To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
IN this yeare of the Lord aboue recited,* 1.1 which was 1189. King Richard the eldest sonne of Henry 2. succeeding his Father, entred his crowne: at which time Pope Clement sate at Rome, succeeding after Gregory which dyed a litle before with sorrow for the losse of the holy crosse.
* 1.2During the time of whose coronatiō it befell, that not withstanding the king the day before his coronation, and by publicke edict commaunded both the Iewes and their wiues not to presume either to enter the church, or els his pallace, during the solemnization of his coronation amō∣gest his nobles and Barons: yet (whilest the king was at dinner) the chiefetayne of the Iewes with diuers other of his Iewish affinity and supersticious sect, agaynst the kings prohibition (together with other prease) entred the court gates. Wherat a christian man being offēded, stroke one of them with his hand or fist, & bad him stand further from the court gate, as the king had geuen in commaun∣dement: whose example others also following being dis∣pleased agaynst the Iewes, offered them the like contu∣inely. Other also, supposing that the king had so cōmaun∣ded in deed (as vsing the authority of the king) fel vpō all the Iewes that stood by without the court gate. And first they bet them with theyr fistes: but afterward they tooke vp stones and such other thinges, as they could get, and threw at them, and bet them therewith. And thus driuing them from the court gates, some of them they wounded, some they slew, and some they left for dead.
* 1.3There was amongst this number of the Iewes, one which was called the blessed Iew of Yorke: which was so fore wounded and beaten with the rest, that for feare of his lyfe-he sayd he would become a christian: and was in deed of Williā the Prior of the church of S. Mary of York baptised: whereby he escaped the great perill of death he was in, and the persecutors hands. In the meane whyle, there was a great tumor spred throughout all the City of London, that the king had cōmaunded to destroy all the Iewes. Whereupon, as well the Citizens as innumera∣ble people more, being assembled to see the kings corona∣tion: armed themselues and came together.* 1.4 The Iewes thus being (for the most part) stayn, the rest fled into their houses: where, for a time through the strōg and sure buil∣ding of them, they were defēded. But at length, theyr hou∣ses were set on fire, and they destroyed therein.
These thinges being declared to the king, whilest he with his nobles and Barons were at dinner: he sendeth immediately Ranulph de Glanuile, the Lord high Stu∣ard of England, with diuers other noble men to accom∣pany him:* 1.5 that they might fray and restrayne these so bold enterprises of the Londiners, but all was in vayne. For in this so great a tumult, none there was that either re∣garded what the nobility sayd, or els any whit reuerēced theyr personages: but rather with sterue looks and threa∣tning wordes, aduised them and that quickely to depart. Whereupon, they with good deliberation thinking it the best so to do, departed: the tumult and insurrection conti∣nuing till the next daye. At which time also the king sen∣ding certayne of his officers into the Citty, gaue them in commaundement to apprehend and present some such as were the chiefest of the malefactours: of the which, three were condemned to be hanged, and so were. The one, for that he had robbed a Christiās house in this tumult: and the other two, for that they fired the houses to the greate daunger of the City. After this the king sent for him that from a Iew was conuerted to Christiannitye: and in the presēce of those that saw where he was baptised, the king asked him whether he was become a Christian or not.* 1.6 He aunswering the king sayd no: but to the intent he might escape death, he promised to do whatsoeuer the christians would haue him. Then the king asked the Archbishop of Caunterbury (other Archbishops and Byshoppes being present) what were best to be done with him: who vnad∣uisedly aunswering said:* 1.7 If he will not be a man of God, let him be a man of the deuill: and so reuolted he agayne to Iewdaisme.
Then the king sent his writs to the shiriffes of euery country to enquire for the authors & stirrers of this out∣rage. Of whom 3, were hanged, diuers were imprisoned. So great was thē the hatred of Englishmen agaynst the Iewes, that as soone as they began to be repulsed in the court the Londiners taking example thereof, fell vpon them, set theyr houses on fyre, and spoyled theyr gooddes. The country agayne following the example of the Lon∣diners semblably did the like. And thus the yeare, which the Iewes tooke to be theyr Iubily, was to them a yeare of confusion.* 1.8 In so much as in the city of Yorke ye Iewes obtayning the occupying of a certayne Castle for theyr preseruation, and afterward not willing to restore it to the Christians agayne, when they saw no other remedye but by force to be vanquished, first they offered much mo∣ny for theyr liues: when that would not be taken, by the counsell of an olde Iew among them, euery one with a sharpe razer cut an others throate, whereby a thousand & fiue hundred of them were at that present destroyd.* 1.9 Nei∣ther was this plague of theyrs vndeserued. For euerye yeare commonly theyr custome was to get some christen mans childe from the parentes, and on good Fridaye to crucify him in despite of our religion. Ex chron. Westm.
King Richard after the death of his father,* 1.10 comming to remembraunce of himselfe, and of his rebellion against hys father, sought for absolution of his trespasse, and in part of satisfaction for the same, agreed with Phillipp the French King about Easter next ensuing to take his voy∣age with him for the recouerye of Christes patrimonye, which they called the holy land. Whereupon the sayd king Richard immediatly after his coronation, to prepare him selfe the better toward his iourny, set to sale diuers of his manors. Wherof Godfrey Lucy then B. of Wint.* 1.11 bought a couple for 2. M. markes, to witee, Wergraue, and Me∣lenge. The Abbot of Bury bought another for a M. mar∣kes, called Middlesaie. Hugh Pusaz B. of Durhā, bought the Lordship of Seggesfield, or Sedberga with the wa∣pintake, and all the appertenaunce thereto belonging. He bought also the Earledome of Northumberland. Whome When the king should solemnize after the maner of secu∣lar Earles, merily with a mocking iest, loe (sayd he) of an olde Byshop I haue made a young Earle. And because the sayd Bishop had professed before by a solemme vow to visite the holy land, to be released of his vow, he compoū∣ded with the Pope for a great summe of mony therefore, and moreouer gaue to the King a thousand Marks to re∣mayne at home, as chiefe Iustice of England. Ouer and besides, the King set out all that he had to sale, wooddes, castles,* 1.12 townships, Lordships, Earledoms, Baronages. &c. ordayning also diuers new Byshops, & not without some aduantage (as appeared) to his purse: fayning moreouer, his olde seale to be lost, that they which had landes to hold, might be driuen to renew their writinges agayne by the new seale, wherby great substaunce of mo∣ny was gayned.
Aboue all this,* 1.13 by the commaundement of Pope Cle∣ment. 3. a tenth also was enacted of the whole Realm, in such sort as the Christians should make to the king 70000 pound, the Iewes 6000. Ex Geruas. fol. 134. King Richard after his coronation sent certayne Earles and Barons to Phillip the French King in the tyme of his parliament at S. Denis, desiring him to remember his promise made for the recouery of Christes holy patrimony out of the sa∣racens handes.* 1.14 Unto whom he sent word agayne in the moneth of December, certifying him how he had bound himself by solemne othe, deposing vpon the Euangelists, that he the next yeare following about the time of Easter, had certaynly perfixed to addresse himselfe toward that iourney, requiring him likewise not to fayle but to be re∣dy at the terme aboue limitted, appoynting also the place where both the Kinges should meet together.
The next yeare then ensued, which was 1190 in the be∣ginning of which yere,* 1.15 vpon I welfe euen, fel a foule nor∣thren brawle, which turned welnere to a fray, betweene the Archbyshop new elected of the Church of Yorke, and his company on the one side, and Henrye Deane of the sayd Church, with his Catholicke partakers on the other side, vpon occasion as followeth. Gaufridus or Geffray, sonne to King Henry 2. and brother to King Richard, whom the King had elected a little before to the Archby∣shoprick of Yorke, vpon the euen of the Epiphany, which we call Twelfe day, was disposed to heare Euēsong with all solemnity in the Cathedrall church, hauing with him Hamon the Chaunter, with diuers other Canons of the church. Who tarying something long, belike in adour∣ning and attyring himselfe: in the mean while Henry the Deane,* 1.16 and Bucardus the treasurer, disdayning to tary his comming, with a bolde courage lustilye began theyr holy Euensong, with singing theyr Psalmes, ruffling of descant, and mery piping of Organs. Thus this Catho∣licke Euensōg with as much deuotion begon, as to gods high seruice proceeding, was now almost halfe complete, when as at lenth (they being in the midst of theyr myrth) commeth in the new elect, with his trayne and gardeui∣aunce, all full of wrath and indignatiō, for that they durst be so bolde, not wating for him to begin gods seruice, and so estsoones commaunded the Duyre to stay & holde theyr peace.* 1.17 The Chaunter likewise, by vertue of his office, cō∣maūdeth the same. But the Deane and Treasurer on the other side willed them to proceed, and so the song on, and would not stint. Thus the one halfe crying agaynst the o∣ther, the whole Duyre was in a roare, theyr singing was turned to scolding, theyr chaunting to chiding, and if in stead of the Organes they had had a Drumme, I doubt, they would haue solsede by the eares together.
* 1.18At last, through the authority of the Archb. and of the Chaunter, the Queare began to surcease and geue silence. Then ye newe elect not contented with that had bene song before, with certayne of the Quire beganne the Euensong new agayne. The Treasurer vpō the same caused by ver∣tue of his office, the candles to be put out. Wherby ye euen∣song hauing no power further to proceede, was stopped forthwith. For like as without the light and beames of the sun there is nothing but darcknes in all the world:* 1.19 euen so you must vnderstand, the Popes church can see to do no∣thing without candle light, albeit the sun do shine neuer so cleare and bright. This being so the archb. thus disapoin∣ted on euery side of his purpose, made a greeuous plaint, declaring to the clergy and to the people, what the Deane, and Treasurer had done, and so vpon the same suspended both them and the church from all diuine seruice, till they should make to him due satisfaction for their trespasse.
The next day which was the day of Epiphany, when all the people of the City were assembled in the Cathedrall church (as theyr maner was, namely in such feasts) deuout¦ly to heare diuine seruice (as they call it) of the church,* 1.20 there was also present the Archb. and the Chaunter with the residue of the Clergy, loking when the Deane and Trea∣surer would come and submit themselues, making satisfa∣ction for theyr crime. But they still cōtinuing in their stout¦nes, refused so to do, exclaiming & vttering contemptuous wordes agaynst the Archb. & his partakers. Which when the people heard, they in a great rage would haue fallē vp∣on them,* 1.21 but the Archb. would not suffer that. The Deane thē & his fellowes perceiuing ye stirr of the people for feare like prety men were fayne to flye, some to the tombe of S. William of Yorke, some ran to the Deanes house, & there shrowded themselues: whom the Archb. then accursed. And so for that day the people returned home without any seruice. Ex veteri Chronico manu scripto, cui initium: Anno gratiae Milles. &c.
After this King Richard preparing to set all thinges in an order before his going,* 1.22 committed the whole gouer∣nement of the realme principally to William Bishoppe of Ely his Chauncellor, & to Hugh B. of Durhā, whom he ordayned to be the chiefe Iustice of all England in his ab∣sence, the one to haue the custody of the tower, with the o∣uersight of all other parts of the land on this side of Num∣ber: the other (which was ye B. of Durham) to haue charge vpon all other his dominions beyond Number: Sending moreouer to Pope Clement in the behalfe of the foresayd William B. of Ely, to be made the Popes Legate through all England and Scotland, which also was obtayned. Thus the B. being aduaunced in high authority, to fur∣nish the king toward his setting forth, prouideth out of e∣uery city in England ij. Palfreys, and ij. sumpters, & out of euery Abbey, one palfrey, and one sumpter.
These thinges and other thus set in a stay, the king ac∣cording to his former appointment, about the time of Ea∣ster, sailed to Fraunce, where the French king and he con∣ferring together, because they could not make redy at that time of Easter, concluded to take a longer day, proroging their voyage till after midsommer. In which meane time ye king occupying himselfe in redressing & stablishing such things as further were to be ordred, there determined, that Baufridus & Iohn his brethrē shuld not enter into Eng∣land in 3. yeres after his departure: Neuertheles he relea∣sed that band afterward to his brother Iohn.* 1.23 Thēn he ap∣poynted the Captaynes & Constables ouer his nauy, & set lawes to be obserued in his iourney vpon the seas. But es∣pecially his care was to make vnity and concord betwene parties that were at variaunce, and to set them together at one.* 1.24 At which time the long contētion began also to be ap∣peased which so many yeres had continued betwene Bald winus Archb. of Cant. and his monkes of Christs church. The discourse whereof, although it be some what tedious to be set forth at large being enough to make a whole tra∣gedy, yet to ye intent ye age now present may see what great conflictes and disquietnes, vpō what litle trifles hath bene stirred vp,* 1.25 what litle peace & vnity hath bene not onely in this church, but commōly in all other churches, vnder the popes catholicke regiment: I thought it labour not ill be∣stowed, somewhat to intermeddle in opening to yt eyes of the Reader, the consideration of this matter. Wherein first is to be vnderstood that the Archbishops of Cant. cōmon∣ly being set vp by the pope, especially since ye time of ye con∣quest, haue put the Kinges of this land to much sorrow & trouble: as appeared by William Rufus & Lanfrāck, and also Anselme. By Henry 1. and Anselme, King Stephen & Theobald, Henry 2. & Becket. &c For which ye Kinges of this land haue vsed the more care & circumspectiō, to haue such Archbishops placed in that sea, as either should stand with them, or at least should not be agaynst them.
Now to the purpose of our matter entended. First af∣ter Laufrancus who was Archb. xx. yeares, the sea stan∣ding vacant v. yeares, succeded Anseimus, & sat 17. yeares. After whom the sea stāding vacant 4. yeres, succeded Ra∣dulphus, and continued 9. yeares. Then followed Williā, who sat 12. yeares,* 1.26 and dyed, an. 1137. After whom came Theobaldus in the time of king Stephen. This Theo∣baldus being no great fauourer of the monkish generatiō, fell out with Ieremias Prior of the house of Cant. for cer∣taine causes betweene them: for which the Archb. taking stomack against the Prior, would lay the sentence of inter∣diction against him.* 1.27 The Prior, seing that, to saue himself, made his appeale to Pope Innocent. The Archb. prouo∣ked the more by that, deposed him from the Priorship, and placed one Walter in his room. Ieremias notwithstāding making his complaint and appeal to Rome, obteined let∣ters from the Pope to Henry B. of Wint. being the popes Legate: by the vertue wherof, he against the hart of ye Arch¦bishop was restored, and Walter displaced. Neuertheles, the sayd Ieremy not willing there to continue wt displea∣sure of the Archb, shortly after of his owne accord, renoū∣ced his Priority, and Walter againe was receiued in hys stead. Not long after this followed the generall councel of Rhemes, an. 1140. To yc which councell Theobald cōtrary to the commaūdement of the king, would needs resort, to shew his obedience to the pope, wherfore at his returning home again the king tooke such displeasure with him, that within a while after the Archbishop was driuen to voyde the realme, and flie into Fraūce: where he by censure of in∣terdiction suspended diuers churches, and religious hou∣ses which refused to come to the councell, and also hearing how the king had seized vpon all his goods, he interdicted likewise all the kings lands, whatsoeuer belonged to the crown, so that the king in conclusion was fain to cōpound with him and fall to agreemēt, which was about the yere. 1148. Ex Geruasio.
After this in the yeare of our Lord 1151. after the death of Hugh Abbot of S. Austens in Cant.* 1.28 Siluester was e∣lected by the Couent to be their Abbot, in the raigne of R. Stephen. Which Siluester when he came to Theobald ye Archb. to make his profession of subiction vnto him, and to receiue of him consecration: the Archb. was contented, so that the Abbot would come to christes church in Cant. and there make his profession. But to this Siluester in no case would graūt to take his consecration there, but els in any other church wheresoeuer the Archbishop would, he was contented. Wherunto when the Archbish. in no wise would agre, Siluester making a great bag of mony, went to Rome, where he obtained of ye pope for mony, (for what can not money do at Rome?) letters that the Archbishos should consecrate the Abbot in his own church of S. Au∣sten, and also not exact of him any profession of canonicall subiection. Whereupon the Archb. was compelled against his will, to come to the Abbots Churche, and there at the popes commaundement to consecrate him simply, & with∣out any further profession to be required.
Then Walter Prior of Christes Churche in Cant.* 1.29 se∣ing that, and perceiuing how preiudiciall and derogatory the example therof would be to y• honor & maiesty of theyr church, through counsell of his brethren, went thither, and notwithstanding the dores were straitly watched & kept, yet by meanes he at last gate in. And as he saw the Archb. attired in his Pontificalibus, ready to minister consecration to the Abbot, he stepped straighte to the Archb. & estsoones appealeth him vp to Rome, for the great iniury wrought against the church of Cant. forbidding him in the name of him to whom he appeled, not to proceed any further. And so this holy consecration was for the presēt time stayd. For the which Siluester with a new purse of mony was faine to trauell & trot againe to Rome. Where he complayning of the Archb. and accusing him of contempt to the Pope in not executing the commaundement sent down,* 1.30 obteineth again new letters with more effectuall charge to the fore∣sayd Archb. that he without any profession, simply should geue to Siluester his consecration in his own church: om∣ni occasione & appellatione remota, all maner of stay or let, or appellation to the contrary notwithstanding, and so in conclusion the Abbot contrary to whatsoeuer the Archb.* 1.31 & al the Monks of Cant. would do, was in his own church made Abbot, and had the victory for that time. Notwith∣standing the Archb. left not the matter so, but within fiue yeres after obtained of pope Adrian, that Siluester should make profession of his obedience to the Archb. and so did. Ex Geruas.
In few yeres after this, dyed king Stephen. an. 1154. and after him Theobald the Archb. an. 1159. after he had
sit 23. yeres. After whom through thinstant procurement or king Henry the 2. was placed Tho. Becket, the kinges Chaūcellor. an. 1162. of whose sturdy rebellion against the king, because sufficient hath bene sayd before, it shall not need to make a double labor now about the same.
* 1.32After the death of Becket, much adoe there was be∣twene king Henry and Odo Prior of Cant. about the e∣lection of a new Archb. For the king seing the Realme so oftentimes encombred by those Popish Archbishops, and fearing least the Monkes of Cant. should elect such an o∣ther as would follow the steps of Tho. Becket, most hū∣bly with cappe in hand & curtesy of knee, desired Odo the Prior, that at his request, & for contentation of his minde, such a one might be elected, whom he would appoint (ap∣pointing and naming a certayn bishop, which was a good simple man after the kinges liking:* 1.33) but the Prior diffē∣blingly answering the king agayne, that he neither could nor would without ye consent of his Couent geue promise to any man, in fine contrary to the kinges so humble re∣quest, agreed to the electiō of an other, which was the pri∣or of Douer, called Richard. an. 1173. who continued in yt seat xi. yeares.
* 1.34And here was renewed againe the like variaunce be∣twene this Archbyshop and Roger Abbot of the Austen monkes in Canterbury as was before mētioned betwene Theobaldus, and Siluester. For when the said Roger af∣ter his election to be Abbot. must needes take his cōsecra∣tion at the Archbishops hand, neither would the Archby∣shop graūt it vnto him vnlesse he made profession of obe∣diēce, according to the aūcient custome of his predecessors: then Roger consulting with his Monkes, first denyed so to do but at length was contēted, so it might not be done in the Archbishoppes Church, but in any other Churche where he would, vnder writing this clause withall: Saluis vtrius{que} Ecclesiae priuilegijs, that is, sauing the priuileges of both Churches.* 1.35 To this the Archbishop sayd agayn, first that he should make his due, & canonicall profession & that he should not come to him with writing or vnderwriting but should say in his hart: Salue sancta parens: or Salue festa dies: not Saluis priuilegijs, or any such like thing. Wherunto when the Austen Monkes in no case would consent, nor the Archbishop otherwise would graunt his benediction: Roger the Abbot ••as fayn to post to Rome, and there to bring the Archb. in hatred in the Court of Rome, made his Abbay tributary to Pope Alexander.
The Pope well contented with this, not onely graun∣teth the Abbot his desire, but also in cōtumely of the arch∣bishop dubbeth the Abbot with all such ornaments as to a Prelate apperteined,* 1.36 and so in the yeare. 1178. sent home the Abbot triumphantly with his ring and mitre, and o∣ther ensignes of victory, with letters also to the Archbi∣shop inioyning him immediatly vpon the sight thereof to consecrate the Abbot in his own Church, & without ma∣king any profession. Although with these letters the arch∣bishop was shrewedly pressed, yet notwithstanding hys stout hart would not stoupe for this, but layd his appeale against the same: and so the consecratiō for that time was suspended.
* 1.37Then Roger for his more defence, getting the kings letters, trauailed vp the second time to Rome, where gre∣uously he complayned to Pope Alexander of the Archby∣shop. At the same time a generall councell was summo∣ned to be kept at Lateran, where Richard ye foresayd arch bishop was also looked for amongst other Bishops to be present. Who thē came as farre as Paris, but being there, durst approch no further, & so retyred home again. Wher∣upon the Pope being offended with his contēpt, without any more delay exalted the Abbot with his own consecra∣tion,* 1.38 and inuested him with all pompe and glory: howbeit prouiding before that the sayd consecration should redoūd to no preiudice agaynst the liberties of the mother church of Canterbury, and so vpon the same wrot to the Archbi∣shop his letters of certificate, with this additiō annexed, Saluo iure & dignitate Cant. Ecclesiae, that is to say, Sauing the liberties and dignity of the Church of Cant. &c.* 1.39
After the counsell ended, Roger the Abbot returneth home, although with an empty purse, yet full of victory & triūph. The Archbishop againe thinking to worke some greuaunce to the Austen Monkes, had procured in this meane time letters from Pope Alexander to the Bishop of Durhā, and Abbot of S. Albons, that they should cause the sayd Roger Abbot of the Austen monks, to shew vn∣to the Archbishop at y• old priuiledges of his house, which in deed being shewed seemed to be rased,* 1.40 & new written, with Bulles of lead not after the maner nor stile of that age, nor pretending no such antiquity as should seeme to reach frō the time of Austen, but rather newly coūterfeit.
All this notwithstanding,* 1.41 the Abbot bearing him bold vpon the Popes fauour, ceased not stil to disquiet & ouer∣crow the Archbishop by all wayes he could, in exempting all his Priestes and laimen belonging to his iurisdiction, from the archb. obedience: forbidding also that none of his should come to his Chapters or Sinods, nor to feare any sentence of his curse or excommunication. Wherupon the Archbishop about the month of Nouember the same yere sayling ouer to Normandy where the king was, thought to take his iourney to the pope,* 1.42 to complain of the Abbot: but being stayd by the king was not suffered to passe any further, the king labouring what he could, to bring them to agreement, neuerthelesse the Pope and his Romaines (sayth my story) Aurum & argentum magis quàm iusticiam si∣tientes, seditiones inter eos & litigia commouebant, that is, ca∣ring more for golde and siluer, then for iustice, still stirred coales of sedition and debate betweene them. Ex Historia Geruasij.
The next yere after this insuing,* 1.43 which was the yeare of our Lord 1184. dyed Richard the Archbishop aforesaid: in the 38, yere of king Henry 2. After whose dicease much trouble happened about the election of a new Archb. be∣twene the king and monkes of Canterbury. And now to enter here into the story of Baldwin aboue mētioned, first the king sēt to the monks, that they should consider with themselues about the election of their Archbishop and to be ready agaynst the time that he would send for them to the court.* 1.44 Vpon this the Couent gladly assembling toge∣ther, agreed in themselues vpon one, whom they thought chiefly to preferre, yet naming foure moe, that if the king would refuse one, the other yet might stand. Now ye pra∣ctise in the monkes was, first to keepe the election only in their owne handes, as much as they could.* 1.45 And secondly euer to geue the election either to some Prior or Monk of their own house, or to some Abbot or Bishop, which some time had bene of theyr company. Wherby as much incon∣uenience and blind superstition was bred in the church of England: so the same disliked both the king and the By∣shops not a litle.
As this past on,* 1.46 the king when he saw his time willed the monks of Canterbury, to be cited or sent for, to vnder∣stand what they had concluded in their election. Wherupō the Monkes sent vp their Prior called Alanus, with cer∣taine other Monks to Reding, where the king thē lay, a∣bout the moneth of August. Who at first were curtuously enterteined:* 1.47 but after the king had intelligēce whom they had nominated & elected: they were sēt home agayne with cold cheare, the king willing thē to pray better, and to ad∣uise more earnestly vpon the matter amongst themselues. Alanus the Prior, with his felowes thus departed, who comming home, in conclusion so concluded amongst them selues, that they would remitt no iote of their liberties to the king, without the popes consent and knowledge. The king vnderstanding hereof, sent his Ambassadours like∣wise to the Pope, for the fortefying of his cause, being in yt mean time grieuously offēded with the Prior: saying: that he was proud & would make archbishop whom he listed. and would be the second Pope in England. &c.
Not long after this,* 1.48 as these letters were sent vp to Rome, the king sent for Alanus the Prior, and moe of the monks, to come to him. Whom he entreateth, desiring thē in gentle speech, that they would shew so much gentlenes & fauor to him being their Lord & King as becōmeth hys frendes and subiects to doe, as to conferre with the By∣shops of the Realme about this matter, and to take some better councel, so as might redoūd to Gods glory, his ho∣nor, & wealth of the publicke state, with other like words to the same effect.
To whom when ye Prior agayne had answered with thankes & due reuerence, according to the kinges request, the Bishops and Monks went to confer together about the matter. And first, the Bishoppes maruelled why the monks should exclude them out of the election,* 1.49 seing they were professed & Suffraganes to the sayd church of Can∣terbury: Neither is there any Prince, quoth the bishop of Bathe, that will refuse our counsell. There be some coun∣sels, sayd the Monkes, whereat you may be called: but as touching ye doing of this electiō, it pertaineth nothing vn∣to you further then to publish onely and denounce y• party whō we haue chosen, The bishop of London then asked, if they had already made any election.* 1.50 No election, sayd ye Prior, as yet, but onely we haue denominate the persons. Thē haue ye proceeded further, quoth he, thē ye ought, ha∣uing a cōmaundement from the pope not to proceed with out vs. And with that was brought forth the popes letter commaunding that within xl. dayes the bishops of Eng∣land and the Prior, & Couent of Canterbury should elect
an able and fitte person to be their Archbishop. About the scanning of these letters was much a doe. The Byshops sayd, they were first named, & therfore ought to haue most interest in this election. The Mōks said agayne. that they also were not excluded, and required to haue a transcript of the letter, wherof much doubt was made.
* 1.51After long concertation, whē they could not agree, the king comming betwene them both, called away the By∣shops from the Monks, supposing by separating the one from the other, to draw both parties to his sentence. But that would not be, for the Monks stifly stāding to their li∣berties, would loose no preeminēce of their church,* 1.52 still al∣ledging how by the auncient priuiledges of the church of Canterbury the Couent should choose their Pastor & By∣shop, and the Prior to publish and denoūce the persō. The Byshops again replied, that it was their right to appoint their Archbishop & Metropolitane, which were Bishops and Suffraganes, and namely the byshop of London also being Deane of the saide church of Canterbury. The king thē as vmpere betwene them, yet fauoring rather the side of the Bishops, desired them to agree together in peace. Whē that would not preuaile, he set the Lord Stuard, and other noble mē to entreat the Prior, to draw to some agre∣ment: at least to be conteuted with this forme of election, which was that the Bishop of London or some other Bi∣shop should declare the election in these wordes.
We Byshoppes, and the Prior and Couent of Christes Chur∣che in Caunterbury,* 1.53 with the assent of our Lord our Kyng doe choose suche a person to be Archbishop. &c. or els thus, that the Prior shoulde pronounce forth the election in these wordes say∣ing: The Byshoppes of England and I Prior and the Couent of Caunterbury, with the assent of our Lord & King do choose such a person. &c.
* 1.54Vpon this the Prior sayd, he would conuent with his Couent. Who with much ado were contēt to graūt to the kinges desire, but afterward being required to put downe ye same in writing, that they refused to do: yet notwithstā∣ding relented at last to the king. But when the Byshops made excuses for the absēce of theyr felow Byshops,* 1.55 so the matter for that time stayd. And the king sending home the Monkes agayne to their house in peace, deferred that bu∣sines to a further day, which was till yt first day of Decēber cōmaunding the Prior with his felowes the same day not to fayle but to be at London about the choosing of ye Arch∣byshop.
As the day prefixed came, the Prior with his company were also present, who geuing attendance all that day and the next day also following, so were driuen off till the third day after. At lēgth the Lord Stuard with other nobles of the realme,* 1.56 were sent to them from the king, to declare, that where as the king before had deuided the bishops frō the Monkes, that they both might haue theyr election by themselues after the forme of a bill, which was put downe in writing: now the minde of thel King was, that the Monks taking an other way, should ioyne with the By∣shops, and so hauing the matter in talke together, shoulde proceed ioyntly in the election.
Agaynst this, many things were alledged by the prior & his mates, complaining much vpon the bishops, which sayd that the Byshops had euer holden with the kings a∣staynst the liberties of their Church and Archbyshops. As first they stood agaynst Anselme, for king William: Then agaynst Theobalde for king Stephen: After that agaynst Thomas Becket for king Henry: And after him did sup∣plant the election of Richard their Archbyshop: And now again went about to practise and worke against this their election present. &c. At last the Prior with his felows con∣cluding, desired they might speake with the king himselfe. Who estsoones comming to them, willed them as good mē to be contented,* 1.57 and goe talke with the Byshoppes about the election, promising that whō they agreed vpon, he also would graunt his assent to the same. To whom when the Prior agayne had obiected the writinges that before were made: truth it is sayd the king, such writings were made: but I neither may, nor will go agaynst the councell of my realme: and therfore agree sayd he, with my Bishops and Abbots, and remember, that the voyce of the people is the voyce of God.* 1.58
Vpon this the Prior with his Monkes seing no other remedy, went to the Byshops to confer according to the kinges request about the election. Who then were willed by the bishops to nominate whom they would, & the By∣shops would likewise name theirs. So that whē the Pri∣or with his cōplices had named three after their choosing, the Bishops said they woulde nominate but one, & so did, which was the Bishop of Worcester: willing the Prior to go home, and to cōferre with his Couent about the same. To whom shortly after the Bishops sent certeine Priests to signify to the Couent, that they, according to the Popes letters, should repayre to the Bishops concerning the ele∣ction of the Archbishop, also to declare moreouer to them, that the persons whom they had named were good mē, but he whom they had nominated, was a more worthy man, whom they both had nominated & also would elect. The Monkes maruelling hereat, sent two Monkes,* 1.59 with the Arcedeacon of Canterbury to the king.
This done, immediatly after the returne of the priests, the Bishops caused all the bels of the city to be rong, and Te Deum to be song for the Archbishop new elect. Whereof when the two Monkes brought tidings to the Couent at Canterbury what was done at Londō, they were all in a maruellous dumpe. The king hearing this & perceiuing the stifnes of the monks, in all haste sēt messēgers to Caū∣terbury with gentle wordes to will the Prior to come to the king, & certify him of the purpose of his Monks. Vn∣to whom the Prior estsoones being come,* 1.60 declareth in the name of the whole Couēt, that in no case he nor ye Monks would neuer while ye world stood, agree to that election of the bishops, vnles the king in his own persō would come to Canterbury, and there ouenly before the whole Couēt, protest by his own month y• forsayd election to be nought and voyd: and so returning to London again openly like∣wise before yc Clergy & the people would repudiate and re¦iect the same: And furthermore that the partye also elected should openly in the same place protest, & say, that he nei∣ther would nor ought to take that functiō vpon him, vn∣les he entred by the consent of the Prior & Couent of can∣terbury: And all this to be done in the same place where the bishops had made their election before & so peraduen∣ture (sayd they) at the kinges so earnest sute and request,* 1.61 they would gratify his will & ratify the said election with the voyces of theyr consent. To make the story short, after great holde betwene the seculare Clergy on the one side, & the regular order on the other side, and after the kinges in∣dignation agaynst the Prior, and the swonding of the Pri∣or before the king, at length the king to take vp ye matter, and to saue the Priors life was fayne to performe in hys owne person all these conditions aboue prescribed by the Monkes. Ex Geruas. fol. 100.
And thus haue ye heard the tradgicall election of ye bi∣shop of Worcester, named Baldwinns made Archbishop of Cant. Now what a troublesome time the sayd Bald∣win had with the Monks, in gouerning ye church of Cāt. here followeth likewise not vnworthy to be considered.
Anno. 1189. K. Richard crowned.
The kinges restraint that no Iew should enter the place nor Church during his coronation.
A Iewe through feare was baptized.
The Iewes in London staine and their houses set on fire.
The small regard of nobilitie had in tu∣mults and insurrectiōs.
A new chri∣stian reuol∣teth to an olde Iewe.
An vnadui∣sed answere of an Arcb.
Ex Chron. Westm. cui initium: A∣neas cum Ascanio. &c.
A miserable and deserued destru∣ction of the Iewes.
Anno. 1189.
The couetous greedinesse of Byshops noted, in bying great lordships.
Sleightes to get money.
A tenth gathe∣red thorough all England.
K. Philip and K. Richard con∣cluding to tra∣uayle to the holy lande.
Anno. 1190. A Northren braule in the Cathedrall church of York, betweene the new Archb. and the Deane.
Henry Deane of Yorke and Bucarde begin seruice, not tary∣ing for their Archb.
The Deane and Treasurer wold not cease euen∣long at the archbishops commandement
The Archb. be∣ginneth euen∣song againe be∣ing halfe done before. The Treasurer putteth out the candels at euen∣song.
The Popes Church can do nothing with∣out candle light The Deane and Church of York suspended by the Archb. from diuine seruice.
The stoutnes of the Deane and Treasurer in not submitting them selues to Archb.
The people in∣censed against the Deane of Yorke and his Canons. Ex Chron. ano∣nimo cui insti∣um: Anno gra∣tiae.
K. Richard pre∣pareth toward his iourney. William Bishop of Ely the kings Chauncellor, & Hugh Bysh. of Durham made chiefe ouerseers of the Realme in the kinges ab∣sence. William Byshop of Ely made the popes Legate in England and Scotland.
Captaines and Constables of the kinges nauie appointed.
The long con∣tention between Baldwyn Arch. of Cant. and the Monks of Chri∣stes Church.
Archbyshops of Canterbury commonly were wont to worke the kinges of England much sorrow. King of Eng∣land euer care∣full about the chusing of the Archbishop and wherefore. Ex chron. Ger∣uas.
Or xv. •••• some ruler.
Ieremy the Prior of C••••••∣ter. appea∣leth to Pope Inno∣cent. Ieremie the Prior depo∣sed by the Archb. Ieremie re∣stored to his place againe by the Pope. Consicium Remens••••••, 1140.
A friuolous strife be∣twene The∣obald Arch. and Silue∣ster Abbot of S. Austes about the place, in what church the Abbot shoulde take his cōsecra∣tion. Siluester go∣eth vp to Rome.
The Monkes of Christes church stri•••• against the Monkes of S. Austen is Cant. for the honour of their house. Walter Pri∣or of Chri∣stes Church appealeth the Archb. vp to Rome.
Siluester trudgeth a∣gaine to Rome.
Siluester co∣secrated Ab∣bot in his own church whether the archb. weld or not.
Petition of kyng Henry to the Prior of Cant. for chusing of the Archb. & yet coulde not be gran∣ted. Odo Prior of Cant.
Richarde Prior of Do∣ver elected Archb. of Cant. anno. 1173.
Another fri∣uolous con∣tention be∣tweene Ri∣chard Arch. and Roger Abbot of the Austen Monkes in Cant. about profession of obedience.
Roger Ab∣bot of Saint Austens ma∣keth his house tribu∣tary to pope Alexander. anno. 1177.
Roger the Abbot retur¦neth home with try∣umph. Appellation of the archb.
Concilium Lateranum sub Alexan∣dro Papa. Roger Ab∣bot of s. Aust. trauayleth vp againe to Rome.
Roger Ab∣bot cōsecra∣ted at Rome by the pope.
The house of the Austē Monkes in Cant. not a∣ble to shewe for them a∣ny deedes or writinges of antiquitie.
Ex hist. Ger∣••a••y•.
Richard the Archb. going toward Rome to complaine of the Abbot, was stayed by the kyng.
A Catholicke practise of the Romish Court to set men toge∣ther at variance, that they might get their mony.
Trouble in chu∣sing the Archb. of Cant. after the death of Ri∣chard.
Monkes of Cāt. sent for by king Henry. 2. about chusing of their Archbishop.
Monkes of Can. partiall in chu∣sing their Arch.
Monks of Cant. againe sent for to the kyng a∣bout their elec∣tion.
Alanus Prior of Canterbury. The king offen∣ded with the Prior & Monks of Canterbury. The stubburnes of the Monkes againe the king.
The king sen∣deth to Rome against the Monkes. The kinges gen∣tle wordes to the Monkes.
Bishops of Eng∣land clayme to haue interest in the election of the Archb. of Cant.
The popes let∣ters commaun∣ding the By∣shops of the re∣alme with the Prior and Co∣uent to chuse the Archb.
The king sepa∣rateth the By∣shops from the Monkes.
The Monkes will lose no preeminence of their Church.
The forme of e∣lection of the Archb. set be∣tweene the By∣shops and the Monks of Cant.
The Bishops & Monks could not agree about the forme of e∣lection.
The election of the Archb. dif∣ferred to the moneth of De∣cember, an. 1184
The kings mes∣sage to the Monkes of Can. to agree and ioyne with the Byshops.
The kinges wordes to the monkes of Can.
The Monkes of Cant. compel∣led against their wylles to ioyne with the bishops touching the e∣lection of the Archbishop.
Byshops of the realme make the•• election of the Archb. without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Monkes of Canterb••••••.
Condition prescribed to the king by the mo•••••• of Cant. •••••• the ratif••••••∣tion of the Archb. ma•••• by the By∣shops.
Baldwine Bishop of Worcester elected Archb. of Cant. anno. 1184.