parliaments an•• Great Council•• when summoned, did many times hinder the proce••dings in them, and caus•• them to be prorogued or adjourned, to the publike prejudice▪ yet upon particular nec••ssary occ••sions for the kingdomes defence and ••afety, their personal presence was dispen∣sed wi••h, and their Summons superseded; wi••nesse this memorable writ to the Bishop of Durham, Claus. 6 E. 2. m. 12. dorso.

Rex, Venerabili in Christo Patri R. eadem gratia Du∣nolm. Ep••s••opo salut••m. Li••••t nuper Vobis mandaver••∣mus quod omn••bus aliis praetermissis essetis ad Nos tertia Dominica Quadragesimae prox▪ fu••ur, apud Westm, ibidens Nobiscum ••t cum Praelatis ••t Proceribus Regni nostri super diversis negotiis Nos et Statum ejusd••m Regni nostri tan∣gentibus tractaturi, vest umque consilium impensur••▪ Pre securitate tamen Custodiae et maj••r•• tuitione part••um vestra∣rum contr•• Scotos inimicos ••t Rebe••les nostros, vobis man▪ damu••, quod à partibus praedictis vos nu••••atenus ••••anf••∣ratis, sed Procuratorem vestrum sufflo••••nter instructum ad¦dictos diem et locum mittatis, ad consent ••nd, hi••s qu•• tun•• ib••dem per Nos ••t dictos Pr••latos, ••t Proc••re•• ••••n••••geris or∣dinari. Teste Rege apud Westm, 20 di•• Feb.

Eodem modo mandatum est Episcopo Karliol. T. ut supra.

And this other observable writ of Supersedeas to the Bishops of Durham, and Karliol, with other Lords and Great men summoned to Parli••m••nt, thus recorded, in Claus. 12 R. 2. m. 42. dorso.

〈…〉〈…〉* 1.13 〈…〉〈…〉

〈…〉〈…〉 Vobis mandamus▪ quod prop••••r r••siste••tiam inimicorum nostrorum pr••dictorum meliori et fortiori mod•• quo poteri∣tis, in propriis partibus vestris, aut alibi ubi in hac parte me∣lius•• videritis expedire, expectetis, mandato nostro non ob∣stante. Ita quod semper dil••ctis et fidelibus Henr. de Per∣cy Comiti Northum: & Johanni ae Nevil de Raby quos ad supervidend: et gubernand: Marchias Scotiae assignavi∣mus, obedientes, intendentes sitis et auxiliantes quot••••ns et q••ando per ipsos, seu ••orum alterum fueritis rationabiliter praemuniti. Teste Rege apud Northampton 20 die Augu∣sti. Per ipsum Regem et Consilium.

Consimilia Brevia diriguntur subscriptis sub eadem data, viz. Th. Episcopo Karliol, Rogero de Clifford, Johan∣ni de Roos de Hamlake, Rado▪ Baroni de Graystock, Philippo Darcy, Henr. Fitz Hugh; Willielmo de Da∣cre.

Consimilia Brevia diriguntur Henr. de Percy Comi∣ti Northumb. Iohanni de Nevill de Raby, excepto ulti∣mo Clauso. Ita semper.

Of which see more in my Observations on the next Section, and here p. 51, 52.

19. That some writs to particular Bishops, varied in certain special clauses now and then from those issu∣ed to other Bishops at the self same time, upon special occasions, and in the* 1.14 form of the Praemunientes, &c.

20. That as there are some single writs of Summons to Bishops, or Archbishops entred in the Clause Rolls now and then, without any to the Temporal Lords or Barons registred together with them; So there are some writs of Summons to and prorogations of Parliaments iss••ed to Temporal Lords in some Rolls, without any to Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors or Ecclesiasti∣cal Lords entred with them, though no doubt they had the like writs of Summons and Prorogations, although not registred, as the bodies of the writs do manifest.

21. That the writs issued to the Archbishops, Bi∣shops

Abbots, Priors and Clergy, run usually in this form▪ Vobis mandamus quod in fide et dilectione quibus nobis tenemini, &c. not in fide et homagio. But the writs to the Earls, Barons and Temporal Lords: though they sometimes retain the self same words in fide et diloctio∣ne, yet for the most part they run thus; quod in fide & homagio, or ligeantia, quibus nobis t••n••mini, &c. or in ho∣magio, ••id•• et dilectione: or in homag••o et lige••ntia; ho∣magio, or ligeantia being put in the place of dilection••, or added to fide et dilectione quibus nobis tenemini.

22. That the writs to the Archbishops, Bishops, Ab∣bots and Priors, for the most part, observe this stile; Vobiscum, ac cum caeteris Praelatis, Magnatibus et Proce∣ribus, &c. in all clauses of the writ; The writs to the Earls, & Temporal Lords, Vobiscum, ac cum Praelatis et cae∣teris Magnatibus et Proceribus, or caeteris Magnatibus, or Proceribus, only: cae••eris being ev••r placed before Praela∣tis, in the writs to the Bishops, Abbots, but after Praelatis, and before Magnatibus or Proc••ribus, in all writs to the Tem••oral Lords, because of different Orders▪ the Pre∣lates no•• being Magnates or Proc••r••s by birth, or in their own right, but only the Temporal Lords; and they being not Praelati, or Eccl••s••astical Peers by order or function, but only the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and other Ecclesiastical▪ Barons.

23. That the number of Archbishops, Bishops, Ab∣bots, Priors and Ecclesiastical persons summoned by writs to our Parliaments, was for the most part equall to, and many times farr exceeding the number of the Temporal Lords, & Barons; as you may easily discern by computing and comparing their numbers in this, with those of the Temporal Lord in the ensuing Section. In the Parliamvnt of 49 H. 3. the number of the Prelates, Abbots, and Spiritual persons summoned by writ, was 120. the number of Temporal Lords, but 23. Anno 23 E. 1. d. 9. the number of the Spiritual Lords sum∣moned was 77; of the Temporal Lords but 63. And dors. 3, 4. the Spiritual Lords summoned to another

Parliament that year, amounts to 90. the Temporal Lords only to 50. In 24 E. 1. d. 7. the Spiritual Lords summoned, were in all 91. the Temporal but 43. yet in other Parliaments the Temporal Lords exceeded the Spiritual, as in 27 E. 1. d. 18. the Spiritual Lords were 58. the Temporal 90. but in the next Parliament 28 E. 1. m. 3. the Spiritual Lords summoned were 102. the Temporal only 89. Their differences in number in other Parliaments I shall for brevity sake omit, only in most summons under King H. 4, 5, & 6. during these Kings absence and wars in France, (when most of the Earls and Temporal Lords were in actual service in the wars) the Spiritual Lords were neer double to the Tem∣poral.

24. That the first writ wherein I finde any mention of, and provision for the Defence of the Church of Eng∣land, is in 6 E. 2. here, p. 20. the next is in 11 E. 3. p. 39, & 40. 12 E. 3. p. 42. & 14 E. 3. p. 46. After which in the writs of 18 E. 3. p. 50. 31 E 3. p. 60, 61, 62. 46 E. 3. p. 67. 49 E. 3. p. 69. 1 R. 2. p. 69, 70, 72. and in most succeding them, Defensionem Ecclesiae An∣glicanae, Salvationem et defensionem Ecclesiae Sanctae; Et ••oc sicut salvationem et defensionem Ecclesiae Sanctae diligi∣tis, were usually inserted into the writs of Summons, as well to Parliaments as Convocations, and in writs to the Temporal Lords and Sherifs, as they were in writs to the Clergy, it being one principal end of sum∣moning Parliaments and Convocations.

25. That sometimes the Archbishops, Bishops, Ab∣bots, Priors were* 1.15 authorized by the writs themselves to make Proctors, or Proxies to supply their places; other times prohibited to make any Proctors or Proxies at all, but peremptorily injoyned to appear in person, without any excuse, or Proctor to supply their absence. But the Deans, Chapters, Archdeacons, Priors and Cler∣gy of every Diocess by a special clause of Praemunientes, &c. in the writs to the Archbishops and Bishops, and by second writs to the Archbishops, were summoned

the Deans, Pri••rs and Archdeacons by themselves, their Chapters by one, and the Clergy of each Diocess, Quod per duos Procuratores idon••os p••enam et sufficientē potestatē ab ipsis Capitulis et Clero habentes, dictis die et loco inter∣sint, ad fac••end. & consentiend. hiis, quae tun•• ibidem de Com: Consilio regni nostri, divina favent•• clementia co••tig••∣rit ordinari. Amongst others, the Bishop of* 1.16 Bath and Wells was particularly injoyned Praemunientes Priorem et Capitulum Bathon. et Decanum et Capitulum Wellen▪ Ecclesiarum suarum, &c. quod idem Prior et D••canus in propriis personis suis, & dicta Capitula per unum Procura∣torem idoneum, &c. una nobiscum inter sint, ad▪ &c. Here∣upon the Prior of Bath when sick appeared not in per∣son, but by a Proctor, and the Chapter of Bath by one or more Pr••ctors, specially chosen and authorized by their Letters of Procuration under their Seals; Which Let∣ters of Procuration, I find entred in the antient Parch∣ment Leiger Book of the Priory of Bath in sundry forms in the reign of King Edward the 1. which I shall here in∣sert, for their rarity; and because they will inform us, what ••ull and sufficient power other Priors, Deanes, Chapters, and the Clergy of each Diocess, (as also the Spiri••••al Lords when absent, and authorized to make Proxies,) gave to their Procurators; and in what forms other Letters of Procuration were made in former times, of which I find only one printed in* 1.17 Mr. Selden.

The first of these Procurations runs in this manner, being directed to the King himself:

Serenissimo Domino suo, Domino Edwardo, Dei gra∣tia, illustri Regi Angliae, Domino Hiberniae, et Duci A∣quitan••ae, sui devoti Thomas Prior, et Capi••: Bathoniensis Ecclesiae, salutem, et debitam cum orationibus assiduis reverentiam et fidelitatem. Ad tractandum▪ ordinan∣dum et faciendum una Vobiscum et caerer••s Praelatis et Proceribus, et aliis Regni incolis, in praesenti Convo∣catione Generali ap••d Westm. die Dominica proxima post festum S. Martini, pro diversis Regni negotiis con∣venientibus, dilectum in Christo Con••ratrem, et Con∣professum

nostrum Fra••rem W. de Hampt••n, ••ostrum faci∣mus, ordinamus, et constituimu•• PROCURATO∣REM per praesentes, plenam et liberam po••estatem ei∣dem in hac parte conceden••es. In cujus rei testimo∣nium sigillum, Capituli nostri praesentibus est appensum. Datum in Capitulo nostro Bathon: die Mercurii prox. ante festum S. Martini. Anno grat. 1295. (A••. 23 Ed. 1.)

There is another Letter of Procuration to this W. d•• Hampton, made by the Sub Prior and Chapter of Bath the same year in the same words with the former, ex∣cept in this variation and addition; Et aliis Regni in∣colis in hac instanti Convocatione generali apud Westm. die Dominica prox. ante festum Sancti Andreae Apo∣li, &c. PROCURATOREM LEGITIMUM per prae∣sentes: Dan••es eidem, &c. (as before) omnia nostro nomin•• facienda quae Nos faceremus si in Convocatione memora••a praesentes esse possemus. In c••j••s, &c. ut supra. Datum in Capit. nostro Bathon: die Sanctae Celi∣ciae Virginis & Martyris. Anno gr. 1295.

Anno 24 E. 1. I find this form of Procuration by the Sub-Prior and Chapter of Bath directed to the Archbi∣shop of Canterbury.

Reverendae Sanctitatis Patri in Christo, Domino C. Dei patientia Cantuar: Archiepiscopo, totius Angliae Primati, sui filii humiles et devoti Frater Philippus Sub∣prior. et Capitulum Bathoni••nsis Ecclesiae Cathedralis devotos obedientiae et reverentiae Spiritus cum salute. Ad tractandum una cum caeteris Religiosis in Convoca∣tione vestra praesenti London. convenientibus die Do∣minica qua cantatur Laetare Ierusalem, cum continua∣tione diei, si••opus fuerit seu di••rum, et ad faciendum omnia quae Nos ipse faceremus si praesentes ibidem esse possemus, dilecto Confratri nos••ro, et Conmonacho Will: de Hampshire PROCURATORI NOSTRO ••ple∣nariam per praesentes contedimus faculta••em: Ra∣tum habentes stabile et fi••mum quicquid per eundem nomine nostro in Convocatione praedicta actum fuerit

sen concessum. In cujus rei testimonium Sigillo Capi∣tuli nostri fignari fecimus hanc Indenturam. Datum in Capi••ulo nostro Bathon: die Sancti Cuthberti. Anno Dom. 1296.

In the 27. year of King Edward 1. there is this Pro∣curation made in another form.

Sancto Patri ac Domino, Domino C. Dei gratia Ar∣chiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati, Frater Thomas, Prior Ecclesiae Bathon. salutem, subjectionem, honorem et reverentiam debitam tanto Patri. Sanctae Congregationi Patrum Reverendorum Dominorum E∣piscoporum, Abbatum, Priorum, caeterorumque Praela∣torum ac Cleri Provinciae Cantuar. in vestra praesentia reverenda post instantem commemorationem Anima∣rum London faciendae, ob debilitatem nimiam nostri cor∣poris, non valen••es personaliter interesse; vestrae Pa∣ternitati supplicamus attente, quatinus tunc ibidem hanc no••••ram excusationem habere dignemini benignius excusatam. Ad tractandum vero providendum e•• or∣dinendum super utilitatibus Ecclesiae promovendis, et aliis articulis de quibus in vestrae Paternitatis manda∣to plenior ••it men••io, ac consent••endum hiis quae opor∣tuna et expedientia videbuntur, dilectum nobis in Chri∣sto fratrem Hugonem Godmer nostrum Commonachum, NOSTRUM PROCURATOREM facimus et consti∣tuimus loco nostri, ad faciendum omnia ac singula quae Nos faceremus, seu facere deberemus si personali••er praesentes essem••s. Ratum habituri et gratum, quic∣quid idem Procurator noster cum unanimi Sanctorum Patrum et Cleri praedictorum assensu in praemissis duxe∣rit faciendum. Valeat vestra S••ncta Paternicas reveren∣da in Christo per tempora longiora. Datum Bathon. 4 to. Kal. Novembr. Anno Dom: 1299.

There is another Procuration of the self-same date made by the Sub-Prior and Chapter of Bath, directed to the said Archbishop with the self-same Preface, to tanto Patri: and then Vestrae Sanctae Paternitati notum fa••••mus per praesentes, quod Nos ad tractandum, providen∣dum,

ordinandum super ut••litatibus Ecclesiae promovendis, e•• aliis ••rtioulis de quibus in vestrae Paternitatis mandato plenior fit ment••o, et ad consentiendum hiis quae oportuna et expedientia videbuntur; dilectum nobis in Christo Fra••rem Rober••um de Clapcote nostrum Commonachum nostrum Procuratorem facimus et constituimus loco nostri, ad facien∣dum omnia 〈◊〉〈◊〉 singula quae verus et legitimus Procurator fac••r•• d••bet et consuevit. Ratum habi••uri et gra••um, quic∣quid idem Proourator, &c. (as in the next before.) Da∣tum in Capitulo nostro Bathon: 4 Kal. Novembr. Anno Dom. 1299.

The same year on the first Lords day in Lent, I meet with another Procuration of this Prior in a different form from the precedent.

Universis sanctae Matris Ecclesiae ••iliis ••rater Thomas Prior E••clesiae Bathon: salutem in Domino sempiternam. Quia IN PARLIAMENTO DOMINI REGIS HA∣BENDO LONDON secunda die Dominica Quad••a∣gesimae OB NIMIAM CORPORIS NOSTRI DE∣BILITATEM ADESSE PERSONALITER NON VALEMUS, dilectum Nobis in Chri••••o Fra••rem Wil∣lielmum de Hampton, nostrum Commonacum, NOS∣TRUM PROCURATOREM FACIMUS ET CON∣STITUIMUS, ad faciendum pro Nobis ibidem quae∣cunque facere deberemus, secundum tenorem mandati Regis si in propria nostra persona tunc praesentes esse∣mus, et consentiend••m sicut justum fuerit et canonicum hiis quae de Communi Consilio pro utilitate Domini Regis et Regni, favente Domino tunc ordinand. con••i∣gerit, vel ••tiam provideri. Ratum habituri et gratum quicquid idem Frater Willielmus NOSTER PROCU∣RATOR cum unanimi Praelatorum Ecclesiasticorum, Procerum ac Magnatum, et Cleri assensu in praemissis sic duxerit faciendum. Datum B••thon: die Dominica pri∣ma Quadragesimae. Anno Dom. 1299.

There is the like Procuration of the s••me date made to him by the Prior and Chapter of Bath in all their names, and in the same words.

About the same year, the Sub Prior and Chapter of Bath made this form of Procutation, entred in their Le••ger Book.

Pa••eat universis per praesentes, quod Nos Prior et Capitulum Ecclesiae Bathon. dilectos nobis in Christo William de Syw••nham Clericum, et I••hannem de Merston PROCVRATORES NOSTROS VEROS ET LE∣GITIMOS, conjunctim et divisim, et quemlibet eo∣rum in solidum, ita quod non sit melior conditio occu∣pantis, ad infra scripta fecimus, ordinavimus et consti∣tuimus per praesentes. Dantes eisdem et eorum alteri nomine nostro potestatem IN PARLIAMENTO DOMINI NOSTRI REGIS apud W••stm. in crastino S. Hillarii prox futur. per Dei gratiam celebrando, cum continuatione et prorogatione dierum sequentium, us∣que ad ••••nalem dicti Parliamenti expeditionem, compa∣rendi cum caeteris Religiosis, et aliis de Clero Regni Angliae Proceribus et Magnatibus dicti regni, caulas et negoci•• quas vel quae habuerint in Parliamento trac∣tandi, proponendi, necnon super tractandis et propo∣nendis ibidem Statum dicti Domini Regis, e•• regni sui, ac etiam STATUM ECCLESIAE ANGLICANAE concernentib••s: nostrumque deliberatum consensum et cons••••iium hiis quae mediante Domino ibidem con∣tigerit utiliter ordinari una cum aliis impendendi. Ul∣teriusque faciendi in praemissis et eà concernentibus quod juris fueri•• et rationis. Promittentes Nos ratum, firmum et gratum sub Ypotheca re••um quos et ligare pos••umus, habituri, quicquid dicti PROCURATO∣RES NOSTRI VEL EORUM ALTER in praemissi•• et ea contingentibus duxerint, vel duxerit faciend. In cujus rei ••estimonium ••igillum nostrum commune praesentibus est appensum. Dat. in Domo nostro Ca∣pitulari Bathon.

26. That it appears by thea 1.18 Clauses and contents of sundry Praemised Writs, as likewise by theb 1.19 Prote∣stations of the Clergy, and their Distinct Aydes, and Subsidies from the Temporalty granted in Parliaments

to our Kings by d••••••erent Acts of Parliamen••, ex••ant in our Printedc 1.20 Statute Books, as well as Parliament, and Stat••te Rolls; that the King and Temporal Lords and Commons in Parliament could not legally impose any Aydes, Subsidies or Taxes whatsoever on the Archbi∣shops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Deans, Chap••ers, Arch∣deacons, and inferiour Clergy o•• England, without their own special Grants and Consents in their Co••vocati∣ons; it being contrary to the Great Charters of Henry the 1. King John, and Henry the 3. Chap. 1. yea to the Freedom, Rights, Liberties of the Church confirmed by them, and to all other Acts confirming Magna Charta, and to a particular Act, Rot. Parl. anno 8 H. 4. ••. 36. exempting them from making Contributions with the Laity. Therefore they cannot do it now, upon the self same grounds, they having as full, as large an interest in their Rights, freedoms, Libe••ties, and those Grand Char••ers, Sta∣tutes confirming them, as any of the Laity have in theirs: Yet when they obstinately refused to grant▪ King Ed∣ward the first a necessary Ayde for the defence of the Realm in two successive Parliaments one after the other, against their allegiance and duty,d 1.21 only because Pope Boniface by his Constitution had prohibited under pain of ex∣communication, Ne Talliae vel Exactiones à Clero per seculares Principes quocunque modo exigentur, vel eis solvantur de rebus Ecclesiae: the King thereupon did put them out of his protection: to redeem which, many of the Clergy by themselves, and many of them by Mediators gave the King the fifth part of their goods, notwithstanding the Popes Inhibition; which is thus related by Matthew Westminster, Anno 1296. p. 407, 408.

Die Sancti Hillarii, celebravit Archiepiscopus Con∣cilium suum cum Coepiscopis suis Suffraganeis Londini in Ecclesia Sancti Pauli. Quibus tractantibus per dies octo super postulatione regia, non invenerunt iter rec∣tum, nec modum exclusivae sententiae, si aliqui vel quae∣••ito colore, vel aliquo titulo quippiam contulissent, eti∣am

si plurimi clerici, aulici, curiale••que accessi••••ent, qui postulatis consilium dederan•• & favorem. Quae omnia Regi per Episcopos, aliósve nuncios, funt relata. Qui statim mutatus in crudelem, perversa regali aequalita∣te in tyrannidem, licentiatis suis famulis, obviantium cle••icorum religiosorumque virorum, quasi modo hosti∣li, equitaturas ••ibi arripere meliores, prohibitis insuper placitatoribu••, in lege sua peritis, coram Baronibus de Scaccario, seu ante quemvis ••lium Justiciarium secu∣larem, pro personis Ecclesiasticis allegare, Ecclesiasti∣cos ministros censuit sua pace in••ignos. Mandavit eti∣am singulis ordinatis, sponte offerre sibi suorum proven∣tuum quintam partem, a••t invitè cedere omnibus bonis suis. Huic mandato primitus obtemperaverunt qui∣dam ••onsorati, in curia regali praelati, in cura verò ani∣marum Pilati manifesti, ut inducerent pari modo ani∣mos caeterorum. Quo facto, seisita sunt protinus per manus Vicecomitum omnia bona clericorum mobilia & immobilia, super laicum feodum inventa, a••qu•• fisco re∣gio titulata, cum superabundanti molestia suis ablatis libertatibus, q••as praedecessores reges, Christianitatis conservatores, Ecclesiis contulerant, authores bonorum. Et quod nequius est ferendum, appreciabantur ipsorum facultates, emptoribus quantocius expo••endae, nec se∣curi audebant clerici equitare, nisi in majori conventu propter militum in cl••ricos violentiam, à rege licentia data. Sed & omni•• bona Archiepiscopi, mobilia & immobi••ia, capta sunt in manu regis. Ipse quidem sus∣tinuit patientè••. Ig••••ur Clero si••ut supradictum est passo in corpore, pas••us est & Rex in animo. Hinc do∣lor et metus omnium Praelatorum. Hi••••mque in per∣plexitate maxima constituti sunt, ut si quicquam conce∣derent, sententiam excommunicationis incurrerent ip∣so facto, et si non darent, non effugerent immisericor∣des manus ipsorum praedonum. His madefacti adversi∣tatibus, pro se ipsis anxii, pro grege sibi commisso in∣co••solabiliter moestificati, tanquam non habente alimo∣niam,

ingruente fame, necessario seculum reperere quaesierunt, protectionem regis facultatibus suis, ratio∣ci••io magno, redemptis.

Yet notwithstanding all the Clergy procured special Absolutions from this Po••e, from that Excommunica∣tion they conceived they had incurred by this their Ayd granted to the King against his Constitution, though done only through force, and such fear as might hap∣pen even to a constant man, as I observe by certain In∣struments of Absolution, remembred by none of our Hi∣storians, but registred in the Leiger Book of the Priory of Bath; out of which I have transcribed them, as not unworthy publike knowledge.

Venerabili in Christo Patri, Dei gratia Archiep••s••opo Cantuar. vel ejus Vicario in Spiritualibus, Frater Genti∣lis, miseratione divin••, Ecclesiae Sancti Martini in Mon∣tibus Presbyter Cardinalis, salutem, et synceram in Domi∣no caritatem. Ex parte Joh••nnis de Godmer perpetui Vi∣carii Ecclesiae de Ched••ern. Bathon. & Wellen. Diocaes. Nobis oblata pet••tio continebat, Quod ipse olim per vim & metum qui cadere posset in constantem, invitus Ministris se•• Collectoribu•• illustris Regis Angliae, contra novae Con∣stitutionts tenorem Sanctissimi Patris Domini Bonefacii, divina providentia Papae 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Tallias sive Collec tas per sol∣vit; per quod sententiam Excommunicationis incurrit, in tales generaliter promulgataem, et sic ligatius, non tamen in contemptum Clavium, in suis Ordinibus ministravit, et alias se ingressit divinis. Super quibus, supplicari fe••it humili∣ter si••i de absolutionis beneficio et dispensationis gratia per sedem Apostolicam salubriter provideri. Nos igitur, auc∣toritate Domini Papae, cujus Penitentiariae curam gerimus, circumspectioni vestrae committimus, quatenus si ita est, ip∣sum Vicarium à dictae excommunicationis Sententia ••uxtae formam Ecclesiae absolvatis. Proviso attentè, quod idem Vicarius super hoc mandatis Domini Papae, et Romanae Ecclesiae semper parebit, et faciet illam poenitentiam quam sibi duxerit injungend••m, eoque ad tempus prout expedire

vider••••is a suorum Or••••num executione suspenso. Demum Suffragan••ibus ei meri••is alioque Canonico non obstante su∣per irregularitate dicto modo contracta cum eo misericorditer auctoritate dispensetis predicta. Datum Agnan: 6to I∣dus Augusti. Ponti••icatus Domini Papae Bonefacii 8. Anno sexto.

Sancto Patri in Christo et Domino reverendo R. Dei gratia Cantuar. Archiepiscopo totius Angliae Pri∣mati, sui filii humiles et devoti Thomas Prior et Con∣ventus Bathon. salutem, et devotus obedientiae et reve∣rentiae Spiritus cum omni honore debito tanto Patri. Ad petend. et recipiend. à vestrae clementia sanctitatis beneficium absolutionis, super excommunicationis sen∣tentia quàm incurrisse veremur, ex eo quod contra Con∣stitutionem sanctissimi Patris et Domini Bonifacii di∣vina providentia Papae octavi editam, contra omnes qui Collectas et exactiones sibi à Ministris, Nunciis seu Collectoribus illustris Regis Angliae persolveru••t no∣lentes vel inviti, Protectionem Domini Regis super hoc impetrantes et recipientes; dilectum Nobis in Chri∣sto fratrem Hugonem Godmer, praecentorem Ecclesiae no∣strae Bathoniae Conmonacum nostrum, nostrum in hiis constit••imus Procuratorem. Dantes eidem liberam et plenam potestatem ••estra in hac parte recipien∣di mandata quae secundum Deum ad salutem animarum nostrarum juxta tenorem, formam, vim et effectum man∣dati Apostolici super hoc vobis directi, nobis duxeritis injungenda, una cum potestate jurandi in animas no∣stras secundum quod postulaverit ordo Juris. In cu∣jus rei testimonium Sigillo nostro communi signari feci∣mus hanc scripturam. Datum Capitulo nostro Bathon: 5 Idus Novemb. Anno dom. 1300.

Universis praesentes literas inspecturis pateat eviden∣ter, Quod nos Thomas Prior Bathon. et ejusdem lo••i Conventus Ordinis S. Benedicti, Bathoniensis et Wellensis Diocaes. bona side promittimus et sub ypotheca omnium bonorum Monasterii nostri cavemus, quod nos semper

Romanae Ecclesiae et Domini Papae mandatis par••bi∣mus, super excommunicationis et interdicti sententiis quas incurrimus, pro eo quod dudum contra Constitu∣tionis tenorem Sanctissimi•• Patris nostri Domini Boni∣fa••••ti Papae octavi, Nunciis, seu Ministris Domini Regis Angliae Subsidium de bonis nostris Ecclesias••icis con∣tribuimus propter vim et metum qui cadere poterit in constantes. In cujus rei testimonium, &c. Datum in Capitulo nostro Bathon. 5 Idus Novembr. Anno Dom. 1300.

Universis praesentes Literas inspecturis Robertus per∣missi••ne divina Cantuar. Archiepiscopus totius Angliae Primas, aeternam in Domino salutem. Literas Vene∣rabilis Patris Domini Matthaei Dei gratia Portuensis, et Sanctae Rufinae Episcopi sanctissimi Patris Domini Bo∣nifacii Papae 8vi. Paenitentiarii recepimus, tenorem qui sequitur continentes. Venerabili in Christo Pat••i Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. vel ejus Vicario in Spi∣ritualibus, Fr••ter Matthaeus miseratione divina Portu∣ensis, ac Sanctae Rufinae Episcopus, salutem, et sempiter∣nam in Domino caritatem. Ex parte Prioris et Con∣ventus Monasterii Bathoniensis Ordinis Sancti Benedicti fuit propositum coram Nobis, quod ipsi olim viet me••u qui cadere po••erit in constantem, Ministris, Nunciis, ••eu Collectoribus illustris Regis Angliae contra Consti∣tutionem et tenorem Sanctissimi Patris et Domini, Do∣mini Bonifacii divina Providentia Papae octavi noviter ••ditae contra Tallias, Collectas et Exactiones sibi impo∣sitas persolverunt, propter quod Excommunicationis incurrunt sententiam ex ipsius Constitutionis tenore in omnes et singulos contra facientes generaliter•• promul∣gatam: Et sic ligati in suis, non tamen in contemp∣tum Clavium, ministraverunt Ordinibus, et aliis divinis se ingesserint Officiis sicut prius; Verum cum parati sint Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae in omnibus obedire man∣datis, supplic••ri fecerunt humiliter eis per sedem Apo∣stolicam salubriter provideri. Nos igitu•• ipsorum sup∣plicationibus

quantum cum Deo po••••umus favorabi••iter annuent••s, auctoritate et mandato Domini Papae cujus Paenitentiariae curam gerimus, providentiae vestrae prae∣sentium tenore committimus, quatinus ••i est ita, ipsos et eorum quemlibet a reatu exces••us hujusmodi et ex∣communicatione quam propter hac incurrerunt absol∣vatis juxta formam Ecclesiae consuetam; Interdictum ab ipso Monasterio amovendo, et injunc••a eorum cui∣libet pro culpae modo paeni••entia salutari, et alia quae talibus debent et consueverunt injungi; quodque ••ta∣bunt mandatis Ecclesiae, et facient illam poenitentiam quam sedes Apostolica eis duxerit injungendam▪ Super i••regularitate ex praemissis contracta dispensetis auc∣torita••e et mandato praedictis, alio non obstante cano∣nico, misericorditer eisdem prout secundum Deum ani∣marum ipsorum salu••i ••ideri••is expedire. Datum La∣teran. 3. Nona•• Martii. Pontificatus Domini Papae Bo∣nifacii octavi Anno sexto. Nos igitur dictos Priorem et Conventum Monasterii Bathon. et eorum quemlibet in per••or a Fratris Hugonis Godomer, Procuratoris ip∣sius Ecclesiae Bathon. Commonachi et Procuratoris sui, à majoris Excommunicationis sententia memorata, prae∣stita nobis primitus ab eisdem idonea cautione quod stabunt Mandatis Ecclesiae, e••facient illam poenitenti∣am quam sedes Apostolica eis dixe••it injungendam, auc∣toritate nobis in ha•• parte, commissa, juxta formam no∣bis in hac parte commissa juxta formam Ecclesiae absol∣vimus, et eis injunximus poenitentiam salutarem. In∣terdictum de ipso suo Monasterio amovendo. Et super irregularitate quam ea occasione sic liga••i in suis Ordi∣nibus ministrando, et alias se divinis Officiis inmiscen∣do contraxerant, cum eisdem et eorum quolibet miseri∣corditer auctoritate dispensamus praelibata, prout se∣cundum Deum animarum ipsorum saluti vidimus expe∣dire. In testimonium vero praemissorum Sigillum no∣strum praesentibus est appensum. Datum apud Lyminge 17 Kal. December. Anno Dom. 1300. Consecrationis nostrae septimo.

There is another absolution from this excommuni∣cation granted almost in the like form and words by the Archbishop of Cant. to Iordanus Vicar of W••ston, who made a Procuration to another Clerk to request and receive it in his behalf; quia gravi corporis agritu∣dine perpetua detentus ad v••stram venerabil••m praesentiam accedere non valens. By which it is evident, that every Clergyman and religious person whatsoever from the highest to the lowest, who through force or fear contri∣bu••ed any aid to the King, against this Antimonarchical Constitution of Pope Boniface the 8. was excommunicated, interdicted for it, and forced to Peti••ion the Pope and his Penitentiaries, to be absolved from the same; and that only upon their Oaths and caution given to yeeld obedi∣ence alwayes to the Popes and Church of Romes manda••es for the future, and to undergo such penance as the Pope should please to i••flict upon them for what was past; yet thi•• is sti∣led, a dealing mercifully with them. After which Oath a••d absolution, An. 1300, when as the Temporal Lords and Commons granted the King the 15. part of their goods for the Confirmation of the Great Char••er and their Liberties;* 1.22 Robertus Archiepiscopus Cantuar. pro Clero nihil voluit concedere, neque de temporalitate an∣nexa Ecclasiae, sine licentiasummi Pontificis special; yet the Pope the next year usurped and received from him & them the Tenth of all their Ecclesiastical goods for 3. years, against their wills and the Kings too. Such vassals then were the English Clergy to the Popes; as of late years they have been in another kind to all arbitrary Commi••∣tees, New Tax-masters and Governors, who not only tax them at their pleasures without their consents, but e∣ject, suspend, silence thē frō preaching, administring the Sacraments, or instructing children as Schoolmasters, in Publike or Private, without any legal cause, tryal, or proceedings, against all the Great Charters and S••a∣tutes for maintenance of their Liberties and Freeholds in their Benefices, they being meer tenants at will both

of their Ministry and Livings, the only means to make themr 1.23 time-servers, Men-pleasers, Cor••upters of the Gospel▪ and Daubers with untempered morter, instead of sincere Ministers of the Gospel, and real Servants of Iesus Christ; Therefore fit to be timely redressed for the fu∣ture; as this Papal Constitu••ion was timely opposed by King Edward the first, as is evident by Pat. 25 E. 1. pars 1. m. 9. 11. pars 2. m. 5. 6▪ & Claus. 30 E. 1. m. 13. which I shall hereafter reci••e at large in their due place. And this Passage of Mat. Westm▪ An. 1297. p. 408. Anno Gratiae 1297. congregatis Archipraesule Can∣tuar. & quibusdam aliis coepiscopis suffraganeis suis apud s••nctum Paulum Londint. 26 die Martii, iterum pro••stat•• ecclesiae consulturis, insurgentes protiniss duo causidici, & duo de ordine Praedicatorum fratres, regalem & tempora∣lem favorem aucupantes, conati sunt argumentis probare clerum ipsi regi, in tempore belli, non obstante prohibitione a∣postolica, de suis facultatibus posse licit•• subvenire. Insu∣per prohibitio sub poena incar••erationis, ne quis contra ipsum regem et eos, qui jam pridem suam protectionem quaesierant, excommunicationis sententiam promulgar••t, provocatione facta pro se ad Romanam curiam & pro ipsis. Recesserunt igitur omnes oneratis suis conscientiis per Archi••piscopum sic dicentem, salvet suam animam unusquisque.

Notes

• a 1.1

  See Spel∣mann•• Conci∣lia, Ingulphi Historia, The Prologues to the printed Statutes of H. 3. Ed. 1, 2, 3, 4. R. 2. H. 4. 5, 6, 7, 8.
• b 1.2

  Here, p. 28, 29 36.
• c 1.3

  Here, p. 55.
• d 1.4

  Here, p. 3.
• e 1.5

  Here, p. 5, 6.
• f 1.6

  See God∣wins Cata∣logue of Bi∣shops, p. 520, 521. Seldens Titles of Ho∣nor, p. 720.
• g 1.7

  Here, p. 11, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43. 46, 51, 64, 65. &c. 95, 96, 97.
• h 1.8

  Here, p. 9. 16. 42, 46, 50, 55▪ 59, 71. 96, 97.
• * 1.9

  Exempti.
• * 1.10

  Premonstra∣cen.
• * 1.11

  Cisterc.
• * 1.12

  Glauca in 24. E. 1. m. 7.
• * 1.13

  De non venl∣endo ad Par∣liamentum.
• * 1.14

  See p. 7, 8. 51, 52.
• * 1.15

  Here, p. 20, 27, 29, 33, 35, 36, 41, 55, 56, 62, 64, 65, 71, 72, &c.
• * 1.16

  Here p. 7, 8.
• * 1.17

  Ti••les of Honor, p. 731, 73••.
• a 1.18

  Here, p. 3, 4, 78. 34, 35. 40. 54, 62, 70, 72, 73.
• b 1.19

  See an Exact Abridg∣ment, p. 18. 189.
• c 1.20

  Rastalls Abridgment Taxes and Tenths.
• d 1.21

  Walsi••g∣ham, Hist. Angl. p. 34, 35, 36. See before, p. 8. See my Plea for the Lords, p. 262, 263.
• * 1.22

  Mar. Westm. Anno 1300. 1301. p. 416▪
• r 1.23

  Gal. 1. 10. 1 The••. 2. 4. 2 Cor. 2. 27. Ezech. 13. 10, 11, 12.